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iffer's review
3.0
I, surprisingly, quite enjoyed this book. It was light, fun, and funny. It's a kind of chick-lit with Demons from Hell and a clairvoyant, snarky Nancy Drew.
It's not the greatest book ever, and has the standard fare of a likable, normal (well, with ESP) protagonist and the intentionally extreme caricature of jocks and cheerleaders, as well as two gorgeous boys and a romance that satisfy its target audience. However, I do like the fact that the heroine is a good mix of self-confidence and self-doubt and well-adjusted, unlike what is typically found most stories (i.e. somewhat pathetic girl with poor self-esteem who suddenly finds self worth when a boy pays attention to her (Twilight?) or an extremely "hot" girl who has been transplanted and is no longer cool (Buffy)). It's also interesting that the author leaves some loose ends and doesn't let the reader off with a perfectly happily-ever-after or the impression that the main character and her friends are Good, while the Jock and Jessica (cheerleading) squad are Evil.
It's not the greatest book ever, and has the standard fare of a likable, normal (well, with ESP) protagonist and the intentionally extreme caricature of jocks and cheerleaders, as well as two gorgeous boys and a romance that satisfy its target audience. However, I do like the fact that the heroine is a good mix of self-confidence and self-doubt and well-adjusted, unlike what is typically found most stories (i.e. somewhat pathetic girl with poor self-esteem who suddenly finds self worth when a boy pays attention to her (Twilight?) or an extremely "hot" girl who has been transplanted and is no longer cool (Buffy)). It's also interesting that the author leaves some loose ends and doesn't let the reader off with a perfectly happily-ever-after or the impression that the main character and her friends are Good, while the Jock and Jessica (cheerleading) squad are Evil.
hotgirlreadingforfun13's review
4.0
A lot more deeper then you would think for a book called prom dates from hell. Overall just a fun read
abigailbat's review
4.0
Give this to the next Buffy fan to approach you for a suggestion, for serious. Maggie Quinn has always been somewhat intuitive. Her gran tells her that the Sight runs in the family. So when Maggie starts having horrific dreams about fire and brimstone and a shadowy demon, she's not completely surprised to find mysterious things happening at her high school. The first appearance is at the pool during gym class. Maggie notices a strange sulfuric odor and then her classmate Karen "accidentally" slips on the high dive, cracking her head on the board on her way down. Maggie knows that it's no accident and she sets out to get her Nancy Drew on. Luckily, she has a dreamy sidekick: an anthropology student in one of her father's classes at the university. Together, they'll have to figured out who summoned this demon, who's on the demon's hit list, and what they can do to stop it... Worst of all, Maggie might have to face her worst fear... going to the prom.
Readalike suggestions: Devilish by Maureen Johnson, the Mediator series by Meg Cabot, and Tattoo by Jennifer Barnes.
Readalike suggestions: Devilish by Maureen Johnson, the Mediator series by Meg Cabot, and Tattoo by Jennifer Barnes.
vin_ashlyn's review
4.0
My high school self wanted to give this five stars, but my adult self understands this might be a three-star without my bias. Therefore, I'm settling with four stars.
First, I want to acknowledge that this book does have faults. I see why people gave it low scores. The romance is so/so, the story isn't anything unique, and it is heavy in typical high school stereotypes.
However, I love this story, even with all the faults. It was a fun read when I first read it in high school, and it still was enthralling as an adult (there might be some bias there).
I think, especially when this came out, it was great to see a more independent girl being her own hero. When a damsel in distress was all the rage, this was a breath of fresh air (and still is).
I also felt like this book did a great way of showcasing that being popular has its downfalls, that getting professional help is okay, and that being 'overweight' according to society's standards doesn't mean you aren't beautiful or healthy.
There is a quote that I LOVE in this story that the main character, Maggie, says to her P.E. instructor about weight:
"I thought you'd be an advocate for a healthy person, not just a thin body. My five extra pounds means an extra book read or another banana split I shared with my dad. I'm happy like I am..."
It also talked about some deep issues towards the end of the book, which was nice to see a YA book discuss.
Overall, it's just a fun spooky read. If you like witty heroines, a little bit of nostalgic stereotyping high school drama, and hellish adventures, this book is for you.
First, I want to acknowledge that this book does have faults. I see why people gave it low scores. The romance is so/so, the story isn't anything unique, and it is heavy in typical high school stereotypes.
However, I love this story, even with all the faults. It was a fun read when I first read it in high school, and it still was enthralling as an adult (there might be some bias there).
I think, especially when this came out, it was great to see a more independent girl being her own hero. When a damsel in distress was all the rage, this was a breath of fresh air (and still is).
I also felt like this book did a great way of showcasing that being popular has its downfalls, that getting professional help is okay, and that being 'overweight' according to society's standards doesn't mean you aren't beautiful or healthy.
There is a quote that I LOVE in this story that the main character, Maggie, says to her P.E. instructor about weight:
"I thought you'd be an advocate for a healthy person, not just a thin body. My five extra pounds means an extra book read or another banana split I shared with my dad. I'm happy like I am..."
It also talked about some deep issues towards the end of the book, which was nice to see a YA book discuss.
Overall, it's just a fun spooky read. If you like witty heroines, a little bit of nostalgic stereotyping high school drama, and hellish adventures, this book is for you.
funsizelibrarian's review
5.0
It was such a relief to read a teen book featuring a plucky, wise-ass, intelligent heroine! I loved this book and will be checking out the sequels!
jbrooxd's review
4.0
I love a sassy, quirky story, and this definitely qualified! I loved the main character and her friendships with some of the secondary characters. There was a nice twist to this that I enjoyed, too. The story got violent and creepy towards the end - in keeping with the plot - but it was a step or two too far over the horror line for me. I don't know that I will read the rest of the books in the series, but for those who enjoy horror (and this is on the tame side of that genre), be sure to check this out because Maggie is a delight! (Language)
aira_reads's review
4.0
FUNNY BOOK ! The main character is fluent in sarcasm* and i enjoyed the overall reading
katiecoops's review
4.0
Fun, though completely different from what I normally read. I'm glad I'm reading outside of my interest zone a little!
theartolater's review
3.0
For a formulaic teen demon-hunting novel, this was a lot of fun. Certainly not groundbreaking, but I struggled to put this one down, so that means something. That’s the basic sign of a good book, right?
williamsdebbied's review
3.0
Maggie Quinn is a pretty typical snarky nerd girl, except that she sometimes have dreams that stink (literally) of the supernatural. When the popular kids at school start having strange accidents, Maggie senses a growing darkness. Like her idol Nancy Drew, she is always prepared with a plan and a witty quip, but will that be enough to save the world (and the senior prom) from a demon?
A fun YA mystery with a healthy dose of humor and romance. Maggie is a great heroine, definitely more Buffy than Bella.
A fun YA mystery with a healthy dose of humor and romance. Maggie is a great heroine, definitely more Buffy than Bella.