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lulu_readsalot's review against another edition
2.0
I think I should have read it (and the rest of the series) when I was younger. It was really hard for me to get into the story.
I can see why the younger audience would like it.
I can see why the younger audience would like it.
wenabra's review against another edition
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
islesbiyana's review
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
1.25
Hmm, I'm starting to realize that stories that take place at camp just aren't for me (and yes, while fun and sad, Fear Street: 1978 is my least favorite one in the trilogy).
Lights Out was simultaneously a frustrating and boring read; the former because i spent majority of it just feeling bad for the protagonist. It's been a while since I've read a story where every single character had some vendetta against the MC, but here, none of them had a really valid reason to act that way. Holly wasn't the best protagonist—in fact, she made some stupid decisions herself and was utterly devoid of a backbone—, but everyone's attitude towards her was just downright ridiculous. At some point, I even ended up not caring about who potentially could get killed next with the amount of gaslighting, harassment, and nescient decision-making (or lack thereof). Speaking of decisions, it's hard to believe that the camp was given leeway to remain open despite a death the previous year AND another one in present times. Oh, and of course they completely blame Holly for that.
As for the latter, yeah, this was a slog to get through. Sadly, I don't have the nostalgia for any of these books, so I couldn't even turn to that factor as the possible saving grace. Maybe if I had liked these settings, I could've had a more fun time with this one. From a few reviews I've seen, some fans consider this to be one of their least favorite books in the entire series, even ones who do like the cliché but campy (lol) tropes and environment. Again, everyone acting like grown ass high schoolers (I'd argue that most real teenagers are way more mature than the entire cast here) fully abolished the important tension. I didn't really care for the reveal, however, the antagonist's motive actually made sense. Couldn't say the same for the choices they made to execute their plan, though. Also found the ending to be extremely rushed and anticlimactic; felt like there was still so much left to resolve.
And of course, because rude and frankly abusive colleagues wasn't enough, Stine decided to give Holly the worst possible interest. A man who deserved to get throttled rather than get together with the girl he "likes." A Nice Guy who was complicit in workplace harassment and humiliation after Holly rejected his advances. That scene where she kindly turned his invitation for a walk and he quickly dropped the charming demeanor and lashed out at her—kept pressuring her, accused her of resisting him only because she already had a partner back home, roughly held onto her arm, stomped off without apologizing like a child—was more terrifying than the actual horrors of this book. I couldn't believe my eyes when Stine wrote about the MC's thought process of finding this behavior… hot? What in the *****? What in the ******** and its all the more cursed successors?
This is only my third read in the series with me starting with The Wrong Number and its sequel. However, if I had a nickel every time there was a love interest in a Fear Street book who was just an insufferable and dangerous asshat who didn't At All deserve to play hero and eventually get the girl, I'd have two nickels, which isn't a lot, but it sure is weird that it's already happened twice!
Regardless of my complaints, well, I can see the charm of these books, and will still plan on reading the ones that interest me. I had fun with the first two! It's just unfortunate that the one I picked up next had to be one of the more... weaker ones in the series.
Lights Out was simultaneously a frustrating and boring read; the former because i spent majority of it just feeling bad for the protagonist. It's been a while since I've read a story where every single character had some vendetta against the MC, but here, none of them had a really valid reason to act that way. Holly wasn't the best protagonist—in fact, she made some stupid decisions herself and was utterly devoid of a backbone—, but everyone's attitude towards her was just downright ridiculous. At some point, I even ended up not caring about who potentially could get killed next with the amount of gaslighting, harassment, and nescient decision-making (or lack thereof). Speaking of decisions, it's hard to believe that the camp was given leeway to remain open despite a death the previous year AND another one in present times. Oh, and of course they completely blame Holly for that.
As for the latter, yeah, this was a slog to get through. Sadly, I don't have the nostalgia for any of these books, so I couldn't even turn to that factor as the possible saving grace. Maybe if I had liked these settings, I could've had a more fun time with this one. From a few reviews I've seen, some fans consider this to be one of their least favorite books in the entire series, even ones who do like the cliché but campy (lol) tropes and environment. Again, everyone acting like grown ass high schoolers (I'd argue that most real teenagers are way more mature than the entire cast here) fully abolished the important tension. I didn't really care for the reveal, however, the antagonist's motive actually made sense. Couldn't say the same for the choices they made to execute their plan, though. Also found the ending to be extremely rushed and anticlimactic; felt like there was still so much left to resolve.
And of course, because rude and frankly abusive colleagues wasn't enough, Stine decided to give Holly the worst possible interest. A man who deserved to get throttled rather than get together with the girl he "likes." A Nice Guy who was complicit in workplace harassment and humiliation after Holly rejected his advances. That scene where she kindly turned his invitation for a walk and he quickly dropped the charming demeanor and lashed out at her—kept pressuring her, accused her of resisting him only because she already had a partner back home, roughly held onto her arm, stomped off without apologizing like a child—was more terrifying than the actual horrors of this book. I couldn't believe my eyes when Stine wrote about the MC's thought process of finding this behavior… hot? What in the *****? What in the ******** and its all the more cursed successors?
This is only my third read in the series with me starting with The Wrong Number and its sequel. However, if I had a nickel every time there was a love interest in a Fear Street book who was just an insufferable and dangerous asshat who didn't At All deserve to play hero and eventually get the girl, I'd have two nickels, which isn't a lot, but it sure is weird that it's already happened twice!
Regardless of my complaints, well, I can see the charm of these books, and will still plan on reading the ones that interest me. I had fun with the first two! It's just unfortunate that the one I picked up next had to be one of the more... weaker ones in the series.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual harassment, Bullying, and Gaslighting
tyler_j's review against another edition
2.5
I was frustrated for Holly through-out the entire book. I loved Holly, hated pretty much everyone else. I called who it was long before it was obvious but not because it was predictable exactly but because i've come to realize how these things go now. I didn't hate reading it, I was just so frustrated that no one would listen to her though I do understand how it's all realistic in that sense. My main issue is how Mick treats Holly and how easily she forgives him...I don't get it. And Geri, omg, chill girl.
It was a fun read just, imo, not one of the better Fear Street books. I don't know it just felt a bit off to me. The ending didn't feel like it resolved much of anything..
It was a fun read just, imo, not one of the better Fear Street books. I don't know it just felt a bit off to me. The ending didn't feel like it resolved much of anything..
slimeandslashers's review against another edition
4.0
3.5 stars rounded up. I had a fun time checking this out! There's a great death in this book...just brutal! That's the very best part!
Overall, there are lots of positives about this read: it has a summer feel; the summer camp setting is fun and pays homage to slasher movies; there is an interesting mystery. However, the biggest negative of the book is how unrelentingly mean everyone is to the main character Holly. Those instances just get tiresome to read after a while. Even her own uncle becomes annoyed and is short with her at points. That negative is the main reason I didn't rate this higher, but it was still an enjoyable read for me for the most part!
Even though it hardly has anything in common with the new Fear Street Netflix movie, it is still the perfect time to read this book. It's very thematic overall, and, although not similar at all, it would still pair nicely to read this around the same time as watching the Fear Street 1978 film or even the entire Fear Street trilogy.
Overall, there are lots of positives about this read: it has a summer feel; the summer camp setting is fun and pays homage to slasher movies; there is an interesting mystery. However, the biggest negative of the book is how unrelentingly mean everyone is to the main character Holly. Those instances just get tiresome to read after a while. Even her own uncle becomes annoyed and is short with her at points. That negative is the main reason I didn't rate this higher, but it was still an enjoyable read for me for the most part!
Even though it hardly has anything in common with the new Fear Street Netflix movie, it is still the perfect time to read this book. It's very thematic overall, and, although not similar at all, it would still pair nicely to read this around the same time as watching the Fear Street 1978 film or even the entire Fear Street trilogy.
readertasha's review against another edition
4.0
Oh, I hate former best friend so much in this. I wanted to throw her in the lake but I enjoyed reading it as well. Its really a great read if you love camps.
elvishreadings's review against another edition
2.0
Leest vlot, maar ik had zo'n haat voor alle personages dat het wel strugglen was. Ook de rare reacties van Holly (tegenover bvb Mick, die haar letterlijk bedreigd heeft de hele tijd) waren echt vreemd om te lezen.
booksandbraids's review against another edition
3.0
I liked this one more than most of the other fear street books. 4 stars (aka really liked) for a fear street book. 2 stars (aka just okay) for books in general.
zaradukic's review against another edition
dark
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0