Publisher: Bokheim
Format: Ebook
Reviewer: Melissa on July 19, 2010
Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
No one knew of the strange grandfather clock’s existence until it was moved out of the attic of a beautiful, out of place Victorian home that overlooks the sea. However, in The Thirteenth Chime it’s presence will be felt by David, Destiny and everyone else who gets in its way. Together, David and Destiny must track down clues about the antique clock, the house and what really happened on the night that Steph and her mother were attacked before the clock tolls thirteen times for them too.
If you happen to be reading Emma Michaels‘ debut novel late into the night with a grandfather clock nearby, you won’t be able to sleep. What actually happens when the strange clock does chime an extra time is shrouded in mystery for much of TheThirteenthChime. Destiny’s friend Steph and her mother get attacked early on, but they remember nothing, and unfortunately, Destiny isn’t confident in what she actually did witness with her own eyes to pass on much information to readers. Perhaps, since this is a YA horror novel, this vague understanding of the events is for the best as it makes the reader want to keep going and wasn’t so obvious that you’ll unravel the entire plot early on.
While the action and horrifying scenes in this novel are very tight and well-written, there are other points in the novel, which are still rough around the edges in the e-ARC copy I read. For example, it appears that Michaels writes description and tidbits of conversation that doesn’t actually contribute to moving the plot forward or developing characters further. Arguably, these moments are there because they help improve the reader’s awareness of the scene or setting, and I firmly believe that most teen readers won’t be bothered by them once they get into the over-arching plot.
One thing that Michaels does very well is build a sense of atmosphere and foreboding right into the action. It true horror story fashion, characters are often warned against something (repeatedly), but refuse to listen. Many of the questions that David needs to answer to learn the truth about the clock, the strange Victorian house and its previous owners take him to creepy places and into discussions with shady people. Moreover, the nightmares and ‘flashbacks’ add an additional layer of fear to the mix.
While you might find the novel ends with some questions about David and his background, subsequent novels in the Sense of Truth series will, hopefully, part the veil on these and other mysteries just as Michaels already has in a few instances. Overall, I’d say that the recommended teen audience will find a lot to like with The Thirteenth Chime and will look forward to the next book in the series.
Don’t forget to pop on by my site on August 1, 2010 to read my exclusive character interview with David from The Thirteenth Chime:
Melissa has always been a voracious reader of fiction and has an M.A. in English Literature to prove it. Like many other adults, she got caught up in the young adult crossover fiction phenomenon. Now, one of her great joys comes from sharing her love of YA lit on this popular review site. Come with expectations of intellect, magic, and honest reviews, and you won’t be disappointed.
