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alexlcriddle's review against another edition
4.0
Lisette has just turned thirteen and is informed by her parents that she will be living with her Aunt Josephine for a time. The year is 1940 and the Germans have invaded Paris. Lisette is sent to Sibourne where she lives with her aunt, her cousin Cecile, and some unexpected guests on a farm. Though unhappy, Lisette begins to enjoy her time at the farm, especially after meeting Gerard, a mysterious visitor who appears to be more than he seems. Lisette and her family believe that they are safe from the threat of the Germans, but one day, their worst fears are realized. Will Lisette and Gerard be able to save those who need saving? Will Lisette learn about Gerard’s mysterious past? A Coming Evil is a rich World War II account filled with unexpected twists and turns.
I really enjoyed this novel. The mystery and fantasy that was interwoven with the history of World War II was very interesting. I think that students would enjoy this novel because they are learning about history, guided into a world unlike their own, and will also encounter some fantasy elements as well. At first, Lisette was a bother, but that’s the normal thirteen year old girl syndrome kicking in I suppose. I liked that she matured throughout the novel and that this maturation was evident to the reader through her experiences and her words. I also really liked Gerard and his history. He was a very intriguing character and I found myself wishing that he had been involved in the story a bit more. I would definitely recommend this novel to anyone who likes reading about World War II or who likes to see histories of different time periods come together.
I really enjoyed this novel. The mystery and fantasy that was interwoven with the history of World War II was very interesting. I think that students would enjoy this novel because they are learning about history, guided into a world unlike their own, and will also encounter some fantasy elements as well. At first, Lisette was a bother, but that’s the normal thirteen year old girl syndrome kicking in I suppose. I liked that she matured throughout the novel and that this maturation was evident to the reader through her experiences and her words. I also really liked Gerard and his history. He was a very intriguing character and I found myself wishing that he had been involved in the story a bit more. I would definitely recommend this novel to anyone who likes reading about World War II or who likes to see histories of different time periods come together.
catmar19's review
2.0
This is a bit of historical teen fiction complete with Nazis and a ghost (that un-ghosts?). It was a fast read and probably great to a 13-yr-old, but it did little for me. I was pleased to learn about the knights Templar and some of the related historical information. Other than that, not my cup of tea. I'm starting to think I'm too much of a book snob to read YA lit. and like it. I notice a quotation mark error. The editors of these books need to step it up!
I probably won't read another book by this author.
I probably won't read another book by this author.
nerfherder86's review against another edition
3.0
Unique twist on a Holocaust novel. THe main character, 13 year old Lisette, is sent to the French countryside in 1940 to live with her aunt and cousins and be safe from the Nazis. Her aunt is also hiding Jewish and Gypsy orphans in the house; they practice their hiding drills in case the Nazis show up. What becomes interesting is that Lisette meets a ghost of a medieval boy in the field! And eventually he helps her hide the kids from the Nazis! Very cool, a ghost story and a World War II adventure.
trishabee2000's review against another edition
3.0
Another book club book, an interesting read with a Middle Ages ghost and a girl living in rural France during WWII. Don't ask me how but somehow it works!
wealhtheow's review
3.0
Sent by her parents to rural France to avoid the Nazi occupation, Lisette grumpily takes care of a large brood of refugee children. Meeting the ghost of a knight is only the beginning of her problems. The book starts out with too much scene-setting, but once Lisette is on her own the story takes off.
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