Book Review: Thorn Abbey by Nancy Ohlin

Thorn Abbey
Author: Nancy Ohlin
Reading Level: YA
Genre: Paranormal/Retellings
Released: May 7th 2013
Review Source: Simon Pulse
Available: Amazon
Read an Excerpt

Summary: (from goodreads) Nothing is as it seems in this darkly romantic tale of infatuation and possession, inspired by Daphne du Maurier’s Rebecca.

Becca was the perfect girlfriend: smart, gorgeous, and loved by everyone at New England’s premier boarding school, Thorn Abbey. But Becca’s dead. And her boyfriend, Max, can’t get over his loss.

Then Tess transfers to Thorn Abbey. She’s shy, insecure, and ordinary—everything that Becca wasn’t. And despite her roommate’s warnings, she falls for brooding Max.

Now Max finally has a reason to move on. Except it won’t be easy. Because Becca may be gone, but she’s not quite ready to let him go…

Tess has just transferred to Thorn Abbey, a private school filled with rich and snobby kids. But one catches her attention, Max. His best friend and her roommate warn her to steer clear of him. Because just last year his girlfriend, Becca, died. Tess doesn't listen though, there's a connection between her and Max and she isn't willing to ignore it. There's also one more person who doesn't want them together, and it's quite surprising who that person is.

I haven't read a book that had me glued from page one, until Thorn Abbey. Maybe it was the simplistic writing style or maybe it was the characters. Whichever it was I am grateful. I will admit that I didn't like Tess at first, and then I realized it was because she reminding me of myself. Whenever I crush on a boy I immediately want him, duh! LOL. But seriously, poor Tess. She's adorable in the way that she is weird, and doesn't follow all the latest fashion trends that her roommate and friends talk about. And that's what Max likes about her too. But Tess isn't totally convinced that she can live up to his dead girlfriend, Becca. And Becca might still be around to torment her...

I can't believe I finished this book as fast as I did. There were twists and turns at almost every page. And although I kind of guessed the outcome beforehand, it was still pleasantly surprising. The ending was fantastic too! Yes, Ohlin shocks you up until the last page. I loved it!