Tag: rip challenge

RIPX Wrap Up

Posted 2 November 2015 in brief reviews /0 Comments

Huh, it’s November now? I definitely fell short on this challenge, with my reading habits suffering through October. I did read one of my RIP selections during the Read-a-thon – Skary Childrin and the Carousel of Sorrow, the only book I read that I had originally selected for the challenge. I thought I would certainly have read The Fall of the House of Usher during the Read-a-thon, but I conked out much earlier than I anticipated. I plan to tackle it this week. I don’t think I’ll get to The Bird’s Nest this year… I tried to read the Library of Souls preview, but it didn’t catch my interest me. The Nest exceeded my expectations, though, so that makes up for something, I think! To wrap up, here are my two cents on Skary Childrin.

  • Skary Childrin and the Carousel of Sorrow by Katy Towell
  • Rating: ★★
  • This book has been on my shelf for years…it’s an odd shape with an odd quality. I don’t like the title much. The illustrations seem like fan art. But, I held onto it all these years because I know I shouldn’t judge a book by its design…even though I don’t believe that aphorism, I elected to follow it because I loved Towell’s YouTube videos. I recommend those videos over this book. Here is my favourite:
  • Another book for the pile of potentially creepy middle grade reads that have disappointed me. I’m starting to realize I may just be very particular when it comes to these kind of books. Although, I don’t think that’s the case with this one. The characters and plot fall flat, and the prose is not very exciting either. Adelaide, Maggie and Beatrice have slivers of promise within them, but not enough to be compelling. Mostly this book feels like a mishmash of weak ideas that were done better elsewhere.


    Review: The Nest by Kenneth Oppel

    14 October 2015 / review / 2 Comments
    Review: The Nest by Kenneth Oppel

    Author: Kenneth Oppel Title: The Nest Format/Source: Hardcover/PurchasedPublished: September 2015Publisher: HarperCollinsLength: 244 pagesGenre: Middle grade gothicWhy I Read: Good creative team, intriguing plot, sister recommendedRead If You: Like creepy fairy tales, spooky stories, Coraline, etc.Rating:  ★★★★★ [ratings guide] Links: GoodReads | IndieBound | Chapters […]

    Readers Imbibing Peril (RIP) Challenge

    14 September 2015 / to be read / 0 Comments
    Readers Imbibing Peril (RIP) Challenge

    Mystery. Suspense. Thriller. Dark Fantasy. Gothic.  Horror. Supernatural. Or anything sufficiently moody that shares a kinship with the above. That is what embodies the stories, written and visual, that we celebrate with the R.eaders I.mbibing P.eril event. Last year I […]