Review: She Smells The Dead by E.J. Stevens

I had to admit, I couldn’t really get my groove while I was reading the first few pages. I think started a bit slow, but it got better as I go along reading, and before I knew it I was enjoying the read.

Title: She Smells The Dead
Author: E.J. Stevens
Pages: 163

Summary:

It's the beginning of senior year and Yuki's psychic awareness of ghostly spirits is threatening to ruin her life. Her ability to sense spirits of the dead isn't glamorous like the ghost hunting on television.

SHE SMELLS THE DEAD.

The smell impressions are becoming stronger. Yuki is being visited in her dreams, and she suspects that her friend Calvin is involved in something strange. To make matters worse her crush on Garrett is going unrequited, Yuki's friend Emma is on a rampage against bee oppression, and annoying Calvin Miller mysteriously disappears.

Will Yuki be able to focus her powers in time to save the lost soul who is haunting her? Meanwhile, who will save Yuki from following the spirits into the light?

Yuki can smell the dead. Literally. It was her indicator that a ghost is around when she smells something. With her recently discovered powers, Yuki was helping the world, one ghost at a time, and her latest haunting was from a ghost smelling like vinegar.

Enlisting help from her friends, Emma, hardcore vegan and against anything with meat who’s got a knack for concocting salves to nasty teas using herbs, and Calvin, the boy who was into all things mystical, the one who’s spirit animal was a wolf. But was it really just a spirit animal, or something else entirely?

I had an impression that this was a ghost story, and that’s what you will initially think when you read the summary, so imagine my surprise when I found out there were wolves as well. I had my reservations, wondering how this element of the story will play out, but it was an interesting mix. Wolves and Ghosts. I don’t think I’ve read anything with both.

I liked the way the plot worked out. E.J. was able to blend ghosts and wolves and turn it into something very convincing and believable with her writing. I think this was such a fresh idea, a very promising premise that, if worked out effectively would be a really good story. It’s enchanting and very entertaining!

Yuki’s character was very unique. Picturing her as a goth girl with a knack for sensing ghost through smells connected with their deaths is such a unique way of presenting her. Her character is very lively, and full of energy. It’s fun to read about her.

For some reason, I always picture alpha males as someone buff and scary, but Calvin is the exact opposite. Cal was adorable. I think werewolf characters are always adorable, may they be ripping off heads or tearing off someone’s throat or just being plain cute in the book. Especially if he’s the alpha male.

I think most elements present in this book are unique. Even the reason behind Yuki and Calvin’s destiny. A wolf with a scarab as a mate? It was, again, an amusing and intriguing concept!

My favorite character though, is Simon. He’s an overbearing wolf, and I really like his attitude. He likes to tease Yuki and basically annoy the life out of her and Calvin. I’m very much intrigued w/ his character though. I’m looking forward to seeing what his role with be in Yuki’s and Calvin’s lives as Samhain approaches.

“Ah, young love,” Simon sighed dramatically, “so pure and innocent…and boring.” Simon rolled his eyes at us and headed for the corner that doubled as the cabin’s kitchen. “If you ever tire of the cub, I could teach you a thing or two,” Simon added slyly.

As much as I want to cheer for Yuki and Calvin, I’m rooting for Emma and Simon. No really. I think they have the right amount of chemistry.

The ending was such a cliffhanger. It makes you wonder just what will happen to Yuki. I myself am anticipating how she’ll be able to deal with her powers and the upcoming Samhain, when she’s most vulnerable against ghosts.

Very much looking forward to the sequel!

★★★★☆ : FANTASTIC! - This is a really nice book. I love it!