Review: Welcome to the Dark House

Welcome to the Dark House by Laurie Faria Stolarz
Publication date: July 22, 2014
Publisher: Disney Hyperion

WELCOME TO THE DARK HOUSE by Laurie Faria Stolarz, follows seven teenagers, all with one thing in common: the love of Justin Blake's horror movies. All except for Ivy Jensen that is, still struggling with her past and numerous phobias, Ivy is certainly out of place in this haven for horror fanatics. As the seven teenagers arrive at the Dark House, the setting for some of the most horrific of Blake's movies, they are thrilled to meet the man who can make their worst nightmares come true and to see his latest project, the promise the Nightmare Elf made when inviting them to his home. All the seven need have to do is tell the Nightmare Elf exactly what it is that sets their teeth on edge, the gnawing fears that enter their dreams and keep them awake at night. With each chapter, the teens are lead farther and farther from the safety of their own homes, and closer and closer into the the grips of the Nightmare Elf. By the time Ivy and the rest of the teens realize what exactly they have gotten themselves into, it is too late to escape the Dark House, all they can do is run and hope they can escape before it is too late.

WELCOME TO THE DARK HOUSE is the perfect novel for anyone who loves the gut wrenching fear that can only come from a good horror movie. Like every good scary story, it is more than just blood and gore, though there is plenty of that. Each chapter of the book revolves around a different character and their take on their "adventure". The characters are well-developed and at times incredibly witty and amusing.

I would recommend this book for anyone who loves the blood and carnage of horror movies but are too lazy to find a good one on Netflix. But be warned, this is not a book for the weak of stomach as there is quite a bit of gore. So if the Nightmare Elf shows up in your dreams Freddy Kruger style, don't blame me! You've been warned. Recommended for ages 14+, who can handle even the Human Centipede or whoever wants to prove they are brave enough to ignore my advice.

Review: Let's Get Lost

Let's Get Lost by Adi Alsaid
Publication date: July 29, 2014
Publisher: Harlequin Teen

LET'S GET LOST by Adi Alsaid is a bittersweet story of the adventures four teens face when they meet the one-of-a-kind, renowned Leila. Told in five different parts, each teen encounters Leila on her road trip and is saved and forever changed by her presence. Swooping abruptly into each of their lives, in her gaudy red car, none of them ever expected to be so impacted by Leila's charisma and the air of adventure she carries. Looking to find herself, Leila makes her way to Alaska to witness the Northern Lights. Little did she know, Leila would help four strangers discover their true identities, showing them compassion and guidance they had never witnessed before.

The novel, LET'S GET LOST, is an incredibly heartfelt story that causes readers to fall in love with the main character and dread that the book must come to an end. Filled with tons of crazy adventure and mystery, I applaud this creative plot that is anything but predictable. I truly loved how the book is told from five different parts/perspectives, for it allows a change of scenery and a new chance for you to connect to one of the many great characters you meet. This captivating novel will have you riding front seat as you experience Leila’s road trip first hand through every turn of the page. Alsaid’s story teaches you that sometimes getting a little lost can help you find your way. I would recommend this book for ages 13 and up.