Eve Hallows and the Book of Shrieks

by Robert Gray

[lizarodz]

Eve Hallows and the Book of Shrieks was a really good read! It reminded me of a mix of Adams Family and the old series The Munsters, what I mean by that is that they have the same ‘up-side-down’ take on everything. For example, this book was horrible (meaning fantastic)!

Eve is a human that was raised by monsters in the town of Gravesville. The monster world is an alternate one and monsters can travel back and forth through portals. Eve is a pretty cool human; she is loyal to a fault, defensive of her family and willing to be herself, even under pressure. Even though she was terrified of humans and the human world (and completely unprepared for it!), she thrived under the pressure. I really like Eve, and she showed a lot of maturity for only being 14.

I love all other characters as well. Dad is a shape shifter and as such can blend better in the human world. However, Eve’s mom is a gorgon (like Medusa) which is a bit harder to camouflage. Eve’s little brother, Sam, is a ghoul and I felt bad that he had to stay cooped in the house all day. I did love that the family, although very different physically, was very close.

Eve’s friends, Carly Beth, Lucy and Steve were all very nice to her and readily accepted her into their mist. It seems like Eve is pretty good in inspiring others to do well. The bad guys were, perfectly repulsive and we still have to solve the mystery of who (or what) The Source is.

The plot was good, if a bit predictable, but enjoyable all the same. The writing is awesome, very funny, and quirky. I will definitely pass this one along to “B” to read, as I know he will enjoy it as well.

Here are some quotes for you:

“Dad rubbed at his chin, realizing, perhaps for the first time, all the chin real state he had to work with”

“Are you sure you’ve never worked in a place like this?” I asked.
“I was a waitress back in college. Turns out it’s like riding a bike”, Mrs. Reynolds said with a grin.
“I didn’t know what riding a bike had to do with the pizza place, but I kept my mouth shut. Mrs. Reynolds was a smart lady, and if she thought waitressing and bike riding were similar, then who was I to argue?” - Eve

This book was provided to me by the author for review.