A review by connorjdaley
Bad Grains by Susanne Schmidt

adventurous challenging dark mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

I received this novella to judge for SFINCS. Opinion is my own, and does not represent that made by the team. I did also happen to purchase this in paperback, as I prefer to read physical, and I liked the cover. 

This is a middle grade horror that is a homage to the author’s favorites like Goosebumps. While it doesn’t quite hit that level of suspense, I do see how the author took them and made something of their own. Also like GB this novella does push the limits of ‘children’s’ and ‘horror’, With some dark imagery and description. 

The 1st person POV of Jo is very authentic, reading as real in both age and personality. I loved the issues with making friends, having a mean brother, and reading as an escape. All things that we’ve dealt with on some level. 

I love the German setting as well as the German folklore. I love that the author kept certain German words/phrases, as although they may have been self explanatory, they added depth. The Rye fields monster, as well as the world under the roots was super unique and I loved the idea of such a small, quaint town. Sadly the idea of walking around alone as a kid is kind of ruined by the nature of the story, but I liked it at the start!

Personally a 4/5* for me. Well written, enjoyable throughout.