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2busyreading's review against another edition
4.0
Graphic: Child death, Gore, Gun violence, Violence, and Murder
Moderate: Addiction and Fire/Fire injury
Minor: Misogyny, Racism, and Death of parent
kups's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Graphic: Death, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, Police brutality, Death of parent, and Toxic friendship
Moderate: Misogyny and Suicidal thoughts
itzbrianna's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Kettle Springs, Missouri, is your typical redneck town with little to do, but people live there anyway. The people of Kettle Spring are sick of the kids, and the kids are just being kids. They are teenagers who want to have fun and live life to the fullest before the inevitable transition into adulthood. That is, until Frendo, a once beloved figure, becomes the embodiment of terror as he goes on a gruesome killing spree, leaving the town in a state of shock and fear. As the body count rises, secrets start to unravel, revealing a dark underbelly of Kettle Springs that no one could have imagined. The residents must now confront their deepest fears and band together in a desperate fight for survival against this bloodthirsty mascot.
Cesare leads us through this fast-paced story of prose and mystery, but some descriptive horror moments may make you want to avoid reading it while eating lunch. Cesare's vivid descriptions of the brutal murders and chilling atmosphere leave you feeling uneasy long after you finish reading. Frendo's transformation from lovable mascot to bloodthirsty killer is both shocking and disturbing, thanks to the author's deft characterization. Cesare's ability to maintain a consistent pace throughout the story keeps you on the edge of your seats, eagerly turning pages to discover the truth behind this horrifying tale.
What could have made this story better? More people of color would have bolstered the plot and reasoning behind the murders. The overall goal of the town is to "make kettle springs great again." That philosophy is backed up by a lot of 21st-century racism and bigotry. Furthermore, some of the protagonists felt one-dimensional and lacked depth, so character development could have been more nuanced. Furthermore, delving into the slasher's motivations could have added an extra layer of intrigue and suspense to the story. By providing deeper insights into the lives and backgrounds of the supporting characters, I would have been able to form stronger connections with them and feel more invested in their fates. This would have enhanced the overall emotional impact of the story and made it easier for me to empathize with the town's struggles and its ultimate goal of revitalization.
Overall, I enjoyed this book. The author's ability to capture the essence of both classic and contemporary horror genres is commendable. The combination of 80s slasher vibes with a modern twist creates a unique and engaging reading experience. With elements reminiscent of Scream and The Faculty, you are sure to be hooked from start to finish.
Graphic: Misogyny, Violence, Gore, Death, Police brutality, and Gun violence
Moderate: Confinement, Cursing, and Fire/Fire injury
bookishgoob's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Death of parent, Torture, Violence, Fire/Fire injury, Gun violence, Injury/Injury detail, Physical abuse, Stalking, Toxic relationship, Medical trauma, Misogyny, Murder, Toxic friendship, Suicide, Alcohol, Blood, Body horror, Classism, Abandonment, Bullying, Car accident, Child death, Confinement, Cursing, Death, Gaslighting, Gore, Grief, Kidnapping, Mass/school shootings, Medical content, and Mental illness
ekmook's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Graphic: Blood, Child death, Death, Death of parent, Fire/Fire injury, Gore, Grief, Gun violence, Injury/Injury detail, Mass/school shootings, Murder, Police brutality, and Violence
Minor: Addiction, Alcohol, Chronic illness, Deadnaming, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide attempt, Sexism, and Misogyny
mapscitiesandsongs's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Graphic: Injury/Injury detail, Mass/school shootings, Gun violence, Blood, Death, Gore, Child death, Murder, and Violence
Moderate: Alcohol, Fire/Fire injury, Addiction, Death of parent, Police brutality, and Suicide
Minor: Cursing, Misogyny, and Vomit
cherryufos's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
It’s not. Now that in itself would be fine except
I also didn’t like that there was a few plot holes or things left unsaid. Who were the other clowns? What did Janet’s mom do after the news? And why did Cole’s father become a deranged clown killer at the end(at least it seemed implied). I understood the clown idea for the town but why would the dad go to Cuba and just become a killer? I would’ve liked it better if he was missing in the cornfield, Cole not knowing when he’d appear.
Now besides all the negatives, I did enjoy something’s. I found the writing voice well, it was the only reason I could finish it. I also enjoyed the reference to things that are happening in today’s standards. I feel I would enjoy Adam’s other books if there isn’t any gore. This book just wasn’t for me; I’m too squeamish. If you like this type of thing though, you may enjoy this book!
Graphic: Child death, Murder, Blood, Injury/Injury detail, Violence, Death, Gun violence, Physical abuse, and Gore
Moderate: Grief, Gaslighting, Medical trauma, and Kidnapping
Minor: Suicide, Misogyny, and Fire/Fire injury