Synopsis: Anne is trying her best to live a normal life, but she’s still got some power sparking inside her. She’s hearing and seeing things that she tries her best to ignore-like being haunted by a Russian sea nymph that claims the princess Anastasia is still alive.

That’s when Ethan Kozninsky-he of the stunning blue eyes, thick brown hair, and former immortal status-returns. Anne soon realizes that everything she’s been trying to forget might be impossible to bury. 

Review: It’s no surprise I haven’t exactly been a fan of the sequel over the past year. Look back on the multitude of reviews I’ve written over the past year, and you’ll see I’ve come down with a case of the 2nd Book-itis. Preble’s The Haunted is one of the rare exceptions to this growing epidemic.

The novel doesn’t waste any time getting to the heart of the story. I was afraid reading the opening pages this would be another novel where the female protagonist mopes after the suddenly absent male lead. Luckily for me, this isn’t the case. Preble carries the reader away with tales of creepy mermaids and magic. And, color me shocked, I actually enjoyed the interaction between the series’s two love interests more in this second novel. Why? Unlike almost every other sequel out there, Anne and Ethan don’t spend the entire book keeping secrets from each other. While their relationship is complicated, they actually respect each other, and are a heck of a lot fun to read about.

That’s not to say the novel is perfect. As in the first one, I still got lost in the Russian mythology. Maybe it was my need to see how it ends, but a second read will probably be needed. I also wasn’t particularly thrilled with certain aspects of Ethan’s rival for Anne’s attention. He’s by no means a vile character or anything, but I like my love triangles a little more balanced.

That being said, Preble’s novel is an enjoyable, fast-paced read perfect for all those teens getting ready for spring break. And if the series is going the way I think it is, the third novel will be one crazy, exciting ride!