Simon Holt's new series is perfect for Goosebumps lovers who are ready to move on to a higher level.
It is clear to anyone how much thought the author put into creating his fictional monsters, monsters that feed off of fear and use it to conquer others. It is easy to read this as an important look into how humans interact with their own fears--yet at the same time, it can be read for pure entertainment. Reggie and Aaron are solid characters who do well with carrying the bulk of the book's excitement on their backs.
It's no Stephen King, of course. There are many moments when something disturbing is happening in the story, and yet the fear doesn't translate to the readers. The disgust and horror of THE DEVOURING mostly comes from the gross-out factor: the Vours' ways of intimidation are highly physical. This physical-over-psychological type of horror makes it appropriate for younger readers, who will probably find it easier to be creeped out.
THE DEVOURING is geared towards more impressionable younger readers, but veterans of YA lit will still be able to find entertainment from this decent series starter. I am intrigued to learn more about Reggie, Aaron, Henry, and the Vours in the next book of the series, SOULSTICE.
It is clear to anyone how much thought the author put into creating his fictional monsters, monsters that feed off of fear and use it to conquer others. It is easy to read this as an important look into how humans interact with their own fears--yet at the same time, it can be read for pure entertainment. Reggie and Aaron are solid characters who do well with carrying the bulk of the book's excitement on their backs.
It's no Stephen King, of course. There are many moments when something disturbing is happening in the story, and yet the fear doesn't translate to the readers. The disgust and horror of THE DEVOURING mostly comes from the gross-out factor: the Vours' ways of intimidation are highly physical. This physical-over-psychological type of horror makes it appropriate for younger readers, who will probably find it easier to be creeped out.
THE DEVOURING is geared towards more impressionable younger readers, but veterans of YA lit will still be able to find entertainment from this decent series starter. I am intrigued to learn more about Reggie, Aaron, Henry, and the Vours in the next book of the series, SOULSTICE.
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