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3.75 AVERAGE
3.75 AVERAGE
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
challenging
dark
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Clown in a Cornfield was described by many online as a book that “reads like a slasher film”. I wanted something lighthearted to read, so I gave it a shot. I will say that the descriptions are right: the book does read like a slasher film. A slasher film that would’ve fell thru the cracks, has a C-list cast, and easily outshined by others. While it was a lighthearted read, I felt that the author could’ve expanded on the story just a smidge further.
I didn’t really get time to bond with the MC, Quinn. Her presence in the story was a very self aware one, that Quinn was essentially a spectator who observed the behavior and group dynamics of Cole, Ronnie, Matt, Janet, and Tucker. While the story was told from other POVs , Quinn is essentially the POV we experience in the story. The ending felt rushed and did a twist just to satisfy that trope in horror, where it was someone you least expected to be the killer. In fact, the twist didn’t make any sense and I felt it was kind of lazy. There were many aspects of the story that could have served a better purpose and would have helped build on the characters and motive.
This is the first book in a series, so I will give the author a chance to build on the story and give more life to the characters, who seem like hollow shells of horror movie high school character tropes.
I didn’t really get time to bond with the MC, Quinn. Her presence in the story was a very self aware one, that Quinn was essentially a spectator who observed the behavior and group dynamics of Cole, Ronnie, Matt, Janet, and Tucker. While the story was told from other POVs , Quinn is essentially the POV we experience in the story. The ending felt rushed and did a twist just to satisfy that trope in horror, where it was someone you least expected to be the killer. In fact, the twist didn’t make any sense and I felt it was kind of lazy. There were many aspects of the story that could have served a better purpose and would have helped build on the characters and motive.
This is the first book in a series, so I will give the author a chance to build on the story and give more life to the characters, who seem like hollow shells of horror movie high school character tropes.
What amazingness did I just read? This is the perfect slasher book I didn't know I needed. Very well written and well paced. Loved it .
dark
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder, Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Suicide
Man, I enjoyed the hell out of this. This is YA horror with an impressive amount of bite, and just an absolute blast to read.
I really like that it never feels condescending toward its intended teenage audience, or like a cringy self-conscious How Do You Do Fellow Kids regurgitation of Gen Z stereotypes -- it treats its characters (and readers) with respect. Speaking of, I LOVE Adam Cesare's characterization. He makes unexpected and interesting character choices, and writes them with a level of depth that's super refreshing (gotta say, I'm also a big fan of the casual inclusivity).
If you're looking for a fun and cinematic love letter to slasher movies for the spooky season (or any season, really), this is your ticket. If you have a teenage horror fan in your life (or a younger one who's mature enough to handle a little more edge), put this book in their hands today.
I really like that it never feels condescending toward its intended teenage audience, or like a cringy self-conscious How Do You Do Fellow Kids regurgitation of Gen Z stereotypes -- it treats its characters (and readers) with respect. Speaking of, I LOVE Adam Cesare's characterization. He makes unexpected and interesting character choices, and writes them with a level of depth that's super refreshing (gotta say, I'm also a big fan of the casual inclusivity).
If you're looking for a fun and cinematic love letter to slasher movies for the spooky season (or any season, really), this is your ticket. If you have a teenage horror fan in your life (or a younger one who's mature enough to handle a little more edge), put this book in their hands today.
dark
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes