As Far As The Eye Can See¹ by Christina Hagmann, eBook, 100 pages
Synopsis from GoodReads: Something dark lurks in the swamp behind Emily’s new home. When twelve-year-old Emily moves into her late grandfather’s house in Whispering Pines, she expects the usual new-kid struggles. Instead, she finds herself caught in a decades-old mystery surrounding her grandmother’s disappearance. Her mother’s desperate warnings to stay away from the swamp only fuel Emily’s curiosity about what really happened all those years ago. But as strange events begin to unfold, Emily discovers an ancient presence watching from the shadows—one that has been patiently waiting for her family’s return.
BOOK REVIEW: As always, I loved this book! It has a light supernatural feel. Plus it takes place in a swamp and I live in a swamp (but not like Shrek). If my daughter was about five years older then I could picture her as Emily except that she doesn't like being alone at night so I doubt she would venture into the swamp alone. While I haven't experienced trauma like Emily's mother, I do sometimes find myself in a daze and my daughter does snap me out of it.
I think one of my favorite scenes was towards the beginning when Emily's teacher announces that there won't be a final exam and she is bummed because she studied so hard. Immediately I thought about the scene towards the end of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets when Dumbledore announces all exams have been cancelled and Hermione mouths Oh no while everyone is cheering.
Overall, this quick supernatural novella gets a 5 star rating. I have yet to meet a book by this author that I don't like. Even though I cannot relate to a 12 year old main character when I am almost 41, I did enjoy this very much. It was a thrilling, creepy adventure for Emily and I felt like this was similar to watching the Disney show Secrets of Sulphur Springs just without the time travel component. It was super cute and definitely something that I will let my daughter read when she gets a little older!
5/5 Stars
2025 Reading Challenge: 16/50 complete
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