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Daemon Hall #1
Daemon Hall
Is winning a writing contest worth risking your life?
Nothing exciting ever happens in the town of Maplewood--that is, until famous thriller writer Ian Tremblin holds a short-story writing contest with a prize that seems to be the opportunity of a lifetime: five finalists will get to spend the evening with Tremblin himself in the haunted mansion Daemon Hall, and the winner of the best short story will see publication.
Wade Reilly and the other finalists could never have imagined what they find lurking in the shadows of this demonic mansion. During a suspenseful night of tale-telling, strange incidents mix the realms of the real and the supernatural. What is Tremblin really up to, and can he be trusted? What about Daemon Hall--is it alive? And, more to the point, will any of the contestants make it out of this hall of horrors to tell their story?
In the tradition of Stephen King, this chilling novel will have teen readers on edge in anticipation of what's to come with the next extinguished candle.
Nothing exciting ever happens in the town of Maplewood--that is, until famous thriller writer Ian Tremblin holds a short-story writing contest with a prize that seems to be the opportunity of a lifetime: five finalists will get to spend the evening with Tremblin himself in the haunted mansion Daemon Hall, and the winner of the best short story will see publication.
Wade Reilly and the other finalists could never have imagined what they find lurking in the shadows of this demonic mansion. During a suspenseful night of tale-telling, strange incidents mix the realms of the real and the supernatural. What is Tremblin really up to, and can he be trusted? What about Daemon Hall--is it alive? And, more to the point, will any of the contestants make it out of this hall of horrors to tell their story?
In the tradition of Stephen King, this chilling novel will have teen readers on edge in anticipation of what's to come with the next extinguished candle.
259 pages, Hardcover
First published June 12, 2007
28 people are currently reading
709 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 139 reviews
June 17, 2018
I bought this book on a whim from Bookoutlet. You can find the best obscure books from there. It’s a YA horror what more do you want. The book sat on my shelves collecting dust for about 4 years. I decided to pick it up two weeks ago and I’m very glad I finally did. 4 stars!
Daemon Hall reminded me of several books I’ve read in the past: Welcome to the Dark House, Shadow House and other various haunted house books and movies.
At the beginning you learn of a contest being held by famous horror writer, Ian Tremblin. The contest is to search for the next great scary story writer. Just like the five lucky children to find Wonka’s Golden Tickets, 5 lucky teens will win a writing contest and have a chance for their story to be published.
The 5 contestants are from Maplewood the town were the infamous haunted mansion Daemon Hall sits. Legend tells that a man goes mad after building the home and murders his family and then himself in the house.
The five finalists must spend the night sharing their winning stories with their fellow writers and the master of The macabre himself Mr. Tremblin, in the haunted house. Will all five make it out alive? Who is the lucky winner?
I found each kids story to be very interesting and creepy. Better than the stories told by the want to be writers of Chuck Palahniuk“Haunted� novel.
This was a very fun and easy read full of eerie short stories within a larger eerie story. This is the first book in a duology. I fortunately have both books and I can’t wait to pick up the sequel “Return to Farmon Hall�.
Daemon Hall reminded me of several books I’ve read in the past: Welcome to the Dark House, Shadow House and other various haunted house books and movies.
At the beginning you learn of a contest being held by famous horror writer, Ian Tremblin. The contest is to search for the next great scary story writer. Just like the five lucky children to find Wonka’s Golden Tickets, 5 lucky teens will win a writing contest and have a chance for their story to be published.
The 5 contestants are from Maplewood the town were the infamous haunted mansion Daemon Hall sits. Legend tells that a man goes mad after building the home and murders his family and then himself in the house.
The five finalists must spend the night sharing their winning stories with their fellow writers and the master of The macabre himself Mr. Tremblin, in the haunted house. Will all five make it out alive? Who is the lucky winner?
I found each kids story to be very interesting and creepy. Better than the stories told by the want to be writers of Chuck Palahniuk“Haunted� novel.
This was a very fun and easy read full of eerie short stories within a larger eerie story. This is the first book in a duology. I fortunately have both books and I can’t wait to pick up the sequel “Return to Farmon Hall�.
April 21, 2011
As a little boy, I grew up in a very close-knit community. Me and all the other kids in the neighborhood would meet up anywhere we could (at our houses, at the local park, in our front yards) and share ghost stories. We would try our best to come up with the most clever and realistic ones, all in the hopes of being the best storyteller. Daemon Hall by Andrew Nance took me back to that time in my life.
Daemon Hall is about Ian Tremblin, an eccentric and mysterious author, whose fascination with horror stories prompts him to come up with a writing contest. In this contest, people are encouraged to submit their best horror stories, and Ian Tremblin will then pick out the five finalists (Wade Reilly, Kara Bakshi, Demarius Keating, Chelsea Flynt, and Chris Collins) to come to Daemon Hall where they will share their stories with him � and each other. The winner of the contest will then see their story published.
This book was an easy read, and reminded me of a cross between the movie, The House on Haunted Hill, and the novel, Campfire Ghost Stories by Jo-Anne Christensen (which I love). I had a lot of fun reading this novel. Nance did a great job creating an entertaining premise. The mood he set throughout the novel was great, and the creativity within the myriad stories was also commendable. Reading Daemon Hall did make me feel all warm and nostalgic.
Now, with all that said, I couldn’t give this book more than 3 stars…and there are two reasons why.
The first reason: While I appreciated the creativity within Nance’s writing, some of the stories lost their impact and relevance in the translation. An example is Chelsea’s story (The Babysitter (Revisited)), which was written like a script/chat room conversation. In the novel, Chelsea encouraged everyone to play a part in her story, but the reader had no choice but to read every line ourselves, thus diminishing the impact of her story. Chelsea’s story would have been better told in a group setting. The impact of what Nance was trying to achieve would have been much more powerful that way.
The second � and most important reason � were the stories themselves. They were not scary. I prefer horror stories to be a bit more graphic and provocative, and Daemon Hall was probably written with a younger audience in mind and so, I wasn’t that impressed. This novel would probably satiate a young teenager’s appetite for scary stories (and there are plenty in the book). But even with that said, I could see many teenagers scoffing at the majority of the content.
Still, I would recommend Daemon Hall. Just be aware that the stories are short, entertaining, and not that frightening. And when the follow-up (Return to Daemon Hall: Evil Roots) comes out later this year, I will still pick up a copy. The child in me will always love ghost stories � even if they aren’t as provocative as I prefer. I just hope the next book in the series pushes the envelope a little more.
Daemon Hall is about Ian Tremblin, an eccentric and mysterious author, whose fascination with horror stories prompts him to come up with a writing contest. In this contest, people are encouraged to submit their best horror stories, and Ian Tremblin will then pick out the five finalists (Wade Reilly, Kara Bakshi, Demarius Keating, Chelsea Flynt, and Chris Collins) to come to Daemon Hall where they will share their stories with him � and each other. The winner of the contest will then see their story published.
This book was an easy read, and reminded me of a cross between the movie, The House on Haunted Hill, and the novel, Campfire Ghost Stories by Jo-Anne Christensen (which I love). I had a lot of fun reading this novel. Nance did a great job creating an entertaining premise. The mood he set throughout the novel was great, and the creativity within the myriad stories was also commendable. Reading Daemon Hall did make me feel all warm and nostalgic.
Now, with all that said, I couldn’t give this book more than 3 stars…and there are two reasons why.
The first reason: While I appreciated the creativity within Nance’s writing, some of the stories lost their impact and relevance in the translation. An example is Chelsea’s story (The Babysitter (Revisited)), which was written like a script/chat room conversation. In the novel, Chelsea encouraged everyone to play a part in her story, but the reader had no choice but to read every line ourselves, thus diminishing the impact of her story. Chelsea’s story would have been better told in a group setting. The impact of what Nance was trying to achieve would have been much more powerful that way.
The second � and most important reason � were the stories themselves. They were not scary. I prefer horror stories to be a bit more graphic and provocative, and Daemon Hall was probably written with a younger audience in mind and so, I wasn’t that impressed. This novel would probably satiate a young teenager’s appetite for scary stories (and there are plenty in the book). But even with that said, I could see many teenagers scoffing at the majority of the content.
Still, I would recommend Daemon Hall. Just be aware that the stories are short, entertaining, and not that frightening. And when the follow-up (Return to Daemon Hall: Evil Roots) comes out later this year, I will still pick up a copy. The child in me will always love ghost stories � even if they aren’t as provocative as I prefer. I just hope the next book in the series pushes the envelope a little more.
November 18, 2012
Reviewed by Sally Kruger, aka "Readingjunky" for TeensReadToo.com
If you are a fan of scary stories, be sure to get your hands on DAEMON HALL. Andrew Nance uses a unique approach that actually weaves ten scary stories into one already creepy tale.
Wade, Chelsea, Kara, Demarius, and Chris are five teens who have earned their place as finalists in a writing contest. Horror writer Ian Tremblin challenged teens to write their own scary stories. From the finalists he plans to select a winner who will be rewarded by having his or her story published. But there's a catch ...
The five finalists must bring their stories and their bedrolls and spend the night with Tremblin in Daemon Hall. No cell phones, no flashlights, just ten candles to keep the darkness at bay. During the night, a total on ten scary stories will be told, and after each story a candle will be extinguished, leaving the group in complete darkness until morning.
One story after another is told and darkness begins to take control. As the stories get creepier, so does the house. To add to the suspense, the teens begin to disappear one by one and Mr. Tremblin starts acting more bizarre. Who will win the honor of being published? Who will even survive the night in Daemon Hall?
Readers of DAEMON HALL are treated to ten truly frightening tales. Each on their own could entertain listeners around a campfire on a dark night. Andrew Nance's twisted tale will have you looking over your shoulder for many nights to come.
If you are a fan of scary stories, be sure to get your hands on DAEMON HALL. Andrew Nance uses a unique approach that actually weaves ten scary stories into one already creepy tale.
Wade, Chelsea, Kara, Demarius, and Chris are five teens who have earned their place as finalists in a writing contest. Horror writer Ian Tremblin challenged teens to write their own scary stories. From the finalists he plans to select a winner who will be rewarded by having his or her story published. But there's a catch ...
The five finalists must bring their stories and their bedrolls and spend the night with Tremblin in Daemon Hall. No cell phones, no flashlights, just ten candles to keep the darkness at bay. During the night, a total on ten scary stories will be told, and after each story a candle will be extinguished, leaving the group in complete darkness until morning.
One story after another is told and darkness begins to take control. As the stories get creepier, so does the house. To add to the suspense, the teens begin to disappear one by one and Mr. Tremblin starts acting more bizarre. Who will win the honor of being published? Who will even survive the night in Daemon Hall?
Readers of DAEMON HALL are treated to ten truly frightening tales. Each on their own could entertain listeners around a campfire on a dark night. Andrew Nance's twisted tale will have you looking over your shoulder for many nights to come.
February 8, 2017
I don't usually like reading "scary" books but this one was different. Yes it was still scary and was very interesting but I really liked the format and plot of the book. I liked how I felt like I was there and how it was counting down the hours and minutes till you could get the heck out of Daemon Hall.
January 11, 2022
Always kind of disappointed with the endings but oh well. As a whole this book was atmospheric. And I liked it. 3,5/5⭐️
November 12, 2019
This book has to be my favorite I've read so far. I like the feeling of me wondering what's going to happen next. So the story is about a group of kids who entered a contest whoever story was scarier would get theres published by a famous author. So they all go to a haunted house with the author. There they will tell their stories to each other. Then the author will decide who wins the contest to get their story published. As they tell their stories the house get creeper and creeper. Then bad things started to happen which didn't happen till like halfway through the book. I hate how it leaves you on a cliffhanger . Now i'm wondering what happened. I would recommend the book to anyone the book is really put together well and so are the characters.
May 8, 2008
I FUCKIN love this book! One of the greatest books I have ever read in my life. They way it was done and the similarities, and the stories within the story and the characters were perfect. If you were to die in the next three months the three books you should read are: Harry Potter, Maxium Ride and Daemon Hall.
Five little finalists waiting at the door, one vanished down a hole and then there were four.
Four little finalists plain for all to see, one was dragged into the night and then there were three.
Three little finalists made up this hearty crew, one was forced to walk the plank and then there were two.
Two little finalists one went on the run, screamed and tripped and broke a neck and then there was one.
The last finalist almost had it won, poor thing went insane and then there were none.
Five little finalists waiting at the door, one vanished down a hole and then there were four.
Four little finalists plain for all to see, one was dragged into the night and then there were three.
Three little finalists made up this hearty crew, one was forced to walk the plank and then there were two.
Two little finalists one went on the run, screamed and tripped and broke a neck and then there was one.
The last finalist almost had it won, poor thing went insane and then there were none.
June 21, 2011
People said it was good but boy it blew me away! I put the PRO in PROCRASTINATION so it's surprising that I enjoyed and finished this boook in a few hours.
I cannot wait for the second book. The writing, the author, the book itself : AMAZEBALLS
March 19, 2017
I paid 50 cents for this book and it was worth almost every cent. Highly recommended for 12-15 year old horror enthusiasts. Not so much recommended for you old people. Would have given 3.5 stars but we're still living in the dark ages and have yet to gain the advanced technology of half stars.
October 24, 2023
I met Andrew Nance in December of 2007 when he came to my middle school on a book tour for Daemon Hall. I nearly finished it, but got so spooked at the time that I put it down lol. I was never able to handle horror and 13-year-old Zach was no different.
I have a lot of appreciation for horror literature now though and felt, since it’s Halloween season, it would be a good time to pick this back up off my shelf. A whole 16 years later. It’s the first YA book I’ve read in ages and, honestly, it was really refreshing. I finished it in a day. Well-written, easy to read, and spooky enough to scare a 13-year-old enough to not want to brave the next page. Now nearly 30, I found the stories more cute than scary, but that’s exactly as it should be. This is a YA novel - and a good one at that. It’s difficult to write from the mindset of a child and even more difficult to make it a gripping story for not only the young target audience, but adults too.
5 stars for knocking that out of the park, for spooking me so much as a kid that I couldn’t finish the book, and for Andrew Nance taking the time to visit schools in person to offer young readers the opportunity to meet an author. I’ve long dreamed of publishing something I write, so I kind of felt like the kids in this story who met their famous horror author Ian Tremblin (outstanding choice in last name for a horror author, by the way). Andrew Nance is my Ian Tremblin in a way. And I think that’s pretty cool.
I have a lot of appreciation for horror literature now though and felt, since it’s Halloween season, it would be a good time to pick this back up off my shelf. A whole 16 years later. It’s the first YA book I’ve read in ages and, honestly, it was really refreshing. I finished it in a day. Well-written, easy to read, and spooky enough to scare a 13-year-old enough to not want to brave the next page. Now nearly 30, I found the stories more cute than scary, but that’s exactly as it should be. This is a YA novel - and a good one at that. It’s difficult to write from the mindset of a child and even more difficult to make it a gripping story for not only the young target audience, but adults too.
5 stars for knocking that out of the park, for spooking me so much as a kid that I couldn’t finish the book, and for Andrew Nance taking the time to visit schools in person to offer young readers the opportunity to meet an author. I’ve long dreamed of publishing something I write, so I kind of felt like the kids in this story who met their famous horror author Ian Tremblin (outstanding choice in last name for a horror author, by the way). Andrew Nance is my Ian Tremblin in a way. And I think that’s pretty cool.
October 16, 2019
Chilling tale.
February 27, 2019
Scary. I enjoyed the mini stories within <3
July 21, 2011
I got this book from where I was working. My friend suggest that I should try this... Of course, I didn't hesitate because I love a scary and thrilling horror novel. So instead of just borrowing it, I just went into the cashier and paid for it. Well... and so it began. I have read this one a couple of days ago, the memory is still fresh. Let;s start shall we?
The Plot. It was really great. The fact that this book is obviously a YA Thriller/Horror or something... The scare-vibe actually stands in its name.
The storyline is very unique in my own perspective. It is like a telling stories on a story. Confusing? Not really... You will get my point once you've read this one. The story is about a five oh-so-lucky aspiring writers, who were the finalist on a very famous horror writer named Ian Tremblin. Obviously, those five finalists with their own original story/novel [Wade, Kara, Chelsea, Chris and Demarius] are main characers. However, the narrative plot is came out from Wade Reilly. So... The person who wins gets their entry novel to be published. Just by staying on the night of the grounds of Daemon Hall. Then... of course the whole story began!
To be honest, I am very impressed on how the book is written. The stories of the five MC is very amazing and four additional story -- plus Wade Reilly's POV narration. Each story telling gives you a unique taste of horror, chills and fright. Not to mention the free creepy illustrations included on the book. Anyway, the flow of the story is quite balanced. The understanding level is good and the pacing goes in a neutral state. What I mean is there is no ups and downs. There are no parts that is dull and some parts where climactic which giving me.. I may say.. An exact chill ride. A big thumbs up for Andrew Nance! :D
The Characters. There are no similar character characteristics, right? Each characters has their own stories to tell. Aside from their story entries for the contest. Though I don't seem very attached to them, however, it's the way I feel from it. It's because this is a thriller book. I don't really know how it ends. Good or bad.. or probably very bad, right?
Flaw. There is? Well... there is. As I compliment the stories and the whole story itself. Honestly, each story told is great individually... But as the story is moved after the other or switched on Wade's POV is a difficult to swallow. Of course, you have to embrace the sole purpose of the story as well as the characters story entries.
Aside from that... The epilogue is quite off. Hate to say it but I kinda don't like it. The event's from the contest is resolved but it's not satisfying. There are too less information and clarity. I have a hard time accepting how the end.. ends!
Other Thoughts. As I mentioned about the illustrations included here. Those are actually my heart-stopper. The picture is creepy, honest-like. After a story was told, a picture ends on it. And when I flipped the page and I already know that freakish-illustration is next to the page... I can't help it. It sends the chill out of me. LOL! Which means... The book is great! It sends an impact to the reader. Awesome! :D
If you want some chill-ride.. then this is perfect for you. And may I suggest of reading this one. I'd prefer reading it at night and alone which gives it more a kick into your spine! I recommend this! A salute for Andrew Nance's Daemon Hall! :D
The Plot. It was really great. The fact that this book is obviously a YA Thriller/Horror or something... The scare-vibe actually stands in its name.
The storyline is very unique in my own perspective. It is like a telling stories on a story. Confusing? Not really... You will get my point once you've read this one. The story is about a five oh-so-lucky aspiring writers, who were the finalist on a very famous horror writer named Ian Tremblin. Obviously, those five finalists with their own original story/novel [Wade, Kara, Chelsea, Chris and Demarius] are main characers. However, the narrative plot is came out from Wade Reilly. So... The person who wins gets their entry novel to be published. Just by staying on the night of the grounds of Daemon Hall. Then... of course the whole story began!
To be honest, I am very impressed on how the book is written. The stories of the five MC is very amazing and four additional story -- plus Wade Reilly's POV narration. Each story telling gives you a unique taste of horror, chills and fright. Not to mention the free creepy illustrations included on the book. Anyway, the flow of the story is quite balanced. The understanding level is good and the pacing goes in a neutral state. What I mean is there is no ups and downs. There are no parts that is dull and some parts where climactic which giving me.. I may say.. An exact chill ride. A big thumbs up for Andrew Nance! :D
The Characters. There are no similar character characteristics, right? Each characters has their own stories to tell. Aside from their story entries for the contest. Though I don't seem very attached to them, however, it's the way I feel from it. It's because this is a thriller book. I don't really know how it ends. Good or bad.. or probably very bad, right?
Flaw. There is? Well... there is. As I compliment the stories and the whole story itself. Honestly, each story told is great individually... But as the story is moved after the other or switched on Wade's POV is a difficult to swallow. Of course, you have to embrace the sole purpose of the story as well as the characters story entries.
Aside from that... The epilogue is quite off. Hate to say it but I kinda don't like it. The event's from the contest is resolved but it's not satisfying. There are too less information and clarity. I have a hard time accepting how the end.. ends!
Other Thoughts. As I mentioned about the illustrations included here. Those are actually my heart-stopper. The picture is creepy, honest-like. After a story was told, a picture ends on it. And when I flipped the page and I already know that freakish-illustration is next to the page... I can't help it. It sends the chill out of me. LOL! Which means... The book is great! It sends an impact to the reader. Awesome! :D
If you want some chill-ride.. then this is perfect for you. And may I suggest of reading this one. I'd prefer reading it at night and alone which gives it more a kick into your spine! I recommend this! A salute for Andrew Nance's Daemon Hall! :D
April 4, 2012
Horror writer Ian Tremblin invites five teen authors to a contest in Daemon Hall, a reportedly haunted mansion. If these teens survive the night of horror storytelling, one will win a grand prize, having his or her horror story published. As the students share the horror stories they've written, one by one they begin to disappear. Is this a hoax by Mr. Tremblin...or will the house not let them leave?
Touted as a horror book for teens, this book was not scary at all. Perhaps it's the work of a fledgling writer, but I feel this story should be geared towards middle schoolers. The scary stories the young writers shared were not that scary, and the character of Mr. Tremblin, while trying to come across as mysterious and spooky, came off as contrived and silly. Also, I couldn't help but notice that the names of the original owners of Daemon Hall, were possible copies of two Harry Potter characters (Narcissa & Rudolph, although in HP it was Rudolphus). And, in another "story within the story," I witnessed a scene with characters called Shadow Eaters who are repelled by light, way too similar to creatures in the "Fever" series by Karen Marie Moning. Not scary, sir, not scary at all.
Melinda Dye - review for Horror
Touted as a horror book for teens, this book was not scary at all. Perhaps it's the work of a fledgling writer, but I feel this story should be geared towards middle schoolers. The scary stories the young writers shared were not that scary, and the character of Mr. Tremblin, while trying to come across as mysterious and spooky, came off as contrived and silly. Also, I couldn't help but notice that the names of the original owners of Daemon Hall, were possible copies of two Harry Potter characters (Narcissa & Rudolph, although in HP it was Rudolphus). And, in another "story within the story," I witnessed a scene with characters called Shadow Eaters who are repelled by light, way too similar to creatures in the "Fever" series by Karen Marie Moning. Not scary, sir, not scary at all.
Melinda Dye - review for Horror
December 22, 2011
I enjoyed this young adult book that I won on ŷ. I am a huge fan of books that are on the creepy and dark side and this book didn't disappoint. The book centers around five teens that are finalists in a writing contest held by horror writer Ian Tremblin. The finalists, along with Mr. Tremblin, must spend the entire night at Daemon Hall (a mansion with a horrifying past)with nothing but their bedrolls and the stories they entered.
I enjoyed this book and would highly recommend it for young adults that are fans of creepy stories.
I enjoyed this book and would highly recommend it for young adults that are fans of creepy stories.
August 26, 2008
This is a very badly written book about 5 teenagers who are finalist in a scary story contest. They are invited to spend the night at a haunted mansion and tell ghost stories to one another. The one remainding at the end will be declared the winner. Some of the stories told by the finalist are okay.
February 27, 2011
Kinda scary....BUt it's really good.
January 5, 2019
Anyone who loves horror should read this book. I could not reccomend this book enough, it's so fantastic. I've read it about four times. It's definitley not for kids, although I do believe it's marketed as a YA novel. Some of the stories and elements in this book stick with me to do this day because they're THAT scary. One thing this book does very well to build suspense is enlist the use of a decades- old nursery rhyme, Ten Little Indians. I won't spoil how it's used, but after finishing this book, I can't hear ANY counting nursery rhymes without feeling creeped out. The way the story progresses keeps you anxious and waiting for the next thing to happen. I read this novel initially as a child, and it scared the hell out of me. I had memories of it for years that, like I said, terrfied me, and I didn't want to revisit the book as an adult and find that I made it out to be really scary because I was a kid when I read it. But joke's on me- I reread it as an adult and it STILL makes me cringe out of fear. This story is so engaging and well written, including horror stories within a horror story that all build up to one anxious and suspensful read, with a downright terrifying and heartwrenching ending. The illustrations in the book are wonderful, as well, and accompany the story so well. They aren't juvenline in the slightest. Even the style of the illustrations invokes fear in a reader. I feel as though this book is highly underrated and deserves way more attention than it ever got. FIVE STARS!
May 5, 2017
As a parent, who reads aloud a lot to a family who reads a lot it is always a challenge to stay one step ahead. We picked this book up in trying to remain seasonal during Halloween. My kids were 9 and 10 when we read this and I think it was just about the perfect age. Definitely graphic, scary and tense enough to warrant some blankets over the chin but muted enough that I could say goodnight and not have to do any back pedaling.
Stories range from a kid being sucked down a drain to a strange wife who seems to have comfort in nest of spiders that take up residence in her house. I will warn everyone that there is one story of a maniac killer which, fortunately, didn't end up being sadistic or too realistic. At this age, typically, I try to avoid anything taunting, sadistic or just too realistic. Life is long and the news is relentless.
The writing is fluid and simple enough for the young audience to lose themselves in the story though not childish. While the plot (a group of kids are invited to a haunted house to read stories for a contest, hosted by a famous horror writer) is contrived the audience is young enough not to know this yet and therefore it works very well.
I recommend this book for young readers (or family of young listeners) who aren't overly squirmy. Who knows, you might like their warm pressed up against you as one character locks himself away in the basement vault of the abandon mall!!
Stories range from a kid being sucked down a drain to a strange wife who seems to have comfort in nest of spiders that take up residence in her house. I will warn everyone that there is one story of a maniac killer which, fortunately, didn't end up being sadistic or too realistic. At this age, typically, I try to avoid anything taunting, sadistic or just too realistic. Life is long and the news is relentless.
The writing is fluid and simple enough for the young audience to lose themselves in the story though not childish. While the plot (a group of kids are invited to a haunted house to read stories for a contest, hosted by a famous horror writer) is contrived the audience is young enough not to know this yet and therefore it works very well.
I recommend this book for young readers (or family of young listeners) who aren't overly squirmy. Who knows, you might like their warm pressed up against you as one character locks himself away in the basement vault of the abandon mall!!
July 9, 2021
Buku bacaan Middle Grade, genre horror tapi nggak serem buatku mah wkwkwkwkwk, cuma ada beberapa ceritanya yang seru. Jadi buku ini isinya mirip cerpen. Ada penulis horor yang bikin kontes menulis horor dengan janji ceritanya akan diterbitkan, di mana para finalisnya diajak nginep di Daemon Hall, rumah yang punya reputasi horor. Satu per satu finalis wajib cerita horor sebagai tantangan, dan ga boleh bawa barang modern kecuali air minum, kantong tidur, + lilin. Tapi kejadian2 aneh mulai terjadi, dan satu per satu anak hilang. Si penulis, sebagai satu2nya orang dewasa di situ, tetep memaksakan tiap anak utk lanjut crita horor meskipun ada anak yg hilang. Jadi sebenere rada bikin greget. Hilangnya anak2 finalis, mirip dengan puisi ten little indians. Buku ini lebih asyik kayaknya kalo dibikin komik. Gaya cerita Andrew Nance juga bagus, nggak bikin bosen, meskipun gak terlalu serem juga kisahnya. Ini setara dengan Goosebumps, jadi aman dibaca anak2.
December 19, 2023
It was definitely a 'young adult' horror novel, but that doesn't mean it can't be enjoyed by adults. The plot was a little weak, it felt like a lazy excuse to create a collection of short horror stories. There were quite a few plot holes, and the characters were very flat.
THAT BEING SAID, it was a lot of fun to read. The short stories were great, some of them were genuinely creepy. The story itself had some good horror moments, and it was not predictable. The ending was satisfying, which as horror readers know, can determine the quality of the entire story. It was a quick, easy read, and it was fun. I'd give this book a 3.8.
THAT BEING SAID, it was a lot of fun to read. The short stories were great, some of them were genuinely creepy. The story itself had some good horror moments, and it was not predictable. The ending was satisfying, which as horror readers know, can determine the quality of the entire story. It was a quick, easy read, and it was fun. I'd give this book a 3.8.
December 1, 2024
4.3
I enjoyed this novel quite a bit honestly. The premise was interesting with the fact that it was stories within a main storyline. Also the art work made it very terrifying to think about. I felt like I was basically watching a series or like goosebumps but in a book. Additionally the many styles of writting made the book seem shorter and really helped to drive the plot.
The ending did piss me off bc I thought it was a one and done thing but its not. Also the story that i (the real person) am reading is also what Wade is publishing in his fictional world was very crazy.
Overall a good read with a lit of horror that wasn't reliant on gross gore or shock value to sustain itself.
I enjoyed this novel quite a bit honestly. The premise was interesting with the fact that it was stories within a main storyline. Also the art work made it very terrifying to think about. I felt like I was basically watching a series or like goosebumps but in a book. Additionally the many styles of writting made the book seem shorter and really helped to drive the plot.
The ending did piss me off bc I thought it was a one and done thing but its not. Also the story that i (the real person) am reading is also what Wade is publishing in his fictional world was very crazy.
Overall a good read with a lit of horror that wasn't reliant on gross gore or shock value to sustain itself.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 10, 2019
A couple of the short stories were good and creepy, but the author-character was just too campy in his affectations and feels like the writer pretty much abandoned him by the end, the whole 'evil house is trying to eat you thing' is a little overdone by now, and it loses its teeth once you see what became of most of the characters in the end (takes its creepy-points right into lame territory). Suitable for younger teens or older grade-school kids wanting a spooky story, but middle-teens and up will probably find it lacking.
July 14, 2022
If you have a teen who likes books with a large creep factor, this is that book. While there is an underlying plot line, this is primarily a collection of scary short stories. This one would make for a fun October read! There is a death and references to suicide and anxiety disorder if those are triggers.
May 21, 2024
This book had me questioning everything, quite literally everything. Unreliable narrator if I have ever seen one. And so many subtle hints that appear in the second book as well. I was also fascinated by the horror stories and thrown into the mix, too. I would definitely recommend this, if only for the ambiguity; I absolutely loved that.
November 20, 2021
Although it was a teen novel I was intrigued with all the twist turns and events of this book. He did take a lot of good notes from Steven king for sure!!!
Good story line characters were good. Not a bad choice for a read at all!! I would highly recommend it
Good story line characters were good. Not a bad choice for a read at all!! I would highly recommend it
October 29, 2019
Truly creepy. I felt the characters were a little 2 dimensional, but the plot/story-line was pretty interesting.
February 6, 2020
An interesting take on the anthology with wrap-around story. My library had this shelved with the adult reading, but this is more of middle school/young adult story.
January 7, 2021
I read this when it came out in 2007 and I couldn't put it down. It's definitely worth the read!
January 27, 2021
It was an enjoyable easy read. I liked the characters.
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