Here There are Monsters
Published: August 6, 2019
352 Pages
Reviewed By: Kim
Kim’s Rating: 4 stars
Book Description:
The Blair Witch Project meets Imaginary Girls in this story of codependent sisterhood, the struggle to claim one’s own space, and the power of secrets.
Sixteen-year-old Skye is done playing the knight in shining armor for her insufferable younger sister, Deirdre. Moving across the country seems like the perfect chance to start over.
In their isolated new neighborhood, Skye manages to fit in, but Deirdre withdraws from everyone, becoming fixated on the swampy woods behind their house and building monstrous sculptures out of sticks and bones.
Then Deirdre disappears.
And when something awful comes scratching at Skye’s window in the middle of the night, claiming she’s the only one who can save Deirdre, Skye knows she will stop at nothing to bring her sister home.
Kim’s Review:
Another amazing cover!! Pretty much the main reason I got this book. The description sounded interesting as well, so lets do it! I think I got it . . . But I’m not sure. And I think that’s ok. I think this is one of those books that can be interpreted in many ways, depending on who is reading it. I found this to be a book about the difficulties of growing up and the coping mechanisms used to deal with stress and problems. I don’t want to go into any more details because I don’t want to ruin it for anybody. I was expecting something a little scarier, but the imagery was still effective and vivid.
I found Skye and Deirdre to be realistic and fanciful all at the same time, and I liked that. There was a part of me that both loved and hated them,, depending on which part of the story I was in. I also liked the look into dealing with friendships in high school.
This is an overall fascinating read that I would suggest to anybody who likes creepy fiction. I don’t know that I’d let younger kids read it, but older teens who enjoy reading would probably like it.
Purchase Links:
Amazon US
Amazon UK
It’s Time For Some Scary Stories!
Today Kim and I bring you a double review of the Scary Stories trilogy by Alvin Schwartz and illustrated by Stephen Gammell. Kim also gives her thoughts in a movie comparison of the new movie by Guillermo del Toro!
Books in the Trilogy:
Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark
More Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark
Scary Stories 3: More Tales to Chill Your Bones
Trilogy Description:
The iconic anthology series of horror tales that’s now a feature film!
Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark is a timeless collection of chillingly scary tales and legends, in which folklorist Alvin Schwartz offers up some of the most alarming tales of horror, dark revenge, and supernatural events of all time.
Jessica’s Rating:
Book 1: 4 stars
Book 2: 3 stars
Book 3: 4 stars
Jessica’s Review:
I LOVED the Scary Stories books as a kid and I remember being freaked out by those drawings! When I found out Guillermo del Toro was going to be doing a film version I became excited, I had to get those books again (with the original drawings!) In 2011 the books were re-released with new drawings that were more ‘kid friendly”….. NO WAY…. You MUST read these books the way it was intended and that is with the original drawings by Stephen Gammell! The books were changed back in 2017 with the original illustrations. I was lucky enough to find books one and two at my local used bookstore and then lucky me found MY original book three from when I was a kid!!! Score: I had all three books again!
These books are based off old folklore and are written for kids. Some of the stories tell you how to scare your friends while reading the story to a group. As I was reading them now I remembered some of the stories and illustrations. Those drawings just stay with you… My favorite of the three books was the third and final book, and it was probably my favorite as a kid since I still had it! I don’t have many of the books left from when I was a kid, so this one must have been important to me. I even circled some of the story titles in the table of contents.
If you enjoyed these books as a kid, you will surely enjoy them as an adult and get a sense of nostalgia.
Kim’s Rating: 4 stars
Kim’s Review:
Ivan and I went to see Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark in the theater when it came out. We saw the preview and were intrigued so we watched it. I enjoyed it enough that I decided to get the books and read them. I think they’re such good books to introduce horror to kids! Obviously, it varies from kid to kid, but these books definitely work on the creepy side without being ridiculously scary. I read thru all 3 books in about an hour and found them engaging and chilling. I won’t go so far as to say that they scratched the horror itch, they were too mild for that. But, for the audience they were written for, they’re perfect. The illustrations also added to the reading and made it even more fun. I absolutely recommend these books to read to your kids when they want to be scared. Excellent story collection!
Here is a sample of the illustrations by Stephen Gammell:
Movie Trailer:
Here is Kim’s Movie Comparison Thoughts:
**Please note that the Hill House comparison she references will be coming soon, even though she filmed it first**
Purchase Links:
Books
Amazon US
Amazon UK
Pre-order the Film:
Amazon US Out November 5th
Amazon UK There is no date of release for the UK, but you can pre-order it!
Teeth in the Mist
Author: Dawn Kurtagich
Published: June 11, 2019
447 Pages
Reviewed By: Kim
Kim’s Rating: 4 stars
Book Description:
Before the birth of time, a monk uncovers the Devil’s Tongue and dares to speak it. The repercussions will be felt for generations…
Sixteen-year-old photography enthusiast Zoey has been fascinated by the haunted, burnt-out ruins of Medwyn Mill House for as long as she can remember–so she and her best friend, Poulton, run away from home to explore them. But are they really alone in the house? And who will know if something goes wrong?
In 1851, seventeen-year-old Roan arrives at the Mill House as a ward–one of three, all with something to hide from their new guardian. When Roan learns that she is connected to an ancient secret, she must escape the house before she is trapped forever.
1583. Hermione, a new young bride, accompanies her husband to the wilds of North Wales where he plans to build the largest water mill and mansion in the area. But rumors of unholy rituals lead to a tragic occurrence and she will need all her strength to defeat it.
Three women, centuries apart, drawn together by one Unholy Pact. A pact made by a man who, more than a thousand years later, may still be watching…
Kim’s Review:
Cheese and crackers, this book!!!! I had to go get it the day it came out. Kurtagich is easily one of those authors that I will read anytime. She does the creepy thing so well! The Trees Crept In had me sleeping with the hall lights on. When I started Teeth in the Mist, I was a little worried that it was going to be too vague for me to enjoy. Y’all know me, I like the obvious. But nope! I was sucked in right from the beginning. I now would like to go exploring in Wales . . . Maybe I’ll meet a ghost!!!
Meddwyn Mill House is fascinating!! The multiple timelines add so much to the story and actually help to answer many of my questions. Roan is a great protagonist that I sympathize with. And all the plot twists and turns!! And of course, guess what. It’s a series!!!!!! WHYYYYY? Why does this always happen to me? But thankfully, the next book is in the works and Kurtagich recommends that we all keep our fingers crossed . . . I even crossed my toes!
I don’t want to go into anymore detail because y’all just need to experience it, the darkness, the chills, the mysterious! But I absolutely recommend it!
Purchase Links:
Amazon US
Amazon UK
