Life's a beach . . . and then you're undead?
in this must-have collection, five of today's hottest writers--Libba Bray ("A Great and Terrible... read full description
reviews
Jul 25, 2010
Lady Danielle "The Book Huntress"
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Lessons learned from reading this book:
1)Do not go on a cruise for your vacation...There might be vampires aboard.
2)Be aware of childhood rivals that you go on family vacations with...They might be evil witches.
3)Never spend your vacation in the French countryside, and by all means, avoid striking up a conversation with a garrulous Frenchman...It could very well be deadly to you and yours.
4)If you go to Jamaica, avoid the strange house with mirrors on it...Just take More...
1)Do not go on a cruise for your vacation...There might be vampires aboard.
2)Be aware of childhood rivals that you go on family vacations with...They might be evil witches.
3)Never spend your vacation in the French countryside, and by all means, avoid striking up a conversation with a garrulous Frenchman...It could very well be deadly to you and yours.
4)If you go to Jamaica, avoid the strange house with mirrors on it...Just take More...
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May 30, 2010
Angela
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I liked this collection of short stories. Some I thought were a little weaker than others, but overall I pretty much enjoyed them all. Cruisin is short and clever, however a little too rushed. I really enjoyed I Don't Like Your Girlfriend. I would definitely love to revisit Cecily's world. The Law of Suspects was interesting and creepy but a little confusing. The Mirror House was my favorite, I loved the ending and felt Ms. Clare did a fantastic job of creating such a rich world and a complete s
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5 comments
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Mar 25, 2009
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Nov 26, 2011
Molly (Surrounded By Words)
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I loved this collection! It was a perfect "read in one sitting" book. It's nice to have a book like that every once in awhile, something you don't have to think about in too much detail.
Sarah Mlynowski's story is the first in the book. It was also the first time I had read anything by her. I really enjoyed the story, and totally didn't predict the twist at the end. Her characters were instantly likable and the story moved at an excellent pace. Claudia Gray's came next, and I More...
Sarah Mlynowski's story is the first in the book. It was also the first time I had read anything by her. I really enjoyed the story, and totally didn't predict the twist at the end. Her characters were instantly likable and the story moved at an excellent pace. Claudia Gray's came next, and I More...
Aug 29, 2011
Lauren
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I read Vacations from hell in the evening time to night time (not suggested), this book was more then expected. It was creepy, scary and disturbing. I suggest this book for older readers. I enjoyed each of the short stories just as much as each other.
Sarah Mlynowski 'Cruisin'' took a very surprising turn, however this was a light start to the book of short stories. It was followed by Claudia Gray 'I Don't Like Your Girlfriend' which was well written and looks at the magical side of parano More...
Sarah Mlynowski 'Cruisin'' took a very surprising turn, however this was a light start to the book of short stories. It was followed by Claudia Gray 'I Don't Like Your Girlfriend' which was well written and looks at the magical side of parano More...
Jun 27, 2011
Sara
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This is a collection of short stories about what happens when your vacation goes wrong. Because really, who wants to hear about a trip where someone sat on a beautiful beach? I only want to hear about that trip if I was on the trip, or I’m about to go on that trip. However, if I am sitting on my couch…amongst my laundry and a carpet that needs vacuumed…I want a vacation where something goes wrong. Like, vampires-on-your-cruise wrong, a curse-in-the-French-countryside wrong, spell-gone-wrong, wro
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Mar 31, 2011
Jenna Christy
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short stories from this book entertained and FREAKED ME OUT!
For starters, "Cruisin'" by Sarah Mlynowski first impression on me was "what could be unique in this story? BECAUSE I ain't feelin it!". However, the ending was the HITCH up! I was like "soooo..that was the TWIST huh?". SIZ-ZZZZLLE.
"i Don't like your girlfriend" by Claudia Gray entertained me. It was simple and had the usual happy ending but I love Claudia Gray, and it was coo More...
For starters, "Cruisin'" by Sarah Mlynowski first impression on me was "what could be unique in this story? BECAUSE I ain't feelin it!". However, the ending was the HITCH up! I was like "soooo..that was the TWIST huh?". SIZ-ZZZZLLE.
"i Don't like your girlfriend" by Claudia Gray entertained me. It was simple and had the usual happy ending but I love Claudia Gray, and it was coo More...
Sep 11, 2010
Kerstyn
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Okay, I must say that I have always been a fan of creepy short stories, ever since I was a kid. I was hoping that this book would be a valuable addition to my collection. I was not disappointed. This book, which was said to range from "light and funny", to "dark and creepy" did just that, and I loved almost every second of it.
The first story, "Crusin'", did not seem very promising at first, because I thought that it seemed too predictable. Two gir More...
The first story, "Crusin'", did not seem very promising at first, because I thought that it seemed too predictable. Two gir More...
Mar 27, 2010
Shul
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If I could give it a 3.5 I would... I really liked three out of five of the stories, kinda liked one of the other ones, and really didn't care too much for the last.
Sara Mlynowski's writing was new to me. I thought it was a bit similar to Gray's 'Evernight' book with an 'oh btws, what we didn't explain this in the beginning? oh sorry!' The story was interesting, but not a strong start to a short story collection.
I was pleasantly surprised by Claudia Gray's story. I've More...
Sara Mlynowski's writing was new to me. I thought it was a bit similar to Gray's 'Evernight' book with an 'oh btws, what we didn't explain this in the beginning? oh sorry!' The story was interesting, but not a strong start to a short story collection.
I was pleasantly surprised by Claudia Gray's story. I've More...
Aug 25, 2009
Vanessa
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Not every vacation is just a walk in the park. We find that out first hand with these tales of terror by five exceptional authors of today. Starting out with Sarah Mlynowski's "Crusin" - a story of two girls on a cruise that is more than anyone bargained for - this book dives in with a captivating start. Convinced she is ready for big things this vacation season, Kristin asks her friend Liz to help her meet the perfect guy. Upon finding him, Kristin throws caution to the waves... M
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Dec 30, 2010
Rose
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"Vacations from Hell" is an anthology of short stories dipping into the paranormal realm from an assortment of well known young adult authors, some of which may be recognized from their contributions to a stream of series. But I'll admit that it was my first experience reading all of the authors, so I judged the works contained not from the series they've done, but rather the pieces themselves.
In terms of quality, all of the stories are worth reading once, though I had mixed More...
In terms of quality, all of the stories are worth reading once, though I had mixed More...
Nov 15, 2010
Catalina
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"cruisin" is about two teen girls who are on a cruise ship together to help one of them have her "first time". They scope out all the potential guys she can be with, and meet a girl who is too into the stories about vampires being on cruise ships, killing passengers. When passengers start to dissapear, the girls are highly suspicious of this one guy....but there is a really big twist ending. haha.
In "I don't like your girlfriend" there are witches, who c More...
In "I don't like your girlfriend" there are witches, who c More...
May 07, 2010
Travis
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1. Cruisin' by Sarah Mlynowski
Cruisin' is about a girl named Kristin who goes on a cruise with her best friend, Liz. Kristin vows that she will lose her virginity by the end of the three day cruise, and Liz vows to help her out. Kristin finds a guy who may be "the one", but there are also rumors of vampires killing people on cruises...
This was my least favorite story in the anthology. The story was predictable, and the characters were flat. Not much else to say ab More...
Cruisin' is about a girl named Kristin who goes on a cruise with her best friend, Liz. Kristin vows that she will lose her virginity by the end of the three day cruise, and Liz vows to help her out. Kristin finds a guy who may be "the one", but there are also rumors of vampires killing people on cruises...
This was my least favorite story in the anthology. The story was predictable, and the characters were flat. Not much else to say ab More...
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Jun 12, 2009
Violet
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This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers.
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Apr 24, 2010
Heather
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ordered in description from my favorite to my least favorite.
Nowhere is Safe by Libba Bray
Four friends, freshly graduated from high school, are backpacking through Europe and stumble upon an old town in the guidebook - a cursed town in fact. And of course they go. The town is protected by a line of salt to keep the demons away. I don't want to give away too many details...but I can tell you this...this story is the reason to pick this anthology up at your store/library/online r More...
Nowhere is Safe by Libba Bray
Four friends, freshly graduated from high school, are backpacking through Europe and stumble upon an old town in the guidebook - a cursed town in fact. And of course they go. The town is protected by a line of salt to keep the demons away. I don't want to give away too many details...but I can tell you this...this story is the reason to pick this anthology up at your store/library/online r More...
Jun 30, 2011
Cristy
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Compilation books are always a bit of a risky read, but VACATIONS FROM HELL (Short stories from hell) is a decent set of stories with contributions from some pretty popular and strong writers; but like any group of shorts, some of the tales are better than others.
Surprisingly enough, even though I’m a huge Cassandra Clare fan, two of the stories I found the most enjoyable were from authors I was previously unfamiliar with. For me, Sarah Mlynowski’s CRUISIN’ and Maureen Johnson’s THE More...
Surprisingly enough, even though I’m a huge Cassandra Clare fan, two of the stories I found the most enjoyable were from authors I was previously unfamiliar with. For me, Sarah Mlynowski’s CRUISIN’ and Maureen Johnson’s THE More...
Mar 21, 2011
Melissa
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Unfortunately, I didn't enjoy this compilation as much as the others. I think it had to do with the fact that this compilation is more horror than romance. This is not to say that the book is all bad, it's just not my preference.
I think out of all 5 stories, I enjoyed "I Don't Like Your Girlfriend" by Claudia Gray and "The Law of Suspects" by Maureen Johnson best. The other stories were good as well, but like I said before, not my type. I Don't Like Your Girlfriend More...
I think out of all 5 stories, I enjoyed "I Don't Like Your Girlfriend" by Claudia Gray and "The Law of Suspects" by Maureen Johnson best. The other stories were good as well, but like I said before, not my type. I Don't Like Your Girlfriend More...
Mar 14, 2011
Kimberley
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This collection is really a must have.
It's perfect for a summer vacation, no matter if you are really going abroad or just staying in balconia.
The five authors are all really talented and I honestly can't say which of them has the best writing skills. There is a story for everyone, so I'm sure If you don't like most of the stories one is definetly shining out for you.
I personally liked them all but loved "Nowhere Is Safe" by Libba Bray. The whole book deserves a re More...
It's perfect for a summer vacation, no matter if you are really going abroad or just staying in balconia.
The five authors are all really talented and I honestly can't say which of them has the best writing skills. There is a story for everyone, so I'm sure If you don't like most of the stories one is definetly shining out for you.
I personally liked them all but loved "Nowhere Is Safe" by Libba Bray. The whole book deserves a re More...
Jun 02, 2009
Beverly
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This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers.
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Jan 01, 2010
Catherine
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It's a set-up similar to Prom Nights from Hell, although this time it's one author I like, two I have read bits and pieces from, and two I haven't read before. The result was three hits, two misses, and while it didn't start off as strong as Prom Nights From Hell did, it contains some really enjoyable short stories making Vacations From Hell a worthwhile anthology to dip into.
Cruisin' by Sarah Mlynowski: Have you ever read a story and knew the plot twists before they happened - becau More...
Cruisin' by Sarah Mlynowski: Have you ever read a story and knew the plot twists before they happened - becau More...
Jul 15, 2009
stephanie
rated it: 
hard because it's a collection of stories.
so: story #1 by sarah mlynowski - not bad, not great.
story #2 by claudia gray - want to read more more more. fabulous.
story #3 by maureen johnson - gets points for the ending, but really? that's what you came up with maureen? i expected more.
story #4 by cassandra clare - of course there's sibling love. really did not like this one at all - the set up, the ending, the premise, blech. though do like the fa More...
so: story #1 by sarah mlynowski - not bad, not great.
story #2 by claudia gray - want to read more more more. fabulous.
story #3 by maureen johnson - gets points for the ending, but really? that's what you came up with maureen? i expected more.
story #4 by cassandra clare - of course there's sibling love. really did not like this one at all - the set up, the ending, the premise, blech. though do like the fa More...
Aug 22, 2010
Carolyn F.
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Cruisin' by Sarah Mlynowski. Two girlfriends go on a 3 day cruise and hear through the tabloids that there are vampires killing people while one girl's trying to end her virginity. Surprise ending. Cute story.
I Don't Like Your Girlfriend by Claudia Gray. Cecily is going on her annual summer vacation with her mom's college witch friends. Kathleen is the daughter of one of her mom's friend who has made Celicy's life miserable and bring her perfect for Celicy boyfriend to the trip. More...
I Don't Like Your Girlfriend by Claudia Gray. Cecily is going on her annual summer vacation with her mom's college witch friends. Kathleen is the daughter of one of her mom's friend who has made Celicy's life miserable and bring her perfect for Celicy boyfriend to the trip. More...
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Sep 11, 2009
Jennifer
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Reviewed by Jaglvr for TeensReadToo.com
Did you ever think you had the worst possible vacation ever? Well, pick up VACATIONS FROM HELL and realize that what you think was horrible is just icing on the cake.
Five of today's most popular paranormal young adult authors combine their talents in this collection of short stories. This is a compilation that is sure to appeal to everyone. I will admit at the beginning that I've only read works by Sarah Mlynowski and Maureen Johnson More...
Did you ever think you had the worst possible vacation ever? Well, pick up VACATIONS FROM HELL and realize that what you think was horrible is just icing on the cake.
Five of today's most popular paranormal young adult authors combine their talents in this collection of short stories. This is a compilation that is sure to appeal to everyone. I will admit at the beginning that I've only read works by Sarah Mlynowski and Maureen Johnson More...
Sep 25, 2011
Serena
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Working on this book as I read the series' from the different authors, just in case it has something to do with their stories and I would have otherwise never known...
1st Story - The Mirror House - Cassandra Clare
Had nothing to do with Mortal Instruments. This story was REALLY good I thought. I just think that she has a really awesome writing style. I was interested the whole time and someone got what they deserved.
2nd Story - Cruisin' - Sarah Mlynowski
I really lik More...
1st Story - The Mirror House - Cassandra Clare
Had nothing to do with Mortal Instruments. This story was REALLY good I thought. I just think that she has a really awesome writing style. I was interested the whole time and someone got what they deserved.
2nd Story - Cruisin' - Sarah Mlynowski
I really lik More...
Jul 16, 2010
Daisy
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This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers.
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Aug 21, 2009
Kimberly
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This book was a collection of short stories by Libba Bray, Cassandra Clare, Claudia Gray, Maureen Johnson, and Sarah Mlynowski.
Cruisin': The ending was a shock!
I Don't Like Your Girlfriend: Interesting in the beginning, but it sort of confused me with the narrative, with how it begins with a list of things to do and then it switches. It also was confusing with the witch coven.
The Law of Suspects: I didn't really like this story because there were times where my attention More...
Cruisin': The ending was a shock!
I Don't Like Your Girlfriend: Interesting in the beginning, but it sort of confused me with the narrative, with how it begins with a list of things to do and then it switches. It also was confusing with the witch coven.
The Law of Suspects: I didn't really like this story because there were times where my attention More...
Jul 17, 2009
Danielle
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Vacations from Hell is the third in a series of YA fantasy and horror anthologies. With stories by such YA bestsellers as Cassandra Clare, Maureen Johnson, and Libba Bray, this most recent installment of the Hell series does not disappoint. All of the stories are interesting and well written, though Libba Bray's is by far the best of the group. They range from heart-warming and inspired to incredibly chilling and horrific. Of the three anthologies, this one falls most squarely into the horror ca
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Apr 24, 2011
Annette
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It was really fun reading this book. I say my (light) comment individually:
1. Cruisin' by Sarah Mlynowski: Made me gasp at the end! Never expected that ending.
2. I Don't Like Your Girlfriend by Claudia Gray: it was good, but felt too short, I know it's a short story but I have a lot of wondering.
3. The Law of Suspects by Maureen Johnson: this story was pretty good! The ending was a bit weird, but I like reading this one.
4. The Mirror House by Cassandra Clare: OMG! I More...
1. Cruisin' by Sarah Mlynowski: Made me gasp at the end! Never expected that ending.
2. I Don't Like Your Girlfriend by Claudia Gray: it was good, but felt too short, I know it's a short story but I have a lot of wondering.
3. The Law of Suspects by Maureen Johnson: this story was pretty good! The ending was a bit weird, but I like reading this one.
4. The Mirror House by Cassandra Clare: OMG! I More...
Jan 16, 2011
Kit
rated it:
Sorry, but this is my least favorite collection from this series. I'm afraid that the stories in this one are kinda blah.
Cruisin' by Sarah Mlynowski
The story about vampires on a cruise is pretty mediocre.
I Don't Like You're Girlfriend by Claudia Gray
I do like the concept of the witches coven, but the actual story could be better.
The Law of Suspects by Maureen Johnson
This is a weird story about sisters who (while vacationing in France)hear a More...
Cruisin' by Sarah Mlynowski
The story about vampires on a cruise is pretty mediocre.
I Don't Like You're Girlfriend by Claudia Gray
I do like the concept of the witches coven, but the actual story could be better.
The Law of Suspects by Maureen Johnson
This is a weird story about sisters who (while vacationing in France)hear a More...
Aug 29, 2010
Aleksandra
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I enjoyed all the stories a lot & they really start light & funny and slowly become darker & creepy and I'm really glad I read them! I still haven't read any books from all this authors, so they were all new to me & I'll definitely read books from them all, although I've been already planning to...
I won't say too much about the stories, so I won't spoil them, but I'll just rate them all individually!
- Cruisin' by Sarah Mlynowski - 4/5
- I Don't Like Your Girlfriend by Claudia G More...
I won't say too much about the stories, so I won't spoil them, but I'll just rate them all individually!
- Cruisin' by Sarah Mlynowski - 4/5
- I Don't Like Your Girlfriend by Claudia G More...
