A review by theliteraryapothecary
Bad Grains by Susanne Schmidt

4.5

Bad Grains was the 3rd Semi-finalist I read for the SFINCs Championship Series. It is a spooky supernatural horror novella with an 11 year old MC who loves Halloween, even when the rest of her small German town doesn't celebrate the holiday much. When her slightly older brother and 2 of his best friends disappear on their walk home from school one day, it's up to Jo to get them back. 

This novella had great characters, an engaging plot, and prose that kept me turning page after page. 

CAWPILE Breakdown: 

Characters: 8 - The characters were great, although some (like the rye mother) I wanted more from (maybe in book 2?) 

Atmostphere/Setting: 7.5 - The atmosphere was spot on. As soon as the fog settled over the rye field, the atmosphere started to feel creepy. The setting could have been stronger at times, IMO, but wasn't bad either. 

Writing Style: 9 - The writing kept me engaged the whole time. I appreciated how it kept the same tone of our MC the duration of the novella, even as she changed. 

Plot: 8.5 - The plot was well written and engaging. I was always interested to keep reading. 

Intrigue: 8.5 - Intrigue was a big part (though not all of it) of what kept me so interested in the plot. I had so many questions that needed answering. 

Logic/Relationships: 8 - Things made sense, even when maybe they shouldn't have. Relationships were written well, though some felt stronger than others. 

Enjoyment: 8 - I enjoyed Bad Grains and am interested in continuing this series to see where Jo's story goes with the Order of the Strawberry Circle. 

CAWPILE Total: 57.5/7 = 8.2 = 4.5 stars