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Crazy Dangerous
Sam Hopkins is a good kid who has fallen in with the wrong crowd. Hanging around with car thieves and thugs, Sam knows it’s only a matter of time before he makes one bad decision too many and gets into real trouble.
But one day, Sam sees these thugs harassing an eccentric schoolmate named Jennifer. Finding the courage to face the bullies down, Sam loses a bad set of friends and acquires a very strange new one.
Because Jennifer is not just eccentric. To Sam, she seems downright crazy. She has terrifying hallucinations involving demons, the devil, and death. And here’s the really crazy part: Sam is beginning to suspect that these visions may actually be prophecies — prophecies of something terrible that’s going to happen very soon. Unless he can stop it.
With no one to believe him, with no one to help him, Sam is now all alone in a race against time. Finding the truth before disaster strikes is going to be both crazy and very, very dangerous.
But one day, Sam sees these thugs harassing an eccentric schoolmate named Jennifer. Finding the courage to face the bullies down, Sam loses a bad set of friends and acquires a very strange new one.
Because Jennifer is not just eccentric. To Sam, she seems downright crazy. She has terrifying hallucinations involving demons, the devil, and death. And here’s the really crazy part: Sam is beginning to suspect that these visions may actually be prophecies — prophecies of something terrible that’s going to happen very soon. Unless he can stop it.
With no one to believe him, with no one to help him, Sam is now all alone in a race against time. Finding the truth before disaster strikes is going to be both crazy and very, very dangerous.
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First published May 1, 2012
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About the author
Andrew Klavan
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 291 reviews
February 27, 2023
Very good mystery. This story is obviously written for young adults by the great Andrew Klavan, yet I, who haven't been a young adult for more than half a century, found it very compelling and hard to put down.
May 14, 2017
I read the novel four years ago (2013) and loved it then. Listening to the audiobook now, I love it again! It's intense, it's endearing, it's a little creepy, and Sam Hopkins is my fave. I'm reminded of why Andrew Klavan's books are so addictive!
June 10, 2012
This book has hands down the best first chapter I have ever read! I was so creeped out that I had to keep checking underneath my bed and I even had to turn my hall light on! *shudders* I usually shy away from thriller type books, but this one just grabs you and never lets go!
The story starts out very and I mean VERY creepy with Jennifer dealing with the nightmares in her mind. I was so relived when the POV changed to Sam after that initial chapter because I don't think I could have handled being in Jennifer's mind for the whole book. It was truly terrifying. Sam's POV was the opposite of Jennifer's. He is such a boy and we get to see him deal with bullies and peer pressure from a guys point of view which was fascinating. In the beginning I thought this was just going to be about Sam trying to rescue Jennifer but my oh my was I wrong. There are some major things going on throughout this book and I have to say I am just in shock over them all. This is another one of those books where if I elaborate it will totally ruin it so you will just have to trust me that is awesome.
I really enjoyed this and remember this is definitely not my normal read. I think I need to venture out more from now because I can't imagine missing out on this one. Great book, wonderful characters, and amazing twists!
The story starts out very and I mean VERY creepy with Jennifer dealing with the nightmares in her mind. I was so relived when the POV changed to Sam after that initial chapter because I don't think I could have handled being in Jennifer's mind for the whole book. It was truly terrifying. Sam's POV was the opposite of Jennifer's. He is such a boy and we get to see him deal with bullies and peer pressure from a guys point of view which was fascinating. In the beginning I thought this was just going to be about Sam trying to rescue Jennifer but my oh my was I wrong. There are some major things going on throughout this book and I have to say I am just in shock over them all. This is another one of those books where if I elaborate it will totally ruin it so you will just have to trust me that is awesome.
I really enjoyed this and remember this is definitely not my normal read. I think I need to venture out more from now because I can't imagine missing out on this one. Great book, wonderful characters, and amazing twists!
January 16, 2016
I couldn't keep my hands off this book! I'd put it down and have to pick it back up again. I had to get to the end and find out what all happened.
I really can't decide if I like Sam or Jennifer more. Both characters, different in their own ways, were both delightful, wholesome, loving characters. They had personalities that were personable and made you want to get to know them.
The morals that came across in this story, like love, trust and acceptance, were told solidly. It will continue to resonate through me for some time.
I think lots of people will enjoy this book. Even Stephen King fans. It has a pretty groovy, scary element and suspenseful feel throughout that horror and thriller fans will greatly appreciate.
I really can't decide if I like Sam or Jennifer more. Both characters, different in their own ways, were both delightful, wholesome, loving characters. They had personalities that were personable and made you want to get to know them.
The morals that came across in this story, like love, trust and acceptance, were told solidly. It will continue to resonate through me for some time.
I think lots of people will enjoy this book. Even Stephen King fans. It has a pretty groovy, scary element and suspenseful feel throughout that horror and thriller fans will greatly appreciate.
December 7, 2015
NOPE!
Demons on the first page very detailed? Yeah, I'm not reading.
1 John 4:1~ “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world.”
*Banned for messing with spirits of the evil one.
Demons on the first page very detailed? Yeah, I'm not reading.
1 John 4:1~ “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world.”
*Banned for messing with spirits of the evil one.
May 9, 2012
Do right. Fear nothing.
These simple words sum up the moral code that guides Sam Hopkins, the teenage hero of Andrew Klavan’s Crazy Dangerous.
Sam is a preacher’s kid from a loving family, whose mom, dad, and brother are all a little too busy to spend time with him. When he is tapped by the biggest troublemaker in school to become part of a bad-boy entourage, he feels cool for the first time in his life. Initially, his bad choices lead to a dilemma that only affects himself. Then he stumbles upon a plot so evil he must risk his life to save his town.
This novel is a thrill ride sure to please readers from young adult on up. From the moment I opened the book, I became lost in the adventure as Sam struggles to make sense of the crazy, dangerous tangle his life has become. And one of the things I love most about this story is how Sam learns to look past the trappings of social standing and popularity, recognize the bullies of the world for who they really are, and stand up to them.
But after reaching the end—which was even more exciting than the beginning—I briefly wondered if a boy Sam’s age would have been so quick-thinking, sacrificial, and courageous. I ran down the list of young men I’ve taught in my twenty-five years of working at a Christian high school. My conclusion? Yup! Many of the boys who once sat in my classroom definitely followed Sam’s moral code in their youth and were ready even then to stand for right. Now, they’ve moved on to raise families, serve their country in Iraq and Afghanistan, and become leaders in their communities.
So this book holds a special place in my heart because the humble hero reminds me of those guys. I wish there were more like them—and Sam—on the world stage today!
***Thanks to Litfuse for providing a copy for me to review.
These simple words sum up the moral code that guides Sam Hopkins, the teenage hero of Andrew Klavan’s Crazy Dangerous.
Sam is a preacher’s kid from a loving family, whose mom, dad, and brother are all a little too busy to spend time with him. When he is tapped by the biggest troublemaker in school to become part of a bad-boy entourage, he feels cool for the first time in his life. Initially, his bad choices lead to a dilemma that only affects himself. Then he stumbles upon a plot so evil he must risk his life to save his town.
This novel is a thrill ride sure to please readers from young adult on up. From the moment I opened the book, I became lost in the adventure as Sam struggles to make sense of the crazy, dangerous tangle his life has become. And one of the things I love most about this story is how Sam learns to look past the trappings of social standing and popularity, recognize the bullies of the world for who they really are, and stand up to them.
But after reaching the end—which was even more exciting than the beginning—I briefly wondered if a boy Sam’s age would have been so quick-thinking, sacrificial, and courageous. I ran down the list of young men I’ve taught in my twenty-five years of working at a Christian high school. My conclusion? Yup! Many of the boys who once sat in my classroom definitely followed Sam’s moral code in their youth and were ready even then to stand for right. Now, they’ve moved on to raise families, serve their country in Iraq and Afghanistan, and become leaders in their communities.
So this book holds a special place in my heart because the humble hero reminds me of those guys. I wish there were more like them—and Sam—on the world stage today!
***Thanks to Litfuse for providing a copy for me to review.
June 18, 2012
Sam Hopkins is a pretty good kid. The son of a preacher, he has lived a fairly normal life. He has always wanted to get a little more attention though. One day he starts to get that attention, but not from the people he probably should. When Sam starts to feel a that he's in a bit over his head, he decides that now would be a good time to get away from his new crowd. Things go terribly wrong when a strange girl from his school crosses his path. Jennifer Sales is the sister of one of the most popular guys in school, but she is very strange. Some say she's crazy. Sam can't quite get all the things Jennifer tells him out of his head though, and he soon discovers that Jennifer's crazy may be the key to averting disaster.
I went into this book thinking it would be one thing, and it was a different thing entirely. It's hard to describe the plot of this book, and I certainly don't want to give away certain aspects of the plot. There were some huge surprises. I really felt for Sam. He was a in general good kid, and he definitely had a good heart. You couldn't help feeling worried for him though. I actually felt my heart racing at times as if I were watching an action movie. It's always exciting when a book can evoke that much emotion from me. The author is able to really make you see things unfolding so clearly.
I found Jennifer to be a particularly interesting character. The things she sees and hears make you so sad for her. She has to deal with so much. I want to say a lot more about her, but I don't want to spoil anything. I guess that is all I will say about that. One of the things that drives Sam throughout the book is a statue with a phrase that translates to, "Do right, fear nothing." At times I was amazed at the lengths Sam went to in doing right, but it was also a pleasure to see. I highly recommend this book.I think it reads well for both younger and older readers. There is enough action to appeal to everyone. It also makes you think about how doing right and fearing nothing could be applied in your life. This book was really enjoyable. I probably would have read it all in one sitting if I could have. I certainly did not want to put it down at times. Definitely check out this book!
Galley provided for review.
I went into this book thinking it would be one thing, and it was a different thing entirely. It's hard to describe the plot of this book, and I certainly don't want to give away certain aspects of the plot. There were some huge surprises. I really felt for Sam. He was a in general good kid, and he definitely had a good heart. You couldn't help feeling worried for him though. I actually felt my heart racing at times as if I were watching an action movie. It's always exciting when a book can evoke that much emotion from me. The author is able to really make you see things unfolding so clearly.
I found Jennifer to be a particularly interesting character. The things she sees and hears make you so sad for her. She has to deal with so much. I want to say a lot more about her, but I don't want to spoil anything. I guess that is all I will say about that. One of the things that drives Sam throughout the book is a statue with a phrase that translates to, "Do right, fear nothing." At times I was amazed at the lengths Sam went to in doing right, but it was also a pleasure to see. I highly recommend this book.I think it reads well for both younger and older readers. There is enough action to appeal to everyone. It also makes you think about how doing right and fearing nothing could be applied in your life. This book was really enjoyable. I probably would have read it all in one sitting if I could have. I certainly did not want to put it down at times. Definitely check out this book!
Galley provided for review.
January 18, 2013
Life is all about perceptions. There is a fine line between what one might consider prophetic and what one might consider crazy. Which one of those categories does Jennifer fall into? Maybe the answer is both.
We find a character who is completely batty, in the eyes of everyone around her. But somehow, Sam was able to see past that. He was able to put the fractured pieces together and find the truth.
This book skirts around some issues that face us all. When is it okay to not do the right thing? How do you know what the right thing is to do? How do you know for sure that what is happening is a message from Higher Up that we are supposed to follow, or learn from, or find solace and direction in?
Do Right, Fear Nothing. That is the message that this book conveys. Do the right thing, no matter what the consequences might be, and the rest will be taken care of.
I could relate on a very personal level to this story because I have had moments where I felt like the universe was pulling me in a direction that made no sense, and it sometimes takes a long time to get the pieces to click into place, and sometimes no one else seems to understand.
Overall, this story is one of hope and guidance, urging the reader to understand that just because something is difficult, does not make it the wrong thing to do. In fact, usually what is right is the hardest path to choose.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this story and hope to read more of this author's work in the future. Anyone who has struggled with doing what is right really should read this one.
I received a copy of this book via Booksneeze in exchange for a fair and honest review.
We find a character who is completely batty, in the eyes of everyone around her. But somehow, Sam was able to see past that. He was able to put the fractured pieces together and find the truth.
This book skirts around some issues that face us all. When is it okay to not do the right thing? How do you know what the right thing is to do? How do you know for sure that what is happening is a message from Higher Up that we are supposed to follow, or learn from, or find solace and direction in?
Do Right, Fear Nothing. That is the message that this book conveys. Do the right thing, no matter what the consequences might be, and the rest will be taken care of.
I could relate on a very personal level to this story because I have had moments where I felt like the universe was pulling me in a direction that made no sense, and it sometimes takes a long time to get the pieces to click into place, and sometimes no one else seems to understand.
Overall, this story is one of hope and guidance, urging the reader to understand that just because something is difficult, does not make it the wrong thing to do. In fact, usually what is right is the hardest path to choose.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this story and hope to read more of this author's work in the future. Anyone who has struggled with doing what is right really should read this one.
I received a copy of this book via Booksneeze in exchange for a fair and honest review.
June 23, 2012
Crazy Dangerous by Andrew Klavan
I’ve always heard that preacher’s kids are the worst. That is when it comes to being wild. Is this what happened to Sam? He was a pretty good kid, didn’t really give his parents a lot of problems and heartaches,that is until he started hanging around with the wrong kind of people. People that like to get into trouble, and that led Sam into getting into trouble. Jennifer was more like wild and crazy, and her mental problems only caused more problems for her.
Wow when I read some of the reviews, I wondered, is that book really that good, and then I found out. The answer is Yes, and Yes again! Even though it is primarily for the young audience, anyone and everyone can read this book, and will love it! For suspense/thriller fans, this is one you don’t want to miss. And I appreciate the Biblical principles brought out so well throughout the book bringing to light the love and trust, and the feeling of being accepted that we see in the pages of this book.
Though Sam and Jennifer are two entirely different characters, they really grow on you, and by the end of the story, their characters will be so real and loveable that you will feel like you’ve known them for years!
A copy of this book was provided by LitFuse for me to read and review. I was not expected or required to write a positive review. The opinions here in this review are mine only.
I’ve always heard that preacher’s kids are the worst. That is when it comes to being wild. Is this what happened to Sam? He was a pretty good kid, didn’t really give his parents a lot of problems and heartaches,that is until he started hanging around with the wrong kind of people. People that like to get into trouble, and that led Sam into getting into trouble. Jennifer was more like wild and crazy, and her mental problems only caused more problems for her.
Wow when I read some of the reviews, I wondered, is that book really that good, and then I found out. The answer is Yes, and Yes again! Even though it is primarily for the young audience, anyone and everyone can read this book, and will love it! For suspense/thriller fans, this is one you don’t want to miss. And I appreciate the Biblical principles brought out so well throughout the book bringing to light the love and trust, and the feeling of being accepted that we see in the pages of this book.
Though Sam and Jennifer are two entirely different characters, they really grow on you, and by the end of the story, their characters will be so real and loveable that you will feel like you’ve known them for years!
A copy of this book was provided by LitFuse for me to read and review. I was not expected or required to write a positive review. The opinions here in this review are mine only.
February 5, 2020
What a story! Crazy Dangerous was so good. Full of action and mystery! Sam is such a unique character and the story is very different any book I have read. Andrew Klavan is such a great writer. Totally got to read if you like good clean thriller / mystery / action books.
April 7, 2022
3.5 stars
April 21, 2019
I though this was a great book. At first I didn't understand what was going on but slowly it all started to make sense. I was able to make all the connections and it was very interesting.
February 15, 2020
Everything I thought about young fiction was destroyed after reading this book. At the beginning I doubted if I should continue reading, but I'm thankful that I finished reading it. I loved it. I am morally responsible for reading more books of this author.
March 25, 2020
This is a "can't put down novel". Is about a preachers kid that longs to fit in. He gets in with the wrong folks and soon learns he doesn't want that. However his association with the trouble makers follow him. Is full of action, twists and turns. Has surprises.
August 30, 2012
As seen on Ed and Em's Reviews!
Recte Age Nil Time.
Do Right. Fear Nothing.
Crazy Dangerous? More like Crazy Awesome!
This was one of the strangest, coolest books I've read this year. Some elements are more middle grade than young adult, but I really enjoyed it. I only put the book down once and that was to go to sleep. (I couldn't help it, I was exhausted.)
The narrator is great. Our main character, Sam Hopkins, has a very funny voice. I don't mean that literally. I mean that reading from his perspective was very fun. Even during the dark parts of this book, I was able to find humor with him. He's a great young man. His only fault is his need to fit in, though that is completely understandable, especially for his age group. He's so sincere and caring. I don't see how he couldn't have any real friends - until you add in the fact that he lives in a small town and his father is a well-known priest. Yikes.
Our other major character is Jennifer. And God love her, you feel horrible for her, too. Her situation is much worse than the main character's, but she doesn't really care because she has her brother and her friend and hero, Sam. After he saves her from some awful bullies, Jennifer really begins to rely on Sam. She believes that he will keep the monsters away. The monsters that she sees when she's alone, ones that she is powerless to stop on her own. Jennifer has mental issues, but she's such a sweetheart that you can't help but really care for her.
Mystery is the basis of this novel. Things are happening in this small town that Sam lives in and he and Jennifer are the only ones that can stop them. Enter the shockers. The twists in this story are legitimately crazy. Like smack-you-in-the-face crazy. Personally, I didn't see them coming. And I love that! I love when stories can weave a great plot AND cause some genuine surprise.
There were some weird font and set-up issues in the version I read, but since I received it through Netgalley, it may just be the fact that it's an unedited copy. There were also couple of grammar issues, but other than that, nothing stood out as seriously horrendous. My only swiggles with the book were minor. The author really favored some words and seemed at a loss for any synonyms at some points. i.e.: Four percent into the book, the author uses the word "thug" four times in one paragraph. The book also could've gone without all the modern references, most of them were about technology. But I was thrilled that Sam had a Kindle. My note on that was: "I love you."
Overall, this is a great mystery for young adults. It is one book that focuses more on friendship than love, which is not common in YA books nowadays. I would really recommend this book to young adult and adult fans of mystery. It's fun and it's a stand alone novel. (I know, I'm in shock over it, too.) So go get yourself a copy of Crazy Dangerous!
I received a free e-copy of this novel for a blog tour in exchange for my honest review.
Recte Age Nil Time.
Do Right. Fear Nothing.
Crazy Dangerous? More like Crazy Awesome!
This was one of the strangest, coolest books I've read this year. Some elements are more middle grade than young adult, but I really enjoyed it. I only put the book down once and that was to go to sleep. (I couldn't help it, I was exhausted.)
The narrator is great. Our main character, Sam Hopkins, has a very funny voice. I don't mean that literally. I mean that reading from his perspective was very fun. Even during the dark parts of this book, I was able to find humor with him. He's a great young man. His only fault is his need to fit in, though that is completely understandable, especially for his age group. He's so sincere and caring. I don't see how he couldn't have any real friends - until you add in the fact that he lives in a small town and his father is a well-known priest. Yikes.
Our other major character is Jennifer. And God love her, you feel horrible for her, too. Her situation is much worse than the main character's, but she doesn't really care because she has her brother and her friend and hero, Sam. After he saves her from some awful bullies, Jennifer really begins to rely on Sam. She believes that he will keep the monsters away. The monsters that she sees when she's alone, ones that she is powerless to stop on her own. Jennifer has mental issues, but she's such a sweetheart that you can't help but really care for her.
Mystery is the basis of this novel. Things are happening in this small town that Sam lives in and he and Jennifer are the only ones that can stop them. Enter the shockers. The twists in this story are legitimately crazy. Like smack-you-in-the-face crazy. Personally, I didn't see them coming. And I love that! I love when stories can weave a great plot AND cause some genuine surprise.
There were some weird font and set-up issues in the version I read, but since I received it through Netgalley, it may just be the fact that it's an unedited copy. There were also couple of grammar issues, but other than that, nothing stood out as seriously horrendous. My only swiggles with the book were minor. The author really favored some words and seemed at a loss for any synonyms at some points. i.e.: Four percent into the book, the author uses the word "thug" four times in one paragraph. The book also could've gone without all the modern references, most of them were about technology. But I was thrilled that Sam had a Kindle. My note on that was: "I love you."
Overall, this is a great mystery for young adults. It is one book that focuses more on friendship than love, which is not common in YA books nowadays. I would really recommend this book to young adult and adult fans of mystery. It's fun and it's a stand alone novel. (I know, I'm in shock over it, too.) So go get yourself a copy of Crazy Dangerous!
I received a free e-copy of this novel for a blog tour in exchange for my honest review.
March 30, 2014
Prepare to be surprised! Fans of John Green and Quick Matthew will most certainly like this.
Don't get fooled by the description and the tags, despite everything, this story is not really your usual mystery with paranormal flavor. It's a sort of coming of age/finding out who you really are/what to fight for kind of book and it's very character driven (what I liked).
"Do Right, Fear Nothing."
Yup, this is the main message of the story, but I feel it was very well delivered. Sam Hopkins is your average Joe, he's not particularly good or bad at anything he does, but because he's the preacher's kid all the other kids seem to keep a cool distance from him. He wants to change that and, like every teenage boy with not a lot of clues about what life really is about, starts whit changing his appearance. So, he starts jogging every night in order to improve his athletic built.
In one of his late hour jogs he meets the school bullies and after a serious chase they are impressed by him and acknowledge him as a gang member. So yeah, he finally manages to have friends, but they're not the ones he would like and when the time comes to decide between then and a girl they are harassing, Sam goes all in, and Saves the girl... and gets his but kicked... really bad ^^.
After Sam saves Jennifer one thing leads to another and while following his mantra "do right, fear nothing" he ends up in one bad place after the other. Btu Sam is not the type give up easily and in the end, he'll find a way to do the right thing.
So, the story is pretty simple, you're average good versus bad type. What is really refreshing about it is the way it's told: it's full of jokes and unexpected plot twists. I loved Sam as a character: I loved his determination, he's courage even he's acting out (when he decides to go with the school bullies). I find he was a very round character, not all goods or bad. I loved his family as well, very supportive, especially his father. I really think that united loving homes tend to create a more likable hero.
What I couldn't really dig was Oh, and for a kid who's family is not that wealthy they sure had a lot of Apple products in their household...
All in all, a very enjoyable read and I recommend this to anything who's searching for a good story with good character development. It's not really a romance, if that's what you're looking for, look somewhere else :) .
Don't get fooled by the description and the tags, despite everything, this story is not really your usual mystery with paranormal flavor. It's a sort of coming of age/finding out who you really are/what to fight for kind of book and it's very character driven (what I liked).
"Do Right, Fear Nothing."
Yup, this is the main message of the story, but I feel it was very well delivered. Sam Hopkins is your average Joe, he's not particularly good or bad at anything he does, but because he's the preacher's kid all the other kids seem to keep a cool distance from him. He wants to change that and, like every teenage boy with not a lot of clues about what life really is about, starts whit changing his appearance. So, he starts jogging every night in order to improve his athletic built.
In one of his late hour jogs he meets the school bullies and after a serious chase they are impressed by him and acknowledge him as a gang member. So yeah, he finally manages to have friends, but they're not the ones he would like and when the time comes to decide between then and a girl they are harassing, Sam goes all in, and Saves the girl... and gets his but kicked... really bad ^^.
After Sam saves Jennifer one thing leads to another and while following his mantra "do right, fear nothing" he ends up in one bad place after the other. Btu Sam is not the type give up easily and in the end, he'll find a way to do the right thing.
So, the story is pretty simple, you're average good versus bad type. What is really refreshing about it is the way it's told: it's full of jokes and unexpected plot twists. I loved Sam as a character: I loved his determination, he's courage even he's acting out (when he decides to go with the school bullies). I find he was a very round character, not all goods or bad. I loved his family as well, very supportive, especially his father. I really think that united loving homes tend to create a more likable hero.
What I couldn't really dig was Oh, and for a kid who's family is not that wealthy they sure had a lot of Apple products in their household...
All in all, a very enjoyable read and I recommend this to anything who's searching for a good story with good character development. It's not really a romance, if that's what you're looking for, look somewhere else :) .
May 5, 2012
This novel was compulsively readable and I found myself lost in the story... and sometimes scared silly. So maybe it's not a good idea to read some of these scenes at night. Just sayin'. Anyway, I loved the mystery/suspense themes within the story and the insight into a PK's mind. I also loved how Sam was a bit nuts and how he did so many brave things as a result. At his core, he was a good guy who cared about others. You have to admire a hero like that, even if what he did sometimes seemed pretty DRAGNET (you have to read the book to get that insider joke.)
I read this story in two sittings. I had to know what was going to happen next and if I hadn't needed to sleep I would have read it straight through. It was pretty freaky being in Jennifer's head at times. When she hailed "Sam Hopkins" as her magic friend and when she got spooked, I got spooked, too. There was a scene where she was almost lucid and asked why God allowed her brain to have a mental disease that was quite touching. She really did have a true friend in Sam Hopkins. Everyone needs a "Sam" in their lives.
One of the things that I found most compelling about the story itself was the message that people aren't always what they seem. And to assume someone is a good person just because of the role they have in society and the way they act in public is not a good thing, because we all have our private lives and sometimes people who look "good" on the outside have ugliness inside of them that's hidden. It seemed to me that part of what Jennifer suffered from was exposure to demonic activity.
At any rate, this was an intense read, but I enjoyed it and I'm not one to love scary books. Being inside the mind of a sixteen-year-old boy was kind of fun too. This is making my favorites list simply because I couldn't put it down and I loved the message in the book. Klaven has a new fan in me, though I'm still easily scared. Just sayin'.
I read this story in two sittings. I had to know what was going to happen next and if I hadn't needed to sleep I would have read it straight through. It was pretty freaky being in Jennifer's head at times. When she hailed "Sam Hopkins" as her magic friend and when she got spooked, I got spooked, too. There was a scene where she was almost lucid and asked why God allowed her brain to have a mental disease that was quite touching. She really did have a true friend in Sam Hopkins. Everyone needs a "Sam" in their lives.
One of the things that I found most compelling about the story itself was the message that people aren't always what they seem. And to assume someone is a good person just because of the role they have in society and the way they act in public is not a good thing, because we all have our private lives and sometimes people who look "good" on the outside have ugliness inside of them that's hidden. It seemed to me that part of what Jennifer suffered from was exposure to demonic activity.
At any rate, this was an intense read, but I enjoyed it and I'm not one to love scary books. Being inside the mind of a sixteen-year-old boy was kind of fun too. This is making my favorites list simply because I couldn't put it down and I loved the message in the book. Klaven has a new fan in me, though I'm still easily scared. Just sayin'.
September 15, 2012
Do right do not fear. Sam is challenged by those very words. Sam is 16 years old and is put into some Crazy Dangerous sitations that the only thing that keeps on the path is those words. This was like a Stephen King novel, but christian style. It has food for thought while keeping you at the edge of your seat.
December 14, 2014
Reseña en español completa
Oh my God, this book is SO CUTE!!!great choose of words, ha? but I can't think of anything else-
I LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
So, dear Andrew Klavan, I'm afraid that I'm going to buy all of your books from now :)
Oh my God, this book is SO CUTE!!!
I LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
So, dear Andrew Klavan, I'm afraid that I'm going to buy all of your books from now :)
June 18, 2016
Wow. Hands down, the best thriller I've ever read. From the minute I opened the book, I was hooked. I read all of it in one sitting-- so good. I loved this book, but it's for late teens. Mature kids for sure. Sam's life is very enticing, and makes me think about how boring my life is.
June 3, 2018
I have read this two times already! Great book!
July 21, 2020
In my opinion I think this book is one of the best books I'e read this year. This book had me reading it for hours without putting it down. It had me engaged the whole time, I was never bored in the book at any point. I loved everything in this book. Oh my god its amazing. I really want all of my friends to read and enjoy it like I do, but they just don't get reading like I do. I Actually ship two characters in the book together, and at the begging I would never of shipped them. I ship Jenifer and Sam. They are actually so cute. Am I wrong? I also love how this book allows a bunch of real world issues, well kinda. The part of the boy making mistakes and learning from them. And when he gets jumped, or does some stupid things for friendship and also does a dumb thing for a girl. Okay This book is just so good, I would rant about it all day, but I don't think anyone would really wanna sit here reading my rant about this AMAZING book. Also my fingers would hurt if I just wrote all day. Lol. Okay have a good day or night, whenever you are reading this.
December 28, 2024
I'd just label this as, a little bit demonic. And it wasn't really what I was interested in since it was about people being possessed. So I stopped reading after a few chapters. Just a heads up to anyone thinking of reading.
May 16, 2018
This book was good, but not as good as I expected.
October 31, 2024
Kinda creepy. Suspenseful. Good book.
December 18, 2022
Slow start but loved where it ended up. Didn't see the twist coming
November 14, 2025
Sam and Jennifer were really likable characters. Andrew had written the book was very interesting way. The story line was more of a murder mystery. The storyline building up to the climax is in my opinion plain. It felt like there were too many side parts building up. All in all the climax was very interesting and lasted a good while. Honestly didn't expect it to be so thrilling. It was a real race against time. It was even foreshadowed before the leading events to the climax, who the killer/s was. One of the main themes that I noticed throughout the book was a ton of moral questioning. The phrase "do right, fear nothing". I did enjoy how as the story moved forward, jennifer and sam's lives slowly came together. It was a bit laughable how confused sam was on how Jennifer spoke to him. However, when the story was told from jennifer's point of view, it was kind of hard to follow. It made me want to put the book down. I would recommend this book to people who like mystery and suspense. If you enjoy realistic drama, mental health, fast paced ("I can't put it down"), and doing right themes, this book is for you.
March 9, 2015
February 15, 2015
I am currently reading Crazy Dangerous by Andrew Klavan This is the only book I have finished this quarter because I have to read To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. I chose this book because it's a mix of adventure, action, and mystery. I have read a few books by Andrew Klavan I have really liked his work. I was getting kind of tired of reading this big action novels that I had recently read so I wanted to try something not as grueling. This was the perfect choice because it's perfectly crafted but it isn't as long as soon of the huge books with a lot of different characters and different events happening at the same time. This is the perfect short story for anyone that is having the same problem as me.
This book is about a boy, Sam Hopkins, who's a good kid but soon finds himself following in with the wrong crowd. One day, his new friends start to harass an eccentric classmate named Jennifer. When he stands up for her, his new friends beat him up and leave him on the side of a road. Sam loses his bad friends and finds he has acquired a new one, Jennifer. Sam thinks that she's just a little off until she starts showing up at his house telling about the demons and monsters, she sees. However that's not the strange part, the strange part is when Sam starts to see the things she says come true. When Jennifer tells Sam about a horrific dream she had, Sam starts to worry if it'll come true, and if it does, how will he prevent it?
The author did an excellent job of setting everything up. He sets up the plot to go along with the characters and because of that, the character and plot fit together like a puzzle. Everything starts to fit together and the picture becomes more clear with every page. The characters are so unique and so expertly crafted that it's easy to become them and lose yourself in them. Jennifer, though it doesn't say it in the book, is mentally disabled. Andrew Klavan, does such a good job of writing as her that it's easy to understand what it's like to live with something like that:
But the hall- the hall was different! The hall had changed. She turned her head this way and that. The usual wallpaper was gone. The yellow paisley wallpaper... She saw drawing on the walls now. Horrible drawings. Dark, violent, horrible images spray-painted and slashed onto the walls. And the walls themselves were different. Not like they were during the day. The walls were rough, splintery broken. And beneath her feet she felt... not the carpet of her own home but packed dirt with pebbles that bit into the flesh of her bare feet...
This passage captures how the author was able to show that she has a disability without having to actually say that she does. But that's not the only thing that this passage shows. You can see how skilled the author is because he was able to show you her mental illness but didn't need to say it. It's pretty clear here that Andrew Klavan is very skilled and an excellent writer.
Like I said, this is a perfect book to read in a day or whenever you're bored. It's not my favorite book but it still kept my attention throughout the book and kept me guessing the whole time. I would recommend this book to any that's just looking to read to a book for the fun of it.
I am currently reading Crazy Dangerous by Andrew Klavan This is the only book I have finished this quarter because I have to read To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. I chose this book because it's a mix of adventure, action, and mystery. I have read a few books by Andrew Klavan I have really liked his work. I was getting kind of tired of reading this big action novels that I had recently read so I wanted to try something not as grueling. This was the perfect choice because it's perfectly crafted but it isn't as long as soon of the huge books with a lot of different characters and different events happening at the same time. This is the perfect short story for anyone that is having the same problem as me.
This book is about a boy, Sam Hopkins, who's a good kid but soon finds himself following in with the wrong crowd. One day, his new friends start to harass an eccentric classmate named Jennifer. When he stands up for her, his new friends beat him up and leave him on the side of a road. Sam loses his bad friends and finds he has acquired a new one, Jennifer. Sam thinks that she's just a little off until she starts showing up at his house telling about the demons and monsters, she sees. However that's not the strange part, the strange part is when Sam starts to see the things she says come true. When Jennifer tells Sam about a horrific dream she had, Sam starts to worry if it'll come true, and if it does, how will he prevent it?
The author did an excellent job of setting everything up. He sets up the plot to go along with the characters and because of that, the character and plot fit together like a puzzle. Everything starts to fit together and the picture becomes more clear with every page. The characters are so unique and so expertly crafted that it's easy to become them and lose yourself in them. Jennifer, though it doesn't say it in the book, is mentally disabled. Andrew Klavan, does such a good job of writing as her that it's easy to understand what it's like to live with something like that:
But the hall- the hall was different! The hall had changed. She turned her head this way and that. The usual wallpaper was gone. The yellow paisley wallpaper... She saw drawing on the walls now. Horrible drawings. Dark, violent, horrible images spray-painted and slashed onto the walls. And the walls themselves were different. Not like they were during the day. The walls were rough, splintery broken. And beneath her feet she felt... not the carpet of her own home but packed dirt with pebbles that bit into the flesh of her bare feet...
This passage captures how the author was able to show that she has a disability without having to actually say that she does. But that's not the only thing that this passage shows. You can see how skilled the author is because he was able to show you her mental illness but didn't need to say it. It's pretty clear here that Andrew Klavan is very skilled and an excellent writer.
Like I said, this is a perfect book to read in a day or whenever you're bored. It's not my favorite book but it still kept my attention throughout the book and kept me guessing the whole time. I would recommend this book to any that's just looking to read to a book for the fun of it.
June 6, 2012
Crazy Dangerous captured my attention right away. We are introduced to the main character, Sam Hopkins, via his narration and a description of him lying bloodied and bruised on the side of the road. He goes on to tell us about "the stupidest thing he ever did", which is what put him in that place on the side of the road. From there, we're launched into his life life as a goody-two-shoes Preacher's Kid (PK) who just wants to fit in. That is, until he does fit in - with the wrong crowd.
The group of guys that Sam starts hanging out with spell trouble with a capital "T". As a reader, you want to shake Sam by the shoulders and tell him to run away. However, you can't help but feel for him as he describes how differently people treat him just because he's a "PK". The awkward pauses when he happens to hear a dirty joke, the overly polite way his peers address him when he passes. I grew up in a very religious household myself, and my own father was a preacher for the deaf ministry in the church. I always felt a lot of pressure to be "good" and to be "different". When you're a kid, you don't want to be different - you want to belong; to fit in. I think this is where I connected with Sam the most.
Sam's narration was very informal, just as if we were chatting over dinner together. I actually was not a fan of this style of narration, because I felt that it was very juvenile. I had to keep reminding myself that Sam is actually sixteen and not twelve. However, about halfway in, I think the drama that began to build made me forget my annoyance at the informal narration, and I got sucked into the story.
The point-of-view switches throughout the story, from Sam to Jennifer Sales, a sweet girl from his school who is teased mercilessly for her eccentricities. She often babbles incoherently, spouting prophecies and talking about demons. I really enjoyed her point-of-view, and thought her abilities were portrayed realistically. Jennifer added a real sense of mystery and intensity to the story, which kept me reading right through to the very last page.
Working with Jennifer and reading further into her vague prophecies, Sam eventually finds himself sitting in the middle of a police station and entrenched in a sinister plot that could shake up the town he lives in for decades to come. I did feel that things were a bit predictable throughout the story, but I chalk that up to being a former-PK myself, and having read tons of religious fiction in the past. I think younger teens will enjoy this story, and hopefully learn several valuable lessons about the dangers of peer pressure and judging others, and the importance of doing what's right, even if it hurts.
Overall, Crazy Dangerous is an admirable step forward into Young Adult literature for Andrew Klavan, and I look forward to seeing what other stories this skilled story-teller has in his arsenal.
*A copy of this book was provided by the publisher via YA Bound in exchange for an honest review.
The group of guys that Sam starts hanging out with spell trouble with a capital "T". As a reader, you want to shake Sam by the shoulders and tell him to run away. However, you can't help but feel for him as he describes how differently people treat him just because he's a "PK". The awkward pauses when he happens to hear a dirty joke, the overly polite way his peers address him when he passes. I grew up in a very religious household myself, and my own father was a preacher for the deaf ministry in the church. I always felt a lot of pressure to be "good" and to be "different". When you're a kid, you don't want to be different - you want to belong; to fit in. I think this is where I connected with Sam the most.
Sam's narration was very informal, just as if we were chatting over dinner together. I actually was not a fan of this style of narration, because I felt that it was very juvenile. I had to keep reminding myself that Sam is actually sixteen and not twelve. However, about halfway in, I think the drama that began to build made me forget my annoyance at the informal narration, and I got sucked into the story.
The point-of-view switches throughout the story, from Sam to Jennifer Sales, a sweet girl from his school who is teased mercilessly for her eccentricities. She often babbles incoherently, spouting prophecies and talking about demons. I really enjoyed her point-of-view, and thought her abilities were portrayed realistically. Jennifer added a real sense of mystery and intensity to the story, which kept me reading right through to the very last page.
Working with Jennifer and reading further into her vague prophecies, Sam eventually finds himself sitting in the middle of a police station and entrenched in a sinister plot that could shake up the town he lives in for decades to come. I did feel that things were a bit predictable throughout the story, but I chalk that up to being a former-PK myself, and having read tons of religious fiction in the past. I think younger teens will enjoy this story, and hopefully learn several valuable lessons about the dangers of peer pressure and judging others, and the importance of doing what's right, even if it hurts.
Overall, Crazy Dangerous is an admirable step forward into Young Adult literature for Andrew Klavan, and I look forward to seeing what other stories this skilled story-teller has in his arsenal.
*A copy of this book was provided by the publisher via YA Bound in exchange for an honest review.
May 16, 2016
Crazy dangerous by Andrew klavan is a fiction novel about a boy's journey through the struggles of living in the suburbs and attending a high school where he meets certain characters that show him things that he was probably better off not knowing. The story is told through both 3rd and 1st person , however it is well written in the fact that as a reader you feel as if you are experiencing what the main character, Sam, is going through.The author entertains us in this novel by providing a good balance of action packed chase scenes and spookiness to create a story of both interest and mystery. However we learn that he is not only hanging with the wrong crowd, but he is also getting involved in a friendship with a crazy girl that sees and does things that one might otherwise find unsettling. This novel should be made into a motion picture because of the scenes such as the opening that make the reader feel very interested yet at the same time very spooked about what will occur next. The book is a story of courage and having to overcome the fear of getting tangled in something you're better off just walking away from.
Some pros of this book are: the fact that it was written about youngsters in high school makes it a very easy read, also the book is really interesting and very mysterious, the twist and turns in this book will keep you sleeping with one eye open. Another pro is that this book is very realistic, even if it's fiction about a woman that sees things and all that, i find that if this were to happen to somebody i knew, i would believe it.
Some cons of the book are: the dark eerie atmosphere that this book blankets you in, after reading the first couple of pages you will start to feel uneasy or creeped out a little bit, which is okay if you like that sort if thing but if you are in a book club or just want a recreational novel to read with friends and family, i would look elsewhere because this is more of a read in the dark kind of book.
The book also talks about demons and nightmare and illness that is not a good idea to force upon somebody in a classroom setting or even a book club. (”we are angels of evil, angels of death, we will teach them to be afraid” p.1 ) the first page hits the ground running I feel, even if it's just the a fiction novel people will not really take it so lightly if it is written around something they believe. The tone is very dark and mysterious which I really enjoyed.
I had a personal connection with this book because as a kid i had night terrors and i would find myself very often awake at the “ghost hours” if you will so the novel kind of felt familiar in a way that was soothing because of the resolution that was achieved in the end. Also i find myself to be like sam hopkins, in a way we both share similar ideas and hang with the bad crowd. Overall i'd say that this book is a ⅘ only because i dont think its for all ages and it's only relatable to a certain group of people.
Some pros of this book are: the fact that it was written about youngsters in high school makes it a very easy read, also the book is really interesting and very mysterious, the twist and turns in this book will keep you sleeping with one eye open. Another pro is that this book is very realistic, even if it's fiction about a woman that sees things and all that, i find that if this were to happen to somebody i knew, i would believe it.
Some cons of the book are: the dark eerie atmosphere that this book blankets you in, after reading the first couple of pages you will start to feel uneasy or creeped out a little bit, which is okay if you like that sort if thing but if you are in a book club or just want a recreational novel to read with friends and family, i would look elsewhere because this is more of a read in the dark kind of book.
The book also talks about demons and nightmare and illness that is not a good idea to force upon somebody in a classroom setting or even a book club. (”we are angels of evil, angels of death, we will teach them to be afraid” p.1 ) the first page hits the ground running I feel, even if it's just the a fiction novel people will not really take it so lightly if it is written around something they believe. The tone is very dark and mysterious which I really enjoyed.
I had a personal connection with this book because as a kid i had night terrors and i would find myself very often awake at the “ghost hours” if you will so the novel kind of felt familiar in a way that was soothing because of the resolution that was achieved in the end. Also i find myself to be like sam hopkins, in a way we both share similar ideas and hang with the bad crowd. Overall i'd say that this book is a ⅘ only because i dont think its for all ages and it's only relatable to a certain group of people.
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