Take a photo of a barcode or cover
zoepaige_'s review against another edition
5.0
Strange Gods was a struggle at first. I was almost going to put it down and try again later, but something told me to read one more chapter. So, I did. And I will forever be grateful for that! At first, it seems like an odd story about juvenile delinquents at a strange summer camp. BUT THEN! Details get weird and you’re thrown for a loop. The story Alison has created is so much more than that. The main character’s development through the story is phenomenal… world building is literally *out of this world* and side characters?! She has you invested in all of them. The only thing I want more of is another book! I NEED answers after the epilogue! If you enjoy fantasy, and sci-fi you will enjoy this book. If you feel like you have been reading the same old book over and over again.. this one is for you!
vanessas_reading_list's review
3.0
*I received an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review*
When I first read the blurb for this book I was very excited. A story that has a boot camp for troubled teens within the fantasy genre? – Sign me up! I wasn't sure what to make of the writing style at first because it's written almost like a contemporary YA novel, very different from other fantasy books I've read. Then, when the fantasy elements started being introduced, it almost felt like they clashed with the tone that had already been established. But, once I got used to it, I actually grew to like this; it felt very original and I was intrigued to continue reading. Also, I should mention that although this is considered YA, it felt more middle-grade to me (not that that's a bad thing, just something worth noting). Given that the camp for troubled teens is one of the main settings for the story, I expected grittier scenes and morally gray characters. However, all three human protagonists are pretty good people (with minor faults). With a bad-ass nickname like "Spooky", I expected the main character to have a mysterious, dark backstory and I was curious to learn what landed her in this boot-camp in the middle of nowhere. But, it turns out she's just a bit of a misfit. One thing I really enjoyed though was her sense of humor. Spooky's early interactions with Carcass were hilarious and her inner monologues were totally relatable. Although the plot was pretty slow for the first 2/3 of the book, the last part really picked up. The ending was quite unique and left me wondering where things would go from there. I'll be picking up the sequel once it comes out.
*I still don't fully trust Carcass and I'm hoping in book 2 he takes a dark turn*
When I first read the blurb for this book I was very excited. A story that has a boot camp for troubled teens within the fantasy genre? – Sign me up! I wasn't sure what to make of the writing style at first because it's written almost like a contemporary YA novel, very different from other fantasy books I've read. Then, when the fantasy elements started being introduced, it almost felt like they clashed with the tone that had already been established. But, once I got used to it, I actually grew to like this; it felt very original and I was intrigued to continue reading. Also, I should mention that although this is considered YA, it felt more middle-grade to me (not that that's a bad thing, just something worth noting). Given that the camp for troubled teens is one of the main settings for the story, I expected grittier scenes and morally gray characters. However, all three human protagonists are pretty good people (with minor faults). With a bad-ass nickname like "Spooky", I expected the main character to have a mysterious, dark backstory and I was curious to learn what landed her in this boot-camp in the middle of nowhere. But, it turns out she's just a bit of a misfit. One thing I really enjoyed though was her sense of humor. Spooky's early interactions with Carcass were hilarious and her inner monologues were totally relatable. Although the plot was pretty slow for the first 2/3 of the book, the last part really picked up. The ending was quite unique and left me wondering where things would go from there. I'll be picking up the sequel once it comes out.
*I still don't fully trust Carcass and I'm hoping in book 2 he takes a dark turn*
starlitreaders's review against another edition
4.0
A bunch of delinquent teens get thrown together at a camp and Spooky finds herself dragged before a god.
This book was strange, yet had me wanting to read more.
It took me a few chapters to get into it, but once I was in I couldn’t stop reading.
Such a unique story, with unique characters.
The ending left me needing another book immediately.
Definitely recommend picking up a copy when it releases.
This book was strange, yet had me wanting to read more.
It took me a few chapters to get into it, but once I was in I couldn’t stop reading.
Such a unique story, with unique characters.
The ending left me needing another book immediately.
Definitely recommend picking up a copy when it releases.
bo_rae's review against another edition
4.0
A big thank you to Alison for allowing me to read her new novel Strange Gods in exchange for an honest review.
Strange Gods tells the story of Spooky, a girl who has been forced to spent her summer at a wilderness bootcamp for troubled teens, in order to improve her behaviour or she is not allowed to go back home to her parents after summer's over. However, while Spooky tries to keep her head down and avoid attention from the camp's counselors, she draws the attention of something else. Something more dark and sinister, which will not let go until Spooky fulfills its every wish. Soon Spooky is pulled into a world that is completely different from her own and she needs to learn how to survive powers that are far beyond her own control...
I've read Strange Gods with much enthusiasm, as I was already excited to read it upon first reading the synopsis. A creepy, fantasy story located in a summercamp for troubled teens? Doesn't that already sound amazing? Count me in!
From the get go, I really enjoyed reading about Spooky's story and everything she comes to experience. The book is written in a very nice and easy to understand manner and that made it such an enjoyable read. From the moment I started reading, I was immediately sucked into the story and it became very difficult to stop myself from reading more and force myself to start working on school assignments and deadlines instead.
In my opinion, although it contains some familiar themes, Strange Gods is a very original book, which tells a story that was completely new to me and that was not in the slightest what I was expecting before reading but that made me enjoy it even more. I also loved that there was a very surprising (and once more: original) end, which I feel the reader would not really expect at first. The beings and characters that Alison Kimble has created are truly original and not like anything I have encountered in other books before, she has truly created her own fictional world and I loved all about it. In addition, I truly appreciated Spooky as a main character and I think there's a lot of character development that the reader can detect. The reader is allowed to get to know a lot about Spooky, as well as about some of the other characters, and hence also gain a better understanding of why she acts the way she does and why she makes certain choices. I was able to understand and relate to Spooky and that always makes reading an even more pleasurable experience to me.
What I also really appreciated, is that Alison chose to make use of current topics within her storyline and added an original twist to them.
Strange Gods was, albeit a bit weird at times, a very fun and very original read which I truly enjoyed. I loved the surprises it contains and how the story is hence able to catch its reader off-guard. For me it was a solid 4/5 stars read and I highly recommend it to everyone who is in need of a very fun, unique, and summer-y fantasy read! If you enjoy fantasy books which are at times a bit creepy and a bit weird yet super whimsical at the same time, then I think you would very much enjoy this one!
Strange Gods tells the story of Spooky, a girl who has been forced to spent her summer at a wilderness bootcamp for troubled teens, in order to improve her behaviour or she is not allowed to go back home to her parents after summer's over. However, while Spooky tries to keep her head down and avoid attention from the camp's counselors, she draws the attention of something else. Something more dark and sinister, which will not let go until Spooky fulfills its every wish. Soon Spooky is pulled into a world that is completely different from her own and she needs to learn how to survive powers that are far beyond her own control...
I've read Strange Gods with much enthusiasm, as I was already excited to read it upon first reading the synopsis. A creepy, fantasy story located in a summercamp for troubled teens? Doesn't that already sound amazing? Count me in!
From the get go, I really enjoyed reading about Spooky's story and everything she comes to experience. The book is written in a very nice and easy to understand manner and that made it such an enjoyable read. From the moment I started reading, I was immediately sucked into the story and it became very difficult to stop myself from reading more and force myself to start working on school assignments and deadlines instead.
In my opinion, although it contains some familiar themes, Strange Gods is a very original book, which tells a story that was completely new to me and that was not in the slightest what I was expecting before reading but that made me enjoy it even more. I also loved that there was a very surprising (and once more: original) end, which I feel the reader would not really expect at first. The beings and characters that Alison Kimble has created are truly original and not like anything I have encountered in other books before, she has truly created her own fictional world and I loved all about it. In addition, I truly appreciated Spooky as a main character and I think there's a lot of character development that the reader can detect. The reader is allowed to get to know a lot about Spooky, as well as about some of the other characters, and hence also gain a better understanding of why she acts the way she does and why she makes certain choices. I was able to understand and relate to Spooky and that always makes reading an even more pleasurable experience to me.
What I also really appreciated, is that Alison chose to make use of current topics
Spoiler
such as issues with climate change and the human race causing each other more miseryStrange Gods was, albeit a bit weird at times, a very fun and very original read which I truly enjoyed. I loved the surprises it contains and how the story is hence able to catch its reader off-guard. For me it was a solid 4/5 stars read and I highly recommend it to everyone who is in need of a very fun, unique, and summer-y fantasy read! If you enjoy fantasy books which are at times a bit creepy and a bit weird yet super whimsical at the same time, then I think you would very much enjoy this one!
flybybooks's review against another edition
5.0
Thank you to StoryOrigin and the Publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Spooky is at a camp for troubled kids. All she wants to do is keep her head down and get through the summer and get on with her life. After she gets kidnapped by a God obsessed with stories, convinces him that an internet connection is even better than only one person and robs an electronics store in the process, that dream seems very far away. But the God has another deal for her, she helps him save the earth (and his precious internet connection) and he keeps her out of prison.
The premise of this story when summarized sounds silly. It does. But I am not lying when I say I fell in love with this book. The characters were complex, the worldbuilding was intricate and completely unique. The way the book was written was gripping. I loved the ending (but I still have tons of questions). What sounds like a silly bedtime story turned out to be a story of found family, trusting yourself and worlds beyond my imagination.
There is barely a romance, which was refreshing, especially in YA fantasy. The bit there was felt natural and as slow as you'd expect a first romance to progress.
While I do miss diversity in certain points, the sheer amazement at how well-written and thought out this story is overshadows it.
I recommend this book to anyone bored of reading similar books over and over. This absolutely unique novel will blow you away. I especially recommend it to teens about 13 to 15 years old, but this is a story you can enjoy at any age.
Spooky is at a camp for troubled kids. All she wants to do is keep her head down and get through the summer and get on with her life. After she gets kidnapped by a God obsessed with stories, convinces him that an internet connection is even better than only one person and robs an electronics store in the process, that dream seems very far away. But the God has another deal for her, she helps him save the earth (and his precious internet connection) and he keeps her out of prison.
The premise of this story when summarized sounds silly. It does. But I am not lying when I say I fell in love with this book. The characters were complex, the worldbuilding was intricate and completely unique. The way the book was written was gripping. I loved the ending (but I still have tons of questions). What sounds like a silly bedtime story turned out to be a story of found family, trusting yourself and worlds beyond my imagination.
There is barely a romance, which was refreshing, especially in YA fantasy. The bit there was felt natural and as slow as you'd expect a first romance to progress.
While I do miss diversity in certain points, the sheer amazement at how well-written and thought out this story is overshadows it.
I recommend this book to anyone bored of reading similar books over and over. This absolutely unique novel will blow you away. I especially recommend it to teens about 13 to 15 years old, but this is a story you can enjoy at any age.
queentheirin's review against another edition
4.0
ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
I was erring between a 3.75/4 for this one, but with a little bit of puff-chested pride of the main character having my name - a rare occurrence - I couldn't resist giving it that 4.
I will admit I'm probably slightly too old to enjoy this to the full extent at which it can be enjoyed, but I definitely see it being perfect for its target market. Just enough spooky (hehe), enough action and enough humour, from the humans and immortal, Lovecraftian gods alike to make this an enjoyable and easy read. The closest comparison I can make to how it felt to read is Grady Hendrix's Horrorstor for a slightly older audience, but in all honesty I enjoyed this more!
The concept of the levels of the pantheon in this world was certainly interesting, and unique to my knowledge. This book manages to balance the weirdness of these gods and their worlds without making so outlandish or high concept that it gets lost or just doesn't land. Personally, I can switch off when there's too many strange 'sci-fi' names or funny creatures, but here I didn't feel that; what I would do to tell Carcass a story!
I also enjoyed the fact that it wasn't the case of Spooky being 'the chosen one', it's emphatically stated the opposite; she's in a camp for troubled teens just trying to keep her head down. While I wouldn't say there was much growth for her character, I certainly saw all her actions as believable, she isn't a bad kid in all honesty, just in a bad personal situation, and this book lets her flourish and show as much when given the chance by a god with 18 fingers.
I did feel the ending was a little rushed, yeah it was a last minute gambit, but it did wrap up VERY fast. Still, I was along for the ride!
I was erring between a 3.75/4 for this one, but with a little bit of puff-chested pride of the main character having my name - a rare occurrence - I couldn't resist giving it that 4.
I will admit I'm probably slightly too old to enjoy this to the full extent at which it can be enjoyed, but I definitely see it being perfect for its target market. Just enough spooky (hehe), enough action and enough humour, from the humans and immortal, Lovecraftian gods alike to make this an enjoyable and easy read. The closest comparison I can make to how it felt to read is Grady Hendrix's Horrorstor for a slightly older audience, but in all honesty I enjoyed this more!
The concept of the levels of the pantheon in this world was certainly interesting, and unique to my knowledge. This book manages to balance the weirdness of these gods and their worlds without making so outlandish or high concept that it gets lost or just doesn't land. Personally, I can switch off when there's too many strange 'sci-fi' names or funny creatures, but here I didn't feel that; what I would do to tell Carcass a story!
I also enjoyed the fact that it wasn't the case of Spooky being 'the chosen one', it's emphatically stated the opposite; she's in a camp for troubled teens just trying to keep her head down. While I wouldn't say there was much growth for her character, I certainly saw all her actions as believable, she isn't a bad kid in all honesty, just in a bad personal situation, and this book lets her flourish and show as much when given the chance by a god with 18 fingers.
I did feel the ending was a little rushed, yeah it was a last minute gambit, but it did wrap up VERY fast. Still, I was along for the ride!
swordofichor's review against another edition
4.0
I was lucky enough to receive and e-ARC from the author and am incredibly grateful to her for reaching out! After reading the novel’s description I was intrigued and had to know more. The fast-paced manner of the novel paired with the strange worlds and gods the characters visited reminded me of books like Percy Jackson and The Poppy War. If you enjoy YA fantasy this book is definitely for you. I wish the characters had a little more time to develop because some character action and dialogue felt repetitive (specifically between Bree and Spooky, and Carcass and Spooky). For a debut, I believe the novel was well done and the world building kept the reader interested. I found myself drawn into each new world and story so quickly. I throughly enjoyed the plot and never truly knew where it would turn next, even right up until the end. It works works well as a standalone, however, I sincerely hope that there’s a sequel. I would be so excited to see these characters in action again. I can’t wait to purchase this when it comes out to add to my collection! 3.5 stars overall.
mr_pink_ink's review
4.0
Thank you to the author for providing me with a free eARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Oh, my gosh! This was SUCH a fun read!!! What?!?
I have been in a serious mood for Mythology recently and so I've been bingeing on Percy Jackson; Strange Gods immediately set my feelers all aquiver
These gods, however, are entirely new...
Writing Style: Alison's writing is quite simple, really - simple to get into, simple to read and it simply gobbles up your time. The dialogue is believable and the banter is on point, and quite witty. This book totally takes you on an epic cinematic journey that you just cannot help but love.
Story: Even though this story is a classic "The Chosen One Saves The World", it really isn't, because the main character isn't chosen exactly;... rather, it's a case of wrong place, wrong time, lol.
Kimble has added so many unique elements to this story, like a punishment ranking system catered to each individual "student", that I personally enjoyed a lot.
Very much a story-driven book, it is fresh and fun, and a little bit creepy, too.
World Building: Based on our current world, the events of Strange Gods happens just outside of it, in a secluded "summer camp" for troubled teens, in the middle of some huge woods inhabited by the various wild creatures one find within; far away from civilization but still close to a backwater town...
But that's where the similarity ends, because the author immediately sweeps you into a hidden portal, off to worlds both strange and hidden, some big worlds populated by creatures & others so small as to be just the home of a particular deity. My personal favourite is the home of someone whose name begins with an A...
Characters: Strange Gods will introduce you to some of the most instantly lovable (& hate-able) characters I've read in a long time, from Spooky, the MC, & her accomplices, to the gods themselves, running the gamut of personality traits among the lot; I mean, these characters are all have serious issues! Characters that we can relate to are the best kind.
I was really hoping that this book would not be a disappointment and I am BEYOND GLAD THAT IT DIDN'T!!
If you're looking for a fast-paced, action-packed rollercoaster ride of pure escapism, then Strange Gods by Alison Kimble is definitely one for you. Totally recommend!!
Oh, my gosh! This was SUCH a fun read!!! What?!?
I have been in a serious mood for Mythology recently and so I've been bingeing on Percy Jackson; Strange Gods immediately set my feelers all aquiver
These gods, however, are entirely new...
Writing Style: Alison's writing is quite simple, really - simple to get into, simple to read and it simply gobbles up your time. The dialogue is believable and the banter is on point, and quite witty. This book totally takes you on an epic cinematic journey that you just cannot help but love.
Story: Even though this story is a classic "The Chosen One Saves The World", it really isn't, because the main character isn't chosen exactly;... rather, it's a case of wrong place, wrong time, lol.
Kimble has added so many unique elements to this story, like a punishment ranking system catered to each individual "student", that I personally enjoyed a lot.
Very much a story-driven book, it is fresh and fun, and a little bit creepy, too.
World Building: Based on our current world, the events of Strange Gods happens just outside of it, in a secluded "summer camp" for troubled teens, in the middle of some huge woods inhabited by the various wild creatures one find within; far away from civilization but still close to a backwater town...
But that's where the similarity ends, because the author immediately sweeps you into a hidden portal, off to worlds both strange and hidden, some big worlds populated by creatures & others so small as to be just the home of a particular deity. My personal favourite is the home of someone whose name begins with an A...
Characters: Strange Gods will introduce you to some of the most instantly lovable (& hate-able) characters I've read in a long time, from Spooky, the MC, & her accomplices, to the gods themselves, running the gamut of personality traits among the lot; I mean, these characters are all have serious issues! Characters that we can relate to are the best kind.
I was really hoping that this book would not be a disappointment and I am BEYOND GLAD THAT IT DIDN'T!!
If you're looking for a fast-paced, action-packed rollercoaster ride of pure escapism, then Strange Gods by Alison Kimble is definitely one for you. Totally recommend!!
map_to_neverland's review against another edition
4.0
Rating: 3.75 / 5
Book Details:
-YA fantasy
-features a character named Spooky, characters who love storytelling, and the risk of the end of the world
Characters
This book was one of the more unusual books I’ve read recently, which may not work for everyone, but I enjoyed that about it. In particular, there are some strange characters (hence the title Strange Gods). I thought it made the book interesting because it was just so unique.
Story
This story was so imaginative. It was fantasy but with real world consequences and I really enjoyed that. Many books with fantasy elements ignore some real world costs but this novel did a great job of still showing those.
The ending
Book Details:
-YA fantasy
-features a character named Spooky, characters who love storytelling, and the risk of the end of the world
Characters
This book was one of the more unusual books I’ve read recently, which may not work for everyone, but I enjoyed that about it. In particular, there are some strange characters (hence the title Strange Gods). I thought it made the book interesting because it was just so unique.
Story
This story was so imaginative. It was fantasy but with real world consequences and I really enjoyed that. Many books with fantasy elements ignore some real world costs but this novel did a great job of still showing those.
The ending