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sharron_joy_reads's review
dark
funny
mysterious
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? N/A
4.0
Thirteen chilling tales collated into one book. These are middle grade and are creepy little stories of the weird and wonderful. I really enjoyed these and they were easy to dip in and out of.
My favourites were:-
Game Over - a night time sleepover at an arcade turns scary
Talos Springs - a boy’s view of his world from the window of the Nursery.
The Green Ghost - a secret under the floorboards
Hide & Seek - remember not to wander off alone!
saccalai's review
4.0
This has got everything - zombies, wolves, dolls, even a sinister carpet! It was great for a buddy read as we had lots to discuss after each story and were left with quite a few questions.
I think I'd like any of them as a full book, there was so much more that could come from each story. Some of my favourites were Game Over, Underlay and Talos Springs but all were unique and terrifying in different ways.
I think I'd like any of them as a full book, there was so much more that could come from each story. Some of my favourites were Game Over, Underlay and Talos Springs but all were unique and terrifying in different ways.
styxx's review
adventurous
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Violence, Death, Child death, Blood, and Abandonment
crystal1978's review
dark
funny
mysterious
tense
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? It's complicated
4.0
scott_you_reading's review
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
motherbooker's review
4.0
It's very rare that you read a short story collection and enjoy every single one. There's always at least one or two that you don't engage with. There were definitely some that I enjoyed more than others but I think every story was strong. Each tale was different which made the whole collection so much fun to read. I can see this being enjoyed by younger readers. The stories are spooky and creepy but nothing too scary. There's a really nice balance and I can't see anyone getting too concerned by reading them. It's the perfect book for the spooky season.
Some of the stories were really sophisticated and went in directions that I wasn't necessarily expecting. There were plenty of classic horror tropes to enjoy and all of the Halloween favourites. We experience zombies, AI, demon carpets, werewolves, ghosts and much more. I think there's a great mix of different themes and the different writers have distinct approaches. I think it works really well and means there'll be something everyone enjoys.
This book features some of the biggest names in children's literature and there's plenty of great writing here. Even though they have different voices, I think all of the stories work well as a collection. It's definitely a fun and quick read for the spooky season. Some of the stories are a bit longer than others but they're still manageable. Not all of the stories have a full resolution which I also really enjoyed. Although, I know this won't work for everyone.
Overall, I was really impressed with this collection of short stories. I don't think there was one that I wish hadn't been included. The stories are all spooky and have plenty of thrills. Yet, I don't think they're too much. It is a book that I think younger readers will love to dive into at any time of year.
belbookandacuppa's review
adventurous
dark
funny
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.75