Book Blitz / Book Musings / Giveaway - The Grave Winner by Lindsey R. Loucks

This is my stop during the book blitz for The Grave Winner by Lindsey R. Loucks. This book blitz is organized by Lola's Blog Tours. The book blitz runs from 15 till 21 September, you can view the complete blitz schedule on the website of Lola’s Blog Tours.

The Grave Winner (The Grave Winner #1)
by Lindsey R. Loucks
Genre: Horror
Age category: Young Adult
Release Date: September 15, 2015

Blurb:

Leigh Baxton is terrified her mom will come back from the dead -- just like the prom queen did.

While the town goes beehive over the news, Leigh bikes to the local cemetery and buries some of her mom’s things in her grave to keep her there. When the hot and mysterious caretaker warns her not to give gifts to the dead, Leigh cranks up her punk music and keeps digging.

She should have listened.

Two dead sorceresses evicted the prom queen from her grave to bury someone who offered certain gifts. Bury them alive, that is, then resurrect them to create a trio of undead powerful enough to free the darkest sorceress ever from her prison inside the earth.

With help from the caretaker and the dead prom queen, Leigh must find out what’s so special about the gifts she gave, and why the sorceresses are stalking her and her little sister. If she doesn’t, she’ll either lose another loved one or have to give the ultimate gift to the dead – herself.

You can find The Grave Winner on Goodreads

You can buy The Grave Winner here:
- Amazon
- Barnes & Noble
- Kobo
- iTunes


My Musings :

It took me a while to write my thoughts on the book after I finished it. Because I liked it so much that I didn't know where to start fan girling about it. I am going with a 5 star for this one and I am awaiting the next book which is being released September 29 anxiously. I just can't wait to know what's happening next!!

I will start off with the book cover to share my thoughts. It pulled me in with its dark vibe and the book name wasn't that bad at attracting my attention with the surprising tone to it.

When I started the book, I was expecting the usual horror fare but the blurb didn't at all hint at the great writing. The author has written an unusual, original take on supernatural horror. Yes I do agree it's a horror inspite of its mildness. There were only few scenes which had me looking out of the corner of my eyes or behind me. I really got spooked when I was reading the scenes where Sarah was giving Leigh the spooks tapping her window. I was sitting up late reading it and I had a window too at my back and I was so scared to turn and look! No book has ever given me that feeling till now, movies yes but books no.

And then there's the romance element. On one hand, I was sad that it was another triangle love story though I am not sure Leigh likes Tram or Cal but on the other hand, it wasn't a in-the-face part of the book. It kind of took the back seat when the goings on went off the rails. I am not sure for whom to cheer because I like both Tram and Cal! The other part I liked was the relationships portrayed in the book. The friendship between Leigh and Jo and the sibling relation between Leigh and Darby were done with the right touch of realistic emotions.

The one character who surprised me with her behaviour and involvement in the tale was Sarah. She is my absolute favourite. If you want to know why, just read the book! She is gutsy enough to not hesitate in helping out Leigh inspite of being caught in between.

The story wasn't either fast or slow. It was the right pace throughout the book. The incidents taking place had the right pinch of mystery and originality to keep me anchored to my seat till the end of the book. The culmination of the tension in the action tinged ending was crafted well. Though few questions were answered there are still more plaguing me which I believe will be brought to light in the future books.

I can easily see this book leading down untrodden paths in the sequels. And I hope the author keeps it up in all her books!

Phew, I think I almost got my thoughts out on the page about the story. Now I can happily look forward to the sequel while hoping that you guys will have a look at this book. If you especially love supernatural fiction, this will be your cup of tea!

My one line review : A horror tinged supernatural tale with a pinch of mystery and a massive amount of originality!

My rating : 5/5

My reread factor : 4/5


About the Author:

Lindsey R. Loucks works as a school librarian in rural Kansas. When she's not discussing books with anyone who will listen, she's dreaming up her own stories. Eventually her brain gives out, and she'll play hide and seek with her cat, put herself in a chocolate induced coma, or watch scary movies alone in the dark to reenergize.

You can find and contact Lindsey here:
- Website
- Facebook
- Twitter
- Goodreads
- Newsletter




There is a tour wide giveaway for the book blitz of The Grave Winner. These are the prizes you can win:

- a 10$ amazon gift card (US only)

For a chance to win enter the rafflecopter below:

a Rafflecopter giveaway