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elenazinaich's review against another edition
5.0
These are soo good! Why did I wait so long between the first and second book?? Lockwood and Co are hilarious, love their banter and the love they have for each other. Not to mention every bit of this series is action packed. Not bored for a minute. Loved it. Can’t wait to read the next
amanita_device's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
gabbsmci's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
3.75
mimicookie1's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
5.0
odyssia's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
I got into this series by watching the Netflix series. I was glad to find that everything that struck me as far-fetched and jarring in the adaptation, such as the haphazard approach to the auction heist plan, turned out to be embellishments on the part of the screenwriter; the books still require some suspension of disbelief, but the TV version is off-the-scale ludicrous, though I very much enjoyed it.
At the same time, some changes to the plot and the characters were improvements. For example, I feel Barnes is more reasonable in the TV version and the chemistry between Lucy and Lockwood is much more apparent. George is a lot less stereotypical as well.
I'm glad I came across this series, it's been a long while since I've been this hooked on a book series.
At the same time, some changes to the plot and the characters were improvements. For example, I feel Barnes is more reasonable in the TV version and the chemistry between Lucy and Lockwood is much more apparent. George is a lot less stereotypical as well.
I'm glad I came across this series, it's been a long while since I've been this hooked on a book series.
potplant's review against another edition
Diverting and spooky. You really feel how much the kids love each other. Great ending.
sheisinquisitive's review against another edition
5.0
The sheer willpower I needed to put this book down and finish homework or go to sleep because it's that addictive! I can see myself re-reading this book (perhaps the whole series, we'll see), and that's high praise.
The world-building is incredible, almost planting the reader in England during the late 80s, witnessing a paranormal epidemic control the days and haunt the nights. Although the target audience for the books is middle schoolers, the quality of writing, from the vocabulary to the intersection of subplots and character development, is complex. Perhaps I would have enjoyed the books in my early teens, but I appreciate them a lot more as a young adult. And I loved how English it is - the slang, imagery, even how the characters refer to foods or describe things, places, and more (I haven't heard anyone refer to pancakes as "flapjacks" in forever). I almost want to move to England (but you know, without the ghosts).
Johnathan Stroud continues to impress! I tend to be wary of male authors writing female protagonists, often writing them to appeal to the male gaze, but Stroud understood the assignment. Not only is Lucy likeable with a great sense of humour, but she is also headstrong, empathetic, and flawed. At no point does Stroud unfairly portray Lucy as stereotypically feminine or "not like other girls" - her individuality is evident without being subject to being "too much" or "too little" of a girl. In fact, not a single character feels "cookie-cutter" to me. Sure, they share traits that could be cliché (e.g., George as "the nerd") but they are not confined to those parts. Stroud gives each character a personalized set of insecurities, flaws, and internal conflicts that, by bearing witness from even Lucy's perspective, is enough to conclude that they are not necessarily characters you've seen before. Lockwood is a whole other gift in the book. The duality is crazy! Despite being incredibly reckless and seemingly selfish, Lockwood is mature and (surprisingly) sensible when he's not seeking attention. He holds himself accountable, shows up for those he cares about, and shelters vulnerability and softness in that sassy exterior. I can't wait to learn more about him, especially following that cliffhanger!
As for the plot - wow! Since the first book lays the foundations of the Problem, our main characters, and the continuing subplots and social dynamics (including Lockwood's rivalry with Kipps, detest for DEPRAC, and undisclosed past), much of this book is about their newest case and how it intertwines with other developments following the Problem. Reading about was amazing! By integrating such stories and introducing new characters, you realize that the series is a lot bigger than our unconventional trio. Like Lockwood, Lucy, and George, everyone is living differently with the epidemic and the secrets of its origin are darker and more disturbing than they'd imagine - even in a world filled with lurking ghosts!
There's a lot more dimension and character compared to the first book and its pacing improved greatly. The banter and sarcasm were absolute perfection and oddly sound with the dark and ominous atmosphere that exists throughout. Interestingly enough, it didn't entirely matter that I watched the show before (three times actually, a little concerned about that) because of the changes made in its translation to television. It was interesting to see - a bit baffling when I thought - how the book and show are very different, but it still... made sense for them to be different? It felt like a game, seeing what they kept and what they changed between the book and show, and that only added to the fun.
My point is I had a great time and I'd read it again. Time to order book 3!
The world-building is incredible, almost planting the reader in England during the late 80s, witnessing a paranormal epidemic control the days and haunt the nights. Although the target audience for the books is middle schoolers, the quality of writing, from the vocabulary to the intersection of subplots and character development, is complex. Perhaps I would have enjoyed the books in my early teens, but I appreciate them a lot more as a young adult. And I loved how English it is - the slang, imagery, even how the characters refer to foods or describe things, places, and more (I haven't heard anyone refer to pancakes as "flapjacks" in forever). I almost want to move to England (but you know, without the ghosts).
Johnathan Stroud continues to impress! I tend to be wary of male authors writing female protagonists, often writing them to appeal to the male gaze, but Stroud understood the assignment. Not only is Lucy likeable with a great sense of humour, but she is also headstrong, empathetic, and flawed. At no point does Stroud unfairly portray Lucy as stereotypically feminine or "not like other girls" - her individuality is evident without being subject to being "too much" or "too little" of a girl. In fact, not a single character feels "cookie-cutter" to me. Sure, they share traits that could be cliché (e.g., George as "the nerd") but they are not confined to those parts. Stroud gives each character a personalized set of insecurities, flaws, and internal conflicts that, by bearing witness from even Lucy's perspective, is enough to conclude that they are not necessarily characters you've seen before. Lockwood is a whole other gift in the book. The duality is crazy! Despite being incredibly reckless and seemingly selfish, Lockwood is mature and (surprisingly) sensible when he's not seeking attention. He holds himself accountable, shows up for those he cares about, and shelters vulnerability and softness in that sassy exterior. I can't wait to learn more about him, especially following that cliffhanger!
As for the plot - wow! Since the first book lays the foundations of the Problem, our main characters, and the continuing subplots and social dynamics (including Lockwood's rivalry with Kipps, detest for DEPRAC, and undisclosed past), much of this book is about their newest case and how it intertwines with other developments following the Problem. Reading about
Spoiler
the Relic Men, the black market for ghost sources, the odd conversation between Penelope Fittes and the mystery man at the Fittes Banquet, and Lucy's gift with Type ThreesThere's a lot more dimension and character compared to the first book and its pacing improved greatly. The banter and sarcasm were absolute perfection and oddly sound with the dark and ominous atmosphere that exists throughout. Interestingly enough, it didn't entirely matter that I watched the show before (three times actually, a little concerned about that) because of the changes made in its translation to television. It was interesting to see - a bit baffling when I thought
Spoiler
George died, which scared the living hell out of meMy point is I had a great time and I'd read it again. Time to order book 3!
zarfus211's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25