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babs_reviews's review
4.0
This story was so many things - sad, chilling, disturbing and violent but also thought provoking and reflective. The loneliness that is present really made me pause.
Teddy experiences more trauma than anyone ever should, much less a child. A coming of age, wildly searching for answers, for himself. It was so interesting to see a child’s POV seeing the world and trying to make sense of it.
A detective story that is unhinged with emphasis on a psychological break. Strode’s character had me in my feels, the weight of moments lingering, eager to take you under. He was tragedy and hope.
This is a horror you shouldn’t pass up. Go meet my poor, precious, psycho Teddy!
Teddy experiences more trauma than anyone ever should, much less a child. A coming of age, wildly searching for answers, for himself. It was so interesting to see a child’s POV seeing the world and trying to make sense of it.
A detective story that is unhinged with emphasis on a psychological break. Strode’s character had me in my feels, the weight of moments lingering, eager to take you under. He was tragedy and hope.
This is a horror you shouldn’t pass up. Go meet my poor, precious, psycho Teddy!
kat_reads_horror's review
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
This is one of the best books about how it feels dealing with depression and really being in a dark space. After meeting the author, Haley at Scarelastic Book Fair I really appreciated it more. The narrator really doesn't do the pain as well as hearing Haley describe how difficult life had been and how writing this story brought light to forgiveness and grace.
Teddy and his mother escape his abusive father and go live at a house his grandparents own in Indiana. Things are strange at the home but Teddy is doing his best to be strong for his mother. Teddy befriends a shadow in the basement, and as things get worse at home Teddy gives more and more of himself to the shadow.
Teddy and his mother escape his abusive father and go live at a house his grandparents own in Indiana. Things are strange at the home but Teddy is doing his best to be strong for his mother. Teddy befriends a shadow in the basement, and as things get worse at home Teddy gives more and more of himself to the shadow.
wylovat's review
dark
emotional
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
hmf5089's review
dark
emotional
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
jessaruck's review
5.0
Take Your Turn Teddy is a spooky book that will give you the fall time feel in the middle of winter! Haley Newlin outdid herself in her second novel. I was in the middle of getting out of a reading rut when I picked up this book, and it pulled me right out of it. I started reading this book, and I couldn't stop! Take Your Turn Teddy will always haunt me because of the mental aspect of the book. As a person who feels alone most of the time, this book really hit the mark for me. From page, one Take Your Turn Teddy had me hooked. Teddy is a pretty relatable character. He is a young kid who grew up quickly. He also feels alone, which I know I can relate to, especially with Covid. I really enjoyed the shadow creature that attaches itself to Teddy. The shadow was was really creepy, but many people would have fallen into its trap. We also had a girl from the dead make an appearance, and honestly, she was creepy. I also really enjoyed reading from the police perspective and watching the two characters interact with each other. Also, the ending, I absolutely love it, and it made me a little bit sad. Read the full review!
https://jesssbookshelf.com/?p=2725&preview=true&frame-nonce=96f9720fc4
https://jesssbookshelf.com/?p=2725&preview=true&frame-nonce=96f9720fc4
likeagilmoregirl's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Grief, Violence, Infidelity, Murder, Blood, Child abuse, Physical abuse, Domestic abuse, Injury/Injury detail, Gore, and Mental illness
joban_gh's review
2.0
This was a book about nothing. 300+ pages of setup and zero payoff with barely any plot development. No explanations, no conclusion, and no purpose. The author’s note and acknowledgements are jam-packed with pretentious, pompous self-praise though.
The only reason I gave this book two stars instead of one is that it had potential to be good, but that potential was pissed away in favor of inconsequential descriptions of character quirks masquerading as “development”.
The only reason I gave this book two stars instead of one is that it had potential to be good, but that potential was pissed away in favor of inconsequential descriptions of character quirks masquerading as “development”.
thedustbunnyslibrary's review
3.0
“Oh, it’s a trick. A trick I haven’t done in quite some time. I can only do it with my friends.”
This was great! Part One was riveting. The setting, the characters, the conflict, the details. I was hooked and my heart broke for young Teddy and his mom.
Part Two I didn’t love. This is my own fault for going in blind. I’m not one for detective work and cop talk; that’s something I have to be in the mood for and I wasn’t, nor did I know it would play such a large part. So I was little bored but if you’re into reading about crimes you’ll be thrilled, trust me! It’s a gripping story so it grew on me.
Part Three (of five) picked up and I was hooked again. I remained eager to turn the pages - the suspense was killing me! I was anxious to see how the pieces would fall into place and I read it every chance that I had.
I want to add that I appreciated Officer Finch’s characterization: a petite but strong woman of color with immense determination, who didn’t let anything get in her way. I also loved Shadow - Shadow was giving me Babadook vibes and was my favorite.
Some minor issues: Teddy never seemed his true age, and some dialogue from the cops felt extra cheesy or unnecessary. It kind of felt like a horror story for beginners. Personally I wanted more of what we had in part one. But you may love all of these aspects!
If you enjoy psychological horror, coming-of-age, and crime stories I highly recommend this.
This was great! Part One was riveting. The setting, the characters, the conflict, the details. I was hooked and my heart broke for young Teddy and his mom.
Part Two I didn’t love. This is my own fault for going in blind. I’m not one for detective work and cop talk; that’s something I have to be in the mood for and I wasn’t, nor did I know it would play such a large part. So I was little bored but if you’re into reading about crimes you’ll be thrilled, trust me! It’s a gripping story so it grew on me.
Part Three (of five) picked up and I was hooked again. I remained eager to turn the pages - the suspense was killing me! I was anxious to see how the pieces would fall into place and I read it every chance that I had.
I want to add that I appreciated Officer Finch’s characterization: a petite but strong woman of color with immense determination, who didn’t let anything get in her way. I also loved Shadow - Shadow was giving me Babadook vibes and was my favorite.
Some minor issues: Teddy never seemed his true age, and some dialogue from the cops felt extra cheesy or unnecessary. It kind of felt like a horror story for beginners. Personally I wanted more of what we had in part one. But you may love all of these aspects!
If you enjoy psychological horror, coming-of-age, and crime stories I highly recommend this.
davemusson85's review
adventurous
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
First of all, I’m in awe of the unflinching honest of the author about her own mental health struggles in this book’s introduction, and then of the wild ambition shown in this work. To go half a book following the tale of young Teddy - that goes from domestic discomfort into a haunted house and other spooky supernatural stuff - before then jumping to a police procedural for another chunk of this and *then* bringing it all together in a satisfying and effective way is hugely impressive.
My favourite parts of this were those with Teddy and his new friend. Haley has a real talent for writing passages that get under your skin and leave you deeply unsettled, as well creating super compelling characters. Oh, and she’s also great at writing stomach-turning descriptions of gore and bodily remains!
For me, the police part wasn’t quite as effective - at least not until it started to tie back to the first part, but I still enjoyed myself the whole time. I also found the barrage of Beatles songs somewhat overwhelming, but that’s mainly because I can’t stand the Beatles 😂
Overall, this is a fab story and an impressive piece of work and I’m definitely keen to read more by this author. If you’re after something spooky and something to get really lost in over a few days, this is a great option.
My favourite parts of this were those with Teddy and his new friend. Haley has a real talent for writing passages that get under your skin and leave you deeply unsettled, as well creating super compelling characters. Oh, and she’s also great at writing stomach-turning descriptions of gore and bodily remains!
For me, the police part wasn’t quite as effective - at least not until it started to tie back to the first part, but I still enjoyed myself the whole time. I also found the barrage of Beatles songs somewhat overwhelming, but that’s mainly because I can’t stand the Beatles 😂
Overall, this is a fab story and an impressive piece of work and I’m definitely keen to read more by this author. If you’re after something spooky and something to get really lost in over a few days, this is a great option.