The summer of 2021 sees the third annual ‘Summer Scares’ program and this is by far the strongest collection of books thus far. The reading list includes titles selected by a panel of authors and librarians and is designed to promote horror as a reading option for all ages, during any time of the year, not just summer. The books are not aimed at horror experts and are targeted at those dipping their toes into the genre, newbies and interested youngsters, and are books which librarians and educators can use to promote or stimulate discussion about the genre. As this is the YA section of Ginger Nuts of Horror, I am only going to review the YA and Middle Grade selections. However, I found the adult section decidedly underwhelming, having read all three of the books chosen I would only recommend Alma Katsu’s The Hunger and find the inclusion of The Cipher perplexing, as it is one of those frustrating ‘love it or hate it books’ where very little happens. Is it a good entry to the horror genre for the newcomer? No, it is not. Neither is the third adult selection Ahmed Saadawi’s Frankenstein in Baghdad which is a plodding reimagining of Frankenstein which edges towards literary rather than genre fiction. This novel attracted zero attention in the horror world, so I am surprised this list is wasting its time with it. Thankfully both the YA and Middle Grade selections were considerably better than the adult list. We have, reviewed all six books in alphabetical order: YA Category Undead Girl Gang by Lily Anderson [Razorbill, 2018] The Diviners by Libba Bray [Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, 2012] The Marrow Thieves by Cherie Dimaline [Dancing Cat Books, 2017] Middle Grade Fearsome Creatures of the Lumberwoods by Hal Johnson [Workman, 2015] Ollie’s Odyssey by William Joyce [Atheneum/Caitlyn Dlouhy Books, 2015] Whichwood by Tahereh Mafi [Dutton Books for Young Readers, 2017] Undead Girl Gang by Lily AndersonThis was my least favourite in the YA section which we originally reviewed back in 2018. At the time of publication Lily Anderson’s Undead Girl Gang picked up very positive reviews in America, and although I found it entertaining, it was nearly as funny as it thought it was. Also, there was so much swearing in it, the UK cover which looks quite juvenile does not exactly gel with the repeated use of the f-word, although the American cover does look slightly more mature. The story is quite a simple one to explain, Mila’s best friend has been found dead and Mila suspects she has been murdered, or was involved in a suicide pact, as the circumstances were suspicious. Mila is a type of witch, who practices Wicca, so rather than speculate on whether it was murder or suicide she brings Riley back from the dead so she can ask her directly. The problem is Riley has lost her memory and at the same time, by mistake, she also brings back two other dead teenagers. And, of course, having dead best friends hanging around cause all sorts of problems, like when they want to go to their own wake, and this is where the teen and comedy aspects of the novel come into play. Considering the novel dealt with some serious subjects it did not take itself too seriously and ultimately, the blend of horror and comedy entertained in patches, but misfired in others. AGE RANGE 13+ The Marrow Thieves by Cherie Dimaline |
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