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Stuffed #2
Into Darkness
No Stuffy has ever gone into the Darkness and returned....
Clark can’t wait to go away to camp this year. For the first time ever, he has actual friends to hang out with. Catherine-Lucille and D. A. will both be at Camp I Can with Clark, and C. L. has already promised to induct him into her exclusive camp club—the one for campers who know everything there is to know about the world of Monsters and how Stuffies protect kids from them. And now that he knows (or suspects . . . very strongly) that his grandma-made Stuffy, Foon, heroically saved his own father from a horrible fate, Clark is obviously bringing Foon to camp along with him.
But once Clark gets to camp, he and his friends discover things are off. There are strange, gooey findings in some of the bunks, the adults are acting weird, and, worst of all, their Stuffies and dolls go missing right at the moment they need them the most—when they go on the intersession camping trip and end up trapped in a creepy old cabin. What Clark and his friends don’t know, and what the mighty Foon soon discovers, is that the Monsters have launched a revenge campaign against Foon—a campaign that entails sucking the very life out of Clark. Now it’s up to Foon to enter the World of Darkness and take on the Monster in charge in order to stop the plot and save Clark’s life.
In the long tradition of Stuffies vs. Monsters, this one’s a battle for the ages—one that will certainly go down in Stuffy history.
Clark can’t wait to go away to camp this year. For the first time ever, he has actual friends to hang out with. Catherine-Lucille and D. A. will both be at Camp I Can with Clark, and C. L. has already promised to induct him into her exclusive camp club—the one for campers who know everything there is to know about the world of Monsters and how Stuffies protect kids from them. And now that he knows (or suspects . . . very strongly) that his grandma-made Stuffy, Foon, heroically saved his own father from a horrible fate, Clark is obviously bringing Foon to camp along with him.
But once Clark gets to camp, he and his friends discover things are off. There are strange, gooey findings in some of the bunks, the adults are acting weird, and, worst of all, their Stuffies and dolls go missing right at the moment they need them the most—when they go on the intersession camping trip and end up trapped in a creepy old cabin. What Clark and his friends don’t know, and what the mighty Foon soon discovers, is that the Monsters have launched a revenge campaign against Foon—a campaign that entails sucking the very life out of Clark. Now it’s up to Foon to enter the World of Darkness and take on the Monster in charge in order to stop the plot and save Clark’s life.
In the long tradition of Stuffies vs. Monsters, this one’s a battle for the ages—one that will certainly go down in Stuffy history.
400 pages, Hardcover
First published May 4, 2021
About the author
Liz Braswell
27 books5,095 followersAfter the sort of introverted childhood you would expect from a writer, Liz earned a degree in Egyptology at Brown University and then promptly spent the next ten years producing video games. Finally she caved into fate and wrote Snow and Rx under the name Tracy Lynn, followed by The Nine Lives of Chloe King series under her real name, because by then the assassins hunting her were all dead. She also has short stories in Geektastic and Who Done It and a new series of reimagined fairy tales coming out, starting with A Whole New World—a retelling of Aladdin.
She lives in Brooklyn with a husband, two children, a cat, a part-time dog, three fish and five coffee trees she insists will start producing beans any day. You can email her at me@lizbraswell.com.
She lives in Brooklyn with a husband, two children, a cat, a part-time dog, three fish and five coffee trees she insists will start producing beans any day. You can email her at me@lizbraswell.com.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
April 28, 2021
Into Darkness, Stuffed #2, wow. I have no words to say right now.
Kidding, I got a heck of a ton to say-
When I first requested this book (it sounded really interesting imo), I didn't know it was part of a series. Not that surprising though, seeing as Liz typically writes series in general.
I used to be super into the Twisted Tales series too, until I kind of lost interest when Disney let newer authors contribute (and I'm not talking about the Mulan one, own-voices is always good).
Now, I know what y'all are thinking... Was it good?
Well, first, I gotta talk the basics. Y'all know that because I didn't know it was a series, it was slightly confusing to understand. The author expected me to understand everything already. There was some re-introducing, but, meh, that was it. I had to figure out most of it by myself. And y'all know I don't like that.
As for the characters, I found 'em pretty unique and interesting. There were some unfunny jokes here and there, but it was okay, ya know? Tropes were decent. The story was somewhat disturbing, but Imma still love stuffed animals lol.
All in all, I think I'm just kinda upset that I didn't get it. The author definitely should have provided more summaries for the new readers, who didn't read the previous book.
I still like the book?? I think it's a cool idea, maybe just not my cup of tea. I need to check out the first book to know more, that's for sure :')
Kidding, I got a heck of a ton to say-
When I first requested this book (it sounded really interesting imo), I didn't know it was part of a series. Not that surprising though, seeing as Liz typically writes series in general.
I used to be super into the Twisted Tales series too, until I kind of lost interest when Disney let newer authors contribute (and I'm not talking about the Mulan one, own-voices is always good).
Now, I know what y'all are thinking... Was it good?
Well, first, I gotta talk the basics. Y'all know that because I didn't know it was a series, it was slightly confusing to understand. The author expected me to understand everything already. There was some re-introducing, but, meh, that was it. I had to figure out most of it by myself. And y'all know I don't like that.
As for the characters, I found 'em pretty unique and interesting. There were some unfunny jokes here and there, but it was okay, ya know? Tropes were decent. The story was somewhat disturbing, but Imma still love stuffed animals lol.
All in all, I think I'm just kinda upset that I didn't get it. The author definitely should have provided more summaries for the new readers, who didn't read the previous book.
I still like the book?? I think it's a cool idea, maybe just not my cup of tea. I need to check out the first book to know more, that's for sure :')
Shelved as 'dnf'
April 25, 2021first off, i'm gonna count this as a dnf, but take it with a grain of salt cause this was a good book, but i didn't realize that it was the second book in the series. but, this was still kind cute.
honestly, i feel like Netgalley should have some sort of system where it tells you that it's the second book in the series, cause before i requested and even started reading it, i didn't know that it would be the second book in a series. but, i honestly felt with reading this book i just didn't have any clue what was happening, since i didn't read book 1. but, this book was honestly pretty cute, and i would have read the rest if i knew what was happening, especially since we even got to see the stuffies pov. with that being said, i do honestly feel like this would be the perfect middle grade series, if you read book one. but, thank you for an arc!
honestly, i feel like Netgalley should have some sort of system where it tells you that it's the second book in the series, cause before i requested and even started reading it, i didn't know that it would be the second book in a series. but, i honestly felt with reading this book i just didn't have any clue what was happening, since i didn't read book 1. but, this book was honestly pretty cute, and i would have read the rest if i knew what was happening, especially since we even got to see the stuffies pov. with that being said, i do honestly feel like this would be the perfect middle grade series, if you read book one. but, thank you for an arc!
April 26, 2021
This year Clark can't wait to go back to camp. This time he has friends to hang out with. His friends from last year will be there again. Clark will finally be initiated into their exclusive camp club. The club and its members are the only ones who knows everything about Monsters and Stuffies. Clark brings his Stuffy, Foon, who Clark suspects had saved his father from a monster.
When Clark and his friends get to camp, they realize something is off. They find strange things and gooey substances are all over their bunks. The adults at the camp are all acting weird and their Stuffies go missing when they need them most. On a camping trip, they friends become trapped in a creepy old cabin. They soon realize that the Monsters are out for revenge against Foon and will stop at nothing to get it.
I thought this was going to be a fun read because the cover looked cute. I liked that the book included instructions on how to create your own Stuffy. I didn't realize this book was a continuation of the first book. While they attempted to give a brief summary, I felt like there was a few nuances that I missed. However, I actually didn't finish reading the book because I felt the book was to very boring. The writing style was clinical and felt dull. Typically, when I read YA/Children books, the book is filled with jokes that are aimed to keep young readers entertained. This book felt like punishment to read and I lost interest one third of the way in.
When Clark and his friends get to camp, they realize something is off. They find strange things and gooey substances are all over their bunks. The adults at the camp are all acting weird and their Stuffies go missing when they need them most. On a camping trip, they friends become trapped in a creepy old cabin. They soon realize that the Monsters are out for revenge against Foon and will stop at nothing to get it.
I thought this was going to be a fun read because the cover looked cute. I liked that the book included instructions on how to create your own Stuffy. I didn't realize this book was a continuation of the first book. While they attempted to give a brief summary, I felt like there was a few nuances that I missed. However, I actually didn't finish reading the book because I felt the book was to very boring. The writing style was clinical and felt dull. Typically, when I read YA/Children books, the book is filled with jokes that are aimed to keep young readers entertained. This book felt like punishment to read and I lost interest one third of the way in.
April 28, 2021
I really enjoyed this book and it is about something I always suspected. Stuffies (stuffed animals) battle the monsters under your bed while you are asleep. Clark is attending Camp I Can with his trusted stuffie Foon who was made by his grandmother and while this is the second installment, I think the first part catching things up nicely. The counselors are acting weird, there is weird slime showing up and the campers are losing their stuffies one by one. As Clark meets up with his friends from last year, Catherine-Lucille and D. A, things don't go as well as then. Foon has discovered a plot by the monsters to suck the life out of Clark.
The is high adventure with the gang, going on a camping trip and ending up in a creepy cabin, Foon giving quippy asides which make the story even more fun and then directions to create your own stuffie just like Clark's grandmother made him. I really enjoyed this cute read but thought it might be a little hard for middle-graders to keep up with unless they break it down into little chunks. I need to go back and read the first one!
The is high adventure with the gang, going on a camping trip and ending up in a creepy cabin, Foon giving quippy asides which make the story even more fun and then directions to create your own stuffie just like Clark's grandmother made him. I really enjoyed this cute read but thought it might be a little hard for middle-graders to keep up with unless they break it down into little chunks. I need to go back and read the first one!
April 2, 2021
NETGALLEY ARC
I requested this without realizing it was a sequel, however I think the book did a decent enough recap that I wasn't lost, just missed out on little inside things. It was still a cute read, and the book included DIY activities like making your own stuffed mouse!
I'm turning thirty-seven this year and I still keep, buy, name, sleep with, and talk to my plushies/stuffies/stuffed animals. When I was a kid, you better believe I thought they came to life while I slept, and I would make sure I said goodnight to every one of them and tucked in whichever ones were sleeping with me. So, this book resonated something nostalgically fierce with me.
Pros: Referenced Maus & elasmosaurus & axolotls, has positive message overall and lines/quotes throughout; good example from a Barbie being - "I suspect that if you're lucky and live long enough--you never stop making mistakes.....(L)ife is growth, Stuffy. Change is life. There is no such thing as perfection." No romance present (or, if there was, it was hella subtle), just friendships and love between kids and their toys. Also, a possible subtle trans Stuffy?
Con: Aahhh, no, the author used the falsely spread rumor about eating spiders in your sleep! Alas, everyone has mobile devices now to confirm that, so hopefully readers do their research?
Book ends with a set up for third installment.
By the Grace of the Velveteen!
I requested this without realizing it was a sequel, however I think the book did a decent enough recap that I wasn't lost, just missed out on little inside things. It was still a cute read, and the book included DIY activities like making your own stuffed mouse!
I'm turning thirty-seven this year and I still keep, buy, name, sleep with, and talk to my plushies/stuffies/stuffed animals. When I was a kid, you better believe I thought they came to life while I slept, and I would make sure I said goodnight to every one of them and tucked in whichever ones were sleeping with me. So, this book resonated something nostalgically fierce with me.
Pros: Referenced Maus & elasmosaurus & axolotls, has positive message overall and lines/quotes throughout; good example from a Barbie being - "I suspect that if you're lucky and live long enough--you never stop making mistakes.....(L)ife is growth, Stuffy. Change is life. There is no such thing as perfection." No romance present (or, if there was, it was hella subtle), just friendships and love between kids and their toys. Also, a possible subtle trans Stuffy?
Con: Aahhh, no, the author used the falsely spread rumor about eating spiders in your sleep! Alas, everyone has mobile devices now to confirm that, so hopefully readers do their research?
Book ends with a set up for third installment.
By the Grace of the Velveteen!
February 28, 2021
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I read “Stuffed” before reading the sequel, “Into Darkness,” and it did not disappoint!
The author went to the next level with this story. Initially, I was worried, as the story starts off a bit slow, with nothing much happening. However, the story takes full form when Kris joins the picture. While I was not too fond of Kris, I must admit he brought the story to life. From there, the author terrifically paces the story, especially when Foon starts his quest. The author fills the story with suspense, action, adventure, with beautiful messages that a reader of any age group would enjoy.
On the one hand, I loved the drama between D.A. and C.L. Unfortunately, Clark’s reunion at camp does not go the way he had hoped. I enjoyed how the author tackled this because we face situations where we make new friends growing up, and sometimes we don’t realize who our real friends are. On the other hand, the author fills the book with fantastic adventure moments revolving around Foon. The moments where Foon fights Yechzeken was one of the highlights! Similarly, I loved Foon’s interactions with “Phlebbish” and how the monster questions his beliefs.
However, the only thing I missed in this story compared to book 1 was the cute interruptions Foon makes with the reader. While the first book was more of a children’s novel, this book is a full-on middle-grade adventure. Nevertheless, it is very entertaining! Also, the author once again put in exciting tutorials on how to make badges and more stuffies! The story also ends with a hint of another book coming soon, which I am already excited to read!
Overall, “Into Darkness” is a beautiful middle-grade adventure and a complete entertainer!
April 27, 2021
Disclaimer: I received the finished copy from the publisher. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: Into Darkness
Author: Liz Braswell
Book Series: Stuffed Book 2
Rating: 4/5
Recommended For...: mg readers, fantasy lovers, teddie bear sleepers
Publication Date: May 4, 2021
Genre: MG Fantasy
Recommended Age: 10+ (some scary moments, violence, slight gore)
Publisher: Disney-Hyperion
Pages: 400
Synopsis: Clark can’t wait to go away to camp this year. For the first time ever, he has actual friends to hang out with. Catherine-Lucille and D. A. will both be at Camp I Can with Clark, and C. L. has already promised to induct him into her exclusive camp club—the one for campers who know everything there is to know about the world of Monsters and how Stuffies protect kids from them. And now that he knows (or suspects . . . very strongly) that his grandma-made Stuffy, Foon, heroically saved his own father from a horrible fate, Clark is obviously bringing Foon to camp along with him.
But once Clark gets to camp, he and his friends discover things are off. There are strange, gooey findings in some of the bunks, the adults are acting weird, and, worst of all, their Stuffies and dolls go missing right at the moment they need them the most—when they go on the intersession camping trip and end up trapped in a creepy old cabin. What Clark and his friends don’t know, and what the mighty Foon soon discovers, is that the Monsters have launched a revenge campaign against Foon—a campaign that entails sucking the very life out of Clark. Now it’s up to Foon to enter the World of Darkness and take on the Monster in charge in order to stop the plot and save Clark’s life.
In the long tradition of Stuffies vs. Monsters, this one’s a battle for the ages—one that will certainly go down in Stuffy history.
Review: For the most part I really liked this book. The pacing was well done and the world building was amazing. For someone who didn’t read book 1 (yes I know hypocrisy, but I didn’t know it was a sequel!) I was able to keep up with the story and completely jump in without previous knowledge, however it would have made the read easier for me. The book had a good storyline and the plot kept me intrigued from start to finish.
The only thing that I didn’t feel was as good were the characters, however it was possibly due to me not reading the first book. They just didn’t feel as developed for me and their motives were unclear.
Verdict: It was good!
Book: Into Darkness
Author: Liz Braswell
Book Series: Stuffed Book 2
Rating: 4/5
Recommended For...: mg readers, fantasy lovers, teddie bear sleepers
Publication Date: May 4, 2021
Genre: MG Fantasy
Recommended Age: 10+ (some scary moments, violence, slight gore)
Publisher: Disney-Hyperion
Pages: 400
Synopsis: Clark can’t wait to go away to camp this year. For the first time ever, he has actual friends to hang out with. Catherine-Lucille and D. A. will both be at Camp I Can with Clark, and C. L. has already promised to induct him into her exclusive camp club—the one for campers who know everything there is to know about the world of Monsters and how Stuffies protect kids from them. And now that he knows (or suspects . . . very strongly) that his grandma-made Stuffy, Foon, heroically saved his own father from a horrible fate, Clark is obviously bringing Foon to camp along with him.
But once Clark gets to camp, he and his friends discover things are off. There are strange, gooey findings in some of the bunks, the adults are acting weird, and, worst of all, their Stuffies and dolls go missing right at the moment they need them the most—when they go on the intersession camping trip and end up trapped in a creepy old cabin. What Clark and his friends don’t know, and what the mighty Foon soon discovers, is that the Monsters have launched a revenge campaign against Foon—a campaign that entails sucking the very life out of Clark. Now it’s up to Foon to enter the World of Darkness and take on the Monster in charge in order to stop the plot and save Clark’s life.
In the long tradition of Stuffies vs. Monsters, this one’s a battle for the ages—one that will certainly go down in Stuffy history.
Review: For the most part I really liked this book. The pacing was well done and the world building was amazing. For someone who didn’t read book 1 (yes I know hypocrisy, but I didn’t know it was a sequel!) I was able to keep up with the story and completely jump in without previous knowledge, however it would have made the read easier for me. The book had a good storyline and the plot kept me intrigued from start to finish.
The only thing that I didn’t feel was as good were the characters, however it was possibly due to me not reading the first book. They just didn’t feel as developed for me and their motives were unclear.
Verdict: It was good!
June 2, 2021
When I requested this book from Netgalley, I didn’t realize it was the second book … so I went and borrowed the first one and listened to it first. I’m glad I did, as I absolutely loved both of them.
As children, my cousin and I were both very aware of the monsters under the bed, but whereas I had a lamp by my bed, he had only the switch to the overhead light on the other side of the room beside the door. He solved the problem by designing an elaborate series of cords that allowed him to get safely into bed, and then turn out the light! C.L. would be impressed, no doubt!
In this feel-good, offbeat fantasy, friends Clark, D.A., and Catherine Lucille are happy to be getting back to Camp I Can and looking forward to spending two week-long sessions together, as well as the inter-session campout in between. But when they arrive at camp, something seems … off. Most of the staff and senior counsellors are either sick and have been replaced, or seems out of it and almost zombie-like. Turns out the monsters are planning revenge against Foon for killing the King Derker that was living in Clark’s house last year. They’ve figured out which boy belongs with Foon, and have arranged to have all the stuffies confiscated from the kids headed to the inter-session camp, so that while they have the kids trapped on the monster controlled mountain in a spooky cabin they can capture and eat Clark.
Foon realizes he’s been left behind and needs to get to his boy as quickly as possible, so armed with his trusty silver trident (a seafood fork pilfered from the silverware drawer) named Focus, Foon heads into the world of darkness, where he’ll meet up with a Phlebbish, a type of monster who doesn’t eat children or harm humans at all, but steals orphan socks to build its tent homes out of and is also very fond of used bubble gum. The Phlebbish agrees to help Food find his way through the darkness to the door to the mountain in return for the infamous, mighty Foon not killing him. The “door” turns out to be through a Grindel – a monster that reaches up between the worlds and into a dead tree outside the cabin in the woods. Without even knowing it, boy and stuffie will work together to defeat the monster and save the camp – and the world!
As children, my cousin and I were both very aware of the monsters under the bed, but whereas I had a lamp by my bed, he had only the switch to the overhead light on the other side of the room beside the door. He solved the problem by designing an elaborate series of cords that allowed him to get safely into bed, and then turn out the light! C.L. would be impressed, no doubt!
In this feel-good, offbeat fantasy, friends Clark, D.A., and Catherine Lucille are happy to be getting back to Camp I Can and looking forward to spending two week-long sessions together, as well as the inter-session campout in between. But when they arrive at camp, something seems … off. Most of the staff and senior counsellors are either sick and have been replaced, or seems out of it and almost zombie-like. Turns out the monsters are planning revenge against Foon for killing the King Derker that was living in Clark’s house last year. They’ve figured out which boy belongs with Foon, and have arranged to have all the stuffies confiscated from the kids headed to the inter-session camp, so that while they have the kids trapped on the monster controlled mountain in a spooky cabin they can capture and eat Clark.
Foon realizes he’s been left behind and needs to get to his boy as quickly as possible, so armed with his trusty silver trident (a seafood fork pilfered from the silverware drawer) named Focus, Foon heads into the world of darkness, where he’ll meet up with a Phlebbish, a type of monster who doesn’t eat children or harm humans at all, but steals orphan socks to build its tent homes out of and is also very fond of used bubble gum. The Phlebbish agrees to help Food find his way through the darkness to the door to the mountain in return for the infamous, mighty Foon not killing him. The “door” turns out to be through a Grindel – a monster that reaches up between the worlds and into a dead tree outside the cabin in the woods. Without even knowing it, boy and stuffie will work together to defeat the monster and save the camp – and the world!
June 9, 2021
I have always been a fan of Liz Braswell's writing and this book is no exception to that. I have not read the first book in this series, but I feel that the author did a great job of catching you up on the important things that you need to know to not be lost in this book.
Clark is excited to go to camp I Can this year because he will actually have friend there unlike his previous years. He is looking forward to spending some quality time with those friends that are going and he is going to be inducted into the exclusive club that his friend C.L. always talks about. This club is one that knows all things about Monsters and stuffies.
Stuffies are our stuffed animals that we have to take with us everywhere. The ones that grandma's and mom's have made that have special meaning. I love that there are instructions to make your own Stuffy like in the book. I know that kids of all ages would love to be able to make a Stuffy like in a story they are reading to make it seem more real to them.
Clark and the other campers notice immediately upon arriving at camp that some things are off this year. Strange gooey stuff keeps showing up, the adults are all acting strange, the stuffies end up eventually going missing. Clark and the other campers can't quiet put their finger on what is going on. The food is horrible at camp this year and no one is eating it.
When Clark and a few of the other campers go on the hike that they have all been looking forward to, the weather send them seeking shelter in an old abandoned cabin they find. Little do they know that all of this has been orchestrated by the Monsters to get revenge on Foon. They plan on doing this by getting to Clark first. Will the Stuffies be able to block the revenge or will the Monsters prevail in their attack? You will have to read this one to find out! I think kids of all ages will get sucked into this battle and read until the very end. Very well written and planned out.
I voluntarily read and reviewed this book and all opinions are my own. Thanks to Netgalley, the author and the publisher for an advanced copy of this book. I can't wait for the next book in this series, as I am sure there is going to be!
Clark is excited to go to camp I Can this year because he will actually have friend there unlike his previous years. He is looking forward to spending some quality time with those friends that are going and he is going to be inducted into the exclusive club that his friend C.L. always talks about. This club is one that knows all things about Monsters and stuffies.
Stuffies are our stuffed animals that we have to take with us everywhere. The ones that grandma's and mom's have made that have special meaning. I love that there are instructions to make your own Stuffy like in the book. I know that kids of all ages would love to be able to make a Stuffy like in a story they are reading to make it seem more real to them.
Clark and the other campers notice immediately upon arriving at camp that some things are off this year. Strange gooey stuff keeps showing up, the adults are all acting strange, the stuffies end up eventually going missing. Clark and the other campers can't quiet put their finger on what is going on. The food is horrible at camp this year and no one is eating it.
When Clark and a few of the other campers go on the hike that they have all been looking forward to, the weather send them seeking shelter in an old abandoned cabin they find. Little do they know that all of this has been orchestrated by the Monsters to get revenge on Foon. They plan on doing this by getting to Clark first. Will the Stuffies be able to block the revenge or will the Monsters prevail in their attack? You will have to read this one to find out! I think kids of all ages will get sucked into this battle and read until the very end. Very well written and planned out.
I voluntarily read and reviewed this book and all opinions are my own. Thanks to Netgalley, the author and the publisher for an advanced copy of this book. I can't wait for the next book in this series, as I am sure there is going to be!
July 10, 2021
Into Darkness is one of the first books I've read in a long while that is second in a series and neither explains its setup nor tries to re-introduce its cast.
And I really like it for that.
The plot jumps between two different points of view: that of the human child Clark and that of the stuffy warrior Foon. (Who I cannot stop picturing as my favorite raccoon plushie from my childhood, even though he's not exactly described that way. The nostalgia hits hard.) The creatures of the darkness are hatching a revenge plot against Foon for his deeds in the previous book, and while Clark doesn't know this directly, he does know there's something unsafe out there. He also knows that his stuffies provide protection, so he and his friends bring them along to summer camp, planning to ignore any teasing that might come up. But there's some tension between Clark and his friends, and interactions between the campers stress the friendship. This is largely the part where it's clear these kids have a past together, and there's still some unresolved friction from previous events. But rather than pause the action to explain everything, the story moves forward with the expectation that the reader will either catch up or do what most readers do who pick up a series in the middle--figure out that they should probably read the first book, well, first.
Meanwhile, Foon and his stuffy allies are trying to discover the source of the strange goings-on at camp. Some of the previous staff has been replaced, and stuffies seem to be confiscated with almost no reason at all. With a little creativity, they work to increase their numbers and Foon searches for a way to take the fight directly to his enemies rather than waiting for them to come to him.
Without spoiling too much, there's a few moments where the lines between good and evil get blurred a bit, which I really appreciated. The book also has a great sense of humor. Not over the top, but you can't ignore the level of seriousness with which the stuffed animals take their mission and the villain who takes destroying them just as seriously. There's just a fun, adventurous vibe to the story. Definitely recommended. And, yes, for anyone who is curious, I have purchased the first book and look forward to reading it.
And I really like it for that.
The plot jumps between two different points of view: that of the human child Clark and that of the stuffy warrior Foon. (Who I cannot stop picturing as my favorite raccoon plushie from my childhood, even though he's not exactly described that way. The nostalgia hits hard.) The creatures of the darkness are hatching a revenge plot against Foon for his deeds in the previous book, and while Clark doesn't know this directly, he does know there's something unsafe out there. He also knows that his stuffies provide protection, so he and his friends bring them along to summer camp, planning to ignore any teasing that might come up. But there's some tension between Clark and his friends, and interactions between the campers stress the friendship. This is largely the part where it's clear these kids have a past together, and there's still some unresolved friction from previous events. But rather than pause the action to explain everything, the story moves forward with the expectation that the reader will either catch up or do what most readers do who pick up a series in the middle--figure out that they should probably read the first book, well, first.
Meanwhile, Foon and his stuffy allies are trying to discover the source of the strange goings-on at camp. Some of the previous staff has been replaced, and stuffies seem to be confiscated with almost no reason at all. With a little creativity, they work to increase their numbers and Foon searches for a way to take the fight directly to his enemies rather than waiting for them to come to him.
Without spoiling too much, there's a few moments where the lines between good and evil get blurred a bit, which I really appreciated. The book also has a great sense of humor. Not over the top, but you can't ignore the level of seriousness with which the stuffed animals take their mission and the villain who takes destroying them just as seriously. There's just a fun, adventurous vibe to the story. Definitely recommended. And, yes, for anyone who is curious, I have purchased the first book and look forward to reading it.
May 5, 2021
3.5 Stars
The second book in the latest series from Liz Braswell, Into Darkness (Stuffed #2) expands upon the world we are introduced to in Stuffed--the world of monsters and Stuffies.
Now just like most kids, I had some beloved stuffies (I still have a few that keep me safe), and I knew that they had special abilities. In Stuffed, we were introduced to this world, and in Into Darkness, this world will have to be defended once again. Because you see there are terrible, horrible, disgusting monsters that live in the creepy corners and the shadows; ones who suck the energy from unsuspecting humans. But Stuffies keep their humans (and even humans they may not know) safe from the monsters. And there is no more heroic a Stuffy than Foon, the warrior stuffy that saved the Boy's (we know him as Clark) Dad from a horrible death at the hand of the King of all monsters.
Now that Clark is keyed into the world of monsters versus Stuffies, he and the friends he made at Camp I Can are tracking the monster activity. Meanwhile, Foon and his fellow Stuffies are preparing for what seems to be an even more sinister monster plot. Into Darkness brings Humans and Stuffies together again, working to fight back the monsters.
This is action-packed, funny, and a little frightening--a perfect combo for the adventurous middle grade reader. The world of Stuffies is one all kids can relate too, and so many adults (because who didn't have/still has their favorite Stuffy?). The pacing is a little slow at times, but when the action flows, it makes up for it. I loved seeing the human world from the stuffies perspective, and then also getting the view point of Clark and his friends. Once you dive in, you'll never see your own stuffed animals the same way.
The second book in the latest series from Liz Braswell, Into Darkness (Stuffed #2) expands upon the world we are introduced to in Stuffed--the world of monsters and Stuffies.
Now just like most kids, I had some beloved stuffies (I still have a few that keep me safe), and I knew that they had special abilities. In Stuffed, we were introduced to this world, and in Into Darkness, this world will have to be defended once again. Because you see there are terrible, horrible, disgusting monsters that live in the creepy corners and the shadows; ones who suck the energy from unsuspecting humans. But Stuffies keep their humans (and even humans they may not know) safe from the monsters. And there is no more heroic a Stuffy than Foon, the warrior stuffy that saved the Boy's (we know him as Clark) Dad from a horrible death at the hand of the King of all monsters.
Now that Clark is keyed into the world of monsters versus Stuffies, he and the friends he made at Camp I Can are tracking the monster activity. Meanwhile, Foon and his fellow Stuffies are preparing for what seems to be an even more sinister monster plot. Into Darkness brings Humans and Stuffies together again, working to fight back the monsters.
This is action-packed, funny, and a little frightening--a perfect combo for the adventurous middle grade reader. The world of Stuffies is one all kids can relate too, and so many adults (because who didn't have/still has their favorite Stuffy?). The pacing is a little slow at times, but when the action flows, it makes up for it. I loved seeing the human world from the stuffies perspective, and then also getting the view point of Clark and his friends. Once you dive in, you'll never see your own stuffed animals the same way.
May 5, 2021
I'm turning 40 this year and I still own stuffies. Granted, some are in boxes and some adorn my bookcases, but all in all, I love stuffed animals so much that now my son is addicted to collecting puppy stuffies (our last count was 36 of them) I had to buy him one of those hammocks to hang so he wasn't overcrowded in bed. Reading this book series reminded of a time when I had the same hammock because I had soooo many stuffies that I used to set some of them out on the rail of my bed to "guard" over my room.
My son now does the same thing so the circle has not been broken.
In this sequel, Clark is off to summer camp along with Foon and his friends. Soon after arriving, they suspect things are not what they seem. The monsters from book one have returned and want revenge. There's a bit of a slow start as the author does the job of rehashing the events of the previous book, but once the mystery begins, the adventure soon follows. The pacing, thrills and action are perfectly balanced with the creepiness of the book and the nostalgia of summer camps.
I believe that the book grew along with Clark in its maturity and writing. The first book was easy and definitely for kids while this one had a much deeper level to the writing and plot. I appreciate when middle-grade novels read older than the age bracket because if you're anything like this 40-year-old, you love a good MG with both heart and depth along with the child-like fantasy and innocence.
All in all, I love this series, and I can't wait until my son is old enough to read them.
My son now does the same thing so the circle has not been broken.
In this sequel, Clark is off to summer camp along with Foon and his friends. Soon after arriving, they suspect things are not what they seem. The monsters from book one have returned and want revenge. There's a bit of a slow start as the author does the job of rehashing the events of the previous book, but once the mystery begins, the adventure soon follows. The pacing, thrills and action are perfectly balanced with the creepiness of the book and the nostalgia of summer camps.
I believe that the book grew along with Clark in its maturity and writing. The first book was easy and definitely for kids while this one had a much deeper level to the writing and plot. I appreciate when middle-grade novels read older than the age bracket because if you're anything like this 40-year-old, you love a good MG with both heart and depth along with the child-like fantasy and innocence.
All in all, I love this series, and I can't wait until my son is old enough to read them.
February 13, 2021
*I received a free ARC from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review*
I should start by saying that I read this without having read the first book in the series, which created some difficulty with getting into the story. The events from the first book are mentioned, but it was a little hard to keep everything and everyone straight. By the time the kids got to camp I had caught up enough to really start to enjoy this story. This book is a lot of fun. Although some parts might be a little scary for younger readers, it is not too scary for older elementary school students. I enjoyed that the story is told from different points of view, it helped keep the story moving. I also thought the instructions for making your own stuffies was a fun idea for kids who want to feel a part of the story. One of my favorite aspects of this book was that Kris wasn't possessed by the evil doers, he was just a jerk. It's a good lesson for the readers that it's good to meet new people, but to remember that real friends will always have your back.
I should start by saying that I read this without having read the first book in the series, which created some difficulty with getting into the story. The events from the first book are mentioned, but it was a little hard to keep everything and everyone straight. By the time the kids got to camp I had caught up enough to really start to enjoy this story. This book is a lot of fun. Although some parts might be a little scary for younger readers, it is not too scary for older elementary school students. I enjoyed that the story is told from different points of view, it helped keep the story moving. I also thought the instructions for making your own stuffies was a fun idea for kids who want to feel a part of the story. One of my favorite aspects of this book was that Kris wasn't possessed by the evil doers, he was just a jerk. It's a good lesson for the readers that it's good to meet new people, but to remember that real friends will always have your back.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 2, 2020
This book was received as an ARC from Disney Publishing Worldwide - Disney-Hyperion in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.
This book was adorable to the max but also adventurous and everyone needs a stuffy to protect them. This book made me become a kid again and bringing back so many childhood memories of summer camp and the fun that came with it including adventures in the dark woods. The bond between Foon and Clark was a special one to the point where Foon risked his life to save Clark from the Monsters of the World of Darkness. I could not help but let a few tears escape me while reading parts of the book. I can totally see this as a Disney Channel Original Series or even a new and upcoming Disney movie in the near future.
We will consider adding this title to our JFiction collection at our library. That is why we give this book 5 stars.
This book was adorable to the max but also adventurous and everyone needs a stuffy to protect them. This book made me become a kid again and bringing back so many childhood memories of summer camp and the fun that came with it including adventures in the dark woods. The bond between Foon and Clark was a special one to the point where Foon risked his life to save Clark from the Monsters of the World of Darkness. I could not help but let a few tears escape me while reading parts of the book. I can totally see this as a Disney Channel Original Series or even a new and upcoming Disney movie in the near future.
We will consider adding this title to our JFiction collection at our library. That is why we give this book 5 stars.
September 13, 2021
*I received a free copy of this book which I voluntarily chose to write an honest review for.
I must admit that the cover alone drew me to this book and I was not disappointed by the story at all. We follow Clark, an eleven year old, who is hearing up for summer camp with his friends. Last year he was terrified to go but this time he is excited. Along with his favorite stuffy Foon who saved the day last time. In this world the stuffed animals, dolls , and action figures come to life at night to save their kids from monsters. This time the monsters have a plan that will require both the kids and stuffies to work as a team to save the day. Makes for a great adventure that middle grade readers are sure to enjoy that teaches useful lessons along the way. I highly recommend it. I totally loved it so I give it 5/5 stars
I must admit that the cover alone drew me to this book and I was not disappointed by the story at all. We follow Clark, an eleven year old, who is hearing up for summer camp with his friends. Last year he was terrified to go but this time he is excited. Along with his favorite stuffy Foon who saved the day last time. In this world the stuffed animals, dolls , and action figures come to life at night to save their kids from monsters. This time the monsters have a plan that will require both the kids and stuffies to work as a team to save the day. Makes for a great adventure that middle grade readers are sure to enjoy that teaches useful lessons along the way. I highly recommend it. I totally loved it so I give it 5/5 stars
April 27, 2021
My teen and I had so much fun reading this one - there's just something about summer camp stories that make me feel so nostalgic, and this one has MONSTERS & STUFFIES - it was like a dream! I found this such a fun, whimsical story & would highly recommend it for any middle grade reader!
While I didn't realize until later that this one was part of a series, it was just fine as a stand-alone but I would have preferred reading the first one. Still, a cute story with a little bit of creepy, full of fun interactive elements like DIY camp activities that are sure to delight those in this age group!
Thank you to NetGalley + Disney-Hyperion for the eARC + finished copy to read and review with the opportunity to be a part of the book tour with Rockstar Book Tours!
While I didn't realize until later that this one was part of a series, it was just fine as a stand-alone but I would have preferred reading the first one. Still, a cute story with a little bit of creepy, full of fun interactive elements like DIY camp activities that are sure to delight those in this age group!
Thank you to NetGalley + Disney-Hyperion for the eARC + finished copy to read and review with the opportunity to be a part of the book tour with Rockstar Book Tours!
April 21, 2021
Into Darkness is a fun middle-grade novel about a boy whose stuffed animals come alive to protect him. This is the second book in the series and while I did not read the first, I found it easy to follow. The main story is about the kid going to camp and the stuffed animals basically going to war with some monsters to protect the kid. The main part of the story was good, I enjoyed reading about Clark and the camp but the stuffie side of the story was a bit drawn out. One thing I found super cool was the instructions on how to make your won Danger Mouse and the instructions for the badge patch. That was such a cool addition to the story. All in all, it is a really clever book.
April 21, 2021
Anna says: The second book in the middle grade Stuffed series. It is super cute in a creepy sort of way. Set in a world where monsters are after children and "Stuffies" defend them, we follow Foon and his boy, Clark. In this book, they go to summer camp, and the monsters have a grand plan to punish Foon. It's just the right amount of scary for the age level, and it's perfect for fans of Series of Unfortunate Events or Elizabeth Webster. There's also instructions for making Stuffies and badges, so come prepared to craft!
November 9, 2021
It was interesting going into Darkness but I felt there were too many unanswered questions, questions that Foon started to wonder about but didn't ask and that was a bit frustrating to me. But I guess those questions set up the next installment and, hopefully, some of them will be voiced and answered!
I think it would be pretty cool to have both of these books be part of a book club and then have the members, if they wish, make Stuffies as part of the meeting since both books have instructions for them.
I think it would be pretty cool to have both of these books be part of a book club and then have the members, if they wish, make Stuffies as part of the meeting since both books have instructions for them.
March 6, 2021
I love the idea of stuffed animals coming alive at night to fight the monsters for their kids. I really enjoyed the first book in this series so, of course, I wanted to read this one.
It was a good book and it added some new elements that were a nice touch. It did not hold my attention as much as the first. I hope to find more books with a similar concept though!
It was a good book and it added some new elements that were a nice touch. It did not hold my attention as much as the first. I hope to find more books with a similar concept though!
October 3, 2021
Sorry about my delay in posting my review (apparently it didn’t save) but thank you Netgalley and Liz for sending me an eArc of Stuffed #2 (Into Darkness) in exchange for an honest review. I really enjoyed this book and I felt so much emotions with it where I couldn’t handle putting it down. Liz always captures attention when reading her works, I cannot stop recommending it.
May 26, 2022
Last #Disney review for today. That's sort of sad. But # Stuffed Into Darkness will make you smile. #Liz Braswell has written a fun novel. Centered around camp, friends and Monsters and Stuffiest. Are you curious yet.......
Thank you for the advance copy,
#Netgalley, #Liz Braswell, and # Disney Publishing Worldwide 💜🐾🐾
Thank you for the advance copy,
#Netgalley, #Liz Braswell, and # Disney Publishing Worldwide 💜🐾🐾
April 10, 2021
I read this whole book in a night. I love the characters, and I am obsessed. It is a great addition to the Stuffed series. I just got in much more character of each of the characters. GO READ THIS WAS AMAZING
July 10, 2021
“Creating Kris, who is a bully, but human - but ultimately a bully - was hard,” Braswell said. “I didn’t want a made-for-TV-movie style redemption for him in the end or have him be irredeemable.”
Read the full interview with Liz on Black is the New AP Style: https://bit.ly/3eUndA1
Read the full interview with Liz on Black is the New AP Style: https://bit.ly/3eUndA1
December 19, 2020
#IntoDarkness
#MustRead2021
#NetGalley
A second book in the Stuffed series that will make you fall in love with your stuffed animals all over again! What a treasure!
#MustRead2021
#NetGalley
A second book in the Stuffed series that will make you fall in love with your stuffed animals all over again! What a treasure!
May 25, 2021
Into Darkness was a fun middle grade adventure perfect for kids of all ages. Full of action, intrigue and adventure it's enough to keep any kid entertained.
June 6, 2021
Back into the Fray. Foon has been battling Monsters of the Dark for a year now. Clark, D.A., and C.L. are ready for summer camp at Camp I Can. As soon as they get to camp, things don’t feel right. The Camp director, the counselors, and even the weather have changed. Things come to a head on the weekend camp out on the mountain. Foon makes a dangerous journey. A Monster that he meets has him questioning whether some Monsters can be brought to the Light.
Thanks to NetGalley for allowing me to read this book in exchange for my honest review.
Thanks to NetGalley for allowing me to read this book in exchange for my honest review.
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