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Tales from Lovecraft Middle School #2
The Slither Sisters
This second novel in the Tales from Lovecraft Middle School series begins right where Professor Gargoyle ended. Seventh-grader Robert Arthur has discovered that two of his classmates are actually sinister snake-women in disguise. Even worse, his new middle school is full of “gates” to a terrifying alternate dimension – a haunted mansion full of strange spirits and monstrous beasts. For Robert to protect his teachers and classmates, he'll need to return to this haunted dimension with his best friends Glenn and Karina. Can they uncover the secrets of Lovecraft Middle School before it's too late?
The Slither Sisters features more bizarre beasts, more strange mysteries, and more 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 sisters transforming into their slithering alter egos. You won't believe your eyes!
The Slither Sisters features more bizarre beasts, more strange mysteries, and more 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 sisters transforming into their slithering alter egos. You won't believe your eyes!
178 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2013
26 people are currently reading
1338 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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Displaying 1 - 30 of 174 reviews
January 25, 2013
Book Info: Genre: Urban Fantasy
Reading Level: Middle Grade (10 on up)
Recommended for: fans of MG adventure series with Lovecraftian overtones.
Trigger Warnings: Snakes
Disclosure: I bought this book for myself because I so enjoyed Professor Gargoyle, the first book in the series. All opinions are my own.
Synopsis: Seventh-grader Robert Arthur has discovered that two of his classmates are actually sinister snake-women in disguise. Even worse, his new middle school is full of “gates” to a terrifying alternate dimension–a haunted mansion full of strange spirits and monstrous beasts. For Robert to protect his teachers and classmates, he'll need to return to this haunted dimension with his best friends Glenn and Karina. Can they uncover the secrets of Lovecraft Middle School before it's too late?
My Thoughts: I just finished re-reading the first book in this fun series, Professor Gargoyle (review linked here where formatting allowed). These are very quick reads, since they’re illustrated and large print on small pages.
Things are becoming weirder at Lovecraft Middle School. Robert is learning a few people he can trust, but there is always treachery lurking where it is least expected. Just brilliant and a lot of fun.
I was a little annoyed by an illustration of a snake with rattles on its tail and fangs when the text was talking about a boa. Boas do not have fangs, and only rattlesnakes have rattles on their tails. That was just sloppy on the part of the illustrator, trying to make the snake look more menacing. Other than that the illustrations were fun; I especially liked the first one in the book, of the principal’s office, with a huge, worried portrait of H.P. Lovecraft himself behind the secretary’s desk. Mr. Loomis, however, looks like just a taller student rather than a teacher in the one toward the back where he is featured. At first I was confused and thought it was Howard Mergler.
If you enjoy a fun adventure with Lovecraftian overtones, you can’t go wrong with this enjoyable middle-grade adventure series. I know I’m eager for the third book in the series, Teacher’s Pest, due out in May 2013! This time I’ll try to be patient to see if it comes out through Vine before I buy it for myself; if I had waited one week, I could have had this one free through Vine, but no, I had to be impatient and buy it myself...
Reading Level: Middle Grade (10 on up)
Recommended for: fans of MG adventure series with Lovecraftian overtones.
Trigger Warnings: Snakes
Disclosure: I bought this book for myself because I so enjoyed Professor Gargoyle, the first book in the series. All opinions are my own.
Synopsis: Seventh-grader Robert Arthur has discovered that two of his classmates are actually sinister snake-women in disguise. Even worse, his new middle school is full of “gates” to a terrifying alternate dimension–a haunted mansion full of strange spirits and monstrous beasts. For Robert to protect his teachers and classmates, he'll need to return to this haunted dimension with his best friends Glenn and Karina. Can they uncover the secrets of Lovecraft Middle School before it's too late?
My Thoughts: I just finished re-reading the first book in this fun series, Professor Gargoyle (review linked here where formatting allowed). These are very quick reads, since they’re illustrated and large print on small pages.
Things are becoming weirder at Lovecraft Middle School. Robert is learning a few people he can trust, but there is always treachery lurking where it is least expected. Just brilliant and a lot of fun.
I was a little annoyed by an illustration of a snake with rattles on its tail and fangs when the text was talking about a boa. Boas do not have fangs, and only rattlesnakes have rattles on their tails. That was just sloppy on the part of the illustrator, trying to make the snake look more menacing. Other than that the illustrations were fun; I especially liked the first one in the book, of the principal’s office, with a huge, worried portrait of H.P. Lovecraft himself behind the secretary’s desk. Mr. Loomis, however, looks like just a taller student rather than a teacher in the one toward the back where he is featured. At first I was confused and thought it was Howard Mergler.
If you enjoy a fun adventure with Lovecraftian overtones, you can’t go wrong with this enjoyable middle-grade adventure series. I know I’m eager for the third book in the series, Teacher’s Pest, due out in May 2013! This time I’ll try to be patient to see if it comes out through Vine before I buy it for myself; if I had waited one week, I could have had this one free through Vine, but no, I had to be impatient and buy it myself...
May 25, 2016
Segundo libro en la serie de "Misterios del Instituto Lovecraft", y estas historias cada vez se ponen mejores. En esta ocasión, quedé gratamente sorprendida por el final, fue algo que sin duda no esperaba. El libro se lee increíblemente rápido, aparte de ser muy divertido, la historia tiene una cantidad importante de referencias al mundo lovecraftiano (como ya lo sugiere el nombre de estos libros), cosa que a mi me fascina. Tuve la hermosa oportunidad de compartir esta lectura con una persona que significa mucho para mí, por lo que tuvo un toque doblemente especial. Sin duda un libro que atesoraré por el resto de mis días, y una historia que tendrá siempre un lugar en mi corazón.
February 12, 2017
Well I finished book one and two today. I really like this series. I kind of wish the book was a lttle bigger. It is a children's book so I am happy that it is short and sweet. This book has filled in some of the parts of the fourth book talked about. Well if I did not read the fourth book first I would not of know some of the stuff that has happen. It is all good and nothing really big was let out of the bag. I now know how all the characters have met and play together. Well tomorrow I should be able to finish the third book and maybe the fourth one. I only have 30 pages left to read. And then I will find out what Robert has chosen to do.
May 24, 2016
Segundo libro de los misterios del Instituto Lovecraft, me encantó!! Igual de entretenido que su primer tomo "El Profesor Gárgola" me encanta la fluidez de la historia, los personajes y el argumento de este volumen, donde continuaremos con las aventuras de Robert, Glenn y Karina dentro del Instituto, quienes deberán enfrentarse a unas protagonistas muy peculiares, las mellizas viperinas y pasar por un sin fin de pruebas, aventuras y desafíos personales. Recomiendo muchísimo estas historias, son juveniles y muy entretenidas!! Merecidas 5 estrellas!
Me divertí mucho leyendo este libro junto al amor de mi vida, si estás leyendo esto, bonita, sabé que te amo!
Me divertí mucho leyendo este libro junto al amor de mi vida, si estás leyendo esto, bonita, sabé que te amo!
January 21, 2020
TRIGGERS:
Definitely a worthy sequel. Although it didn't get as close to maybe freaking me out as the first book did, I enjoyed reading it. The characters are amazing, the friendships pure and real. I quite liked how this story was put together!
Now to get my hands on the third book so I can read the third and fourth books! [I already own the fourth one, for some reason..]
3.5 / 5
Definitely a worthy sequel. Although it didn't get as close to maybe freaking me out as the first book did, I enjoyed reading it. The characters are amazing, the friendships pure and real. I quite liked how this story was put together!
Now to get my hands on the third book so I can read the third and fourth books! [I already own the fourth one, for some reason..]
3.5 / 5
March 16, 2013
Haunted mansions, sneaky mind-controlled children, demons and crazy professors, the Tales from Lovecraft Middle School series has it all. In the second book, The Slither Sisters, there are appearing more gates into another dimension where monsters lurk, and it's up to Robert and his friends to save the town.
When reading the first book in the series, Professor Gargoyle, I was entertained but not very thrilled. In The Slither Sisters the action picks up immediately, making it a much more satisfying read than its predecessor. It has a lot of adventure, jumping through gates, the heroes finding themselves in sticky situations.
I liked that in The Slither Sisters the bad guys got a bit more background. I prefer my villains to be just a bit more of a dark grey than a stark black. It was nice to see the crazy professor from the view of someone very close to him (can you tell I'm trying very hard not to spoiler anything?).
There are some new characters introduced in this part, but it actually helped the story along instead of bogging it down. The characters don't really grow throughout the book - but they might throughout the series. There was some romantic development that I thought was very sweet and age appropriate. I very much enjoyed The Slither Sisters, and I think these books would be perfect for both boys and girls that don't mind a bit of spookiness in their books.
When reading the first book in the series, Professor Gargoyle, I was entertained but not very thrilled. In The Slither Sisters the action picks up immediately, making it a much more satisfying read than its predecessor. It has a lot of adventure, jumping through gates, the heroes finding themselves in sticky situations.
I liked that in The Slither Sisters the bad guys got a bit more background. I prefer my villains to be just a bit more of a dark grey than a stark black. It was nice to see the crazy professor from the view of someone very close to him (can you tell I'm trying very hard not to spoiler anything?).
There are some new characters introduced in this part, but it actually helped the story along instead of bogging it down. The characters don't really grow throughout the book - but they might throughout the series. There was some romantic development that I thought was very sweet and age appropriate. I very much enjoyed The Slither Sisters, and I think these books would be perfect for both boys and girls that don't mind a bit of spookiness in their books.
September 12, 2016
Full review to come! :)
June 7, 2016
Me encanta leer estas historias cortas y salir un poco de mi lectura habitual. Excelente final!
June 2, 2021
J’aime beaucoup cette série. Ce deuxième tome garde le cap, poursuit l’aventure là où le tome un l’avait laissé, approfondit les personnages, l’intrigue et l’univers. Très divertissant, les allusions à l’univers de Lovecraft sont sympathiques et bien adaptées à un jeune publique. À lire et à placer dans les écoles également!
December 15, 2022
#2 Lovecraft Middle School
Charles Gilman ill Eugene Smith
Quirk Books 2013 174 pages 19 chapters
Robert and Glenn and their ghost friend Karinna investigate the mysterious creatures that inhabit the old Tillinghast Mansion. Sylvia and Sarah appear as twin sisters but are really monsters. Robert learns to be brave while fighting them. The book’s twist ending sets up for the next book in the series.
Charles Gilman ill Eugene Smith
Quirk Books 2013 174 pages 19 chapters
Robert and Glenn and their ghost friend Karinna investigate the mysterious creatures that inhabit the old Tillinghast Mansion. Sylvia and Sarah appear as twin sisters but are really monsters. Robert learns to be brave while fighting them. The book’s twist ending sets up for the next book in the series.
January 17, 2022
3.5
El libro tiene una trama regular. Esta puede llegar a ser predecible. En la mayoría de diálogos se usa lenguaje de niños, lo cual no me agradó mucho, mas sin embargo le dio un toque infantil el cual me hizo sentir como si estuviese en primaria de nuevo.
El libro tiene una trama regular. Esta puede llegar a ser predecible. En la mayoría de diálogos se usa lenguaje de niños, lo cual no me agradó mucho, mas sin embargo le dio un toque infantil el cual me hizo sentir como si estuviese en primaria de nuevo.
December 14, 2019
Bueno creo que estaba un poco fuera del contexto del libro, algo más juvenil y con poco misterio pero al avanzar la historia comienzas a navegar por los pasillos del Lovecraft y su halo de monstruosidad te rodea volviendo a sembrar las expectativas del libro, me encantó el final....
November 14, 2021
3.5
Diablos, no sé qué decir, me ha dejado sin palabras.
Me encantó el libro, es demasiado fácil de leer, lo terminé en una tarde, además son pocas páginas. Pero en definitiva lo que lo hace fácil de leer es que es atrapante, la narración es buena y me gustan los personajes, aunque esto no sea realmente llamativo al momento de leer, lo que es verdaderamente interesante, son todos los sucesos que hacen de esta lectura especial, no he podido parar de leer hasta finalizar y saber qué sucedía, y, justo en las tres últimas páginas hubo un giro en los acontecimientos que solo pude predecir unos renglones antes de que el libro me golpeara con esa información a la cara.
No he leído el primer libro y por este motivo me he perdido de varias cosas, pero después de finalizar este, solo quiero tenerlo conmigo y leerlo. Fue un muy buen trabajo, estoy encantada.
Diablos, no sé qué decir, me ha dejado sin palabras.
Me encantó el libro, es demasiado fácil de leer, lo terminé en una tarde, además son pocas páginas. Pero en definitiva lo que lo hace fácil de leer es que es atrapante, la narración es buena y me gustan los personajes, aunque esto no sea realmente llamativo al momento de leer, lo que es verdaderamente interesante, son todos los sucesos que hacen de esta lectura especial, no he podido parar de leer hasta finalizar y saber qué sucedía, y, justo en las tres últimas páginas hubo un giro en los acontecimientos que solo pude predecir unos renglones antes de que el libro me golpeara con esa información a la cara.
No he leído el primer libro y por este motivo me he perdido de varias cosas, pero después de finalizar este, solo quiero tenerlo conmigo y leerlo. Fue un muy buen trabajo, estoy encantada.
February 2, 2013
The Good Stuff
Fast paced - storyline would keep even the most reluctant reader engaged and not wanting to put book down
Twisted and funny (Alot of Whedon type humour)
Kids act like kids their age should (well except for the paranormal stuff)
Many of the adult characters are realistic and not idiots (yes I know its a pet peeve)
Really how many of us at one time didn't think their teachers were evil (I'm still pretty sure Mr Turcok was)
Robert is a likeable character and many will understand his predicament - lots of changes when you go to a new school and don't know anyone. Also growing up is hard
I'm sorry even if this series sucked I would pick them up for the cover alone -- my preschooler plays with them for hours
In Slither Sisters (mentioned a little in Professor Gargoyle) there is a fantastic Librarian character. Ok they made her old and a tad frumpy, but she still is an awesome character
Great morals/messages worked into the story without making it obvious - love an author who can do that effectively
The library is awesome, I totally want to work there
Will definitely be picking up the next book in the series & will be saving them for Jesse to read when he gets older (and hopefully Jake will eventually read them oo)
The Not So Good Stuff
The cover might freak out the less adventuresome reader (aka my son - won't even pick it up & he would love the story)
Do you have any idea how many post it notes I used while reviewing and how hard it was to just pick only 6 quotes (since I am reviewing both at once)
Favorite Quotes/Passages
"He knew the only thing more embarrassing than sitting alone at his new middle school would be sitting with his mommy" from Professor Gargoyle
"These can be filled with downloaded books and checked out from the library - as long as you are very careful with them of course. Personally I'm a little old fashioned. I still prefer the feel of a real book with real pages. The best feeling in the world if you ask me. But we have to embrace the future don't we children?" Professor Gargoyle
"No one chooses to go to the principal's office," Glenn continued. "You avoid this place. You don't volunteer to come here and hang out." The Slither Sisters
"But I can't win," Robert insisted. "I'm not a leader."
Ms Lavinia shrugged. "Well, I'm afraid you need to become one." The Slither Sisters
"If my brother learns I'm helping you, he'll rip my head off," she said. "And that's not what your language arts teachers call hyperbole.
Who Should/Shouldn't Read
Perfect for the reluctant reader
This is one that would even appeal to the stronger middle school reader as it is just such a fun and wicked read
Adults will even get a kick out of the series (I sure did -- but lets face it I'm not really an adult - even-though I am 42)
4.75 Dewey's
I received The Slither Sisters from Random House in exchange for an honest review & I purchased Professor Gargoyle because no matter what I always have to read a series in order (but you don't have to read them in order)
Fast paced - storyline would keep even the most reluctant reader engaged and not wanting to put book down
Twisted and funny (Alot of Whedon type humour)
Kids act like kids their age should (well except for the paranormal stuff)
Many of the adult characters are realistic and not idiots (yes I know its a pet peeve)
Really how many of us at one time didn't think their teachers were evil (I'm still pretty sure Mr Turcok was)
Robert is a likeable character and many will understand his predicament - lots of changes when you go to a new school and don't know anyone. Also growing up is hard
I'm sorry even if this series sucked I would pick them up for the cover alone -- my preschooler plays with them for hours
In Slither Sisters (mentioned a little in Professor Gargoyle) there is a fantastic Librarian character. Ok they made her old and a tad frumpy, but she still is an awesome character
Great morals/messages worked into the story without making it obvious - love an author who can do that effectively
The library is awesome, I totally want to work there
Will definitely be picking up the next book in the series & will be saving them for Jesse to read when he gets older (and hopefully Jake will eventually read them oo)
The Not So Good Stuff
The cover might freak out the less adventuresome reader (aka my son - won't even pick it up & he would love the story)
Do you have any idea how many post it notes I used while reviewing and how hard it was to just pick only 6 quotes (since I am reviewing both at once)
Favorite Quotes/Passages
"He knew the only thing more embarrassing than sitting alone at his new middle school would be sitting with his mommy" from Professor Gargoyle
"These can be filled with downloaded books and checked out from the library - as long as you are very careful with them of course. Personally I'm a little old fashioned. I still prefer the feel of a real book with real pages. The best feeling in the world if you ask me. But we have to embrace the future don't we children?" Professor Gargoyle
"No one chooses to go to the principal's office," Glenn continued. "You avoid this place. You don't volunteer to come here and hang out." The Slither Sisters
"But I can't win," Robert insisted. "I'm not a leader."
Ms Lavinia shrugged. "Well, I'm afraid you need to become one." The Slither Sisters
"If my brother learns I'm helping you, he'll rip my head off," she said. "And that's not what your language arts teachers call hyperbole.
Who Should/Shouldn't Read
Perfect for the reluctant reader
This is one that would even appeal to the stronger middle school reader as it is just such a fun and wicked read
Adults will even get a kick out of the series (I sure did -- but lets face it I'm not really an adult - even-though I am 42)
4.75 Dewey's
I received The Slither Sisters from Random House in exchange for an honest review & I purchased Professor Gargoyle because no matter what I always have to read a series in order (but you don't have to read them in order)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 6, 2017
I didn’t realize last time I read this that one of the main characters is named Robert Arthur. Incredibly cool nod to a great author who roped me into YA horror with the Three Investigators. Also, I can’t help but think that the titular sisters whose names are Sarah and Sylvia (and always mentioned in that order) are a nod to Shel Silverstein (another YA author who leans to horror often) and his Sarah Cynthia Sylvia Stout who would not take the garbage out. Additionally, the Mythos namechecking is strong and deep in this one. (Tillinghast, Tsathoggua, Wilbur Whateley) During the gap between the first book and this one for me, I have done a lot more diving into the Mythos, so the name checking was more evident to me. I can see this being a great way for parents to introduce the concepts and frames to their mid-grade readers. However, they only occasionally related in more than a passion fashion to the source material.
In the end, however, this feels like a mid-grade book that doesn’t talk effectively to adults. I’d recommend it to parents of children in the right age bracket who want to entice them over into the dark.
In the end, however, this feels like a mid-grade book that doesn’t talk effectively to adults. I’d recommend it to parents of children in the right age bracket who want to entice them over into the dark.
January 16, 2013
Everyone knows middle school is hell. This is especially true at Lovecraft Middle School, where the usual bullies, popular cliques, and daily humiliations have added extra monsters and gates to the netherworlds
For such a short book, the plot is nicely twisty, and the writing is light and humorous, albeit with some definite creepy moments. I must admit, the ending had a surprise for me! It's a good set-up for #3, but also allows this one to have a solid ending, not stop on a cliff-hanger.
If you know a late tween or young teen who you know will love A. Lee Martinez when s/he's older- this looks like a great series for them! And you might want to read them yourself, first.
Very enjoyable!
For such a short book, the plot is nicely twisty, and the writing is light and humorous, albeit with some definite creepy moments. I must admit, the ending had a surprise for me! It's a good set-up for #3, but also allows this one to have a solid ending, not stop on a cliff-hanger.
If you know a late tween or young teen who you know will love A. Lee Martinez when s/he's older- this looks like a great series for them! And you might want to read them yourself, first.
Very enjoyable!
November 11, 2020
De nuevo me dejo enganchado y perplejo con esas escenas tan llenas de cosas grotescas y monstruosas.
¿Para qué leer las mellizas viperinas?
1. Por las referencias al universo de Lovecraft, leer la palabra Dunwinch y Cthulu en el libro me dejaron impactado y me emocione.
2. Los grandes villanos están siempre en cada momento y tu no te los esperas.
3. Los finales de cada capitulo tienen una potencia increíble.
4. El final del libro te engancha es frenético y lleno de acción.
5. Escenario, personajes y mundo del horror cósmico bien construidos.
¿Para qué leer las mellizas viperinas?
1. Por las referencias al universo de Lovecraft, leer la palabra Dunwinch y Cthulu en el libro me dejaron impactado y me emocione.
2. Los grandes villanos están siempre en cada momento y tu no te los esperas.
3. Los finales de cada capitulo tienen una potencia increíble.
4. El final del libro te engancha es frenético y lleno de acción.
5. Escenario, personajes y mundo del horror cósmico bien construidos.
March 5, 2013
I received the book for free through Goodreads First Reads.
I haven't read the first in the series, but am looking forward to reviewing this book before I let my 13 and 9 year olds read it. Thank you First Reads.
My 13 year old son finished this book in one day! He LOVED it and wanted to tell the rest of the family all about it before we read it. It looks like we will be buying more books in this series. Thank you first reads.
I haven't read the first in the series, but am looking forward to reviewing this book before I let my 13 and 9 year olds read it. Thank you First Reads.
My 13 year old son finished this book in one day! He LOVED it and wanted to tell the rest of the family all about it before we read it. It looks like we will be buying more books in this series. Thank you first reads.
September 1, 2016
It's a middle school kid's book through and through. Not very entertaining from a grown-ups perspective, at least it can give a kid wild adventures in their day dreams. I'm sure everyone at some point or another has thought their school staff or the weird kids were not exactly normal or human.
This series doesn't really have anything on Goosebumps.
This series doesn't really have anything on Goosebumps.
March 1, 2013
There BACK !!! Robert, Glenn & Karina are facing more monsters in the second book of the LoveCraft middle school series and it was just as exciting if not more exciting than the first !!!!! :D :D can't wait for the next book x
February 13, 2024
Things are getting stranger at Lovecraft Middle School. Sarah and Sylvia, the twins who mysteriously disappeared in the first book, are back but there’s something not quite right about them. Not that that’s going to stop me from casting my vote for Sarah for student council president. Cupcake Friday will always have my vote.
Robert has gone from having no friends to three, four if you count Pip and Squeak as two. He might still need help opening jars of spaghetti but that’s not stopping him from taking on a threat I’m sure he can’t even fully comprehend yet.
In between the campaigning and figuring out who they can trust, the kids have a Halloween dance to get ready for. The boys aren’t sure what they’re going to wear but Karina can always dress as herself. Sort of.
I was a bit puzzled that Robert’s mother, a nurse, wasn’t comfortable discussing puberty with him. She really disappointed me, especially when she came up with this clanger.
I also wasn’t a fan of Howard’s disability making up almost the entirety of his character for much of the book.
I wonder if the fact that this book was published in 2013 can account for both of these. Maybe if this was written now, the disability representation would be significantly different and Mrs Arthur wouldn’t be shying away from talking to her son about puberty.
When Robert and Glenn were debating whether to look inside Tillinghast Mansion for another gate, I wondered why they didn’t just ask Karina where one was.
I’m beginning to really look forward to Eugene Smith’s illustrations as I’m reading. The creatures in particular are a lot of fun to see.
I’m pretty sure I’d brave Tillinghast Mansion just so I could see the tapestries. You may want to bring some lemonade with you into this read.
Blog - https://schizanthusnerd.com
Robert has gone from having no friends to three, four if you count Pip and Squeak as two. He might still need help opening jars of spaghetti but that’s not stopping him from taking on a threat I’m sure he can’t even fully comprehend yet.
In between the campaigning and figuring out who they can trust, the kids have a Halloween dance to get ready for. The boys aren’t sure what they’re going to wear but Karina can always dress as herself. Sort of.
I was a bit puzzled that Robert’s mother, a nurse, wasn’t comfortable discussing puberty with him. She really disappointed me, especially when she came up with this clanger.
“I just wish you had a father to answer your personal questions”Come on, Mrs Arthur! You can do better than that!
I also wasn’t a fan of Howard’s disability making up almost the entirety of his character for much of the book.
I wonder if the fact that this book was published in 2013 can account for both of these. Maybe if this was written now, the disability representation would be significantly different and Mrs Arthur wouldn’t be shying away from talking to her son about puberty.
When Robert and Glenn were debating whether to look inside Tillinghast Mansion for another gate, I wondered why they didn’t just ask Karina where one was.
“I know my way around.”Maybe it’s not so bad at Lovecraft Middle School, though. You know what day of the week it is by checking the colour of Mr Loomis’ sweater vest and the librarian makes house calls.
I’m beginning to really look forward to Eugene Smith’s illustrations as I’m reading. The creatures in particular are a lot of fun to see.
I’m pretty sure I’d brave Tillinghast Mansion just so I could see the tapestries. You may want to bring some lemonade with you into this read.
“Just remember, its beak is worse than its bite.”This book contains huge spoilers for the first one so if you’re planning to attend Lovecraft Middle School, be sure to enrol on the first day.
Blog - https://schizanthusnerd.com
July 17, 2020
For more reviews, check out my blog: Craft-Cycle
For the most part, the book was good. In comparison to the first book, the plot is much faster as there is not as much buildup and world building needed. There is quite a bit of explanation as to what happened in the first book so this could be read as a standalone but is best read after the first book.
While the plot was well done and was going for a 3 star review, I really hated how Howard was presented. It is crucial to include characters with disabilities in books, but Howard was not a great example of someone who uses crutches and wears braces on his legs. He is presented as a very pathetic character who Robert feels bad for. He often needs assistance or saving or he is presented as an obstacle for other students because he moves slowly. He is someone to be pitied or an inconvenience to others. This is a terrible representation of characters with disabilities. No progress in made in others' views of him and he is only used as a plot device. This is why I chose to give this book a 2 star review.
As with the first book, this one is not super gory but does contain some animal cruelty. Not really my thing personally. Animal cruelty is continued to be used in the series to mark the "bad" characters.
Overall, the plot and story itself were good, but the representation was terrible. If you liked the first book, you'll probably like this one, but I do think it is important to be mindful of how people with disabilities are presented in books, especially books for a young audience, and moving beyond only showing them as pathetic, an inconvenience, in need of assistance, or villains.
For the most part, the book was good. In comparison to the first book, the plot is much faster as there is not as much buildup and world building needed. There is quite a bit of explanation as to what happened in the first book so this could be read as a standalone but is best read after the first book.
While the plot was well done and was going for a 3 star review, I really hated how Howard was presented. It is crucial to include characters with disabilities in books, but Howard was not a great example of someone who uses crutches and wears braces on his legs. He is presented as a very pathetic character who Robert feels bad for. He often needs assistance or saving or he is presented as an obstacle for other students because he moves slowly. He is someone to be pitied or an inconvenience to others. This is a terrible representation of characters with disabilities. No progress in made in others' views of him and he is only used as a plot device. This is why I chose to give this book a 2 star review.
As with the first book, this one is not super gory but does contain some animal cruelty. Not really my thing personally. Animal cruelty is continued to be used in the series to mark the "bad" characters.
Overall, the plot and story itself were good, but the representation was terrible. If you liked the first book, you'll probably like this one, but I do think it is important to be mindful of how people with disabilities are presented in books, especially books for a young audience, and moving beyond only showing them as pathetic, an inconvenience, in need of assistance, or villains.
December 28, 2017
Este segundo libro nos narra la lucha contra las mellizas Price cuyos cuerpos han sido poseídos también por entes de otra dimensión, una dimensión en la que hay una casa, una mansión peligrosa, la mansión Tillinghast. Arthur empieza a armar el misterioso rompecabezas que rodea o rodeó a dicha mansión y su infernal influencia sobre el instituto Lovecraft. Han empezado las elecciones escolares y las mellizas Sylvia y Sarah Price son fuertes candidatas a obtener la presidencia y si eso sucede todo está perdido. Arthur y sus amigos tendrán que entrar en la carrera presidencial y ganar como sea para detener a estas mellizas que buscan que todo el instituto y sus alumnos sean poseídos y convertidos en grotescas criaturas como ellas. Como en la anterior aventura Arthur, Glenn, Karina y Casca y rabias logran derrotar al monstruo de turno enviándolas de regreso a su dimensión. Cuando la calma volvía y Arthur era nombrado como nuevo presidente del consejo estudiantil, este le cede el honor a Howard Mergler, sin saber que esto traería consecuencias en el futuro.
Este libro es lo suficiente ágil para leer como el primero, con prosa sencilla y capítulos cortos que la hacen bastante digerible. Las historias son divertidas y contienen muchas referencias o menciones a monstruos lovecraftnianos, el mismo Cthulhu y Dunwich son mencionados en este tomo
(es más, una de las ilustraciones muestra que fuera de la oficina de la directora hay un cuadro con la imágen del mismísimo H. P. Lovecraft).
Sin duda una de las mejores formas de descubrir el universo Lovecraftniano sí eres un niño o adolescente. (O alguien que no le gusta leer terror).
Este libro es lo suficiente ágil para leer como el primero, con prosa sencilla y capítulos cortos que la hacen bastante digerible. Las historias son divertidas y contienen muchas referencias o menciones a monstruos lovecraftnianos, el mismo Cthulhu y Dunwich son mencionados en este tomo
(es más, una de las ilustraciones muestra que fuera de la oficina de la directora hay un cuadro con la imágen del mismísimo H. P. Lovecraft).
Sin duda una de las mejores formas de descubrir el universo Lovecraftniano sí eres un niño o adolescente. (O alguien que no le gusta leer terror).
May 17, 2019
My name is Glenn, and a snake-monster is a shoe-in to win the election for student council president. That's because Robert and I are the only students who know the true identities of the popular twin sisters. Their bodies were taken over by serpents from another dimension. It's all part of Crawford Tillinghast's plan to overthrow humankind by sending beasts through portals found in Lovecraft Middle School. We were surprised to discover the librarian is Crawford's sister, but she's not crazy like her brother. She has an idea that might change the outcome of the election. She says Robert will have a good chance of winning if he runs for president. Robert thinks that's insane, and the sisters have made threats toward him, but what choice do we have?
I read this book after reading the third one in the series first, Teacher's Pest, and it answered a couple questions I had. The books are simple and entertaining, but they're pretty shallow. This book was a little over a hundred pages and moved very quickly. Both books were written in the same format with the monsters being the main difference. The snake sisters were introduced early in the plot, the boys briefly traveled to the other dimension, and the rest of the story was spent dodging threats and trying to win the election. Reading one of these books was fun, but reading more than one at a time was less fun. Some readers will love them, since they don't require much thought and can be read in a short amount of time. The stories are easy to follow and predictable. Overall, I liked experiencing the series, and you may want to give it a shot.
I read this book after reading the third one in the series first, Teacher's Pest, and it answered a couple questions I had. The books are simple and entertaining, but they're pretty shallow. This book was a little over a hundred pages and moved very quickly. Both books were written in the same format with the monsters being the main difference. The snake sisters were introduced early in the plot, the boys briefly traveled to the other dimension, and the rest of the story was spent dodging threats and trying to win the election. Reading one of these books was fun, but reading more than one at a time was less fun. Some readers will love them, since they don't require much thought and can be read in a short amount of time. The stories are easy to follow and predictable. Overall, I liked experiencing the series, and you may want to give it a shot.
May 17, 2017
https://www.lunaticamente.com/recensi...
Alla Scuola Media Lovecraft ci sono le elezioni per il consiglio studentesco e tutti fremono per le promesse che le due sorelle Price fanno per ottenere i voti.
Il loro intento è mostruoso come il loro aspetto del resto... Vogliono ottenere il dominio su tutti, così che gli studenti siano facili prede.
Karina, Robert, Glen e il topo a due teste dovranno cercare di interrompere il loro piano malvagio e nonostante il lieto fine succederà qualcosa che sconvolge tutti i piani rimescolando le carte in tavola.
Come nel precedente libro confermo che lo stile di scrittura non è male, ma anche in questo ho trovato che tutta la storia fosse abbastanza superficiale.
Non entra nei dettagli e se lo fa, a mio parere non è sufficiente.
I personaggi sembrano abbozzati, piatti e inconsistenti ma nonostante questi difetti il libro scorre veloce fino alla fine.
Sarà a causa delle 155 pagine?
Non riesco ancora a capire se mi è piaciuto o se è stato come leggere uno di quei fumetti che si sfogliano quando non si ha altro sotto mano.
E' una storia interessante ma a mio parere poteva essere sviluppata meglio.
Rebecca
Alla Scuola Media Lovecraft ci sono le elezioni per il consiglio studentesco e tutti fremono per le promesse che le due sorelle Price fanno per ottenere i voti.
Il loro intento è mostruoso come il loro aspetto del resto... Vogliono ottenere il dominio su tutti, così che gli studenti siano facili prede.
Karina, Robert, Glen e il topo a due teste dovranno cercare di interrompere il loro piano malvagio e nonostante il lieto fine succederà qualcosa che sconvolge tutti i piani rimescolando le carte in tavola.
Come nel precedente libro confermo che lo stile di scrittura non è male, ma anche in questo ho trovato che tutta la storia fosse abbastanza superficiale.
Non entra nei dettagli e se lo fa, a mio parere non è sufficiente.
I personaggi sembrano abbozzati, piatti e inconsistenti ma nonostante questi difetti il libro scorre veloce fino alla fine.
Sarà a causa delle 155 pagine?
Non riesco ancora a capire se mi è piaciuto o se è stato come leggere uno di quei fumetti che si sfogliano quando non si ha altro sotto mano.
E' una storia interessante ma a mio parere poteva essere sviluppata meglio.
Rebecca
February 17, 2018
The second installment of the Tales from Lovecraft Middle School series. Robert and Glenn are still trying to figure out what to do about the beasts inhabiting their school. The Price twins are back from their mysterious disappearance with no memory of where they've been but no concern about it either. They're focusing their efforts on winning the student council presidential election. Robert and Glenn, however, can see that there is something decidedly wrong about the Price sisters, and must figure out how to keep them from taking over the school. As with the first one, I really enjoyed the story and characters - it was fun and kept the action going strong the whole time. The ending made me laugh and swear at the same time. I'm looking forward to the next book.
November 13, 2018
I got this on a whim together with #4 in the series at a local book convention (these two were the only ones available.) and bought them because I thought they were stand-alone reads. They are, but the series still has a main thread running through it which makes it a little less fortunate that I didn't read Professor Gargoyle first.
Anyhoo. What's there to say? It's silly, scary fun for just about all ages. Very reminiscent of stuff like Goosebumps or, if you're a Dutchy, Griezelbus. It's not mindshattering greatness nor is it boring schlock. If you find a copy of any of the four Lovecraft Middle School books cheap I'd suggest picking it up. It's fun! (and the covers are awesome!)
Anyhoo. What's there to say? It's silly, scary fun for just about all ages. Very reminiscent of stuff like Goosebumps or, if you're a Dutchy, Griezelbus. It's not mindshattering greatness nor is it boring schlock. If you find a copy of any of the four Lovecraft Middle School books cheap I'd suggest picking it up. It's fun! (and the covers are awesome!)
March 11, 2023
Una historia corta, me gusta mucho la forma en la que se van llevando las cosas, por que no tiene lujo de detalle, pero no es falta de cosas... el libro me lo leí en menos de 24 horas, es corto y tiene una narrativa fácil de entender, en ningún momento se hace aburrido, ya que apenas termina algo y cuando crees que podrán estar en descanso, pum!!!! Pasa otra cosa, aunque claro, no se ve pesado ni apretado... Es un libro con una historia sencilla, pero todo va de acorde a lo que es la historia.
Tiene un buen control de la historia, así como de sus elementos. Aunque no la puedo considerar la obra maestra, es un buen libro para pasar el rato, se lee super rápido y no es abrumadora.
Tiene un buen control de la historia, así como de sus elementos. Aunque no la puedo considerar la obra maestra, es un buen libro para pasar el rato, se lee super rápido y no es abrumadora.
March 25, 2019
A great continuation in the Lovecraft Middle School series. Packed with action and adventure a war is beginning and Robert and his friends are the only ones that can stop it!
With short chapters and plenty of action and outrageous monsters it will hold the attention of young readers. Even the cover is fantastic with its holographic / morphing cover.
An excellent creepy, adventure horror for young readers that does an excellent job of holding the readers attention and flows very well. I am looking forward to the third book in the series, Teacher’s Pest.
With short chapters and plenty of action and outrageous monsters it will hold the attention of young readers. Even the cover is fantastic with its holographic / morphing cover.
An excellent creepy, adventure horror for young readers that does an excellent job of holding the readers attention and flows very well. I am looking forward to the third book in the series, Teacher’s Pest.
December 30, 2017
This one did not simply fall into a formulaic pattern but continued to add to the overall story/mystery, which was pleseantly surprising. Still trope-y but the series seems ready to hold its own with some distinguishing creativity in the premise. (Maybe just a copy of goosebumps, but I never read those so I wouldn't know.)
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