The Mary Shelley Club
Ratings18
Average rating3.7
15
Ratings18
Average rating3.7
When it comes to horror movies, the rules are clear:
x Avoid abandoned buildings, warehouses, and cabins at all times.
x Stay together: don’t split up, not even just to “check something out.”
x If there’s a murderer on the loose, do not make out with anyone.
If only surviving in real life were this easy...
New girl Rachel Chavez turns to horror movies for comfort, preferring stabby serial killers and homicidal dolls to the bored rich kids of Manhattan Prep...and to certain memories she’d preferred to keep buried.
Then Rachel is recruited by the Mary Shelley Club, a mysterious society of students who orchestrate Fear Tests, elaborate pranks inspired by urban legends and movie tropes. At first, Rachel embraces the power that comes with reckless pranking. But as the Fear Tests escalate, the competition turns deadly, and it’s clear Rachel is playing a game she can’t afford to lose.
Reviews with the most likes.
In many ways this reminded me of an R. L. Stine or Christopher Pike novel from the 90s. The characterization was lacking, but the plot was fast paced and we were left with a question at the end. It was fine. I think I was hoping for it to be more, but if you are looking for a modern spin on a Christopher Pike novel, you will like this one.
For a young adult thriller, this was pretty good. I have to remember it was not going to be as dark as the books I'm used to. But it kept me entertained. I loved the horror movie references and the ending really reminded me of scream. However, the book is way too long for no reason. Almost 500 pages and the true tension doesn't really happen until the last 100. I was expecting it to be a little darker, and a little more thrilling but then again, it is young adult. I did enjoy the twists. I saw it coming that one of the group was in on it, but didn't expect them all to be and it was one huge fear test. I also really liked the idea that this was only one “chap” or chapter and there were Mary Shelley Clubs all over. There could be a prequel of Rachel's Long Island Incident, but much shorter please!
I read this entire book in one day, I couldn't put it down! It was a very quick read. I wasn't very fond of the main character or any of the people she hung out with but I was so invested in their lives. I liked the horror movie references and it made me smile every time, and it never felt forced. The idea of the Mary Shelley Club is amazing and I would have LOVED to be a part of something like that when I was in high school.
Thank you to Macmillan Children's Publishing Group, Henry Holt and Co., and NetGalley for providing me with an eBook copy to review.
