Enchanting Tale of Ghosts and Family: ‘The Fall of the House of Tatterly’ by Shanna Miles – Book Review

I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the THE FALL OF THE HOUSE TATTERLY by Shanna Miles Blog Tour hosted by Rockstar Book Tours. Check out my post and make sure to enter the giveaway!

 

About The Book:

Title: THE FALL OF THE HOUSE TATTERLY

Author: Shanna Miles

Pub. Date: October 10, 2023

Publisher: Union Square Kids

Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook

Pages: 280

Find it: Goodreads, https://books2read.com/THE-FALL-OF-THE-HOUSE-TATTERLY 

Twelve-year-old Theo Tatterly’s ability to see ghosts is a useful skill in a house full of dead relatives, but it makes him a loner at school and everywhere else, where ghosts eternally pester him for help. For Theo, life is easier on the periphery. When his first failed exorcism portends an end to the Tatterly line, Theo must bring together his entire family—living and dead—to save the home they’ve lived in for generations . . . and maybe the world.

Author Shanna Miles’s story of magical modern-day Charleston crackles with unforgettable characters and pays homage to the city’s rich culture, folklore, and history.

Reviews:

“A richly detailed story that amplifies the importance of connections and community.”—Kirkus Reviews

“A spine-chilling stand-alone for readers who love the works of Eden Royce and Lora Senf.” —Booklist

“Over-the-top fantastical ambiance, paired with rich depictions of Charleston’s historical and cultural lore, makes for an endearing, enchanting adventure teeming with quirky characters.” – Publishers Weekly

 

Guest Post: Crafting the Ultimate Book Playlist by Shanna Miles

I love a mood board. As a creative I’m always  trying to tap into the illusive flow that makes it possible to create new worlds out of thin air. Some people create Pinterest boards or fill notebooks with pages and pages of free writing to get the creative juices flowing. They may need to be in a special writing nook or go to an entirely different location to lock in to the story, but there is another way. It is the old school mixtape. Gone are the days where you’d stay up all day and night with your tape recorder pressed up against the radio so you can catch your favorite songs. Yes, I’m that old. 

Today, things have gotten a little easier, but I do think something has been lost with the absence of physical media. You can no longer hold the evidence of hours of curation in your hand, but you can share it with thousands of people at the click of a button. That’s where Spotify comes in. But what goes on the list?

I’ve created playlists that are just for me, but the book playlist has to evoke the mood of the novel and speak not only to the main character, but also to the place in which it’s set. If the book is set in the country then I would definitely toss in some Bluegrass or The Chicks. For my middle grades novel, The Fall of the House of Tatterly I chose songs that my 12yo protagonist would listen to on the way to school without his Mom or Aunties knowledge, 90’s boom bap Hip-Hop. I also included songs he’d hear in the car on the way to church every Sunday. His aunt is an artist and often disappears into the carriage house behind their home in Charleston to paint. And as she paints she blasts Fela Kuti. 

To make your playlist work there have to be songs your characters listen to on a regular basis, songs about the setting and finally word association. If its a love story then their have to be songs about love. If the story is about cowboys then their have to be songs about cowboys. Supernatural creatures are all up and through my novel so Kanye West’s Monster had to be there. Of course, Theo would listen to that track. He sends souls to the other side all the time and he’s not unfamiliar with the everyday demon or hag. 

Check out the full list: https://tinyurl.com/2prndkx7 

Sinner Man by Nina Simone: This track played at the end of every Lovecraft Country episode and whenever there’s ghosts, goblins and Black folk involved, I think of it. 

Zombie by Fela Kuti: Theo’s Aunt Sabrina loves Fela Kuti. 

How I Got Over by Mahalia Jackson: A song by Mahalia Jackson plays a large part in a critical scene at the end of the book so she has to make an appearance. She’s also Theo’s Aunt Ionie’s favorite gospel artist. 

Monster by Kanye West, Rick Ross, Jay-Z, and Nikki Minaj: Theo’s mother, Roneisha, hates cursing, so this one is only fit for the headphones.

Come Down by Anderson Paak: Theo loves the drums on this one. He plays air drums on a regular basis, but wouldn’t dare ask for a drum kit. It would disturb the ghosts in his house. 

No Tears Left to Cry by Ariana Grande: The pop diva is everywhere isn’t she? There is a scene where his friends tease him about his headphones and speculate he’s binging Ariana. The headphones are a coping mechanism to keep out noise from the environment around him and mask his ability to talk to ghosts. People just assume his singing along or rapping lyrics. 

Snakes by Joey BadA$$, T’nah Apex: Theo’s pet snake, Rupert, inspired this one. 

The Bridge is Over by Boogie Down Productions: When he’s feeling completely safe in his own skin this is what Theo listens to. 

Why Should You Read This?

“The Fall of the House of Tatterly” by Shanna Miles is a captivating and enchanting tale that seamlessly weaves together the supernatural and the everyday, creating a story that is both heartwarming and spine-tingling. This book takes readers on a journey through the life of twelve-year-old Theo Tatterly, a boy blessed (or perhaps cursed) with the unique ability to see and interact with ghosts.

Theo’s life is far from ordinary. Living in a house filled with the restless spirits of his deceased relatives, he navigates a world where the living and the dead coexist. Miles masterfully paints a vivid picture of Theo’s struggles, both at home and in the outside world. While his ability to communicate with ghosts is undeniably useful within the confines of his family’s ancestral home, it leaves him isolated and ostracized at school and in social situations. The relentless pleas for help from the spectral inhabitants of his home create a poignant sense of loneliness that tugs at the reader’s heartstrings.

One of the book’s strengths lies in its well-drawn characters. Theo is a relatable and sympathetic protagonist who grapples with the complexities of his extraordinary gift. As readers follow his journey, they will undoubtedly root for him as he tries to reconcile the two worlds he inhabits. The supporting cast of characters, both living and dead, are equally well-developed, adding depth and richness to the narrative.

The plot is a masterful blend of supernatural mystery and family drama. When Theo’s first exorcism attempt goes awry, it sets in motion a series of events that threaten to extinguish the Tatterly family line and the cherished ancestral home they’ve inhabited for generations. Miles skillfully builds tension and intrigue, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as they accompany Theo on his quest to save not only his family but also the world itself.

A standout feature of the book is its setting—Charleston, South Carolina. Miles infuses the story with the city’s rich culture, folklore, and history, making Charleston itself a character in the narrative. The vivid descriptions transport readers to the streets of this enchanting city, immersing them in its atmosphere and traditions.

“The Fall of the House of Tatterly” is a testament to Shanna Miles’s storytelling prowess. Her prose is evocative and lyrical, painting a vivid and immersive world that readers will not want to leave. The book explores themes of family, identity, and the enduring bonds that tie us to our past and shape our future.

In conclusion, “The Fall of the House of Tatterly” is a mesmerizing and unforgettable tale that blends the supernatural with the everyday, creating a story that is as heartwarming as it is haunting. Shanna Miles’s masterful storytelling, well-crafted characters, and the rich tapestry of Charleston’s culture make this book a must-read for fans of both contemporary fantasy and family drama. It’s a journey into the unknown, filled with twists and turns, and ultimately, a celebration of the enduring power of love and family. This book will leave readers eagerly awaiting Shanna Miles’s next literary endeavor.

 

About Shanna Miles:

Born and raised in Columbia, South Carolina, Shanna Miles considers herself a dyed-in-the-wool Southern girl. She lives in Georgia with her family. When she’s not working as a high school librarian, she can be found writing. Visit her online at shannamiles.net or on Twitter at @srmilesauthor.

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Giveaway Details:

1 winner will receive a finished copy of THE FALL OF THE HOUSE TATTERLY, US Only.

Ends October 17th, midnight EST.

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