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Shiver Point: It Came From The Woods
Welcome to SHIVER POINT, home of spooks, screams and small-town horror! Enter if you dare...
Shiver Point is boring. Nothing interesting ever happens there and there's never anything fun to do. At least that's what Alex has always thought. Until one night, in the dead dark, he spots what looks like a meteorite plummeting into Howlmoor Forest.
Intrigued, Alex goes to investigate. But little does he know, four other kids have also spotted the strange streak in the sky: 'troublemaker' Oli, studious Sophia, curious Mo and budding engineer Riley. What they discover is far beyond their wildest dreams - in fact it belongs in their nightmares. Can the gang work together to save the town from the bloodthirsty bodysnatcher that's arrived with the meteorite before it's too late?
One thing's for sure: Shiver Point will never be the same again.
Packed with chills and thrills, SHIVER POINT is a hair-raising new horror series for middle grade readers.
Shiver Point is boring. Nothing interesting ever happens there and there's never anything fun to do. At least that's what Alex has always thought. Until one night, in the dead dark, he spots what looks like a meteorite plummeting into Howlmoor Forest.
Intrigued, Alex goes to investigate. But little does he know, four other kids have also spotted the strange streak in the sky: 'troublemaker' Oli, studious Sophia, curious Mo and budding engineer Riley. What they discover is far beyond their wildest dreams - in fact it belongs in their nightmares. Can the gang work together to save the town from the bloodthirsty bodysnatcher that's arrived with the meteorite before it's too late?
One thing's for sure: Shiver Point will never be the same again.
Packed with chills and thrills, SHIVER POINT is a hair-raising new horror series for middle grade readers.
- GenresMiddle GradeHorror
215 pages, Paperback
Published September 14, 2023
5 people are currently reading
86 people want to read
About the author
Gabriel Dylan
10 books39 followersGabriel is a secondary school teacher who spends his free time living the double life of a YA and MG author.
Daddy to a tribe of small children, and a keen surfer and snowboarder, Gabriel loves travelling to snowy or beachy destinations, and reading horror and fantasy novels.
The idea for his debut novel, YA horror WHITEOUT, came to him whilst leading a Sixth form ski trip to the wilds of Austria and wishing a horde of vampires would descend from the trees and devour the students who weren't behaving.
His new book, MG horror SHIVER POINT : IT CAME FROM THE WOODS, is the first in a series from Piccadilly Press. Due out in September 2023, it mixes scares with humour, and references Gabriel's love of classic horror films from the 80s and 90s.
Daddy to a tribe of small children, and a keen surfer and snowboarder, Gabriel loves travelling to snowy or beachy destinations, and reading horror and fantasy novels.
The idea for his debut novel, YA horror WHITEOUT, came to him whilst leading a Sixth form ski trip to the wilds of Austria and wishing a horde of vampires would descend from the trees and devour the students who weren't behaving.
His new book, MG horror SHIVER POINT : IT CAME FROM THE WOODS, is the first in a series from Piccadilly Press. Due out in September 2023, it mixes scares with humour, and references Gabriel's love of classic horror films from the 80s and 90s.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
December 22, 2023
This was so much fun and filled with spooky suspense. It was a middle grade version of Invasion of the Bodysnatchers and I loved it. Dylan casts a band of unlikely heroes set against an alien foe to save their little town of Shiver Point. Filled with great messages about friendship, diversity and belonging this was a fantastic read!
December 19, 2023
A superexciting book featuring monsters, friendship, and more! What a ride!
😍 I love how the book immediately jumps into the action. Something has crashed in the woods near town and it was great fun how the kids found themselves on the same spot trying to figure out what was going on! And things got so scary!
😍 The town itself! While it does seem to be stuck in the 90s, it does sound like a lot of fun and I would definitely want one of those shakes!
😍 The characters. We don’t just get one POV, we get it from the whole group of kids. From Alex to Mo to Sophia to Riley to Oli. I have to say that Oli was my least favourite, but the other kids were great, Alex and Riley being my favourites. I loved getting to know them more with their POVs and see their thoughts on the spooky things that were going on. Despite so many POVs I felt that each had their own voice and you could clearly distinguish between them.
😍 Alex especially had a lot of growth. He has just started living in Shiver Point and he is not that much into making friends for reasons. He is not happy with where he is. And we see him figure things out as the story continues. See him reconsider the no-friends policy.
😍 On that note, I would love a treehouse just like Riley has!
😍 The cover! Yup, I got to mention it. It is a fun cover!
😍 The illustrations (of tree branches) when each new chapter begins~
😍 The monster/the slugs.
😍 The mystery! Because the kids know something is wrong and I loved finding out more and more about what is going on. From something spooky in the woods to mysterious things happening in the town to catfood being stolen to dark smudges of slugs here and there and adults acting weird. It was well-written and I was eager to find out more of what was going on.
😍 The last part of the book was just one rollercoaster of wellllll no thank you, haha. It was so exciting and scary and awesome and I loved every bit of it.
I need more of this series and I am delighted that it seems that more books are coming out! YES! Bring me! I could always use a new MG/Children series full of spooky stuff~
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
😍 I love how the book immediately jumps into the action. Something has crashed in the woods near town and it was great fun how the kids found themselves on the same spot trying to figure out what was going on! And things got so scary!
😍 The town itself! While it does seem to be stuck in the 90s, it does sound like a lot of fun and I would definitely want one of those shakes!
😍 The characters. We don’t just get one POV, we get it from the whole group of kids. From Alex to Mo to Sophia to Riley to Oli. I have to say that Oli was my least favourite, but the other kids were great, Alex and Riley being my favourites. I loved getting to know them more with their POVs and see their thoughts on the spooky things that were going on. Despite so many POVs I felt that each had their own voice and you could clearly distinguish between them.
😍 Alex especially had a lot of growth. He has just started living in Shiver Point and he is not that much into making friends for reasons. He is not happy with where he is. And we see him figure things out as the story continues. See him reconsider the no-friends policy.
😍 On that note, I would love a treehouse just like Riley has!
😍 The cover! Yup, I got to mention it. It is a fun cover!
😍 The illustrations (of tree branches) when each new chapter begins~
😍 The monster/the slugs.
😍 The mystery! Because the kids know something is wrong and I loved finding out more and more about what is going on. From something spooky in the woods to mysterious things happening in the town to catfood being stolen to dark smudges of slugs here and there and adults acting weird. It was well-written and I was eager to find out more of what was going on.
😍 The last part of the book was just one rollercoaster of wellllll no thank you, haha. It was so exciting and scary and awesome and I loved every bit of it.
I need more of this series and I am delighted that it seems that more books are coming out! YES! Bring me! I could always use a new MG/Children series full of spooky stuff~
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
March 15, 2025
Meet the Shiver Squad. One night something fell from the skies. Five kids from Shiver Town decided to go and see if it was a meteorite and end up finding something way more dangerous.
That night’s events will bond them for life and even though they could not be more different from each other, the five kids will be forced to work together and save the town. At the same time, they will also end up becoming best friends.
It is clear to them that the meteorite brought something to Earth. Something dangerous. A series of break ins, black goo and adults behaving strangely.
Time is ticking and the Shiver Squad will have to find a way to stop it before everyone in town is gone forever.
Introducing the characters the way it was done by the meteorite site and having that common experience first was genius. After that, we get short chapters introducing the five kids and letting us know how different they are.
But sometimes things happen in life that bring us closer to strangers, we never knew we needed. A found family and a creepy story that got quite dark and intense.
This middle grade series is also perfect for adults and people that enjoyed books like Nancy Drew and Goosebumps.
That night’s events will bond them for life and even though they could not be more different from each other, the five kids will be forced to work together and save the town. At the same time, they will also end up becoming best friends.
It is clear to them that the meteorite brought something to Earth. Something dangerous. A series of break ins, black goo and adults behaving strangely.
Time is ticking and the Shiver Squad will have to find a way to stop it before everyone in town is gone forever.
Introducing the characters the way it was done by the meteorite site and having that common experience first was genius. After that, we get short chapters introducing the five kids and letting us know how different they are.
But sometimes things happen in life that bring us closer to strangers, we never knew we needed. A found family and a creepy story that got quite dark and intense.
This middle grade series is also perfect for adults and people that enjoyed books like Nancy Drew and Goosebumps.
April 11, 2025
I ended up reading this in one go, I could totally see this being a Dr. Who episode.
April 12, 2024
I enjoyed the friendship dynamic the most and even though the plot was very interesting, I was hoping for it to be a bit more on the scary side which it sadly wasn't. I think I misjudged the age range because although I am a fan of middle-grade fiction, this felt a little too juvenile for my taste.
I probably would have preferred it if the story wasn't about extraterrestrial beings and instead about a ghost or something similar since I don't personally find aliens that scary, especially in middle-grade books. The second book seems more along the lines of something I would enjoy a bit more, so I might give that one a try! Overall, I really appreciate the story for what it was, and particularly the Shiver Squad.
It is a solid read as a whole and perfect for those who liked horror movies as a child (as there's a character in the book with the same hobby) and also those looking for a quicky spooky yet wholesome read.
I probably would have preferred it if the story wasn't about extraterrestrial beings and instead about a ghost or something similar since I don't personally find aliens that scary, especially in middle-grade books. The second book seems more along the lines of something I would enjoy a bit more, so I might give that one a try! Overall, I really appreciate the story for what it was, and particularly the Shiver Squad.
It is a solid read as a whole and perfect for those who liked horror movies as a child (as there's a character in the book with the same hobby) and also those looking for a quicky spooky yet wholesome read.
April 28, 2023
Alex isn't happy! His mum's job was relocated to a new town, miles away from all his friends, and she works nights! Even with a name like Shiver Point, it's a boring place where nothing ever happens, at least that was the case, but now, well, things might have just changed and not necessarily for the best!
Investigating what he thinks might be a meteorite plummeting towards nearby Howlmoor Forest sends Alex headfirst into an adventure nothing could have prepared him for, but at least, suddenly, he's no longer alone. Four other pupils at his new school also headed to the forest that night, and now they have to work together, or Shiver Point might just become everyone's worst nightmare!
Although this is the first Shiver Point novel, it didn't read that way. Within just a couple of chapters, the main protagonists were familiar, and although a little stereotypical in personality were original enough to rise above that. Alex also doesn't dominate the storyline, which is a little obvious in places, but instead serves to help the reader become familiar with the town and its residents at the same time as him.
I was able to read an advanced copy of this book thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, but the opinions expressed are my own. I never read scary books as a child, but my kids read Goosebumps, and I would definitely recommend this to my grandchildren and others aged 10+.
Investigating what he thinks might be a meteorite plummeting towards nearby Howlmoor Forest sends Alex headfirst into an adventure nothing could have prepared him for, but at least, suddenly, he's no longer alone. Four other pupils at his new school also headed to the forest that night, and now they have to work together, or Shiver Point might just become everyone's worst nightmare!
Although this is the first Shiver Point novel, it didn't read that way. Within just a couple of chapters, the main protagonists were familiar, and although a little stereotypical in personality were original enough to rise above that. Alex also doesn't dominate the storyline, which is a little obvious in places, but instead serves to help the reader become familiar with the town and its residents at the same time as him.
I was able to read an advanced copy of this book thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, but the opinions expressed are my own. I never read scary books as a child, but my kids read Goosebumps, and I would definitely recommend this to my grandchildren and others aged 10+.
September 15, 2023
Old school scares...
I really enjoyed this one, with nothing bad to report.
Given that I'm not the target audience, I'm possibly not the best to judge...but having read many children's books (both to myself when younger, and to my 10 year old daughter) I think I've read a lot to compare it to.
And this compares favourably. I used to love Famous Five, Secret Seven, Point Horror, Goosebumps...and this book plays on a lot of similar themes. We have a group of children trying to solve a mystery (although they're a more diverse group of children than in my old books!). We've got aliens, tunnels, bodysnatchers - it's all good 'but not too scary' stuff and written well.
I think my daughter will love this when she gets the chance to read it, there's enough suspense and drama to keep a child interested, without it being too much. This looks as though it's going to be part of a series, I look forward to book 2!
Thanks to Readers First for providing an ARC.
I really enjoyed this one, with nothing bad to report.
Given that I'm not the target audience, I'm possibly not the best to judge...but having read many children's books (both to myself when younger, and to my 10 year old daughter) I think I've read a lot to compare it to.
And this compares favourably. I used to love Famous Five, Secret Seven, Point Horror, Goosebumps...and this book plays on a lot of similar themes. We have a group of children trying to solve a mystery (although they're a more diverse group of children than in my old books!). We've got aliens, tunnels, bodysnatchers - it's all good 'but not too scary' stuff and written well.
I think my daughter will love this when she gets the chance to read it, there's enough suspense and drama to keep a child interested, without it being too much. This looks as though it's going to be part of a series, I look forward to book 2!
Thanks to Readers First for providing an ARC.
September 24, 2023
Shiver Point: it Came From The Woods by Gabriel Dylan is a Stephen King-like book written for 9 – 11 year olds! As a lifelong SK fan, and way way much older than the target audience, I have to say I thoroughly enjoyed this fun read.
Alex is new to Shiver Point and resents every minute of being there. He considers it boring, nothing interesting ever happens there and there's never anything fun to do. Then one night, something interesting does happen, when Alex sees what appears to be a meteorite fall into the local Howlmoor Forest (one of many great names in this book) and goes to investigate. There he encounters four other kids from his class - Oli, Sophia, Mo and Riley. Soon strange things start happening in the town and the adults are acting weird. Our young heroes suspect that it was not a meteorite that they saw, and that it is up to them to find out what it actually was and help their town go back to being boring!
Apparently this is the first of four Shiver Point books. It serves as a good introduction to the main characters, clearly defining each of the personalities and individual traits and quirks. I thought they were all very well written with some aspects of pre-teen behaviour and language being quite authentic. Continuing with the SK theme the group of new found friends have similarities to the famed Losers Club, or more recently to the kids in Stanger Things. All of them are on the outside of school groups and friendships, but this helps them form a bond of their own.
The story is very easy to read and a real page turner. The chapters are quite short, which is always very tempting when it is time to stop, but you think ‘just one more chapter’. The short chapters may also be appealing for slower readers as longer ones can be off-putting as it’s harder to pick up the plot halfway through a chapter.
The story is exciting and I would imagine suitably scary for readers of the target group, but not too scary to be off putting. And it would certainly serve as a gateway to more mature horror writers as the readers get older, especially if they take notice of Oli’s horror film recommendations.
I’m passing this on to my friend’s 11-year-old who enjoys the thrills and scares of Doctor Who. I think he will love Shiver Point.
Alex is new to Shiver Point and resents every minute of being there. He considers it boring, nothing interesting ever happens there and there's never anything fun to do. Then one night, something interesting does happen, when Alex sees what appears to be a meteorite fall into the local Howlmoor Forest (one of many great names in this book) and goes to investigate. There he encounters four other kids from his class - Oli, Sophia, Mo and Riley. Soon strange things start happening in the town and the adults are acting weird. Our young heroes suspect that it was not a meteorite that they saw, and that it is up to them to find out what it actually was and help their town go back to being boring!
Apparently this is the first of four Shiver Point books. It serves as a good introduction to the main characters, clearly defining each of the personalities and individual traits and quirks. I thought they were all very well written with some aspects of pre-teen behaviour and language being quite authentic. Continuing with the SK theme the group of new found friends have similarities to the famed Losers Club, or more recently to the kids in Stanger Things. All of them are on the outside of school groups and friendships, but this helps them form a bond of their own.
The story is very easy to read and a real page turner. The chapters are quite short, which is always very tempting when it is time to stop, but you think ‘just one more chapter’. The short chapters may also be appealing for slower readers as longer ones can be off-putting as it’s harder to pick up the plot halfway through a chapter.
The story is exciting and I would imagine suitably scary for readers of the target group, but not too scary to be off putting. And it would certainly serve as a gateway to more mature horror writers as the readers get older, especially if they take notice of Oli’s horror film recommendations.
I’m passing this on to my friend’s 11-year-old who enjoys the thrills and scares of Doctor Who. I think he will love Shiver Point.
November 14, 2023
Five children spot a flash of light in the sky and head into the woods to investigate. Can they save their town from a deadly invasion...?
Shiver Point: It Came From The Woods is the first book in a new children's series aimed at ages 9-12. I was transported back to my tween and teen years when I devoured Point Horror books and can't wait to share with my own kids in the lead up to Halloween.
Alex is struggling to adjust to his new town. His mum is working long hours and he is lonely as he has made no friends. One night he spots a light streaking through the sky and hopes to find something valuable so his mum can stop working and spend time with him. In the woods he finds 4 other children who have followed the light trail and their friendship offers hims something just as treasured.
Each of the children is unique and a misfit at school. They represent a range of ethnicities and family dynamics. Their strength as a team comes from their unity despite their differences. The dedication to their family, their community and each other drive them to be brave.
The slimy slugs and creepy atmosphere are sinister and without being too scary. As an introduction to the horror genre, this is pretty much perfect. Obviously I am a middle aged woman (42 ?! :( ) so not the intended audience but I can see the appeal for younger audiences and there is a good level of spookiness and unease.
Shiver Point: It Came From The Woods is an entertaining and engaging horror story for children.
Shiver Point: It Came From The Woods is the first book in a new children's series aimed at ages 9-12. I was transported back to my tween and teen years when I devoured Point Horror books and can't wait to share with my own kids in the lead up to Halloween.
Alex is struggling to adjust to his new town. His mum is working long hours and he is lonely as he has made no friends. One night he spots a light streaking through the sky and hopes to find something valuable so his mum can stop working and spend time with him. In the woods he finds 4 other children who have followed the light trail and their friendship offers hims something just as treasured.
Each of the children is unique and a misfit at school. They represent a range of ethnicities and family dynamics. Their strength as a team comes from their unity despite their differences. The dedication to their family, their community and each other drive them to be brave.
The slimy slugs and creepy atmosphere are sinister and without being too scary. As an introduction to the horror genre, this is pretty much perfect. Obviously I am a middle aged woman (42 ?! :( ) so not the intended audience but I can see the appeal for younger audiences and there is a good level of spookiness and unease.
Shiver Point: It Came From The Woods is an entertaining and engaging horror story for children.
September 26, 2023
I love the cover with the children in green that reflects what’s happening in this spooky novel.
Spooks scares and screams, makes Shiver Point a spooky read, that could be read anytime, or keep it specially for a Halloween night.
Although this book is for 9 to 12 years, I throughly enjoyed Shiver Point. I have no doubt in mind to recommend it to 9-12 year olds or to schools for their library.
Reading through the list of other books that author Gabriel Dylan has written I found a few more that I’d love to read.
Since Alex and his mum moved to Shiver Point he thought it was a dull place. Alex rarely got to his mum with her shift at the hospital. It’s five minutes past midnight and his mother hasn’t come home.
While Alex is on his skateboard he sees a glow that vanished into the Howlmoor Forest. His first thoughts it could be a plane or fireworks.
On Alex’s skateboard, without believing in ghost and ghouls he adventures into the dark woodland of Howlmoor Forest alone to investigate what the light was that landed in the trees. Alex thinks it might be a meteorite. Cash from a chunk of space rock would change everything if sold for thousands. By the time Alex had found where the light had come down, he isn’t the only one there from Point Academy.
I absolutely loved every page
This novel comes highly recommended by me!
Spooks scares and screams, makes Shiver Point a spooky read, that could be read anytime, or keep it specially for a Halloween night.
Although this book is for 9 to 12 years, I throughly enjoyed Shiver Point. I have no doubt in mind to recommend it to 9-12 year olds or to schools for their library.
Reading through the list of other books that author Gabriel Dylan has written I found a few more that I’d love to read.
Since Alex and his mum moved to Shiver Point he thought it was a dull place. Alex rarely got to his mum with her shift at the hospital. It’s five minutes past midnight and his mother hasn’t come home.
While Alex is on his skateboard he sees a glow that vanished into the Howlmoor Forest. His first thoughts it could be a plane or fireworks.
On Alex’s skateboard, without believing in ghost and ghouls he adventures into the dark woodland of Howlmoor Forest alone to investigate what the light was that landed in the trees. Alex thinks it might be a meteorite. Cash from a chunk of space rock would change everything if sold for thousands. By the time Alex had found where the light had come down, he isn’t the only one there from Point Academy.
I absolutely loved every page
This novel comes highly recommended by me!
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June 8, 2023I think this story will be popular with fans of Goosebumps.
One night new-kid-in-town Alex sees a bright light in the neighbouring wood and dreaming of finding a valuable meteorite fragment that could be his ticket out of the town, he rushes into the woods. Unfortunately he is not the first kid in the woods that night looking for something similar. More unfortunately it’s not a meteorite that has crashed into the woods but something far more sinister.
This book has a great plot, fast-action (after the initial build-up to get the kids together), and some genuinely creepy moments. I really love body-snatcher stories, and the plot in this book works well. I liked how a group of disparate kids came to work together, although I found the characters a little stereotyped (I did like Oli though). My enjoyment of the book however was marred by some head-hopping and some ‘telling’, particularly in the second half of the book. However I don’t think middle grade aged readers will mind as much as me, and the horror fans among them are sure to enjoy it.
One night new-kid-in-town Alex sees a bright light in the neighbouring wood and dreaming of finding a valuable meteorite fragment that could be his ticket out of the town, he rushes into the woods. Unfortunately he is not the first kid in the woods that night looking for something similar. More unfortunately it’s not a meteorite that has crashed into the woods but something far more sinister.
This book has a great plot, fast-action (after the initial build-up to get the kids together), and some genuinely creepy moments. I really love body-snatcher stories, and the plot in this book works well. I liked how a group of disparate kids came to work together, although I found the characters a little stereotyped (I did like Oli though). My enjoyment of the book however was marred by some head-hopping and some ‘telling’, particularly in the second half of the book. However I don’t think middle grade aged readers will mind as much as me, and the horror fans among them are sure to enjoy it.
September 17, 2023
Shiver Point is the most boring place on Earth according to Alex.
Nothing happens, nothing exciting and life seems so dull after having to move there with his mother for her job and having to leave his old school and friends behind.
Then one night a meteorite lands in the Creepy Howlsmoor forest.
Now Shiver Point is really having a shake up.
With the meteorite an evil body snatcher has arrived with his squad of demonic, black slugs.
Their mission, to eat the local children and enslave the adults.
But Alex and some other kids, Mo, Riley, Oli and Sophia have found out their dastardly plan and are determined to save Shiver point town, its inhabitants and even humanity from being sucked into oblivion.
But with a local town meeting being called this is a buffet for the evil slugs so the kids have to work fast before everyone becomes lunch.
Can they do it in time?
This was such fun and very reminiscent of the great kids novels and cartoons of yesteryear.
Zany, whacky and a cracking good read.
Nothing happens, nothing exciting and life seems so dull after having to move there with his mother for her job and having to leave his old school and friends behind.
Then one night a meteorite lands in the Creepy Howlsmoor forest.
Now Shiver Point is really having a shake up.
With the meteorite an evil body snatcher has arrived with his squad of demonic, black slugs.
Their mission, to eat the local children and enslave the adults.
But Alex and some other kids, Mo, Riley, Oli and Sophia have found out their dastardly plan and are determined to save Shiver point town, its inhabitants and even humanity from being sucked into oblivion.
But with a local town meeting being called this is a buffet for the evil slugs so the kids have to work fast before everyone becomes lunch.
Can they do it in time?
This was such fun and very reminiscent of the great kids novels and cartoons of yesteryear.
Zany, whacky and a cracking good read.
March 5, 2023
Shiver Point: It Came from the Woods is a good start to a new MG horror series, though I did find it quite hard to get into. It was a bit slow to start with, but it soon picked up and turned into a story straight out of an 80s section of a video shop.
Fans of Goosebumps and Scream Street should find this book right up their alley, and no doubt it’ll fit well with young up and coming fans of the horror/sci-fi genres. There are several references to older films that might go over the target audience’s heads, but at least it’ll start a conversation about classics still to discover.
I found the characters to be quite one-dimensional, and I didn’t find myself overly attached to any of them. That could be down to this being the first book in a series; there’s always lots to establish and introduce, and I’m sure the protagonists will become more fleshed out as the series continues.
Overall, It Came from the Woods is a short, enjoyable story, and one that will definitely find a fan base amongst 8+ readers. I look forward to seeing which creatures and monsters are included in future instalments, and which films they’re in honour of. What a great way for the author to show an appreciation of the best genre out there!
Fans of Goosebumps and Scream Street should find this book right up their alley, and no doubt it’ll fit well with young up and coming fans of the horror/sci-fi genres. There are several references to older films that might go over the target audience’s heads, but at least it’ll start a conversation about classics still to discover.
I found the characters to be quite one-dimensional, and I didn’t find myself overly attached to any of them. That could be down to this being the first book in a series; there’s always lots to establish and introduce, and I’m sure the protagonists will become more fleshed out as the series continues.
Overall, It Came from the Woods is a short, enjoyable story, and one that will definitely find a fan base amongst 8+ readers. I look forward to seeing which creatures and monsters are included in future instalments, and which films they’re in honour of. What a great way for the author to show an appreciation of the best genre out there!
September 14, 2023
A timely release considering Halloween is just around the corner and that the bodies of two suspected aliens were recently presented to a Mexican congress hearing, the premise of Shiver Point might be one that Enid Blyton would come up with had she branched out into writing horror or science fiction novels as five seemingly disparate youngsters are brought together by a mysterious falling object.
Place names such as Howlmoor Forest, Chilling Shakes, Night Owl Cinema and the town which gives the book its title are good at capturing the genre, as is the front cover and the tree branch illustrations at the start of a new chapter. Equally, the paragraphs are digestible enough for the target young reader audience, who may also identify with Alex (the central character who, at the start, is your stereotypical outsider yearning to leave Shiver Point and have a better relationship with his hospital night shift worked mother).
Place names such as Howlmoor Forest, Chilling Shakes, Night Owl Cinema and the town which gives the book its title are good at capturing the genre, as is the front cover and the tree branch illustrations at the start of a new chapter. Equally, the paragraphs are digestible enough for the target young reader audience, who may also identify with Alex (the central character who, at the start, is your stereotypical outsider yearning to leave Shiver Point and have a better relationship with his hospital night shift worked mother).
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 16, 2023
This was a great, classic spooky story. Aimed at kids it was spooky enough, with just enough threat.
I love that the author clearly loves horror films, and even Damien Thorn makes and appearance (iykyk). This book reminded me of a lot of classic horror films just toned down for kids.
The basic premise was that Alex had just moved to Shiver Point and had no friends in his new schools when he saw a meteorite fall into the woods. He hoped that he could help his mum by selling a piece of the rock but when he got to the woods a group of kids from him school, all misfits and lonely in their own way, were already there.
Together the new group of friend work out what weird things were happening throughout the town and were able to save it from certain doom.
As I'm not the intended audience I wouldn't actively seek out the next book in the series but I thought it was a great read.
I love that the author clearly loves horror films, and even Damien Thorn makes and appearance (iykyk). This book reminded me of a lot of classic horror films just toned down for kids.
The basic premise was that Alex had just moved to Shiver Point and had no friends in his new schools when he saw a meteorite fall into the woods. He hoped that he could help his mum by selling a piece of the rock but when he got to the woods a group of kids from him school, all misfits and lonely in their own way, were already there.
Together the new group of friend work out what weird things were happening throughout the town and were able to save it from certain doom.
As I'm not the intended audience I wouldn't actively seek out the next book in the series but I thought it was a great read.
September 18, 2023
An exciting story for young readers (I would say years 4-8, depending on reading level) with mysterious falling objects, the promise of alien encounters and fun antics with a group of friends.
It’s got a little bit of tension / suspense, but no worse than a Point Horror story (Teeth… all the better to eat you with”)
The language is age-appropriate and the characters speak to each other in a way which should resonate with the target audience (“Duh… dude!”)
There’s a map illustration which is nice to see, personally I rarely tend to look at the other than a passing glance when I start the book, but it’s good to have for those who enjoy an illustration or want to get a better grasp of the small town surroundings.
Seeing as kids these days are watching things like Wednesday and Stranger Things this mild-level terror shouldn’t be a problem for most late primary / early secondary kids.
It’s got a little bit of tension / suspense, but no worse than a Point Horror story (Teeth… all the better to eat you with”)
The language is age-appropriate and the characters speak to each other in a way which should resonate with the target audience (“Duh… dude!”)
There’s a map illustration which is nice to see, personally I rarely tend to look at the other than a passing glance when I start the book, but it’s good to have for those who enjoy an illustration or want to get a better grasp of the small town surroundings.
Seeing as kids these days are watching things like Wednesday and Stranger Things this mild-level terror shouldn’t be a problem for most late primary / early secondary kids.
September 18, 2023
This book reading age is 9 years and up.
It is about almost teens, a group of them that don’t really make friends for all different reasons. Alex had been learning about meteorites in school and his teacher said if found it may be worth a lot of money. He had had to move away from his old home and friends and his mum is having to work through the night as a nurse so he is on his own with the nextdoor neighbour listening out for him.
One night he was playing on his skateboard when he see lights in the sky, it was like something he had never seen before, he thought if he followed it, it may be a meteorite and get enough money to move but the nearer to Howlmoor Forest he got the more scared he became.
What is it that is going on and whatever it is, could it be the thing that made him friends?
I quite enjoyed it though far above the reading age, I would think that the age set is about right.
It is about almost teens, a group of them that don’t really make friends for all different reasons. Alex had been learning about meteorites in school and his teacher said if found it may be worth a lot of money. He had had to move away from his old home and friends and his mum is having to work through the night as a nurse so he is on his own with the nextdoor neighbour listening out for him.
One night he was playing on his skateboard when he see lights in the sky, it was like something he had never seen before, he thought if he followed it, it may be a meteorite and get enough money to move but the nearer to Howlmoor Forest he got the more scared he became.
What is it that is going on and whatever it is, could it be the thing that made him friends?
I quite enjoyed it though far above the reading age, I would think that the age set is about right.
September 22, 2023
Children's literature gets better and better with every book.
Children nowadays want books that will allow them to escape to another world,
These children also want a scare, they have read goosebumps and are after something more. And authors have realised this.
Shiver point is the latest book that will keep these children happy.
I absolutely loved this book, I loved how the characters started off as loners, but after a while they realised they needed each other to get to the bottom of the mystery. The characters all worked well together. Lots of children will be able to see themselves in one of the main characters
This has enough scare to keep children happy. The book cover has its own creepiness that will have children taking the book off the shelf.
The plot is fasted paced and will leave children wanting to read more.
I'm so looking forward to reading the next book in the series
.
Children nowadays want books that will allow them to escape to another world,
These children also want a scare, they have read goosebumps and are after something more. And authors have realised this.
Shiver point is the latest book that will keep these children happy.
I absolutely loved this book, I loved how the characters started off as loners, but after a while they realised they needed each other to get to the bottom of the mystery. The characters all worked well together. Lots of children will be able to see themselves in one of the main characters
This has enough scare to keep children happy. The book cover has its own creepiness that will have children taking the book off the shelf.
The plot is fasted paced and will leave children wanting to read more.
I'm so looking forward to reading the next book in the series
.
October 6, 2023
So this book is based around a suspected alien invasion witnessed by a group of secondary school kids aged 12.
They see a meteor come down in the local woods and all separately go to investigate. They are not friends. But do know each other from school.
I enjoyed the different characters and how they represented different parts of society. I liked how they were reluctant to be friends at the beginning and all had pre-conceived ideas about who they were.
It was so well written even as ab adult I wanted to turn the page and see what happened next. The scene setting was excellent and I could hear the horrible noises and smell the horrible smells.
Throughly enjoyed this one and I will be passing it on to my daughters to read as soon as possible. It was so well written it even freaked me out a little towards the end.
Glad it was a good ending and that everyone is safe. Go the shiver squad!
They see a meteor come down in the local woods and all separately go to investigate. They are not friends. But do know each other from school.
I enjoyed the different characters and how they represented different parts of society. I liked how they were reluctant to be friends at the beginning and all had pre-conceived ideas about who they were.
It was so well written even as ab adult I wanted to turn the page and see what happened next. The scene setting was excellent and I could hear the horrible noises and smell the horrible smells.
Throughly enjoyed this one and I will be passing it on to my daughters to read as soon as possible. It was so well written it even freaked me out a little towards the end.
Glad it was a good ending and that everyone is safe. Go the shiver squad!
October 22, 2023
i quite enjoyed this book, while im not the target audience it was still a good read. its not too long and plenty of action, nothing ever happens in shiver point, until a group of, misfit 12 year old's. who after spotting a meteor fall from the sky into the woods around midnight, must work together to save the town of shiver point from a space monster. the characters are all likeable in their own way, they all have different upbringings (raised by grandad, single mother, same sex parents etc) and their own challenges, (struggling to make friends for various reasons) main character alex, is new to shiver point and is struggling to make friend, worried incase he has to move away again due to his mums hospital job, he doesn't want to have to leave a new set of friends, i would quite happily read other books in the series, they remind me the goosebumps kind of books, little scary but without being graphic,
January 21, 2024
'Shiver Point' by Gabriel Dylan is the first in a series for children.
Welcome to SHIVER POINT, home of spooks, screams and small-town horror! Enter if you dare...
Shiver Point is boring. Nothing interesting ever happens there and there's never anything fun to do. At least that's what Alex has always thought. Until one night, in the dead dark, he spots what looks like a meteorite plummeting into Howlmoor Forest.
Intrigued, Alex goes to investigate. But little does he know, four other kids have also spotted the strange streak in the sky: 'troublemaker' Oli, studious Sophia, curious Mo and budding engineer Riley. What they discover is far beyond their wildest dreams - in fact it belongs in their nightmares. Can the gang work together to save the town from the bloodthirsty bodysnatcher that's arrived with the meteorite before it's too late?
This book was great fun and had me addicted.
It is a great story and will be a big hit to children as the pace of the story never stops.
Funny, scary and fun!
I look forward to more in the series.
Thanks to the author, publisher and Reader's First in allowing me to read in return for a review.
Welcome to SHIVER POINT, home of spooks, screams and small-town horror! Enter if you dare...
Shiver Point is boring. Nothing interesting ever happens there and there's never anything fun to do. At least that's what Alex has always thought. Until one night, in the dead dark, he spots what looks like a meteorite plummeting into Howlmoor Forest.
Intrigued, Alex goes to investigate. But little does he know, four other kids have also spotted the strange streak in the sky: 'troublemaker' Oli, studious Sophia, curious Mo and budding engineer Riley. What they discover is far beyond their wildest dreams - in fact it belongs in their nightmares. Can the gang work together to save the town from the bloodthirsty bodysnatcher that's arrived with the meteorite before it's too late?
This book was great fun and had me addicted.
It is a great story and will be a big hit to children as the pace of the story never stops.
Funny, scary and fun!
I look forward to more in the series.
Thanks to the author, publisher and Reader's First in allowing me to read in return for a review.
September 17, 2023
Shiver Point is soooo boring, well that's what Alex thinks.
He moved there with his mam for work and he hates it, a new town, new friends and nothing ever happens.
Until the night something lands right in Howlsmoor forest.
A meteorite has landed and brought something sinister with it.
An army of slugs with a body snatcher as their master.
They plan to feast on the children and have the adults as their servants, they have come to take over town and bring more in their wake.
But Alex and a gang of other local kids are determined to try to save their parents and the town of Shiver point.
But can they beat thus alien being in time?
It's up to Alex, Mo, Oli, Riley and Sophia.
This was such a fun read, really great for fans of stuff like Scooby Doo, Goosebumps etc.
A must read for horror and sci if fans and especially as we are now in spooky season.
He moved there with his mam for work and he hates it, a new town, new friends and nothing ever happens.
Until the night something lands right in Howlsmoor forest.
A meteorite has landed and brought something sinister with it.
An army of slugs with a body snatcher as their master.
They plan to feast on the children and have the adults as their servants, they have come to take over town and bring more in their wake.
But Alex and a gang of other local kids are determined to try to save their parents and the town of Shiver point.
But can they beat thus alien being in time?
It's up to Alex, Mo, Oli, Riley and Sophia.
This was such a fun read, really great for fans of stuff like Scooby Doo, Goosebumps etc.
A must read for horror and sci if fans and especially as we are now in spooky season.
September 22, 2023
I must admit that this was a very fun (and spooky) book to read, and my 12 year old sister enjoyed reading this too. This is perfect for young readers and teens, and is well written for the target audience. It will best suit those who enjoy or who have enjoyed goosebumps in my opinion. It was not a long book either so was quick to read, but I think it is the perfect length, and I can see this becoming a great series which readers will look forward to reading the next one. Alex moves to a new town and has friends. There are four other youngsters he meets one day when he goes out to explore a possible meteorite falling from the sky. He then joins these kids to form a group together, and they become heroes for a boring town i.e. Shiver point, and fight against an army of slugs. Perfect to read over Halloween period, especially for the teens and kids - I recommend!!
September 30, 2023
Shiver point is a brilliant scary (but not too scary) horror story with a dash of science fiction. I myself tend not to read straight out horror stories - as I get scared too easily - however this was just the right amount of fear and thrill for upper KS2.
Alex moved to Shiver Point because of his mum’s work. It definitely wasn’t his choice. He finds making friends difficult and doesn’t want to try incase him and his mum have to move again.
One night a meteorite falls into Howelmoor Forest and Alex goes to investigate. He meets Oli, Sophia, Mo and Riley, children from his class also seeking out the meteorite. Soon strange things begin to happen in the town and the group of unlikely friends try to figure the mystery out. The group work together to save their town.
Dylan builds tension throughout the story wonderfully and takes the reader on a thrilling ride!
Alex moved to Shiver Point because of his mum’s work. It definitely wasn’t his choice. He finds making friends difficult and doesn’t want to try incase him and his mum have to move again.
One night a meteorite falls into Howelmoor Forest and Alex goes to investigate. He meets Oli, Sophia, Mo and Riley, children from his class also seeking out the meteorite. Soon strange things begin to happen in the town and the group of unlikely friends try to figure the mystery out. The group work together to save their town.
Dylan builds tension throughout the story wonderfully and takes the reader on a thrilling ride!
November 27, 2023
Alex is new in the town of Shiver Point and he is not really interested in making new friends, especially knowing he will just lose them again when his mum changes jobs and they move again. But when a meteorite lights up the sky Alex and four other teenagers track it to the woods outside the town. In the dark Alex and the others think they see something, something big, something with claws, something that makes them run.
Strange things start happening around the town and soon this bunch of kids might be the only thing standing between Shiver Point and something scarier than they ever imagined!
If you have a kid who loves a scare along the lines of Goosebumps then Shiver Point is going to hit the mark! Perfect for ages 9-13 who like action, mystery, a bit of creepiness and kids who save the day.
Strange things start happening around the town and soon this bunch of kids might be the only thing standing between Shiver Point and something scarier than they ever imagined!
If you have a kid who loves a scare along the lines of Goosebumps then Shiver Point is going to hit the mark! Perfect for ages 9-13 who like action, mystery, a bit of creepiness and kids who save the day.
March 25, 2023
Since Alex has been forced to move to Shiver Point because of his mum's work, the pace has only been boring. Anyway, Alex doesn't want to make friends or get too involved in case they have to move again.
Until one night, what looks like a meteorite falls in the nearby woods.
As he goes to investigate, Alex meets four other children - Oli, Sophia, Mo and Riley. Together they discover something much more extraordinary than they ever dreamed, and far more dangerous. They will have to work together to save the town's people from being reduced to slaves... or food!
Gabriel Dylan is truly a master of slowly building up the tension until he reveals the raw, horrifying truth. Shiver Point is a thrilling ride but be prepared to get very scared!
Until one night, what looks like a meteorite falls in the nearby woods.
As he goes to investigate, Alex meets four other children - Oli, Sophia, Mo and Riley. Together they discover something much more extraordinary than they ever dreamed, and far more dangerous. They will have to work together to save the town's people from being reduced to slaves... or food!
Gabriel Dylan is truly a master of slowly building up the tension until he reveals the raw, horrifying truth. Shiver Point is a thrilling ride but be prepared to get very scared!
April 6, 2024
Alex hates Shiver Point, he misses his old house, his friends and his Mum no having to work herself to exhaustion. One night a meteorite crashes into Howlmoor Woods, he investigates and meets four kids from school also checking it out. As creepy events start happening, Alex and his new friends, Riley, Sophia, Mo and Oli, need to solve the puzzle before things get worse.
What a delight! Goosebumps for the 21st century. These are middle grade but such fun, they are adventure stories with a mystery to be solved, I loved these kind of books when I was a kid although it was Nancy Drew in my day. The kids are all stereotypes, the troublemaker, the techy one, the prefect, the loser and I loved them all.
Basically an alien invasion in a small coastal town, such fun!
What a delight! Goosebumps for the 21st century. These are middle grade but such fun, they are adventure stories with a mystery to be solved, I loved these kind of books when I was a kid although it was Nancy Drew in my day. The kids are all stereotypes, the troublemaker, the techy one, the prefect, the loser and I loved them all.
Basically an alien invasion in a small coastal town, such fun!
June 5, 2023
Thank you to Bonnier Books and Picadilly Press for an ARC.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this, the first book in the Shiver Point series. It Came from the Woods introduces us to the boring/not boring town of Shiver Point with a bang and a flash and a gooey black splat as the X-Files meets E.T. meets The Slugs! I think this will go down a storm with middle-grade readers looking for something quick, fun, tense and genuinely scary in parts. At a succinct 154 pages this is an easy read, perfect for fans of Goosebumps, and with interesting and engaging characters I think once you've joined The Shiver squad you'll be coming back for more
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this, the first book in the Shiver Point series. It Came from the Woods introduces us to the boring/not boring town of Shiver Point with a bang and a flash and a gooey black splat as the X-Files meets E.T. meets The Slugs! I think this will go down a storm with middle-grade readers looking for something quick, fun, tense and genuinely scary in parts. At a succinct 154 pages this is an easy read, perfect for fans of Goosebumps, and with interesting and engaging characters I think once you've joined The Shiver squad you'll be coming back for more
September 23, 2023
Great book for younger YA readers
I think this book is expertly written for the 8-12 year old range. The writing flows very well and although there is a lot going on the storyline is easy to follow. It reminds me of a modern day version of Enid Blyton’s secret seven books. A group of very relatable school children see a lights in the night sky and all congregate at the site of a meteor. The children are a group that all feel isolated or bullied at school, a nerd, a brainy girl, the inventor, a new kid and the one who spends more time in detention than in lessons. This first book in a new series brings the children together and they work together to save the town from whatever came from out of space. Of course the adults don’t believe the children so it is up to them. I am sure youngsters can relate to not only these characters but also to the attitudes in this book from the parents, those in authority and the other students too.
I think this book is expertly written for the 8-12 year old range. The writing flows very well and although there is a lot going on the storyline is easy to follow. It reminds me of a modern day version of Enid Blyton’s secret seven books. A group of very relatable school children see a lights in the night sky and all congregate at the site of a meteor. The children are a group that all feel isolated or bullied at school, a nerd, a brainy girl, the inventor, a new kid and the one who spends more time in detention than in lessons. This first book in a new series brings the children together and they work together to save the town from whatever came from out of space. Of course the adults don’t believe the children so it is up to them. I am sure youngsters can relate to not only these characters but also to the attitudes in this book from the parents, those in authority and the other students too.
August 31, 2023
I spent way too much time reading point horror books, watching Eerie Indiana, and watching Stephen King movies at too young an age, when I was a teenager. This book gave me an echo of all those wonderful eighties ‘kids in trouble no grown-ups around to help’ types of stories. I really enjoyed it.
I think young kids who like to give themselves the shivers with a slightly scary book that isn’t too over the top will really enjoy Shiver Point.
Thank you to the publisher for an early copy of this book.
I think young kids who like to give themselves the shivers with a slightly scary book that isn’t too over the top will really enjoy Shiver Point.
Thank you to the publisher for an early copy of this book.
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