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verkisto's review against another edition
4.0
This is a story about H.P. Lovecraft and Cthulhu. It's published by a company named "The Sinister Horror Company", and the two forewords of the book discuss when it's appropriate to introduce young kinds to horror. I expected it to be a cosmic horror novel, tamed down a bit so the young 'uns wouldn't be scarred for life.
This is not that kind of story. In fact, I would hesitate to call it horror at all, because that's not what it's about. This is a sweet story of friendship, told against a backdrop of how fear affects how people think. Suffice it to say, "sweet" and "Old Ones" are hardly ever (if at all) expected to go together, but I'll be damned if Jones didn't make it work.
I picked this up on a whim, expecting it be more along the lines of R.J. Ivankovic's [b:HP Lovecraft's The Call of Cthulhu for Beginning Readers|33781360|HP Lovecraft's The Call of Cthulhu for Beginning Readers|R.J. Ivankovic|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1483415344l/33781360._SX50_.jpg|22093045], but was pleasantly surprised to find it bucked my expectations. I highly recommend it.
This is not that kind of story. In fact, I would hesitate to call it horror at all, because that's not what it's about. This is a sweet story of friendship, told against a backdrop of how fear affects how people think. Suffice it to say, "sweet" and "Old Ones" are hardly ever (if at all) expected to go together, but I'll be damned if Jones didn't make it work.
I picked this up on a whim, expecting it be more along the lines of R.J. Ivankovic's [b:HP Lovecraft's The Call of Cthulhu for Beginning Readers|33781360|HP Lovecraft's The Call of Cthulhu for Beginning Readers|R.J. Ivankovic|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1483415344l/33781360._SX50_.jpg|22093045], but was pleasantly surprised to find it bucked my expectations. I highly recommend it.
thomaswjoyce's review against another edition
5.0
My 9-year-old daughter and I read-along with this book at bedtime. The story was great, dealing with things like loneliness and difficulty making friends, as well as a boy losing a parent. But it is also just entertaining for a kid to read. The art is wonderful, with interior illustrations at the start of each chapter. Although it is published by the Sinister Horror Company through their new Kids imprint, it is absolutely suitable for the younger reader; it relates to Lovecraft's Cthulhu character, but it is a child-friendly version. It is a wonderful way to introduce curious young readers to the character, without giving them nightmares. It is a perfect book for young readers!
motherhorror's review against another edition
5.0
Looking for a book for the kiddo to start them on their journey towards love for dark/horror fiction? An appreciation for Lovecraft wrapped in a clever coming-of-age tale?? This book is perfect in every way.
the copy I received for review consideration was a hardcover edition with color illustrations. The story is easy to follow and has short chapter breaks. I'm thinking of my niece who is already such an avid reader at seven years old and I believe she's the perfect age for independently reading this book but it would be a great book to read out loud to a younger audience.
The story is a re-telling of a young H. P. Lovecraft; Howie.
He lives with his mother in a quaint town by the sea.
Howie notices a strange strip of land that wasn't there before somewhere off a familiar coastline so he ventures off to investigate. He meets Oolu. A sea monster.
From this point in the story, Lex Jones covers some of the great themes we have all come to love in our children's stories. Young men starting to make adult decisions for themselves.
The power of friendship.
The danger of someTHING or someONE being misunderstood to the point of oppression or destruction.
Standing up for your beliefs.
Just a lot of great talking points for parents and children after the story is finished.
I highly recommend this one for young readers and old--a timeless tale that would make a great gift.
the copy I received for review consideration was a hardcover edition with color illustrations. The story is easy to follow and has short chapter breaks. I'm thinking of my niece who is already such an avid reader at seven years old and I believe she's the perfect age for independently reading this book but it would be a great book to read out loud to a younger audience.
The story is a re-telling of a young H. P. Lovecraft; Howie.
He lives with his mother in a quaint town by the sea.
Howie notices a strange strip of land that wasn't there before somewhere off a familiar coastline so he ventures off to investigate. He meets Oolu. A sea monster.
From this point in the story, Lex Jones covers some of the great themes we have all come to love in our children's stories. Young men starting to make adult decisions for themselves.
The power of friendship.
The danger of someTHING or someONE being misunderstood to the point of oppression or destruction.
Standing up for your beliefs.
Just a lot of great talking points for parents and children after the story is finished.
I highly recommend this one for young readers and old--a timeless tale that would make a great gift.
sjgomzi's review against another edition
5.0
The Old One And The Sea is a beautifully written Lovecraftian fairytale. I don’t want to spoil anything, so as simply as I can put it, the story opens with a fictional version of young HP Lovecraft remembering times past, and mourning the recent loss of his father. Soon after, many familiar names from the Lovecraft Mythos appear throughout, including one particularly important member from the Lovecraft pantheon. This may be marketed as a children’s book, but it’s many themes of loss and loneliness will resonate deeply with older readers, and I never once felt like this story was watered down in any way for a younger audience. This book brought out my inner child-the adventurous, curious, and sometimes rebellious child from the eighties, who sometimes gets lost now, at age 49, in the everyday grind of daily life. I was hooked from the first page. At times, this perfectly captured the feel of old school, black and white monster movies, or early Bradbury. A perfect bridge to horror for the young one’s. I can’t wait to share this with my kids, and this is the kind of story that begs to be reread at various times throughout life, and deserves to be hailed as one of those classic multigenerational books that survive the test of time. Books like The Halloween Tree, Charlotte’s Web, or The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe. As you can probably tell, I loved it!
astoldbybex's review
5.0
Full review coming to KENDALL REVIEWS, but y’all!!!!! Put this book on your gosh darn radar. Read it to yourself. Read it to your kids. Read it to your pets. Everyone should be enjoying this Lovecraft tale!
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