Delia's Shadow by Jaime Lee Moyer - Ashley's Pre-Reading

*I received this book as an eARC from Macmillan/Tor-Forge on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*


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Title: Delia's Shadow
Author: Jaime Lee Moyer
Year Published: 2013

Synopsis: A dark, romantic fantasy set against the backdrop of San Francisco devastated by the Great Quake

It is the dawn of a new century in San Francisco and Delia Martin is a wealthy young woman whose life appears ideal. But a dark secret colors her life, for Delia’s most loyal companions are ghosts, as she has been gifted (or some would say cursed) with an ability to peer across to the other side.

Since the great quake rocked her city in 1906, Delia has been haunted by an avalanche of the dead clamoring for her help. Delia flees to the other side of the continent, hoping to gain some peace. After several years in New York, Delia believes she is free…until one determined specter appears and she realizes that she must return to the City by the Bay in order to put this tortured soul to rest.

It will not be easy, as the ghost is only one of the many victims of a serial killer who was never caught. A killer who after thirty years is killing again. 

And who is now aware of Delia’s existence.

Why?: Umm... hello! Paranormal fantasy set in 1906 San Francisco only a few years after a tremendous natural disaster? With ghosts and a serial killer and a girl who can stop one by listening to the others? This sounds like my type of book! I've heard so many good things about this already, so I can't wait to dive right in.

Expectations: Definitely mystery and ghosts and an exciting story colored with elements of the Victorian era. Even though this is only Moyer's debut novel, I've already heard so many excellent things that my expectations are pretty high. Plus, there are some pretty fantastic ghost stories out there that I've already read, and I really want this one to measure up to those. 

Judging a book by its cover: This cover reminds me of the cover for the Something Strange and Deadly books, and I kind of love it. Her dress is not quite as extravagant, but I like the dark colors and how shadow-y it looks. It's very fitting! And, since it isn't just a close up of a girl's face and doesn't look like your typical YA cover, I would most likely pick it up off a shelf. I love how the lettering stands out against the dark background too. 


--Ashley