Forbidden

“Narrator Alison Larkin performs this intricate gothic horror story through the eyes of a single character: sixteen-year-old Josie, who has been orphaned and sent to live with her uncle and aunt in a small fishing village on the Scottish shore. The village and her family are unnervingly odd, and danger and frightening magic surround her. Larkin’s voice—tiny, breathy, and lilting—makes the sheltered Josie sound younger than her years. But Larkin populates the small town with a terrific variety of characters: snooty, curious, ditzy, or dependable, all with mild Scottish accents. The villains of the story sound as harried and tired as hard-working islanders should. Larkin’s performance makes for a terrifically dramatic climax.” —AudioFile

“Bunting has written a taut page-turner full of an eeriness that would be at home in any piece of gothic literature. The result is an atmospheric, otherworldly mystery best absorbed in one sitting.” —Booklist

“An excellent introduction to the gothic genre and a satisfyingly eerie read.” —School Library Journal