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kimball_hansen's review against another edition
2.0
These novellas are getting worse and worse with even less content. The first two were good. These last two weren't very entertaining at all.
nienscel's review
adventurous
lighthearted
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
go_maggs_go's review
2.0
This has been my least favorite of the Stranger Things novels so far. The previous two were brand new adventures for our characters, but this one felt like so much of what we've already seen onscreen, just told from Max's POV. I still enjoyed it, and I liked the insight into who Max is as a character, but not as much as the other so far.
exploradora's review
4.0
***3,5 stars***
This is the third book in the "Stranger Things" Extended Universe. As the title hints at, it explores Max's past, while also rehashing events we've seen already in season 2, but seen through her eyes. It's basically half prequel, half retelling.
The story's well written and I think that Brenda Yovanoff captured Max's spirit and personality perfectly. We also get to see an emotional depth to Max's family, something that was missing from both season's 2 and 3 of the series; as well as much needed information and character background for Billy. I can't make up my mind if I think he's just a rotten person, or if I actually understand him and see the reasons why he is the way he is
This is the third book in the "Stranger Things" Extended Universe. As the title hints at, it explores Max's past, while also rehashing events we've seen already in season 2, but seen through her eyes. It's basically half prequel, half retelling.
The story's well written and I think that Brenda Yovanoff captured Max's spirit and personality perfectly. We also get to see an emotional depth to Max's family, something that was missing from both season's 2 and 3 of the series; as well as much needed information and character background for Billy. I can't make up my mind if I think he's just a rotten person, or if I actually understand him and see the reasons why he is the way he is
rystonlentil43's review against another edition
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
2.75
I love Max and this was a great reinforcement of that, but it got ridiculously repetitive, like there was a minimum word count and the book didn't have enough plot of its own to support it. Sophie Amoss did a good job reading; I'd probably have given up otherwise.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Emotional abuse, and Physical abuse
Moderate: Racism
silversomber's review
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Minor: Child abuse
gracieb1104's review against another edition
slow-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? Yes
3.0
hywar's review
3.0
This was okay? I didn't really see much that was different from the TV series, to be honest. There were a few added scenes, but it was mostly a very vague retelling. My students are really excited to read Stranger Things books, but I'm not sure this is going to be what they are hoping for. They want to know more about Max's past or events that happened outside the show...
shreecat's review
4.0
One time on a quiz of which st family is most like mine I got the mayfields/hargroves and yeah so true
thejoellachapter's review
3.0
I don’t typically enjoy tie-in novels all that much, but I’ve really liked both of the Stranger Things books that I’ve read so far! They both have done a great job of capturing the character’s voice and personality, and adding enough new information to keep it fresh. Max has been one of my absolute favorite Stranger Things characters since her introduction in season two, and the author absolutely nails her backstory, adding so much depth to her relationship with Billy, her family, and ultimately, the Hawkins crews. I really enjoyed seeing the perspective of someone finding out about the upside down and dark corners of Hawkins. Plus, I loved all the little Easter eggs that were peppered in, especially her interaction with Joyce in the very beginning of the book.
While I did love the parts that dived into her backstory, like the flashbacks to California and what lead to their move to Hawkins, I also really enjoyed the more recognizable and familiar scenes, especially the junkyard scene with Steve.
If you don’t watch Stranger Things, I don’t think this would be particularly enjoyable. It does have a few time skips that would be filled in by episodes in the show, and without knowledge of those scenes, it would feel like a lot of gaps in important climaxes of the story.
While I did love the parts that dived into her backstory, like the flashbacks to California and what lead to their move to Hawkins, I also really enjoyed the more recognizable and familiar scenes, especially the junkyard scene with Steve.
If you don’t watch Stranger Things, I don’t think this would be particularly enjoyable. It does have a few time skips that would be filled in by episodes in the show, and without knowledge of those scenes, it would feel like a lot of gaps in important climaxes of the story.