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Tales from Lovecraft Middle School #1
Professor Gargoyle
“Two-headed monsters, giant tentacles, angry demons – Lovecraft Middle School is great creepy fun!”
–Ransom Riggs, author of Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children
Strange things are happening at Lovecraft Middle School. Rats are leaping from lockers. Students are disappearing. The school library is a labyrinth of secret corridors. And the science teacher is acting very peculiar – in fact, he just might be a monster-in-disguise. Twelve-year-old Robert Arthur knew that seventh grade was going to be weird, but this is ridiculous!
Professor Gargoyle (Volume I in the Tales from Lovecraft Middle School series) is full of bizarre beasts, strange mysteries, and nonstop adventure. It's perfect for readers ages 10 and up. Best of all, the cover features a state-of-the-art “morphing” photo portrait – so you can personally witness the professor transforming into a monster. You won't believe your eyes!
“Gilman's debut and series kick-off is great fun for fans of light horror. The changing image on the cover will snag interest, and the spookily realistic black-and-white illustrations throughout complete this slick, scary, funny package. [There are] delectable hints of age-appropriate, Lovecraftian Otherness...with none of the purple prose.” –Kirkus Reviews
From the Hardcover edition.
–Ransom Riggs, author of Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children
Strange things are happening at Lovecraft Middle School. Rats are leaping from lockers. Students are disappearing. The school library is a labyrinth of secret corridors. And the science teacher is acting very peculiar – in fact, he just might be a monster-in-disguise. Twelve-year-old Robert Arthur knew that seventh grade was going to be weird, but this is ridiculous!
Professor Gargoyle (Volume I in the Tales from Lovecraft Middle School series) is full of bizarre beasts, strange mysteries, and nonstop adventure. It's perfect for readers ages 10 and up. Best of all, the cover features a state-of-the-art “morphing” photo portrait – so you can personally witness the professor transforming into a monster. You won't believe your eyes!
“Gilman's debut and series kick-off is great fun for fans of light horror. The changing image on the cover will snag interest, and the spookily realistic black-and-white illustrations throughout complete this slick, scary, funny package. [There are] delectable hints of age-appropriate, Lovecraftian Otherness...with none of the purple prose.” –Kirkus Reviews
From the Hardcover edition.
160 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2012
53 people are currently reading
2379 people want to read
About the author
Charles Gilman
13 books55 followersCharles Gilman is a pseudonym of author and publisher Jason Rekulak.
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November 1, 2016
***Arabic/English Review***
Welcome Welcome to Lovecraft Middle School...Where 'obviously' Nothing is EVER as it simply seems.
قراءة خفيفة, لعوالم كئيبة بطريقة بسيطة ,ذكرتني كثيرا باجمل قراءات الصيف في اثناء اواخر المرحلة الاعدادية -كبطل القصة-,ذلك النوع من الرعب الذي يقدمة آر أل ستاين,والذي ترجمته نهضه مصر في النصف الثاني من التسعينات "صرخة الرعب"
طبعا كأي من يقرأ عنوان الغلاف سيظن أنها من روايات او قصص "لافكرافت" ولكنها ليست كذلك,بل هي لمؤلف شاب ولكنه متأثرا بالفعل لعوالمه "خاصا واني قد قرأت نفس التصريح في دعايه "بيت الاسرار
House of Secrets
وأن كان الاخير أكثر نضجا بكثير وأمتاعا..كما انه لم يتسني لي بعد قراءة روايات لافكرفت نفسه للاسف
ولكن بالنسبة لعدد الصفحات البسيطة تعتبر هذه قصه مسلية,رعب ظريف في كبسولة , ومدرسة غامضة مازلت أنتظر منها رعبا أكثر..وأعجبتني جدا النهاية التي ستجعلك تشعر انك تريد معرفة القصة التالية بالفعل..وان كانت مازلت في نفس المرحلة العمرية
أذا قيمتها لعمر من 9 الي 14 سنة أعتقد أنها قد تصل الي 4 نجوم أو 5...لكن بالنسبة لي -بعد العمر ده كله- أري انها احتاجت الكثير , فاعتقد بعد ثورة هاري بوتر الثقافية في كتب هذه الفئة العمرية يمكن ان تقدم اكثر
ولكني مازلت معجبا فعلا بالجو الذي يجهز لسلسة في ذلك العام الدراسي..الذي لا يبدو أبدا كما يظهر
الاسلوب السينمائي والوصف الدقيق جدا للمشاهد يجعلك فعلا كانك تشاهد الاحداث..كان المؤلف يرسمها بيده -غير الرسومات الموجوده فعليا بالكتاب
وعاما تلك الرواية الصغيرة شجعتني لقراءة رواية كريبي كلاسيكية هذه المرة في المحطة القادمة
أخيرا..الجودريدز فعلا يعرف أذواق القراء..فبعد قرائتي ل
وجدته يرشح لي تلك الرواية , والتي كنت اشتريتها بالفعل , هي لنفس دار النشر –وحتي مؤلف الرواية الاخري كتب مدحا لها في الغلاف الاخير- والتي,دار النشر, أعتقد انها تقدم قيمة لثمن الكتاب فعلا..الغلاف رهيب جدا..يستحق 5 نجوم واكثر ,ويليق جدا بجو الرواية
فبصراحة..فعلا من اهم اسباب شرائي الرواية -غير كلمة لافكرفت التي ظننتها من روايته, هو الغلاف ثلاثي الابعاد المرعب هذا..الذي يتحرك كما في الصورة بالظبط
Freaky,spooky 3D Cover :)
A Light Creepy Horror Read..for creepy-Lovecraft-a-like-worlds' Fans
I just know it's Lovecraft's atmosphere since I've read recently a novel that advertised with the same line ,"House of Secrets" which was bigger ,and seriously thriller packed.
But for a small novel "Novella I guess :)", it was fun and good light read, reminded me a bit with R.L. Stine's Goosebumps which I've read in Arabic at the mid 90s…..I was still at Middle School,senior by that time.
May be if I was from 9 to 14 I may rate it 4****s or 5 ,It's fun for that age. But I must whisper to the author "this age can handle more now ,trust me :) "
Still, I guess it build an excellent setting for a series, and with the ending that’s promising of a creepier sequel ,it will keep me attached to attend more weeks at the Lovecraft school...It was like an excellent TV Show's 2 Hours Pilot Episode ,with the very cinematic story and excellent describe of scenes by the author...you can feel that his words like an extra illustration for the book.
Finally , The Goodreads guys really know how it works..
I was just finished reading Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Childrenthen they recommend this one which I was already bought for it's my favorite genre AND The Amazing 3D cover, which deserve 5+ Stars , It's the same publisher which present super extra quality for their printed books.
Quirk ,Thank you ,for your extra quality and Sure I'll buy the next one in the series…and collect all those fun 3D Covers .
But my next stop will be for a classic this time, a seriously creepy one…This one open my appetite for creeper horror :)
Mohammed Arabey
29-30th May 2014
Welcome Welcome to Lovecraft Middle School...Where 'obviously' Nothing is EVER as it simply seems.
قراءة خفيفة, لعوالم كئيبة بطريقة بسيطة ,ذكرتني كثيرا باجمل قراءات الصيف في اثناء اواخر المرحلة الاعدادية -كبطل القصة-,ذلك النوع من الرعب الذي يقدمة آر أل ستاين,والذي ترجمته نهضه مصر في النصف الثاني من التسعينات "صرخة الرعب"
طبعا كأي من يقرأ عنوان الغلاف سيظن أنها من روايات او قصص "لافكرافت" ولكنها ليست كذلك,بل هي لمؤلف شاب ولكنه متأثرا بالفعل لعوالمه "خاصا واني قد قرأت نفس التصريح في دعايه "بيت الاسرار
House of Secrets
وأن كان الاخير أكثر نضجا بكثير وأمتاعا..كما انه لم يتسني لي بعد قراءة روايات لافكرفت نفسه للاسف
ولكن بالنسبة لعدد الصفحات البسيطة تعتبر هذه قصه مسلية,رعب ظريف في كبسولة , ومدرسة غامضة مازلت أنتظر منها رعبا أكثر..وأعجبتني جدا النهاية التي ستجعلك تشعر انك تريد معرفة القصة التالية بالفعل..وان كانت مازلت في نفس المرحلة العمرية
أذا قيمتها لعمر من 9 الي 14 سنة أعتقد أنها قد تصل الي 4 نجوم أو 5...لكن بالنسبة لي -بعد العمر ده كله- أري انها احتاجت الكثير , فاعتقد بعد ثورة هاري بوتر الثقافية في كتب هذه الفئة العمرية يمكن ان تقدم اكثر
ولكني مازلت معجبا فعلا بالجو الذي يجهز لسلسة في ذلك العام الدراسي..الذي لا يبدو أبدا كما يظهر
الاسلوب السينمائي والوصف الدقيق جدا للمشاهد يجعلك فعلا كانك تشاهد الاحداث..كان المؤلف يرسمها بيده -غير الرسومات الموجوده فعليا بالكتاب
وعاما تلك الرواية الصغيرة شجعتني لقراءة رواية كريبي كلاسيكية هذه المرة في المحطة القادمة
أخيرا..الجودريدز فعلا يعرف أذواق القراء..فبعد قرائتي ل
وجدته يرشح لي تلك الرواية , والتي كنت اشتريتها بالفعل , هي لنفس دار النشر –وحتي مؤلف الرواية الاخري كتب مدحا لها في الغلاف الاخير- والتي,دار النشر, أعتقد انها تقدم قيمة لثمن الكتاب فعلا..الغلاف رهيب جدا..يستحق 5 نجوم واكثر ,ويليق جدا بجو الرواية
فبصراحة..فعلا من اهم اسباب شرائي الرواية -غير كلمة لافكرفت التي ظننتها من روايته, هو الغلاف ثلاثي الابعاد المرعب هذا..الذي يتحرك كما في الصورة بالظبط
Freaky,spooky 3D Cover :)
A Light Creepy Horror Read..for creepy-Lovecraft-a-like-worlds' Fans
I just know it's Lovecraft's atmosphere since I've read recently a novel that advertised with the same line ,"House of Secrets" which was bigger ,and seriously thriller packed.
But for a small novel "Novella I guess :)", it was fun and good light read, reminded me a bit with R.L. Stine's Goosebumps which I've read in Arabic at the mid 90s…..I was still at Middle School,senior by that time.
May be if I was from 9 to 14 I may rate it 4****s or 5 ,It's fun for that age. But I must whisper to the author "this age can handle more now ,trust me :) "
Still, I guess it build an excellent setting for a series, and with the ending that’s promising of a creepier sequel ,it will keep me attached to attend more weeks at the Lovecraft school...It was like an excellent TV Show's 2 Hours Pilot Episode ,with the very cinematic story and excellent describe of scenes by the author...you can feel that his words like an extra illustration for the book.
Finally , The Goodreads guys really know how it works..
I was just finished reading Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Childrenthen they recommend this one which I was already bought for it's my favorite genre AND The Amazing 3D cover, which deserve 5+ Stars , It's the same publisher which present super extra quality for their printed books.
Quirk ,Thank you ,for your extra quality and Sure I'll buy the next one in the series…and collect all those fun 3D Covers .
But my next stop will be for a classic this time, a seriously creepy one…This one open my appetite for creeper horror :)
Mohammed Arabey
29-30th May 2014
May 29, 2017
Professor Gargoyle (Tales from Lovecraft Middle School #1) by Charles Gilman is a very odd and wonderful tale for middle grade kids. This school is not like any other and a science teacher like the kids have never known. Strange things are happening and kids are missing. There is a girl Robert meets and takes him to the attic, but come to find out there is no attic and the the girl doesn't exist! It is a fun and fantastic read with lots of mystery, fantasy, and excitement. Oh, and a 2 headed rat that is Robert's friend.
November 14, 2014
So Robert Arthurt is caught up in redistricting and sent to Lovecraft Middle School. None of his friends are transferred there with him....well other than the bully who's been the bane of Robert's life all through school, of course. Robert isn't happy about being sent to a Middle School other than the one where all his friends are going... But that could be the least of the problems involved in attending Lovecraft Middle School.
Oh yeah.
When kids start to vanish and two headed rats try to communicate and strange girls meet you in an attic that doesn't exist, it could be time to...pause and consider.
Fun book. It walks that line between being written fairly young but needing a reader with a good reality concept and able to handle a certain level of "horror/terror/nasty stuff . I'd advise again that parents/guardians read the book(s) first and be sure that it (they) is (are) appropriate for their "Y (young) A (adult)".
But all that said it's a fun read, nice intro for younger readers who may later read Lovecraft and all his imitators.
Oh, and older readers can enjoy it to...so enjoy.
Oh yeah.
When kids start to vanish and two headed rats try to communicate and strange girls meet you in an attic that doesn't exist, it could be time to...pause and consider.
Fun book. It walks that line between being written fairly young but needing a reader with a good reality concept and able to handle a certain level of "horror/terror/nasty stuff . I'd advise again that parents/guardians read the book(s) first and be sure that it (they) is (are) appropriate for their "Y (young) A (adult)".
But all that said it's a fun read, nice intro for younger readers who may later read Lovecraft and all his imitators.
Oh, and older readers can enjoy it to...so enjoy.
December 23, 2015
Descubrí este libro junto con un gran amigo en una librería y sin pensarlo demasiado lo llevamos. Que el lugar donde transcurriera la trama fuera un instituto denominado "Lovecraft" y que hubiera un holograma de un hombre gárgola diabólico en la portada ya fue un gran indicio. Aun así, temía que el libro no estuviera a la altura en la que lo había posicionado, las alusiones a autores grandes suelen generar demasiada expectativa, uno espera a que realmente estén al mismo nivel. Lo cierto es que esto no es como leer a Lovecraft, y sinceramente no creo que tenga que parecerse. Pero el libro está bien pensado, y a mi modo de ver, es un buen tributo al autor. Lo considero ideal quizá para los que están empezando con el terror y quieran conocer los elementos principales en las narraciones de Lovecraft con algo más tranquilo. Desde luego creo que se disfruta mucho más en caso de haber leído al autor al que se hace referencia. Es un libro super ligero que se lee rapidísimo, y la historia es super entretenida.
December 28, 2015
Un libro muy entretenido y misterioso! Lo adquirí junto a una grandiosa persona, lo compramos porque nos llamaba la atención su portada con un holograma del profesor Goyle y su bajo precio. Además que la historia se desarrolla en un instituto llamado Lovecraft, ya era motivo de mi atención. La realidad es que es un libro muy ameno y de fácil lectura, no es infantil, es para un público joven que quiera leer una historia de criaturas lovecraftianas dentro de una universidad, donde encontraremos cientos de referencias a Cthulhu, el necronomicon y varios más! Los protagonistas serán partícipes de misteriosos eventos enigmáticos, que los llevarán a conocer el secreto que esconde este Instituto. Sin dudas es un libro que tiene un lugar especial para mi, dado el contexto en el que fue adquirido, asi que le doy sus 5 estrellitas!
January 20, 2013
Book Info: Genre: Fantasy
Reading Level: Middle Grade (10 on up)
Recommended for: Readers of all ages who enjoy a MG fantasy adventure story, especially with Lovecraftian overtones
Disclosure: I received a free review copy of this book from the Amazon Vine program in exchange for an honest review.
From the Back of the Book: Strange things are happening at Lovecraft Middle School. Rats are leaping from lockers. Students are disappearing. The school library is a labyrinth of secret corridors. And the science teacher is acting very, very peculiar. Robert Arthur knew that seventh grade was going to be weird, but this is ridiculous!
With the help of some unlikely new friends, Robert discovers there’s more to Lovecraft Middle School than meets the eye. Can he uncover the secrets of the school before it’s too late?
[image error] My Thoughts: I can’t remember exactly how I ran across this book, but I have been intrigued from the first moment I heard about it, and was very excited to see it as part of my Amazon Vine selection for September. I have to tell you, the cover on this is so fun – it is what is called a “lenticular” cover, where the illustration changes as you move it, so you see the professor turn into a gargoyle as the cover moves. Also, there are several adorable little rats on the back cover – and the promise of rats jumping out of lockers? I want to go to that school – I think rats are adorable!
So, the book itself...Well, as a spooky horror book, for me at least, it wasn’t terribly scary. But that’s because I like rats, and I would totally read a book called The Adventures of Fangs Dungaree, Teenage Vampire Cowboy Detective #1: The Case of the Flaming Horseshoe. Initially I liked Professor Garfield Goyle (Gar-Goyle, har de har har) because he seemed sympathetic toward the plight of homeless rodents, but then... well, he lost my sympathy vote in the scene with the hamster. Hamsters may be vile tempered, furry staplers, but they’re cute doggone it.
However, the scare-meter might be pretty high for folks afflicted with arachnophobia, for those who are afraid of rats, and those who are afraid of scary authority figures. The kids don’t know who they can trust, and find themselves in quite a bind. I like what the author is doing here, and I think this has the potential to be quite a good series. There is a second book due out in January, 2013, called The Slither Sisters , and another in May, 2013 called Teacher's Pest . You can learn more about it online at LovecraftMiddleSchool.com (link if you’re viewing this on a site that allows such).
I really enjoyed this book, and I definitely plan to be on the lookout for upcoming books in this series. I like how Robert befriends Glenn, I like Karina, and I particularly like Pip and Squeak. I like the fact that the author apparently knows about bruxing (the teeth chattering that rats do when they are happy) and that rats make wonderful and intelligent pets. I just loved the whole thing – you should definitely check this fun book out.
Reading Level: Middle Grade (10 on up)
Recommended for: Readers of all ages who enjoy a MG fantasy adventure story, especially with Lovecraftian overtones
Disclosure: I received a free review copy of this book from the Amazon Vine program in exchange for an honest review.
From the Back of the Book: Strange things are happening at Lovecraft Middle School. Rats are leaping from lockers. Students are disappearing. The school library is a labyrinth of secret corridors. And the science teacher is acting very, very peculiar. Robert Arthur knew that seventh grade was going to be weird, but this is ridiculous!
With the help of some unlikely new friends, Robert discovers there’s more to Lovecraft Middle School than meets the eye. Can he uncover the secrets of the school before it’s too late?
[image error] My Thoughts: I can’t remember exactly how I ran across this book, but I have been intrigued from the first moment I heard about it, and was very excited to see it as part of my Amazon Vine selection for September. I have to tell you, the cover on this is so fun – it is what is called a “lenticular” cover, where the illustration changes as you move it, so you see the professor turn into a gargoyle as the cover moves. Also, there are several adorable little rats on the back cover – and the promise of rats jumping out of lockers? I want to go to that school – I think rats are adorable!
So, the book itself...Well, as a spooky horror book, for me at least, it wasn’t terribly scary. But that’s because I like rats, and I would totally read a book called The Adventures of Fangs Dungaree, Teenage Vampire Cowboy Detective #1: The Case of the Flaming Horseshoe. Initially I liked Professor Garfield Goyle (Gar-Goyle, har de har har) because he seemed sympathetic toward the plight of homeless rodents, but then... well, he lost my sympathy vote in the scene with the hamster. Hamsters may be vile tempered, furry staplers, but they’re cute doggone it.
However, the scare-meter might be pretty high for folks afflicted with arachnophobia, for those who are afraid of rats, and those who are afraid of scary authority figures. The kids don’t know who they can trust, and find themselves in quite a bind. I like what the author is doing here, and I think this has the potential to be quite a good series. There is a second book due out in January, 2013, called The Slither Sisters , and another in May, 2013 called Teacher's Pest . You can learn more about it online at LovecraftMiddleSchool.com (link if you’re viewing this on a site that allows such).
I really enjoyed this book, and I definitely plan to be on the lookout for upcoming books in this series. I like how Robert befriends Glenn, I like Karina, and I particularly like Pip and Squeak. I like the fact that the author apparently knows about bruxing (the teeth chattering that rats do when they are happy) and that rats make wonderful and intelligent pets. I just loved the whole thing – you should definitely check this fun book out.
September 6, 2012
Cute book! Had an ARC in the staff lounge at our Main branch, and as I had to work there today and had forgotten to bring any of the FOUR books I had started at home, I picked this up.
Robert Arthur is a victim of redistricting; all his friends will go to Franklin Middle School on the north side of town. Robert must attend Lovecraft Middle School on the south side of town. He knows no one there, no one at all - except Glenn Torkells, the bully who has tormented him since he started his academic career.
Robert quickly learns that something is not right with his new school. After all, there are rats in the lockers - and it's a brand new building! There are some very strange teachers. Then there's the day some tentacles come oozing out of his locker, grabbing his sworn enemy.
As I said, nice twist on a scary story for kids. As an adult, I know enough of the Lovecraft lore to appreciate where the author is going with this. Who knows? Maybe some of today's kids will discover the Master...of Horror. My only disappointment was that as an ARC, my copy was a paperback and lacked the "terrifying lenticular cover portrait", the one that morphs from normal looking teacher to creepy evil thing from beyond. Can't wait to see the hardback version!
Robert Arthur is a victim of redistricting; all his friends will go to Franklin Middle School on the north side of town. Robert must attend Lovecraft Middle School on the south side of town. He knows no one there, no one at all - except Glenn Torkells, the bully who has tormented him since he started his academic career.
Robert quickly learns that something is not right with his new school. After all, there are rats in the lockers - and it's a brand new building! There are some very strange teachers. Then there's the day some tentacles come oozing out of his locker, grabbing his sworn enemy.
As I said, nice twist on a scary story for kids. As an adult, I know enough of the Lovecraft lore to appreciate where the author is going with this. Who knows? Maybe some of today's kids will discover the Master...of Horror. My only disappointment was that as an ARC, my copy was a paperback and lacked the "terrifying lenticular cover portrait", the one that morphs from normal looking teacher to creepy evil thing from beyond. Can't wait to see the hardback version!
January 16, 2016
Este libro fue un regalo que le hice a mi sobrina de 10 años (junto con el segundo tomo de la serie) y tenía muchas ganas de leerlo desde el primer momento en que lo vi.
Para ser un libro infantil, me ha parecido muy entretenido. Tiene una trama que engancha rápidamente y que te deja queriendo saber más sobre los misterios que esconde el Instituto Lovecraft.
Veremos cómo se desarrolla la historia en los siguientes libros, pero por ahora, Gilman no me ha decepcionado.
Para ser un libro infantil, me ha parecido muy entretenido. Tiene una trama que engancha rápidamente y que te deja queriendo saber más sobre los misterios que esconde el Instituto Lovecraft.
Veremos cómo se desarrolla la historia en los siguientes libros, pero por ahora, Gilman no me ha decepcionado.
January 15, 2016
Y esa estrella se la ganó nomás por la portada.
Llegué a la página 23, y no me arrepiento, no me importa.
¿Se acuerdan de mi opinión acerca del libro de Asylum? Bueno, la dejaré aquí https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Sólo para recalcar QUE ESTE LIBRO ME PARECIÓ IGUAL. OJALÁ TAMBIÉN LE DÉ CÁNCER.
¿Por qué? ¿Por qué hacer libros con portadas tan elaboradas y preciosas y darks SI VAN A SER UN ASCO DE LIBRO?
*Diálogos increíblemente huecos, tontos, forzados, predecibles, infantiles.
*Descripciones mediocres. "Finalmente la directora se puso de pie, y cortó la cinta" "Varios padres aplaudieron" "Se sonrojó" "Se sentaron" "Se volvieron a parar". Así las descripciones de todo el libro. (Ok, ya sé que no lo leí todo pero cuando decidí que no lo leería, me puse a leer páginas al azar).
*¿Quieren saber cómo se puede tener un elemento para causar terror y convertirlo en algo para causar risa? Lean este libro (NO LO HAGAN) . ¡Ratas! Qué horrible uso de las ratas en la literatura, ni siquiera esforzado intento de causar algo (no miedo, PERO ALGO, MÍNIMO, asco aunque sea) Nada. ¿Llegaron a leer "Ratas en las paredes" De Lovecraft? ¿No? Bueno, ese libro sí que hizo algo con las ratas
Claro, no hay si quiera punto de comparación, Profesor Gárgola comparado con aquél librazo, bueno, es, caca.
Ya, puede que esté exagerando, no me importa, me siento muy decepcionada porque van 5 veces que compro libros confiando en sus excelentes portadas y reseñas macabras y terminan siendo un intento para asustar a niños de, no sé, ¿10 años? ¿Ya ven cómo si hay que juzgar a un libro por su portada? ¡PUEDEN SER TRAMPAS!
Ignoro completamente a qué tipo de publico va dirigido éste libro, pero si es a jóvenes pues no mamen, le hubieran echado más... no sé, realismo a las conversaciones, mínimo. Creo que se quedan con la idea de que todos los adolescentes dicen las mismas estupideces siempre, o que hablan como niños de primaria, o que todos son inseguros, y que todos se sonrojan cuando una "niña linda" les habla.
Adiós, me iré a leer algo de Lovecraft para olvidar este horrible suceso.
P.D ¿Por qué utilizaron "Lovecraft" en el título? Alguien dígame, ilumínenme, por favor.
Llegué a la página 23, y no me arrepiento, no me importa.
¿Se acuerdan de mi opinión acerca del libro de Asylum? Bueno, la dejaré aquí https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Sólo para recalcar QUE ESTE LIBRO ME PARECIÓ IGUAL. OJALÁ TAMBIÉN LE DÉ CÁNCER.
¿Por qué? ¿Por qué hacer libros con portadas tan elaboradas y preciosas y darks SI VAN A SER UN ASCO DE LIBRO?
*Diálogos increíblemente huecos, tontos, forzados, predecibles, infantiles.
*Descripciones mediocres. "Finalmente la directora se puso de pie, y cortó la cinta" "Varios padres aplaudieron" "Se sonrojó" "Se sentaron" "Se volvieron a parar". Así las descripciones de todo el libro. (Ok, ya sé que no lo leí todo pero cuando decidí que no lo leería, me puse a leer páginas al azar).
*¿Quieren saber cómo se puede tener un elemento para causar terror y convertirlo en algo para causar risa? Lean este libro (NO LO HAGAN) . ¡Ratas! Qué horrible uso de las ratas en la literatura, ni siquiera esforzado intento de causar algo (no miedo, PERO ALGO, MÍNIMO, asco aunque sea) Nada. ¿Llegaron a leer "Ratas en las paredes" De Lovecraft? ¿No? Bueno, ese libro sí que hizo algo con las ratas
Claro, no hay si quiera punto de comparación, Profesor Gárgola comparado con aquél librazo, bueno, es, caca.
Ya, puede que esté exagerando, no me importa, me siento muy decepcionada porque van 5 veces que compro libros confiando en sus excelentes portadas y reseñas macabras y terminan siendo un intento para asustar a niños de, no sé, ¿10 años? ¿Ya ven cómo si hay que juzgar a un libro por su portada? ¡PUEDEN SER TRAMPAS!
Ignoro completamente a qué tipo de publico va dirigido éste libro, pero si es a jóvenes pues no mamen, le hubieran echado más... no sé, realismo a las conversaciones, mínimo. Creo que se quedan con la idea de que todos los adolescentes dicen las mismas estupideces siempre, o que hablan como niños de primaria, o que todos son inseguros, y que todos se sonrojan cuando una "niña linda" les habla.
Adiós, me iré a leer algo de Lovecraft para olvidar este horrible suceso.
P.D ¿Por qué utilizaron "Lovecraft" en el título? Alguien dígame, ilumínenme, por favor.
October 31, 2015
In the interests of full disclosure I should admit I only picked this up to see how Lovecraftian Lovecraft Middle School really was. Sadly for me, but luckily for the parents of any children who might read it and be responsible for psychiatric bills, the answer is: Not Very. Instead we have a nicely illustrated and lightly charming supernatural story that could have drawn its inspiration from almost any source, a la Goosebumps. While unlikely to scar children for life, this first installment of Quirk's new series may leave them longing for a two-headed rat for a pet... which is probably safer than leaving them wanting to raise mighty Cthulhu from his watery sleep in R'lyeh
April 12, 2022
I picked this up because the hologram cover was cool (normal scowling dude/devil faced dude) and started reading it. Lovecraft school (catchy name, eh?) is newly built and on its first day of operation, Robert enters without his old classmates, who by means of residence, were to stay at the old, previous school.. except for Glen, the bully.
Things seem normal is this high tech building, but quickly expose quirks that single out Robert, initially. Then two classmates disappear and the new girl he meets knows a bit more than seems possible.
A quick read of haunting, other dimensions, body snatching, pet rats, and gummy worms. Nothing too scary (except for the hamster) and it segues into a follow up. But really.. the cover!
Things seem normal is this high tech building, but quickly expose quirks that single out Robert, initially. Then two classmates disappear and the new girl he meets knows a bit more than seems possible.
A quick read of haunting, other dimensions, body snatching, pet rats, and gummy worms. Nothing too scary (except for the hamster) and it segues into a follow up. But really.. the cover!
June 6, 2013
I've been struggling all year to find a book my reading-challenged child could tackle without causing any kind of serious crisis. While I know he can read more mature books, I've tried throwing all kinds of things at him—books, I mean, not heavy furniture or small animals! So far I have ben rebuffed on everything from Percy Jackson to Parable of the Sower.
Then I picked up Professor Gargoyle, the first book in the Tales from Lovecraft Middle School series and finished it up in an afternoon. Seriously!? Here was a book that had everything that could be right. It has a male protagonist. It's basic reading at maybe a 6-8 grade level. It's short even. It's quick paced and fun. It's not overly complicated in its plot either. And, hell, it has a two-headed rat!
What do I get when I offer this diamond of a children's book to my son? "Sorry, dad, I'm just not all that into the whole Cthulhu and Lovecraft thing as you are." What? What? I think my entire universe just caved in on itself. Suddenly I'm questioning my ability to parent a child properly. Did I bring him up right? Did I fail to lead him down the path of the Old Ones? Did I somehow miss an opportunity to ensure he understood the peril of the planet should Cthulhu rise from the depths? How could I have been so remiss as to see him turn away from the most pristine literary inspiration in all of history?
Alas, I was rebuffed again and I have to continue to search for the perfect hook to drag him kicking and screaming into the exciting circle of readers.
And so the hunt continues…
But in the meantime, if you have young-ish children (or children at heart), Professor Gargoyle is an excellent introduction into a mild side of Lovecraftian literature.
Then I picked up Professor Gargoyle, the first book in the Tales from Lovecraft Middle School series and finished it up in an afternoon. Seriously!? Here was a book that had everything that could be right. It has a male protagonist. It's basic reading at maybe a 6-8 grade level. It's short even. It's quick paced and fun. It's not overly complicated in its plot either. And, hell, it has a two-headed rat!
What do I get when I offer this diamond of a children's book to my son? "Sorry, dad, I'm just not all that into the whole Cthulhu and Lovecraft thing as you are." What? What? I think my entire universe just caved in on itself. Suddenly I'm questioning my ability to parent a child properly. Did I bring him up right? Did I fail to lead him down the path of the Old Ones? Did I somehow miss an opportunity to ensure he understood the peril of the planet should Cthulhu rise from the depths? How could I have been so remiss as to see him turn away from the most pristine literary inspiration in all of history?
Alas, I was rebuffed again and I have to continue to search for the perfect hook to drag him kicking and screaming into the exciting circle of readers.
And so the hunt continues…
But in the meantime, if you have young-ish children (or children at heart), Professor Gargoyle is an excellent introduction into a mild side of Lovecraftian literature.
August 30, 2016
3.5/5
Aunque en realidad no sea muy conocida, Pesadillas en el colegio Lovecraft es una serie de libros tras la que andaba desde hace bastante tiempo por culpa de ciertos canales ingleses, así que no sabéis la alegría que me dio cuando descubrí que Bruño iba a traerla a nuestro país. El profesor Gárgola constituye la primera entrega de esta serie de libros que tanto me recuerdan a las novelas de R.L. Stine. El protagonista de esta breve novela es Robert, un chico muy curioso e inteligente que es trasladado a un nuevo colegio donde (ya sea por los matones que le roban la comida en el recreo o las extrañas criaturas que se están adueñando del profesorado) aprenderá el verdadero significado del miedo. Realmente no hay mucho que decir acerca de la historia sin caer en un clamoroso spoiler, pues en menos de 200 páginas y a un tamaño de letra gigantesco apenas se puede desarrollar una trama medianamente compleja. No obstante, esto tampoco quiere decir que estemos ante una obra insustancial, ni siquiera superficial. Ligera, adictiva, alocada, muy amena y narrada en clave de misterio, El profesor Gárgola supone una entretenida incursión en los tópicos más frecuentes del género (homenaje a los grandes clásicos de terror incluido), ideal para lectores con una edad más temprana pero igualmente disfrutable si te gustaban series como Pesadillas o El club de la medianoche.
Aunque en realidad no sea muy conocida, Pesadillas en el colegio Lovecraft es una serie de libros tras la que andaba desde hace bastante tiempo por culpa de ciertos canales ingleses, así que no sabéis la alegría que me dio cuando descubrí que Bruño iba a traerla a nuestro país. El profesor Gárgola constituye la primera entrega de esta serie de libros que tanto me recuerdan a las novelas de R.L. Stine. El protagonista de esta breve novela es Robert, un chico muy curioso e inteligente que es trasladado a un nuevo colegio donde (ya sea por los matones que le roban la comida en el recreo o las extrañas criaturas que se están adueñando del profesorado) aprenderá el verdadero significado del miedo. Realmente no hay mucho que decir acerca de la historia sin caer en un clamoroso spoiler, pues en menos de 200 páginas y a un tamaño de letra gigantesco apenas se puede desarrollar una trama medianamente compleja. No obstante, esto tampoco quiere decir que estemos ante una obra insustancial, ni siquiera superficial. Ligera, adictiva, alocada, muy amena y narrada en clave de misterio, El profesor Gárgola supone una entretenida incursión en los tópicos más frecuentes del género (homenaje a los grandes clásicos de terror incluido), ideal para lectores con una edad más temprana pero igualmente disfrutable si te gustaban series como Pesadillas o El club de la medianoche.
October 10, 2016
Medio pelo, pero divertido. Bah, yo siempre comparo los libros del género con mis favoritos del horror infantil-middle grade que fueron escritos por R.L. Stine, así que no es justo. Pero tengo ganas de leer el segundo.
August 10, 2016
Full review to come! :)
July 14, 2019
14/7/19 decided to reread this to get out of a reading slump.. I think it worked!
October 26, 2012
I was pleasantly surprised by this little book. I suppose it’s a bit Harry Potter-esque but for younger readers. Robert starts at Lovecraft Middle School, a brand new state of the art facility but much to his dismay the bully from his old school is there too. As if Robert’s life wasn’t hard enough already he has to deal with all sorts of strange occurrences from a hidden attic in the library to a two-headed rat and a teacher who is especially horrible.
There are two elements to this book really. One is the typical story of a boy struggling through his school life and this is done fairly well. The other is the mystery about why so many odd things are going on and though it takes a long time for the reveal its very satisfying. The book ends with something of a cliff-hanger and it left me wanting more without feeling that the book wasn’t long enough.
Professor Gargoyle is the start of what I think will be a great new series and I look forward to seeing what else is going to happen to Robert and Lovecraft Middle School.
There are two elements to this book really. One is the typical story of a boy struggling through his school life and this is done fairly well. The other is the mystery about why so many odd things are going on and though it takes a long time for the reveal its very satisfying. The book ends with something of a cliff-hanger and it left me wanting more without feeling that the book wasn’t long enough.
Professor Gargoyle is the start of what I think will be a great new series and I look forward to seeing what else is going to happen to Robert and Lovecraft Middle School.
February 7, 2019
Este libro me ha gustado muchísimo.
Hace mucho me llamaba la atención y cuando al fin pude tenerlo en mis manos, como parte de un obsequio, no tuvo que esperar mucho a ser leído.
La edición es una maravilla, desde la portada, hasta las ilustraciones. Es un libro middle grade, ideal para disfrutar en época de exámenes (lo digo por experiencia propia) porque literalmente se lee en unas horas, y te transporta de una manera imponente.
Es parte de una saga, pero no pasa nada si lees solo este que es el primero. Si te gusta la fantasía y la diversión, si quieres escaparte de nuestro mundo por un rato, si estás necesitando un descanso de lecturas muy densas, este es tu libro.
Hace mucho me llamaba la atención y cuando al fin pude tenerlo en mis manos, como parte de un obsequio, no tuvo que esperar mucho a ser leído.
La edición es una maravilla, desde la portada, hasta las ilustraciones. Es un libro middle grade, ideal para disfrutar en época de exámenes (lo digo por experiencia propia) porque literalmente se lee en unas horas, y te transporta de una manera imponente.
Es parte de una saga, pero no pasa nada si lees solo este que es el primero. Si te gusta la fantasía y la diversión, si quieres escaparte de nuestro mundo por un rato, si estás necesitando un descanso de lecturas muy densas, este es tu libro.
April 27, 2015
Okay I got the library edition of this book and was blown away by the fantastic cover that switches between human and demon. The tale is short and sweet really mid-grade, fast paced and fun. BUT there are no gargoyles in this book, the professor my look like but is not!
February 24, 2016
Siempre tuve ganas de leer este libro desde que vi que la portada se leía. Creo que es una lectura bastante fresca y fluída, con un desenlace que no me terminó de gustar demasiado pero que igual me da ganas de seguir con la serie.
December 6, 2017
Claras referencias al mundo de los monstruos de H.P Lovecraft, llevado por medio de adolescentes en una escuela que tiene un trasfondo de horror cósmico.
Un libro para entretenerse y salir del bloqueo debido a su sencillez, la fluidez de las escenas y la gracia de los personajes.
Recomendable para todos, pero tengo la hipótesis de que los humanos menores de 12 años, lo pueden disfrutar más.
Un libro para entretenerse y salir del bloqueo debido a su sencillez, la fluidez de las escenas y la gracia de los personajes.
Recomendable para todos, pero tengo la hipótesis de que los humanos menores de 12 años, lo pueden disfrutar más.
May 21, 2025
Knew these were YA but thought they might be Lovecraftian and entertaining. Plus I’ll admit the dynamic covers pulled me in. As usual since this is a series I bought all the books before reading them based on my impressions of the books, and then upon reading the first one I’m am not interested in reading the rest of the series. There’s a reason they’re OOP. You’d think I’d know better by now.
June 12, 2023
Un libro ambientado en el universo Lovecraft que bos adentra en el dia a dia de un estudiante que sw enfrenta a un profesor que alberga un gran secreto oscuro, sin lugar a duda una buena historia infantil para adentrarse en el género, muy recomendado.
November 1, 2020
Un libro infantil bastante divertido, recomendado para comenzar a insertase en el mundo del terror...
Btw, ame las referencias a Lovecraft (a parte del nombre del libro)
Btw, ame las referencias a Lovecraft (a parte del nombre del libro)
March 12, 2024
10 - 2024
October 13, 2025
I was looking for a light read, and this fit the bill. I’m a fan of Lovecraft’s Mythos, and wanted to see what a YA take on it might be. You don’t need to be well-versed in Mythos lore to understand the plot, and overall the tone reminded me of early seasons of “Buffy the Vampire Slayer”, if the gang were 12-13 year olds. I’ll be reading the rest of the series when I need to shift mental gears.
January 21, 2020
TRIGGERS:
This might be weird, but I'm glad these two small Middle Grade books didn't freak me out like I kind of expected them to. After reading Schwab's City of Ghosts, I am very much aware how middle grade can still freak me out. I guess the writing was simply less.. descriptive, maybe? I didn't mind at all! It read like a train and didn't scare me so I'm taking that as a win.
I do like how, in the two books, our main character Robert makes some unexpected friends. Not only does he befriend a random girl, another character gets somewhat of a redemption arc I liked. I'm not too sure whether said character's actions have been cleared enough, but the way the friendship came to be was.. done well enough in my opinion.
The story itself did grab me. Being 27 and reading middle grade, I expected to see all twists and turns coming and I did but it honestly didn't bother me. And if it would bother you, being older than the audience the book is meant for, maybe you should.. I don't know.. Realize the books weren't written for you in the first place. Some people do forget that "small" detail when reviewing middle grade once in a while..
3.5 / 5
I don't have anything bad to say about these books. I liked the writing, the events, the characters, the friendships built. They don't feel very special to me, but I'm definitely keeping them around for Jamie to read one day and that has to count for something!
This might be weird, but I'm glad these two small Middle Grade books didn't freak me out like I kind of expected them to. After reading Schwab's City of Ghosts, I am very much aware how middle grade can still freak me out. I guess the writing was simply less.. descriptive, maybe? I didn't mind at all! It read like a train and didn't scare me so I'm taking that as a win.
I do like how, in the two books, our main character Robert makes some unexpected friends. Not only does he befriend a random girl, another character gets somewhat of a redemption arc I liked. I'm not too sure whether said character's actions have been cleared enough, but the way the friendship came to be was.. done well enough in my opinion.
The story itself did grab me. Being 27 and reading middle grade, I expected to see all twists and turns coming and I did but it honestly didn't bother me. And if it would bother you, being older than the audience the book is meant for, maybe you should.. I don't know.. Realize the books weren't written for you in the first place. Some people do forget that "small" detail when reviewing middle grade once in a while..
3.5 / 5
I don't have anything bad to say about these books. I liked the writing, the events, the characters, the friendships built. They don't feel very special to me, but I'm definitely keeping them around for Jamie to read one day and that has to count for something!
October 6, 2012
The idea of writing any Lovecraft themes into fiction for younger kids kind of intrigues me because it's such an interesting challenge. Thanks to the standards set years ago by Stine's Goosebumps series, publishers are fairly aware that younger children are not only willing to read books where the endings might be ambiguous and the horror is more than just someone in a rubber mask ala Scooby Doo. No worries parents, the horror in here is still fairly squeaky clean and there's no blood or gore here at all, so if you're worried about that then don't be. It's not that type of book.
One thing to remember if you're going to be one of the adult readers drawn into this by the flashy cover and the word "Lovecraft" stamped on the middle is that this is ultimately a children's book for readers in the . The plot here is more developed than the chapter books, but this is written for those readers who aren't quite ready for the Harry Potter sized tomes but want more than what Magic Treehouse has to offer. Adult readers will be bored silly, but then we're not the target audience for books like this and plot/character development on this level is par for the course when it comes to the middle readers like this. I wouldn't really include this in this review except that the whole reason I picked the book up was because of the exact reasons I listed above and I know there will be others like me.
Now story-wise, there's a pretty good tale here and I'm surprised at how developed everything is for a book of this nature. A lot of tween/pre-tween books tend to lean towards having fairly light plots that are rather blunt and straight forward to the point of being able to be summed up in 2-3 sentences. You're not going to find J.K. Rowling-esque intricacy here, but I was pretty impressed at the groundwork set up in this volume and some of the twists I found here. It's the sort of thing that I know my Goosebump reading nephew would undoubtedly love, especially since you have "smarter than your average rat" two-headed rodents, tentacles threatening to overpower unsuspecting schoolkids, and sinister teachers. It's very much the type of escapist read that young readers will want and I know that it's something I would've adored when I was younger. The characters are decent here, although I have to admit that I was more taken with Pip and Squeak than with many of the various human characters in the book.
Now the only thing that keeps me from really giving it five stars is that at times this book suffers from "middle book-itis". The story here wants to be more, but feels like it's occasionally smoothed over or made more easy to digest in an attempt to keep it from possibly being too challenging for its target audience. I can understand that to a point and appreciate why it's being done, but it does sort of feel a teensy bit bland at times- especially when you hold it against stuff like the big mansion reveal and the hamster scene. I'm trying not to be spoilerish by mentioning these, but when you get to these scenes you'll understand why these stand out so much in comparison to some of the water treading portions. In the end though, it's no biggie for the younger readers and many will either be completely willing to overlook this fact or they won't bother noticing it in the first place- they'll be too captivated by the story.
Overall? Definitely something to get for kids who love Goosebumps. Gilman might not be Stine, but he puts a lot of love and attention into this book overall.
One thing to remember if you're going to be one of the adult readers drawn into this by the flashy cover and the word "Lovecraft" stamped on the middle is that this is ultimately a children's book for readers in the . The plot here is more developed than the chapter books, but this is written for those readers who aren't quite ready for the Harry Potter sized tomes but want more than what Magic Treehouse has to offer. Adult readers will be bored silly, but then we're not the target audience for books like this and plot/character development on this level is par for the course when it comes to the middle readers like this. I wouldn't really include this in this review except that the whole reason I picked the book up was because of the exact reasons I listed above and I know there will be others like me.
Now story-wise, there's a pretty good tale here and I'm surprised at how developed everything is for a book of this nature. A lot of tween/pre-tween books tend to lean towards having fairly light plots that are rather blunt and straight forward to the point of being able to be summed up in 2-3 sentences. You're not going to find J.K. Rowling-esque intricacy here, but I was pretty impressed at the groundwork set up in this volume and some of the twists I found here. It's the sort of thing that I know my Goosebump reading nephew would undoubtedly love, especially since you have "smarter than your average rat" two-headed rodents, tentacles threatening to overpower unsuspecting schoolkids, and sinister teachers. It's very much the type of escapist read that young readers will want and I know that it's something I would've adored when I was younger. The characters are decent here, although I have to admit that I was more taken with Pip and Squeak than with many of the various human characters in the book.
Now the only thing that keeps me from really giving it five stars is that at times this book suffers from "middle book-itis". The story here wants to be more, but feels like it's occasionally smoothed over or made more easy to digest in an attempt to keep it from possibly being too challenging for its target audience. I can understand that to a point and appreciate why it's being done, but it does sort of feel a teensy bit bland at times- especially when you hold it against stuff like the big mansion reveal and the hamster scene. I'm trying not to be spoilerish by mentioning these, but when you get to these scenes you'll understand why these stand out so much in comparison to some of the water treading portions. In the end though, it's no biggie for the younger readers and many will either be completely willing to overlook this fact or they won't bother noticing it in the first place- they'll be too captivated by the story.
Overall? Definitely something to get for kids who love Goosebumps. Gilman might not be Stine, but he puts a lot of love and attention into this book overall.
April 7, 2013
Tales from Lovecraft Middle School #1: Professor Gargoyle / 1594745919
"Tales from Lovecraft Middle School" is a new YA series I've stumbled into; the books are set in a world much like our own, with the minor difference that no one has ever heard of H.P. Lovecraft, and Cthulhu and Shoggoths and whatnot all exist and are rapidly crawling out of the woodwork at the local brand-new middle school. And our everyman YA protagonist Robert Arthur is stuck in the middle between the adults-who-don't-know and the monsters-who-do.
I love Lovecraftian stories and am always down for a new exploration of the mythos, but I will admit upfront that these books are a little disappointing in the execution of the themes. For me, at least, it's not really enough to slap demons and tentacle-monsters into a book for it to be Lovecraftian; if there's not soul-crushing foreboding and a descent into a horrified lonely mind-breaking nightmarish existence, then it's just not the same. And "Tales from Lovecraft Middle School" doesn't really delve into existential angst or soul-striping fear, probably because the targeted YA audience needs to be able to sleep at night. I get that, and I think the series is fine as a "Lovecraftverse, but not Lovecraftian feel", but if you are coming to the series for that, be aware you're probably not going to get it.
Once I got over my initial disappointment that the tone wasn't quite what I'd hoped for going in, I was pleased to find that this book is still solidly good. It reminds me a lot of the Percy Jackson series, but with Lovecraftian monsters instead of Ancient Greek Mythology ones, which I think we can all agree is a positive thing. The writing is solid, the action moves at a good clip, I never felt like the narrative got bogged down in any place, and the characterization is really well-developed. I think I liked the characterization the most, actually; Robert Arthur is an everyman, but avoids coming off as bland, and his girlfriend and sidekick are both surprisingly well realized. I was also pleased to note that while at least one twist is telegraphed reasonably far in advance for the genre-savvy reader, a final twist is justified nicely enough that it felt very natural indeed. So kudos for that.
Overall, this opening to the series is well-written and fast-paced and I enjoyed it thoroughly once I adjusted my expectations for the content. This probably won't curl your toes in fear, but if you like mythological YA school series, this one can scratch a somewhat edgier itch.
~ Ana Mardoll
"Tales from Lovecraft Middle School" is a new YA series I've stumbled into; the books are set in a world much like our own, with the minor difference that no one has ever heard of H.P. Lovecraft, and Cthulhu and Shoggoths and whatnot all exist and are rapidly crawling out of the woodwork at the local brand-new middle school. And our everyman YA protagonist Robert Arthur is stuck in the middle between the adults-who-don't-know and the monsters-who-do.
I love Lovecraftian stories and am always down for a new exploration of the mythos, but I will admit upfront that these books are a little disappointing in the execution of the themes. For me, at least, it's not really enough to slap demons and tentacle-monsters into a book for it to be Lovecraftian; if there's not soul-crushing foreboding and a descent into a horrified lonely mind-breaking nightmarish existence, then it's just not the same. And "Tales from Lovecraft Middle School" doesn't really delve into existential angst or soul-striping fear, probably because the targeted YA audience needs to be able to sleep at night. I get that, and I think the series is fine as a "Lovecraftverse, but not Lovecraftian feel", but if you are coming to the series for that, be aware you're probably not going to get it.
Once I got over my initial disappointment that the tone wasn't quite what I'd hoped for going in, I was pleased to find that this book is still solidly good. It reminds me a lot of the Percy Jackson series, but with Lovecraftian monsters instead of Ancient Greek Mythology ones, which I think we can all agree is a positive thing. The writing is solid, the action moves at a good clip, I never felt like the narrative got bogged down in any place, and the characterization is really well-developed. I think I liked the characterization the most, actually; Robert Arthur is an everyman, but avoids coming off as bland, and his girlfriend and sidekick are both surprisingly well realized. I was also pleased to note that while at least one twist is telegraphed reasonably far in advance for the genre-savvy reader, a final twist is justified nicely enough that it felt very natural indeed. So kudos for that.
Overall, this opening to the series is well-written and fast-paced and I enjoyed it thoroughly once I adjusted my expectations for the content. This probably won't curl your toes in fear, but if you like mythological YA school series, this one can scratch a somewhat edgier itch.
~ Ana Mardoll
September 25, 2012
I cannot fail to mention how nicely packaged this book is. This small hardback book’s cover features a lenticular portrait of Professor Gargoyle, enabling the reader to see the teacher morph into a monster before their very eyes! I believe each book in the series will feature a different character. I don’t think I’ve seen this idea used for book covers before, but it’s a creative idea and I suspect it will attract the younger readers. In fact, I’ve spent a fair amount of time moving the cover back and forth watching the character transform and I’m in my thirties! Eerily, the Professor’s eyes seem to follow you……. The cover isn’t the only creative feature of this book – Illustrator Eugene Smith has provided some excellent grayscale illustrations which are dotted throughout the book and the paper is a nice white, quality stock.
The name ‘Lovecraft’ may be familiar to some readers… Lovecraft Middle School is in fact named after the American horror writer H. P. Lovecraft, of whom the author is a fan. Gilman is in good company with authors such as R. L. Stine and Stephen King also having been influenced by H. P. Lovecraft.
At just over 165 pages, Professor Gargoyle can easily be read in one or two sittings and will keep young readers gripped. I read the book in one go and at one point I was positively racing through the pages to find out what happened next. I have no doubt that this book will easily hold a ten year old’s attention, while readers of my age may well find themselves transported back to their youth with this fun and exciting, thrilling novel.
Full of twists and turns (not unlike the library itself in Lovecraft Middle School), I think Professor Gargoyle is an excellent read for pre-teens and teens (and even adults), boys and girls. It’s fun, creepy and exciting, and readers will be eagerly awaiting the next installment, The Slither Sisters (due out in January 2013, so not long to wait!). Professor Gargoyle sets the scene for what’s looking to be a promising series.
Recommended!
The name ‘Lovecraft’ may be familiar to some readers… Lovecraft Middle School is in fact named after the American horror writer H. P. Lovecraft, of whom the author is a fan. Gilman is in good company with authors such as R. L. Stine and Stephen King also having been influenced by H. P. Lovecraft.
At just over 165 pages, Professor Gargoyle can easily be read in one or two sittings and will keep young readers gripped. I read the book in one go and at one point I was positively racing through the pages to find out what happened next. I have no doubt that this book will easily hold a ten year old’s attention, while readers of my age may well find themselves transported back to their youth with this fun and exciting, thrilling novel.
Full of twists and turns (not unlike the library itself in Lovecraft Middle School), I think Professor Gargoyle is an excellent read for pre-teens and teens (and even adults), boys and girls. It’s fun, creepy and exciting, and readers will be eagerly awaiting the next installment, The Slither Sisters (due out in January 2013, so not long to wait!). Professor Gargoyle sets the scene for what’s looking to be a promising series.
Recommended!
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