Black Hole Cinema Club

by Christopher Edge

When Lucas meets his friends at the local cinema – nicknamed ‘The Black Hole’ – they’re excited about the movie marathon ahead. Non-stop action, blockbuster special effects and all the snacks they can eat. But as the lights go down, Lucas, Ash, Maya, Caitlin and Finn watch in disbelief as a jet-black tidal wave comes crashing out of the cinema screen and the five friends find themselves swept into an epic adventure.

Secret hideouts. Prehistoric monsters. Lost cities. Impossible missions. Being the hero of your own film should feel like fun. But as the cliffhanger scenes they’re pitched into become ever more perilous, Lucas and his friends start to wonder if these movies are really make believe. Can they save the day before the end credits roll? The fate of the world might just depend on it…

Genres: Middle Grade, Fiction, Science Fiction, Childrens, Fantasy, Friendship, Adventure

256 pages, Paperback

First published March 14, 2024

Reviews

[Bridget · Rating 4 out of 5]

When your movie life turns into real life. Excellent high stakes adventure novel for kids from about yr 7 - 10 depending on kid. There are lots of scares and plenty of tension as a group of kids save each other from near certain disaster.
Excellent for those kids who want horror at a young age.

[Carole · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a fast paced middle grades novel, and includes references to some popular 1980s movies that fans will enjoy. Five friends go to the movies, only to find that they are actually in a movie themselves and have to save the world. It takes them a while to figure out exactly what's going on, and what they need to do, and I found it got a bit confusing towards the end. But if readers are happy to suspend belief, they will get caught up in the action and enjoy the ride.

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christopher Edge is one of my favourite authors, he has never written a bad book and all his books are completely different. His books are also so different from any other author.
My absolute favourite book he has written is Escape Rooms, to me this was a perfect book. So when this was released I knew I needed to read it.
When Lucas meets his friends at the local cinema – nicknamed ‘The Black Hole’ – they’re excited about the movie marathon ahead. Non-stop action, blockbuster special effects and all the snacks they can eat. But as the lights go down, Lucas, Ash, Maya, Caitlin and Finn watch in disbelief as a jet-black tidal wave comes crashing out of the cinema screen and the five friends find themselves swept into an epic adventure.

Secret hideouts. Prehistoric monsters. Lost cities. Impossible missions. Being the hero of your own film should feel like fun. But as the cliffhanger scenes they’re pitched into become ever more perilous, Lucas and his friends start to wonder if these movies are really make believe. Can they save the day before the end credits roll? The fate of the world might just depend on it…
This was another excellent book and it was just as good as Escape Room.
I loved that it was set in a cinema, loved how little characters there were and loved the idea of a black hole.
This is very much a love letter to the cinema.
This is a very fast paced action adventure that will take the reader on a thrilling journey. This book is going to make the reader read on and on.
I really liked the characters in this story, they were very well thought out, they each had their own time to shine throughout the book.
As I was reading this book I kind of thought I knew how this story was going to end, but of course the author has a trick up his sleeve. And the ending was completely different.
How I wished his books could be made into films, this definitely would be a good one.
I’m looking forward to his next book.

[Ali · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another middle-grade book for our school's upcoming Battle of the Books contest. This one was fun to read, a solid 3.5 stars! It was refreshing to read a book that was just fun and interesting and wasn't trying to teach or lecture like so many other middle grade books try to do these days. Kids are never going to get into reading if you make books boring - you can have messages in your books, but you can't sacrifice story for message. Edge does a great job of creating a compelling action story of kids leaping from end of the world scenario to end of the world scenario as they live the movies they've gone to see - but with an interesting twist at the end. Overall, an easy, exciting read for kids who love action/adventure stories.

[starksreactor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you very much for the opportunity to read this review copy of the novel. I loved this book, it was just what I needed to kick-start my reading again.
The title and description was what made me initially intrigued, as I have always been a film buff for a number of years and have frequented the cinema myself. I loved seeing all the film references in the book, especially the Marvel/Disney ones, it brought me back to when I watched the movies growing up in cinemas.

I loved the book and would recommend to read it once it releases !

[Steph · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a wild ride of film, love of the cinema, sci-fi brilliance and quintessential Christopher Edge. Honestly, this is so fast-paced and gripping that I read it in 2 sittings - it’s been a while since I did that! Brilliantly done… Y5 and 6 are gonna love this!

[Trude · Rating 2 out of 5]

2,5⭐️*
Opzich nog wel een leuk boek maar op het einde werd het heel langdradig… op het einde snapte ik het niet meer zo goed… ligt mss aan mij. Wel leuk dat ze meerdere avonturen meemaken inplaats van 1 zoals in meeste andere boeken.

[Engrossed Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thrilling adventures hurtle you towards a denouement that will explain why a bunch of kids are on mission to save the world. Loved it

[Annarella · Rating 5 out of 5]

A love letter to cinema, a fast paced and entertaining story full of action and featuring great characters
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

[whatbooknext · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lucas is looking forward to a movie marathon with fellow movie buffs Ash and Finn. Armed with hours worth of snacks, they enter the darkened cinema.

Lucas isn't happy that his normal seat is occupied, but they settle in a few rows back, ready to be transported into other worlds.

Part of the mystique is not knowing what movies will be shown. What they don't know is the new 4Di experience will give them so much more than they could have ever imagined.

Their movie marathon begins with a tsunami of black water gushing from the screen and right at them all!

What follows is an action adventure on the ice, a monster flick both above and below the ocean waves, a lost world and a jungle to navigate.

Each of them star in these movies as the hero or side characters. 'It's only a movie' becomes their group mantra as bullets fly, booby traps are sprung, a humongous monster wants to eat them and they are flung far into space.

Only for them to realise it was all for an important reason after all.


We all like to be immersed in a great movie, but would you like to experience the danger, fear and jubilation our movie heroes do?

Five friends are thrown into this very frightening adventure, over and over again, making it just as random for the reader. Action, intrigue and monster movies are all in the mix as Lucas and his friends just try to survive.

They begin to work out what's happening and work with it, despite the never ending, heart pumping happenings.

Just like Christopher Edge's Escape Room, the unexpected twist in the conclusion makes everything come into focus for characters and readers, and also brings a realisation of how big a deal the character's continuing courage really is.

[Rebecca Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was such a fast-paced journey with so many twists and turns and a fantastic ending I did not see coming at all! At the Black Hole cinema Lucas and his friends are mysteriously sucked into the screen to live out the ends of the films. Of course they're still sat safely in their cinema seats, it just feels like they're living in the films because of the fancy 4Di technology that's being used that day, right? We get to follow Lucas and his friends as they battle against various enemies through a mix of exciting settings, from snowy mountains to rainforest. It's fast-paced and fun throwing them in towards the end of the films so you just get the climactic ending of them all before being thrown straight into the next one. I thought Lucas was an excellent main character and I loved the other 4 friends too. Lucas occasionally struggled with feeling like he doesn't belong which felt very real, but I liked the fact that otherwise it was just an enjoyable story that didn't feel like it was trying to convey a message to the kids. I'm all for fiction books having a message and trying to teach them something but it seems like all books feel like they have to do that nowadays so it's nice to have some books kids can read just for the fun of reading too. Adult books don't all have to have a purpose or message and we want to encourage children to read lots regardless, so this is a great way to do it. I mentioned already that I thought the ending was really cool and I think people will love it. It was really cleverly done, the way things were weaved throughout but without being noticeable or even decipherable if you didn't already know, it was a very cool moment. I've not read any of Christopher's other books but I've heard good things and I can definitely say I recommend this one and will be checking out some of his others after this.

[Tracy Lander · Rating 5 out of 5]

My goodness this was some ride! I'm not sure I want to go to the cinema again!

When Lucas, Ash and Finn make it into the Black Hole Cinema Club, Caitlin and Maya have taken their seats! They always sit there and the girls know it. But anyway there's no one else there. So they all sit and wait for the credits taking guesses as to what the film will be this week. All they know is it is in 4di - more interactive and immersive than any other films. But there's no music, and the screen doesn't light up with a film. What it does is have words appear....shining bright white against the black screen....the last part of which says
"Keep telling yourself it's only a movie.
It might just help you to survive.
Live like there's no tomorrow.#
Learn so tomorrow never ends.
It's time to start the programme.
Prepare to be swept away...."

What kind of film is this? Then a tidal wave rips through the cinema!
The children are swept through as the heroes of films, each time jumping to a new film but surely they're missing something - they must link up somewhere.

I've not read any of Christopher Edge's books although I know we have a couple at school. But I would really like to get a copy of this for school, it is full of excitement and bravery. It reminds us that friendships matter. And it is edge of the seat drama!

[Farah G · Rating 3 out of 5]

The cinema is a great place to go to when you want to be transported elsewhere. But Lucas and his friends are not expecting to be literally swept away when a visit to the local movie theatre, aka The Black Hole, results in a tidal wave coming out of the screen and sweeping the lot of them off to exotic locations and unexpected adventures.

Maya, Caitlin, Finn, Ash and Lucas are initially excited to be part of a story that - among other things - involves prehistoric creatures and lost locales. Unfortunately, they are not prepared for the degree of danger that comes with their travels!

This is an entertaining and fast-moving story that provides plenty of excitement for young readers. It offers an unusual and wildly imaginative ride in the form of a movie experience quite different from any other...I give it 3.5 stars.

I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

[Anne-Marie · Rating 3 out of 5]

When Lucas, Ash, Maya, Caitlin and Finn meet at their local cinema for a movie marathon they get more than they bargained for. No sooner have they settled down, than they are sucked into the screen by a great tsunami of blackness. Lucas finds himself in an icy nightmare inside a glacier being pursued by a giant of a man. He quickly comes to realise that this is truly the immersive cinema experience - this is 4Di where you feel like you are living the film. From this glacial horror he finds himself on a ship before the friends take flight in a submarine, with the Leviathan hot in pursuit. From one terrifying scenario to another, the five friends find themselves battling to save the world. Will they succeed? Or will it all be over?
This is an exciting adventurous read for Year 6 children that will keep them on the edge of the seats right up to the last page.
I received an ARC of this title from netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Adam Murphy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Black Hole Cinema Club by Christopher Edge was a ride that will make you want to go to the cinema again. When three friends head to their local cinema for a day of movie marathoning, they don't expect to be swept into the movie by a giant tidal wave, where they experience prehistoric monsters, lost cities, and impossible missions. Who knew being the hero of your own film would be so high stakes?

From the very start to the end, the pace of this book is relentless, enabling me to devour this in one sitting. It contained hints about so many of my favourite films, which added to my enjoyment of reading. With its brilliant mix of sci-fi, adventure, and nostalgia, I loved the sense of tension, sheer imagination, and premise that make for a well-read journey. I just wish there was enough emotional depth for our characters, though. But all in all, it's a gripping, cinephilic tale that'll be worth your child's attention.

[Nicole Ginn · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Black Hole Cinema Club follows a group of friends who go to a 4D movie marathon at their local cinema. This is not your average cinema experience, however! They were literally transported into the action-packed films- each having to take on certain roles to get to the end of the movie marathon, where they then find that they have to save the world from a dangerous black hole! It was full of excitement, sci-fi and adventure.

I read this book with my 3 children (aged 11, 13 and 15). They thought that it was an interesting concept, a unique plot and it kept them engrossed. However, they did find it a little confusing to follow at times-hence the 4 star review.

Thank you to Christopher Edge, the Publisher and NetGalley for allowing us the chance to read an advanced copy of this book for free, in exchange for an honest review.

[Kayleigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Black Hole Cinema Club - another thrill a minute story from Christopher Edge.

I read this in advance of reading with a Year 6 class and loved it!

Lucas, Finn, Ash, Caitlin and Maya are sat in the cinema, ready for their 4Di all day movie marathon.

Within seconds of the lights dimming they are thrust into an adventure that seems very real, not just 4D. Through jungle, lost cities, space, the reader will discover whether the young explorers can save the world or not.

We love Christopher Edge’s novels as they always make us question, think and understand, Black Hole Cinema Club is no different! I certainly can’t wait to share this book when it is published in March 2024.

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in return for an honest review.

[Victoria Simmons · Rating 5 out of 5]

What I really enjoyed about this book is Christopher Edge's unique take on the way technology and the cinema are becoming more immersive and how this can blur the line between fantasy and reality. Lucas and his friends think that they are going to see a 4D movie, so when things begin to feel very life like, Lucas initially believes it's just part of the experience. But as the different movies play out, he starts to wonder if he's wrong and he and his friends really are in danger. This book is great on its own as an adventure story but it also has matrix vibes with what is really real and what is fake becoming more and more blurred as the story progresses. I think anyone who enjoys sci-fi will enjoy this book and would highly recommend it.

[Chloe · Rating 4 out of 5]

I requested this on NetGalley as the book title really stood out to me. When I discover it was aimed at children I still decided to go ahead with the request as I have many cousins around the age range this book is targeted at and would love to be able to recommend/buy them a book that I know would be suitable for them.

Without spoiling anything about the book I want to say that Edge had me hooked from the end of the first chapter onwards. The ending was totally unexpected and I really enjoyed how it brought everything together. I hope to see more of his work in the future and will definitely be recommending to family and friends with children between 8-12.

Thank you to NetGalley, Cristopher Edge and Nosy Crow for this advanced copy in return for an honest review.

[Louise Vardy · Rating 5 out of 5]

📚 Black Hole Cinema Club 📚

Written by @christopheredge and published by @nosycrow

What I love about my @_reading_rocks_ box is that it encourages me to try a wide range of books, some of which I wouldn't usually choose. Black Hole Cinema Club isn't my usual genre of books so I'm so grateful that it was sent in my box!

I devoured this book in two days! The action comes thick and fast as the characters travel through different films on a mission to save the world.

The plot twist at the end is incredible, I did not see that coming at all. I don't want to say too much in case I give away any spoilers!

I loved this book! My class are very keen too, it didn't even make it to my bookshelf before it was snapped up.

[Daniel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another rare case of me logging a book I read to my son.

It was a pretty sophisticated read for a book aimed at 9+. I did have to explain some of the twists to my 8 year old.

My son loves movies so be loved movie hoping element, we would talk about the movies the books movies were inspired by and guessing what genre it would explore next.

I saw a recent complaint that books aimed at this age group use overly simple language, but I think Edge really tells a pretty complex story with more challenging language.

My main issue was the final section was quite drawn out, while it is pretty action packed, I felt like we could have had another movie section before that final section and cut down a little on the finale.

[Serena · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such an exhilarating, thrilling novel for younger readers, but still super exciting for teenagers too with all the Easter eggs and details. I love the way a seemingly random plotline intertwines cohesively into the final climax, and especially the different languages for the linguist nerds like me!

I wasn’t a fan of the ending (hence the four stars) but I know students will love it. Would be great for a syllabus as well, as you can teach different genre conventions really nicely and has great cross-curricular links (science, geography, history, maths, ICT, photography, film studies, languages…very diverse!)

Thanks to NetGalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Rebecca Cook · Rating 4 out of 5]

My first book from this author and certainly not my last. I found this book to be immersion and engaging, quick paced and much more than I thought it was going to be.

Following a group of friends who go to a screening of unknown films at their local cinema and are then sucked into a series of movies of different genres I was having fun from the first page.

There were lots of pop culture and movie references within the book which I loved and I couldn't put this one down. I would highly recommend this book and have already picked up another from this author's backlist to try.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

[Nicky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Black hole cinema club is a good quick read, I would say definitely better for a younger audience.
5 friends go to the cinema in anticipation of what films they are about to watch- different movie marathons on each time but you don't know what u til you sit in the seats. The friends find they are about to experience 4di - a completely immersive cinema experience.
They find themselves the stars of the movies themselves and that they have to save the world time and time again.
Overall an enjoyable read.

[Helen Swinyard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really intriguing premise and great to see a SF title for middle grade - something Edge is known for. Was I confused? Yes. Does that matter? I think it actually helps. All the best SF is where you kind of understand the science but it works for the plot. Plenty of cliff-hangers, lots of meta, fantastic ideas of what stories can do. I didn't feel like I knew the characters, but in a way that's part of it - they're a stock crew/team who fit into each scenario as in a film. Why shouldn't middle grade be sophisticated and complicated?

[Kirsten Paoline König · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gewoon prima boek. Anders spannend dan De Tempeljagers, minder een 'trucje', maar niet zo boeiend qua personages en verwikkelingen als bijv. Wereldspionnen. Standalone voor lezers die een boek nodig hebben dat hoog in de energie zit en lekkere actie bevat vol cliffhangers en wisselingen van decor (letterlijk, lol).

Albie Bright blijkt van dezelfde auteur te zijn, daarin vond ik de mix tussen drama en actie heel fijn (dat drama mis ik hier een beetje).

NL versie gelezen uitgegeven door Veltman.

[Rebecca R · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Lucas meets his friends for an all-day movie marathon at the Black Hole Cinema, he doesn’t realise they’re all about to be swept away in an immersive 4Di experience. But every time they save the world there seems to a common thread, and even as Lucas keeps telling himself not to worry, it’s just a movie, he starts to wonder if there’s actually something else going on.

Black Hole Cinema Club is a fast-paced MG sci-fi adventure. I always enjoy the scientific, mind-bending plot twists in a Christopher Edge book and I really enjoyed the dazzlingly clever ending of this story.

[Emma Renshaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Christopher Edge, Nosy Crow and NetGalley for the chance to read this ARC, in exchange for an honest review. The Black Hole Cinema Club is not your average trip to the cinema, especially when the film you were expecting to see literally transports you to adventure. This book is amazing, it’s a brilliant mix of sci-fi, nostalgia and adventure. Christopher Edge’s is sublime. It’s fun, high stakes, working together brilliance.

[Joanne Cartwright · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent story for all kids yearning for adventure. The Black hole cinema seemingly pulls 5 friends into the movies and catapults them into a series of deadly situations which they needs to get themselves out of before time runs out.
With nods to a number of great escapades the book covers a wide territory from space to the depths of the ocean and the frenzied pace is retained throughout.

[Beth Bennett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another superb sci-fi story from Christopher Edge. If you love cinema adventures, this one is for you. How immersive is the new 4Di cinematic experience? For Lucas and his friends it just got real, or did it? So many things I could say but don’t want to put any spoilers.
I will say you are in for a rip roaring, spacetacular roller coaster of a read.