A. Renee Hunt's Blog, page 32
February 5, 2018
Bearded: A Very Hairy Children's Book
Story by Jeremy Billups 
What's stranger than a huge beard? Well, a huge beard on a bear! In Bearded: A Very Hairy Children's Book, by
Jeremy Billups
, a girl owns a famous bear. A bear with a very large beard. he's known by everyone and draws a great deal of attention. Most of it good, but there are people who wonder about the hairy creature... This is a fun story, with a smooth rhythm of rhyme and pictures that are simple, but colorful and adorable to look at. It's for children anywhere form 3-7 years of age, so you can make all sorts of fun while reading it. I know I did!
In Bearded, Billups helps children by explaining the bear who's different, thus he's accepted and adored. A simple lesson that many adults need to adopt. So if you like to share fun reads with the young ones- at the cost of Nothing At All (yes, that means FREE), then grab yourself a copy of Bearded. I'm on to the next read!
Cheers!
Bearded
by Jeremy Billups
Published by Billups Creative, June 2015
40-pages
children's books, animals, humor, rhyme
What's stranger than a huge beard? Well, a huge beard on a bear! In Bearded: A Very Hairy Children's Book, by
Jeremy Billups
, a girl owns a famous bear. A bear with a very large beard. he's known by everyone and draws a great deal of attention. Most of it good, but there are people who wonder about the hairy creature... This is a fun story, with a smooth rhythm of rhyme and pictures that are simple, but colorful and adorable to look at. It's for children anywhere form 3-7 years of age, so you can make all sorts of fun while reading it. I know I did!In Bearded, Billups helps children by explaining the bear who's different, thus he's accepted and adored. A simple lesson that many adults need to adopt. So if you like to share fun reads with the young ones- at the cost of Nothing At All (yes, that means FREE), then grab yourself a copy of Bearded. I'm on to the next read!
Cheers!
Bearded
by Jeremy Billups
Published by Billups Creative, June 2015
40-pages
children's books, animals, humor, rhyme
January 31, 2018
Maze Runner: The Death Cure
A movie review on the final movie
based on novel series by James Dashner
I honestly believe I didn't read the books because EVERYONE was reading them! But one, lone Saturday I stretched on my sofa and sought out something to watch. Lo and behold, The Maze Runner showed up, just about to begin. I figured, what could it hurt? Seems like everything's about teens and twenty-something's saving the world anyway.
I was pleasantly surprised. So entertained, I went to theater to see the second movie, with leads to the final installment- Maze Runner: The Death Cure. Was I just as surprised? #element-e595437b-1d84-4b83-927c-593e37ae4f2e .waddons-blog-image.hideImage { display: none;}
Maze Runner: The Death Cure was just as good as the first book. It carried all the intrigue, suspense and action as the previous movies. There was no lag, there was no boredom and there was truly no hope for Thomas, for a while!
The conclusion tot he series is about freedom, friends/family and a cure for what ailed the world. Movie three picked up where the second left off. Minho was taken and they had to get him back. In order to do that, they had to make a deal with a crazy "Crank", who wanted nothing but to go out, in a blaze of glory, for the cure to the "Flare" plague.
It takes a great author to write a book series like this. It also takes some amazing screenwriters, directors, producers- the whole lot, for the FX and stunts in Maze Runner: TDC. Unlike other movie franchises, I never grew tired of it and now I'm thinking I may have to get the books after all. EVERYBODY was right! It was amazing and so worth the purchase.
So check out Maze Runner: The Death Cure. If you haven't seen any of the movies, you should, but you don't have to in order to enjoy this one. It's an great movie. All of them. Original, fantastic and sure to please, I give Maze Runner: The Death Cure two thumbs up. Cheers! The Maze Runner: The Death Cure
Written by James Dashner
Directed by West Ball
Stars Dylan O'Brien, Will Poulter, Ki Hong Lee, Thomas Brodie-Sangster and Kaya Scodelario
based on novel series by James Dashner
I honestly believe I didn't read the books because EVERYONE was reading them! But one, lone Saturday I stretched on my sofa and sought out something to watch. Lo and behold, The Maze Runner showed up, just about to begin. I figured, what could it hurt? Seems like everything's about teens and twenty-something's saving the world anyway. I was pleasantly surprised. So entertained, I went to theater to see the second movie, with leads to the final installment- Maze Runner: The Death Cure. Was I just as surprised? #element-e595437b-1d84-4b83-927c-593e37ae4f2e .waddons-blog-image.hideImage { display: none;}
Maze Runner: The Death Cure was just as good as the first book. It carried all the intrigue, suspense and action as the previous movies. There was no lag, there was no boredom and there was truly no hope for Thomas, for a while! The conclusion tot he series is about freedom, friends/family and a cure for what ailed the world. Movie three picked up where the second left off. Minho was taken and they had to get him back. In order to do that, they had to make a deal with a crazy "Crank", who wanted nothing but to go out, in a blaze of glory, for the cure to the "Flare" plague.
It takes a great author to write a book series like this. It also takes some amazing screenwriters, directors, producers- the whole lot, for the FX and stunts in Maze Runner: TDC. Unlike other movie franchises, I never grew tired of it and now I'm thinking I may have to get the books after all. EVERYBODY was right! It was amazing and so worth the purchase.
So check out Maze Runner: The Death Cure. If you haven't seen any of the movies, you should, but you don't have to in order to enjoy this one. It's an great movie. All of them. Original, fantastic and sure to please, I give Maze Runner: The Death Cure two thumbs up. Cheers! The Maze Runner: The Death Cure
Written by James Dashner
Directed by West Ball
Stars Dylan O'Brien, Will Poulter, Ki Hong Lee, Thomas Brodie-Sangster and Kaya Scodelario
January 30, 2018
The Big Bad Whaaaat????
Written by Eileen R. Malora
Illustrated by Alycia Pace
I love a good book win! When I received The Big Bad Whaaaat???? by Eileen R. Malora, I was ecstatic! I love fairytale retellings when they're good and this one is a tickler. I read it to Magnus, my chihuahua first. (Yes, I read to my dog.) Then I read it with my son- who loves offering up feedback with me from time to time. This book is funny and a good time for any reader! #element-708c5d82-2035-495f-8737-4106e2f56f65 .waddons-blog-image.hideImage { display: none;}
The Big Bad Whaaaa???? is about the wolf of the Red Riding Hood tale. It's his side of the story, so he does his best to explain how a simple gesture got out of hand. He shares exactly how he and The Little Girl in Red got on.
It's a very funny tale and one I'll reread a few times before sharing with my Ewoks. I KNOW they'll get just as big a kick as I did.
The book's illustrations are bold and bright, matching up well with the flow of the story. The rhyme is simple, so any reader can comprehend, and the ending makes way for another book. It's so hilarious- a joke with a humongous punchline!
Check out The Big Bad Whaaaa???? today. The proceeds from all sales goes to the life-saving efforts of Hi-Tor Animal Shelter. Cheers!
The Big Bad Whaaaa????
Written by Eileen R. Malora
Illustrated by Alycia Pace
Published by Mascot Books
38-pages
Illustrated by Alycia Pace
I love a good book win! When I received The Big Bad Whaaaat???? by Eileen R. Malora, I was ecstatic! I love fairytale retellings when they're good and this one is a tickler. I read it to Magnus, my chihuahua first. (Yes, I read to my dog.) Then I read it with my son- who loves offering up feedback with me from time to time. This book is funny and a good time for any reader! #element-708c5d82-2035-495f-8737-4106e2f56f65 .waddons-blog-image.hideImage { display: none;}
The Big Bad Whaaaa???? is about the wolf of the Red Riding Hood tale. It's his side of the story, so he does his best to explain how a simple gesture got out of hand. He shares exactly how he and The Little Girl in Red got on. It's a very funny tale and one I'll reread a few times before sharing with my Ewoks. I KNOW they'll get just as big a kick as I did.
The book's illustrations are bold and bright, matching up well with the flow of the story. The rhyme is simple, so any reader can comprehend, and the ending makes way for another book. It's so hilarious- a joke with a humongous punchline!
Check out The Big Bad Whaaaa???? today. The proceeds from all sales goes to the life-saving efforts of Hi-Tor Animal Shelter. Cheers!
The Big Bad Whaaaa????
Written by Eileen R. Malora
Illustrated by Alycia Pace
Published by Mascot Books
38-pages
Addison Cooke and the Treasures of the Incas
If you're looking for a fun, but slightly stuffy, middle grade read- Look No Further! Addison Cooke and the Treasure of the Incas is the one to read. Filled with an unbelievable adventure and a child with the mannerisms of Sherlock Holmes, it's silly yet sure to be a pleasure of a read. #element-d9e2c2da-9c60-41da-9230-b42de102e42d .waddons-blog-image.hideImage { display: none;}
This was one of the books I read with my son, Joshua, for homeschool. Normally we trade off on chapters together, but with potty training Magnus (our Christmas chuhuahua) and reading two scheduled books, I had to use an audiobook instead. In Addison Cooke and the Treasure of the Incas, by Jonathan W. Stokes and narrated by Ralph Lister), Addison and his sister Molly have to rescue their kidnapped uncle and aunt. A sinister villain, seeking three Incan keys to a hidden treasure, will do anything to become rich- even take lives! Everyone is expendable. It's up to Addison's amazing knowledge, his sister and The 86er's (their friends), to go on an adventure of a true lifetime to save the day!
This book was funny, adventurous and very unrealistic. Sure, there are many children with mannerisms like Addison, but this kid was something else! He was so unreal, it almost ruined the story- but it's also what made it so fun and humorous. Addison was a know-it-all, so the fact that a bunch of kids managed to get from New York to Mauchupichu without an adult is freaking ridiculous! But it still made for a fab read.
My son and I laughed at everything about this tale- and all the 'Sticky Wickets' which is a phrase we now use! It's a fresh read and very different from the majority of my reads, but well worth the journey. Check out AddisonCooke and the Treasure of the Incas while move on the next read!
Cheers!
Addison Cooke and the Treasure of the Incas
Written by Jonathan W. Stokes
Published by Philomel Books, October 2016
(audiobook) Run time: 7 Hours 50 Minutes
The Brilliant Monster
Movie Review 
An author of a few popular self-help books is looking for the big seller. You know, the book that will set his titles on every shelf and make him an international best-seller. Sadly, he’s struggling and his current works are overdue, causing his publisher to lean on him. So begins the story of A Brilliant Monster.
Struck with a sense of permanent writer’s block, he is forced to use his only aide in getting an outline worth sharing. His assistance comes at a great cost; though he attempts to restrain himself, he can’t and so he sets himself on a path worse than his own abused childhood. Can he make the deadlines (pun intended) and become the author he’s always dreamed of?
The Brilliant Monster is a brilliant movie! From the cinematography, the score, the story itself and the acting, it all works in making the movie an excellent psychological, thrilling, paranormal sort of horror. You easily dislike Mitch, but your revulsion and disbelief only grows as he pushes to get ahead, no matter whom he hurts. Even if they’re his fans! Though his adversary, our heroine Abby, tries to catch him at his game, she finds herself making improper moves- but she could get her man…
It’s exciting, pathetic, and creepy, all rolled into one awesome movie! You have to check out The Brilliant Monster as soon as it’s out in 2018. I may to buy this one.
The Brilliant Monster
Directed, story, shot, cut and novel by F. C. Rabbath
Produced by Ramsey White, Joshua Ayers and Jessica Roszko
Starred Dennis Friebe, Joy Kigin, Nick Leali & Aléa Figueroa
2018
An author of a few popular self-help books is looking for the big seller. You know, the book that will set his titles on every shelf and make him an international best-seller. Sadly, he’s struggling and his current works are overdue, causing his publisher to lean on him. So begins the story of A Brilliant Monster. Struck with a sense of permanent writer’s block, he is forced to use his only aide in getting an outline worth sharing. His assistance comes at a great cost; though he attempts to restrain himself, he can’t and so he sets himself on a path worse than his own abused childhood. Can he make the deadlines (pun intended) and become the author he’s always dreamed of?The Brilliant Monster is a brilliant movie! From the cinematography, the score, the story itself and the acting, it all works in making the movie an excellent psychological, thrilling, paranormal sort of horror. You easily dislike Mitch, but your revulsion and disbelief only grows as he pushes to get ahead, no matter whom he hurts. Even if they’re his fans! Though his adversary, our heroine Abby, tries to catch him at his game, she finds herself making improper moves- but she could get her man…
It’s exciting, pathetic, and creepy, all rolled into one awesome movie! You have to check out The Brilliant Monster as soon as it’s out in 2018. I may to buy this one.
The Brilliant Monster
Directed, story, shot, cut and novel by F. C. Rabbath
Produced by Ramsey White, Joshua Ayers and Jessica Roszko
Starred Dennis Friebe, Joy Kigin, Nick Leali & Aléa Figueroa
2018
January 29, 2018
Chester and Gus
by Cammie McGovern 
Today's review is by my son, Joshua Hunt. Josh and I read books together every day, Monday through Friday. Since I homeschool, I'm allowed to place emphasis on reading, comprehension and the least favorite for him:
Book Reports! #element-63c4a375-3538-4cf0-ba43-3edd40ec1805 .waddons-blog-image.hideImage { display: none;}
Chester and Gus, by Cammie McGovern
Review by Joshua Hunt
Chester and Gus is a great book, written from Chester the dog's point of view. He wants to be a service dog, but he has failed the qualifying test. Instead of going for the test again, the trainers decide to give him to family instead. It's because of someone special that makes Chester feel he has found his 'person'.
Gus is an autistic boy in middle school . He doesn't talk much and doesn't have many friends. Wanting to help, Gus's parents get him a dog. From there, a bond is made that brings the best out of both a boy and his dog.
The story of Chester and Gus was very funny, because it wasn't told like normal stories are told. A lot came from Chester and that made it fun and interesting. I loved hearing what was on his mind. I also liked how it made me feel. It also made me want a dog.
I agree with Josh about Chester and Gus. It's a heart-felt story and anyone, young or old would enjoy it. Most of the characters in the story are autistic, but it's Gus who needs help the most, which is why the story is so important to share. Sometimes the underdog gets the dog and the victory! I also found that my son gained a greater appreciation and understanding on autism.
_________________________________________________________________________
By the way, this is Joshua's actual book report. How do you think he did? Leave us a message!
Cheers! I'm off to the next read!
Chester and Gus
Cammie McGovern
Harper Collins, April 2017
277-pages
Children, Special Needs, Middle Grade
Today's review is by my son, Joshua Hunt. Josh and I read books together every day, Monday through Friday. Since I homeschool, I'm allowed to place emphasis on reading, comprehension and the least favorite for him: Book Reports! #element-63c4a375-3538-4cf0-ba43-3edd40ec1805 .waddons-blog-image.hideImage { display: none;}
Chester and Gus, by Cammie McGovernReview by Joshua Hunt
Chester and Gus is a great book, written from Chester the dog's point of view. He wants to be a service dog, but he has failed the qualifying test. Instead of going for the test again, the trainers decide to give him to family instead. It's because of someone special that makes Chester feel he has found his 'person'.
Gus is an autistic boy in middle school . He doesn't talk much and doesn't have many friends. Wanting to help, Gus's parents get him a dog. From there, a bond is made that brings the best out of both a boy and his dog.
The story of Chester and Gus was very funny, because it wasn't told like normal stories are told. A lot came from Chester and that made it fun and interesting. I loved hearing what was on his mind. I also liked how it made me feel. It also made me want a dog.
I agree with Josh about Chester and Gus. It's a heart-felt story and anyone, young or old would enjoy it. Most of the characters in the story are autistic, but it's Gus who needs help the most, which is why the story is so important to share. Sometimes the underdog gets the dog and the victory! I also found that my son gained a greater appreciation and understanding on autism.
_________________________________________________________________________
By the way, this is Joshua's actual book report. How do you think he did? Leave us a message!
Cheers! I'm off to the next read!
Chester and Gus
Cammie McGovern
Harper Collins, April 2017
277-pages
Children, Special Needs, Middle Grade
The Last Witch
Horror Movie Review
So what do you do when you're a blogger with no topics to blog about? You gripe and moan until you dig up a witch story! That's what Sandra, Mario and Eduardo do; they go on a witch hunt. Specifically, a witch by the name of Joana Toy. #element-41fd117a-84e2-4f6e-9d7d-876671e8f46b .waddons-blog-image.hideImage { display: none;}
{photo: Courtesy of POVHorror.com)
The Last Witch is a movie you have to truly study. It's not one of the best, but it carries truth and mystery. My issues was in how it was carried out. Three friends go on a witch hunt, seeking fodder to feed the fire, that is Blogging. They dive right into a horrific town history, without knowing all the facts, and with a vigor that makes absolutely no sense.
They saunter into a haunted house, then when feeling they were being trailed by a cultist group, or disciples of the witch, they purposefully camp out in woods known to be haunted, near the witches known home! What kind of sense does that make? The story told me, the characters cared more about investigating something very close to them [from a secret one of them reveals a little too later to their so-called friends], than their own safety! From particular scenes, it also said they were complete idiots!
I found myself rather disappointed in the story, though creative, but not very interesting. The plot, once explained, was fine, but the story itself did nothing for me.
The Last Witch (2015)
Directed & Written by Carlos Almón Muñoz
Produced by Marcus Fariña
Starred:
Jorge Gallardo, Paula Pier and Alfonso Romeo
Sources:
IMDb
Official Facebook Page
POVHorror Facebook Page
Reference Material about the true story about witch trials in 1619 https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caza_de_brujas_en_Tarrasa
(This is the best source material – Spanish Language: Translated to English) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Terrassa_witch_trials
So what do you do when you're a blogger with no topics to blog about? You gripe and moan until you dig up a witch story! That's what Sandra, Mario and Eduardo do; they go on a witch hunt. Specifically, a witch by the name of Joana Toy. #element-41fd117a-84e2-4f6e-9d7d-876671e8f46b .waddons-blog-image.hideImage { display: none;}
{photo: Courtesy of POVHorror.com)
The Last Witch is a movie you have to truly study. It's not one of the best, but it carries truth and mystery. My issues was in how it was carried out. Three friends go on a witch hunt, seeking fodder to feed the fire, that is Blogging. They dive right into a horrific town history, without knowing all the facts, and with a vigor that makes absolutely no sense.
They saunter into a haunted house, then when feeling they were being trailed by a cultist group, or disciples of the witch, they purposefully camp out in woods known to be haunted, near the witches known home! What kind of sense does that make? The story told me, the characters cared more about investigating something very close to them [from a secret one of them reveals a little too later to their so-called friends], than their own safety! From particular scenes, it also said they were complete idiots!
I found myself rather disappointed in the story, though creative, but not very interesting. The plot, once explained, was fine, but the story itself did nothing for me.
The Last Witch (2015)Directed & Written by Carlos Almón Muñoz
Produced by Marcus Fariña
Starred:
Jorge Gallardo, Paula Pier and Alfonso Romeo
Sources:
IMDb
Official Facebook Page
POVHorror Facebook Page
Reference Material about the true story about witch trials in 1619 https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caza_de_brujas_en_Tarrasa
(This is the best source material – Spanish Language: Translated to English) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Terrassa_witch_trials
January 25, 2018
The Suffering
Book 2 by Rin Chupeco 
I was so excited when book two of The Girl From the Well, by
Rin Chupeco
released. The story of the boy haunted by a demonic being was excellent and full of Japanese folklore, energy, revenge and creativity. It held my interest from the very beginning, to the end. I had to wait between books, due to review obligations, but once the book hit my hand, did I receive the happy ending I so eagerly awaited? #element-531fee17-d0b1-4a88-901c-99b7fac85579 .waddons-blog-image.hideImage { display: none;} 
No. The answer is no.
I ended up not liking The Suffering. It started of wonderful! Tark as revenant made flesh- how could it not be a winning tale? Well, once he and his cousin returned to Japan, it all fell apart. The detailing, which made book one so amazing was like overkill in the second. I found myself skimming and then just quitting. I picked it back up and found the rest of the story a disheartening let down.
Talk about bummed!
I won't say what happened, because I don't give SPOILERS. Besides, I'm sure someone else thought this was the best thing since sliced bread. I'm off to the next read!
Cheers!
The Suffering
Rin Chupeco
Sourcebooks Fire, Sept. 2015
320 pages
Teen/Fantasy, Young Adult/Myths & Legends
I was so excited when book two of The Girl From the Well, by
Rin Chupeco
released. The story of the boy haunted by a demonic being was excellent and full of Japanese folklore, energy, revenge and creativity. It held my interest from the very beginning, to the end. I had to wait between books, due to review obligations, but once the book hit my hand, did I receive the happy ending I so eagerly awaited? #element-531fee17-d0b1-4a88-901c-99b7fac85579 .waddons-blog-image.hideImage { display: none;} No. The answer is no. I ended up not liking The Suffering. It started of wonderful! Tark as revenant made flesh- how could it not be a winning tale? Well, once he and his cousin returned to Japan, it all fell apart. The detailing, which made book one so amazing was like overkill in the second. I found myself skimming and then just quitting. I picked it back up and found the rest of the story a disheartening let down.
Talk about bummed!
I won't say what happened, because I don't give SPOILERS. Besides, I'm sure someone else thought this was the best thing since sliced bread. I'm off to the next read!
Cheers!
The Suffering
Rin Chupeco
Sourcebooks Fire, Sept. 2015
320 pages
Teen/Fantasy, Young Adult/Myths & Legends
January 24, 2018
The Girl From the Well
Book 1 of 2 by Rin Chupeco 
At first, I didn't think I'd like this. With the death of the first person, all I could see was The Ring. I thought, "Oh great- something else that's unoriginal!" But I was wrong! The story- without giving away the plot of the movie - stems from original Japanese history! Though The Ring came out first, The Girl From the Well, written by
Rin Chupeco
, is an original tale and very, very good! #element-91c32f94-1757-4863-a72c-2706d2c4699c .waddons-blog-image.hideImage { display: none;} 
The Girl From the Well is written with amazing clarity. From various characters of importance, you understand why they feel the way they do; you see where the pain derives and you form an attachment that is normally lost with other books. I found I didn't dislike any one person at all. Instead I became empathetic - even for the ones bringing on some of the pain!
Rin Chupeco gave this book, the first of two books, a ghostly meaning that lends understanding to Japanese ghosts (though Chupeco is from the Philippines) and how the stories never seem to end. The Girl From the Well, a story originated from Japan's Himeji Castle, is a sad tale. I actually got to see the well when I lived in Iwakuni with my family. We visited many castles and discovered many stories that could make your skin crawl. This book doesn't make you frightened, but you can see it so much more clearly, thanks to the base of which this is shared- and movies!
Check out The Girl From the Well, while I move on to the next read!
Cheers!
The Girl From the Well
Rin Chupeco
Sourcebooks Fire, August 2014
299-pages
Teen & Young Adult, Fantasy, Japanese Folklore, Fantasy
At first, I didn't think I'd like this. With the death of the first person, all I could see was The Ring. I thought, "Oh great- something else that's unoriginal!" But I was wrong! The story- without giving away the plot of the movie - stems from original Japanese history! Though The Ring came out first, The Girl From the Well, written by
Rin Chupeco
, is an original tale and very, very good! #element-91c32f94-1757-4863-a72c-2706d2c4699c .waddons-blog-image.hideImage { display: none;} The Girl From the Well is written with amazing clarity. From various characters of importance, you understand why they feel the way they do; you see where the pain derives and you form an attachment that is normally lost with other books. I found I didn't dislike any one person at all. Instead I became empathetic - even for the ones bringing on some of the pain!Rin Chupeco gave this book, the first of two books, a ghostly meaning that lends understanding to Japanese ghosts (though Chupeco is from the Philippines) and how the stories never seem to end. The Girl From the Well, a story originated from Japan's Himeji Castle, is a sad tale. I actually got to see the well when I lived in Iwakuni with my family. We visited many castles and discovered many stories that could make your skin crawl. This book doesn't make you frightened, but you can see it so much more clearly, thanks to the base of which this is shared- and movies!
Check out The Girl From the Well, while I move on to the next read!
Cheers!
The Girl From the Well
Rin Chupeco
Sourcebooks Fire, August 2014
299-pages
Teen & Young Adult, Fantasy, Japanese Folklore, Fantasy
January 23, 2018
The Chalk Man
A Novel by C. J. Tudor
Anytime I get a story set in a sleepy, English town, I'm thrilled! As soon as I read the summary to The Chalk Man, by
C. J. Tudor
, I knew it was a book that belonged on my shelf. Not because it's in the U.K., (well...) but because it flashes back to the 80's - my reigning years! But there's something much more sinister than Depeche Mode and big hair going on here. Someone's killing people and leaving a special signature for a particular group of kids to find... #element-9683dfef-e64f-4d7d-8c29-01dcd83a08c7 .waddons-blog-image.hideImage { display: none;} 
The Chalk Man is a wicked book. I admit, I figured out who the murderer was, but only due to circumstances I'm sure I'd have missed had it been a movie. The reasoning behind it all was clear. You saw who the culprits were and their motives were raw, passionate and true. The thing is, the story went deeper than there being a killer and discovering who it was. It was a rich story, filled with events that made you wonder, "Why in the world..."
As with any story set in the 1980's, there are youthful, tweens riding about on their bikes- getting in to trouble. There's a girl too, to level things out. But the town is in an uproar that stems from Eddie's house (the one telling the story). His mother works at a clinic where abortions are performed. This places characters in confrontations that never seem to end, as well as settle the groundwork for the story. But oh there's so much more.
Each character is fleshed out, giving you a relatable feel. What helped is that the story goes back and forth from the past to present day, where Eddie is still the same person . Naturally, he's matured, but because he's telling the story, you feel you know him. You grow attached and feel for him and all he's been through and what he's attempting to accomplish. Then WHAM! You are thrown into a hailstorm of events, leaving you with an ending where you're like: "Ewww, yuck! I didn't see that coming!"
But you should have...
The Chalk Man was an awesome read and I hope you grab yourself a copy. You won't regret this mystery/thriller! I'm off to the next read. Cheers!
The Chalk Man
C. J. Tudor
Crown Publishing Group
January 9, 2018
280 pages
Anytime I get a story set in a sleepy, English town, I'm thrilled! As soon as I read the summary to The Chalk Man, by
C. J. Tudor
, I knew it was a book that belonged on my shelf. Not because it's in the U.K., (well...) but because it flashes back to the 80's - my reigning years! But there's something much more sinister than Depeche Mode and big hair going on here. Someone's killing people and leaving a special signature for a particular group of kids to find... #element-9683dfef-e64f-4d7d-8c29-01dcd83a08c7 .waddons-blog-image.hideImage { display: none;} The Chalk Man is a wicked book. I admit, I figured out who the murderer was, but only due to circumstances I'm sure I'd have missed had it been a movie. The reasoning behind it all was clear. You saw who the culprits were and their motives were raw, passionate and true. The thing is, the story went deeper than there being a killer and discovering who it was. It was a rich story, filled with events that made you wonder, "Why in the world..."As with any story set in the 1980's, there are youthful, tweens riding about on their bikes- getting in to trouble. There's a girl too, to level things out. But the town is in an uproar that stems from Eddie's house (the one telling the story). His mother works at a clinic where abortions are performed. This places characters in confrontations that never seem to end, as well as settle the groundwork for the story. But oh there's so much more.
Each character is fleshed out, giving you a relatable feel. What helped is that the story goes back and forth from the past to present day, where Eddie is still the same person . Naturally, he's matured, but because he's telling the story, you feel you know him. You grow attached and feel for him and all he's been through and what he's attempting to accomplish. Then WHAM! You are thrown into a hailstorm of events, leaving you with an ending where you're like: "Ewww, yuck! I didn't see that coming!"
But you should have...
The Chalk Man was an awesome read and I hope you grab yourself a copy. You won't regret this mystery/thriller! I'm off to the next read. Cheers!
The Chalk Man
C. J. Tudor
Crown Publishing Group
January 9, 2018
280 pages
