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mehsi's review against another edition
5.0
Wow, so much fear, so many twists and turns. This was amazing!
This book was fantastic, though there were a few small points that I didn't like that much. I want to start with those before I get to all the goodie stuff.
So Dash and Dylan's whole drama just got annoying. It was quite an interesting thing at first, but then I didn't know who to dislike more: Dylan? Or Dash? They both make some stupid mistakes but I think the brother who is dead (no spoiler, if you read the first book you would know, and really, you know that if you read a second or third, or further book review that there may be stuff mentioned in the first review) is the most annoying. Really, he knows about what happened to the kids with masks, and yet he is stupid enough to just fall for this mask stuff. *sighs and rolls eyes* I don't care that his memory might be messed up, I didn't even see it as that, I saw it rather that he was just a whiny little brat who never got what he wanted and now he is finally able to do x and y, and he takes it. He did make a good villain, and he was creepy. But I am so sorry, I couldn't get over the fact that he kept whining. One moment he would be all sad and wanting help, the next moment he hated his brother, hated that he always helped him, hated that he always needed his brother's help. Do you know what you want? *sighs*
So yeah, that part was just too much meh.
Then there is the whole let's hate on Poppy. Yes, the girl isn't really the best at social cues, but she did help you guys a lot! She is often the only one who gets to the solution in the end. She is the one saving your buts continuously. But does she ever get credit? No. :|
Marcus also wasn't really a fantastic character. He never really wasn't my favourite, but he made some really stupid decisions, comments, and more in this one. He pissed me off quite a few times.
But other than those points I did love the book and I flew through it, not stopping until I was absolutely done, and then I wanted the next book to appear magically so I could continue. Because, boy, a lot of things happen in this one.
The house also has some new tricks up its sleeve. Some new creepy ghosts make their appearance, we have some new twists and turns, and we also see some new parts of the house (including a classroom, a greenhouse with zombies (yes, zombies), attics with spookiness, and then I am not even mentioning the garden yet). Yes, you really can't hide anywhere.
I did love that the ghosts in the house are at times helpful. Showing hints, giving items. At least not all that is spooky is bad. Then again the Specials aren't that bad either. They can't help what they are doing, it is the mask's fault for all that.
Yes, I definitely felt for the Specials (well the official ones, not the new one). Those poor children. Especially when we learn certain facts about them and about their previous lives. Those poor things. I just want to hug them and tell them things will be OK, eventually. Someday.
The title for the book is also great. It fits the book perfectly, just like the first one fitted that book perfectly. It is true, one can't hide. Horrors and pain will be there no matter where you go.
We also learn something about the guy who did all the bad stuff to the orphans + we learn something about the girl in the mirror. It was all interesting and it made things even better.
What more? Mm, Azumi definitely did have an important role in this one.
Her sister? I can say I saw it coming, that is all I will say about it.
What more? Well, be prepared not to sleep. :P Also I can't wait for the next one as I am curious, we now levelled up and got to somewhere else, and I am curious what horrors en terrors that new place will bring.
All in all, a wonderful book in a great series. I would highly recommend it!
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
This book was fantastic, though there were a few small points that I didn't like that much. I want to start with those before I get to all the goodie stuff.
So Dash and Dylan's whole drama just got annoying. It was quite an interesting thing at first, but then I didn't know who to dislike more: Dylan? Or Dash? They both make some stupid mistakes but I think the brother who is dead (no spoiler, if you read the first book you would know, and really, you know that if you read a second or third, or further book review that there may be stuff mentioned in the first review) is the most annoying. Really, he knows about what happened to the kids with masks, and yet he is stupid enough to just fall for this mask stuff. *sighs and rolls eyes* I don't care that his memory might be messed up, I didn't even see it as that, I saw it rather that he was just a whiny little brat who never got what he wanted and now he is finally able to do x and y, and he takes it. He did make a good villain, and he was creepy. But I am so sorry, I couldn't get over the fact that he kept whining. One moment he would be all sad and wanting help, the next moment he hated his brother, hated that he always helped him, hated that he always needed his brother's help. Do you know what you want? *sighs*
So yeah, that part was just too much meh.
Then there is the whole let's hate on Poppy. Yes, the girl isn't really the best at social cues, but she did help you guys a lot! She is often the only one who gets to the solution in the end. She is the one saving your buts continuously. But does she ever get credit? No. :|
Marcus also wasn't really a fantastic character. He never really wasn't my favourite, but he made some really stupid decisions, comments, and more in this one. He pissed me off quite a few times.
But other than those points I did love the book and I flew through it, not stopping until I was absolutely done, and then I wanted the next book to appear magically so I could continue. Because, boy, a lot of things happen in this one.
The house also has some new tricks up its sleeve. Some new creepy ghosts make their appearance, we have some new twists and turns, and we also see some new parts of the house (including a classroom, a greenhouse with zombies (yes, zombies), attics with spookiness, and then I am not even mentioning the garden yet). Yes, you really can't hide anywhere.
I did love that the ghosts in the house are at times helpful. Showing hints, giving items. At least not all that is spooky is bad. Then again the Specials aren't that bad either. They can't help what they are doing, it is the mask's fault for all that.
Yes, I definitely felt for the Specials (well the official ones, not the new one). Those poor children. Especially when we learn certain facts about them and about their previous lives. Those poor things. I just want to hug them and tell them things will be OK, eventually. Someday.
The title for the book is also great. It fits the book perfectly, just like the first one fitted that book perfectly. It is true, one can't hide. Horrors and pain will be there no matter where you go.
We also learn something about the guy who did all the bad stuff to the orphans + we learn something about the girl in the mirror. It was all interesting and it made things even better.
What more? Mm, Azumi definitely did have an important role in this one.
Her sister? I can say I saw it coming, that is all I will say about it.
What more? Well, be prepared not to sleep. :P Also I can't wait for the next one as I am curious, we now levelled up and got to somewhere else, and I am curious what horrors en terrors that new place will bring.
All in all, a wonderful book in a great series. I would highly recommend it!
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
book4grace's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
maryehavens's review against another edition
2.0
I'm not one to censor (as I recommend censoring) but I was under the impression that this particular series was for the elementary set. Now I see it's for middle school or even teens. That makes me feel a little better because it's a hella-creepy series and I would not want elementary students to read it.
That being said, it's very slap-dash. Or slap-Dash?? Anyway, I enjoyed the first book because it had a "House on Haunted Hill" vibe and I ADORE a good haunted house story/book. But the plot is all over the place and held together with shoestrings. I think if this book was not a series, it would make a bit more sense but I feel like the author got confused on what was going on. It lacks continuity.
In addition to the continuity issues, there are all sorts of elements but almost too many elements. You got the creepy kids, the mask, haunted house, the Demagorgon, creepy evil mastermind, ghosts, walls that move, etc., etc., etc. Again, if there was continuity, the main characters could discover each element but it just seems like they are running around aimlessly bumping into them.
I'm going to continue the series because I bought them but it's not because it's good or even great. It falls into the old "the food is terrible and the portions are too small" but in BookWorld, it's "the book is full of plot holes and way too short". :)
That being said, it's very slap-dash. Or slap-Dash?? Anyway, I enjoyed the first book because it had a "House on Haunted Hill" vibe and I ADORE a good haunted house story/book. But the plot is all over the place and held together with shoestrings. I think if this book was not a series, it would make a bit more sense but I feel like the author got confused on what was going on. It lacks continuity.
In addition to the continuity issues, there are all sorts of elements but almost too many elements. You got the creepy kids, the mask, haunted house, the Demagorgon, creepy evil mastermind, ghosts, walls that move, etc., etc., etc. Again, if there was continuity, the main characters could discover each element but it just seems like they are running around aimlessly bumping into them.
I'm going to continue the series because I bought them but it's not because it's good or even great. It falls into the old "the food is terrible and the portions are too small" but in BookWorld, it's "the book is full of plot holes and way too short". :)
kaceylaine's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I was so excited to read this book because of how much I loved the first one. This book is very entertaining especially with the app which helps set the tone and atmosphere for the story.
literarycryptid's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
pussreboots's review against another edition
dark
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
sandylovesbooks's review against another edition
5.0
I hope Dan Poblocki writes fast because the third book has not been published yet and I can not wait long to finish this series. It is so good. So many twists and turns in the story I am loving it. When you read it you find yourself in the story right along with the characters and you can't put it down. I will think about Poppy, Dylan, Dash, Marcus, and Azumi all the time until the next book comes out.
Younger kids may have a hard time reading this series. It is a bit scary but if you love ghost stories then you will find Mr. Poblocki is a go-to author. Every time he publishes a book I have to get it from the library and read it. They are the best.
Younger kids may have a hard time reading this series. It is a bit scary but if you love ghost stories then you will find Mr. Poblocki is a go-to author. Every time he publishes a book I have to get it from the library and read it. They are the best.
split_figures's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
limabean74's review against another edition
3.0
I loved the first one but sort of felt this one was rather boring. I think I just wasn’t connecting with the characters anymore since it’s been a while since I read the first book. Might try again and read the first again. My daughter is excited about this series and I’m thinking it would be great for her.