Diavola by Jennifer Thorne
First line: Anna kicked off the annual Pace family vacation with a lie.
Summary: Once again it is time for a Pace family vacation. This time at a remote villa in Italy. Anna knows that she has to tread lightly with her family who never seem to understand her or her choices. As everyone settles in to the villa Anna starts to notice strange occurrences including apparitions, voices and noises from the mysterious tower they were warned not to open. But in an attempt to keep everyone happy she doesn’t discuss it until it becomes too obvious and the family has to flee. However, Anna did not leave without a piece of the villa coming with her.
My Thoughts: I disliked EVERYONE in this family except Anna and her nieces. They were all very stuck in their ways, judgmental and condescending. The book started very strongly with the beautiful villa in the Italian countryside but with a sinister undertone. All the villagers know of the place but no one will speak of it. Little things begin to happen which builds the suspense and then it all culminates in one night of terror for the family. But after this point things change. The real world comes back but with a dark presence. I was shocked how the story progressed. I liked it but it was not what I expected. The ending was fitting for the rest of the book based on the characters. I found it rather sad but easily understandable.
Being able to work around books is a dream! I read anything but my favorite genres are historical fiction and YA. Give me anything set in Tudor England or teenage fantasy novel and I am set.
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