The Year of Disappearances

A Novel

By: Susan Hubbard

Narrated by: Joyce Bean

In the sequel to her acclaimed debut novel, The Society of S, Susan Hubbard continues the adventures of Ariella Montero, who, in the midst of the ongoing presidential campaign, discovers that a leading contender for America's top political office just happens to be a vampire surrounded by the demons of lying, cheating, and murder.

The Year of Disappearances traces Ariella Montero's 14th year, during which she is accused of lying, cheating, and murder (twice). Her education continues, but instead of literature, science, and math, she learns folklore, the art and craft of journalism, and most important, the nature of personal demons.

The book's themes involve masks and the duality of the self, the evil of hypocrisy, and the perpetual conflict between the desires of the flesh and those of the spirit.

As Ari comes to question her own authenticity, listeners may begin to question her. Could the accusations against her be justified? Is she a reliable narrator? Or is someone else at work, telling us her story?

©2008 Blue Garage Co. (P)2008 Tantor

Critic reviews

"Hubbard creates...mainstream characters, ones whose desires and fears, plans and dreams have nothing to do with the thrill of the kill." ( Booklist)

Missed the bus

I almost wet myself with the debut of "The Society of S", and anxiously awaited the follow up book. Susan Hubbard however fell short of the expectations left by her excellent first.

Too many missed opportunities, and dropped story threads. The book had too many blazing errors such as a 30 year old possible presidential candidate for next years primary? The constitution might be a problem for that dream since it states you have to be at least 35 years of age.

Even with the errors and the plot gone nowhere if there is a follow up book I will still try buy it. Susan Hubbard showed too much promise with the first and I feel she can turn this around.

-Tizroc