I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed The Lantern's Ember. I would describe this book as the perfect Halloween or fall read - or anytime read if you love witches and vampires and magic! Ember is an incredibly strong witch - and also incredibly fierce, independent and curious. Ember decides to allow a vampire to escort her to the Underworld - where all the magic and mystery is - and embarks upon a wild adventure. Pirate ships, secret islands, boogeyman - The Lantern's Ember will keep you on your feet, don't worry! Ember attracts the attention of not one, not two, but three men - although she never lets them put her aside and always fights her own battles. This is one love (square?) that will keep you on your toes! Houck plays around with all of our favorite Halloween tropes - A lantern, named Jack, who keeps his soul in a pumpkin. A vampire who decides to move to a town called Transylvania. A witch in desperate need of escape who enchants the only rideable object available to fly - a broomstick. The Lantern's Ember is charming and adventurous and a wonderful retelling of our favorite monsters, demons, and scary Halloween creatures.