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bookqueen66's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
meows_and_migraines's review against another edition
2.0
Big fan of Little, but this novel just didn't hold my attention. Everything felt rushed and unexplained (in a bad way). I felt there was a lot of untapped potential that could have been explored. Still, Little has a way with words and characters and it was nice to see that didn't change for the most part.
raemelle's review against another edition
2.0
It’s disturbing how often this author likes to bring depraved sexual acts and minors together. Like, it really just feels like he gets off on writing x-rated material and venting his political opinions under the guise of a horror novel. Then about 390 pages in he wipes out a quick and meaningless conclusion to wrap everything up. I mean, I don’t like the idea of charter schools either, but a whole novel around this subject? He’s expressing some deep hate here.
And can I say, I feel like I mostly only see the word “panties” when male authors write about them. That’s disturbing.
And can I say, I feel like I mostly only see the word “panties” when male authors write about them. That’s disturbing.
colinclovt's review against another edition
4.0
The story was engaging and I'm fully in on using horror to critique charter schools, and while it's not as all-out terrifying as you might want from your horror, it is strange and disturbing and atmospherically eerie from start to finish. In all honesty, I wish I could give this 3.5 stars -- Little has a habit of blatantly explaining his metaphors that can get really grating, and the book leaves readers with uncertainties and unanswered questions that many may find frustrating. Overall, a brisk, pulpy read that I don't regret at all, but I suspect I'll enjoy other works by Little a tad more.
word_wandering's review against another edition
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
hydrangea's review against another edition
4.0
A good read. I would've liked for more of a history/explanation on some of the events and on The Academy and it's founders, but as it is, it's a solid, enjoyable read.
I actually found it to be far less graphic than some of Little's other works.
I actually found it to be far less graphic than some of Little's other works.
acknud's review against another edition
3.0
I am not sure where this book was aimed. I guess Mr. Little either hates, is scared of or does not understand charter schools. Maybe he is on a school board somewhere and is upset because a charter school cut him out of the decision making process. In any case, this book makes the charter system the horror villain with a school that has gone terribly wrong. The principal is possessed by the ghost of a previous school system leader. I think that is what the thing was about. Any way it was a quick easy read and I managed to finish it so it wasn't a complete waste of time!
justthatbookishbabe's review against another edition
4.0
Who would have thought that a high school turning into a charter school would be so nightmarish?! At the beginning of the school year the teachers and students are told that their school is being turned into a charter school. Strange things start happening first with the ones who opposed the charter school idea and then with the school and students. Murder, gore, batshit craziness all wrapped into one. This is not for the faint of heart. I had a hard time putting this one down.
bookmonkey98's review against another edition
3.0
If you liked other Bentley Little books along the lines of the "The Store", "The Policy" or "The Association", you should like this one too.