Told from Rain's perspective, you follow him on a journey after the death of his mother that is a mix of sadness and love with an unexpected ending.

Rain grew up with his mother being the only family he has ever known. They bounced around from town to town always living on the streets or in the shelters. When his mother dies of an overdose, the court sends him to live when his aunt in Texas because he is still a minor. Rain is surprised and curious about his aunt since his mother had always told him he had no other family besides her. Then a five-hour long bus ride with strangers takes him to a small town in Texas where his aunt is a police officer. Rain has an extremely troubled past and the thought of living with someone who is law enforcement scares him. When Rain steps off the bus at a gas station that is closed for the night he immediately gets an uneasy feeling that he is not alone. He is not one to spook easy but this makes the hairs on the back of his neck stand up. Can this new town and new family change him or make things worse all around? Seeing his Aunt Ruby for the first time is like being hit in the chest because she is his mother's twin and they are identical. HAVEN takes place in a small Texas town that is anything but normal. Following Rain along as he explores his new surroundings, you get a sense that something is not quite right. You will not figure out what is really going on until the very end because Lindsey writes in a descriptive way that is very detailed but will leave you questioning everything along the way. The way she introduces and describes the list of dramatic and somewhat peculiar characters makes it easy to picture them. They seem so realistic and vivid with secretive pasts that come to light a little at a time making you guess what is really happening. You will have a love hate relationship with Freddie and the way she controls her cousins. Always telling them what to do and trying her best to control them but never putting up with any of the crap they try to send her way.

HAVEN has several interesting and complex relationships that develop throughout the story. All of which are unique and enticing making them a mystery that you want to solve. You will get drawn into this paranormal young adult novel from the beginning. Lindsey's writing and storytelling will hold you on the edge of your seat until the very last page making the ending an unexpected surprise that will not be easily forgotten.

Overall, I enjoyed reading this remarkable novel and look forward to reading more from Mary Lindsey soon.

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