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shawna_reads's review
dark
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
"The world is a scary place for a kid. It's even scarier when you're forced to watch your back because those who are supposed to protect you are those you should fear the most."
Jake and his little brother want nothing more than to escape their abusive father as they plan on running away to reunite with their mother. Their plan kicks into action one day when they take a trip to the family cabin. However, the Sheriff is snooping around after a fight between Jake and his bully, and his bully and his father have plans of their own.
I loved everything about this novella - the characters, the setting, the action. I absolutely loved Jake and Matthew. Their sibling relationship felt so real and it was so heartwarming as Jake protected his little brother and tried to change their lives for the better.
There was so much tension as things didn't go as planned, as well as a shocking reveal. I found myself heavily invested in this story from start to finish. The abuse the boys faced, their fight for survival, and their bravery of trying to start a new life. Their father made me so angry that I wanted nothing but the best for the brothers.
For a book only 130 pages long, Newman and Steensland managed to weave a beautiful, seamless story as their writing blended together so well. This was a well executed coming of age horror that evoked so many emotions.
Jake and his little brother want nothing more than to escape their abusive father as they plan on running away to reunite with their mother. Their plan kicks into action one day when they take a trip to the family cabin. However, the Sheriff is snooping around after a fight between Jake and his bully, and his bully and his father have plans of their own.
I loved everything about this novella - the characters, the setting, the action. I absolutely loved Jake and Matthew. Their sibling relationship felt so real and it was so heartwarming as Jake protected his little brother and tried to change their lives for the better.
There was so much tension as things didn't go as planned, as well as a shocking reveal. I found myself heavily invested in this story from start to finish. The abuse the boys faced, their fight for survival, and their bravery of trying to start a new life. Their father made me so angry that I wanted nothing but the best for the brothers.
For a book only 130 pages long, Newman and Steensland managed to weave a beautiful, seamless story as their writing blended together so well. This was a well executed coming of age horror that evoked so many emotions.
skullheadface's review
5.0
Sweet fucking hell! This story had me so on the edge of my seat, that it made my ass hurt, and it was easier, and ultimately less painful, to stand during the last 45 pages of this amazing story. Absolutely amazing. In every way. I love James Newman. I wish he was my dad. Everything the man touches is pure gold. And I’ll be buying everything that his tag-team partner writes as well. Mark, you’re gonna just love being my online friend.
richardleis's review against another edition
5.0
At 94 pages, In the Scrape by James Newman and Mark Steensland is a quick read, but be warned that the mounting tension might require an occasional break to catch your breath. You’re going to need the oxygen: the final third of the book, when the breathless pace escalates and characters become even more desperate, becomes unputdownable.
Newman and Steensland don’t neglect character building or description even at this rapid pace. From the first page I cared about the two brothers at the center of the story, Jake and Matthew. They’re desperate to escape their awful home life. For some readers (I’m one of them), the subject matter will hit too close to home, but it also deeply invested me in their plight. The scene work that keeps the pace brisk and takes the brothers out of their home and into other settings is incredible. Troubles compound quickly, but it’s the brothers that keep the story grounded and meaningful.
This book was included in the first delivery from Silver Shamrock Publishing’s monthly book box subscription. Three books in, I’m so happy I subscribed!
Newman and Steensland don’t neglect character building or description even at this rapid pace. From the first page I cared about the two brothers at the center of the story, Jake and Matthew. They’re desperate to escape their awful home life. For some readers (I’m one of them), the subject matter will hit too close to home, but it also deeply invested me in their plight. The scene work that keeps the pace brisk and takes the brothers out of their home and into other settings is incredible. Troubles compound quickly, but it’s the brothers that keep the story grounded and meaningful.
This book was included in the first delivery from Silver Shamrock Publishing’s monthly book box subscription. Three books in, I’m so happy I subscribed!
coinchantal's review
5.0
This novella is highly recommended, it is heartbreaking from the moment you start it. The whole story drags you in and you want to know how it ends for those 2 boys. The story will let you feel different emotions. The characters are well built. The authors did a great job on this novella and I will keep an eye out for them! So that is why this book gets a well deserved 5 points!
This is a ARC from the publisher via Netgalley, which I got for an honest review.
This is a ARC from the publisher via Netgalley, which I got for an honest review.
bradley_vincent's review
5.0
Two brothers with an abusive poor excuse for a father, plan to tie their dad up and flee to California to be with their mom. Sounds easy enough, right? Well, we all know life ain't that easy. To say much about this short, but powerful story would do a grave disservice to the authors. It's a story you need to read and experience for yourself. It's a story we're privileged to have in this day of terrible stories and lackluster storytelling. The storytelling here is nothing short of masterful. This is my first story by Mr. Steensland, but I'm well acquainted with Mr. Newman and their styles mesh seamlessly and effortlessly. It's a story that has everything we experience in life; some more than others, like, love, tragedy, and pure terror. With more twists than a corkscrew, you think you know where you are heading but you get thrown into a totally different direction. Don't wait. Read this, NOW. I for one cant wait to see what these two amazing storytellers craft next. It's one of the most well-told stories I've ever read, and one you won't forget anytime soon.
sjj169's review
4.0
Jake and his younger brother have a plan. They are walking the neighbors pets and doing everything they can to make it come true. What's the plan?
To get away from their abusive father and head to California to live with their mom. She left years ago to get away from butthole dad.
The boys also have to deal with a group of bullies.
There is a lot in this short book and it's done very well. There is one scene in which the dad ends up punishing the younger brother harder just because he knew it would hurt Jake more that hurted my heart. Dad's an ASSHOLE.
The story however is just a tad predictable but I'm still recommending it just because I liked it so dang much.
Booksource: Netgalley in exchange for review
To get away from their abusive father and head to California to live with their mom. She left years ago to get away from butthole dad.
The boys also have to deal with a group of bullies.
There is a lot in this short book and it's done very well. There is one scene in which the dad ends up punishing the younger brother harder just because he knew it would hurt Jake more that hurted my heart. Dad's an ASSHOLE.
The story however is just a tad predictable but I'm still recommending it just because I liked it so dang much.
Booksource: Netgalley in exchange for review
pbanditp's review
5.0
Stories of brotherly love always hit home for me. Jake is only 13 but he protects his 9 year old brother from bullies and their father.
The bond between the brothers is so real, and while you are reading they sneak in and attach themselves to your heart.
In the Scrape really shows that even when your whole world is falling apart there is still peace and grace all around. It the middle of all the chaos, you find a serenity and you don’t want the book to continue, maybe if you hold onto this moment in time, the boys will be okay.
“I winked at him, and during that moment I felt more love for my little brother than I had ever felt before.”
The bond between the brothers is so real, and while you are reading they sneak in and attach themselves to your heart.
In the Scrape really shows that even when your whole world is falling apart there is still peace and grace all around. It the middle of all the chaos, you find a serenity and you don’t want the book to continue, maybe if you hold onto this moment in time, the boys will be okay.
“I winked at him, and during that moment I felt more love for my little brother than I had ever felt before.”
goobersmom57's review
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
This was an absolutely stunning novella. It is both heartbreaking and beautiful at the same time.
The characters were written so well and so believable that this could’ve been nonfiction.
There was so much packed into this novella that not a single word or moment was wasted.
Definitely worthy of 5 stars or more.
The characters were written so well and so believable that this could’ve been nonfiction.
There was so much packed into this novella that not a single word or moment was wasted.
Definitely worthy of 5 stars or more.
ghostthereader's review
dark
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0