Book Review: Spirits Rising by Krista D. Ball

Spirits Rising by Krista D. Ball

Series: Spirit Caller, Book #1

Published: January 2012

Publisher: Self-published

80 pages (ebook)

Genre: Urban fantasy/paranormal

Acquired this book: From the author in exchange for an honest review

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Rachel Mills has one wish in life: for the spirit world to shut up and leave her alone. She thought her move to a remote fishing village in Northern Newfoundland would help.

Population: Twenty. What could go wrong?

Instead of peace, however, she relocates to a land of superstition, the air alive with the presence of others.

When a local teenager accidentally summons the spirits of the area, including those from a thousand-year-old Viking settlement, all supernatural breaks loose. As the spirits stalk her and each other, Rachel finds herself in over her head. With the help of Mrs. Saunders, her 93-year-old neighbour, Rachel has to put aside her own prejudices long enough to send the spirits back to rest, or risk being caught in the midst of a spirit war.

This novella, set in Newfoundland, Canada, is action packed and wonderfully creepy. I’ve always wanted to visit Newfoundland, and the day I started reading this book story, I got an advertisement postcard about Newfoundland; I think that’s a sign, don’t you?

This was not your average ghost story. Newfoundland has a vast history, so it only stands to reason that it would be teeming with the supernatural. I thought it was a very clever and unique concept to use an entire race that actually existed in history and have them return from the dead in all their blood-thirsty glory.

I liked the fact that the story wasn’t just about the supernatural; it dealt with real issues too, like the bigotry and small-mindedness and fear that Rachel faced from some of her neighbours, because they thought she was a witch or a devil-worshipper. Then when those very same people needed her, Rachel was open enough to help them and not let her hurt feelings get in the way.

There were times when I felt like I was missing something. Rachel would talk about her past as if we should know the details - especially where her non-relationship with Jeremy was concerned - and it made it a bit confusing at times. I kept wondering if this was really book one or if I had perhaps missed something prior to the story. It didn’t detract from the story itself, it just seemed a bit odd at times.

Overall, I really enjoyed this novella. I’ll look forward to reading more of Rachel’s adventures - or misadventures - in the future.

One of the Newfoundland ads that's been playing a lot lately on TV; it shows the viking settlements.