Scan barcode
posies23's review
5.0
The fifth Johnny Dixon book is as big improvement over the previous installment. In this book, Johnny, Fergie, and the Professor have to defeat a supernatural mechanical menace with links to Johnny's Grandfather's past.
There are some good, creepy moments here, and the writing is back to Bellair's effortless storytelling. The characters are sharply drawn, and the story moves along nicely. With this being a YA novel from the 1980's, there's nothing terribly nightmare-inducing, but it's still suspenseful and eerie enough to appeal to readers who like that sort of thing.
Highly recommended!
There are some good, creepy moments here, and the writing is back to Bellair's effortless storytelling. The characters are sharply drawn, and the story moves along nicely. With this being a YA novel from the 1980's, there's nothing terribly nightmare-inducing, but it's still suspenseful and eerie enough to appeal to readers who like that sort of thing.
Highly recommended!
schwimfan's review
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
puddleglum1983's review
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
calistareads's review against another edition
3.0
As far as John Bellairs and Johnny Dixon goes, I felt this was weaker. Still a good story, but the whole baseball element felt very forced. I enjoyed the 3 book arc the previous story had. It was a great story. This one did not live up to it.
All the gang is back in this one and now there is a evil voodoo Robot running around basically. Johnny is being kidnapped. He has suffered some trauma, not wonder he is so jumpy at this point. It is spooky and creepy and a great story overall.
I love Johnny Dixon and I will continue on with the series.
All the gang is back in this one and now there is a evil voodoo Robot running around basically. Johnny is being kidnapped. He has suffered some trauma, not wonder he is so jumpy at this point. It is spooky and creepy and a great story overall.
I love Johnny Dixon and I will continue on with the series.
calistareads's review
3.0
As far as John Bellairs and Johnny Dixon goes, I felt this was weaker. Still a good story, but the whole baseball element felt very forced. I enjoyed the 3 book arc the previous story had. It was a great story. This one did not live up to it.
All the gang is back in this one and now there is a evil voodoo Robot running around basically. Johnny is being kidnapped. He has suffered some trauma, not wonder he is so jumpy at this point. It is spooky and creepy and a great story overall.
I love Johnny Dixon and I will continue on with the series.
All the gang is back in this one and now there is a evil voodoo Robot running around basically. Johnny is being kidnapped. He has suffered some trauma, not wonder he is so jumpy at this point. It is spooky and creepy and a great story overall.
I love Johnny Dixon and I will continue on with the series.
manwithanagenda's review
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
This is about the closest thing to a sports book I read as a child - you can tell me I did wrong if you can tell me of any other sports story featuring a Victorian pitching robot run amok.
It was an absolute favorite when I was younger, but now I can't help feeling sorry for Johnny because he chose some terrible friends. Listen to him, guys! This is the fifth time you've all been on this spooky roller-coaster of bizarre events.
In the end though, I will read & read & read these, they're too much fun to ignore when they turn up at book sales.
Johnny Dixon
Next: 'The Trolley to Yesterday'
Previous: 'Revenge of the Wizard's Ghost'
It was an absolute favorite when I was younger, but now I can't help feeling sorry for Johnny because he chose some terrible friends. Listen to him, guys! This is the fifth time you've all been on this spooky roller-coaster of bizarre events.
In the end though, I will read & read & read these, they're too much fun to ignore when they turn up at book sales.
Johnny Dixon
Next: 'The Trolley to Yesterday'
Previous: 'Revenge of the Wizard's Ghost'
satanicangel's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
This was my favorite book as a morbid little boy and I'm glad to say it holds up. Spooky and suspenseful AND funny! Just a delight to read!
More...