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book4grace's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
maryehavens's review against another edition
2.0
I'm not one to censor (as I recommend censoring) but I was under the impression that this particular series was for the elementary set. Now I see it's for middle school or even teens. That makes me feel a little better because it's a hella-creepy series and I would not want elementary students to read it.
That being said, it's very slap-dash. Or slap-Dash?? Anyway, I enjoyed the first book because it had a "House on Haunted Hill" vibe and I ADORE a good haunted house story/book. But the plot is all over the place and held together with shoestrings. I think if this book was not a series, it would make a bit more sense but I feel like the author got confused on what was going on. It lacks continuity.
In addition to the continuity issues, there are all sorts of elements but almost too many elements. You got the creepy kids, the mask, haunted house, the Demagorgon, creepy evil mastermind, ghosts, walls that move, etc., etc., etc. Again, if there was continuity, the main characters could discover each element but it just seems like they are running around aimlessly bumping into them.
I'm going to continue the series because I bought them but it's not because it's good or even great. It falls into the old "the food is terrible and the portions are too small" but in BookWorld, it's "the book is full of plot holes and way too short". :)
That being said, it's very slap-dash. Or slap-Dash?? Anyway, I enjoyed the first book because it had a "House on Haunted Hill" vibe and I ADORE a good haunted house story/book. But the plot is all over the place and held together with shoestrings. I think if this book was not a series, it would make a bit more sense but I feel like the author got confused on what was going on. It lacks continuity.
In addition to the continuity issues, there are all sorts of elements but almost too many elements. You got the creepy kids, the mask, haunted house, the Demagorgon, creepy evil mastermind, ghosts, walls that move, etc., etc., etc. Again, if there was continuity, the main characters could discover each element but it just seems like they are running around aimlessly bumping into them.
I'm going to continue the series because I bought them but it's not because it's good or even great. It falls into the old "the food is terrible and the portions are too small" but in BookWorld, it's "the book is full of plot holes and way too short". :)
kaceylaine's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I was so excited to read this book because of how much I loved the first one. This book is very entertaining especially with the app which helps set the tone and atmosphere for the story.
literarycryptid's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
pussreboots's review against another edition
dark
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
sandylovesbooks's review against another edition
5.0
I hope Dan Poblocki writes fast because the third book has not been published yet and I can not wait long to finish this series. It is so good. So many twists and turns in the story I am loving it. When you read it you find yourself in the story right along with the characters and you can't put it down. I will think about Poppy, Dylan, Dash, Marcus, and Azumi all the time until the next book comes out.
Younger kids may have a hard time reading this series. It is a bit scary but if you love ghost stories then you will find Mr. Poblocki is a go-to author. Every time he publishes a book I have to get it from the library and read it. They are the best.
Younger kids may have a hard time reading this series. It is a bit scary but if you love ghost stories then you will find Mr. Poblocki is a go-to author. Every time he publishes a book I have to get it from the library and read it. They are the best.
split_figures's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
limabean74's review against another edition
3.0
I loved the first one but sort of felt this one was rather boring. I think I just wasn’t connecting with the characters anymore since it’s been a while since I read the first book. Might try again and read the first again. My daughter is excited about this series and I’m thinking it would be great for her.
bookish_satty's review against another edition
4.0
I loved this one even more than the first one.... Very spooky and tense!!! Great read for horror lovers!