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bookwormkelly10's review
4.0
3.5/5
I received a free copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Jonny is 15-year-old boy who just wants to have a fun, beer-filled summer. He admittedly hangs around a friend group full of less desirable people because they can provide him with alcohol. One night, the group is drinking in a graveyard when the ringleader, Francis, decides Johnny must earn his keep by going in a crypt.
The experience is jarring to say the least; however, Jonny can't tell whether the voice he heard was in his head or something more sinister. What he does know is that Francis and his group have now turned on him, making Jonny their next victim to their incessant bullying. Luckily, Jonny finds solace in Francis' former victims: Cassy and Stephen. With those two friends by his side, Jonny feels like he can make it through high school. That is until he discovers that he's a medium. That's right, he can talk to dead people and he's not exactly pleased about that.
Aaron, an older medium, helps Jonny navigate his newfound gift. He must make the spirits happy, and help resolve unresolved problems, in order to aid them in passing over. The Spirit in the Crypt is the first installment of what Lound hopes will become a series.
This book is Lound's debut novel, and after he reached out, I was hesitant with low expectations. I was pleasantly surprised! This is a quick and easy read that keeps you captivated once the action begins. The young adult aspect is evident and an accurate portrayal of high school (I say this as an American, and even though the book takes place in Britain, some things must just be universal). I liked the genuine reaction Jonny had to learning he was a medium, and the descriptors Lound used to portray how Jonny was hearing the voices. I'm not a medium, but I imagine it feels more similar to Lound's description than other writers.
There were only a few downfalls for me. I found the dialogue to be a little clunky, but I'm not sure if that's a difference in culture. The dialogue didn't read naturally to me, but it wasn't so distracting I couldn't enjoy the book. The only other issue I had was that the action took a little too long to appear. Once it did, the book became much more enjoyable. All in all, I would recommend this read!
I received a free copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Jonny is 15-year-old boy who just wants to have a fun, beer-filled summer. He admittedly hangs around a friend group full of less desirable people because they can provide him with alcohol. One night, the group is drinking in a graveyard when the ringleader, Francis, decides Johnny must earn his keep by going in a crypt.
The experience is jarring to say the least; however, Jonny can't tell whether the voice he heard was in his head or something more sinister. What he does know is that Francis and his group have now turned on him, making Jonny their next victim to their incessant bullying. Luckily, Jonny finds solace in Francis' former victims: Cassy and Stephen. With those two friends by his side, Jonny feels like he can make it through high school. That is until he discovers that he's a medium. That's right, he can talk to dead people and he's not exactly pleased about that.
Aaron, an older medium, helps Jonny navigate his newfound gift. He must make the spirits happy, and help resolve unresolved problems, in order to aid them in passing over. The Spirit in the Crypt is the first installment of what Lound hopes will become a series.
This book is Lound's debut novel, and after he reached out, I was hesitant with low expectations. I was pleasantly surprised! This is a quick and easy read that keeps you captivated once the action begins. The young adult aspect is evident and an accurate portrayal of high school (I say this as an American, and even though the book takes place in Britain, some things must just be universal). I liked the genuine reaction Jonny had to learning he was a medium, and the descriptors Lound used to portray how Jonny was hearing the voices. I'm not a medium, but I imagine it feels more similar to Lound's description than other writers.
There were only a few downfalls for me. I found the dialogue to be a little clunky, but I'm not sure if that's a difference in culture. The dialogue didn't read naturally to me, but it wasn't so distracting I couldn't enjoy the book. The only other issue I had was that the action took a little too long to appear. Once it did, the book became much more enjoyable. All in all, I would recommend this read!
michael_benavidez's review
4.0
I received this copy from the author for an honest review.
So off the bat, I must admit that it's been a VERY long time since I've read a YA book. And I was hesitant on reading this, thinking I might not like it solely because it's meant for a younger demographic.
Weirdly enough, I really liked that the teenagers spoke like teenagers. They swear, they think young, and it's refreshing especially for a book meant for teens.
The narrative is simple and simply told, feeling natural to come from the kids point of view. There were a few parts I thought felt clunky (exposition scenes) but it didn't detract from the story. Other than that it's a fun ride and one that I'd gladly buy in paperback when money permits lol.
So off the bat, I must admit that it's been a VERY long time since I've read a YA book. And I was hesitant on reading this, thinking I might not like it solely because it's meant for a younger demographic.
Weirdly enough, I really liked that the teenagers spoke like teenagers. They swear, they think young, and it's refreshing especially for a book meant for teens.
The narrative is simple and simply told, feeling natural to come from the kids point of view. There were a few parts I thought felt clunky (exposition scenes) but it didn't detract from the story. Other than that it's a fun ride and one that I'd gladly buy in paperback when money permits lol.
questsandcrimes's review
4.0
Jonny is bullies into entering a crypt and it sets of a chain of events that will change his life forever. At 15, he should be worrying about school, football (soccer for the US people
labsandliterature's review
4.0
The Spirit in the Crypt is the debut novel from Alexander Lound. It is compelling, well written and full of mystery. The first in the Jonny Roberts series it sets the scene for some exciting adventures I am very keen to read all about.
Lound introduces the reader to Jonny so effortlessly that it invokes a familiarity that allows you to be drawn seamlessly into his world. Jonny is a relatable teenager living the typical teenage life: school, girls, XBOX and the endless struggle of fitting in. That is until one summer night while out with “friends” he is locked in a creepy crypt and unable to leave until he sees what is inside. It is there, surrounded by skeletons and death, that he hears a voice. He is not alone.
It is a supernatural mystery that is well researched, creative and leaves the reader on the edge of their seat. It is also refreshing to read a book set elsewhere than the USA and Lound’s use of subtle British colloquialism throughout entertained me immensely.
A wonderful book for teenage and young adult readers. I cannot wait to see more from this author!
NB: This ebook was provided to me by the author in exchange for an honest review. The above opinions are my own.
Lound introduces the reader to Jonny so effortlessly that it invokes a familiarity that allows you to be drawn seamlessly into his world. Jonny is a relatable teenager living the typical teenage life: school, girls, XBOX and the endless struggle of fitting in. That is until one summer night while out with “friends” he is locked in a creepy crypt and unable to leave until he sees what is inside. It is there, surrounded by skeletons and death, that he hears a voice. He is not alone.
It is a supernatural mystery that is well researched, creative and leaves the reader on the edge of their seat. It is also refreshing to read a book set elsewhere than the USA and Lound’s use of subtle British colloquialism throughout entertained me immensely.
A wonderful book for teenage and young adult readers. I cannot wait to see more from this author!
NB: This ebook was provided to me by the author in exchange for an honest review. The above opinions are my own.
readingwithgee_'s review
4.0
I was approached by the author of this book to see if I'd want to recieve a copy in exchange for an honest review however I had some problems recieving it and as I was so excited to read it 8 just purchased myself a copy!
It's the summer holidays and 15 year old Jonathan finds himself being forced into an old crypt by his "friends" someone however doesn't want him in there and there's a voice, a warning in his head screaming at him to get out. Every night since he has nightmares, nightmares of a girl he doesn't recognise from his school entering the crypt and never leaving, that is until when he goes back to school and is told that the same girl is has been hospitalised, perfectly healthy but not waking up. Can Jonathan find out what's happening before someone else ends the same way?? YA horror is usually quite hit and miss for me and whilst this book didn't exactly leave me shaking in my boots, I really did end up enjoying it. There was a good amount of suspense and although slow to start there was even a good amount of creepy in there too.
I enjoyed the whole story behind the Spirit and the mystery aspect that snuck in there too. I even found myself sympathising with it, i guess you could say that was the mother in me making an appearance! The characters were completely relateable, I mean we all remember our days in school and the pressure to fit in. The writing wasn't bad and for a debut novel I was pretty impressed.
All in all I really enjoyed this book and If you like YA horror I highly recommend you pick this one up! Thanks again to @aloundauthor
For bringing this one to my attention
It's the summer holidays and 15 year old Jonathan finds himself being forced into an old crypt by his "friends" someone however doesn't want him in there and there's a voice, a warning in his head screaming at him to get out. Every night since he has nightmares, nightmares of a girl he doesn't recognise from his school entering the crypt and never leaving, that is until when he goes back to school and is told that the same girl is has been hospitalised, perfectly healthy but not waking up. Can Jonathan find out what's happening before someone else ends the same way?? YA horror is usually quite hit and miss for me and whilst this book didn't exactly leave me shaking in my boots, I really did end up enjoying it. There was a good amount of suspense and although slow to start there was even a good amount of creepy in there too.
I enjoyed the whole story behind the Spirit and the mystery aspect that snuck in there too. I even found myself sympathising with it, i guess you could say that was the mother in me making an appearance! The characters were completely relateable, I mean we all remember our days in school and the pressure to fit in. The writing wasn't bad and for a debut novel I was pretty impressed.
All in all I really enjoyed this book and If you like YA horror I highly recommend you pick this one up! Thanks again to @aloundauthor
For bringing this one to my attention
nightc0urt's review
3.0
The Spirit in the Crypt is Alexander Lound’s debut novel and his first book in the Johnny Robert’s series! I don’t read a ton of spooky books at this point so I wasn’t sure what to expect but overall I enjoyed the quick read!
This book follows a teenager named Johnny, who on one fateful summer night, is pushed into a crypt by his “friends” and is chased out by a threatening voice. From then on, he experiences strange dreams of fellow students who then become unresponsive to the outside world. Johnny of course, takes it upon himself to solve the mystery.
This book never once spooked me out, so if you’re a person sensitive to being scared but still like to read those kinds of books, this is definitely for you! I will say it reminded me of a present day R.L. Stine book which was great since I was a huge fan growing up! This was a face paced read and just overall easy to pick up!
My only problem was I didn’t 100% connect with the characters which is a huge thing I look for in books I really love, but it still didn’t take away from my enjoyment and ability to read this book! With that being said, Johnny was still a solid main character who definitely had a head on his shoulder (unlike most ya characters) and seemed like a typical teenage boy (minus his special gifts lol) who many I’m sure could relate to.
For readers who enjoy: quick, fun, spooky reads!
This book follows a teenager named Johnny, who on one fateful summer night, is pushed into a crypt by his “friends” and is chased out by a threatening voice. From then on, he experiences strange dreams of fellow students who then become unresponsive to the outside world. Johnny of course, takes it upon himself to solve the mystery.
This book never once spooked me out, so if you’re a person sensitive to being scared but still like to read those kinds of books, this is definitely for you! I will say it reminded me of a present day R.L. Stine book which was great since I was a huge fan growing up! This was a face paced read and just overall easy to pick up!
My only problem was I didn’t 100% connect with the characters which is a huge thing I look for in books I really love, but it still didn’t take away from my enjoyment and ability to read this book! With that being said, Johnny was still a solid main character who definitely had a head on his shoulder (unlike most ya characters) and seemed like a typical teenage boy (minus his special gifts lol) who many I’m sure could relate to.
For readers who enjoy: quick, fun, spooky reads!
mims_is_reading's review
5.0
This book was sent to me by the author himself in exchange for an honest review. The Spirit in the Crypt is Alexander Lound’s debut novel, so I didn’t really know what to expect, but I must say I was pleasantly surprised. His storytelling is really “cozy”, so it draws you in before you even realize what’s happening.
I won’t add any major spoilers here, but I have to point out some facts. This book is the first in what will hopefully be the series of books about Jonny Roberts…who is a medium. Yup, you read that right- He freaked out too when he found out. Anyway, this is Jonny’s first case which he manages to tackle with the help of his new friend (who is also special in a way) Aron and his…mmm…well gf I guess, Cassy. Now add a bully, a dorky best friend, single mom, and an angry spirit to that mix, and you’ve got yourself a pretty fun evening read.
To conclude this brief review, I have to say that this book reminded me of R. L, Stine and Anthony Horowitz. I dunno if that makes any sense to anyone, but it gave me that “kids doing serious business” vibe. The plot itself has nothing to do with either Goosebumps, nor The Power of Five, but the undertone was similar and I really enjoyed it.
All in all, pretty quick and fun read, so I strongly recommend it.
I won’t add any major spoilers here, but I have to point out some facts. This book is the first in what will hopefully be the series of books about Jonny Roberts…who is a medium. Yup, you read that right- He freaked out too when he found out. Anyway, this is Jonny’s first case which he manages to tackle with the help of his new friend (who is also special in a way) Aron and his…mmm…well gf I guess, Cassy. Now add a bully, a dorky best friend, single mom, and an angry spirit to that mix, and you’ve got yourself a pretty fun evening read.
To conclude this brief review, I have to say that this book reminded me of R. L, Stine and Anthony Horowitz. I dunno if that makes any sense to anyone, but it gave me that “kids doing serious business” vibe. The plot itself has nothing to do with either Goosebumps, nor The Power of Five, but the undertone was similar and I really enjoyed it.
All in all, pretty quick and fun read, so I strongly recommend it.
bookstalker_1505's review against another edition
4.0
(3.5 rating)
I want to thank the author Alexander Lound for giving me a copy of his book in exchange for an honest review. I read it and enjoyed it, it was a good paranormal story. Didn't quite scare me at any point but I watch many horror movies so I'm not that easy to scare.
I liked that the author made their characters pretty realistic. He talked about the issues that teenagers face like bullying, sexual harassment, the need to feel a part of a group. I really liked the main character Jonny. I also enjoyed the fast paced writing.
I want to thank the author Alexander Lound for giving me a copy of his book in exchange for an honest review. I read it and enjoyed it, it was a good paranormal story. Didn't quite scare me at any point but I watch many horror movies so I'm not that easy to scare.
I liked that the author made their characters pretty realistic. He talked about the issues that teenagers face like bullying, sexual harassment, the need to feel a part of a group. I really liked the main character Jonny. I also enjoyed the fast paced writing.
adam_tries_books's review
4.0
I received this book for free in return for an honest review.
A teenage boy, teenage love and an angry spirit! These all come together to make this an interesting story! Jonny is unaware that by being forced to enter the crypt that his life is about to be changed forever!
A YA paranormal book that kept me intrigued throughout. Filled with interesting concepts of how and why the dead interacted with the living world! Also as someone that enjoys video games, I appreciated the Skyrim reference. There was no doubting this book was written by someone living in Britain with all the tea drinking and even a mention of watching the Xfactor on a Saturday with a takeaway!
I’m intrigued to see how the characters develop through out The Jonny Roberts series and I look forward to continuing to read the series!
Overall I found this to be an enjoyable read, but flung myself wishing that the book could have been a bit longer to allow for some extra development. If you’re looking for a relatively short fun paranormal book then I’d recommend picking this up!
A teenage boy, teenage love and an angry spirit! These all come together to make this an interesting story! Jonny is unaware that by being forced to enter the crypt that his life is about to be changed forever!
A YA paranormal book that kept me intrigued throughout. Filled with interesting concepts of how and why the dead interacted with the living world! Also as someone that enjoys video games, I appreciated the Skyrim reference. There was no doubting this book was written by someone living in Britain with all the tea drinking and even a mention of watching the Xfactor on a Saturday with a takeaway!
I’m intrigued to see how the characters develop through out The Jonny Roberts series and I look forward to continuing to read the series!
Overall I found this to be an enjoyable read, but flung myself wishing that the book could have been a bit longer to allow for some extra development. If you’re looking for a relatively short fun paranormal book then I’d recommend picking this up!
the_lawyer_librarian's review
4.0
This is such a fun debut novel! Jonny is a typical teenager, and a really relatable character. Finding an abandoned graveyard to drink in is the start of my horror movie nightmare, so it is a brilliant way to start building the suspense. I’m not a massive horror fan, but this book is spooky in the best way, with a mystery to solve mixed in! Whilst the writing does feel a little stilted at times, there were aspects of it that I loved – the descriptions of the darkness are vivid and gave me shivers when I imagine being stuck in the crypt. I have already brought the second in the series, as I am excited to see where the author goes with this! Thank you to @aloundauthor for my copy in exchange for an honest review.