Deadgirl: Ghostlight - B.C. Johnson (Review)

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Title: Deadgirl: Ghostlight (Sequel to Deadgirl)
 Author: B.C. Johnson
 Publisher: Curiosity Quills, 2016
 Genre: YA Fantasy, YA Paranormal

**I received a copy of this book free from NetGalley and the Publisher in exchange for an honest review** 

 My Review:

Johnson has taken me for a ride, and I loved every minute of it. His two novels, “Deadgirl” and “Deadgirl: Ghostlight” have been so entertaining that I got through them in a marathon read. He could continue to add to the story with future editions and I would read them all. In creating Lucy Day, the protagonist, he has created a superhero that I can cheer for.
I will warm you now: I am reviewing a sequel, and in doing so, will be giving away spoilers from the first novel. I recommend you either read the original novel first, or read my review of the original novel first, before continuing to read THIS particular review. Ok, you’ve been warned…

When we left off in the last novel, Lucy Day has figured out that she is a phantom. She is essentially a soul, bare to the world, and must feed off memories and emotions to survive. In order to avoid hurting others, she has discovered that objects retain the essence of the previous owner’s memories, and is able to sustain herself safely. Her friend Daphne, wild and colorful, was the mysterious text-sender that saved Lucy’s behind on multiple occasions. It turns out that Daphne can see Fate, but cannot interfere. However, since Lucy has no Fate technically (the deceased have no lifeline), she can save the people Daphne knows are in danger. The two team up, and as Lucy discovers her abilities and strengths, she continues to struggle with the weakness left behind from losing Zack. Her broken heart must heal…but when she saves a sexy blonde bad-boy from the wheels of Fate, it seems as if Lucy Day might have a chance at finding love again.

Is it Classroom-Appropriate?
 The first book, “Deadgirl,” was a lot tamer, but it still wasn’t a book I could foresee using in the classroom. It was more of a teen (or fan of YA) read at home…and I’m saying the same for “Deadgirl: Ghostlight.” This one in particular is more inappropriate for the classroom. I’m not saying it’s bad in any way, but there is sex. And swearing. Some definite adult themes are at play in this novel. (There is an attempted suicide scene that is very emotional, but it is not gory or horrific). There are, in both books, the implied rape of a character, and Lucy herself is attacked by rapists; however, the scenes are, I feel, intended more for effect than for offense. The swearing is done also in the spirit of comedy.

Age Range:
 I would still go with my original grouping from the first book and say 13 and up. The sex scene is not explicit, just implied, and the swearing is minimal. There is more on TV than in this book. I would think the benefit of girl power and strength, and the lessons about self-esteem and self-respect are important for teens to read.

End Result: I once again give Johnson’s book ★★★★★. I would love more of Lucy and her adventures. Johnson didn’t leave it off with a cliffhanger, but he also didn’t do that with the first novel…so maybe there is more for Lucy in the future. I certainly hope so. I would love to read more about the funny girl who can save her friends and be witty without being crude. I could see this novel becoming a movie. And I would be first in line to see it. I hope others get to experience the witty, sharp-minded, goofy, and unbelievably endearing Lucy, the funniest and spunkiest dead girl you’ll ever read about.

 "We can help people, Lucy,” Daphne said. “Like the Avengers, but with better racks.”
“Scarlett Johansson was in the Avengers,” I reminded her.
"Well, okay. better than most of them anyway."