rowz442's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
This was such a fun and spooky read. Some really good horror imagery, like I can picture the jump scares very well. The mystery got more engaging in the last half. I did think that the “clues” did get a little convoluted at times. Like there was 15 mysteries happening at once. Also I’m not a fan of the “no one believes me” trope. And I get such second hand embarrassment when characters get in trouble too.
Spoiler
They kinda did Sal dirty cause she was so annoying and then just completely switched on James?? I’m still confused by that
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death
thelivelyreader's review
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
kristinetp's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
did I like it? yes
would i read it again? no hehe
I’m actually so gooped. This was another book fair book from my childhood and it was so fun to revisit it. I remember loving it the first time I read it all those years ago and there’s still certainly a lot I love about it.
I’ve already stated several times how I have a strong disdain for young adult writing haha but sometimes I do like how simple it is.
Some of this was actually so spooky scary. We love lore, we love a good crazy backstory, we love drama, we love ghosts
Spoiler
rip einstein 😔
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death
dezval's review against another edition
3.0
i read this book for the first time as a kid and remember rly liking it then. now at least 10 years later i’ve decided to read it again! for some reason over the past however many years, the scene in the dumbwaiter pops into my head quite frequently. it definitely felt different reading it as an adult. it was still interesting and the plot was unique.
*minor spoilers ahead*
my one complaint is about how einstein/henry is portrayed and treated. as i kid i knew nothing about autism, now as an adult i find that this felt a little lacking in henry’s portrayal as an autistic kid. the revelation near the end was devastating, as it’s definitely something that can and has happened to autistic children in real life.
*minor spoilers ahead*
my one complaint is about how einstein/henry is portrayed and treated. as i kid i knew nothing about autism, now as an adult i find that this felt a little lacking in henry’s portrayal as an autistic kid. the revelation near the end was devastating, as it’s definitely something that can and has happened to autistic children in real life.
ariatari's review against another edition
4.0
Just as good as I remember it being. I love the mystery and the suspense behind every page, every word even. The only thing keeping it from a 5 in my opinion was the fact that at times it tended to drag.
catladylover94's review against another edition
5.0
kinda slow but it was good to see why the character was hunting for 7 children
chai_latte_auroras's review against another edition
5.0
A story worth reading. A mystery with a not too obvious twist. You really sympathize with the main character as he goes on a journey that will either reveal all or bury it forever.
eserafina42's review against another edition
4.0
An intelligent, well-written YA ghost story. I would like to have seen more of an emotional bond between the siblings.
macreader's review against another edition
4.0
I think that this book was a 3 1/2 was not a Max Ride,but not a Walk Two Moons.