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louisegraveyard's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Kidnapping and Abandonment
Moderate: Medical content and Medical trauma
Minor: Death of parent
emily_mh's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Arden absolutely NAILED making this book scary. I mean, the CLOWNS? I was genuinely terrified and I am literally 24. I don't know how middle-graders are coping with the level of spooky here, but big ups. Because it was frightening from the off, I was utterly hooked and really enjoyed my time reading. I also found the plot compelling, seeing Ollie trying to escape, and Brian, Coco and Phil trying to find her. The carnival provided a great backdrop for all the action.
However, the pacing was again off. It felt like it took an age for Brian, Coco and Phil to get anywhere. Additionally, I think the watch should have been featured more. Finally, I don't think the Smiling Man needed to be humanised.
However, the pacing was again off. It felt like it took an age for Brian, Coco and Phil to get anywhere. Additionally, I think the watch should have been featured more. Finally, I don't think the Smiling Man needed to be humanised.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence and Kidnapping
Moderate: Ableism
Minor: Grief, Abandonment, Forced institutionalization, Fire/Fire injury, Death, Child death, Murder, Vomit, Medical content, Death of parent, and Injury/Injury detail
Major: missing loved one Minor: drought, loss of loved one, illness, self-injury
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