A review by meows_and_migraines
Mr. Nightmare by Joe Scipione

adventurous dark emotional mysterious sad tense medium-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

4.0

An innocuous read about a group of friends and their fight against an entity that survives on their nightmares. I wish I had more to say about this novel, but I really don't. I was invested in the kids and their fight against Mr. Nightmare. I loved the stories they exchanged during the Nightmare Club meetings. But that's really it.

This novel lacked bite and I found myself thinking I've read Goosebumps that were scarier. Mr. Nightmare could be a terrifying and threatening figure, but his dialogue bordered on ridiculous with how 'edgy' he came off. Using the phrase 'little b*tch' repeatedly is not scary. And aside from
killing Chuck, his only threatening action is making trees fall.
Oh no? I liked the idea of his face causing such visceral reactions and I appreciated the author allowing the readers imagination to fill in the blanks as to why, but I wanted more. I wanted to be scared. I wanted to feel the threat that the club members experienced. I don't know how to explain it - so many parts in this story felt glossed over, swiftly acknowledged and then dismissed. I understand there is a second book and maybe things are answered there, but I'll be honest - I'm not exactly chomping at the bit to continue on.

Perhaps if more time had been spent on developing the inner workings of the characters and adding just a smidge of conflict (especially within the group dynamics), I would have connected more. For example,
where did Merrie's anger and confidence when facing Mr. Nightmare come from? She is written as such a milquetoast character and then this outburst. I
loved it, but give me some depth on it!
John's depression/insomnia/lack of eating is introduced and swiftly written away.


I really don't mean this review to sound as harsh as it does. The missed potential is what kills me. This novel could have gone from good to GREAT in my eyes if a little more time and depth was given. As it stands, Mr. Nightmare is a harmless and decent read that I'm sure many will appreciate. 
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