hucklebuck411's review against another edition
3.0
A quick read and a fairly standard creepy story similar to something from Dean Koontz. A curse from the past takes over when the decision for a school to become a charter school is rammed through by the principal. As new strict and strange charter "rules" are put into place, many teacher and student personalities begin to change for the worse and those unaffected among the students, staff and student parents may soon become the school's victims.
donnakaye64's review against another edition
2.0
I found this book to be boring and predictable. I only finished it because I cannot start a book without finishing it. I like the author but, this book was very disappointing.
bobmetal's review against another edition
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
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
4.0
bookqueen66's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
meows_and_migraines's review against another edition
2.0
Big fan of Little, but this novel just didn't hold my attention. Everything felt rushed and unexplained (in a bad way). I felt there was a lot of untapped potential that could have been explored. Still, Little has a way with words and characters and it was nice to see that didn't change for the most part.
raemelle's review against another edition
2.0
It’s disturbing how often this author likes to bring depraved sexual acts and minors together. Like, it really just feels like he gets off on writing x-rated material and venting his political opinions under the guise of a horror novel. Then about 390 pages in he wipes out a quick and meaningless conclusion to wrap everything up. I mean, I don’t like the idea of charter schools either, but a whole novel around this subject? He’s expressing some deep hate here.
And can I say, I feel like I mostly only see the word “panties” when male authors write about them. That’s disturbing.
And can I say, I feel like I mostly only see the word “panties” when male authors write about them. That’s disturbing.
colinclovt's review against another edition
4.0
The story was engaging and I'm fully in on using horror to critique charter schools, and while it's not as all-out terrifying as you might want from your horror, it is strange and disturbing and atmospherically eerie from start to finish. In all honesty, I wish I could give this 3.5 stars -- Little has a habit of blatantly explaining his metaphors that can get really grating, and the book leaves readers with uncertainties and unanswered questions that many may find frustrating. Overall, a brisk, pulpy read that I don't regret at all, but I suspect I'll enjoy other works by Little a tad more.
word_wandering's review against another edition
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
hydrangea's review against another edition
4.0
A good read. I would've liked for more of a history/explanation on some of the events and on The Academy and it's founders, but as it is, it's a solid, enjoyable read.
I actually found it to be far less graphic than some of Little's other works.
I actually found it to be far less graphic than some of Little's other works.