thegrimhobbyist's reviews
174 reviews

The Spell of the Yukon and Other Poems by Robert W. Service

5.0

 This collection is a favorite of my husband's and I can see why. I've found a new favorite poet to dive into. We have an even larger collection of his work that I now want to dive into. The rhythmic lyrical style of his writing, the melancholy and morbid humor themes. I enjoyed a lot of these that it was hard for me to pick some favorites. 

Monster Blood III by R.L. Stine

3.0

 I was dreading reading a THIRD Monster Blood after my struggle with the first two, but I actually didn't mind this one. Was it a carbon copy of the same issues as these kids are having in the first two? Yes. Why they don't seem to learn their lesson, I don't know. But it was still entertaining enough. Kermit was a little brat, but it worked for the story. So, if you find Monster Blood entertaining enough, maybe give this third installment a try. I actually prefer it over the first two, honestly. 

A Thousand Mornings: Poems by Mary Oliver

3.0

 While the poetry is quite thought provoking and philosophical, which I can appreciate, I still have a great love for poetry that has lyricism and rhyming. I still enjoyed this and would recommend it to those who want a thought provoking read of poetry, especially in more melancholy tones that she gives off. 

Pretty Evil by Zoe Rosi
Did not finish book. Stopped at 40%.

 I'll be DNFing this one, sadly. I loved her Courier one, a five star for me. This one just isn't vibing with me as much. 

The Cuckoo Clock of Doom by R.L. Stine

2.5

All I can say is, I would have DNFed this book if this wasn't for a buddy read. I could not STAND the parents or the main character's little sister. I know that's the point of the book, but it made me so angry the entire time I was reading it, that I wanted to put it down multiple times. I probably would have been frustrated as a kid too, if I had read it then. Part of me is glad that I forced myself to finish this book for the buddy read, because the ending made it MILDLY worth it, but that's about it.

A Night in Terror Tower by R.L. Stine

4.0

I was actually thinking the twist would be something else that I figured out rather early on in the book, but turns out I was wrong, which made me enjoy this more because of that unexpected twist. This is certainly a newer concept that Stine hasn't taken before for one of his books, so another plus there.

The only complaint I have of this book is the horrid excuses for adults around these kids, and the lack of communication. The kids asking what's going on, what do you want, etc etc and the adults not even explaining themselves to them. What ever happened to the tried and true villainous monologue to explain themselves? I'd like that better than the 'you know what I want' repeatedly in response to the kid's panic. That got annoying.

Osgood As Gone by Cooper S. Beckett

4.5

I'm reading this out of order, I read the third and am finally getting around to reading the first two. I already fell in love with Prudence and all their reckless quirks and habits, so getting to meet Osgood in the first book after encountering them in the third has been nice. Now I understand when the train wreck started. A bit more backstory and what started all this crazy paranormal stuff.

This screams urban legend type mystery horror, and I loved every second. Paranormal investigator taken to the extreme! Also, the little artworks throughout the book during pivotal moments just add to the experience. That screaming one...whew. I won't say anything beyond that. If you've read this already, you know the art I'm meaning - and really the written descriptions.

I was sucked right into this story from the get go, action hits you in the beginning and keeps going all the way to the end. The writing was solid, the descriptions gave wonderful visuals, and the story itself was both creepy and interesting. That cliffhanger though, whew! I'm glad I have the second book.

My Hairiest Adventure by R.L. Stine

1.0

Probably one of my least favorite Goosebumps to date. Bland, repetitive, and not a very good twist or ending to make up for the repetitive blandness of the rest of the book. 

Academy of Breath and Fire by Kristofor Hellmeister
Did not finish book. Stopped at 37%.

I can't connect with the main characters, nor am I thrilled with the asinine way they're trying to solve this murder mystery. Especially the FBI agent. How did he get to be an agent with the choices he's making???

Attack of the Mutant by R.L. Stine

3.0

This is yet another Goosebumps where the main character is too bratty for me to enjoy the book. Overall, I liked the story. It was a cool concept and as zany as your typical comic book is. But I was rolling my eyes with every bratty statement this kid said throughout. This has unlocked my need to find more superhero/villain type stories though!