In this fantasy/science fiction novel, Hanna lived with her aunt Ulla in Finland her whole life then runs away to Portero, Texas to find her mother.  Hanna is manic-depressive which triggers hallucinations of her dead father.  Hanna’s mother does not want her around; she eventually gives Hanna two weeks to prove herself to the people of Portero.  Hanna meets a boy named Wyatt; a Mortmaine – a monster hunter for the town.  He helps Hanna make a name for herself and her mother allows her to stay.  Hanna soon realizes that her mother is possessed by Runyon, an evil Mortmaine of the past.  Hanna and Wyatt find a way to conquer the evil spirit and Hanna gains the affection of her mother.

The beauty of this twisted story is in its flow; the writing style is simplistic and does not busy the reader with decoding the plot.   The author clearly conveys to the reader that even the most twisted minds will put themselves in danger for the affection of a loved one.  The surprises in the story keeps the reader turning the pages.  A satisfying tale for young adults who can identify with weird thoughts.

— Tyler Z.