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3.99 AVERAGE
3.99 AVERAGE
Loved this thrilling book. Great plot, and character development. Exciting ending, and hope for a sequel
Review originally posted 9 Sept 2022 at Falling Letters.
I originally drafted this post in early July. While at the lake one weekend, I read two entire middle grade novels. I wrote, “My enjoyment of middle grade is rekindled. I am quite looking forward to participating in #MGReadathon, hosted by Ms. Yingling Reads from July 15 to 17.” I’m pleased to report that that middle grade momentum carried through the summer, as I read 12 middle grade novels while hanging out at the lake. Now begins my task of actually reviewing said books
I originally drafted this post in early July. While at the lake one weekend, I read two entire middle grade novels. I wrote, “My enjoyment of middle grade is rekindled. I am quite looking forward to participating in #MGReadathon, hosted by Ms. Yingling Reads from July 15 to 17.” I’m pleased to report that that middle grade momentum carried through the summer, as I read 12 middle grade novels while hanging out at the lake. Now begins my task of actually reviewing said books
When Rae, her mother, and her sister relocate to the town of Whispering Pines, she quickly notices that there’s something odd about it. After several kids go missing, Rae and her next door neighbor start looking into the strange disappearances and what might be the reason behind them.
I heard this book described as having Stranger Things vibes. And since I am a fan of that series, I knew I wanted to read it. That description played out to be very true. In fact, it felt like it might have been heavily influenced by that show. I enjoyed the book overall, but honestly, I felt like it was too much like Stranger Things to the point of being a bit annoying. However, if the aim was to have a similar story but toned down for middle grade audiences, then I think this book succeeded well at that. It definitely kept me turning the pages! If you are looking for a less scarier version of Stranger Things in book form, this might be a good option.
Read this for a Stranger Things Readathon and it was the perfect vibe! This book screams stranger things! From the group of unlikely characters that come together, to another world beyond ours with creatures, and the perfect fall atmosphere! This was so fun, spooky, a little gross, and wholesome!
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
“I don’t know. It… it had no eyes, Jas. It had so many teeth, but no eyes.”
It was time to reinvent herself here in this strange little town. Out with the old Rae, and in with the new.
People come to us when no one else in their life believes them
“This town is super haunted,”
Rae laughed awkwardly.
“You’ll see”
“Something,” she said in a loud whisper, “is sucking the peepers right out of kids’ heads. You’d better keep an eye out.”
“Blood opens and closes. A sacrifice given and taken”
I really enjoyed this book! Reading this book felt a little bit like watching the first few episodes of Stranger Things with multiple plotlines, not sure what's going on but completely captivated! It definitely gave The X-Files and Stranger Things vibes (two of my fav shows). Can't wait to read the other books in this series.
🍂🎃
It was time to reinvent herself here in this strange little town. Out with the old Rae, and in with the new.
People come to us when no one else in their life believes them
“This town is super haunted,”
Rae laughed awkwardly.
“You’ll see”
“Something,” she said in a loud whisper, “is sucking the peepers right out of kids’ heads. You’d better keep an eye out.”
“Blood opens and closes. A sacrifice given and taken”
I really enjoyed this book! Reading this book felt a little bit like watching the first few episodes of Stranger Things with multiple plotlines, not sure what's going on but completely captivated! It definitely gave The X-Files and Stranger Things vibes (two of my fav shows). Can't wait to read the other books in this series.
🍂🎃
Content Warnings
Minor: Bullying, Child death, Death of parent
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I read this book for the “Upside Down Readathon” which is a “Stranger Things”-themed readathon. This book was the buddy read for one of the hosts, Liv. Otherwise I would’ve never picked this up. It’s a spooky middle grade and I’m glad Liv choose this as her buddy read.
Spooky middle grades are definitely a subgenre that I really enjoy. I’m definitely not the age demographic, but I just love getting lost in these books. And it was the perfect pick for a “Stranger Things”-themed readathon. It had all the vibes, lots of similarities and has elements that I also love about the series. It’s set in a small town, unexplainable things keep happening, missing kids, a secret lab, the supernatural and people with certain powers.
When I think about middle grade, I think of 8 to 12 year old kids. This book is definitely on the dark and more scarier side. So if you want your kid to read this, or you are that kid that wants to read it, be aware it has some very bloody and creepy moments.
The book has a great, spooky atmosphere, also die to the small town setting. The two main characters, Rae and Caden, are both well-developed and interesting characters. They both deal with the loss of someone dear and find a connection. The mystery is strong and kept me guessing until the end, with a great reveal right at the very end. “Whispering Pines” is also very fast paced and easy to read. The first book in a series that I will definitely be continuing.
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
adventurous
dark
inspiring
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
adventurous
dark
funny
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes