Liv, Forever
Gr 7 Up—Olivia Bloom never expected to attend the distinguished Wickham Hall, an exclusive East Coast prep school populated by the progeny of the country's wealthiest and most powerful people. A scholarship student, she's instantly shunned by the majority of the student body, except for Gabe, another scholarship student, and Malcolm, campus golden boy and member of the secretive Victors. Although Malcolm is immediately attracted to Liv, his friends despise her and her kind. When Liv is murdered, her death is ruled a suicide, a lie perpetuated by the Victors, but Liv knows better: she exists as a ghost, and with the help of Gabe, who can see and hear spirits, she plans to bring the truth of her death-and the deaths of countless other female Wickham students-to light. Talkington crafts an interesting mix of paranormal fiction, mystery, and romance in her debut novel, and while the story could have been overwhelmed by the multiple genres, it holds up surprisingly well. Liv is a likable outsider whose lack of understanding of the school's traditions should resonate with readers who've ever felt like they don't quite fit in, giving the character credibility. Although years in foster care have made her guard her emotions, she's a romantic at heart, and Talkington plays that up. What is bothersome is the insta-love that Liv and Malcolm feel, especially since Malcolm's character lacks substantial development to warrant Liv's strong feelings. Overall, this is a light, suspenseful read that will have broad appeal.—Audrey Sumser, Cuyahoga County Public Library, Mayfield, OH