Creepy Read: Trapped in the Horror Dome

Students win a trip of a lifetime to Earth Two, a research facility after winning the state science fair. Three students from one school join other students. Rowan and Tinker are friends. They are not friend with the third student - Amari. Because they three of them are from the same school, they are paired together for their volunteer work. 

In the swamp zone, they spy a small creature that's unlike anything they've ever seen before. The scientists don't believe the students saw anything out of the ordinary. Rowan and Tinker decide to uncover the truth...but they'll need Amari's help. Can the three uncover the truth about the creature?

My Thoughts: This book is part of the Monsterious series, which are stand-alone books about monsters and creatures. I really loved this one. I loved the idea of being in a research facility - that's really neat. I loved how it had different habitats. I wouldn't mind visiting a place like this - minus the monster of course. There was lots of action and danger in this book. I love how the three students became friends and understood each other better. Another great book from Matt McMann.

Cover Thoughts: Creepy!

Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: A must have series for your school and public library collections 

Middle Grade Review: Medusa

When Ava deals with a bully at school, her mom decides it's time for her and her brother to attend boarding school. Suddenly they are both whisked off Venice. There, they learn they are descendants of Greek monsters, not heroes. 

Ava's thriving at the school. All her knowledge of mythology has paid off. Now she's getting more praise than her brother. But all that changes when she meets the goddess Athena. 

The Accademia isn't quite what it seems. When someone threatens Ava's friend, she's ready to cause a scene. But could protecting her friend get her expelled?

My Thoughts: It took me a little bit to get into this book, but then I was sucked in. This is a REALLY powerful story with an important message. This feminist read talks about how females lose their voice and how powerful stories can be. The Greek mythology will pull readers in, but I stayed for the friendship, the action, and the feminist twist. I love the idea that Greek mythology monsters might not have really been monsters. It seems like this could be the start of a new series and I really hope that is true. 

Cover Thoughts: Great - lots of action

Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: Highly recommended to your school and public library

Review: Beast of Skull Rock

Book 4 in the Monsterious books 

Simon and Jade are visiting their grandfather in Maine during the summer. Their grandfather runs a curiosity museum. The tourist town is having a bit of trouble with rumors of break-ins. Simon and Jade are curious about them, but their grandfather is being strangle tight lipped. 

Simon and Jade hear strange sounds at night. But their grandfather dismisses their fears. He warns them to stay upstairs rather than wander the museum at night. Simon and Jade feel betrayed, but they are also determined to get to the bottom it this mystery.

They go searching for the creature that could be stalking the town. They camp out in the museum. Nothing they do seems to change anything. The break-ins are getting worse. Can they solve the mystery?

My Thoughts: I really enjoy these books, even though I'm not a scary stories person. The books aren't connect except in the idea of spooky and monsters. I loved Simon and Jade - how they were determined to figure out the puzzle. I loved the moments in the bookstore. I enjoyed going through the museum. The ending was great. I do hope there are more of these books on the way. 

Cover Thoughts: Fantastic

Source: My Library

Library Recommendations: Highly recommended for you school and public libraries! 

Honored to have been in the acknowledgements! 

Picture Book Review: WolfBoy is Scared

Is taking a shortcut through the forest a good idea?

Wolfboy seems to think so, until the trees look like something else...

A fun book about being scared!  

* Book sent for review

Review: Escape from Grimstone Manor

 

Three friends are going on one last ride together before the amusement park closes. But the ride breaks down. One by one, they get out of the car. When the ride resumes, they can't scramble back to the car in time. Unfortunately, they are locked in the manor house for the night. The ride required them to leave their phones in lockers outside the ride. 

The three friends search for an exit, but nothing opens - including the emergency exit and the windows. Matteo discovers a secret passageway. And that's where things go sideways...

Could the creepy stories about local legend Hezekiah Crawly be true?

My Thoughts: Confession time: I wasn't sure I was going to like this because I'm not much for scary stories. BUT I needed to try it after meeting the author. And it was a great story! Of course, I didn't read it after dark, which might have helped. I'm a huge chicken.

But it wasn't too scary - a little gruesome with some creepy moments. 

I loved this debut novel. I loved the friendship. They were very different people and they bickered, but they also saved each other. They were brave when the moment came. 

The monsters were fun, creepy, and icky. Lots of action meant I kept turning the pages quickly. I would not want to be staying overnight in that mansion! Looking forward to the next book in the series. 

Cover Thoughts: Creepy and wonderful 

Source: Book sent for review

Library Recommendations: Highly recommended for your school and public library's collection.