ruthypoo2's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
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? No
5.0
What a great book! It’s full of excitement, spooks, relationships, redemption, and emotion. The story is written in a way that’s easy for the young reader to understand, and while it may definitely give them scary vibes, it’s not so scary to induce nightmares. In large part that’s because of the thoughtful and intelligent behavior of main character Ren.
Ren and his younger brother, Kip, are excited to be staying with favorite Aunt Winnie while their parents are away for a vacation. It’s near Halloween and where Aunt Winnie works, Old Manor Nursing Home, is decorated for the holiday. Not only that, but a carnival has just come to town and the boys are allowed to go for a night of fun.
Kip is enchanted with the carnival and despite warnings from big brother Ren, the boys get separated. In the blink of an eye, Kip appears across the carnival talking with the mysterious Tick-Tock Man and the next day Ren realizes that his brother isn’t the same. It’s now up to Ren to figure out what happened and save Kip from a frightening fate.
The author, J.H. Reynolds, does an excellent job incorporating into this scary story the strength of family bonds and taking seriously the responsibility of caring for another person. There are also important life lessons inserted with a delicate touch, such as having respect for your elders and not being so scared of life that you miss out on the good stuff.
This is a quick paced story that stays interesting throughout and creates a very scary atmosphere of a creepy carnival and some questionable carnies. But there’s also a nice twist of redemption and an ending that had this reader a little choked up with an unexpected emotional reaction. It’s a well-developed story that readers of any age will enjoy!
I listened to the audiobook and the narrator, James Fouhey, was excellent. The voices were were distinct and fit perfectly the different characters, ranging from a little boy excited to go to the carnival to an elderly woman deathly afraid of that same carnival. Mr. Fouhey voiced young teen Ren so well and hit all the right notes of his personality and the emotional rollercoaster he experienced while on a short visit with his Aunt Winnie. The narration really enhanced my enjoyment of this book.
Ren and his younger brother, Kip, are excited to be staying with favorite Aunt Winnie while their parents are away for a vacation. It’s near Halloween and where Aunt Winnie works, Old Manor Nursing Home, is decorated for the holiday. Not only that, but a carnival has just come to town and the boys are allowed to go for a night of fun.
Kip is enchanted with the carnival and despite warnings from big brother Ren, the boys get separated. In the blink of an eye, Kip appears across the carnival talking with the mysterious Tick-Tock Man and the next day Ren realizes that his brother isn’t the same. It’s now up to Ren to figure out what happened and save Kip from a frightening fate.
The author, J.H. Reynolds, does an excellent job incorporating into this scary story the strength of family bonds and taking seriously the responsibility of caring for another person. There are also important life lessons inserted with a delicate touch, such as having respect for your elders and not being so scared of life that you miss out on the good stuff.
This is a quick paced story that stays interesting throughout and creates a very scary atmosphere of a creepy carnival and some questionable carnies. But there’s also a nice twist of redemption and an ending that had this reader a little choked up with an unexpected emotional reaction. It’s a well-developed story that readers of any age will enjoy!
I listened to the audiobook and the narrator, James Fouhey, was excellent. The voices were were distinct and fit perfectly the different characters, ranging from a little boy excited to go to the carnival to an elderly woman deathly afraid of that same carnival. Mr. Fouhey voiced young teen Ren so well and hit all the right notes of his personality and the emotional rollercoaster he experienced while on a short visit with his Aunt Winnie. The narration really enhanced my enjoyment of this book.
p_ivy's review against another edition
5.0
Carnivals show up in lots of towns this time of year. It can’t be that bad.
The bond of love repels evil, but a love-bond broken invites evil in.
“Remember . . . nothing’s free at the carnival. There’s always a price.”
“Life doesn’t slow down for anyone,” she said. “Best to enjoy it while you can.”
So good! So spooky!
The bond of love repels evil, but a love-bond broken invites evil in.
“Remember . . . nothing’s free at the carnival. There’s always a price.”
“Life doesn’t slow down for anyone,” she said. “Best to enjoy it while you can.”
So good! So spooky!
slimeandslashers's review against another edition
5.0
This is a quick and entertaining read that's perfect for the Halloween season. I loved the characters, and had a blast reading this as it was super easy to get through! Highly recommend for those who love fun middle grade reads with a spooky flare.
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