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cait_reads_and_drinks's review against another edition
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
Thank you partner Novel Suspects and Algonquin Young Readers or the gifted copy!
Alright, this one starts off kind of wonky. I couldn’t wrap my head around the timeline of events (reflecting on the past like it was a long time ago but it was only actually a few years ago?) and the age of the characters. I kept thinking they were older but they were actually high school/early college age. This is a YA book I guess so that makes sense but their ages just didn’t seem realistic within the context of the storyline.
Things did start to make more sense as the story unfolds but overall it felt a little disjointed. The ending was a bit rushed and ultimately underwhelming which was so disappointing because it had so much potential. That being said, I couldn’t put it down.
Kind of gives Lord of the Flies and Spahn Ranch vibes. Check it out if you’re looking for a quick read with a bit of mystery and thrill but don’t get too hung up on the details.
Alright, this one starts off kind of wonky. I couldn’t wrap my head around the timeline of events (reflecting on the past like it was a long time ago but it was only actually a few years ago?) and the age of the characters. I kept thinking they were older but they were actually high school/early college age. This is a YA book I guess so that makes sense but their ages just didn’t seem realistic within the context of the storyline.
Things did start to make more sense as the story unfolds but overall it felt a little disjointed. The ending was a bit rushed and ultimately underwhelming which was so disappointing because it had so much potential. That being said, I couldn’t put it down.
Kind of gives Lord of the Flies and Spahn Ranch vibes. Check it out if you’re looking for a quick read with a bit of mystery and thrill but don’t get too hung up on the details.
raavenreads's review against another edition
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.75
sarahsbookstack's review against another edition
mysterious
fast-paced
3.25
I thought this book was just ok. I didn't think it was scary at all (literary horror is the genre). There is a big mystery as to why Case's friend Drea isn't at the place she was said to be living and which she invited Case to. There are just a pack of teens that live in a very weird way at this place deep in the woods.
Once the mystery is solved, I just felt nothing about it. I applaud Drea's courage but also felt that any normal caring human being would have done the same. 🤷♀️ I was also very confused at first with the chapter headings until I realized they were time stamps.
Once the mystery is solved, I just felt nothing about it. I applaud Drea's courage but also felt that any normal caring human being would have done the same. 🤷♀️ I was also very confused at first with the chapter headings until I realized they were time stamps.
rhiannonafternoon's review
dark
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
rebeshelton's review against another edition
4.0
I've always had a soft spot for stories that revolve around complex characters, and this book delivered exactly that. From the very beginning, I found myself both disliking and feeling an unexpected solidarity with Case. She's not your typical goody-two-shoes heroine, but a complicated protagonist with layers that peel off as you read through. It's been a while since I've encountered such a character, and I think this nuance fit seamlessly into the eerie tapestry of the story.
The plot is a roller coaster of emotions. Not in the usual bombastic way where you can easily pinpoint the highs and lows. Instead, it's the kind of story where, on the surface, not a lot seems to be happening, but underneath, there's a whirlpool of events, emotions, and revelations. It's intriguing in the best way possible. The pace was so gripping that I breezed through "Clever Creatures of the Night" faster than I've read any other book recently.
Of course, the eerie undertone provided by Drea's enigmatic roommates and the unexplainable aggressive behavior of the animals adds another layer to the story. It's not just about a missing friend; it's about an environment that's almost alive, hinting at darker secrets and possible dangers at every turn.
Samantha Mabry's writing and character development are commendable. This book is perfect for those who love literary horror with strong character arcs and atmospheric settings. While there were minor elements I felt could be improved, overall, it's a solid 4-star read.
The plot is a roller coaster of emotions. Not in the usual bombastic way where you can easily pinpoint the highs and lows. Instead, it's the kind of story where, on the surface, not a lot seems to be happening, but underneath, there's a whirlpool of events, emotions, and revelations. It's intriguing in the best way possible. The pace was so gripping that I breezed through "Clever Creatures of the Night" faster than I've read any other book recently.
Of course, the eerie undertone provided by Drea's enigmatic roommates and the unexplainable aggressive behavior of the animals adds another layer to the story. It's not just about a missing friend; it's about an environment that's almost alive, hinting at darker secrets and possible dangers at every turn.
Samantha Mabry's writing and character development are commendable. This book is perfect for those who love literary horror with strong character arcs and atmospheric settings. While there were minor elements I felt could be improved, overall, it's a solid 4-star read.
cbashore's review against another edition
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I feel like half the book is missing? I love the story premise but it’s so disconnected.
krich's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
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