Scarewaves by Trevor Henderson

What worked:

The author spends the first fourth of the book developing a creepy, scary atmosphere. A young girl named Beverly is grabbed by a bony hand in the first chapter and she’s dragged into the dark, ominous forest. Several unrelated characters are introduced who will be the focus of the rest of the story. Byron, Beverly’s best friend, realizes the disappearances have now affected him personally especially when a ghoulish man with a wide-brimmed hat and trench coat appears in his room. Lucas has always been creeped out by the scarecrow in his father’s cornfield but he can’t believe it might actually be moving on its own. Then there’s Mary whose family just arrived in this small town. She’s looking for a little excitement before Beacon Point bores her to death but little does she know what’s lurking in her new home. The author uses descriptions that affect several of the readers’ senses. There are shadowy images of eerie creatures lurking beyond the light, scratching and whispered voices just out of sight, and branches seem to grab characters causing their spines to tingle.

Readers are left to their own imaginations as they try to understand what’s going on in Beacon Point. The current incidents seem to have nothing in common and occur in different parts of town. Different characters encounter a bony hand, a scarecrow, deerlike beasts, and a crow-headed witch. Beverly is almost home from soccer practice, Lucas is in the cornfield by his farmhouse, and Byron is inside his own bedroom late at night. Why are these eerie things happening to these specific characters? Adults and children have been taken in the past but is there something they have in common? Why are kids disappearing now? The characters all know nothing good happens after sundown.

A radio station sits alone atop a hill just outside of Beacon Point. The transcripts of a radio broadcast are presented every few chapters to fill in the gaps of what’s happening. However, the characters begin to wonder if the voice is warning them of potential dangers or if it’s actually part of the threat. Radio static suddenly sounds from televisions and telephones and adds to the unnerving mood. The radio broadcast shares the background history of the area around Beacon Point and describes disappearances that have been going on for a couple of hundred years. These past incidents bear striking similarities to the attacks happening now which lets readers know the evil has been on the prowl for hundreds of years.

What didn’t work as well:

Too many characters pop up throughout the book and are then snagged by different creatures. Readers try to figure out their importance as they’re introduced but then they’re gone. Each one feels like a false alarm, kind of like the little boy who cried wolf.

The Final Verdict:

This book shares a spine-tingling story that young readers will love. The vivid, graphic language will overload readers’ senses and keep them engrossed until the exciting conclusion. Overall, it’s a very entertaining tale and I recommend you give it a shot.

Falling out of Time by Margaret Peterson Haddix

What worked:

This book bears similarities to its partner “Running Out of Time” so previous readers should be able to anticipate what’s happening. Zola finds a book in her Insta-Closet about Jessie Keyser who happens to be the main character from “Running Out of Time”. In that book, Jessie thought she was living in the 1800’s only to discover she was actually in an experimental, closed community in the modern world. The author’s perception of the future world in this book displays technology to remove stress, fear, and pain from human lives. Zola tells her Insta-Closet what she wants to wear and the outfit appears minutes later. Characters interact verbally with technology to fulfill their needs and Zola “attends” school through virtual reality. There’s no reason to leave her home with all of her necessities provided.

The book may get some readers wondering about the meanings of real and true. Characters believe what they are told and what they see but what if someone is manipulating their surroundings? Past and present history are what they’ve been taught and learned but what if those things aren’t totally true? All of these things create a reality in the characters’ minds that is hard to change when they encounter evidence that’s inconsistent with it. “Trusted” sources aren’t automatically believable anymore and other new characters speaking the truth are treated with skepticism.

I’ll try to be vague so as not to reveal any spoilers. The author develops contrasting worlds from different times in history as the settings in the first book and this one are four hundred years apart. The pioneer world featured cooperation and manual labor while this book emphasizes a reliance on technology. A concept often repeated this time is that people must choose which future they want and take action today to achieve it. Words to live by. The author includes details from the first book but it’s not necessary to have read it. While the stories from both books overlap a bit, some revelations and surprises are saved for the end.

What didn’t work as well:

The plot lacked the urgency needed to build tension and suspense. There isn’t a deadline or identified, imminent threat to explain why Zola needs to do something right away. However, her actions eventually create problems that lead to an exciting conclusion.

The Final Verdict:

I’m not sure how many of today’s young people have read the first book from the mid-1990s but it might be better if it’s not read first. The plot is fairly predictable although the exact details will need to be discovered. Overall, this book should entertain lovers of alternative realities and history and I recommend you give it a shot. 

ChupaCarter and the Haunted Pinata by George Lopez and Ryan Calejo

What worked:

The main conflict involves the legend of a rich boy humiliated by his classmates who dies in a fire on his birthday. Supposedly, he reappears every six years as a haunted pinata and sets green fires around town. The idea of a ghostly pinata sounds far-fetched but perhaps not since Jorge’s closest friend is an actual chupacabra named Carter. The fiery destruction around town hits close to home for Jorge and his friends when the butcher shop owned by Liza’s father is burned to the ground. The plot becomes a mystery that has no shortage of suspects. However, every time the kids think the clues lead them to the arsonist something pops up to show them that they must be wrong.

Jorge’s small group of friends presents an interesting contrast of characters. Liza is the logical, scientific one who only believes in what can be proven or what she’s actually seen. She obviously scoffs at the idea of a ghostly pinata setting fires so she drives the investigation into the legend. Ernie is an anxious friend who’s ready to believe anything that might scare him. He’s constantly frightened by every rumor or incident even as Liza collects evidence to debunk the tale. Carter reappears from Mexico and the chupacabra is determined to utilize his beastly skills to assist his friends. It’s nice to have a hairy, seven-foot-tall, blood-sucking monster working with you!

As in the series’ first book, the authors infuse the narrative with bits of Spanish. Non-Spanish speakers probably won’t know all of the terms but they’re usually able to use the context of the sentences to easily figure them out. The phrases are often repeated in English which makes it very simple to understand. These words are normally included in the characters’ dialogue or as mild exclamations so they sound natural when they’re used. The inclusion of bits of Spanish enhances the setting and atmosphere of the story since it takes place in the Southwest region of the United States.

What didn’t work as well:

The kids quickly jump to conclusions when they uncover new evidence and it’s bothersome how frequently they accuse and dismiss different suspects. They run through four or five different characters and always seem to end up back at square one. It especially feels out of character for Liza since she’s supposed to be the brainiac in the group.

The Final Verdict:

This book shares a humorous, fun mystery that should appeal to readers with a love for quirky characters. Jorge’s friends know all about Carter in this second book so he’s treated more like one of the gang than a shocking, fearsome mythical creature. Overall, it’s an enjoyable, amusing adventure with frequent twists and turns and I recommend you give it a shot.

No One Leaves the Castle by Christopher Healy

What worked:

The story has a humorous angle to it that will make readers smile, or perhaps groan. A novice bard follows the exploits of the young heroine named the Lilac and creates a song about her along the way. The lyrics aren’t always flattering, some situations shouldn’t be immortalized, and trying to find words that rhyme with Gribbinshood Flornt is a challenge. The ogre guarding the front gate of a baron’s castle always shows up late and his ineptitude becomes expected. The baron’s daughter is obsessed with etiquette but that attitude is in stark contrast to her tutor’s unexpected appearance and demeanor. Many characters share sarcastic comments and hidden secrets that contribute additional absurdity to the proceedings.

The Lilac is an unexpected hero as she’s a young girl trying to make her name as a bounty hunter. It’s not clear in the beginning, but she’s hiding an important secret that will be revealed later in the plot. The Lilac is commissioned by a wizard to hunt down and capture whoever stole a baron’s emerald axe that surprisingly reappears in its display case shortly after she arrives. Lilac’s role changes to detective in order to clear a wizard’s name but then evolves even further into discovering a murderer in their midst. Investigating a killing is a huge step up for a girl with less than one bounty hunt experience to her name but she’s willing to accept the challenge. Lilac must battle her own insecurities along the way and she encounters constantly changing stories in order to reveal the many secrets being masked by all of the characters.

This type of mystery is captivating since all of the suspects are trapped within the walls of the castle. The guilty individual can’t escape so the veiled motivations make him/her an unpredictable, dangerous character. Readers won’t know which characters to trust, doubt, and suspect until the truth eventually comes out. The Lilac considers each character a suspect and their different motives are uncovered as the plot moves along. Baron Agbar hates magic and is a very disagreeable man so stealing his own axe and killing isn’t beyond the realm of possibility. He hates that his son is training to become a wizard so there’s a natural conflict between the two men. The baron’s wife is the children’s stepmother and little is shared about her past but she seems concerned about maintaining the respected family name. Valuable objects continue to disappear around the castle and Lilac discovers several blackmail notes, although it isn’t clear which character, or characters, is being blackmailed.

What didn’t work as well:

Literally, every character in the story, including the protagonist, is guarding a secret which causes the scenarios to constantly change. Readers can usually trust the main characters for stability but that’s missing in this plot. However, the multitude of undisclosed truths and clandestine efforts create the mystery and humor readers will enjoy.

The Final Verdict:

This book tells a very entertaining story that young readers will love. Every character is a suspect in the murder mystery and new subplots will be revealed until the very end. I can heartily recommend you give this book a shot!

Rieden Reece and the Broken Moon (Rieden Reece #1) by Matt Guzman

What worked:

This book requires readers to think. Rieden is super-smart, believing his intelligence allows him to predict the future. It doesn’t explain how he fails to foresee the moon splitting and an alien named Rozul climbing through his bedroom window. There’s a problem between the two characters, as Rozul says the English language limits humans’ ability to express what they actually mean. Ri is told he must find something he’s lost, but he has no idea what that might be. Rozul isn’t much help, and his misunderstanding of Rieden’s questions and figurative language doesn’t make things better. Their interactions frequently include elements of humor. Rozul has apparently come from Ri’s future, and Quantum physics is involved. Some complicated dialogue ensues, so readers will need to use their brains to understand what’s happening, just like Rieden.

The characters are very peculiar and add to the readers’ curiosity. When the moon splits, the heads of all adults are replaced by dark orbs that appear to contain black holes. This even affects Rieden’s mom, so he’s determined to save her from this fate. His teachers and a bartender communicate by pointing, and the librarian turns out to be a GI, a Guardian Inspector. A silver secret agent toting a laser cannon pursues Ri and Rozul, and readers will never know when it might show up. Rieden begins to have memories of an unknown boy who’s making shady deals with a giant rat named Belez. This name concerns Rozul, but readers won’t learn why until later.

Rieden is a complicated character. You know how most books have an endearing main character who is kind and compassionate, so you just have to root for them? That isn’t Rieden. He knows how smart he is and doesn’t have patience for stupid people. Even though Rozul has come to this dimension to help, Rieden has little tolerance for uncertainty or mistakes and constantly insults the “amnesic clown”. However, despite his attitude, Ri wants to rescue his mom, repair the moon, and save all of the humans on Earth. He displays bravery in life-threatening situations so I guess you need to cut him a little slack. You still need to applaud the guy for doing his best to save the world, and he eventually transforms to become a bit “warmer”.

What didn’t work as well:

We know Rieden is trying to recover his memories and save the moon, but it’s not clear exactly what he needs to do. He’s helping Rozul save his sister, and the thought is that the siblings will be able to combine their powers to save the day. The only problem is that they have no idea where the sister is being held captive.

The Final Verdict:

I have mixed thoughts about this book. The first half is a little hard to follow as the characters try to figure out where they need to go and what they need to do. The second half events bring some clarity, and the author saves a huge surprise for the end. Overall, this book may not appeal to everyone, but I still recommend you give it a shot and find out for yourself.

The Eyes & the Impossible by Dave Eggers

What worked:

The best part of the book is the descriptive, lyrical narrative. The story isn’t written poetically but many parts of the narrative have rhythm and use expressive language. A verse repeated throughout the story is “God is the Sun. Clouds are her messengers. Rain is only rain.” The stars are “siblings to our Sun” and Johannes, the main character, says “my dreams had no interpreter.” The expressive writing is enhanced by colorful illustrations of forest scenes created by artists from around the world. A note at the end of the book shares that the illustrator adds pictures of Johannes to the nature scenes to connect them with the story.

The animals have a close comradery and they always work together to benefit others and keep them all safe. Three old Bison live in a pen and they act as Keepers of the Equilibrium to maintain balance between nature and all creatures living within the park. Johannes acts as their eyes as he uses his speed to monitor all activity. He’s aided by his Assistant Eyes which include his best friend Bertrand the seagull, a one-eyed squirrel named Sonja, Yolanda the pelican, and a chubby raccoon named Angus. These characters are perfect examples of loyal friends as they are selfless and will do anything to help others in need. All of the animals in the park are reliable, friendly creatures except for the ducks. Ducks are stupid.

The animals face different obstacles that present various levels of drama. Johannes is a free animal and he roams the park scouting for new developments that might affect the Equilibrium. He manages to avoid humans most of the time but a couple of his decisions make the Control-the-Animals people take notice. Johannes has an unusual love for art that gets him into sticky situations. He realizes the Bison are always confined to their pen so he’s compelled to find a way to set them free. This complicated problem will take time to figure out and the coordinated efforts of all the animals. The introduction of the goats to the plot adds revelations and more difficulties to the problem and develops a sense of urgency.

What didn’t work as well:

Johannes exaggerates a lot which muddles the rules underlying his world. Johanne can run fast but perhaps not as fast as light. The park is probably not ten thousand miles long and three thousand miles wide and I’m sure the bison haven’t lived for thousands of years. The common animals live in a realistic public park so the hyperbole is confusing and unnecessary.

The Final Verdict:

This story is a wonderful example of cooperation and allegiance between friends as they’re always looking out for the welfare of others. The flowery language may take getting used to but it’s actually a highlight of the book. Overall, this book should appeal to nature and animal lovers and I recommend you give it a shot.

The Umbrella Maker's Son by Katrina Leno

What worked:

A setting of never-ending rain is very unique and Oscar is the only character who doesn’t mind getting wet. The author introduces forty-seven different types of rain and it feels like the narrative includes every one of them! The opening pages describe a looming blanderwheel, like a monsoon, but the narrator teases that its deadly force won’t become part of the story until later in the book. A wall separates the Toe from the wealthier parts of the city and the constant rain inexplicably falls only on the Toe. The buildings in Oscar’s apartment complex are given bird names, he lives in Dove, and his father’s workshop is located in the Alley too. The Gray Lighthouse was built offshore to warn of dangerous waters but it now sits vacant and unused. Ships no longer dare to sail the Gray Sea.

Saige is Oscar’s best friend even though her cousin is a neighborhood bully. Saige is confined to a wheelchair but it rarely seems to be a handicap for her. Oscar says Saige is the smartest person in the world and the inventions she creates and things she pulls from her backpack reinforce his thinking. The two devoted friends meet every night in Fort Cleverbuckle, their hideout atop Saige’s apartment building, to support each other through tough times. Saige learns that her family is moving to the other side of the wall. Oscar is told that he’ll need to leave school and become his father’s apprentice even though his true love is carving wooden figures.

Footnotes can be found on almost every page to explain the abundant vocabulary distinct to this book. Some of the footnotes act as aside comments to readers that often add amusing touches to the narrative. The book includes a glossary at the end with descriptions of all the different types of rain, food, and geography found in the story. Random chapters are titled Blanderwheel (Part 1), Blanderwheel (Part 2), and so forth to remind readers that a huge storm can strike the characters at any moment. The whole story is written like the narrator is speaking directly to readers and the informal style makes it approachable to a younger audience.

What didn’t work as well:

For a place that’s seen non-stop rain for ten years, it’s amazing the citizens aren’t wading through water every day.  The rain doesn’t seem like much of a problem except that everyone except for Oscar carries an umbrella wherever they go. It’s not a big deal but it’s something that bugs me.

The Final Verdict:

Oscar’s kindness and loyalty will endear him to young readers and the author’s writing method blends levity with Oscar and Saige’s adventure. The setting and conflict are innovative and the author’s use of sentence structure develops suspense as the plot nears its climax. Overall, I highly recommend you give this book a shot.