Title: Haunted
Author: Joy Preble [website] [twitter] [facebook]
Genre: Paranormal, Romance
Publisher: Sourcebooks Teen Fire
Format: Paperback
Source: Publisher
Parental Advisory: death, violence, criminal activity
Teachable Moments: teamwork, loyalty, family dynamics

“His hand stays on top of mine as I press my palm to his cheek.  It’s not much to heal — just the red outline of my hand.  I’m embarrassed that I slapped him, that I let myself get out of control.  I hate that it’s Ben’s bracelet that’s caused the wound.  But as I close my eyes, I see the tiniest of cuts just barely bleeding, right at his chin.  My bracelet must have nicked him.  So I slide my thumb down to cover that too, feel the slightest slickness against my skin.”

Summary (from publisher):
Anne is trying her best to live a normal life, but she’s still got some power sparking inside her.  She’s hearing and seeing things that she tries her best to ignore — like being haunted by a Russian sea nymph that claims the princess Anastasia is still alive.

That’s when Ethan Kozinsky — he of the stunning blue eyes, thick brown hair, and former immortal status — returns.  Anne soon realizes that everything she’s been trying to forget might be impossible to bury.

Opinion:
Anne and Ethan return in this sequel to Dreaming Anastasia with no less angst to endure or conflict to navigate.  When last  seen Ethan was leaving Anne behind in order to get his own life in order.  However, despite having roamed Europe and farther lands he is still as in love with her as ever.  She, on the other hand, is smack dab in the middle of an attempt to move on.  That attempt’s name is Ben — the polar opposite to the mysterious Russian her heart truly craves.

Though the star-crossed lovers have kept in touch over time neither is being completely honest about their feelings or their lives.  Anne, in particular is keeping a big secret — the magical powers she holds aren’t being kept as tightly in check as she’d like them to be.  You see, she’s seeing a strange woman hanging about; one that isn’t of this world, one that wants something specific from her.  The question really is what?  Anne feels the danger this woman brings but is unwilling to admit to either Ethan or her best friend Tess there is anything going on.

This is the gist of the story.  Anne and Ethan start to investigate the who’s and what’s of it all.  Naturally this puts each of them in danger along with Tess and Ben.  Not to mention the fact that this plot also rolls in some fairly interesting backstory involving Anne’s mom, her mother’s mother, and the owner of the Jewel Box Mrs. Benson.   Have no fear, Baba Yaga makes many an appearance in Haunted too.  Anne and Ethan’s story wouldn’t be complete without her.  This time around there is less of the historical perspective and much more on her plans for the future.  She’s plotting, you see, plotting away to get a prize I won’t reveal.  Still a most interesting character, I was glad to see that Preble didn’t make her the primary focus of the story.  There is plenty of attention for Yaga lovers but not too much that those who may not find her as appealing will be turned off.  Oh and Viktor is back too!  Plotting I tell you….plotting away.

The story is interesting, mostly unpredictable and enjoyable to follow. There is plenty of angst and intrigue and definitely a fair share of danger.  In that way Haunted is quite similar to it’s predecessor.   But wait, it’s not all creepy badness, there’s romance too!  Anne and Ethan still have some sizzling chemistry.  Not all of it is aided by their magical powers (though those make an appearance here and there too) either.  Of course this romance has it’s own special twist to it, Preble doesn’t want to make it too easy for the young couple.  Anne’s trying to push her love for Ethan away while he’s still pining for her but feeling like it’s better if they keep their distance.  Oh, and there’s a bit of a triangle too.  Anne is dating the super sweet, super normal, direct opposite of a formerly immortal Russian boy named Ben.

I have to say that there isn’t much to Haunted that I didn’t like.  It took a bit to pick up into the meat and action of the story but that didn’t diminish my enjoyment of it.   Preble has yet again crafted a fun and imaginative story that borders on the realistic.  Yea, there are killer mermaids.  Sure, there is a magical old witch.  Uh-huh, there are loads of additional other-worldly type of events as well.  But that’s what works so well.   It’s perfect for the lover of paranormal fiction but also not so over the top that those who aren’t as fond of those elements will want to shy away.  If you haven’t read Dreaming Anastasia pick it up, but make sure you have Haunted on hand too because you’ll want to start it right after.