slimeandslashers's reviews
429 reviews
Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas Novelization by Megan Shepherd
adventurous
hopeful
medium-paced
5.0
Fresh Hell by Cameron Chaney
dark
emotional
mysterious
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
This book honestly blew me away, and it is my favorite read of 2023 so far!
Cameron Chaney is clearly an immensely talented writer, and I can't wait to see what he has in store for readers in the next installment of Autumncrow High!
Fresh Hell seems to be inspired by Fear Street and Point Horror books from the 90s, but the writing is far superior, in my opinion. Not only is there intrigue and mystery to the story, but this book features two main characters who are some of the most compelling teenage characters I've ever read.
I also love that though this is a YA novel, it doesn't read YA. The dialogue between the younger characters is believable and the prose is elevated and darkly descriptive. Also, there are some very dark passages and a surprising amount of gore, all of which I enjoyed. But it isn't all about ooey gooey scares. This book is filled with emotion as well, and at its very core, it is about the challenges and the power of friendship. The epilogue truly made me cry.
If you are a fan of Ray Bradbury, RL Stine, and/or Point Horror, this could be a great read for you! Also, although this book is set in late summer, it is filled with Halloween and autumn vibes - in the town of Autumncrow, it is almost like it's Halloween every day! So this would definitely be an ideal read for spooky season or any time of year in which you may be missing those Halloween feels!
I really think this book would appeal to a variety of readers. Giving it five stars was one of the easiest rating decisions I've made all year.
Cameron Chaney is clearly an immensely talented writer, and I can't wait to see what he has in store for readers in the next installment of Autumncrow High!
Fresh Hell seems to be inspired by Fear Street and Point Horror books from the 90s, but the writing is far superior, in my opinion. Not only is there intrigue and mystery to the story, but this book features two main characters who are some of the most compelling teenage characters I've ever read.
I also love that though this is a YA novel, it doesn't read YA. The dialogue between the younger characters is believable and the prose is elevated and darkly descriptive. Also, there are some very dark passages and a surprising amount of gore, all of which I enjoyed. But it isn't all about ooey gooey scares. This book is filled with emotion as well, and at its very core, it is about the challenges and the power of friendship. The epilogue truly made me cry.
If you are a fan of Ray Bradbury, RL Stine, and/or Point Horror, this could be a great read for you! Also, although this book is set in late summer, it is filled with Halloween and autumn vibes - in the town of Autumncrow, it is almost like it's Halloween every day! So this would definitely be an ideal read for spooky season or any time of year in which you may be missing those Halloween feels!
I really think this book would appeal to a variety of readers. Giving it five stars was one of the easiest rating decisions I've made all year.