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Sinister Summer #3
Camp Creepy
Follow the Sinister-Winterbottoms on their most outrageous adventure yet, when they find themselves at a normal summer camp!
After leaving the Sanguine Spa in pursuit of Edgaren't, the kids find themselves at a mysterious summer camp, Camp Creek. There are lake games and happy counselors, and there's even a tie-dye cabin. It's all very . . . normal.
But if Theo and Alexander know one thing, it's that normal doesn't always mean good. When everyone around her starts acting strange, Theo wonders if maybe the fumes from the tie-dye cabin are seeping into their brains, and she resolves to investigate what's really going on at Camp Creek.
After leaving the Sanguine Spa in pursuit of Edgaren't, the kids find themselves at a mysterious summer camp, Camp Creek. There are lake games and happy counselors, and there's even a tie-dye cabin. It's all very . . . normal.
But if Theo and Alexander know one thing, it's that normal doesn't always mean good. When everyone around her starts acting strange, Theo wonders if maybe the fumes from the tie-dye cabin are seeping into their brains, and she resolves to investigate what's really going on at Camp Creek.
288 pages, Hardcover
First published January 3, 2023
About the author
Kiersten White
59 books13.4k followersKiersten White is the #1 New York Times bestselling, Bram Stoker Award-winning, and critically acclaimed author of many books for readers of all ages, including the And I Darken trilogy, the Sinister Summer series, the Camelot Rising trilogy, Star Wars: Padawan, Hide, Mister Magic, and Lucy Undying. Her books have been published in over twenty territories, and her novel HIDE is currently in development with Universal Television and Peacock.
Visit her online at kierstenwhite.com and @authorkierstenwhite on Instagram and Threads.
Visit her online at kierstenwhite.com and @authorkierstenwhite on Instagram and Threads.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 101 reviews
April 25, 2023
This series is perfection and just keeps getting better. This was the best one yet! I can’t wait until my kiddo is old enough that we can read them together.
December 28, 2022
OMG. Kiersten White never fails to make such a difference in my reading slumps. I have been struggling with motivation to read lately, but I picked up Camp Creepy this afternoon and just finished it (it's 2:45 in the morning, and that's with the fact that I worked today and ran errands, etc.). This book was just as fun and spooky as Wretched Waterpark and Vampiric Vacation, the first two books in Kiersten's middle grade Sinister Summer series. This is a series I don't only recommend to kids, but anyone and everyone who likes spooky stories about heroic kids (and teenagers) going on adventures. Middle grade remains one of my favorite genres as an adult, because of their amazing capacity to be detailed and absorbing while also being relatively easy/quick reads. Highly recommend anything by Kiersten White, no matter the genre or age group, but especially the Sinister Summer series! A special thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me early access to this e-arc in exchange for an honest review!
April 26, 2023
These books are super fun and I love how they incorporate vocabulary words and working through your feelings. But. The fact that I’ve finished book 3 and I’m still no closer to understanding anything from the over arching storyline/mystery is getting increasingly more annoying.
January 15, 2023
I enjoyed the first book in this series quite a lot, but it’s been pretty steadily downhill from there.
The plot never seems to advance, the characters don’t evolve, and each book feels like reading the same story over and over, just in a different setting. This isn’t a unique problem among middle grade series, but it is one that will generally make me give up on a series. Younger audiences tend to tolerate repetition better, so it’s easy to see why authors get away with it, but I think young readers (as well as the adults reading the genre) deserve better.
And while I appreciate White’s attempts at inclusiveness, I don’t think this is a realistic or helpful portrayal of neurodivergence. For one thing, this subject takes up more real estate in the book than the actual plot does, which I don’t think is helpful. And some of the characters (Alexander most of all) devolve frequently into something almost caricature-like. It makes the whole subject irritating, which is of course exactly the opposite of what you want to do when trying to raise awareness about neurodivergence, particularly in children.
But mostly it’s just too repetitive, which is a shame because the premise for the series was a good one, and White is both legitimately funny in her writing and well-intentioned in what she’s tried to accomplish with the characters.
*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
The plot never seems to advance, the characters don’t evolve, and each book feels like reading the same story over and over, just in a different setting. This isn’t a unique problem among middle grade series, but it is one that will generally make me give up on a series. Younger audiences tend to tolerate repetition better, so it’s easy to see why authors get away with it, but I think young readers (as well as the adults reading the genre) deserve better.
And while I appreciate White’s attempts at inclusiveness, I don’t think this is a realistic or helpful portrayal of neurodivergence. For one thing, this subject takes up more real estate in the book than the actual plot does, which I don’t think is helpful. And some of the characters (Alexander most of all) devolve frequently into something almost caricature-like. It makes the whole subject irritating, which is of course exactly the opposite of what you want to do when trying to raise awareness about neurodivergence, particularly in children.
But mostly it’s just too repetitive, which is a shame because the premise for the series was a good one, and White is both legitimately funny in her writing and well-intentioned in what she’s tried to accomplish with the characters.
*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
December 14, 2022
4.5 stars
I love this series so much. It's cute, funny, heartfelt, and mysterious and I can't get enough! Theo is brave and reckful and Alexander is cautious and observant. The duo, along with the friends they make along the way, give a fun atmosphere to the story and keep things interesting.
This installment answers a couple questions and starts to give backstory to the missing parents and what's really going on with these villains and the books. I can't wait to see what the next sinister book brings for Theo, Alexander, and their ragtag crew!
I voluntarily read and reviewed this book. All opinions are my own. Thank you to NetGalley and Delacorte Press for the copy
I love this series so much. It's cute, funny, heartfelt, and mysterious and I can't get enough! Theo is brave and reckful and Alexander is cautious and observant. The duo, along with the friends they make along the way, give a fun atmosphere to the story and keep things interesting.
This installment answers a couple questions and starts to give backstory to the missing parents and what's really going on with these villains and the books. I can't wait to see what the next sinister book brings for Theo, Alexander, and their ragtag crew!
I voluntarily read and reviewed this book. All opinions are my own. Thank you to NetGalley and Delacorte Press for the copy
February 17, 2024
Siempre he odiado la ropa tye-die, SIEMPRE! y tenía razón hahahaha 😎😎
July 26, 2023
I liked this one. The camp was unsettling in the best way, and I enjoyed the strangeness of it. I liked the braindye plotline, and Theo was a great character in this one. I thought it was funny how she and Alexander almost switched personalities.
I also liked that we finally started to get some real answers about the Sinisters in this one. The ending sets up for some exciting next books, and I’m eager to see more of the characters.
I also liked that we finally started to get some real answers about the Sinisters in this one. The ending sets up for some exciting next books, and I’m eager to see more of the characters.
March 20, 2024
4.6 ⭐️
Another adorable installment of the Sinister Summer series! Lovable characters, wit and humor, and clever storytelling. The last few pages left me wishing there was a little more meat, but overall….. I loved it.
Another adorable installment of the Sinister Summer series! Lovable characters, wit and humor, and clever storytelling. The last few pages left me wishing there was a little more meat, but overall….. I loved it.
May 14, 2024
Did I cry at the complete wholesomeness of the messages in here? Maybe. But is it something I also needed to hear? Yeah, for sure. Bruh, these books will get ya right where you least expect it. It was amazing as all of the other ones and I can't wait to devour the rest 😍
December 16, 2022
1st reading: 15th - 16th December 2022
Rating: 5 out of 5
- 14th book in the month of December 2022
- 187th book in 2022 reading challenge
Disclaimer: I received this book from Netgalley + in exchange for an honest opinion. Thank you Netgalley and Delacorte Press for the ARC.
This is the third installment of Sinister Summer Series by Kiersten White. I never thought that I would get the ARC of the third book even though I did request it. I read it pretty much back to back with the second installment. This book also helped me through my reading slump. I devoured this book in two days.
This book is about what happened after the event in the end of the second book. After meeting their villain, Edgaren’t, three Sinister-Winterbottom siblings who succeed on bringing keys from the seven families book (one of them are Sinister’s, Blood’s (Mina and Lucy’s), and Widow’s (Edgar’s) went to Camp Creek. Sadly, Aunt Saffronia can’t take them to the gate because of something we don’t know. Then, Edgar, from the first book, came to pick them and entered the camp together. Shits happen, Wil, Edgar, and Alex got braindyed (brainwashed) by Dr. Jay who is also the friend of Edgararen’t. They met a new friend, Henry Hyde, also one of the seven families. They found out that many years before, their mother met in that camp, actually knew each other, Edgararen’t, and even Dr.Jay. There was this ‘someone’ who was transparent in that old photo. Their moms disappeared and were found, but now at the beginning of summer holiday, they all left looking afraid. Alexander and Theo were finally realized that Aunt Saffronia is a ghost, their ancestor but she’s now disappearing for good because Edgaren’t’s ‘Sinister’ friend made her disappear. Why do we know his friend is a Sinister? - Because Edgar said that only a family member can make their ancestors' ghosts disappear.
Wil, Alexander, and Theo (especially Theo)’s character’s growth are insane. They’re different people now. I really love their bond. I also love their friendship with the other families’ children. Quincy’s better be a good girl now. So far, we follow seven characters : Wil, Alexander, Theo, Edgar, Quincy, Mina, Lucy, Henry. Can’t wait to find the other two families’ sons or daughters.
I will finish this series. This is one of the best middle-grade series I’ve ever read. I hope for even better story and plot in the fourth book later! I will also wait for the ARC of the fourth book from Delacorte Press.
Rating: 5 out of 5
- 14th book in the month of December 2022
- 187th book in 2022 reading challenge
Disclaimer: I received this book from Netgalley + in exchange for an honest opinion. Thank you Netgalley and Delacorte Press for the ARC.
This is the third installment of Sinister Summer Series by Kiersten White. I never thought that I would get the ARC of the third book even though I did request it. I read it pretty much back to back with the second installment. This book also helped me through my reading slump. I devoured this book in two days.
This book is about what happened after the event in the end of the second book. After meeting their villain, Edgaren’t, three Sinister-Winterbottom siblings who succeed on bringing keys from the seven families book (one of them are Sinister’s, Blood’s (Mina and Lucy’s), and Widow’s (Edgar’s) went to Camp Creek. Sadly, Aunt Saffronia can’t take them to the gate because of something we don’t know. Then, Edgar, from the first book, came to pick them and entered the camp together. Shits happen, Wil, Edgar, and Alex got braindyed (brainwashed) by Dr. Jay who is also the friend of Edgararen’t. They met a new friend, Henry Hyde, also one of the seven families. They found out that many years before, their mother met in that camp, actually knew each other, Edgararen’t, and even Dr.Jay. There was this ‘someone’ who was transparent in that old photo. Their moms disappeared and were found, but now at the beginning of summer holiday, they all left looking afraid. Alexander and Theo were finally realized that Aunt Saffronia is a ghost, their ancestor but she’s now disappearing for good because Edgaren’t’s ‘Sinister’ friend made her disappear. Why do we know his friend is a Sinister? - Because Edgar said that only a family member can make their ancestors' ghosts disappear.
Wil, Alexander, and Theo (especially Theo)’s character’s growth are insane. They’re different people now. I really love their bond. I also love their friendship with the other families’ children. Quincy’s better be a good girl now. So far, we follow seven characters : Wil, Alexander, Theo, Edgar, Quincy, Mina, Lucy, Henry. Can’t wait to find the other two families’ sons or daughters.
I will finish this series. This is one of the best middle-grade series I’ve ever read. I hope for even better story and plot in the fourth book later! I will also wait for the ARC of the fourth book from Delacorte Press.
December 31, 2022
Thank you to NetGalley, Random House Children's, Delacorte Press, and Kiersten White for the opportunity to read Camp Creepy in exchange for an honest review.
This is the third book in the Sinister Summer series, preceded by Wretched Waterpark (book one) and Vampiric Vacation (book 2). This series has a bit of a Series of Unfortunate Events feel, dark but witty humor, and an ongoing mystery revolving around the Sinister-Winterbottom family. Between finding strange artifacts and books of great import, twins Theo and Alexander, along with their older sister Wil and her boyfriend Edgar, seek to solve whatever secrets surround their family.
After the events at the caspatle (the Sanguine Spa which is located in a castle), the Sinister-Winterbottom children find themselves collected by their odd aunt Saffronia. On their way to the summer camp of which every child should experience, their aunt is being weird yet again and disappears, leaving the four at the edge of the woods. When the kids get into Camp Creek, they find everyone is weirdly happy, speaking with an audible exclamation point at the end of every sentence.
As Theo and Alexander get split temporarily from Wil and Edgar, their reunion finds a chipper Wil without her phone, Rodrigo, and Edgar without his fancy Gothic style outfit, rather both wearing tie dye shirts and khaki shorts. And they are now speaking with exclamation points like the other campers! Weird...
As Theo and Alexander participate in camp activities, they continue the hunt for Quincy and Edgarn't and the link they have to whatever secrets they hold over the Sinister-Winterbottom family. When their search leads to its own sinister findings, and Theo finds herself alone to dislodge the mystery of the seemingly braindyed campers, she ends up working with an unexpected ally to save her family--and the rest of the campers!--from whatever weirdness is going on.
Yet another excellent installment to this middle grade series. While Wretched Waterpark is still my favorite, every book in this series has been a fun adventure so far, and there are more to come. Every book answers maybe one question only to leave the reader with five more! The writing is top-tier and makes for a fun reading experience. I look forward to the next Sinister-Winterbottom adventure and hope at least some of the questions get answered!
This is the third book in the Sinister Summer series, preceded by Wretched Waterpark (book one) and Vampiric Vacation (book 2). This series has a bit of a Series of Unfortunate Events feel, dark but witty humor, and an ongoing mystery revolving around the Sinister-Winterbottom family. Between finding strange artifacts and books of great import, twins Theo and Alexander, along with their older sister Wil and her boyfriend Edgar, seek to solve whatever secrets surround their family.
After the events at the caspatle (the Sanguine Spa which is located in a castle), the Sinister-Winterbottom children find themselves collected by their odd aunt Saffronia. On their way to the summer camp of which every child should experience, their aunt is being weird yet again and disappears, leaving the four at the edge of the woods. When the kids get into Camp Creek, they find everyone is weirdly happy, speaking with an audible exclamation point at the end of every sentence.
As Theo and Alexander get split temporarily from Wil and Edgar, their reunion finds a chipper Wil without her phone, Rodrigo, and Edgar without his fancy Gothic style outfit, rather both wearing tie dye shirts and khaki shorts. And they are now speaking with exclamation points like the other campers! Weird...
As Theo and Alexander participate in camp activities, they continue the hunt for Quincy and Edgarn't and the link they have to whatever secrets they hold over the Sinister-Winterbottom family. When their search leads to its own sinister findings, and Theo finds herself alone to dislodge the mystery of the seemingly braindyed campers, she ends up working with an unexpected ally to save her family--and the rest of the campers!--from whatever weirdness is going on.
Yet another excellent installment to this middle grade series. While Wretched Waterpark is still my favorite, every book in this series has been a fun adventure so far, and there are more to come. Every book answers maybe one question only to leave the reader with five more! The writing is top-tier and makes for a fun reading experience. I look forward to the next Sinister-Winterbottom adventure and hope at least some of the questions get answered!
December 15, 2022
Camp Creepy (Sinister Summer, #3) by Kiersten White has an expected publication date of January 3, 2023 and is the third book in a middle grade series. The Sinister-Winterbottoms are in pursuit of Edaren't and find themselves at a summer camp that is as mysterious as it is very normal. When all the campers begin acting strange, and Theo decides to investigate.
Thank you to NetGalley, Random House Children's, and Delacorte Press for the advanced copy of Camp Creepy (Sinister Summer, #3) by Kiersten White. I was excited to be approved to read this book for free in exchange for my honest review.
Not having read the other two novels in the Sinister Summer book series, I wasn't sure what to expect, but I thought this being a children's book, it would be relatively easy to garner the back story and keep the characters straight. I did have trouble connecting the dots as far as the back story goes, but I eventually got the gist of it. And, it did take me a few chapters to keep the main characters clear in my head. I think what threw me was that Theo is a girl, not a guy. The author finally revealed that Theo's full name was Theodora approximately halfway into the book. It also threw me that Wil was a girl as well.
Camp Creepy has a similar vibe to Ransom Riggs' Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children series and Trenton Lee Stewart's The Mysterious Benedict Society series. Because I had to play catch up in this book, it was just okay for me. I think if I had read the first two books, I would have enjoyed it much more than I did. What I loved about the book is that the take away lesson is to always be yourself and not be ashamed of what you like to do.
Four out of five stars is what I gave Camp Creepy (Sinister Summer, #3) by Kiersten White. I may give the first two books a whirl and will likely read the next book in the series, and there will be another book as this one ended in a bit of a cliffhanger.
Thank you to NetGalley, Random House Children's, and Delacorte Press for the advanced copy of Camp Creepy (Sinister Summer, #3) by Kiersten White. I was excited to be approved to read this book for free in exchange for my honest review.
Not having read the other two novels in the Sinister Summer book series, I wasn't sure what to expect, but I thought this being a children's book, it would be relatively easy to garner the back story and keep the characters straight. I did have trouble connecting the dots as far as the back story goes, but I eventually got the gist of it. And, it did take me a few chapters to keep the main characters clear in my head. I think what threw me was that Theo is a girl, not a guy. The author finally revealed that Theo's full name was Theodora approximately halfway into the book. It also threw me that Wil was a girl as well.
Camp Creepy has a similar vibe to Ransom Riggs' Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children series and Trenton Lee Stewart's The Mysterious Benedict Society series. Because I had to play catch up in this book, it was just okay for me. I think if I had read the first two books, I would have enjoyed it much more than I did. What I loved about the book is that the take away lesson is to always be yourself and not be ashamed of what you like to do.
Four out of five stars is what I gave Camp Creepy (Sinister Summer, #3) by Kiersten White. I may give the first two books a whirl and will likely read the next book in the series, and there will be another book as this one ended in a bit of a cliffhanger.
January 20, 2023
Having managed to survive a waterpark and a vampiric spa where parents and their offspring have very different experiences, the Sinister-Winterbottoms arrive at Camp Creek. They expect everything to be just as weird as it has been at the previous two places, but the exact opposite seems to be the case. The fields, cabins, counselors, and activities are all disturbingly normal. Maybe even more than normal, the place is filled with tie-dyed t-shirts, excited conversations, overenthusiastic responses to everything, and is billed as providing "the summer every child should have" (p. 41). The youngsters enter the camp determined to find the important book Edgaren't took and to find out what prompted their friend Quincy to help him. But the camp's activities quickly distract them, and Wil and Edgar, her romantic interest, become enthusiastic counselors, seemingly buying into all the enthusiasm and group-think. At first Theo loves the activities since she has a chance to expend her energy outdoors, but eventually she realizes that there's something causing all this positivity, and it can't be good. Surprisingly, Alexander seems to have undergone a complete personality change as he starts taking risks, participating in sports, and buying into the camp's goals. As the book concludes, some of the questions that have been bothering the siblings during the previous two books come close to being answered and the truth about Aunt Saffronia is revealed. Fans of the series will appreciate the way the author builds the suspense here, hinting of what's to come in the next installment of this creepy series.
February 5, 2024
wishing it was summer because I’m now craving s’mores after reading this book 🍫
this sinister summer series just keeps getting better and better! I wish I had some middle grade kiddos in my life because I would immediately gift them this series!
this third book, camp creepy, takes place at an unsettling summer camp where the counselors *braindye* the kids into the ideally perfect child.
ALL of the characters continue to evolve and we finally start getting some answers about the Sinister-Winterbottom family!
white does a great job at keeping the fun scooby doo esque plot while incorporating important topics for middle grade readers to learn! from working through your emotions/ feelings to what it takes to maintain a healthy friendship- all while learning new vocabulary words!
alexander is a character that has my entire heart, he is so brave 🥹 3.5 stars ✨
THE NEXT BOOK TAKES PLACE AT A SCIENCE MANOR OF SORTS?!?! brb while I promptly dive into that audio!
this sinister summer series just keeps getting better and better! I wish I had some middle grade kiddos in my life because I would immediately gift them this series!
this third book, camp creepy, takes place at an unsettling summer camp where the counselors *braindye* the kids into the ideally perfect child.
ALL of the characters continue to evolve and we finally start getting some answers about the Sinister-Winterbottom family!
white does a great job at keeping the fun scooby doo esque plot while incorporating important topics for middle grade readers to learn! from working through your emotions/ feelings to what it takes to maintain a healthy friendship- all while learning new vocabulary words!
alexander is a character that has my entire heart, he is so brave 🥹 3.5 stars ✨
THE NEXT BOOK TAKES PLACE AT A SCIENCE MANOR OF SORTS?!?! brb while I promptly dive into that audio!
January 2, 2023
Another wonderful instalment in the Sinister Summer series by Kiersten White.
Once you start any of the books in this series, you can’t put them down. Camp Creepy being the fasted paced one so far. The title doesn’t lie. That camp is definitely creepy.
The theme woven throughout this story about being true to who you are was so incredibly moving. I think this might be my favourite of the series as of right now.
I’ll never stop recommending this series to every middle grade reader I know, young and old! They’re endlessly fun, super addictive and filled with excellent characters.
If you, or the middle grade reader in your life, love audiobooks, don’t hesitate to pick these up. Keylor Leigh’s narration is *chefs kiss*.
*Disclaimer* I received a complimentary audiobook from PRH Audio. An honest review was provided.
Once you start any of the books in this series, you can’t put them down. Camp Creepy being the fasted paced one so far. The title doesn’t lie. That camp is definitely creepy.
The theme woven throughout this story about being true to who you are was so incredibly moving. I think this might be my favourite of the series as of right now.
I’ll never stop recommending this series to every middle grade reader I know, young and old! They’re endlessly fun, super addictive and filled with excellent characters.
If you, or the middle grade reader in your life, love audiobooks, don’t hesitate to pick these up. Keylor Leigh’s narration is *chefs kiss*.
*Disclaimer* I received a complimentary audiobook from PRH Audio. An honest review was provided.
December 3, 2022
The third Sinister Summer book finds the Sinister-Bottom kids going to camp. When they arrive though, they find that everyone seems too happy. As they work to stay themselves, they start to uncover more about their parents and the mystery there.
Another great entry! I've been enjoying this series a lot, and I can't wait to see where these books take me next. Such an interesting concept.
I received my copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Another great entry! I've been enjoying this series a lot, and I can't wait to see where these books take me next. Such an interesting concept.
I received my copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
January 24, 2024
I am so confused but I'm having a ball!
In the third entry in the Sinister summer series, the kids arrive at a perfectly normal summer camp and it's terrible of course!
This one was a fast-paced whirlwind that does answer some questions and then asks a whole bunch more!
It's so much fun!
In the third entry in the Sinister summer series, the kids arrive at a perfectly normal summer camp and it's terrible of course!
This one was a fast-paced whirlwind that does answer some questions and then asks a whole bunch more!
It's so much fun!
February 10, 2023
3.5 stars
I the world building happening in this book! Get this series for any kid in your life that doesn’t feel “normal” Can’t wait to read the next one!
I the world building happening in this book! Get this series for any kid in your life that doesn’t feel “normal” Can’t wait to read the next one!
June 18, 2024
John Bellairs fans will enjoy this. The author back in top form with this novel; the pacing was perfect.
July 18, 2024
This is by far my favorite sinister book yet! While I loved the gothic water park, the first two books felt a bit sluggish and anticlimactic at the end. Now I feel the mystery is starting to pick up!
March 4, 2023
Here we go! The big picture is starting to come together!
Even though this book is the least aesthetically my vibe and I was actually least excited for it, this is actually my favorite of the Sinister Summer books so far! It is just so fun and has a great message and had a less out of the box of feasibility ending than the first two (though I did still have fun in those). I laughed; I didn’t cry, but I did go “awww;” I loved it!
Even though this book is the least aesthetically my vibe and I was actually least excited for it, this is actually my favorite of the Sinister Summer books so far! It is just so fun and has a great message and had a less out of the box of feasibility ending than the first two (though I did still have fun in those). I laughed; I didn’t cry, but I did go “awww;” I loved it!
January 26, 2023
Book 3 did not disappoint… loved revisiting these characters and diving a little bit more into the mystery of it all! Looking forward to the next book!
February 9, 2023
The story is okay but I feel like every book she writes in this series she adds more mom-ism's. It's like she's trying to teach her kids how to behave by randomly inserting these mom-isms throughout the story. She seems to be trying to assert the parents know all, always listen to them, you need them, life without them is horrible theme. (She's most definitely giving mom in real life vibes.)
For example, "Their mom always helped", "their parents always said/told her/him/them", "her parents had always been there", and their parents being gone is always scary... are phrases seen throughout all of these books in the series so far. These are in addition to indirect ones where she doesn't mention the parents but they are very much parent phrases: Feel your feelings; don't change - you're perfect as you are; asking for forgiveness and being different = being brave.
It's nice and all but it's really overdone and detracts from the story.
---
These are the parts I liked or found interesting:
To the kids that sneak away to read: Don’t ever stop.
—
The only places they might be happy to see him were: behind bars, in a pit with unclimbable walls, or at the DMV, a terrible place adults went to be tormented.
—
Theo stared upward in consternation, a word she liked because it was like confusion had populated an entire nation.
—
“Do you want to go back to Aunt Saffronia’s house?” Theo asked. She didn’t. But she wouldn’t force Alexander. She’d done that in the past, and it never turned out well. She had learned to trust his caution as much as she trusted her own bravery.
—
"I can go no further." Aunt Saffronia removed her hands from the steering wheel.
"Farther," Alexander corrected her. Farther was the words for things that could be measured and quantified, like distances. Further was more for concepts or ideas that no ruler or yardstick could define.
--
"There is no welcome for me ahead, no strangeness to slip into, so I can go no further into danger with you."
--
Why were there so many books in his life now that he wanted to read but couldn't?
--
... because Edgar had the fortunate knack of feeling confident and good in whatever he wore and therefore always looking confident and good --
--
Their mom always helped Theo slow down, helped her see details. Took her on walks at night and showed her all the hidden treasures of the midnight world. Together, they scooped stray worms and snails to safety, looked for owls, and studied the stars.
--
ASPIRE TO NORMALCY
--
COMFORT IN REALITY
--
"Hey," Alexander said, "what's the ideal Camp Creek counselor name?"
"Heidi!" Ricky said at the same time Heidi said, "Ricky!"
"Nope. It's Mark. Because he's always ready for an exclamation."
--
breakfast
toad in the hole
[I had to look it up -- Toad in the hole or sausage toad is a traditional English dish consisting of sausages in Yorkshire pudding batter, usually served with onion gravy and vegetables. Historically, the dish has also been prepared using other meats, such as rump steak and lamb's kidney. ]
--
wallyball
[apparently "rebound volleyball" so volleyball where you can hit the ball off the wall]
--
Their parents always said friendship wasn't a competition, and it was the quality, not the quantity, that mattered.
--
Imperative was a word he liked the weight of, because it meant important and required at once.
--
It was a face like a bowl of plain oatmeal in the middle of a table of birthday cupcakes.
"Hello," she said, her voice so smooth and unremarkable it was also like a bowl of oatmeal. Free of lumps but also flavor.
--
Cavities didn't take summer vacations after all.
--
"Wait. She didn't even tell you she's from Texas?"
The girl shrugged. "Nope!"
Alexander grabbed Theo's arm, making her stop as the rest of the cabin kept walking, oblivious.
"Theo. Something really is wrong with Quincy. There's no way someone from Texas wouldn't tell other people. It's like a requirement of being Texan. ...
--
Meanwhile Alexander and Theo had followed her here, dragging suspicion and trouble along like the world's worst luggage.
--
Heidi had promised it was what they needed to blend in. His mom always insisted that being your own self was better than being a self other people wanted you to be, but in this camp where everyone seemed to fit in, he really did want to be more like them.
--
"Don't let them change you," he urged.
Theo scoffed. "Nothing can change me. I'm exactly how I should be." A lot of people had tried to change her. She had one teacher a few years ago who had insisted everything she did was wrong. It had hurt her feelings and her confidence a lot. But her parents had always been there to fight for her, to help her figure out how she learned best, eventually getting her put in a different class with a teacher who appreciated Theo's strengths.
Theo wasn't perfect - she knew she wasn't - but she liked herself. She was coordinated and strong and funny and loyal and very, very brave, and no silly summer camp could change any of that.
--
The way Alexander was acting made her afraid. The way her parents were gone made her afraid. And how much she actually did want a summer with nothing to worry about, how that idea created a sort of ache inside her like a hook, dragging her away from what was important toward what was easy, made her afraid.
--
Theo was afraid that, if she wasn't careful and determined, if she didn't listen to her bees telling her things in this room were extremely strange and alarmingly off, she might give up and listen to this woman's promise of a normal summer.
It was hard, being different. And it was hard, being brave.
--
"It's important that he sees me. He needs help. He might not think so, but I know what's best, and I won't let any children escape."
-
"What kind of doctor is she? Some sort of mad scientist? Corrupted therapist?"
"She has a PhD in color theory as applied to advertising."
--
Her parents always told her that anything she felt was valid, and she was allowed to feel all her feelings. They helped her figure out how to feel them in ways that weren't destructive and didn't hurt other people. That seemed much healthier than saying a whole category of feelings wasn't allowed.
--
"I don't want you to change," she whispered. "Just in case you'd ever wondered if I'd like you better if you were different. I like you exactly how you are."
--
He'd had no idea how much he needed someone to tell him that it was okay to be himself. Maybe that's what their mother had been trying to say in her letter: that being cautious wasn't a flaw, or annoying, or a burden. It was part of who Alexander was, and she loved him, just like their dad loved him, just like Theo loved him. They didn't love him in spite of his constant anxieties and worries. He wasn't something that they put up with. They just loved him, period.
--
"... But I still get to be mad."
"You can be mad as long as you need to be. I understand."
... good friends understand that sometimes people need to feel all the mad they have before they can accept, forgive, and move on.
--
Asking for forgiveness instead of giving up on being friends with them was super brave. No wonder Theo liked her.
--
Alexander was anxious, and introverted, and he didn't like group sports, and he refused to swim in lake water, and he could list ten dangers they'd face just on the walk back to get Theo. He was also funny, and clever, and empathetic, a good friend and brother, and an excellent cook. No one had the right to take any of that way from him.
--
Alexander loved the word melancholy. It was like sadness set to a melody, deeper and more elegant than plain old unhappiness. It suited Edgar perfectly.
--
"I understand more about being scared now," Theo said, putting a hand on Henry's shoulder.
...
"Sometimes being scared helps us know what's important to us. ..."
...
"You shouldn't have to be alone in the dark," Quincy added. "And you shouldn't let selfish people force you to be someone you aren't. It's not the same as being braindyed, but it's still changing because of them. Letting them turn you into someone who is a bad friend," she said.
--
She spoke now in a thin, strained tone, like a rubber band stretched so far it could snap at any moment.
--
Reminiscing is like remembering something fondly. Like remind and sense put together, reminding yourself of the senses you had during an important time in your past.
--
"You tried to tell me how I should and shouldn't feel!" Henry shouted, his voice punching through the night like an angry fist. "But I feel the way I feel! My dad understood! He helped me deal with my feelings instead of pretending like they didn't exist! He never treated me like an inconvenience or like there was something wrong with me because I wasn't happy all the time! you aren't helping the campers. You're making them into pretend versions of real kids."
--
He was still cautious, but also braver, and more determined.
--
... she understood a little more about what it felt like to be scared, to wonder what other people were feeling, and to try to think and feel like they would, instead of barreling ahead with how she felt and what she wanted to do.
For example, "Their mom always helped", "their parents always said/told her/him/them", "her parents had always been there", and their parents being gone is always scary... are phrases seen throughout all of these books in the series so far. These are in addition to indirect ones where she doesn't mention the parents but they are very much parent phrases: Feel your feelings; don't change - you're perfect as you are; asking for forgiveness and being different = being brave.
It's nice and all but it's really overdone and detracts from the story.
---
These are the parts I liked or found interesting:
To the kids that sneak away to read: Don’t ever stop.
—
The only places they might be happy to see him were: behind bars, in a pit with unclimbable walls, or at the DMV, a terrible place adults went to be tormented.
—
Theo stared upward in consternation, a word she liked because it was like confusion had populated an entire nation.
—
“Do you want to go back to Aunt Saffronia’s house?” Theo asked. She didn’t. But she wouldn’t force Alexander. She’d done that in the past, and it never turned out well. She had learned to trust his caution as much as she trusted her own bravery.
—
"I can go no further." Aunt Saffronia removed her hands from the steering wheel.
"Farther," Alexander corrected her. Farther was the words for things that could be measured and quantified, like distances. Further was more for concepts or ideas that no ruler or yardstick could define.
--
"There is no welcome for me ahead, no strangeness to slip into, so I can go no further into danger with you."
--
Why were there so many books in his life now that he wanted to read but couldn't?
--
... because Edgar had the fortunate knack of feeling confident and good in whatever he wore and therefore always looking confident and good --
--
Their mom always helped Theo slow down, helped her see details. Took her on walks at night and showed her all the hidden treasures of the midnight world. Together, they scooped stray worms and snails to safety, looked for owls, and studied the stars.
--
ASPIRE TO NORMALCY
--
COMFORT IN REALITY
--
"Hey," Alexander said, "what's the ideal Camp Creek counselor name?"
"Heidi!" Ricky said at the same time Heidi said, "Ricky!"
"Nope. It's Mark. Because he's always ready for an exclamation."
--
breakfast
toad in the hole
[I had to look it up -- Toad in the hole or sausage toad is a traditional English dish consisting of sausages in Yorkshire pudding batter, usually served with onion gravy and vegetables. Historically, the dish has also been prepared using other meats, such as rump steak and lamb's kidney. ]
--
wallyball
[apparently "rebound volleyball" so volleyball where you can hit the ball off the wall]
--
Their parents always said friendship wasn't a competition, and it was the quality, not the quantity, that mattered.
--
Imperative was a word he liked the weight of, because it meant important and required at once.
--
It was a face like a bowl of plain oatmeal in the middle of a table of birthday cupcakes.
"Hello," she said, her voice so smooth and unremarkable it was also like a bowl of oatmeal. Free of lumps but also flavor.
--
Cavities didn't take summer vacations after all.
--
"Wait. She didn't even tell you she's from Texas?"
The girl shrugged. "Nope!"
Alexander grabbed Theo's arm, making her stop as the rest of the cabin kept walking, oblivious.
"Theo. Something really is wrong with Quincy. There's no way someone from Texas wouldn't tell other people. It's like a requirement of being Texan. ...
--
Meanwhile Alexander and Theo had followed her here, dragging suspicion and trouble along like the world's worst luggage.
--
Heidi had promised it was what they needed to blend in. His mom always insisted that being your own self was better than being a self other people wanted you to be, but in this camp where everyone seemed to fit in, he really did want to be more like them.
--
"Don't let them change you," he urged.
Theo scoffed. "Nothing can change me. I'm exactly how I should be." A lot of people had tried to change her. She had one teacher a few years ago who had insisted everything she did was wrong. It had hurt her feelings and her confidence a lot. But her parents had always been there to fight for her, to help her figure out how she learned best, eventually getting her put in a different class with a teacher who appreciated Theo's strengths.
Theo wasn't perfect - she knew she wasn't - but she liked herself. She was coordinated and strong and funny and loyal and very, very brave, and no silly summer camp could change any of that.
--
The way Alexander was acting made her afraid. The way her parents were gone made her afraid. And how much she actually did want a summer with nothing to worry about, how that idea created a sort of ache inside her like a hook, dragging her away from what was important toward what was easy, made her afraid.
--
Theo was afraid that, if she wasn't careful and determined, if she didn't listen to her bees telling her things in this room were extremely strange and alarmingly off, she might give up and listen to this woman's promise of a normal summer.
It was hard, being different. And it was hard, being brave.
--
"It's important that he sees me. He needs help. He might not think so, but I know what's best, and I won't let any children escape."
-
"What kind of doctor is she? Some sort of mad scientist? Corrupted therapist?"
"She has a PhD in color theory as applied to advertising."
--
Her parents always told her that anything she felt was valid, and she was allowed to feel all her feelings. They helped her figure out how to feel them in ways that weren't destructive and didn't hurt other people. That seemed much healthier than saying a whole category of feelings wasn't allowed.
--
"I don't want you to change," she whispered. "Just in case you'd ever wondered if I'd like you better if you were different. I like you exactly how you are."
--
He'd had no idea how much he needed someone to tell him that it was okay to be himself. Maybe that's what their mother had been trying to say in her letter: that being cautious wasn't a flaw, or annoying, or a burden. It was part of who Alexander was, and she loved him, just like their dad loved him, just like Theo loved him. They didn't love him in spite of his constant anxieties and worries. He wasn't something that they put up with. They just loved him, period.
--
"... But I still get to be mad."
"You can be mad as long as you need to be. I understand."
... good friends understand that sometimes people need to feel all the mad they have before they can accept, forgive, and move on.
--
Asking for forgiveness instead of giving up on being friends with them was super brave. No wonder Theo liked her.
--
Alexander was anxious, and introverted, and he didn't like group sports, and he refused to swim in lake water, and he could list ten dangers they'd face just on the walk back to get Theo. He was also funny, and clever, and empathetic, a good friend and brother, and an excellent cook. No one had the right to take any of that way from him.
--
Alexander loved the word melancholy. It was like sadness set to a melody, deeper and more elegant than plain old unhappiness. It suited Edgar perfectly.
--
"I understand more about being scared now," Theo said, putting a hand on Henry's shoulder.
...
"Sometimes being scared helps us know what's important to us. ..."
...
"You shouldn't have to be alone in the dark," Quincy added. "And you shouldn't let selfish people force you to be someone you aren't. It's not the same as being braindyed, but it's still changing because of them. Letting them turn you into someone who is a bad friend," she said.
--
She spoke now in a thin, strained tone, like a rubber band stretched so far it could snap at any moment.
--
Reminiscing is like remembering something fondly. Like remind and sense put together, reminding yourself of the senses you had during an important time in your past.
--
"You tried to tell me how I should and shouldn't feel!" Henry shouted, his voice punching through the night like an angry fist. "But I feel the way I feel! My dad understood! He helped me deal with my feelings instead of pretending like they didn't exist! He never treated me like an inconvenience or like there was something wrong with me because I wasn't happy all the time! you aren't helping the campers. You're making them into pretend versions of real kids."
--
He was still cautious, but also braver, and more determined.
--
... she understood a little more about what it felt like to be scared, to wonder what other people were feeling, and to try to think and feel like they would, instead of barreling ahead with how she felt and what she wanted to do.
March 1, 2023
I just fall more & more in love with this series each book I read. This is the 3rd book, & it was absolutely PHENOMENAL! This 1 might seem the most scary because of how over the top NORMAL everything appears lol. The kookiness & weirdness of these is just so great. Some amazing messages in this 1 especially, & I think Theo & Alexander learned a lot about themselves & each other, & had some great character growth/development in here. Another great adventure, & so many twists-we learned some very surprising new info, but still so many questions! So eager to keep adventuring with these amazing kids to all their sinister destinations to learn more & more! HIGHLY recommend! So excited for the 4th book that comes out in May! Another STUNNING cover by Hannah Peck too!💜
March 7, 2023
To me, the camp reminds me of the one Wednesday Addams is sent to in Addams Family Values (1993). Except, maybe, worse. Or orthogonally bad.
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July 24, 2023
I'm really enjoying this fun middle grade series. Theo and Alexander continue on their summer of simmering tension and mystery, this time at summer camp. White continues to do a spectacular job enboding the different ways of feeling and responding to adventure, tension, and the world in general with her two very different and very endearing lead characters. As someone with an inner monologue that sounds a lot like Alexander's, I'm particularly fond of his arc in this edition.
March 11, 2024
As a child, I hated summer camps. Trust White to make that hatred both justified and spectacularly wrong.
February 14, 2023
This was one of my most anticipated releases of the year, and Kiersten White did not disappoint. This series is quickly becoming an all times favourite of mine, and I wish more people would read it, because it truly deserves the world, and it keeps getting better and better.
Since we are talking about the third volume, there might be spoilers from the first two books, but obviously not from Camp Creep itself; however, I will try my best to keep this completely spoiler free. Enter at your own risk, I don’t guarantee anything.
Now, onto our review. As usual, my favourite thing about this book were the characters: I love Theo and Alexander so much, and I was so happy to see that the secondary characters had more space as well, in this specific instalment. Each and every member of the gang holds a special place in my heart, and I cannot wait to see them all face the adventure that awaits them in Menacing Manor, which I am now anticipating even more than before. I am curious to see how Kiersten White manages writing all these characters together, but I think it’s safe to say that she will do a great job, because this series is just *chef’s kiss*.
Another thing I love about this series is the atmosphere, and how the author succeeded in creating one of the hardest combo, as far as I am concerned: gothic vibes and summer vibes. When you read gothic books or watch gothic media, there’s always a winter/autum setting or at least feel. In this series, you can definitely tell it’s summer, but there’s this underlying spoopy gotich-like vibe that I really enjoy. I need more books like this series, to be honest.
The plot was extremely engaging as well, and the pacing was perfect. Had I not been reading the book with Juls and Syl, I would have probably finished it in one sitting. I liked the twists, even though I predicted them (I think children will be surprised), and I am loving the direction the main plot is going towards. I love me a series in which there are individual mysteries in each book, while a bigger mystery gets slowly revealed until the very end. I don’t know what I’ll do once this series is over, but that’s a problem for Pritt of the future.
The writing style was on point as always: I love the word plays, the fun tone but serious topics and the inclusion of explanations of words that feels natural and not like the author is trying to teach the children. I believe that this series is one of the most target audience appropriate things I’ve ever read, I don’t know how else to describe it.
And talking about the topics discussed: I think that the Sinister Summer Series is one of those series in which children are depicted as they truly are, and everyone will find a character to identify with. It’s a bit like the Wayward Children series, in this sense. I also love that each characters has some “flaws” that are depicted as both good and bad, as they are in real life: yes, anxiety can be debilitating, but caution in certain situations can be life saving. Yes, anger can make someone blind, but there are instances in which you have to healthily live it. In general, I love how this series encourages children to live and sort through their emotions, instead of keeping everything bottled up inside of them. Kudos for you, Kiersten.
As I said, I cannot wait for the fourth book to come out, even if book five will then come out in January of next year. I don’t know how I’ll manage the wait, to be honest. In the meantime, I highly recommend reading the first three books, regardless of your age. Especially if you liked Wednesday the series, or the Addams Family in general, any form of Scooby Doo content and/or A Series of Unfortunate Events. You won’t regret it.
Since we are talking about the third volume, there might be spoilers from the first two books, but obviously not from Camp Creep itself; however, I will try my best to keep this completely spoiler free. Enter at your own risk, I don’t guarantee anything.
Now, onto our review. As usual, my favourite thing about this book were the characters: I love Theo and Alexander so much, and I was so happy to see that the secondary characters had more space as well, in this specific instalment. Each and every member of the gang holds a special place in my heart, and I cannot wait to see them all face the adventure that awaits them in Menacing Manor, which I am now anticipating even more than before. I am curious to see how Kiersten White manages writing all these characters together, but I think it’s safe to say that she will do a great job, because this series is just *chef’s kiss*.
Another thing I love about this series is the atmosphere, and how the author succeeded in creating one of the hardest combo, as far as I am concerned: gothic vibes and summer vibes. When you read gothic books or watch gothic media, there’s always a winter/autum setting or at least feel. In this series, you can definitely tell it’s summer, but there’s this underlying spoopy gotich-like vibe that I really enjoy. I need more books like this series, to be honest.
The plot was extremely engaging as well, and the pacing was perfect. Had I not been reading the book with Juls and Syl, I would have probably finished it in one sitting. I liked the twists, even though I predicted them (I think children will be surprised), and I am loving the direction the main plot is going towards. I love me a series in which there are individual mysteries in each book, while a bigger mystery gets slowly revealed until the very end. I don’t know what I’ll do once this series is over, but that’s a problem for Pritt of the future.
The writing style was on point as always: I love the word plays, the fun tone but serious topics and the inclusion of explanations of words that feels natural and not like the author is trying to teach the children. I believe that this series is one of the most target audience appropriate things I’ve ever read, I don’t know how else to describe it.
And talking about the topics discussed: I think that the Sinister Summer Series is one of those series in which children are depicted as they truly are, and everyone will find a character to identify with. It’s a bit like the Wayward Children series, in this sense. I also love that each characters has some “flaws” that are depicted as both good and bad, as they are in real life: yes, anxiety can be debilitating, but caution in certain situations can be life saving. Yes, anger can make someone blind, but there are instances in which you have to healthily live it. In general, I love how this series encourages children to live and sort through their emotions, instead of keeping everything bottled up inside of them. Kudos for you, Kiersten.
As I said, I cannot wait for the fourth book to come out, even if book five will then come out in January of next year. I don’t know how I’ll manage the wait, to be honest. In the meantime, I highly recommend reading the first three books, regardless of your age. Especially if you liked Wednesday the series, or the Addams Family in general, any form of Scooby Doo content and/or A Series of Unfortunate Events. You won’t regret it.
January 7, 2023
Camp Creepy is the Parent Trap-Series of Unfortunate Events mashup you didn’t know you needed! Continuing on their journey to find their missing parents, Theo, Alexander, Will and Edgar find themselves at a perfectly *gasp* normal summer camp navigating classic summer activities like canoeing, team sports, arts and crafts, and of course, the quintessential summer camp activity, mind-dying…er…I mean…tie-dying!!
Vampiric Vacation was a touch too slow for my taste but Camp Creepy has officially redeemed the series. After a dreary detour at the world’s most dreadful daycare, I am happy to report that (almost) everything I loved most about Wretched Waterpark is officially back. Fingers crossed that the delightful underworld vibes from book one will finally make a reappearance. Only one way to find out! See you at the Menacing Manor!
Thank you to Netgalley, Kiersten White, Delacorte Press and Random House Childrens for the e-arc!
*Spoiler thoughts for discussion below. YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED. *
The tie-dye mind control was simply inspired and you can’t change my mind. However, I did have to take star off for (1) the quality of the mystery solving and (2) the regressing character development.
(1) Yes, this is a middle grade series, and yes, the main characters are children, but I still struggled with their failure to be at all suspicious of their surroundings despite the two terrifying encounters they’ve just had. I’m sorry to say that it feels like Alexander and Theo are becoming worse detectives. Although my favorite character may have just switched mid-series to Will, I mean what a moment of character development, but it’s such a shame she’s just been off in her own world this whole time. I’d love a chapter from her perspective in the next book.
(2) Theo and Alexander didn’t retain ANY of the lessons they were supposed to have learned from Wretched Waterpark and while I did really enjoy following Theo on her journey filling the shoes of both twins while Alexander was brainwashed, it definitely felt like this all happened because Alexander was blatantly ignored, again. The kids are approaching each mystery the same way, despite actively discussing how they’ve learned so much from their recent dangerous encounters. Theo is brashly running off to do whatever she wants while Alexander’s highly rational words of caution are dismissed and he is made to feel wrong for being himself. Ugh. I’d definitely be interested to know other opinions on this. What am I missing here?
Vampiric Vacation was a touch too slow for my taste but Camp Creepy has officially redeemed the series. After a dreary detour at the world’s most dreadful daycare, I am happy to report that (almost) everything I loved most about Wretched Waterpark is officially back. Fingers crossed that the delightful underworld vibes from book one will finally make a reappearance. Only one way to find out! See you at the Menacing Manor!
Thank you to Netgalley, Kiersten White, Delacorte Press and Random House Childrens for the e-arc!
*Spoiler thoughts for discussion below. YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED. *
The tie-dye mind control was simply inspired and you can’t change my mind. However, I did have to take star off for (1) the quality of the mystery solving and (2) the regressing character development.
(1) Yes, this is a middle grade series, and yes, the main characters are children, but I still struggled with their failure to be at all suspicious of their surroundings despite the two terrifying encounters they’ve just had. I’m sorry to say that it feels like Alexander and Theo are becoming worse detectives. Although my favorite character may have just switched mid-series to Will, I mean what a moment of character development, but it’s such a shame she’s just been off in her own world this whole time. I’d love a chapter from her perspective in the next book.
(2) Theo and Alexander didn’t retain ANY of the lessons they were supposed to have learned from Wretched Waterpark and while I did really enjoy following Theo on her journey filling the shoes of both twins while Alexander was brainwashed, it definitely felt like this all happened because Alexander was blatantly ignored, again. The kids are approaching each mystery the same way, despite actively discussing how they’ve learned so much from their recent dangerous encounters. Theo is brashly running off to do whatever she wants while Alexander’s highly rational words of caution are dismissed and he is made to feel wrong for being himself. Ugh. I’d definitely be interested to know other opinions on this. What am I missing here?
January 13, 2023
I need Kiersten White to give a masterclass on character work because she consistently has some of the best characters I’ve read in my entire life.
That said, I need her to work on her diversity. This is the third Sinister Summer book and the diversity just isn’t there. Every character is white or simply not described. And like I’ve said before, it’s been proven that a lack of description leads to readers just assuming the character is white.
With this book, it was just as well paced as a the previous two. We see Alexander, Theo and Will at Camp Creek. Will and Edgar say they won’t be saying, that they need to see the person in charge.
While they’re waiting to speak with her, the twins are ushered out to the camp by two very peppy cam counselors wearing tie-dyed shirts who speak with exclamation marks. The happy kind.
Again, she does a fantastic job of showing the way Alexander is aware of his differences from the “average” child. And how he just wants to be like everyone else. People who can swim around in a lake without worrying about brain eating amoebas. And there’s Theo, who wishes that maybe, just maybe, she could enjoy this camp and have fun. Not have to worry about scary mysteries and why their parents seemingly abandoned them and not dealing with the discomfort of her emotions.
My favorite part is the clues. In Sanguine Spa there were the bloods, Lucy and Mina. We met Quincy and her uncle Van Hellsing, also known as Edgarn’t from Fathoms of Fun.
In this, we’ve got the woman who runs the camp Dr. Jeck. L. L.
And a young boy named Henry who hides under the cabins of the camp because he knows something bad is going on and knows it has something to do with the tie-dye cabin.
And it’s the worst thing, aside form the garish hideous colors that are a true affront to the eyes on every person. Kids and counselors alike dressed in varying swirls. It’s the worst when they find Edgar, and Will, big sister Will who wears black all the time, wearing tie-dye.
Even worse, Will isn’t looking at Roderigo, her phone. Her eyes are squarely on them.
I don’t want to spoil anything but please, please pick this book up. It’s a fantastic read. I recommend this to everyone, regardless of age. It’s just a good, fun read.
I received this eARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thanks to them and the publisher. The lack of diversity is what's keeping it at a four (4) for me.
That said, I need her to work on her diversity. This is the third Sinister Summer book and the diversity just isn’t there. Every character is white or simply not described. And like I’ve said before, it’s been proven that a lack of description leads to readers just assuming the character is white.
With this book, it was just as well paced as a the previous two. We see Alexander, Theo and Will at Camp Creek. Will and Edgar say they won’t be saying, that they need to see the person in charge.
While they’re waiting to speak with her, the twins are ushered out to the camp by two very peppy cam counselors wearing tie-dyed shirts who speak with exclamation marks. The happy kind.
Again, she does a fantastic job of showing the way Alexander is aware of his differences from the “average” child. And how he just wants to be like everyone else. People who can swim around in a lake without worrying about brain eating amoebas. And there’s Theo, who wishes that maybe, just maybe, she could enjoy this camp and have fun. Not have to worry about scary mysteries and why their parents seemingly abandoned them and not dealing with the discomfort of her emotions.
My favorite part is the clues. In Sanguine Spa there were the bloods, Lucy and Mina. We met Quincy and her uncle Van Hellsing, also known as Edgarn’t from Fathoms of Fun.
In this, we’ve got the woman who runs the camp Dr. Jeck. L. L.
And a young boy named Henry who hides under the cabins of the camp because he knows something bad is going on and knows it has something to do with the tie-dye cabin.
And it’s the worst thing, aside form the garish hideous colors that are a true affront to the eyes on every person. Kids and counselors alike dressed in varying swirls. It’s the worst when they find Edgar, and Will, big sister Will who wears black all the time, wearing tie-dye.
Even worse, Will isn’t looking at Roderigo, her phone. Her eyes are squarely on them.
I don’t want to spoil anything but please, please pick this book up. It’s a fantastic read. I recommend this to everyone, regardless of age. It’s just a good, fun read.
I received this eARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thanks to them and the publisher. The lack of diversity is what's keeping it at a four (4) for me.
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