pbanditp's review against another edition
5.0
Stories of brotherly love always hit home for me. Jake is only 13 but he protects his 9 year old brother from bullies and their father.
The bond between the brothers is so real, and while you are reading they sneak in and attach themselves to your heart.
In the Scrape really shows that even when your whole world is falling apart there is still peace and grace all around. It the middle of all the chaos, you find a serenity and you don’t want the book to continue, maybe if you hold onto this moment in time, the boys will be okay.
“I winked at him, and during that moment I felt more love for my little brother than I had ever felt before.”
The bond between the brothers is so real, and while you are reading they sneak in and attach themselves to your heart.
In the Scrape really shows that even when your whole world is falling apart there is still peace and grace all around. It the middle of all the chaos, you find a serenity and you don’t want the book to continue, maybe if you hold onto this moment in time, the boys will be okay.
“I winked at him, and during that moment I felt more love for my little brother than I had ever felt before.”
goobersmom57's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
This was an absolutely stunning novella. It is both heartbreaking and beautiful at the same time.
The characters were written so well and so believable that this could’ve been nonfiction.
There was so much packed into this novella that not a single word or moment was wasted.
Definitely worthy of 5 stars or more.
The characters were written so well and so believable that this could’ve been nonfiction.
There was so much packed into this novella that not a single word or moment was wasted.
Definitely worthy of 5 stars or more.
ghostthereader's review against another edition
dark
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
onetrackmind77's review against another edition
dark
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
hsheehan85's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.5
This book is getting a new release by Cemetary Dance and I received an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
This story is short and was an easy read. I liked the idea of the story being told and it is interesting. However, I feel like the characters don't really develop or grow in anyway. Plus, the first part of the book feels like that should have been the shorter part and then more time should have been sent on the second part. The second part of the book felt rushed. I think the second part should have been more flushed out and not written as though the author was trying to wrap everything up quickly.
This story is short and was an easy read. I liked the idea of the story being told and it is interesting. However, I feel like the characters don't really develop or grow in anyway. Plus, the first part of the book feels like that should have been the shorter part and then more time should have been sent on the second part. The second part of the book felt rushed. I think the second part should have been more flushed out and not written as though the author was trying to wrap everything up quickly.
drakaina16's review against another edition
dark
tense
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
In the Scrape is the kind of realistic horror I really love. It feels like a true story, and that's what makes something truly horrific to me. The story of two boys desperate to escape their abusive father morphs into a horror story of a different kind. Highly recommended.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse
rock_n_reads's review against another edition
5.0
This is the second collaboration I’ve read between James Newman and Mark Steensland, and I’m anxiously awaiting another. In the Scrape is a novella that will not be easily forgotten. These two authors have delivered an emotional and memorable story, with a focus on real life horror.
If you’ve read my other reviews, by now you know that I love books that make me feel, and this one is no exception. This story goes on the shelf next to Boden and Lutzke’s Out Behind the Barn as one of my favorite “horror with heart” books.
If you’ve read my other reviews, by now you know that I love books that make me feel, and this one is no exception. This story goes on the shelf next to Boden and Lutzke’s Out Behind the Barn as one of my favorite “horror with heart” books.
unwrappingwords's review against another edition
5.0
Full review on Dead Head Reviews
In the Scrape is a coming of age story, reminiscent of Stephen King. At points, it feels like one of King’s more grounded tales, though much more tightly packed. The two authors involved have put together a story that feels familiar, yet has their own unique spin on it. The twists in the story feel natural, but the reader is still kept on the edge of their seat, wondering if it’s heading in the direction they think it is. It’s one of those stories that manages to get you right into the head of the main character, rooting for them as they move along, understanding every action they take, even when it’s downright stupid.
In the Scrape is a coming of age story, reminiscent of Stephen King. At points, it feels like one of King’s more grounded tales, though much more tightly packed. The two authors involved have put together a story that feels familiar, yet has their own unique spin on it. The twists in the story feel natural, but the reader is still kept on the edge of their seat, wondering if it’s heading in the direction they think it is. It’s one of those stories that manages to get you right into the head of the main character, rooting for them as they move along, understanding every action they take, even when it’s downright stupid.
jimbob_luke's review against another edition
5.0
James Newman and Mark Steensland have knocked the ball out of the park with this collaboration. This heart wrenching coming of age tale hits you in the feels. With short chapters and perfect prose I kept reading until I finished, pulse pounding, in one sitting. Highly recommended.
- Danny
- Danny