Afbeelding auteur

David Neilsen

Auteur van Dr. Fell and the Playground of Doom

7+ Werken 74 Leden 5 Besprekingen

Werken van David Neilsen

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Spooks and scares creep around every corner with mysteries and secrets, but embrace it with tons of humor and a character to adore, and it warps into a fun ride.

Zach is a pretty normal, high school kid. He loves playing for the baseball team, has friends, and is trying to figure out how to get the love of his life to go on a date with him. The only snare in his life is that his father passed away when he was young, but his step-dad isn't too bad, either. While walking home after practice, he passes a guy searching through the trees for something, but it's the hole right through the guy's head which has Zach doing a double-take. When the guy disappears into the ground and another many runs up behind, asking where the man went...and if Zach can't tell him, it's the end of the world...Zach's life swings into anything but normal. And it will never be again.

The cover, actually, isn't only grabbing but it says it all. This book slams full-force into what should be scary, but swerves into humor to create an unique and exciting twist. Oh, and see the Indiana-Jones type in the background? Well, that eludes to even more. In other words, this is a read full of all-paranormal-horror but humor, instead, and tons and tons of adventure, too. It makes for a read, which holds tons of surprises, unexpected twists, and makes the tale hard to put down.

Each character is as unique as the writing and plot. Especially Zach fits so well into the atmosphere, that it's hard not to want to be right there with him. He comes across as a very normal teen, a little awkward and insecure but handling life fine. And he over thinks everything. Extremely. The book is written from his perspective and allows the reader into his head, which is a very ramble-y, all-over-the-place spot to be. The hesitation, confusion, and uncertainty make him easy to root for as he encounters one impossible thing after the other. It's fun to watch as he trains to wrap his brain around things and figure it all out...and that never occurs smoothly. So, he's a great hero.

I do recommend this one for upper middle graders and the younger end of the YA audience. Actually, even adults will smirk and smile. It's definitely a dive into fun for those who are willing to give it a go and keep an open mind.
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Gemarkeerd
tdrecker | Aug 5, 2022 |
With a nod toward Lovecraft, this book captures the creepy original-ness, wraps it in a cloud of humor, and brings it all down to a middle grade level. And all of that in a masterful manner.

Lillian Lovecraft doesn't have to worry about anything surrounding the boring world of something called 'normality', and this becomes clearer when she runs into Frank. But this is only the beginning as it soon becomes clear that nothing will be normal in Grotesque Gulch. Time, space, and everything strange with it appears more and more in the town. Lillian and her friends try to go with it until something leaks in, which really causes problems...something none of them could have ever dreamed up on there own.

I've read the works of this author before and enjoy his slightly darker and unique twist. This book, obviously, takes inspiration from the amazing worlds of Mr. Lovecraft. While it incorporates similar unique creatures and atmosphere, the author makes sure to keep it all at a level, which is perfect for middle grade readers. The fantasy flies and the world building draws in, making the reader feel as if they are really there. But it's the lovely addition of humor mixed with all of it, which really makes this one shine.

Lillian is a character to root for. She's very independent and has a mind and opinions of her own. It's easy to sympathize with her and wish to be one of her friends...even if that would take a lot on the bravery scale. That she works with her friends and even, later, with the odd creature, Frank, is inspiring and carries a wonderful message as well.

In other words, this is a great read for all of those who are looking for a fantastical tale, which follows a slightly different path.
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Gemarkeerd
tdrecker | Sep 9, 2021 |
Good audiobook, with a suitably creepy villain and weird mystery.
 
Gemarkeerd
bookbrig | 2 andere besprekingen | Aug 5, 2020 |
The children who live on Hardscrabble Street are upset to learn that an abandoned house, their favorite playground, is no longer abandoned. It has been purchased by Dr. Fell, a man of indeterminate, but advanced. age. Attired in a long, black coat and a purple top hat, he is accompanied by many crates and large boxes.

The next morning, the children see the ultimate in playgrounds in his front yard. It has everything a child could possibly want in a playground. The children spend every spare minute at the playground. All of the elementary schools in town establish regular school bus routes to Dr. Fell's playground.

With any group of children playing, there are going to be bruises, skinned knees and other minor injuries. Dr. Fell takes them into his house to get fixed up, and they emerge brainwashed. Even more serious injuries are fixed by Dr. Fell like they are nothing.

As time goes on, the popularity of Dr. Fell's playground grows to the point where every elementary school within twenty miles sends their children to him. The brainwashing includes the parents, who want Dr. Fell to do their children's yearly physical (even if they have just had their yearly physical).

Jerry, Gail and Nancy are the only ones not under Dr. Fell's spell. Can they discover his evil plan before it is too late? Does Dr. Fell plan to take over the world, starting with the children?

Intended for children 8 - 12 years old, this is a gem of a book. It works really well as a mystery, and it will certainly keep the reader's interest.
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Gemarkeerd
plappen | 2 andere besprekingen | Dec 1, 2018 |

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Statistieken

Werken
7
Ook door
3
Leden
74
Populariteit
#238,154
Waardering
½ 4.3
Besprekingen
5
ISBNs
20

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