by Seanan McGuire
Series: Ghost Roads #2
Genres: Urban Fantasy
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon *affiliate
For Rose Marshall, death has long since become the only life she really knows. She’s been sweet sixteen for more than sixty years, hitchhiking her way along the highways and byways of America, sometimes seen as an avenging angel, sometimes seen as a killer in her own right, but always Rose, the Phantom Prom Date, the Girl in the Green Silk Gown.
The man who killed her is still out there, thanks to a crossroads bargain that won’t let him die, and he’s looking for the one who got away. When Bobby Cross comes back into the picture, there’s going to be hell to pay—possibly literally.
Rose has worked for decades to make a place for herself in the twilight. Can she defend it, when Bobby Cross comes to take her down? Can she find a way to navigate the worlds of the living and the dead, and make it home before her hitchhiker’s luck runs out?
There’s only one way to know for sure.
The Girl in the Green Silk Gown is the second novel in the Ghost Roads series by Seanan McGuire. Once again we are back with Rose Marshall, the phantom hitchhiker who lives in the twilight. Fans of urban legends, ghosts and the world between, will want to sink their teeth into this.
Once and twice and thrice around,
Put your heart into the ground.
Four and five and six tears shed,
Give your love unto the dead.
Seven shadows on the wall,
Eight have come to watch your fall:
One’s for the gargoyle, one’s for the grave,
And the last is for the one you’ll never save.
The first book in the series, Sparrow Hill, originally was told as a serial and followed a non-linear timeline and while interesting it was hard to sink your teeth into the story. The Girl in the Green Silk Gown, follows a linear timeline and picks up where Rose’s story left off and McGuire delivered an engaging story that held me firmly in its grasp.
Rose Marshall once again finds herself in the crosshairs of Bobby Cross. Bobby has schemed and laid out the perfect trap for Rose. Can she along with her friends and enemies outwit him or has he once again ripped her from her home?
I love urban legends, lores and mythology and McGuire has blended all three in a deliciously dark way. After the mark and blessing Persephone gave Rose she thinks she is safe, but Bobby is ruthless and he wants Rose. He will stop at nothing to have her. Rose finds herself ripped away from Gary and her friends, the Queen offers her aid and we experience the Twilight’s version of Halloween. Twists, turns and walking amongst the living await Rose.
Unlike Sparrow Hill this story follows a linear timeline with summoning circles, twists and more. Moments were dark and filled with tests and trials. Rose Marshall has spent sixty years as a hitchhiker helping those about to pass move on and has gained power even she doesn’t understand. Umbramancer, routewitches, lore and a deeper understanding of the rules and lands for the unliving were riveting.
I felt this story was stronger than its predecessor and allowed me to become more emotionally connected to the players. I loved all the footnotes to the urban legends surrounding ghosts, crossroads and mythology.
I absolutely loved the lore, the twists, betrayals and heart-pounding moments as we travel the highways, take to the air and visit the gods. Fantastic story from beginning to the end. While this tale wraps up nicely, Bobby still rides, and this story is far from over!
Come along with Rose Marshall, the phantom hitchhiker as she battles EVIL. in The Girl in the Green Silk Gown by Sean McGuire #NewRelease #Urban #legends Share on XNine will let you count the cost:
All you had and all you lost.
Ten is more than time can tell,
Cut the cord and ring the bell.
Count eleven, twelve, and then,
Thirteen takes you home again.
One’s for the shadow, one’s for the tree,
And the last is for the blessing of Persephone.
About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
Aleen @ Lampshade Reader
Ooo! This one sounds super good. I’ve always loved Urban Legends. Is it necessary to read this series in order?
Kimberly
I do recommend reading them in order Aleen
Daniela Ark
I added this one to GR! I am indeed a fans of urban legends, ghosts and the afterlife!
Kimberly
Happy reading!
kindlemom1
I’m reading the first book right now and having a hard time getting into it but I’ll stick with it and hopefully like it more.
Kimberly
I found reading it in bits like an anthology worked better for book one. This however reads more like a story.
Carole @ Carole's Random Life in Books
I do want to give this series a try at some point. I can imagine that the linear timeline would be much easier to follow.
Kimberly
Yes. The first told different stories about Rose and I imagine it worked wonderfully as a serial.
Heidi
I liked the first book, I listened to it, but I remember struggling with the non linear time line I am happy to hear that this one follows a linear time line. I will add it to my list.
Kimberly
I think you will be pleased.
Lorna
Another good read from this author for you! I have always enjoyed the legend of the hitchhiking girl. Not sure this would be for me though since it takes place in the “beyond”. Not really my thing. I’m glad you enjoyed it though.
Kimberly
The first book did not, so I think you would enjoy it. Some of this is among the living, and I cannot say more because…spoilers darling!
Angie Elle
I read the first book and really enjoyed it, and I’m reading the second now. Now that I know she is separate from Gary, clearly I need to speed my reading up! LOL
Great review. I’m glad this one stepped up the series for you.
Kimberly
Happy reading!!
sherry fundin
That’s a hitchhiker I wouldn’t want to meet. 🙂
Kimberly
She is one of the nice ones but yeah, it doesn’t end well if she rides with you.
sjhigbee
She is an amazingly inventive, prolific author – I have only read a fraction of her work and this one definitely sounds intriguing – thank you for an excellent review, Kimberly.
Kimberly
I’ve read all of her works as Mira Grant. She truly is brilliant.
blodeuedd
But I haven’t even read book 1!
Kimberly
I recommend they be read in order Linda <3
Sophia Rose
Between the blurb and your review description of both the first book and this latest story about Rose, I’m definitely intrigued. It’s such a different premise in this genre.
Kimberly
I hope you read them. I would enjoy seeing your take on them
Melliane
I liked this one as well but not as much as I thought I would
Kimberly
Agreed, this author is usually a five star for me.
ShootingStarsMag
This sounds like a really intriguing book, and I’m glad to hear that it was stronger for you than the first. Good to know!
-Lauren
Kimberly
Thank you Lauren, if you like ghost stories, urban legends and lore you will enjoy it.
Debbie Haupt- The Reading Frenzy
What an interesting way to start a series Kim. Would a new reader need to start with the serial or would reading this book first be okay? Also that’s quite a busy cover. Great review!
Kimberly
This the 2nd book, the first Sparrow Hill Road is available in all formats.
Jenea's Book Obsession
I’m happy to hear that this was even better than the first book.
Kimberly
Yes, I think the linear timeline enhanced the story. It was an intense ride.