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The Peculiar Night of the Blue Heart
Lionel is a wild boy, who doesn’t much like to be around other people. He’d rather be a purring cat or a wolf stalking the woods.
Marybeth is a nice girl. She doesn’t need to be told to comb her hair or brush her teeth, and she’s kind to everyone at the orphanage... Lionel most of all.
Different though they are, Lionel and Marybeth are best friends in a world that has forgotten about them. So when a mysterious blue spirit possesses Marybeth — and starts to take control— they know they must stop it before the real Marybeth fades away forever.
Marybeth is a nice girl. She doesn’t need to be told to comb her hair or brush her teeth, and she’s kind to everyone at the orphanage... Lionel most of all.
Different though they are, Lionel and Marybeth are best friends in a world that has forgotten about them. So when a mysterious blue spirit possesses Marybeth — and starts to take control— they know they must stop it before the real Marybeth fades away forever.
208 pages, Hardcover
First published September 13, 2016
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 97 reviews
September 16, 2016
http://angelerin.blogspot.com/2016/09...
I won a free copy of The Peculiar Night of the Blue Heart By: Lauren DeStefano in a Twitter giveaway!
#ThanksSoMuch!
Short Review Summary:
I loved it and so did both of my 9 year old sons!
I really enjoyed The Peculiar Night of the Blue Heart. The writing is really lovely and the story is perfect for a child who is on a middle grade reading level, but enjoyable for adults too. The plot was of course a bit obvious for me, but that's to be expected since I'm an adult. My favorite thing about the book though is the relationship between Lionel and Marybeth. It's really sweet and I like how they helped each other.
#LovelyWriting!
Overall The Peculiar Night of the Blue Heart is an enjoyable read. I would love to read more by this author since this is my first by her. Also, it's a fantasy/paranormal book, but it's not scary at all. I could see this as a movie too.
#IWouldLoveAMovie
I recommend The Peculiar Night of the Blue Heart to middle grade readers for the upcoming cold months! It's coming upon the perfect season for these kind of reads.
#PerfectForFallAndWinter
My son Justin rated this 5.9 out of 5 stars.
My son Jordan rated this out 4 of 5 stars.
I won a free copy of The Peculiar Night of the Blue Heart By: Lauren DeStefano in a Twitter giveaway!
#ThanksSoMuch!
Short Review Summary:
I loved it and so did both of my 9 year old sons!
I really enjoyed The Peculiar Night of the Blue Heart. The writing is really lovely and the story is perfect for a child who is on a middle grade reading level, but enjoyable for adults too. The plot was of course a bit obvious for me, but that's to be expected since I'm an adult. My favorite thing about the book though is the relationship between Lionel and Marybeth. It's really sweet and I like how they helped each other.
#LovelyWriting!
Overall The Peculiar Night of the Blue Heart is an enjoyable read. I would love to read more by this author since this is my first by her. Also, it's a fantasy/paranormal book, but it's not scary at all. I could see this as a movie too.
#IWouldLoveAMovie
I recommend The Peculiar Night of the Blue Heart to middle grade readers for the upcoming cold months! It's coming upon the perfect season for these kind of reads.
#PerfectForFallAndWinter
My son Justin rated this 5.9 out of 5 stars.
My son Jordan rated this out 4 of 5 stars.
October 15, 2016
[3.5 Stars] This is a tricky one to rate for me. I would probably rate it a 4 for its target audience. I think 9 and 10 year-olds would love reading the mystery of Marybeth being invaded by a spirit, and trying to figure it out on their own. As an adult, I saw almost everything coming after the first 20 pages, but there were some things I didn't anticipate which I really enjoyed. Overall a quick story of intense friendship and understanding that sometimes it's better to be something other than normal. Also, be careful what you wish for!
July 10, 2017
The Peculiar Night of the Blue Heart is a ghost story of the nontraditional sort. It's also a story of possession, but done in a far tamer way than what you're currently thinking. This is a children's story and isn't horror, so you won’t find any spinning heads here. Still, it has quite a dark edge.
It tells the story of Marybeth and Lionel who are growing up in an orphanage. One day, the two see a strange glowing creature in the woods which then enters Marybeth’s body. She begins to behave differently and can sometimes feel this blue creature’s heart beating beside her own. Other times, the blue creature takes over completely and lashes out at people in a panic. In the end, they work together to free Marybeth from this presence and to find out what it wants.
Like I mentioned before, this is a ghost story and does deal with murder, which I was surprised to find in a middle grade book. However, it’s handled well and doesn’t give graphic details. The story is beautifully written and flows naturally. The characters are lovable and I especially liked that Mrs. Mannard, the woman in charge of the orphanage, clearly loves the children she is caring for. She’s strict, but never does anything out of spite or hatred like you often see in these kinds of books. Overall, it's worth a quick read.
It tells the story of Marybeth and Lionel who are growing up in an orphanage. One day, the two see a strange glowing creature in the woods which then enters Marybeth’s body. She begins to behave differently and can sometimes feel this blue creature’s heart beating beside her own. Other times, the blue creature takes over completely and lashes out at people in a panic. In the end, they work together to free Marybeth from this presence and to find out what it wants.
Like I mentioned before, this is a ghost story and does deal with murder, which I was surprised to find in a middle grade book. However, it’s handled well and doesn’t give graphic details. The story is beautifully written and flows naturally. The characters are lovable and I especially liked that Mrs. Mannard, the woman in charge of the orphanage, clearly loves the children she is caring for. She’s strict, but never does anything out of spite or hatred like you often see in these kinds of books. Overall, it's worth a quick read.
May 8, 2017
Mini review:
This wasn't as good as the previous book but enjoyable nonetheless. Enjoyed reading about Lionel and Marybeth. The friendship was good as well. I just didn't feel it the way I did with A Curious Tale of the In-Between. There were a lot of important topics brought up and handled well. The mystery was well done. I especially like the owner of the orphanage. She was actually nice all the children which you don't see a lot of.
Recommend if you enjoy MG.
This wasn't as good as the previous book but enjoyable nonetheless. Enjoyed reading about Lionel and Marybeth. The friendship was good as well. I just didn't feel it the way I did with A Curious Tale of the In-Between. There were a lot of important topics brought up and handled well. The mystery was well done. I especially like the owner of the orphanage. She was actually nice all the children which you don't see a lot of.
Recommend if you enjoy MG.
September 15, 2016
‘Lionel already understood. He could make the chickens lay eggs and he could reason with the most stubborn of foxes. But he had learned years ago that humans were more dangerous than the things that stalked about the wilderness.’
Lionel may be a wild boy and Marybeth may be a nice girl, but these two 9-year-olds are one another’s only friends in a world where they have no one else. Lionel and Marybeth, along with six other orphans, live in the care of widowed Mrs. Mannerd who more than has her hands full. Much of their free time is spent traversing the woods surrounding the house where Lionel especially feels most at home due to the fact that he himself feels more animal than human. He likes to feed the wild animals from his hand and refuses to eat at the dinner time, preferring instead to eat beneath it. Marybeth is a perfectly normal little girl that manages to soothe the rougher edges of Lionel’s wildness. During one of their excursions in the wilderness, Lionel tells Marybeth of a blue fox that he’s currently trying to get to trust him, but to no avail. When Marybeth spots the blue creature from her bedroom window one night, she rushes to get a look at it only to find that it’s not a fox at all but something that ends up possessing and changing Marybeth.
This was such an endearing tale of friendship that will touch hearts of all ages. Lionel and Marybeth are the unlikeliest of duos, however, their friendship becomes vital to both of them. Their friendship helps Lionel to reacquaint himself with his emotions and come to terms with his loneliness at the orphanage which Marybeth also deals with similar feelings of isolation. When Marybeth is no longer Marybeth, having been inhabited by the ghost, it’s up to Lionel to take charge like he’s never had to before in order to help his friend solve the mystery of who this ghost is. The mystery and paranormal aspects were curious yet left me with more than a few questions (unlikely to be a problem with the appropriate age group) but the real story here is the friendship and the lesson in mortality.
The Peculiar Night of the Blue Heart is yet another unexpectedly sinister Middle grade adventure from DeStefano. The bleak undertones are paired well with a message of hope and a mystery that will keep any reader in this age group speculating. Lauren DeStefano has definitely found her niche in the Middle Grade genre.
I received this book free from the Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Lionel may be a wild boy and Marybeth may be a nice girl, but these two 9-year-olds are one another’s only friends in a world where they have no one else. Lionel and Marybeth, along with six other orphans, live in the care of widowed Mrs. Mannerd who more than has her hands full. Much of their free time is spent traversing the woods surrounding the house where Lionel especially feels most at home due to the fact that he himself feels more animal than human. He likes to feed the wild animals from his hand and refuses to eat at the dinner time, preferring instead to eat beneath it. Marybeth is a perfectly normal little girl that manages to soothe the rougher edges of Lionel’s wildness. During one of their excursions in the wilderness, Lionel tells Marybeth of a blue fox that he’s currently trying to get to trust him, but to no avail. When Marybeth spots the blue creature from her bedroom window one night, she rushes to get a look at it only to find that it’s not a fox at all but something that ends up possessing and changing Marybeth.
This was such an endearing tale of friendship that will touch hearts of all ages. Lionel and Marybeth are the unlikeliest of duos, however, their friendship becomes vital to both of them. Their friendship helps Lionel to reacquaint himself with his emotions and come to terms with his loneliness at the orphanage which Marybeth also deals with similar feelings of isolation. When Marybeth is no longer Marybeth, having been inhabited by the ghost, it’s up to Lionel to take charge like he’s never had to before in order to help his friend solve the mystery of who this ghost is. The mystery and paranormal aspects were curious yet left me with more than a few questions (unlikely to be a problem with the appropriate age group) but the real story here is the friendship and the lesson in mortality.
The Peculiar Night of the Blue Heart is yet another unexpectedly sinister Middle grade adventure from DeStefano. The bleak undertones are paired well with a message of hope and a mystery that will keep any reader in this age group speculating. Lauren DeStefano has definitely found her niche in the Middle Grade genre.
I received this book free from the Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
May 21, 2018
"I'm not talking about animals," Mrs. Mannerd said, and her eyes turned watery and she clasped her hand over her mouth, as if she could stuff the words back onto her tongue and swallow them down.
It was too late for that. Lionel already understood. He could make the chickens lay eggs and he could reason with the most stubborn of foxes. But he learned years ago that humans were more dangerous than the things that stalked about in the wilderness.
I keep underestimating these little books. A Curious Tale of the In-Between and The Peculiar Night of the Blue Heart are some of the most charming middle grades I’ve read.
This one continues Lauren DeStefano’s trend of writing darker middle grades. While there is still a whimsical quality, the darker aspects make the story feel a bit like a bedtime story, which is exactly what I like in a middle grade.
This story follows two best friends, Lionel and Marybeth, who are both living together in an orphanage/foster home-type of place. Lionel feels a special connection towards animals and is often referred to as being wild. When a strange blue creature runs into Marybeth, she finds herself losing control of her own body, leaving the two children with a mystery of their own to uncover.
I wasn’t sold during the first half, but I quite liked where the story progressed and how the main characters developed.
Lionel wanted to be rid of this blue creature. He never minute and we didn't like, he was going to hate this one. Mary Beth had always been soft-spoken, but never subdued. He could see it in the way she walked. She was so worried about awakening the awful thing that she didn't even raise her eyes.
This blue creature was no different from the older ones would locked her in the closet. But this time, he didn't know how to open the door and set her free.
The friendship between Lionel and Marybeth was so sweet, and the mystery was interesting. I’ve never seen a ghost story executed quite like this one.
I’m definitely there for any more middle grade that Lauren DeStefano ends up writing, and I do plan on trying her YA at some point. I’m really glad I ended up taking a chance on this novel!
September 20, 2016
Actual Rating 4.5
***This review has also been posted on The Social Potato
A Curious Tale of the In-Between might have been more intense than The Peculiar Night of the Blue Heart but The Peculiar Night of the Blue Heart won my heart in a way A Curious Tale of the In-Between did not (even though I loved both books).
Lionel is a wild boy. He doesn’t like other people a whole lot and would rather be an animal than a human on most days. Marybeth is a nice girl. She likes obeying rules and is everything Lionel isn’t. Yet the two are best friends and understand each other in ways other kids and adults at the orphanage don’t. They got each other’s backs and are basically the cutest pair of friends in the world (honestly, I shipped them).
It’s their friendship that made this book so special for me. Lionel hates being human but when Marybeth is possessed, he has to be the normal one and he is as human as possible so that he can help his friend and make sure he is there whenever she needs him. Their loyalty to one another made me feel all mushy inside and I just wanted to cuddle these two forever.
I also love that Mrs. Mannerd, the orphanage head lady, isn’t the bad guy. She is strict and struggles to understand what it is that Lionel and Marybeth are going through but she also genuinely cares for them and would go to lengths to protect them.
Much like A Curious Tale of the In-Between , A Peculiar Night of the Blue Heart is a lot darker than your usual middle grade but in the best way possible. DeStefano’s books are more gothic-y and honestly just make me want to sit down and analyse the hell out of them (#litmajor).
DeStefano has such a lovely writing style and while I haven’t read any of her YA novels, her Middle Grade novels are wonderful and I have a lot of love for them. I cannot wait to read whatever else she has to offer and in the meanwhile, if you love darker MG, pick up this book and A Curious Tale of the In-Between.
Note that I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
***This review has also been posted on The Social Potato
A Curious Tale of the In-Between might have been more intense than The Peculiar Night of the Blue Heart but The Peculiar Night of the Blue Heart won my heart in a way A Curious Tale of the In-Between did not (even though I loved both books).
Lionel is a wild boy. He doesn’t like other people a whole lot and would rather be an animal than a human on most days. Marybeth is a nice girl. She likes obeying rules and is everything Lionel isn’t. Yet the two are best friends and understand each other in ways other kids and adults at the orphanage don’t. They got each other’s backs and are basically the cutest pair of friends in the world (honestly, I shipped them).
It’s their friendship that made this book so special for me. Lionel hates being human but when Marybeth is possessed, he has to be the normal one and he is as human as possible so that he can help his friend and make sure he is there whenever she needs him. Their loyalty to one another made me feel all mushy inside and I just wanted to cuddle these two forever.
I also love that Mrs. Mannerd, the orphanage head lady, isn’t the bad guy. She is strict and struggles to understand what it is that Lionel and Marybeth are going through but she also genuinely cares for them and would go to lengths to protect them.
Much like A Curious Tale of the In-Between , A Peculiar Night of the Blue Heart is a lot darker than your usual middle grade but in the best way possible. DeStefano’s books are more gothic-y and honestly just make me want to sit down and analyse the hell out of them (#litmajor).
DeStefano has such a lovely writing style and while I haven’t read any of her YA novels, her Middle Grade novels are wonderful and I have a lot of love for them. I cannot wait to read whatever else she has to offer and in the meanwhile, if you love darker MG, pick up this book and A Curious Tale of the In-Between.
Note that I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
September 20, 2016
Sigh. This book was good. It was so, so good. I knew I would love it, because I have loved every book I have read by Lauren so far. Her first middle grade book from last year was simply stunning. And this one was even more so. Eee. It was just so amazing. I only wish that it had been longer. Sobs. I wanted more so badly.
The writing is gorgeous, and the story was so exciting. I loved the characters so much. Sniffs. And gosh, that cover. It's stunning. I love it so much. Wish there had been artwork inside the book too, but I'm okay with there not being so, lol. Because the words were enough. Sigh. This book was just so amazing. So happy I read it.
This book was just so beautiful. I don't know what else to say about it, lol. Getting to read about Lionel and Marybeth was simply the best thing. This is a short book and a really quick read. I loved every moment of it. These two middle grade books by Lauren are pretty dark. And I love that so much. Because they are pretty real. Brutal and honest. Which I love. My poor boy had suffered. Sniffs. And I loved reading about it all. Ahh. While I wish that this book had been a sequel to her first middle grade story, hih, I'm glad that it wasn't. It had nothing to do with her first story. But it was just as amazing. I still hope for sequels to them both one day. I want that very much. I also really loved that this book wasn't fully real, because there are ghosts. Which was awesome to read.
I'm not going to talk too much about this book. Because it is really short. And I'm not sure I have all the words I need to write my thoughts down. Because, gosh, I really loved this book. A few times I struggled a little bit with the writing, but only in the beginning, and I grew to adore the writing. Never once did I not love Lionel and Marybeth. Sigh. It was just the best thing to read about them both. I just so wish the book had been a little bit longer. Or that there will be a sequel when they are older. Aw. Loved them so much.
Lionel and Marybeth are both nine years old. They live at an orphanage. And they are the best of friends. Though their friendship is a bit unusual, with Marybeth being a sort of normal child. And Lionel being all kinds of wild. But they still love each other. And they are all each other have. Which is just the sweetest thing. Eee. I really want to read about them being older. Hmph. Their friendship now is just the best thing. The others don't understand Lionel. But Marybeth do. Sort of. He is normal too, just a little bit broken.
And I'm not saying more than that. Lionel was such a sweet boy. Though he truly was wild at times. But I adored that about him. And I didn't blame him one bit. He was the best boy. And I loved Marybeth too. She was so gentle and kind and awesome. She changes a bit, but I still adored her the most. And Lionel did too. They are such awesome friends. And I loved getting to know both their stories. I just wish it had been a bit longer, so that I could have known more. But I did get to know enough. Which was awesome.
There are a few other characters in this book. I liked reading about them all. A few were pretty awful, though. Shudders. Like when we got to know something that happened in the past. Ahh. It was horrible. I loved it. There is an older woman that takes care of all the children. And I liked her quite a lot. Though some times she made some horrible decisions. Which ruined my heart a little. Sobs. Yet I couldn't truly blame her either. Maybe. I'm unsure. I did not approve, either way. But even so. I did like this woman.
I'm not going to talk about the plot. Just know that there is sort of a mystery. And it was so exciting to figure it out. Most of this book was sad. Yet the friendship was so beautiful. And the story was amazing too. I really, really loved The Peculiar Night of the Blue Heart. This book was so, so heartbreaking and beautiful. The friendship between Lionel and Marybeth was the sweetest. Sigh. I would say that everyone should read this book. It is dark and awesome and real. I just. Yeah. I really want more. Fingers crossed.
---
This review was first posted on my blog, Carina's Books, here: http://carinabooks.blogspot.no/2016/0...
The writing is gorgeous, and the story was so exciting. I loved the characters so much. Sniffs. And gosh, that cover. It's stunning. I love it so much. Wish there had been artwork inside the book too, but I'm okay with there not being so, lol. Because the words were enough. Sigh. This book was just so amazing. So happy I read it.
This book was just so beautiful. I don't know what else to say about it, lol. Getting to read about Lionel and Marybeth was simply the best thing. This is a short book and a really quick read. I loved every moment of it. These two middle grade books by Lauren are pretty dark. And I love that so much. Because they are pretty real. Brutal and honest. Which I love. My poor boy had suffered. Sniffs. And I loved reading about it all. Ahh. While I wish that this book had been a sequel to her first middle grade story, hih, I'm glad that it wasn't. It had nothing to do with her first story. But it was just as amazing. I still hope for sequels to them both one day. I want that very much. I also really loved that this book wasn't fully real, because there are ghosts. Which was awesome to read.
I'm not going to talk too much about this book. Because it is really short. And I'm not sure I have all the words I need to write my thoughts down. Because, gosh, I really loved this book. A few times I struggled a little bit with the writing, but only in the beginning, and I grew to adore the writing. Never once did I not love Lionel and Marybeth. Sigh. It was just the best thing to read about them both. I just so wish the book had been a little bit longer. Or that there will be a sequel when they are older. Aw. Loved them so much.
Lionel and Marybeth are both nine years old. They live at an orphanage. And they are the best of friends. Though their friendship is a bit unusual, with Marybeth being a sort of normal child. And Lionel being all kinds of wild. But they still love each other. And they are all each other have. Which is just the sweetest thing. Eee. I really want to read about them being older. Hmph. Their friendship now is just the best thing. The others don't understand Lionel. But Marybeth do. Sort of. He is normal too, just a little bit broken.
And I'm not saying more than that. Lionel was such a sweet boy. Though he truly was wild at times. But I adored that about him. And I didn't blame him one bit. He was the best boy. And I loved Marybeth too. She was so gentle and kind and awesome. She changes a bit, but I still adored her the most. And Lionel did too. They are such awesome friends. And I loved getting to know both their stories. I just wish it had been a bit longer, so that I could have known more. But I did get to know enough. Which was awesome.
There are a few other characters in this book. I liked reading about them all. A few were pretty awful, though. Shudders. Like when we got to know something that happened in the past. Ahh. It was horrible. I loved it. There is an older woman that takes care of all the children. And I liked her quite a lot. Though some times she made some horrible decisions. Which ruined my heart a little. Sobs. Yet I couldn't truly blame her either. Maybe. I'm unsure. I did not approve, either way. But even so. I did like this woman.
I'm not going to talk about the plot. Just know that there is sort of a mystery. And it was so exciting to figure it out. Most of this book was sad. Yet the friendship was so beautiful. And the story was amazing too. I really, really loved The Peculiar Night of the Blue Heart. This book was so, so heartbreaking and beautiful. The friendship between Lionel and Marybeth was the sweetest. Sigh. I would say that everyone should read this book. It is dark and awesome and real. I just. Yeah. I really want more. Fingers crossed.
---
This review was first posted on my blog, Carina's Books, here: http://carinabooks.blogspot.no/2016/0...
September 18, 2016
I received this book for free from The Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
This book was featured on my blog for - Middle Grade Madness
What's it About?
Best friends Lionel & Marybeth must find answers and stop the mysterious "bluefox,", as they call it, from taking over Maybeth permanently.
Why did I pick it up?
I really like Lauren's writing, and when I saw The Peculiar Night of the Blue Heart for review, it just called to me. I've been trying to expand my MG reads. It didn't realize at first it had more of a paranormal flare but I quite enjoyed it!
Describe the book in 5 words
Beautiful. Haunting. Sad. Loving. Creepy.
Who was your favorite character, and why?
I adored both Lionel & Marybeth, but Lionel's fierce protectiveness and love for Marybeth was one of my favorite parts of the book. He did things out of his own comfort zone to help her and did remarkable things to find out what was happening to her.
Who would LOVE The Peculiar Night of the Blue Heart?
I do feel that The Peculiar Night of the Blue Heart may appeal to older readers of the genre, even though the characters are on the younger side, being 9. It was dark, and sad at times, but it's written so well. It will raise questions by younger readers, and I think that's a great thing!
Are there Illustrations?
The chapter headers have lovely drawings of leaves and they progress as the chapters continue.
Overall thoughts
I quite liked it! Lauren's writing is beautiful and haunting, and she tells this story well. This isn't her first middle grade, and I will for sure pick up her first one. I highly recommend it!
This book was featured on my blog for - Middle Grade Madness
What's it About?
Best friends Lionel & Marybeth must find answers and stop the mysterious "bluefox,", as they call it, from taking over Maybeth permanently.
Why did I pick it up?
I really like Lauren's writing, and when I saw The Peculiar Night of the Blue Heart for review, it just called to me. I've been trying to expand my MG reads. It didn't realize at first it had more of a paranormal flare but I quite enjoyed it!
Describe the book in 5 words
Beautiful. Haunting. Sad. Loving. Creepy.
Who was your favorite character, and why?
I adored both Lionel & Marybeth, but Lionel's fierce protectiveness and love for Marybeth was one of my favorite parts of the book. He did things out of his own comfort zone to help her and did remarkable things to find out what was happening to her.
Who would LOVE The Peculiar Night of the Blue Heart?
I do feel that The Peculiar Night of the Blue Heart may appeal to older readers of the genre, even though the characters are on the younger side, being 9. It was dark, and sad at times, but it's written so well. It will raise questions by younger readers, and I think that's a great thing!
Are there Illustrations?
The chapter headers have lovely drawings of leaves and they progress as the chapters continue.
Overall thoughts
I quite liked it! Lauren's writing is beautiful and haunting, and she tells this story well. This isn't her first middle grade, and I will for sure pick up her first one. I highly recommend it!
August 20, 2016
Mini Review:
*I received an eARC of this book through NetGalley, which does not influence my review*
You might recognize Lauren DeStefano’s name from her YA book series, but she’s recently dipped her toe in the Middle Grade genre. Her newest book The Peculiar Night of the Blue Heart, follows nine-year-old best friends Marybeth and Lionel. The two main characters are very well-developed with their own personalities and ways of looking at the world. Marybeth is the more practical of the two, she is well-behaved and never causes trouble for Mrs. Mannerd, who runs the orphanage where the children live. Lionel on the other hand is quite the handful, always disappearing and rarely willing to interact with other people. Marybeth and Lionel’s relationship is the strongest element in the novel, each is just as devoted to the other, despite their differences. For Lionel, who feels more at home in nature and among animals, Marybeth is his link to the human world. Likewise, Marybeth understands that Lionel belongs to a different kind of world, a world she only catches glimpses of through their friendship. The story itself is rather dark, but DeStefano’s charming writing makes the story accessible for all ages.
*I received an eARC of this book through NetGalley, which does not influence my review*
You might recognize Lauren DeStefano’s name from her YA book series, but she’s recently dipped her toe in the Middle Grade genre. Her newest book The Peculiar Night of the Blue Heart, follows nine-year-old best friends Marybeth and Lionel. The two main characters are very well-developed with their own personalities and ways of looking at the world. Marybeth is the more practical of the two, she is well-behaved and never causes trouble for Mrs. Mannerd, who runs the orphanage where the children live. Lionel on the other hand is quite the handful, always disappearing and rarely willing to interact with other people. Marybeth and Lionel’s relationship is the strongest element in the novel, each is just as devoted to the other, despite their differences. For Lionel, who feels more at home in nature and among animals, Marybeth is his link to the human world. Likewise, Marybeth understands that Lionel belongs to a different kind of world, a world she only catches glimpses of through their friendship. The story itself is rather dark, but DeStefano’s charming writing makes the story accessible for all ages.
August 29, 2016
Wow. This book was much creepier than I expected! I was excited to pass it on to my kids when I finished because I loved the two main characters and their friendships, but it got much darker than something they'd like to read right now. (They're 10 and 7, for reference.) But as an adult (who is also a giant wuss), this was creepy and thrilling and sad and strangely beautiful. I recommend it for older kids who like creepy stories but I'd hold off for the younger kids. If you or your kids have read Coraline and enjoyed it, I'd definitely recommend checking this one out!
April 27, 2016
I almost put this one down and left it but am glad I didn't. This story gave me SO MANY FEELS!
It starts of slow and you kind of go "what the heck am I reading here" but then you get into the rhythm of the story and writing style and you are hooked. Absolutely beautiful, thrilling and a worth while read.
It starts of slow and you kind of go "what the heck am I reading here" but then you get into the rhythm of the story and writing style and you are hooked. Absolutely beautiful, thrilling and a worth while read.
April 8, 2018
First, while I've shelved it on my children's shelf, this is NOT for little kids. More like upper elementary age.
I found parts of it very creepy, but I realized I was putting my adult point of view on things and carrying the scenarios further than the book does.
If you have a kid who likes creepy stories, and horror, this is a good one. It's about possession, and pretending, and why some kids prefer to be anything other than human. It's not cutesy. And it's not written down to a juvenile level. Adults will find food for thought, too. It's got a fair bit of when to trust your gut, and not worry what other grownups will think.
This fulfills the 2018 Popsugar Reading Challenge for a book with my favorite color in the title.
(Blue is my favorite color to decorate with. Pink is to wear. Who knew it could be so hard just to determine where I was on a challenge?)
I found parts of it very creepy, but I realized I was putting my adult point of view on things and carrying the scenarios further than the book does.
If you have a kid who likes creepy stories, and horror, this is a good one. It's about possession, and pretending, and why some kids prefer to be anything other than human. It's not cutesy. And it's not written down to a juvenile level. Adults will find food for thought, too. It's got a fair bit of when to trust your gut, and not worry what other grownups will think.
This fulfills the 2018 Popsugar Reading Challenge for a book with my favorite color in the title.
(Blue is my favorite color to decorate with. Pink is to wear. Who knew it could be so hard just to determine where I was on a challenge?)
October 15, 2021
Though wild at heart, Lionel finds his only friend at their orphanage in the well behaved Marybeth - but when a strange blue glow possesses her, they must keep one another in check and learn the truth before its antics end up taking her away for good. DeStefano offers a dark but charming tale; gentle in its pacing and cozy in its characters, with an ominous enough atmosphere for the lightest of chills. Is there any way to free Marybeth from this curse, or has she become a permanent host to something uncontrollable?
September 19, 2016
Quite the dark, dark tale, this little read is. A ghost story for brave young readers, as the subject matter may alarm those with sensitive dispositions. Regardless, DeStefano weaves an amazing tale that ends with hope, even if it feels somewhat unfinished and is adorned with bittersweet emotion.
I look forward to more MG titles from this talented author.
I look forward to more MG titles from this talented author.
March 31, 2024
I’m loving this authors writing so much. This was so different, & just amazing. Lionel is a wild boy, who doesn’t much like to be around other people. He’d rather be a purring cat or a wolf stalking the woods. Marybeth is a nice girl. She doesn’t need to be told to comb her hair or brush her teeth, & she’s kind to everyone at the orphanage . . . Lionel most of all. Different though they are, Lionel & Marybeth are best friends in a world that has forgotten about them. So when a mysterious blue spirit possesses Marybeth-& starts to take control-they know they must stop it before the real Marybeth fades away forever. The whole story of the woman who runs the orphanage, & of the 2 kids themselves was wonderful. Lionel & Marybeth are such uniquely written characters, & I loved them so much. Then the blue spirit, the mystery behind everything, & then everything that unfolds & ends up happening on this adventure is just superb. I loved the conclusion as well. Highly recommend. STUNNING cover by Kevin Keele too. 💜
September 23, 2016
The friendship between Lionel & Marybeth is fantastic and so very sweet. Also, DeStefano does a great job of tackling some really tough issues in a manner that is straight forward but doesn't go into too much detail. This works for both younger and older middle grade readers because younger readers can enjoy a creepy ghost story that celebrates a truly beautiful friendship while older readers can read between the text and discuss some of those more hard hitting topics. I should also add that the creepy factor of this book is on point and I'm glad to see that DeStefano has found her niche in middle grade fiction.
November 26, 2016
Lionel and Marybeth are inseparable. Marybeth is quiet and polite, while Lionel prefers the company of animals to humans. One night, Marybeth becomes possessed by a blue spirit which causes her to wander at night and lash out in violence. While Marybeth must learn to control the wildness living inside her, Lionel must learn to communicate with humans to save her.
Reviewer #22
Reviewer #22
October 1, 2016
Even better than the first, which means a lot coming from me.
May 9, 2017
3.5
Huge thank you to Raincoast for this ARC!
I have a very hit-and-miss relationship with Lauren DeStefano's books. There are some books of hers, like the Chemical Garden series which I found just "okay" and other books like A Curious Tale of the In-Between, which I utterly adored. I really enjoyed The Peculiar Night of the Blue Heart, though it's definitely not as strong as other books of hers I read.
One thing I will say for this book is that for middle grade, it's outright creepy at times. DeStefano has this wonderful way of writing very unnerving and uncomfortable descriptions, which I think is stellar. You always get a sense of discomfort in Lionel and Marybeth's stories, which I think helps given that this is a very atmospheric read. For me personally, I love a book that has a very distinctive feel to it, but I feel like for some readers that is the ultimate challenge here. The characters are interesting because of the atmosphere of the story, not because they are interesting characters.
And here's the thing: I love the mysterious, ghostly aspects of this book. I loved uncovering Marybeth's story and seeing where it was going to go at times. I was invested when I was trying to understand what was happening with the blue-hearted creature. I loved the amount of empathy that both Lionel and Marybeth share for the creature, and I like that DeStefano keeps the reader moving at such a swift pace. Her writing is beautiful, and there were times where I know I was sucked into the prose.
The Peculiar Night of the Blue Heart is a very good read, and definitely should be read in the fall, which I think was intended given the atmosphere that is played so well into the story. I think readers will be disappointed by the lack of action or strong characterization, but I think there is something to be said about books that make you feel through the setting, which is definitely what is happening here. I am eager to see what Lauren DeStefano's next middle grade venture will be.
Huge thank you to Raincoast for this ARC!
I have a very hit-and-miss relationship with Lauren DeStefano's books. There are some books of hers, like the Chemical Garden series which I found just "okay" and other books like A Curious Tale of the In-Between, which I utterly adored. I really enjoyed The Peculiar Night of the Blue Heart, though it's definitely not as strong as other books of hers I read.
One thing I will say for this book is that for middle grade, it's outright creepy at times. DeStefano has this wonderful way of writing very unnerving and uncomfortable descriptions, which I think is stellar. You always get a sense of discomfort in Lionel and Marybeth's stories, which I think helps given that this is a very atmospheric read. For me personally, I love a book that has a very distinctive feel to it, but I feel like for some readers that is the ultimate challenge here. The characters are interesting because of the atmosphere of the story, not because they are interesting characters.
And here's the thing: I love the mysterious, ghostly aspects of this book. I loved uncovering Marybeth's story and seeing where it was going to go at times. I was invested when I was trying to understand what was happening with the blue-hearted creature. I loved the amount of empathy that both Lionel and Marybeth share for the creature, and I like that DeStefano keeps the reader moving at such a swift pace. Her writing is beautiful, and there were times where I know I was sucked into the prose.
The Peculiar Night of the Blue Heart is a very good read, and definitely should be read in the fall, which I think was intended given the atmosphere that is played so well into the story. I think readers will be disappointed by the lack of action or strong characterization, but I think there is something to be said about books that make you feel through the setting, which is definitely what is happening here. I am eager to see what Lauren DeStefano's next middle grade venture will be.
November 8, 2018
2018-03 – The Peculiar Night of the Blue Heart (Audiobook) Lauren DeStefano (Author) 2016. 208 Pages.
We listened to this on audiobook driving back from La Florida. I had no expectation or preconceived ideas when Nicholle put it in the CD player and I began to listen. The book held the attention of all people in the car which is generally indicative of good story telling. There was an unevenness in character development, some having more depth than others. I wish the author would have explored Lionel, the “wild boy” character more. It felt like a contrived character or literary tool more than a credible character. I sometimes wondered in the first third of the book if that character was a human, animal, or imaginary companion. The book touches on family, mental illness, and death. At its heart I is a very good ghost story. It takes a while to establish this and occasionally I sensed tinges “Pedro Paramo.” (which I dearly love) In the build up to its confirmation as a ghost story the author tends to muddle the story, perhaps as a way to keep the ghost story part in doubt. The result is I felt taken down different paths to explore and just left at a closed door with my hand on the handle as we pivoted back to the main story. A good book, great potential as a ghost story. It just felt equal parts jumbled and overly ambitious at times.
We listened to this on audiobook driving back from La Florida. I had no expectation or preconceived ideas when Nicholle put it in the CD player and I began to listen. The book held the attention of all people in the car which is generally indicative of good story telling. There was an unevenness in character development, some having more depth than others. I wish the author would have explored Lionel, the “wild boy” character more. It felt like a contrived character or literary tool more than a credible character. I sometimes wondered in the first third of the book if that character was a human, animal, or imaginary companion. The book touches on family, mental illness, and death. At its heart I is a very good ghost story. It takes a while to establish this and occasionally I sensed tinges “Pedro Paramo.” (which I dearly love) In the build up to its confirmation as a ghost story the author tends to muddle the story, perhaps as a way to keep the ghost story part in doubt. The result is I felt taken down different paths to explore and just left at a closed door with my hand on the handle as we pivoted back to the main story. A good book, great potential as a ghost story. It just felt equal parts jumbled and overly ambitious at times.
February 28, 2022
A mystery about two orphan friends, Marybeth and Lionel who run into a strange blue creature and help it meet its final destination.
The story depicts a boy named Lionel who is a wild boy and doesn’t prefer to interact with other humans. He prefers behaving like an animal and feels more comfortable that way. Marybeth on the other hand, is a nice girl and never questions or directs Lionel which is how the two become good friends. However one Halloween night, Marybeth meets the blue creature and things take a mysteriously heartbreaking turn from there.
The writing is absolutely breathtaking making the story exciting and interesting. The characters were so well developed and I absolutely loved Marybeth and Lionel. They were honest and not only did they care for each other but they also stood up for each other. Both kids understood the other’s feelings and I have to admit that I loved how Mrs. Mannerd, their “foster mother” was caring and not the villain. We didn’t meet or interact with the villains of the story and we’ll never know if justice was ever served, but there is a bittersweet ending which I was okay with.
The book is mainly a mystery however it does get darker and descriptive in some parts. I would be cautious in recommending this book to anyone who may be sensitive to murder, trauma, death and abuse.
Overall, I enjoyed this book but I took off a star since I felt the ending left a lot to be desired. There were many unanswered questions and I felt some of the events were too brief. Additionally, I think most avid mystery readers will be able to resolve the mystery quite early on in the book given the limited cast introduced. I would recommend this to anyone who is looking for a slightly creepy yet mystery thriller about two great friends!
Read more reviews @ Mystic's Review Shelf
The story depicts a boy named Lionel who is a wild boy and doesn’t prefer to interact with other humans. He prefers behaving like an animal and feels more comfortable that way. Marybeth on the other hand, is a nice girl and never questions or directs Lionel which is how the two become good friends. However one Halloween night, Marybeth meets the blue creature and things take a mysteriously heartbreaking turn from there.
The writing is absolutely breathtaking making the story exciting and interesting. The characters were so well developed and I absolutely loved Marybeth and Lionel. They were honest and not only did they care for each other but they also stood up for each other. Both kids understood the other’s feelings and I have to admit that I loved how Mrs. Mannerd, their “foster mother” was caring and not the villain. We didn’t meet or interact with the villains of the story and we’ll never know if justice was ever served, but there is a bittersweet ending which I was okay with.
The book is mainly a mystery however it does get darker and descriptive in some parts. I would be cautious in recommending this book to anyone who may be sensitive to murder, trauma, death and abuse.
Overall, I enjoyed this book but I took off a star since I felt the ending left a lot to be desired. There were many unanswered questions and I felt some of the events were too brief. Additionally, I think most avid mystery readers will be able to resolve the mystery quite early on in the book given the limited cast introduced. I would recommend this to anyone who is looking for a slightly creepy yet mystery thriller about two great friends!
Read more reviews @ Mystic's Review Shelf
November 1, 2016
KIRKUS REVIEW
This middle-grade fantasy thriller stars two orphans, Marybeth and Lionel, and depicts their trouble with a powerful and determined ghost.
“Lionel was a wild boy. Sometimes he forgot he was a boy at all.” On the other hand, “Marybeth was a very normal girl, with dark hair that she wore braided into pigtails, and round spectacles with red metal rims.” Despite their differences, the two white 9-year-olds are firm friends. They escape from the six older, mean orphans in the little red house presided over by the stuffy Mrs. Mannerd by going into the woods nearby, where Lionel sees a blue something that he thinks is a fox. Later, Marybeth pursues the mysterious blue light—and is possessed by it. Increasingly frightening events ensue, as they try to discover what the ghost (for that’s what it is) wants Marybeth to do. Precise details and humor at the outset will engage readers’ attention, while tension and suspense will keep those pages turning once they are hooked. The depictions of the children and their guardian as well as of the house and landscape bind the realistic elements of the story together while providing an anchor for the fantasy.
This middle-grade fantasy thriller stars two orphans, Marybeth and Lionel, and depicts their trouble with a powerful and determined ghost.
“Lionel was a wild boy. Sometimes he forgot he was a boy at all.” On the other hand, “Marybeth was a very normal girl, with dark hair that she wore braided into pigtails, and round spectacles with red metal rims.” Despite their differences, the two white 9-year-olds are firm friends. They escape from the six older, mean orphans in the little red house presided over by the stuffy Mrs. Mannerd by going into the woods nearby, where Lionel sees a blue something that he thinks is a fox. Later, Marybeth pursues the mysterious blue light—and is possessed by it. Increasingly frightening events ensue, as they try to discover what the ghost (for that’s what it is) wants Marybeth to do. Precise details and humor at the outset will engage readers’ attention, while tension and suspense will keep those pages turning once they are hooked. The depictions of the children and their guardian as well as of the house and landscape bind the realistic elements of the story together while providing an anchor for the fantasy.
May 24, 2017
*Book Received in Exchange for Honest Opinion/Review*
This book was stunning, such a deep, thought-provoking read for middle grade, an absolute must. The main tone of the story is adventurous and mysterious. Why is a blue spirit possessing Marybeth, why is Lionel such a wild child, and what is drawing these two together. But with each turn of the page, your heart breaks a little more. You realize the spirit needs help, and Marybeth and Lionel are the only ones for the job. You hear Lionel's true story and it makes my heart ache. Finally, I take solace in the fact that Marybeth and Lionel have each other and that nothing will break this bond.
So I guess while adventures are had, the real tale is the friendship and bond shared between Marybeth and Lionel. The compassion, protective instinct, and bond they have is strong enough to endure all the challenges that life throws at them. I was captivated and didn't want to put it down, simply a good book.
This book was stunning, such a deep, thought-provoking read for middle grade, an absolute must. The main tone of the story is adventurous and mysterious. Why is a blue spirit possessing Marybeth, why is Lionel such a wild child, and what is drawing these two together. But with each turn of the page, your heart breaks a little more. You realize the spirit needs help, and Marybeth and Lionel are the only ones for the job. You hear Lionel's true story and it makes my heart ache. Finally, I take solace in the fact that Marybeth and Lionel have each other and that nothing will break this bond.
So I guess while adventures are had, the real tale is the friendship and bond shared between Marybeth and Lionel. The compassion, protective instinct, and bond they have is strong enough to endure all the challenges that life throws at them. I was captivated and didn't want to put it down, simply a good book.
July 12, 2018
I liked this book although it wasn't my favorite. There wasn't quite enough meat to it. However, I did like the mystery that threaded itself throughout the book - who is this blue creature? Why is it haunting? How do you get rid of it? I also liked the description of Mrs. Mannerd's character and when we find out more about her background. I would have liked that to have been explored a little more although the story wasn't really about her. The reasoning of why the blue creature picked Marybeth seemed a little shallow and I wish there was more detail about that. BUT although I love children's books, the reason the book lacked some detail that I missed might have been just because it WAS a children's book and as such, it was very good. Very quick read, interesting, intriguing, and kept me wanting to know more.
May 6, 2021
This is very well done horror/mystery for the tween set. The writing is lovely and the interactions between the two children is touching and you feel connected to them.
The subject matter is dark for this age group. Murder. Possession by a ghost. Orphans. Abandonment. Sibling guilt. Destructive lies. EGADS!
However, I think DeStefano struck a good balance appealing to children with a suspenseful, ghostly tale without getting too gruesome. I think adults will "fill in" some of the more sordid details but that is as it should be.
I would recommend this to kids who are looking for creepy factor and have graduated from goosebumps and are able to read a more nuanced title.
The subject matter is dark for this age group. Murder. Possession by a ghost. Orphans. Abandonment. Sibling guilt. Destructive lies. EGADS!
However, I think DeStefano struck a good balance appealing to children with a suspenseful, ghostly tale without getting too gruesome. I think adults will "fill in" some of the more sordid details but that is as it should be.
I would recommend this to kids who are looking for creepy factor and have graduated from goosebumps and are able to read a more nuanced title.
December 28, 2023
This was the book that made me want to keep reading forever. I was about nine and I vividly remember being in my dad’s office above the garage and finishing this book, it was the first time a book ever made me cry. I got it from a library sale and my copy said “ADVANCE UNCORRECTED • PROOF NOT FOR SALE” in big letters on the bottom, i still have it on my bookshelf. I think I’ll probably keep it forever or give it to my kid to read when i’m older, so they can experience the joy that I did discovering how fun reading can be.
November 15, 2016
A quick read good for early and reluctant readers. A quietly, sad and mysterious story of girl possessed by a ghost. At an orphanage, a girl and boy best friends, have an adventure. I rather enjoyed the development of characters. Good pacing with a practical storyline despite the supernatural involvements. Give to ones who like a good ghost story that isn't scary. The subtle commentary on mental disorders and children thrown away is subtle but achingly heartfelt and beautiful.
March 15, 2018
This book started off with a very intriguing plot and characters. But it started losing my interest in the middle. I expected a ghost story but it wasn't a ghost story at all, rather a mystery. A mystery that lacked its excitement and intrigue. The ending was mediocre and we didn't really get to see what had happened to the blue fox in its life. That was very disappointing. We only get hints at what happened. I think this story needed more depth and more action.
November 23, 2021
Gorgeous writing and finely drawn out protagonists, a compelling storyline. I wonder if I haven't heard more about this book because the protagonists are both 9 and the plot is terrifying (spoiler alert: possession). It might be that 11 or 12 year olds who are ready for the scares believe they are too old for this book because of the age of the characters. As an adult reader of middle grade, I found the book delightful.
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