Scan barcode
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.
rdyourbookcase's review
2.0
Well, Runaway Max was terrible.
I didn't feel like I learned anything new about her or her family. This book was basically season 2 of Stranger Things from Max's point of view with some memories from California thrown in, too. The most interesting scenes weren't even written in a compelling way - it was just a summary. How can you make season 2 boring??? I was especially disappointed because I love Brenna Yovanoff as an author. I like to think that the publisher was rushing to get Runaway Max out, and that is why it had such low quality. (There were so many copyediting errors, too!)
I liked the other Stranger Things books, but Runaway Max definitely can be skipped.
I didn't feel like I learned anything new about her or her family. This book was basically season 2 of Stranger Things from Max's point of view with some memories from California thrown in, too. The most interesting scenes weren't even written in a compelling way - it was just a summary. How can you make season 2 boring??? I was especially disappointed because I love Brenna Yovanoff as an author. I like to think that the publisher was rushing to get Runaway Max out, and that is why it had such low quality. (There were so many copyediting errors, too!)
I liked the other Stranger Things books, but Runaway Max definitely can be skipped.
monigrms's review
5.0
I loved the extra details this added to a story I've watched again and again. Hearing things from Max's perspective was very interesting and added some depth for me.
jyguybookjourney's review against another edition
lighthearted
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.0
a fun, good read overall! definitely some dark bits, but it was interesting to get more backstory on a beloved character from the show and also see and hear her perspective on some of the events of season 2. interesting to see some of those same events through the eyes of someone who is popping into the sequel of a story that is already well under way. if the content warnings are doable for you and you like Stranger Things, i say give it a read!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Violence
noheaswearingen's review
3.0
*3.5* I loved getting more insight into Max’s past and more depth and understanding to her thoughts and feelings
julianam's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0