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ems_rxlibrary's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.25
Content Warnings
Moderate: Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Violence, Animal cruelty, and Cursing
katejoanna's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
An unexpectedly bizarre novel, definitely a unique idea and reading this is an experience in itself. Jeremy has a way of pulling you into the story and a sense of tumbling down the rabbit hole as you read, there really is no better explanation than that.
The anthropomorphic spoon popping up and having its own mini-stories was just brilliant, I absolutely loved that as well
(GO TEAM SPOON 🥄)!!
I was sent this one as an ARC and in all honestly probably wouldn’t have picked it up as a normal read, yet I’m so glad I did. It was interesting to say the least.
I feel like this is a story and characters that will stick with me and keep me wondering.
It started out a little confusing (though really, as if the whole book wasn’t…), I really wasn’t sure what was happening at first.
I really like the characters voice/narration but don’t personally like the writing style, it’s not bad at all, in fact it is very well done, however just not really the style for me.
Never the less I did get used to it and it works really well for this book actually, keeping the reader on their toes and stumbling along right there with the characters.
This was quirky, warm and funny with enthralling story telling, full of interesting twists and expertly crafted.
Definitely a trip and a little crazy in the best way!
This was surprisingly lighthearted for something that still remains creepy and serious.
Great colourful description, especially with setting scenes and bringing the animatronics, rides and carnival to life in your mind.
It’s one of those books you want to instantly turn over and start at the beginning again, rereading until you’ve picked it apart and seen it from every angle, desperate to figure it out.
I’m still not sure I fully understand it.
Trigger warning- I really didn’t like the live feeding reference in regards to looking after someone’s pet snakes. It was unnecessary especially since they literally mention frozen thawed rodents and you can tell the author has the knowledge behind animal care to know better.
My only real complaint is not really having anything explained and figured out, though the ending leaves an intriguing ambiguity.
Most things are wrapped up, but my biggest questions still go unanswered…
It’s so going to bug me.
The anthropomorphic spoon popping up and having its own mini-stories was just brilliant, I absolutely loved that as well
(GO TEAM SPOON 🥄)!!
I was sent this one as an ARC and in all honestly probably wouldn’t have picked it up as a normal read, yet I’m so glad I did. It was interesting to say the least.
I feel like this is a story and characters that will stick with me and keep me wondering.
It started out a little confusing (though really, as if the whole book wasn’t…), I really wasn’t sure what was happening at first.
I really like the characters voice/narration but don’t personally like the writing style, it’s not bad at all, in fact it is very well done, however just not really the style for me.
Never the less I did get used to it and it works really well for this book actually, keeping the reader on their toes and stumbling along right there with the characters.
This was quirky, warm and funny with enthralling story telling, full of interesting twists and expertly crafted.
Definitely a trip and a little crazy in the best way!
This was surprisingly lighthearted for something that still remains creepy and serious.
Great colourful description, especially with setting scenes and bringing the animatronics, rides and carnival to life in your mind.
It’s one of those books you want to instantly turn over and start at the beginning again, rereading until you’ve picked it apart and seen it from every angle, desperate to figure it out.
I’m still not sure I fully understand it.
Trigger warning- I really didn’t like the live feeding reference in regards to looking after someone’s pet snakes. It was unnecessary especially since they literally mention frozen thawed rodents and you can tell the author has the knowledge behind animal care to know better.
My only real complaint is not really having anything explained and figured out, though the ending leaves an intriguing ambiguity.
Most things are wrapped up, but my biggest questions still go unanswered…
It’s so going to bug me.
Content Warnings
Minor: Car accident, Domestic abuse, Grief, Injury/Injury detail, Animal cruelty, and Gore
Mention of live feeding to snakesraforall's review
4.0
Review to appear in a future issue of Booklist
Three Words That Describe This Book: creepy, cults, conversational narration
A quick, suspenseful read for fans of creepy Horror featuring cults such as Just Like a Mother by Anne Heltzel or amusement parks like Hide by Kiersten White
Notes: Quick read– suspenseful and well paced. The mystery-horror hybrid works well Well paced. Suspenseful, creepy, weird.
Great sense of place– the mirror room scenes are awesome– but even the details like what the creepy elevator says when you get in it.
But then it all becomes more than it seems– It’s about love, family, allowing yourself to be vulnerable.
And about the stories those we tell and how we share them.
You fall right in. Seraphina has a great narrative voice. She is talking to the reader as she works out her dilemma and her life.
This is a book readers will sit back and watch happen– enjoy it all, and then bonus– be left with something to think about after it is all over.
Three Words That Describe This Book: creepy, cults, conversational narration
A quick, suspenseful read for fans of creepy Horror featuring cults such as Just Like a Mother by Anne Heltzel or amusement parks like Hide by Kiersten White
Notes: Quick read– suspenseful and well paced. The mystery-horror hybrid works well Well paced. Suspenseful, creepy, weird.
Great sense of place– the mirror room scenes are awesome– but even the details like what the creepy elevator says when you get in it.
But then it all becomes more than it seems– It’s about love, family, allowing yourself to be vulnerable.
And about the stories those we tell and how we share them.
You fall right in. Seraphina has a great narrative voice. She is talking to the reader as she works out her dilemma and her life.
This is a book readers will sit back and watch happen– enjoy it all, and then bonus– be left with something to think about after it is all over.
emmandm's review
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
3.75
questionablereads's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-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? It's complicated
4.0
(ARC review) This is a great cult/horror story that truly had me on the edge of my seat. We follow the story of Phina as she tries to unravel the story behind her sister Eff’s unexpected coma. Through letters Phina learns that Eff has been living with a cult that currently resides in a once-abandoned amusement park. The amusement park is so creepy and fascinating, and an entire character on its own. The only way Phina believes she can learn the truth about her sister is if she joins said cult, which she does, and we are blessed with bizarre and off kilter members who are big on meditation and distance from the world around them. They operate much like a retreat, and create their own fun with singing, cooking and storytelling. As a reader, It’s hard not to form a bond with these loveable weirdos, even though they are all on the potential suspect list. Jeremey Shipp’s characters are so unique, yet all have a looming darkness within them, making this story such a macabre read. The book does deal with family trauma, and a deep desire for a connection to others. So while yes, it is a horror read, it’s also a journey about finding yourself and your people.
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