Ten years after her first encounter with Mr. Nightmare, Anna is home from college. Living at home again brings up painful memories of the past. To help deal with those difficult reminders, Anna turns to her friends—the remaining members of The Nightmare Club. While things aren’t what they used to be, it is good to have friends around. But Anna and the others begin to see signs that make them realize the past is not just a memory. Mr. Nightmare is back and is ready to get revenge on the group that banished him from their world ten years prior. And this time he’s not alone. Older now, Anna and her friends must take on Mr. Nightmare a second time. Unlike before, this clash takes place where Mr. Nightmare has even more power. This time, they must defeat Mr. Nightmare inside The Nightmare Realm.
I really enjoyed book 1 so when I saw "Mr. Nightmare 2", I got very excited and immediately got the book. About 25% in, when the characters start talking about going to the Nightmare Realm, I was so surprised because who would've seen that coming?? Answer - anyone who read the full title of the book. Oops. But I did not read the full title because I was so excited, so I enjoyed the surprise.
This book takes place about 10 years after the events in the first book. I appreciated how the story was different compared to book 1. The original book focused on the scary stories and learning about Mr. Nightmare. This one started with them knowing who he was (obviously) and John reaching out needing help. It was a different dynamic than the other book, vs a sequel that retells the exact same story. The characters felt older. It was interesting seeing how they worked through their traumas since the end of book 1 and I appreciated the addition of Jenn to the group.
The story was interesting with the back and forth to the Nightmare Realm. I wasn't quite clear on what was going on with the cave layout, but I got the basic idea. The author put some great thought into how the Nightmare Realm would work, including how Mr. Nightmare would be different compared to when he's in our world.
The book had a number of spelling and grammar errors, especially in the beginning. All the times where it said "-preposition- you and I" instead of "-preposition- you and me" drove me a bit nuts.
I would suggest reading the first book if you haven't, since this (unsurprisingly) spoils the events in book 1. Overall, I think this book works even if you haven't read the first one, which is always nice. However, read the first book first.
This was a very enjoyable and interesting book and it was great revisiting the characters from the prior book.
Joe Scipione's 'Mr. Nightmare 2: The Nightmare Realm' is the direct sequel to the first book, 'Mr. Nightmare,' of 2022. It's not a standalone, since it builds on what happened ten years before, when the 'Nightmare Club,' a group of five smart and savvy high school kids, had their first encounter with Mr. Nightmare. In the sequel, Scipione shows us how the story continues with the kids (those that survived) now grown up, fully immersed in the worries of the adult world, again with Anna being the narrator. New faces are added, and old faces return - but with a twist: Mr. Nightmare makes his inevitable comeback, but he has company. Trying to keep the review spoiler-free, I admit that I was a bit sad to see what happened to John. In fact, males in this story turn to be quite unlucky. In any case, this is a very strong sequel to the first book, and whoever liked the first one is going to love this one too. I certainly did!
After finishing the first book week or so ago I was so excited to see the sequel was coming out soon. This was so good! May even go as far as saying better than the first! That realm!! What a place! And the characters were so relatable and could really dive deep into there minds. If you liked the first one you are gonna love this one! I NEED more of The Nightmare Club!!
This story was different from the first book. The remaining members of The Nightmare Club, Anna, Merrie and Marcus are all adults now. They’re in college or working. When they all start hearing John calling to them on the wind, they want to save him from The Nightmare Realm. They band together again with Anna’s friend, Jenn, but John has something else in mind. I enjoyed the first book better because they were kids who were just trying to have fun. Nightmares are no longer fun for them, which makes Mr. Nightmare very hungry.
I had a lot of fun reading this 2nd part of the Nightmare Man. The survivors of the first book, Anna, Marcus and Merrie plus one new friend, Jenn, get a second crack at taking the dream collector down. Very creative story and I really enjoyed it.
Wow this really kept me riveted. This continuation of the first book is on par and I love the characters and their individual stories as to why they were there in the end was magnificent. I loved how they kept the memory of the one they lost alive throughout the story making sure the audience understood its impact on the story and why it would be her nightmare.
"Nightmare Realm" picks up the threads of its predecessor with finesse, weaving a tale that is both familiar and refreshingly unpredictable. While it may not quite capture the same enchantment as the first installment, it holds its own with a narrative that brims with tension and intrigue. The characters, whom readers have come to know and love, face new challenges that test their strength and resolve in unexpected ways.
What truly sets "Nightmare Realm" apart is its ability to deliver a conclusion that is both surprising and satisfying. Just when you think you have it all figured out, the story takes a sharp turn, leading to a climax that leaves you breathless. Yet, amidst the twists and turns, the author skillfully ties up loose ends, ensuring that every subplot is resolved and every question answered.
While some readers may find themselves longing for the magic of the first book, "Nightmare Realm" stands tall as a worthy finale. It may not surpass its predecessor, but it offers its own brand of excitement and closure that will linger in the minds of readers long after they turn the final page. With its unexpected ending and meticulous resolution, "Nightmare Realm" proves to be a fitting end to a captivating series.
This book, as many have stated, is a continuation of the previous, which is a good standalone story. However, this second installment felt rushed, had several typos (one instead of on), and had some continuity issues. I recommend reading if you have read the first installment and need resolution. Decent enough story, I just really struggle with the typos and continuity errors.
I enjoyed Mr. Nightmare and enjoyed this book, The Nightmare Realm, for the same reasons. The Nightmare Realm takes the reader on a trip into the otherworldly place where the residents feed on people's nightmares and have abilities to control their environment in unimaginable ways.
I fell in love with Mr. Nightmare. One of those books that stuck with me and I’d end up thinking about and this one is right there with it. Both are easily in my top faves.