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speculativeshelves's review against another edition
3.0
3.5/5
More mixed feelings on this one compared to the first two books in the series but overall still enjoyable. This feels a bit like a side quest/set up for the final installment. It ends with a major cliffhanger so this one isn't able to stand on its own as well as the other two but I'm excited to see how this story wraps up. In addition, I feel that the pacing of this one (especially the ending) felt a bit rushed.
As always I love Ollie, Brian, and Coco (this book focuses mainly on Brian which is great since he had only a small role in Dead Voices). Phil was an unexpectedly great addition to the crew and I also loved seeing the involvement of the parents.
I think the atmospheric/spooky vibes in the first two books were stronger but I still liked the sea monster/deserted island aspect of this one. It feels a bit more like an adventure story than a ghost story - though there are ghosts...and creepy water snakes.
Overall, despite my issues with some of this installment I think what it has set up for the finale is great and I'm looking forward (and maybe a bit nervous) to see how it all plays out.
More mixed feelings on this one compared to the first two books in the series but overall still enjoyable. This feels a bit like a side quest/set up for the final installment. It ends with a major cliffhanger so this one isn't able to stand on its own as well as the other two but I'm excited to see how this story wraps up. In addition, I feel that the pacing of this one (especially the ending) felt a bit rushed.
As always I love Ollie, Brian, and Coco (this book focuses mainly on Brian which is great since he had only a small role in Dead Voices). Phil was an unexpectedly great addition to the crew and I also loved seeing the involvement of the parents.
I think the atmospheric/spooky vibes in the first two books were stronger but I still liked the sea monster/deserted island aspect of this one. It feels a bit more like an adventure story than a ghost story - though there are ghosts...and creepy water snakes.
Overall, despite my issues with some of this installment I think what it has set up for the finale is great and I'm looking forward (and maybe a bit nervous) to see how it all plays out.
steph01924's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 stars. That ended way too quickly! I didn't love this quite as much as the other two, but I am still looking forward to seeing how it all wraps up. Arden still knows how to give good creep factor and there were definitely high stakes...I think the pacing of this one felt a little off. It also suffers from "middle book syndrome" since it's definitely gearing us up for the finale. Still, if I were a younger reader I would be super happy with this series.
You can read my full review at Forever Young Adult.
You can read my full review at Forever Young Adult.
alprnt's review against another edition
3.0
This was definitely my least favourite in the series but it was still fun!
jaynecm's review against another edition
4.0
Not my favourite book in the series, but that ending! Ooh, gives me shivers leading into the final book of the series.
Still an enjoyable read, just not as creepy as the previous books.
Still an enjoyable read, just not as creepy as the previous books.
jgintrovertedreader's review against another edition
4.0
Ollie, Coco, and Brian continue to research The Smiling Man while trying to avoid his unwanted attentions. Their grades have started to slip a little and their parents notice that something is going on. But they're all excited to take a break and sail on Lake Champlain while learning about the lake's mythological monster, Champ. But all does not go according to plan....
This was another fun installment in the Small Spaces series, with just the right amount of creepy for middle grade readers.
I like that Brian is a little more in the spotlight in this book. Ollie tends to be the group's natural leader but her attentions are elsewhere throughout most of the novel. Brian really steps up. It was nice to see more of the action through his eyes.
A new(ish) character, Phil, is added to the group. Our protagonists thought they were the only ones who remembered the events of the first book, Small Spaces. Phil remembers what happened but he thought it was all a nightmare. Phil was a jerk when we first met him back then but he's had time to reflect on his actions and grow in the months since then. I like his inclusion.
I'm glad I listened to this so close to the release of the fourth and final book because it ends on a terrible cliffhanger! I need to know what happens to resolve all of this.
Renee Dorian's narration of the audiobook was delightful, as expected.
I highly recommend this series for readers who like their books with a touch of supernatural suspense.
This was another fun installment in the Small Spaces series, with just the right amount of creepy for middle grade readers.
I like that Brian is a little more in the spotlight in this book. Ollie tends to be the group's natural leader but her attentions are elsewhere throughout most of the novel. Brian really steps up. It was nice to see more of the action through his eyes.
A new(ish) character, Phil, is added to the group. Our protagonists thought they were the only ones who remembered the events of the first book, Small Spaces. Phil remembers what happened but he thought it was all a nightmare. Phil was a jerk when we first met him back then but he's had time to reflect on his actions and grow in the months since then. I like his inclusion.
I'm glad I listened to this so close to the release of the fourth and final book because it ends on a terrible cliffhanger! I need to know what happens to resolve all of this.
Renee Dorian's narration of the audiobook was delightful, as expected.
I highly recommend this series for readers who like their books with a touch of supernatural suspense.
chrstn's review against another edition
dark
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
3.5
foundinthebookaisle's review against another edition
adventurous
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
3.75
dinnureads's review against another edition
5.0
I am sad that this was the shortest book in the series yet. It was still insanely creepy and perfect for the spooky season but perhaps not the strongest of the three books.
pizzamyheart's review against another edition
3.0
Dnf at 75%
Gosh this was tough. I love Katherine Arden's writing and loved the first two books in this series. Unfortunately my interest is waning. I realized at 75% it was ok to throw in the towel.
Gosh this was tough. I love Katherine Arden's writing and loved the first two books in this series. Unfortunately my interest is waning. I realized at 75% it was ok to throw in the towel.