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3.77 AVERAGE
3.77 AVERAGE
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I really loved this. Yes it's technically a middle grade/Jr. High horror; no it isn't "scary." What it does well is bring the reader into the mind of a child who suffers from anxiety/OCD and explores what it means to accept oneself, even in brokenness. I loved the dynamic between the main character and the other players in the game. I also loved the subtlety used, it adds an atmospheric tension and creeping dread. What a great story. 4.8/5.
This is very different from other Oppel books I have read. The tone is different, the style and pacing, too.
My son read this recently and liked it a lot, so he suggested I read it too. I would suggest it for anyone who likes their stories a bit strange, a little disquieting, and suspenseful. I wasn't sure where the 'sides' in this novel were until close to the end. I can usually see that kind of thing coming a mile off, so I had some fun being led on.
The protagonist might be in middle school, or he might be a young high schooler--it's hard to say.
My son read this recently and liked it a lot, so he suggested I read it too. I would suggest it for anyone who likes their stories a bit strange, a little disquieting, and suspenseful. I wasn't sure where the 'sides' in this novel were until close to the end. I can usually see that kind of thing coming a mile off, so I had some fun being led on.
The protagonist might be in middle school, or he might be a young high schooler--it's hard to say.
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I found this book to be legitimately scary. It has a weird nightmarish quality and you never quite know what's real or not. I have no idea if kids would like this, though. It's a bit artsy but the subject of anxiety was handled in a way that I found rather beautiful. This was a very wishy-washy review, but I still don't know quite what to make of this one.
For most kids, summer is a carefree adventure. But for Steve, it’s a time of overwhelming fears. His baby brother is critically ill, his parents are barely managing, and a sinister wasp nest is growing larger under the eaves. Then, to make matters worse, a mysterious wasp queen starts visiting Steve in his dreams, offering to "fix" everything.
Holy dread, Batman! This is hands-down the most stress and fear-inducing middle-grade horror novel I've ever laid eyes on. I had to keep reminding myself, "This isn't an adult book, so stop imagining the absolute worst. Things have to turn out okay... right? Right?!" Kenneth Oppel didn’t just push the envelope; he flung it out the window with reckless abandon.
On the surface, it might seem like a simple parable about the dangers of seeking a perfect life or easy fixes. But dive a little deeper, and you'll find it’s really grappling with grief surrounding terminal illness and the toll it has on families, all through the eyes of a child who's utterly alone in processing it.
It's a brilliant piece of art and masterfully written, but here's my pro tip: parents, read this alongside or before your kids. Don’t let your child be like Steve—be there to help them navigate the emotional rollercoaster this book throws them on.
Holy dread, Batman! This is hands-down the most stress and fear-inducing middle-grade horror novel I've ever laid eyes on. I had to keep reminding myself, "This isn't an adult book, so stop imagining the absolute worst. Things have to turn out okay... right? Right?!" Kenneth Oppel didn’t just push the envelope; he flung it out the window with reckless abandon.
On the surface, it might seem like a simple parable about the dangers of seeking a perfect life or easy fixes. But dive a little deeper, and you'll find it’s really grappling with grief surrounding terminal illness and the toll it has on families, all through the eyes of a child who's utterly alone in processing it.
It's a brilliant piece of art and masterfully written, but here's my pro tip: parents, read this alongside or before your kids. Don’t let your child be like Steve—be there to help them navigate the emotional rollercoaster this book throws them on.
*spoilers*
The antagonist is really doing the most trying to hit all the points in gaslight, gatekeep, girlboss. The antagonist also doesn’t realize consent can be taken back, but it’s a wasp, so…idk it was weird.
The story was interesting but not for me; if I were younger, maybe I would be a little more entertained, but that’s a big maybe because it felt like so much happened, but also nothing happened at all. The writing is good, but the ending fell a little flat for me and felt almost rushed.
The antagonist is really doing the most trying to hit all the points in gaslight, gatekeep, girlboss. The antagonist also doesn’t realize consent can be taken back, but it’s a wasp, so…idk it was weird.
The story was interesting but not for me; if I were younger, maybe I would be a little more entertained, but that’s a big maybe because it felt like so much happened, but also nothing happened at all. The writing is good, but the ending fell a little flat for me and felt almost rushed.
Jaysus Mary!! This is one hell of a short horror for middle-graders. Woohee! What a ride!
genre: scifi? fantasy? horror
summary: Steve's family welcome a new baby brother. It's supposed to be a happy occasion but the new baby has health problems. There's a lot wrong. He's not developing properly. Steve's parents spend their time worrying and visiting the hospital. Meanwhile the summer brings a swarm of strange bees to the house. Steve dreams that one visits and offers to make the baby better....but like any good magical deal, there's a catch. Steve must save his little brother before its too late.
notes:
for kids who like: creepy sci-fi/fantasy, Coraline, Cats of Tanglewood Forrest
age group: age 9+
my review: twilight episode type feel (foreboding but a little predictable). A good spine-tingling read for little thrill seekers
summary: Steve's family welcome a new baby brother. It's supposed to be a happy occasion but the new baby has health problems. There's a lot wrong. He's not developing properly. Steve's parents spend their time worrying and visiting the hospital. Meanwhile the summer brings a swarm of strange bees to the house. Steve dreams that one visits and offers to make the baby better....but like any good magical deal, there's a catch. Steve must save his little brother before its too late.
notes:
for kids who like: creepy sci-fi/fantasy, Coraline, Cats of Tanglewood Forrest
age group: age 9+
my review: twilight episode type feel (foreboding but a little predictable). A good spine-tingling read for little thrill seekers
dark
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Chronic illness, Death, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Medical content, Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Body horror, Gore