Toni's Tale

It's hereditary, seeing ghosts. Toni gets it from her father and her gift shows itself on the day she gets her first period. Toni and her father see all the ghosts, not just a mist here and there. These ghosts want to possess them, and others with this gift and so Wolf, Toni's Dad, begins lessons to teach Toni how to use her gift and protect herself. Along for the ride is Little Wolf, who is the familiar of Toni's dad. I think Little Wolf was my favorite character even though he never says a word. He's a little red creature with horns and fangs who will protect and help Wolf's family and anyone Wolf loves. Anyone who see's ghosts has their own similar familiar. You just gotta love these impish little creatures who really care about their wards.
The ghosts aren't the only dangers for the family. There is a human out there tracking a young man and he unwittingly beings that danger to this family. We have good humans, bad vampirish humans ,bad ghosts, good ghosts, possessed, and the awesome little familiars. Quite a cast of characters.

This would be an especially fun young adult read. As as long-time grown up I found it to be an enjoyable, easy read. #netgalley #Toni'sTale

Toni's Tale
by Dan Foley
Crossroad Press

I want to thank the publisher and NetGalley for letting me read this book. The review is my own opinion.
I so love this cover, that's what caught my eye! How cool is that? Wow!

This story starts with Toni, a 14 year old girl that has a playmate that looks like a demon. He is Little Wolf. Normal people see him as a pink rat. Toni's mom doesn't have the gift of seeing ghost but her dad does. He is Melvin, or Wolf. Little Wolf is Wolf's familiar and protects the family. Today Toni started her period so she can see ghosts. Now her dad will train her to battle them.

Meanwhile, Roger is also a young teen, male, he started seeing ghosts. An old woman saved him from the ghosts but started to train him but really wanted him for his blood. He escaped.

The story is about the teen kids learning to deal with their new gifts, what ghosts can do, how to stop them, and how to protect yourself. The teens meet and have to help others. It's a good teen/young adult ghost story.

It's cool how they get a familiar, how they kill ghosts, and how they end up fighting together. Enjoyable!

Toni’s Tale is a coming of age story of a young girl, Toni Lobo, with a special gift; the power to see, talk to, and sometimes fight with ghosts. Her father is well known to the ghosts in New Orleans for the same power. This tale takes us through Toni’s training, to coming into her power, and eventually helping a young man who is new to town learn how to use his power. Together they must face a big challenge.

This young adult novel was an enjoyable read and honestly I thought it ended too soon. There was a lot of build up and then the end seemed rushed. Despite that, I really liked the characters and would be happy to read more tales of Toni Lobo.