voilajean's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Spoiler
the creepy kids are referred to as 'golems' and we find out that they are trying to steal the neighborhood kids for a witchGraphic: Child death, Death of parent, Gore, Violence, Body horror, Lesbophobia, Infidelity, Toxic relationship, Outing, and Homophobia
Moderate: Grief, Kidnapping, Antisemitism, and Racism
Minor: Pedophilia
amandaakerman's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Minor: Injury/Injury detail, Infidelity, Grief, Gore, Death of parent, Cursing, Sexual assault, Racism, Pedophilia, Outing, Kidnapping, Violence, Child death, Domestic abuse, Child abuse, Racial slurs, Lesbophobia, Blood, Alcoholism, Murder, and Addiction
caidyn's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Graphic: Blood, Gore, Child death, and Body horror
Moderate: Alcoholism and Homophobia
Minor: Self harm and Pedophilia
sdsmith80's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
I love Halloween. My whole family does really. Right from the first few pages, I identified with the Barbosa family. My husband has an extensive history in the haunt industry, and I helped him run the makeup room for a season at one as well. So reading about Chloe and her dad setting up their home haunt in the woods behind their house, I was immediately hooked.
The story picks up quickly, weaving the stories of the different neighbors' lives wonderfully. The author wastes no time with the creepy elements showing up even as he is giving us the backstory of each character, and the small (or large) dramas going on in their lives.
Very soon we're off and running, with twists and turns around every page. I was kept guessing as each element was introduced, making for a thrilling read. The thing I enjoyed the most though was Christopher Golden's creation of the mythology in this world. I'm very curious to know how much is based on actual lore, if any.
This book is absolutely perfect for anyone who loves Halloween, and the stories that surround it.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Graphic: Alcohol, Bullying, Body horror, Death of parent, Emotional abuse, Death, Blood, Cursing, Hate crime, Child death, Child abuse, Gore, Murder, Homophobia, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Physical abuse and Racism
Minor: Racial slurs