lolabug's review
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
angelinarainey's review
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-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? No
3.5
inkedwxtchreads's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Very much not what I wanted or expected but it wasn’t horrible. I was expecting chucky or slappy the dummy vibes but this wasn’t exactly that. It seems a bit more folky, and while I’ve realized I love folk horror recently this one wasn’t really one I LOVED. I felt like it was honestly kind of slow, for how short it is, and was written in a style I don’t totally love (I’m not a prude but too much cussing in a book that doesn’t excel in the other areas too kinda gives me all edge no point vibes and this had lots of cussing just to be edgy/half hearted attempts at being funny moments to make up for lack of interesting stuff happening ). A lot of the meat of this story which we could have used for more creepy puppet scenes were used for a weird cheating backstory between the parents that I felt wasn’t necessary.
While I do wish more time was spent on the puppet I did like the section that was basically commentary on homophobia. That was pretty good!
Some of the imagery was chilling… but I felt like it was lessened by again- trying to give a comedic effect by having the puppet cuss and stuff.
Also not sure I liked the characters and in this you’re definitely supposed to, despite their flaws. Also Lennon’s reasons for not eating don’t make sense at all and you can tell the author didn’t care to make it make sense, so a big part of the book felt like a plot hole to me or at least an important plot point that should have been expanded on but wasn’t.
It was fun at times, but also just anti climatic too. The puppet and the way it operated in attacking was really intriguing. I wish this was executed differently, is all. But I really didn’t hate it. It wasn’t all bad. I’d probably read from this author again!
Though this does open up for a sequel at the end, and I don’t think I would pick that specific book up if it were to come out!
While I do wish more time was spent on the puppet I did like the section that was basically commentary on homophobia. That was pretty good!
Some of the imagery was chilling… but I felt like it was lessened by again- trying to give a comedic effect by having the puppet cuss and stuff.
Also not sure I liked the characters and in this you’re definitely supposed to, despite their flaws. Also Lennon’s reasons for not eating don’t make sense at all and you can tell the author didn’t care to make it make sense, so a big part of the book felt like a plot hole to me or at least an important plot point that should have been expanded on but wasn’t.
It was fun at times, but also just anti climatic too. The puppet and the way it operated in attacking was really intriguing. I wish this was executed differently, is all. But I really didn’t hate it. It wasn’t all bad. I’d probably read from this author again!
Though this does open up for a sequel at the end, and I don’t think I would pick that specific book up if it were to come out!
kirstycarson1's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- 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
aheadfullofbooks's review
dark
funny
medium-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? It's complicated
2.25
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davemusson85's review
5.0
As a parent of a toddler who is something of a fussy eater, a story based around getting kids to just eat their damned meals was scary enough. Throw in a demonic puppet thing that has started blinking at you, and you’ve got some fine horror on your hands!
Jay’s writing feels really assured in this one - it’s punchy, full of pop culture references, and keeps you paying attention with little sentences here and there that make you go ‘what? When did I miss that?’ This is a fine, nasty tale that will make you look at puppets in a whole new way.
Now, seriously, can anyone suggest any good tips for getting my kid to eat that *don’t* involve cursed demon things??
Jay’s writing feels really assured in this one - it’s punchy, full of pop culture references, and keeps you paying attention with little sentences here and there that make you go ‘what? When did I miss that?’ This is a fine, nasty tale that will make you look at puppets in a whole new way.
Now, seriously, can anyone suggest any good tips for getting my kid to eat that *don’t* involve cursed demon things??
dreadfulbooks's review
4.0
This was a quick read and SO worth it. It gave off big Goosebumps vibes and reminded me of the horror books I started with when I was a kid, but this was much scarier and gorier. It was a little silly and campy, but done in a really engaging way. This was my first book by the author and I can’t wait to pick up more now!
vanishing_librarian's review
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
nelliexo_'s review
funny
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
catra121's review
4.0
This was a really FUN horror story and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Not a new favorite but definitely a good time and something I recommend. Very quick read.