**I received a free copy of these ebooks in exchange for an honest review.**
I read both book 1 and 2, but not the novellas (i just wasn't interested enough to keep pushing myself to read this series). I would say the 2nd book is more interesting than the first, and that the characters are pretty interesting. Overall they were a bit of a slog to get through (not sure packaging so many into one ebook was the way to go), and definitely meant for the YA reader (which i am not). ( )

Mary Hades is a young adult capable of seeing ghosts and receiving warnings about impending danger. She battles a serial killer in a hospital, a vengeful and murderous ghost, and an evil spirit whose power is derived from the house it occupies.

I enjoyed these books. They are well written and the author has an almost Stephen King knack for quickening the heart rate and the more suspenseful moments. ( )

My Daylight Monsters (Mary Hades 0.5)

Seventeen-year-old Mary Hades can see ‘things’ that no one else can; she doesn’t quite know what these things are, but they are scary. After an incident at school, Mary is diagnosed with schizophrenia and Mary’s mother decides to place Mary in a psychiatric institute for a few weeks until she is better. Mary is skeptical, but wants to get better. Once in the ward Mary meets her roommate Lacey and they create a fast friendship. Mary also notices some other patients that are no longer living. Then, she notices that patients in another ward are dying very often.

This novella packed a lot of punch. I knew something good was going to happen as soon as Mary was sent to the psychiatric hospital. I loved Mary (and her awesome name!) she is very realistic in trying to deal with her issues both normal and paranormal. Mary was caring and observant and formed friendships with the other teens in the ward. All of the characters were well developed and felt like people that I might know. The mystery folded in with the ghost story made for a creepy and exciting read. It was nice to see how Mary began to deal with her powers and the beginning of her friendship with Lacey.

Mary Hades (Mary Hades #1):
Mary’s family decides to take her on a vacation in Nettleby after Mary’s traumatic stay in a psychiatric ward. They want her to relax and maybe find a summer romance. Little do they know that Mary can still see and talk to her dead best friend, Lacey or that the small town harbors a ghost legend about a young girl that was killed five years prior who now haunts the moors killing unsuspecting men. Mary happens to find her summer romance in a boy named Seth. However, Seth is harboring a secret that connects him to ties him to the dangerous ghost.

Picking up right after My Daylight Monsters, Mary now has the constant companionship of her dead best friend, Lacy which makes for an entertaining companionship. Lacey’s personality as a ghost is hilarious. I’m glad that Mary became more confident in herself and with her powers in this book. The mystery of Amy the ghost and her connection with Seth were intriguing and kept me interested. I’m glad that I got to learn more about ghosts, what they can become, and the ‘things’ that Mary sees. Mary finds a mentor in Igor, the local ghost tour guide; and with his help, she finds a purpose for her strange powers. I’m interested to see what Mary does next with her new knowledge.

Shadow ( Mary Hades 1.25)
Mary visits her Aunt Izzy's seaside home to watch the comet pass through the night sky. The visit brings tension between Mary and her mom. Her mom and Aunt Izzy have not gotten along in years, but Mary visits anyway knowing that her aunt will need her. When Mary arrives, she notices strange shadows. Mary must put her new ghost skills to use and make some difficult family decisions.

This short story gives some insight into Mary's family and some of the tensions brewing between Mary's mom and her Aunt. The ghost story involved was fairly simple, but divulged another family secret which put Mary in a difficult spot. It was nice to see Mary in an environment with more freedom and less judgement from her parents where she was freely allowed to practice her new ghost skills. A quick, short story giving some insight into Mary's family.

Sister (Mary Hades 1.5)

A short story where Mary's aunt Izzy writes a letter to Mary's mother about an incident from when the two sisters were younger. Izzy remembers a time when Mary's mom, Susan was not herself; Susan doesn't seem to remember or acknowledge this time in her life, but it may explain something about Mary and Izzy and Susan's relationship.

A short, intense story that explains a lot about the dynamic between Susan and Izzy; this event seemed to be the turning point in their relationship that no one wants to talk about. I am really interested in knowing the truth about the event; it is set up to be a paranormal event, but can be explained by weird teenage hormones and growing up. I'm expecting it to be a great set-up for the next full book, Possess.

Possess (Mary Hades #2)
Mary's family makes a hasty decision to move so that her father would be closer to his work. Mary's father finds a older home called Ravenswood. As soon as Mary and her mother arrive, something just doesn't feel right to Mary; but she or Lacey don't feel or see any other ghosts. The people in town become anxious whenever they learn of where Mary lives, a strange neighbor hints at the paranormal and Mary's mom begins acting differently. Mary finds a diary in Ravenswood written by a girl named Liza during the Victorian era. The diary entries slowly unlock the mystery of the evil force within the house as it takes over her mother.

This is my favorite book of the series so far. The mystery is very involved and not the typical ghost story that has been presented in the other book and novella. Possess has a mixture of an evil force, a possession, and multiple ghosts which added suspense and amped up the creepy factor. Since I am also a sucker for dual time lines, the addition of Liza's diary was a bonus for me. Not only was Liza someone that Mary could easily identify with, but her experiences were a good parallel to what Mary was dealing with in the present with her mother. Mary is able to grow and learn even more when she must face the evil within Ravenswood and I'm glad that things got even scarier. I can't wait to see where things will go next with Mary. ( )

This was a set I enjoyed. I love a good mystery and this book gave me this. I enjoyed the authors introduction in to each character. Sarah gave us good details! This book kept me on the edge of my seat and I would be happy to read the next book. *I received this set from the author through a LibraryThing giveaway in exchange for an honest review* ( )

I recieved the box set of Mary Hades Beginnings which included My Daylight Monsters, Mary Hades, Shadow, Sister and Possess, written by Sarah Dalton. She has published these on her own, so please share this review and let's get the word out that there is a new Author in town and she is FANTASTIC!

These are all young adult books, however, I think that should be changed to "anyone that loves to read". I am 50 years old and I was completely absorbed before I finished reading page one of book one.

Mary is a 17 yr old girl in the UK, just your typical teenager who has just witnessed something horrific. Now she goes to the hospital for a rest and to get her head straight on the advice of her doctor and prodded by her Mum.

As Sarah Dalton introduces each character I am amazed at how fully they are described, I feel like I am with them in this ward. And I just know that something is going to happen and I am on the edge of my seat the whole time.

The book flows and keeps you turning the pages. There is true life family issues that any reader can relate to. There is mystery that keeps you guessing as to what will happen, who is the bad guy and why is this happening. There is magic and adventure.

All your questions are answered before you finish reading. And even though the Sarah Dalton leaves you satisfied by the time you are done reading through these, you find that you still want more. I cannot wait until the next book in the Mary Hades series comes out, Nocturnes. I recommend this book if you love history, romance, mystery, magic, ghosts, bestfriend stories or even dark novels. I recommend this book to all ages, I truly enjoyed this book and I will miss Mary until we meet again. ( )