shahrun's review against another edition
5.0
This is a quite fast paced thriller aimed at a teenage audience. The story is told in first person by the two central characters Martha and Scott - who are both 12 - with them telling their version of events in (mostly) alternating chapters. Their blossoming relationship completely transforms Martha’s life in particular. I really loved both of them and their bond. I correctly guessed the Abomination. As an adult reading this I was so angry with Martha’s Mother and Father. Religion that causes this outcome and their attitudes makes me so angry. It’s very unnecessary and a total contradiction of their supposed Christiania values (as Martha realises). As someone who ponders such things (as if they really occurred), now the book is over I’m left with many practical questions about what happened next, the book glosses over this to give younger readers a happy ending. Really glad I read this though, be interested to see what else the author has done.
followeroftheredthread's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
thesolemneyed's review against another edition
3.0
I found this book interesting to read. I already knew about the plot twist, so I think that filtered my reaction to the plot slightly.
mothwing's review against another edition
4.0
I read this book because I'm on the lookout for a book to read with my students and this seemed like a good choice. It has very good characters, an interesting story, though the ending left me a bit frustrated. It is very realistic and you cannot expect non-adult characters to make adult choices, but it still left me wanting things to be different for them.
ellifant's review against another edition
3.0
ummm
unexpected, weird, still catching and cute???
my thoughts are just as confused as my feelings about this book lol
unexpected, weird, still catching and cute???
my thoughts are just as confused as my feelings about this book lol
soulwinds's review
hopeful
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
3.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying
Minor: Child abuse, Confinement, and Physical abuse
penpalpixie's review
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
We read and discussed this book in english class in high school (almost a decade ago now).
I mostly remember it being dark and rather challenging, since it does deal with very heavy themes. Still spent the next two days reading the entire thing between classes because it was incredibly interesting.
Ultimately glad to have read it.
I mostly remember it being dark and rather challenging, since it does deal with very heavy themes. Still spent the next two days reading the entire thing between classes because it was incredibly interesting.
Ultimately glad to have read it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Religious bigotry, Child abuse, Emotional abuse, and Confinement
helloimjez's review against another edition
4.0
I read this with my tutor when I was about 13 when I didn't fully appreciate books. But as I remember, this is a really good book and despite me not being too bothered about it at the time I still really enjoyed it. The story is gripping and well written, the author really puts the images in your head - as if you're really there. The ending was brilliant and thrilling and I definitely recommend reading this. I plan on reading it again at some point!
kelly83's review against another edition
2.0
A good children's horror story (oxymoron?!) about something in the attic!