storyreader45's review against another edition
3.0
Interesting book. Ending was kind of predictable. People should know not to make deals with the Shadowman.
swim559's review against another edition
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
frispbabe's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
sad
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
3.25
aliciakindlereads's review against another edition
5.0
Wow
Did not see the ending coming ! I love the retellings of my favorite Disney stories and this did not disappoint. I look forward to finishing this series. I recommend for all ages.
Did not see the ending coming ! I love the retellings of my favorite Disney stories and this did not disappoint. I look forward to finishing this series. I recommend for all ages.
phyrre's review against another edition
4.0
You can read my full review on my blog, The Bookwyrm's Den, here.
Many thanks to Disney-Hyperion for a copy in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
A series of scary books based on the Disney movies? What took so long?! The moment I realized this series was a thing, I knew I wanted to read it! As a young bookwyrm, I was absolutely obsessed with Goosebumps, and this gave me definite Goosebumps vibes, so I was excited going in.
Fiends on the Other Side captures all the charm of the Disney world, while twisting it slightly into a low-level horror that tackles the be careful what you wish for trope.
This book was fun, but not quite what I expected. Maybe because I’m an older audience, I found some of the things that happened a bit on the unbelievable side, like how hard parts of the story were pushed. Overall, though, I think it’s something middle grade readers, particularly those with siblings, will definitely be able to relate to.
My Thoughts:
- This book has creeeepy written all over it, in the best possible ways. Which is good, since, you know, it’s kind of meant to be a horror book. I’d put this at a low to medium range of middle grade horror. Most of the spooky things involve dolls (which ugh, I don’t do dolls, especially in horror – they freak me out!) or sort of intangible threats. Fans of the Goosebumps book series or the TV show Are You Afraid of the Dark will recognize the sort of horror in this book: mostly the speculative kind, the what-if when magic goes a bit sideways. For me, this felt entirely familiar and nostalgic in a way that I really enjoyed. For a younger generation, who may not have been introduced to the same media I have been, I think it’s the exact sort of horror that not only captured my imagination, but so many others, and I think this series definitely has the potential to do the same for this young generation. There’s also something just inherently attractive about a scary book series based on Disney movies! I think a lot of people tend to think of Disney movies as being wholesome or tending towards the happily-ever-after, upbeat sort of vibe, but if you think about it, there’s definitely a really spooky, sinister underpinning in pretty much all of them! It seems that Vera Strange has tapped into that in a way that makes the stories we all know and love still recognizable, yet also giving them a fun twist!
- Vera Strange captures all the things I love (and love to hate) about Dr. Facilier. The dude is creeeepy, okay? I don’t care what you say; that’s the truth. He can also be frustratingly suave and convincing when he wants to be, though. Strange captures both sides of him so well that his voice just leapt out of the page at me. Not gonna lie, he’s a definite favorite character of mine, so seeing him brought to life on the page was a real treat!
- More than just a simple horror book, this tackles the darker sides of being a kid sometimes, and the feeling of being overshadowed and wanting to be seen. The struggles Jamal faces in this book are so painfully relatable. He feels like he’s living in his brother’s shadow, since Malik appears to get all the praise and favor, and Jamal isn’t even recognized for the things he is good at. I did feel that this part was just a tad overdone, to the point where I almost felt like rolling my eyes because it didn’t feel realistic when it easily could have (because these are real, legitimate feelings kids have all the time, even if we don’t always think they’re accurate). I did like that it wasn’t just about the horror, though! There were definitely some pretty deep feels in this book, too.
- Despite the dark subject matter, the book somehow manages to also be funny and full of some fun action. The scary elements are balanced nicely with some touching friendship moments, sibling bonds, and a brief exploration of magic. While the book definitely touches on some dark stuff, it doesn’t wallow in it, and I enjoyed the well-roundedness of the story. Plus, these kids do get to have a little mini-adventure. Sure, it’s borne of something scary, but an adventure is an adventure, right?!
Sticking Points:
- The ending is very open, so if you’re not as into that sort of ending (like myself), it might be a little frustrating. Honestly, I didn’t love it. Even though this is part of a series, it appears to be an anthology series, so I assumed this book would cleanly wrap up since there won’t technically be any sequels to it, but that was not the case. It almost feels like it’s gearing up for another book (or should be, at least). In some aspects, it’s a very Goosebumps type ending, where just when you think everything is fine, it’s definitely not, and I loved that aspect of it. That was always my favorite thing as a kid, when the dog’s eyes would glow or the scarecrow would turn its head, and you’d be like, “Ooooh, stuff’s about to go down again!” I think this ending almost imitates that, but in a way where it just felt unfinished, rather than as a creepy “what if” sort of ending.
Many thanks to Disney-Hyperion for a copy in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
A series of scary books based on the Disney movies? What took so long?! The moment I realized this series was a thing, I knew I wanted to read it! As a young bookwyrm, I was absolutely obsessed with Goosebumps, and this gave me definite Goosebumps vibes, so I was excited going in.
Fiends on the Other Side captures all the charm of the Disney world, while twisting it slightly into a low-level horror that tackles the be careful what you wish for trope.
This book was fun, but not quite what I expected. Maybe because I’m an older audience, I found some of the things that happened a bit on the unbelievable side, like how hard parts of the story were pushed. Overall, though, I think it’s something middle grade readers, particularly those with siblings, will definitely be able to relate to.
My Thoughts:
- This book has creeeepy written all over it, in the best possible ways. Which is good, since, you know, it’s kind of meant to be a horror book. I’d put this at a low to medium range of middle grade horror. Most of the spooky things involve dolls (which ugh, I don’t do dolls, especially in horror – they freak me out!) or sort of intangible threats. Fans of the Goosebumps book series or the TV show Are You Afraid of the Dark will recognize the sort of horror in this book: mostly the speculative kind, the what-if when magic goes a bit sideways. For me, this felt entirely familiar and nostalgic in a way that I really enjoyed. For a younger generation, who may not have been introduced to the same media I have been, I think it’s the exact sort of horror that not only captured my imagination, but so many others, and I think this series definitely has the potential to do the same for this young generation. There’s also something just inherently attractive about a scary book series based on Disney movies! I think a lot of people tend to think of Disney movies as being wholesome or tending towards the happily-ever-after, upbeat sort of vibe, but if you think about it, there’s definitely a really spooky, sinister underpinning in pretty much all of them! It seems that Vera Strange has tapped into that in a way that makes the stories we all know and love still recognizable, yet also giving them a fun twist!
- Vera Strange captures all the things I love (and love to hate) about Dr. Facilier. The dude is creeeepy, okay? I don’t care what you say; that’s the truth. He can also be frustratingly suave and convincing when he wants to be, though. Strange captures both sides of him so well that his voice just leapt out of the page at me. Not gonna lie, he’s a definite favorite character of mine, so seeing him brought to life on the page was a real treat!
- More than just a simple horror book, this tackles the darker sides of being a kid sometimes, and the feeling of being overshadowed and wanting to be seen. The struggles Jamal faces in this book are so painfully relatable. He feels like he’s living in his brother’s shadow, since Malik appears to get all the praise and favor, and Jamal isn’t even recognized for the things he is good at. I did feel that this part was just a tad overdone, to the point where I almost felt like rolling my eyes because it didn’t feel realistic when it easily could have (because these are real, legitimate feelings kids have all the time, even if we don’t always think they’re accurate). I did like that it wasn’t just about the horror, though! There were definitely some pretty deep feels in this book, too.
- Despite the dark subject matter, the book somehow manages to also be funny and full of some fun action. The scary elements are balanced nicely with some touching friendship moments, sibling bonds, and a brief exploration of magic. While the book definitely touches on some dark stuff, it doesn’t wallow in it, and I enjoyed the well-roundedness of the story. Plus, these kids do get to have a little mini-adventure. Sure, it’s borne of something scary, but an adventure is an adventure, right?!
Sticking Points:
- The ending is very open, so if you’re not as into that sort of ending (like myself), it might be a little frustrating. Honestly, I didn’t love it. Even though this is part of a series, it appears to be an anthology series, so I assumed this book would cleanly wrap up since there won’t technically be any sequels to it, but that was not the case. It almost feels like it’s gearing up for another book (or should be, at least). In some aspects, it’s a very Goosebumps type ending, where just when you think everything is fine, it’s definitely not, and I loved that aspect of it. That was always my favorite thing as a kid, when the dog’s eyes would glow or the scarecrow would turn its head, and you’d be like, “Ooooh, stuff’s about to go down again!” I think this ending almost imitates that, but in a way where it just felt unfinished, rather than as a creepy “what if” sort of ending.
jamie29's review against another edition
5.0
The begging of this book was like oh okay I get it your don't want to be in your brother's shadow. Move on from that and tell Ms about yourself.
So Jamal is a 12 year old boy and he had a twin brother. And he wants to get put of his shadow. So what does Jamal do soothing you should never do. He makes a deal with the shadow man. It's all down heal from there.
Does he break the cruse or not. Well your going to have to read for yourself.
So Jamal is a 12 year old boy and he had a twin brother. And he wants to get put of his shadow. So what does Jamal do soothing you should never do. He makes a deal with the shadow man. It's all down heal from there.
Does he break the cruse or not. Well your going to have to read for yourself.
sammers19's review against another edition
4.0
Pretty good
Cute little take on a Disney movie, almost as good as the twisted Disney series. I'll probably finish off the rest of this series.
Cute little take on a Disney movie, almost as good as the twisted Disney series. I'll probably finish off the rest of this series.
booking_along's review
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
similar to the first book in too many ways just a different disney villain and main character but the plot arc and ideas are identical just with minimal differences .
so in this one instead of loving the ocean and the animals on it and wanting friends as it happens in the first one, this main character feels invisible compared to his much more popular twin brother and finally wants friends.
instead of constantly talking about the trash and plastic in the ocean, this book constantly mentions being a shadows and being invisible and overlooked either directly or indirectly basically twice on every page.
and look i get feeling like less and not good enough, as if your a shadow behind the more impressive figure a sibling casts.
i am the younger kid that did not accomplish anything nearly as impressive or as much as my older sister did.
and at times it can feel like being overlooked or even as if you are cursed compared to the sibling. they make it look so easy and it’s just not for you. especially at the age of 11 where everything is so much.
so i think most people do understand that feeling and in that why some aspects if this book were well written and relatable.
but this book didn’t handle to topic very well. it didn’t give a solution it an option or show that if you talk for example to someone in your family it might help. that if you tell your mom or dad or sibling that they are great but sometimes you feel overlooked by them what’s the worst that can happen? if they are a good family member that loves you? they might be offended because they never thought they do or behave that way but in most cases i would think and hope they will try their best to respect your feelings and try better to include you or actively work on it.
instead this book just piles on how little everyone sees this boy and that’s it.
i also disliked that the thing that both books have in common is the main character has no friends and instead of either being happy with that -there are kids that don’t need or want friends all that much and are happy to be left alone! - or focusing on finding a friend the book just kept mentioning it over and over.
it’s just… i don’t think that’s the best way to approach that topic, especially for kids that age that might struggle with that or feel pressured to make friends.
either tell kids it’s okay to be alone someone’s or show them ways to make friends.
or don’t mention it as much.
as in the first book, this book also lets the kids behave a lot older than they are. in think their ages and behaviors reflect more toward 14 instead of 11. and sure in any other age 3 years are nothing.
but under the age of 20? three years are a lot!
the bullying, they it’s done and how the kids behave? that’s not 11 years old. that’s older. i think so at least.
and once again apparently adults are either super blind or should be around kids with how l it take they either notice or care about how they behave towards each other.
there are just a lot of little things piling up that are not done well that add up fast.
also hated the ending yet again.
look i am for showing happy endings are not realistic. sometimes you can do the very best you can and it’s still not working out the way you want it too.
that’s life.
but there are sad or realistic or strange endings and then there is just a stupid ending. this book clearly lands in stupid.
both books focused heavily on learning a lesson of being happy with who you are - only to turn around and show that once you learned that lesson it’s too late and the bad guy wins.
i don’t think that the best message or ending for a kids book.
especially in a series like this.
i am now pretty sure how every other book in this series is going go and how each of those books is going to end.
as i said for the first book - i am sure there are kids that will find this ending great and be happy with it.
i also think there will be a larger number of kids that read this and will be disappointed with having this kind of “and the villain wins - dumdumdum” ending.
let’s face it at the age of 8-12 which is the age group that should be reading this book, with how it is written, they will prefer the hero to win or an actual great villain story.
neither is given here.
so in this one instead of loving the ocean and the animals on it and wanting friends as it happens in the first one, this main character feels invisible compared to his much more popular twin brother and finally wants friends.
instead of constantly talking about the trash and plastic in the ocean, this book constantly mentions being a shadows and being invisible and overlooked either directly or indirectly basically twice on every page.
and look i get feeling like less and not good enough, as if your a shadow behind the more impressive figure a sibling casts.
i am the younger kid that did not accomplish anything nearly as impressive or as much as my older sister did.
and at times it can feel like being overlooked or even as if you are cursed compared to the sibling. they make it look so easy and it’s just not for you. especially at the age of 11 where everything is so much.
so i think most people do understand that feeling and in that why some aspects if this book were well written and relatable.
but this book didn’t handle to topic very well. it didn’t give a solution it an option or show that if you talk for example to someone in your family it might help. that if you tell your mom or dad or sibling that they are great but sometimes you feel overlooked by them what’s the worst that can happen? if they are a good family member that loves you? they might be offended because they never thought they do or behave that way but in most cases i would think and hope they will try their best to respect your feelings and try better to include you or actively work on it.
instead this book just piles on how little everyone sees this boy and that’s it.
i also disliked that the thing that both books have in common is the main character has no friends and instead of either being happy with that -there are kids that don’t need or want friends all that much and are happy to be left alone! - or focusing on finding a friend the book just kept mentioning it over and over.
it’s just… i don’t think that’s the best way to approach that topic, especially for kids that age that might struggle with that or feel pressured to make friends.
either tell kids it’s okay to be alone someone’s or show them ways to make friends.
or don’t mention it as much.
as in the first book, this book also lets the kids behave a lot older than they are. in think their ages and behaviors reflect more toward 14 instead of 11. and sure in any other age 3 years are nothing.
but under the age of 20? three years are a lot!
the bullying, they it’s done and how the kids behave? that’s not 11 years old. that’s older. i think so at least.
and once again apparently adults are either super blind or should be around kids with how l it take they either notice or care about how they behave towards each other.
there are just a lot of little things piling up that are not done well that add up fast.
also hated the ending yet again.
look i am for showing happy endings are not realistic. sometimes you can do the very best you can and it’s still not working out the way you want it too.
that’s life.
but there are sad or realistic or strange endings and then there is just a stupid ending. this book clearly lands in stupid.
both books focused heavily on learning a lesson of being happy with who you are - only to turn around and show that once you learned that lesson it’s too late and the bad guy wins.
i don’t think that the best message or ending for a kids book.
especially in a series like this.
i am now pretty sure how every other book in this series is going go and how each of those books is going to end.
as i said for the first book - i am sure there are kids that will find this ending great and be happy with it.
i also think there will be a larger number of kids that read this and will be disappointed with having this kind of “and the villain wins - dumdumdum” ending.
let’s face it at the age of 8-12 which is the age group that should be reading this book, with how it is written, they will prefer the hero to win or an actual great villain story.
neither is given here.
lynettenel's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
monkeymouse113's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Strong character development? No
3.0