Scan barcode
sweetcreature89's review against another edition
3.0
Oh, it's been way too long since I last read a Fear Street book. The nostalgia is hitting me hardcore. As I was growing up, R.L. Stine was my favorite author and Fear Street was my favorite book series. I can't help but be extremely ecstatic that he has begun writing books for the series again!
So, Haunted is number seven in the Fear Street series. I loved the cover for this one and I knew that I had to read it so that I could post the review during October. This is one of the Fear Street books that I had never actually read so I was excited to get into it.
I admit that there were moments when Melissa, the main character, kind of got on my nerves. At times, I felt like she was kind of unreasonable and annoying. But not as bad as Buddy, her boyfriend. I hate to say that he was pretty reminiscent of some actual teenage boys because he was pushy, rude, and kind of self-centered, but it's the truth.
One character that I did really like was Paul. Although he was a pretty big jerk and had an alcohol problem and issues with anger, I found him very interesting. It was obvious that there was more to his story and it makes me wish that the Fear Street books were bigger and longer so that I could figure him out. Or, maybe, he's simply not meant to be figured out?
The story itself was pretty good. It was pretty easy to figure out but these books are never super duper complicated.
Overall, it had it's issues but it was just as equally as amazing as I remember R.L. Stine's books to be.
Favorite Character: Paul.
Rating: 3 Stars.
So, Haunted is number seven in the Fear Street series. I loved the cover for this one and I knew that I had to read it so that I could post the review during October. This is one of the Fear Street books that I had never actually read so I was excited to get into it.
I admit that there were moments when Melissa, the main character, kind of got on my nerves. At times, I felt like she was kind of unreasonable and annoying. But not as bad as Buddy, her boyfriend. I hate to say that he was pretty reminiscent of some actual teenage boys because he was pushy, rude, and kind of self-centered, but it's the truth.
One character that I did really like was Paul. Although he was a pretty big jerk and had an alcohol problem and issues with anger, I found him very interesting. It was obvious that there was more to his story and it makes me wish that the Fear Street books were bigger and longer so that I could figure him out. Or, maybe, he's simply not meant to be figured out?
The story itself was pretty good. It was pretty easy to figure out but these books are never super duper complicated.
Overall, it had it's issues but it was just as equally as amazing as I remember R.L. Stine's books to be.
Favorite Character: Paul.
Rating: 3 Stars.
roguemultiverse's review against another edition
1.0
CW harassment, implied threats of r*pe & homicide
I’m not the intended audience for this book (which is around 12+ years) and only read it because I’m doing a found poetry project with it. I remember liking Goosbumps books as a kid but never read Fear Street. I didn’t expect to love it like I might have as a kid but also didn’t expect to dislike it as much as I did.
It did get interesting enough enough to read a few chapters in a row at a couple points. But I honestly probably wouldn’t have gotten to those if I hadn’t pushed myself through the rest.
All the guys in this book are pretty horrible. The boyfriend isn’t great. The ghost starts off wanting to kill her before chilling out. Then she runs into a bunch of guys who creep her out with sexual harassment while the main guy of said group gets worse with every encounter and at one point it seems like he’s intending rape and homicide. (Even for a 90’s book I’m surprised how much of that implication included especially given the age of the target audience.)
The ending is pretty abrupt and the main character pretty casual about the events which is especially weird given the gravity of what happened. I would’ve expected an adult to take the events harder much less a teenager.
I’m not the intended audience for this book (which is around 12+ years) and only read it because I’m doing a found poetry project with it. I remember liking Goosbumps books as a kid but never read Fear Street. I didn’t expect to love it like I might have as a kid but also didn’t expect to dislike it as much as I did.
It did get interesting enough enough to read a few chapters in a row at a couple points. But I honestly probably wouldn’t have gotten to those if I hadn’t pushed myself through the rest.
All the guys in this book are pretty horrible. The boyfriend isn’t great. The ghost starts off wanting to kill her before chilling out. Then she runs into a bunch of guys who creep her out with sexual harassment while the main guy of said group gets worse with every encounter and at one point it seems like he’s intending rape and homicide. (Even for a 90’s book I’m surprised how much of that implication included especially given the age of the target audience.)
The ending is pretty abrupt and the main character pretty casual about the events which is especially weird given the gravity of what happened. I would’ve expected an adult to take the events harder much less a teenager.
greatnate008's review against another edition
4.0
Melissa is such a terrible driver! Why doesn't anyone confront her about her reckless endangerment? She sort of admits she should pay more attention while driving after she blows through a couple of 4 way stops...
Also, there is a ghost in the story.
Also, there is a ghost in the story.
tyler_j's review against another edition
3.25
I really did enjoy this book for the most part! I think I also need to stop looking at reviews before I read a book. Afterwards sure, maybe see things differently or new things, but not before. That just leads to disaster.
Anyway I was on the edge of my seat for most of the book. I needed to know how it would pan out even as I got worried about the ending. I related to Melissa in some ways. Not entirely because I didn't grow up rich but she isn't a typical snob. Her second guessing herself, her feeling frustrated that no one would listen to her, thinking maybe they were right, being timid but also being able to stick up for herself when she had too.
There is a lot of rape culture in the book. To me it always looked like a bad thing, it wasn't condoned in my eyes. She got frustrated, she said no, you heard her thoughts. If you honestly think that crap is ok i'd have to say the problem is with you, not the book. I do get how this book isn't for everyone though. Could it have been clearer? Maybe, but it seemed obvious to me. I like it didn't talk down to it's readers.
It's not the most well written, it's R.L.Stine and early in his career too I believe. But I did see it tackle some things and I really liked that. The ending could very understandably piss people off though. I see that clearly. To me it makes me think, and I like books that make me think. The plot was a bit...contrived to say the least. And a bit far-fetched. It's not ment to be a masterpiece though. I enjoyed it for what it was. As always these are just my thoughts on the book.
TW: Attempted rape, rape culture
Anyway I was on the edge of my seat for most of the book. I needed to know how it would pan out even as I got worried about the ending. I related to Melissa in some ways. Not entirely because I didn't grow up rich but she isn't a typical snob. Her second guessing herself, her feeling frustrated that no one would listen to her, thinking maybe they were right, being timid but also being able to stick up for herself when she had too.
There is a lot of rape culture in the book. To me it always looked like a bad thing, it wasn't condoned in my eyes. She got frustrated, she said no, you heard her thoughts. If you honestly think that crap is ok i'd have to say the problem is with you, not the book. I do get how this book isn't for everyone though. Could it have been clearer? Maybe, but it seemed obvious to me. I like it didn't talk down to it's readers.
It's not the most well written, it's R.L.Stine and early in his career too I believe. But I did see it tackle some things and I really liked that. The ending could very understandably piss people off though. I see that clearly. To me it makes me think, and I like books that make me think. The plot was a bit...contrived to say the least. And a bit far-fetched. It's not ment to be a masterpiece though. I enjoyed it for what it was. As always these are just my thoughts on the book.
TW: Attempted rape, rape culture
jsalz13's review against another edition
4.0
This book was good, but very typical. I had it all figured out halfway through.
readertasha's review against another edition
5.0
It was enjoyable. I was actually really sad at the end. I'm such a child but yea its a great read.
booksandbraids's review against another edition
2.0
I enjoyed the ending on this one, but 90% of it was not very good. This girl should never be allowed behind the wheel of a car. I understand that when the ghost grabbed the wheel and swerved the car it was not her fault. But she did so many other awful things. Running red lights and stop signs and hitting other cars because she was distracted. Parking in a no-parking zone. And then she parked in front of a fire hydrant and I was certain that would get her in trouble but nothing ever came of it, so I have no idea why Stine felt the need to describe that detail.
charlottesometimes's review against another edition
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0