Into The Gray - Celine Keirnan

“A pacy, chilling ghost story from the creator of the internationally acclaimed Moorehawke Trilogy.


I think the fire changed us – me and Dom. I think that’s how the boy was able to see us. Though he’d been there for every summer of our childhood, we’d only been stupid boys until then. Stupid, happy, ignorant boys. And what in hell would he have had in common with two stupid boys? But after the fire we were different. We were maybe a little bit like him. And so he saw us, at last, and he thought he’d found a home…”

Wow, was this a creepy read!

Well, the first third or so at least had me kind of wishing I wasn't reading it late at night. After we are shown what was going on, it wasn't as freaky, but still, it's one heck of a story!

I loved the setting and language in this one: the place (Ireland in the 70's) was spot-on for the story, and Kiernan has a way with words that pulls you in and paints such a lovely picture of the setting. Both sets of twins were interesting, especially as the story unfolds. Personally, my favourite characters were the mom and the grandmother. I loved their reactions and how inexorably real they felt. And the ghosts? What a story! Not to give anything away, but their story will stick with you for sure. Overall, this was a great read, very atmospheric and chilling, but also a story of brotherly love and friendship.

We get to sit in one boy's emotions and thoughts quite a bit more than in any other character's. This character being a teenager is definitely more focused on himself and his immediate surroundings not that he doesn't love his family. His fear, anger, frustration and helplessness at a time are very raw and true, which is mirrored in his thoughts and inner dialogues. It's all part of the authenticity, which I loved. It is a fifteen year-old boy's perspective.

Age 13+. Creepy, goosebumby, (that’s not a word but should be) with mild infrequent swearing.