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emburklin's review
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? No
3.0
lattelibrarian's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Somehow I have a knack for reading the second book in a series as though it's the first. That being said, you don't need to read the first--but I'm going to. Daka Hermon discusses themes of trauma and support in The Nightmare King, and it fits in great with books such as Tristan Strong if you're looking for realism or a shorter read.
Shane is still recovering from an accident that left him in a coma. After months of relying on his family and healing, he's ready to join his team on the basketball court--but it feels like nobody thinks he's healthy enough. He begins to spiral, wondering about his worth and identity if he can no longer play basketball. As these fears fester, he begins to have nightmares again and the lack of sleep begins to torment his personality as he struggles with maintaining his relationships.
If you're an adult like me, you'll likely be able to tease apart the ways in which the horror genre is used as a device to discuss trauma and the road to healing. For a kid, it may not be as obvious.
Shane is still recovering from an accident that left him in a coma. After months of relying on his family and healing, he's ready to join his team on the basketball court--but it feels like nobody thinks he's healthy enough. He begins to spiral, wondering about his worth and identity if he can no longer play basketball. As these fears fester, he begins to have nightmares again and the lack of sleep begins to torment his personality as he struggles with maintaining his relationships.
If you're an adult like me, you'll likely be able to tease apart the ways in which the horror genre is used as a device to discuss trauma and the road to healing. For a kid, it may not be as obvious.
Content Warnings
Minor: Medical trauma, Bullying, and Car accident
jennyjc's review
4.5
For me personally, this was a 3-star book. But it’s not aimed at me at all, and for the middle grades, I think I’d be hard pressed to find a better book for those who enjoy scary reads. Some of the imagery here is truly creepy! There are several great messages to be learned from this book, but nothing too intense. I feel like the book allows kids to tackle tricky subjects, but not in a way that feels overwhelming. Highly recommend.
deeandtea's review
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
This was such an interesting book. For a middle-grade novel, I liked the thriller element and that it was a little creepy but not too creepy. The cast of characters were lovable and realistic. I particularly loved Sadie and her quiet protectiveness for her brother. This was the second in the series which I didn’t realize, but I don’t think you need to read them in order. It did function as a standalone.
I wished the plot moved a little faster. The one question I have - and maybe this is a series thing - is why the Nightmare King attached himself to a Travis in the first place.
Overall, a really interesting novel! I’ll definitely be checking out the first and others in the series.
I wished the plot moved a little faster. The one question I have - and maybe this is a series thing - is why the Nightmare King attached himself to a Travis in the first place.
Overall, a really interesting novel! I’ll definitely be checking out the first and others in the series.
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