Title: The Collector
Author: K. R. Alexander
Publisher: Scholastic Press
Publishing Date: August 28th, 2018
Pages: 224
Audio Length: N/A
Audio Length: N/A
Genre: Middle Grade Horror
TW: N/A
TW: N/A
Series: Standalone
Source: Book
Josie always liked visiting her grandmother in the countryside. But when her mother loses her job in the city and they're forced to relocate along with Josie's sister, Annie, she realizes she doesn't like the country that much. Especially because Grandma Jeannie has some strange rules: Don't bring any dolls into the house. And never, ever go near the house in the woods behind their yard. Soon though, Josie manages to make friends with the most popular girl in the sixth grade, Vanessa. When Vanessa eventually invites Josie back to her house to hang out, Josie doesn't question it. Not even when Vanessa takes her into the woods, and down an old dirt road, toward the very house Grandma Jeannie had warned her about.
As Josie gets caught up in her illicit friendship with Vanessa, Annie is caught in the crossfire. What follows is a chilling tale of dark magic, friendship, and some verrrrrry creepy dolls.
I have been wanting to read a K.R. Alexander book for quite a while now. The covers are always so creepy. I guess that's what caught my eye on this one, it definitely looks creepy.
What did I like about the cover:
I love anything creepy and this one certainly is creepy. The creepy doll, the colors, everything. I actually sent a close up of the doll to a few of my friends on snapchat and they weren't very happy with me.
What made me read this book:
Creepy dolls! I love to be scared and I've found out that middle grade horror books are some of the scariest I've read.
What did I like the most:
Okay first of all the creep factor. It was seriously there. From the moment they got to their grandmothers house, she was talking about rules such as don't go out at night, don't leave your window open, etc. And that of course is a little odd. Immediately it makes me go "uhhh, why?"
Then as soon as they go to their friends house and there are dolls everywhere, I got goosebumps. I don't like dolls, I'm not necessarily afraid of them, but they are pretty creepy. I sure as hell would not want to go into a room full of them. Nope nope nope.
The characters were okay, I kept being reminded of how young they were, and that's only a downfall because of how old I am. I think this book and author could easily become one of my favorites, if I was the correct age ground for this.
I feel that this book is written really well, especially considering I'm a grown ass adult and it gave me the willies. I found myself reading out loud to John, so I could freak him out too. And it worked, he kept telling me not to tell him anymore because it was freaking him out.
I may or may not have had doll dreams after reading this book.
I also read it in one night, which was nice. This book wasn't slow, it was a constant go go go and it was a quick read, which I feel like added to the creep factor. It didn't bore me.
What didn't I like:
So the story did end up getting a little odd at the end. I figure that the author didn't want it to be too creepy because it is meant for kids. But it just kinda was like wait what.
I feel like this story could have gone a different way and been better. Don't ask me what that way is... I'm not a writer lol.
I would like to read a more YA or adult version of this. Imagine the creep factor in that.
Would I read the rest of the series/more from this author?
Absolutely!
Overall a very creepy middle grade book.
― K. R. Alexander, The Collector
K.R. Alexander is the pseudonym for fantasy author Alex R. Kahler. Under this guise, K.R. writes creepy middle grade horror, perfect for young readers looking for a scare! His first book, The Collector, debuted from Scholastic in the Fall of '18.
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everything about the book speaks to me
ReplyDeletesherry @ fundinmental