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selene623's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.25
libraryjunkie's review against another edition
4.0
After reading We Are All Completely Fine, I loved this prequel and finding out the back story of main character Harrison Harrison (H2). Although the novel is a creepy look into H2’s life, it is also a coming of age story that was quick and a little menacing. Filled with fantastical creatures, interesting supporting characters, and an engaging storyline, it was a fun read.
fountain_of_book's review against another edition
5.0
Where to start with this book? I absolutely loved it. I picked it up at random and started reading it. It was a rather quick read for me. The town of Dunnsmouth is unique society where the children all speak with their fingers and the adults are apart of a secret cult. I did not expect that in this book that Harrison would have any supernatural powers. I thought that the only supernatural would come in with the "Down worlders" but I am happy I was wrong. Another twist that I enjoyed was that the professor in the library was a ghost! It was a really nice twist. The only think that I disliked about this book is the ending! It was such a big cliff hanger that left me craving more. I am looking forward the second installment.
koboldskind's review against another edition
4.0
Harrison Squared is very YA. I almost want to call it The Famous Five meet H.P. Lovecraft. Not a bad thing, though. It's well written, tense, entertaining, and develops pleasantly different from what you expect for the first quarter or so.
careythesixth's review against another edition
4.0
This book is kind of a secret prequel to We Are All Completely Fine, but I would recommend reading the novella first. While H2 stands on its own merits as being a nice creepy little page-turner, knowing what the Scrimshander is capable of from WAACF packs an extra punch of terror into this book.
gremlinjane's review against another edition
4.0
Young adult Lovecraftian adventures in Dunnsmouth! The story was sufficiently creepy in it's setting (dreary, even) so it had that delightful Lovecraft feel. BUT! I was excited by not only the constant discussion of race that was popping up (which deftly counters the racism that was so readily apparent in H.P.'s original stories).
Also, our protagonist was disabled (having lost a leg in a tragic sea "accident" when he was quite young). It was so great to have this sort of diversity in my ya fiction - but also to have this be part of the story but to not have it BE the story. So kudos to the author for all those things!
The only real downside to this adventure tale was that it did THE THING I can't stand in YA. You think you're reading a stand alone story and then get punched at the end with the obvious set-up for another book. Dang it! At least there was some sense of ending and we weren't left totally unfulfilled - but sheesh. I wish I'd known going in.
Also, our protagonist was disabled (having lost a leg in a tragic sea "accident"
The only real downside to this adventure tale was that it did THE THING I can't stand in YA. You think you're reading a stand alone story and then get punched at the end with the obvious set-up for another book. Dang it! At least there was some sense of ending and we weren't left totally unfulfilled - but sheesh. I wish I'd known going in.
elliotvanz's review against another edition
4.0
Let me just start by saying I really enjoyed We Are All Completely Fine (which takes place several years after the events in Harrison Squared), as well as Daryl Gregory's writing in general. I also get a kick out of Lovecraftian themed horror (though oddly not Lovecraft himself). I was pretty much assured to like this book, so it's really no surprise that I happily tore through it.
Interestingly enough this is one of those rare books that could easily be shelved in either teen or adult fiction. On one hand it follows a teenager, at his new creepy high school, overcoming difficulties and having adventures. It is relatively low on the sex and violence scale, and it is written in a youthful first person voice. On the other hand it isn't immature or lacking any of the things that would make this an engaging read for adults. The writing is solid, and pops with interesting metaphors. Gregory's mastery for character also cannot be understated - even the side characters come to life in his books. It really is a story with wide appeal...so long as you like tentacley horror.
The Lovecraft angle is not subtle. The town is named Dunnsmouth. There is an unspeakable sea dwelling horror with a mouth contorting name which translates to the Walker Between Worlds. There are fish people. It's all in there, and Gregory isn't trying to hide the influences. That's part of what makes it all so fun. It's like being in on a joke. This book is just as funny (in my opinion) as it is creepy, perhaps even more so. When it comes down to it, if you're looking for something to keep you up at night this isn't it. But if you want something kooky that will keep you flipping pages give this book a try. It's a fast fun read with just the right blend of the bizarre.
Interestingly enough this is one of those rare books that could easily be shelved in either teen or adult fiction. On one hand it follows a teenager, at his new creepy high school, overcoming difficulties and having adventures. It is relatively low on the sex and violence scale, and it is written in a youthful first person voice. On the other hand it isn't immature or lacking any of the things that would make this an engaging read for adults. The writing is solid, and pops with interesting metaphors. Gregory's mastery for character also cannot be understated - even the side characters come to life in his books. It really is a story with wide appeal...so long as you like tentacley horror.
The Lovecraft angle is not subtle. The town is named Dunnsmouth. There is an unspeakable sea dwelling horror with a mouth contorting name which translates to the Walker Between Worlds. There are fish people. It's all in there, and Gregory isn't trying to hide the influences. That's part of what makes it all so fun. It's like being in on a joke. This book is just as funny (in my opinion) as it is creepy, perhaps even more so. When it comes down to it, if you're looking for something to keep you up at night this isn't it. But if you want something kooky that will keep you flipping pages give this book a try. It's a fast fun read with just the right blend of the bizarre.
izabrekilien's review against another edition
4.0
– This novel was provided by the publisher via NetGalley
in exchange for an honest review –
Reviewed for http://theereaderjunkie.wordpress.com
Let’s be upfront, I’ve never ever read anything by Lovecraft in my life. I want to, I certainly will and I’ve heard a lot about him but I thought it fair to warn you, since everybody refers to this novel as “lovecraftian”, that I won’t be able to compare or find any reference. So I’ll make my own : remember the Avengers, that old British show with John Steed and Emma Peel (I don’t want to hear about his other partners) ? Mystery, fantastic, humor and quirky characters – that’s what this book made me think about. In case you’re wondering, The avengers with Emma Peel is one of my favorite tv-shows ever.
I was intrigued straight from the beginning, let’s see these opening sentences : “What I remember are tentacles. Tentacles and teeth.” And the beginning of the first chapter ? “The building seemed to be watching me.” Catchy, isn’t it ?
I delved right into this dark, intriguing world, seemingly out of civilization : no phone bars, no cable TV (“the place was furnished in early Hermit”), people have their own religion in their own language. The students are not ordinary : no talking in class (except in their own special fingers code), no fights, no questions, they look almost emotionless. And come on, sea monsters !!
This is a novel that teenagers would feast on greedily. I love the mystery, the atmosphere, the people – not only Harrison and his sharp wit, but there are so many excellent secondary characters, I hadn’t seen that for quite some time now and enjoyed it immensely ! For example, aunt Sel : when you first hear about her, you think she’s an uptight city girl through and through, but when she arrives, she is a breath of fresh air in this confined environment, funny and carefree ! To sum it all, I had a blast reading Harrison squared. Yet be warned, the ending is somehow abrupt. I read somewhere that this was a prequel to “We are all completely fine“, which I haven’t read yet but I intend to remedy that as soon as I can.
Quote :
“I hadn’t told the cops about him ; how could I ? By the way, a were-trout came to my house last night and stole my favorite book.”
in exchange for an honest review –
Reviewed for http://theereaderjunkie.wordpress.com
Let’s be upfront, I’ve never ever read anything by Lovecraft in my life. I want to, I certainly will and I’ve heard a lot about him but I thought it fair to warn you, since everybody refers to this novel as “lovecraftian”, that I won’t be able to compare or find any reference. So I’ll make my own : remember the Avengers, that old British show with John Steed and Emma Peel (I don’t want to hear about his other partners) ? Mystery, fantastic, humor and quirky characters – that’s what this book made me think about. In case you’re wondering, The avengers with Emma Peel is one of my favorite tv-shows ever.
I was intrigued straight from the beginning, let’s see these opening sentences : “What I remember are tentacles. Tentacles and teeth.” And the beginning of the first chapter ? “The building seemed to be watching me.” Catchy, isn’t it ?
I delved right into this dark, intriguing world, seemingly out of civilization : no phone bars, no cable TV (“the place was furnished in early Hermit”), people have their own religion in their own language. The students are not ordinary : no talking in class (except in their own special fingers code), no fights, no questions, they look almost emotionless. And come on, sea monsters !!
This is a novel that teenagers would feast on greedily. I love the mystery, the atmosphere, the people – not only Harrison and his sharp wit, but there are so many excellent secondary characters, I hadn’t seen that for quite some time now and enjoyed it immensely ! For example, aunt Sel : when you first hear about her, you think she’s an uptight city girl through and through, but when she arrives, she is a breath of fresh air in this confined environment, funny and carefree ! To sum it all, I had a blast reading Harrison squared. Yet be warned, the ending is somehow abrupt. I read somewhere that this was a prequel to “We are all completely fine“, which I haven’t read yet but I intend to remedy that as soon as I can.
Quote :
“I hadn’t told the cops about him ; how could I ? By the way, a were-trout came to my house last night and stole my favorite book.”
fbone's review against another edition
3.0
This was light, fun and silly. The author has an active imagination. Each page brought us a new element. I gave up guessing what would happen next. The ending was not all resolved but I don't expect a sequel.
glaiza_echo's review against another edition
4.0
https://paperwanderer.wordpress.com/2015/04/04/lovecraftian-sea-creatures-harrison-squared-by-daryl-gregory/