Matthias: The Ghost of Salvation Point (Paperback)

Description

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As soon as Dylan stepped into the creaky old house, he knew this would be no ordinary summer vacation. Fourth grade was finally over and he's eager to make a fresh start in the tiny town of Salvation Point, Maine, where his dad had inherited a run-down lightkeeper's cottage.

Dylan expects to spend the summer sailing on the bay and exploring the nearby town, but after mysterious events unfold, he discovers his new home isn't as quiet as it looks. Late one night he encounters Matthias, a gruff lighthouse keeper who died long ago. Despite his shock, Dylan is thrilled to find a ghostly companion and the two become unlikely friends.

But their carefree summer takes a dangerous turn when a greedy treasure hunter threatens their home. He is determined to find a legendary pirate treasure hidden nearby and will stop at nothing to get what he wants. Dylan and Matthias soon find themselves caught up in a perilous adventure as they struggle to protect the lighthouse from the ruthless intruder. As they face their fears and test their bravery, Dylan's life is changed forever. But will it be enough to save their home from the treasure hunter's selfish quest?

About the Author

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Jodi Auborn became interested in lighthouses and the ocean when she was fifteen years old and went on her first vacation to Cape Cod, Massachusetts. Later in life, she made several trips to Monhegan Island and other small towns in coastal Maine, all of which inspired the setting for the fictional town of Salvation Point. She is the author of "Stormwind of the North Country" and "Secrets of the North Country," teen novels set in New York State's Adirondack Mountains. She has also written a memoir titled "The Forests I Called Home." The author lives in Ticonderoga, NY. Learn more at www.jodilauborn.webs.com.

Praise For…

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Amy's Bookshelf Reviews

4 out of 5 star: Entertaining and full of adventure

Jodi Auborn writes a middle-grade paranormal tale with Matthias: The Ghost of Salvation Point. I haven't read anything by this author before, and what a hidden gem. I enjoyed it so much, that I have now followed the author and look for more books to read. The reader is introduced to ten-year-old Dylan, and he is so excited that his family inherited an old lighthouse and a cottage, a place they can spend their summers. What could be more cooler than that? Dylan becomes quite the explorer by sailing, and searching the intricacies of the lighthouse. There was a pirate legend of a buried treasure. Then, he meets Matthias. A ghost who is residing in Dylan's bedroom. They become friends, and then realize, others may want to get their hands on that treasure as well. So, they become a team of detectives to investigate and protect their home. This author brings the story to life. The characters are so real, it's like being with them within the story. Dylan is not your typical 10 year old, but he's still a kid, an acts like one, and that's what makes this story work. The story brings in the believable, even if almost impossible. A genuine character driven story! Matthias: The Ghost of Salvation Point is a definite recommendation by Amy's Bookshelf.

Reviewed by Mary Lanni, for MaryLanniReads

It is the summer after fourth grade and ten-year-old Dylan and his family have been in the car for hours traveling from New York City to Salvation Point, Maine. Dylan's father has inherited an old cabin from his uncle that is situated at the base of a lighthouse, and the cabin comes with more than just some old cobwebs and dusty knickknacks. The cabin is said to be haunted, and Dylan and his family discover the truth behind that rumor first-hand. As they navigate the mysterious events taking place around them, the family must simultaneously protect their land from villains who would choose to destroy it for their own personal gains. This fast-paced middle grade novel appears as a ghost story at first glance, but it is truly more of a human tale of redemption and self-discovery. Unlike a typical ghost story, there are few moments of shock or horror within the book; instead, Matthias is a fixture of the narrative almost from the very beginning. Dylan and his family do not have the same interactions with Matthias, but he is an important element in the transformation Dylan undergoes that summer. Because the chapters are long and the text is small and close together, this book is best suited to more confident middle grade readers. Scenes of action and a compelling relationship between Matthias and Dylan keep readers engaged throughout the book, and the well-rounded nature of the story is satisfying for all. Middle grade readers with an interest in human-centered tales that incorporate ghosts, pirate treasure, and more than a little excitement will appreciate getting to know Dylan and his adventures through this charming book.

Karen Meyer's Review: 5 Stars

What a fun book! Thank you, Jodi, for my few hours of entertainment. What kid (or adult) wouldn't enjoy this delightful ghost story and the hero ghost named Matthias. I was so involved I forgot to check for grammar, but nothing slapped me in the face. I found no misspelled words or grammatical fiascos. But then when I read a book as well written and exciting as this one, grammar is the last thing I think about. If I had anything I would change about it, I would not have the parents so divided on their parenting skills. I don't like that the dad favors the son, Dylan, over his wife. But I do know there are lots of families like this.

Your Prologue sets the tone for your story well and makes the reader want to ready further. Matthias is a very likable young man and was perfect for the part of Hero Ghost Extraordinaire. Dylan was a typical 4th grader and his feelings that his 15-year-old sister, Alondra, was "the most boring person" he knew was a good description. She was a very exhausting teenager who like most teenagers these days, needs to be entertained. She did come around in the last chapter to show her love and concern for her little brother.

The antagonists Quint and Sleeter, where portrayed as meaner than I expected. I didn't think they would stoop to murder, but you did a good job on them.

I loved the friendship between Dylan and Matthias. The fact that Matthias would decide his friend's life was more important than any reprimand he might get from his superiors.

I loved how Matthias was "set free" as the family decided to live in at Salvation Point and man the lighthouse. it also seemed like his whole reason for staying was to save Dylan's life. Good storyline, good ending, I will give this 5 stars.

Sherry Terri's Review: 5-Stars

Matthias: The Ghost of Salvation Point by Jodi Auborn is a great read! I absolutely love the cover. It's filled with great color and has everything you need for a good young middle-grade ghost story.

This story is told from a 10-year-old boy, Dylan's point of view and Jodi Auborn has done a splendid job with the character. My favorite character of the story is Matthias himself. He's a great ghost and Jodi did a wonderful job of putting him in the story. I don't want to give anything away, but Dylan and Matthias go on a dangerous adventure that you won't want to miss.

Jodi is one of the best authors I've read with setting descriptions and characterization. I now want to visit a lighthouse in Maine. All the characters are well-rounded, individual, and feel like they are real. The only thing my editor's brain found distracting was the all caps for shouting and loud noises.

I highly recommend this book for children and adults. I loved reading Matthias: The Ghost of Salvation Point by Jodi Auborn.

9-Year-Old Madi's Review: 5 Stars

Best book ever. I read this to my 5-year-old little brother and he liked it too.

I was able to read this by myself mostly, and the ghost was so funny. I want to live in a lighthouse, that would be awesome after I read Dylan's descriptions. I was scared when Dylan and the ghost got into a battle with the man looking for pirate treasure.

I love this book.

Matthias: The Ghost of Salvation Point

Reviewed by Astilbe: 4 Stars

There's nothing like spending the summer in a haunted cottage.

One of the things I enjoyed the most about this story was how much attention it paid to Matthias' personality. Just like the living, he didn't react the same way to everyone he met. Some people got along with him well, while others saw a scarier side to his personality. There were reasons for these shifts that were explained in the plot, but I appreciated the fact that the resident ghost developed individual relationships with every person who crossed his path. It made me even more curious to see why he'd stuck around after death and what would happen to him in the end.

There was a small plot hole involving how much Dylan's dad knew about the famous ghost in his hometown that I wish had been explained better. Some scenes made it seem as thought the dad knew almost nothing about this piece of folklore despite spending his whole childhood in the tiny town of Salvation Point. Other scenes appeared to hint that he knew far more than Dylan realized. While this wasn't something that I spent too much time worrying about, it would have been nice to know for sure what the dad knew, when he knew it, and why he stayed so quiet at first about the paranormal rumors about the cottage they were staying at.

Dylan was such a likable kid. He assumed the best in just about everyone he met, and he did a wonderful job of entertaining him in what was a pretty isolated, quiet place to stay for a family who had two active kids. While he definitely had his share of flaws, I appreciated the fact that they were balanced out with so many positive character traits. He's definitely someone I'd want to explore a haunted house with.

Matthias: The Ghost of Salvation Point was a friendly paranormal tale that I'd recommend to kids and adults alike.

Bethanie's Books - Reviews

I love mysteries, especially those that have ghosts in them. I must say that this is one of the best I have read this year. Considering this year is almost over, I would have to say that this is really big. Another Bethanie's Fave has been found. Ms. Auborn has brought to us a timeless story that brings the beauty of Maine into it. Lighthouses have always had a mystery to them, in my opinion, and Ms. Auborn's story has brought this to life.

What makes it another reason for being a fave is the star is a young boy. She brought the natural boy curiosity to the table in this book. Tell me one boy who wouldn't want to know of a secret treasure found in the background of his summer home next to a lighthouse in Maine. Better yet how about finding your best friend in the ghost that is the keeper of the lighthouse.

I am a southern girl, myself. Born and raised in the state of Alabama. I have always wanted to visit Maine and to see its timeless beauty for myself. This book allowed me to somewhat take myself there. I could imagine being the mother or the daughter wanting to just go back home, and the Father just trying to bring his small town where he grew up back to the place it once was.

I love the many aspects of this story. Although most that try to put a lot into their book can't really bring it together in a good ending flow, Ms. Auborn was definitely able to bring everything together and make it flow perfectly for the reader. There is a ghost story, a treasure hunt, a kidnapping, and yet it all fits together like a beautiful puzzle.

I am so impressed by this author that I plan to get her other books and read them. I also hope that she continues this particular mystery type. Adventure is always fun and exciting. Throw a couple of thrilling moments in it and you have a rather, well-written book. Would I recommend this book? Yes, I would.

Thank you Ms. Auborn for sharing your book with me! Happy Reading!!

Reviewed by Melinda Hills for Readers' Favorite

Dylan Flint is excited about spending the summer at the lighthouse cottage his family just inherited from Uncle Zack, located on the coast of Maine. With his own sailboat and a keep interest in the history of the area, Dylan is the perfect person to appreciate everything the place has to offer – even its own resident ghost! In Matthias: The Ghost of Salvation Point by Jodi L. Auborn, Matthias is a former lighthouse keeper who still performs his duties. He becomes Dylan's best friend and helps him through a number of issues that come up, like keeping away from some very bad men convinced that the lighthouse hides a pirate's treasure. Unfortunately, Dylan's mom does not believe in ghosts and thinks Dylan needs tog et away from the island; but his dad understands that something special is going on. Unlike his sister Alondra, who can't wait to get out of Salvation Point, Dylan knows that this is exactly where he belongs. Along with the family inheriting the house, Dylan has inherited his uncle's love of the sea, the lighthouse and everything nature - and the supernatural – has to offer.

Maine's small town charm has well as the beauty and ruggedness of the coast are clearly and lovingly depicted in Matthias: The Ghost of Salvation Point by Jodi L. Auborn. In this unique story of friendship between a ghost and a young boy, the history of lighthouses and the lure of pirate treasure are brought of life as a family struggles with the choice of returning to a simpler time or enjoying the benefits of life in the big city. Well written and quite enjoyable, children of all ages can learn something about a period of American life as well as what's in their own hearts as they read Dylan's story.

Feathered Quill Book Reviews

Who would think a hundred-year-old ghost and a child in the present-day world would team up to stop a treasure hunter who is desperate to uncover a pirate legend and line their greedy pockets with fortune?

Well...it can happen. And it has happened because of the extremely creative and fun mind of Jodi Auborn.

Everyone loves the Indiana Jones world, as well as the pirate kingdom; by adding a ghost into the mix, this plot becomes sheer perfection that will appeal to all sorts of readers.

In 1913, there were lighthouse keepers on our planet. There was no automation at that time to shine the light that let brave sailors see the rocky, jagged cliffs that would take down their boat in seconds. In Salvation Point, Maine, Matthias is one of those keepers. As a young boy, he had watched his father be taken from him by Mother Nature's storm, and he took over the job of lighthouse keeper to make sure that no one ever met that same horrible fate. He worked long and hard, waking up at all hours to trim the wicks before heading to the cottage and sitting with his calico cat. Unfortunately, his fate would end up being as heartbreaking as his loving father's...

Fast forward to a young man in 2013. Dylan is beyond excited for the family trip to Salvation Point. This small town with less than a thousand people in it, will be his host for the summer. His father has actually inherited a house from his Uncle Zack - who, for the most part, was a hermit during his lifetime. Uncle Zack had been the owner of a real lighthouse, with cottage, and Dylan is ecstatic to see it.

Dylan doesn't miss his home in New York City a bit; he spends his time roaming the small town and gets hooked on some pretty wild tales about pirate treasure - legends that are a true part of Salvation Point. But that's not all that amazes Dylan. He will soon discover a man named Matthias living in his bedroom. This is not just any man, this is a ghost - an old lighthouse keeper who speaks in gruff grunts, but soon teams up with the boy in order to stop a pretty villainous cad who's out to get wealthy, even if kidnapping is something that has to be done.

The fun; the imagination; the thrills and adventure - Matthias is a work that all readers - no matter what the age - will want to read. This is an escape, a creative escape. If you are a senior citizen who loves to feel like a kid again; or, you are a kid who thrives on the unknown, this book is for you.

Quill says: An A+ for this author. One of the very few books you keep on your shelf to read again and again when the need for adventure 'calls.'