Determined to find out her dead sister's connection to Shadow Hills, Persephone enrolls herself in the school. But all is not well. Persephone has been having disturbing dreams and visions for a while and they only intensify upon arrival in Shadow Hills. She soon meets a boy who shares more than just a connection with her, but he keeps a serious secret. Will she be able to find out the truth or will she share the same fate as her sister? 
 I really tried to like this book because a friend of mine had nothing but praises for it, but unfortunately, I just couldn't get into Shadow Hills. Let's start with some of the things I like. Persephone's character was well-written and her grief over her sister was realistically written as well. I really could sympathize with her and I felt a sense of sorrow for her as well. 
 Her interactions with the friends she's made were interesting to watch as well, and I could really see the girls as friends in real life. Her romance with Zach was captured quite well too. There was a genuine sense of romance in it and it moved at a comfortable pace. 
 But now, on to some of the things I didn't like. The beginning of the romance between Phe and Zach. I didn't think it was realistic about how they had an instant connection when they first met. I didn't think it was believable at all. 
 Another aspect I didn't like was the whole scientific elements to the story. From the story summary, readers will find out that apparently, the modern "townies" have some strange psychic powers. I didn't mind that as much as I didn't really understand how it factored into the story. Loads of talk about The Banished and The Council was just confusing for me, and while there was a mystery in the story, I think it would have worked better without all the supernatural elements. 
 I definitely think it was a good effort by first-time author Anastasia Hopcus and I hope she writes more in the future. 2.5 stars from me.