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Spooky Little Things
Madison is an ordinary girl with a passion for reading and aspirations of being a writer. With Halloween looming, she makes some unlikely friends and agrees to help them find their way back home. When their plans take a turn for the worse, they will need to use clever thinking and teamwork to survive as they travel through strange and perilous lands. Join them on a dark journey filled with danger, wonder, and a plague doctor’s dose of spooky little things.
In the spirt of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz and Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, Spooky Little Things is a dark Halloween tale of adventure about four friends that must travel through a nightmare world to find their way home.
In the spirt of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz and Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, Spooky Little Things is a dark Halloween tale of adventure about four friends that must travel through a nightmare world to find their way home.
126 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 13, 2019
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857 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
October 6, 2019
2.5 stars rounded up.
I won this book in a free giveaway in exchange for my honest review. I try to express only my most honest opinion in a spoiler free way. If you feel anything in my review is a spoiler and is not already hidden in spoiler brackets please let me know. Thank you.
Art source at pumpkinfool on Tumblr.
So this book is a little boring. It had its moments where I was able to pay real close attention, but a lot of the book my mind was severely wandering. I can say that this book is meant for children, but even so it was a bit too boring. It reminded me of a cross breed of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, Alice in Wonderland, and the Percy Jackson series all rolled into one. However I really enjoyed those books. I think that the idea behind the book was really great, and there is potential here for the author. I think with a little more experienced I could really come to love his work. The imagination behind this book was really intriguing it just needs a little more work in the actual production of the story.
I won this book in a free giveaway in exchange for my honest review. I try to express only my most honest opinion in a spoiler free way. If you feel anything in my review is a spoiler and is not already hidden in spoiler brackets please let me know. Thank you.
Madison is a young girl who finds a lost witch, ninja rabbit, and skeleton. In an effort to help her friends find there way home she ends up lost with them in a whole new world. Together they have to use the brains, imagination, and skills to get through and find there way home.
Art source at pumpkinfool on Tumblr.
So this book is a little boring. It had its moments where I was able to pay real close attention, but a lot of the book my mind was severely wandering. I can say that this book is meant for children, but even so it was a bit too boring. It reminded me of a cross breed of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, Alice in Wonderland, and the Percy Jackson series all rolled into one. However I really enjoyed those books. I think that the idea behind the book was really great, and there is potential here for the author. I think with a little more experienced I could really come to love his work. The imagination behind this book was really intriguing it just needs a little more work in the actual production of the story.
How I choose my rating:
1* Did not finish, or hated it but forced myself to finish.
2** Didn't really like it. Didn't hate it but not sure why I finished it other then for some closure.
3*** I liked it. I had some issues with it, but as a whole it was good. I probably won't reread again ever, but there is a chance I might finish the series. (If part of one) But if not it's not a huge loss.
4**** I really liked this book. Maybe not a work of genius, but highly entertaining. I may or may not reread this again, and I will finish the series. (If part of one) I would recommend to those I know hold interest in this books content.
5***** I loved this book. I found little to no issues with it at all. I will definitely be rereading this and probably more than once. I will finish the series and reread it multiple times. (If part of one) I will recommend this book to EVERYONE!!!!
December 15, 2020
I received a review copy of this book from the author through a Goodreads giveaway; all opinions are my own and honest.
2.5 stars
"Every idea comes from somewhere. And we come from the place where spooky little ideas come from, but people in your world are only supposed to think of us. You're not supposed to actually meet us."
The premise is cute, but the execution didn't work for me. It's very much a play by play narration style ("This happened, then she said this, then he said this, then she said this, then this happened, then ...") which dragged on; the characters don't have much in the way of personality so much as (physical/magical) quirks; and overall I just really couldn't get into it.
I particularly had issues with the ninja bunny: again a case of cute idea, not-so-great depiction. His "ninja" moves are more kung fu movie than martial arts discipline, and the way he talks seems like a haphazard attempt to portray a non-native English speaker by simply appending "yes?" to the end of every other sentence, even when it doesn't make sense.
And honestly, it doesn't make sense sums up most of my problems with this story. The characters' actions are inconsistent with the reasoning and values they explain; too many of their decisions seem arbitrary and ill-advised; some turns of phrase look fine on the page but don't hold up to a "wait, what?" reread; too many plot elements are introduced separately and never come together.
-----------
CONVERSION : 6.5 / 15 = 2.5 stars
Prose: 4 / 10
Characters & Relationships: 6 / 10
Emotional Impact: 2 / 10
Development / Flow: 5 / 10
Setting: 7 / 10
Diversity & Social Themes: N/A
Intellectual Engagement: 1 / 5
Originality / Trope Execution: 2 / 5
Rereadability: N/A
Memorability: 2 / 5
2.5 stars
"Every idea comes from somewhere. And we come from the place where spooky little ideas come from, but people in your world are only supposed to think of us. You're not supposed to actually meet us."
The premise is cute, but the execution didn't work for me. It's very much a play by play narration style ("This happened, then she said this, then he said this, then she said this, then this happened, then ...") which dragged on; the characters don't have much in the way of personality so much as (physical/magical) quirks; and overall I just really couldn't get into it.
I particularly had issues with the ninja bunny: again a case of cute idea, not-so-great depiction. His "ninja" moves are more kung fu movie than martial arts discipline, and the way he talks seems like a haphazard attempt to portray a non-native English speaker by simply appending "yes?" to the end of every other sentence, even when it doesn't make sense.
And honestly, it doesn't make sense sums up most of my problems with this story. The characters' actions are inconsistent with the reasoning and values they explain; too many of their decisions seem arbitrary and ill-advised; some turns of phrase look fine on the page but don't hold up to a "wait, what?" reread; too many plot elements are introduced separately and never come together.
-----------
CONVERSION : 6.5 / 15 = 2.5 stars
Prose: 4 / 10
Characters & Relationships: 6 / 10
Emotional Impact: 2 / 10
Development / Flow: 5 / 10
Setting: 7 / 10
Diversity & Social Themes: N/A
Intellectual Engagement: 1 / 5
Originality / Trope Execution: 2 / 5
Rereadability: N/A
Memorability: 2 / 5
January 5, 2022
~Disclaimer: I received a free kindle copy of this book. ~
This book was attempting to be fantastical and there are some cool ideas in this. But the execution was rather dull in places. The idea of concepts coming to the real world by accident is an idea that could have been really fun to explore.
“And we come from the place where spooky little ideas come from, but people in your world are only supposed to think of us.” (Pg. 19)
At points things could have been interesting, but rather than the author chose to sidestep it with lines like: “Madison asked her new friends questions about where they came from and what their school was like. They answered as best they could, even though Madison did not always understand their answers and was often left with more questions. They asked Madison about Halloween and what people did with ideas when they thought of them.” (pg. 30). We get dialogue, but elements that would have been really interesting to explore are ignored.
There were scenes that I felt were compelling, but for me lacked any real tension because I was certain everyone would survive these encounters with enemies. Although, I did find some of the dialogue with those standing in the way of the goals to be a bit reminiscent of Alice in Wonderland. “This place has so many names. To give only one would be a disservice to all the others. Instead of where we are, better to know what we are, and to that question, there can be but one answer.” (Pg. 63) Some of the solutions to the problems that arose were creative, but blandly communicated.
I feel a bit bad about my delay reviewing this book; especially because it looks like the kindle copy isn’t available at the time of my review. But I couldn’t get into it when I first got it and ending up forgetting it. I doubt my review would have helped with selling the book though. So, maybe it is best I didn’t get to it until now.
This book was attempting to be fantastical and there are some cool ideas in this. But the execution was rather dull in places. The idea of concepts coming to the real world by accident is an idea that could have been really fun to explore.
“And we come from the place where spooky little ideas come from, but people in your world are only supposed to think of us.” (Pg. 19)
At points things could have been interesting, but rather than the author chose to sidestep it with lines like: “Madison asked her new friends questions about where they came from and what their school was like. They answered as best they could, even though Madison did not always understand their answers and was often left with more questions. They asked Madison about Halloween and what people did with ideas when they thought of them.” (pg. 30). We get dialogue, but elements that would have been really interesting to explore are ignored.
There were scenes that I felt were compelling, but for me lacked any real tension because I was certain everyone would survive these encounters with enemies. Although, I did find some of the dialogue with those standing in the way of the goals to be a bit reminiscent of Alice in Wonderland. “This place has so many names. To give only one would be a disservice to all the others. Instead of where we are, better to know what we are, and to that question, there can be but one answer.” (Pg. 63) Some of the solutions to the problems that arose were creative, but blandly communicated.
I feel a bit bad about my delay reviewing this book; especially because it looks like the kindle copy isn’t available at the time of my review. But I couldn’t get into it when I first got it and ending up forgetting it. I doubt my review would have helped with selling the book though. So, maybe it is best I didn’t get to it until now.
February 28, 2022
This was a cute quick little read. For such a short book it set up quite a bit of world building! I would recommend this for a younger audience but you'll probably enjoy it at an older age too. I wish some plot points weren't rushed through or explained more. Some things felt glossed over.
I won this book as a giveaway and this is my honest review, voluntary given.
I won this book as a giveaway and this is my honest review, voluntary given.
March 31, 2020
(Won this book on GoodReads). Cute little youngster Halloween story. Loved the characters and their adventure. Very fun little story to read to little ones during the fall season. Thank you for sharing.
September 25, 2019
Spooky Little Things was a nice little book, but seemed to not really know what it was trying to be. It was almost a perfect definition of a spooky children's book until there were random scenes of a more pg-13 graphic violence nature. It wanted to be a bit of a self-discovery type book, but the main character didn't really seem to earn the particular reward she got at the end of the book.
Overall a good read, but seems to be a little inconsistent.
Overall a good read, but seems to be a little inconsistent.
October 3, 2019
I rarely leave reviews
I don't often leave reviews mostly because I don't normally know what to say but this book was great I'm mean how can you go wrong with a book that has a ninja bunny(in training mind you) in it the initial story line was wrapped up well in this book but would love to see certain things expanded upon in additional books
I don't often leave reviews mostly because I don't normally know what to say but this book was great I'm mean how can you go wrong with a book that has a ninja bunny(in training mind you) in it the initial story line was wrapped up well in this book but would love to see certain things expanded upon in additional books
October 23, 2019
Spooky Halloween read for kids, but more Alice in Wonderland than R. L. Stine. Interesting premise, sweet characters. More importantly, I submit all my Goodreads wins for children and young adults to my 12 year-old daughter. She only has to check the descriptions. At most, I ask her to read a couple of chapters. She likes this one. She's been reading it for the past three nights.
January 5, 2020
I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway.
I thought it was a cute, easy read. I'm a bit confused on the exact age demographic this was going for. At times it felt very juvenile but others much more preteen.
I enjoyed the spooky little characters and the growth each of them got to experience.
All in all thought it was a cute and lighthearted read.
I thought it was a cute, easy read. I'm a bit confused on the exact age demographic this was going for. At times it felt very juvenile but others much more preteen.
I enjoyed the spooky little characters and the growth each of them got to experience.
All in all thought it was a cute and lighthearted read.
January 6, 2020
This was a cute, fun Halloween read. I really enjoyed the descriptive way the author writes. It’s a perfect middle grade spooky read. Some of it was a bit dark, but nothing that would give someone nightmares over. I really enjoyed this first book by Matthew T. Eaton.
My thanks to Goodreads for this book.
My thanks to Goodreads for this book.
September 24, 2019
Spooky Little Things is just what I needed to break up some of my heavier reads. Madison and her trio of spooky friends are perfect for reading in the dark, under your covers, on the Eve of Halloween. A perfect children’s Halloween story sure to delight adults as well!
February 15, 2020
I won this novel in exchange for a honest review. It's a fun story to read around Halloween and great for kids (9-12 year olds) to read as it's not creepy or graphic.
October 27, 2019
I received a Kindle edition of this book through a Goodreads Giveaway.
This was a cute fun read. It's a good get into Halloween book even though it's geared towards middle grade kids.
This was a cute fun read. It's a good get into Halloween book even though it's geared towards middle grade kids.
Want to read
January 2, 2020Adoring this spooky little book.
January 10, 2020
It was an interesting story, good for near Halloween, or for those that enjoy spooky or horror themes throughout the year. It was easy to read and entertaining, as well.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews