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School's Out For Never!
Freddy and his classroom friends are stoked for the upcoming summer break. Endless hours at the pool, sleepovers every night, staying up late, and of course no homework.
That's what he thought was in his future once 3 o'clock rolled around — but instead, his day starts over again.
And again.
And again.
No one believes Freddy, not even his friends! But the teachers seem meaner each day, the tests are getting harder and harder, and what's worst of all — the cafeteria food is especially bad.
It’s only getting worse with each passing day.
And it's being served on repeat for the rest of his life!
That's what he thought was in his future once 3 o'clock rolled around — but instead, his day starts over again.
And again.
And again.
No one believes Freddy, not even his friends! But the teachers seem meaner each day, the tests are getting harder and harder, and what's worst of all — the cafeteria food is especially bad.
It’s only getting worse with each passing day.
And it's being served on repeat for the rest of his life!
156 pages, Paperback
Published October 6, 2023
3 people are currently reading
13 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
March 19, 2024
It's time once again for a modern Goosebumps throwback book! Been a while since my first dip into one. The scary series well is drying up but we get some keeping it alive. Stand alone may fare better but we still got some series to look at.
We have Terror Valley from 2023 by Squall Charlson. He seems to have passion and has done interviews which includes a spoiler one. He's done stuff but in other fields besides writing. He says even in the book to spread the word so here I am.
Freddy isn't the best student, with him often falling asleep in class. It's the last day of school and things keep going wrong but at least it'll be over soon. Or will it? When he tries to leave school at the end of the day, he finds himself back early in the day and must figure out why it's repeating and stop it.
That's right, we got another Groundhog Day school book. How are there 3 of these? I'll be dealing with time loops later in the year so this is a good setup for that. This is one of those rare inherently good plot types, as there have hardly been any bad ones and everyone digs them.
This one I thought was good, better than I expected. The writing can be spotty early on and it can feel longer than it is. It can get a bit nonsensical with a couple things only kinda adding up. The Twilight Zone approach helps the logic at least.
Ending is abrupt, lacking an epilogue, nothing new there. But otherwise I had a good time. There's some genereal charm and it gets into it fairly quickly. The way the loop works makes it so he can't exit the school at all, that resets the loop.
We find out there may be others looping which raises the scale of it. I won't give it away, but I liked the turns as find out more about what is going on. We get fun stuff from that.
It's not too horror-y but there is legit danger here. When things get crazy, it is wild. It can be a bit much but it made it fun.
The arc is clear, with Freddy having to apply himself. I like how his relationships tie into this and how far it goes. That spices up what starts as a typical take on this plot.
There is a thing with his friend that doesn't quite go anywhere but the plot is fair otherwise. It ends up being a fun read with enough to spice it up.
It can be spotty in places but as it goes it does become fairly good. Squall shows some promise. It's not among my favorite of these but I see the potential here so this can be one to flourish.
That's a fair recommendation from me. Not a must but it's good. That's it for this one.
Next, as always I have clear ideas but won't give it away. I have the next Percy Jackson lined up soon so look forward to that. See ya then.
We have Terror Valley from 2023 by Squall Charlson. He seems to have passion and has done interviews which includes a spoiler one. He's done stuff but in other fields besides writing. He says even in the book to spread the word so here I am.
Freddy isn't the best student, with him often falling asleep in class. It's the last day of school and things keep going wrong but at least it'll be over soon. Or will it? When he tries to leave school at the end of the day, he finds himself back early in the day and must figure out why it's repeating and stop it.
That's right, we got another Groundhog Day school book. How are there 3 of these? I'll be dealing with time loops later in the year so this is a good setup for that. This is one of those rare inherently good plot types, as there have hardly been any bad ones and everyone digs them.
This one I thought was good, better than I expected. The writing can be spotty early on and it can feel longer than it is. It can get a bit nonsensical with a couple things only kinda adding up. The Twilight Zone approach helps the logic at least.
Ending is abrupt, lacking an epilogue, nothing new there. But otherwise I had a good time. There's some genereal charm and it gets into it fairly quickly. The way the loop works makes it so he can't exit the school at all, that resets the loop.
We find out there may be others looping which raises the scale of it. I won't give it away, but I liked the turns as find out more about what is going on. We get fun stuff from that.
It's not too horror-y but there is legit danger here. When things get crazy, it is wild. It can be a bit much but it made it fun.
The arc is clear, with Freddy having to apply himself. I like how his relationships tie into this and how far it goes. That spices up what starts as a typical take on this plot.
There is a thing with his friend that doesn't quite go anywhere but the plot is fair otherwise. It ends up being a fun read with enough to spice it up.
It can be spotty in places but as it goes it does become fairly good. Squall shows some promise. It's not among my favorite of these but I see the potential here so this can be one to flourish.
That's a fair recommendation from me. Not a must but it's good. That's it for this one.
Next, as always I have clear ideas but won't give it away. I have the next Percy Jackson lined up soon so look forward to that. See ya then.
September 2, 2025
absolutely awesome book. if you like goosebumps you'll love this. feels like the nostalgia of goosebumps but not like a ripoff. probably better than goosebumps honestly.
March 14, 2024
Loved this! It was great! Felt like I was in the show Recess with a Goosebumps feel!
February 4, 2025
What a fun read! "School's Out For Never!" deals with our main character Freddy stuck in a time loop on his last day of school. Can he find a way our or will he be doomed to repeat the last day forever?
The "Terror Valley" series is a modern take on the Goosebumps formula and perfect for any young readers interested in reading something spooky. "School's Out For Never!" had a great balance of fun and scares and I enjoyed reading it much more than I do the current Goosebumps incarnation, House of Shivers.
The "Terror Valley" series is a modern take on the Goosebumps formula and perfect for any young readers interested in reading something spooky. "School's Out For Never!" had a great balance of fun and scares and I enjoyed reading it much more than I do the current Goosebumps incarnation, House of Shivers.
April 20, 2025
This book is like Groundhog Day meets middle school horror and I’m here for it. Freddy is stuck in the ultimate nightmare: reliving the last day of school over and over again. But he’s not alone in the loop! Someone else is messing with him, and the mystery gets super fun once Freddy starts putting the pieces together.
Squall’s writing is so smooth and entertaining, making this book such an easy, enjoyable read. The time loop shenanigans are a blast, the mystery is solid, and the twist at the end? Chef’s kiss! Which reminds me beware of the meatloaf. Trust me.
If you’re into clever mysteries, time loops, and a little middle-grade spookiness, you’ve got to check this one out! Can’t wait to see what’s next in the Terror Valley series.
Squall’s writing is so smooth and entertaining, making this book such an easy, enjoyable read. The time loop shenanigans are a blast, the mystery is solid, and the twist at the end? Chef’s kiss! Which reminds me beware of the meatloaf. Trust me.
If you’re into clever mysteries, time loops, and a little middle-grade spookiness, you’ve got to check this one out! Can’t wait to see what’s next in the Terror Valley series.
March 1, 2024
EDIT: Reviews are for the readers. I didn't know if I wanted to share it but the author found my personal Facebook account to talk about my review on February 3, 2024 (three days after I posted this review). It was inappropriate and unprofessional. I will not be reading anymore books from this author.
2.5/5
For a series that clearly aims to revitalize the Goosebumps era, I felt disappointed in the book. I wonder if it’s just the “first book” thing and as more comes out in the series it’ll get better.
The main issue I had pertains to the voice our main character, Freddy. He’s a fifth grader ready to be done school and kick back for the Summer. I found that his voice is rarely consistent. From time to time, the fact that an adult is writing as if they were a kid seeps through. One part got to me where Freddy, who at the time isn’t good at school or cares much for it, defines nostalgia - spoken as if he were a dictionary. At no point in the book does he define any other words - or in such an out of place spot like that. And while this is happening, Freddy only uses the word “loud” to describe what he’s hearing. He uses it 31 times in a 150 page book. (I did appreciate when he describes a character screaming in a “blood-curdling high pitch” it was refreshing).
Freddy also seems to switch between understanding he’s experiencing deja vu and being confused in why the day is repeating. He acknowledges that his day is repeating and then a few paragraphs later, questions why he knows what’s going to happen next. This made it difficult to get through a good portion of the book, and unfortunately that’s why it’s a 2.5/5 instead of a 3/5 for me. There’s a challenge in making a “groundhog day” plot be creatively interesting and this didn’t seem to make the cut because of the constant tug of war on Freddy’s memory.
Once we get past this, the book was more enjoyable and thrilling. There were points in the book where I was nervous to see the next page or scrambled to get to it. But it wasn’t enough of a thrill…
**||SPOILERS START HERE||**
The ending left the reader with unsolved answers. We wanted to get to the bottom of WHY Freddy was looping and never really received an answer. Only vague remarks from Coach G. The buildup to this point was rather disappointing. It just happened to be a thing Freddy, Coach G, and Blithe experienced but somehow Blithe can forget (despite going through it before) and Freddy and Coach G can remember it? I think this needed to be fleshed out a little bit as the book shortly ends after this reveal. It left me wondering why I read it, while also understanding that there is a wonderful sappy message to take away from this that’s important to young readers.
**||SPOILERS END HERE||**
Overall, the book fell short for me on its inconsistent voice & character knowledge along with the journey all in all. There are a few grammar errors in the book as well that can be jarring. There were really intriguing parts in this book and some really good moments, just not enough for me.
This is a good book for its audience and I can also see a young reader getting bored due to how the “groundhog day” plot was handled.
I will be reading the second book to see how the series develops! The first few Goosebumps books were misses and it’s still an iconic series - I hope to see the same from Terror Valley.
2.5/5
For a series that clearly aims to revitalize the Goosebumps era, I felt disappointed in the book. I wonder if it’s just the “first book” thing and as more comes out in the series it’ll get better.
The main issue I had pertains to the voice our main character, Freddy. He’s a fifth grader ready to be done school and kick back for the Summer. I found that his voice is rarely consistent. From time to time, the fact that an adult is writing as if they were a kid seeps through. One part got to me where Freddy, who at the time isn’t good at school or cares much for it, defines nostalgia - spoken as if he were a dictionary. At no point in the book does he define any other words - or in such an out of place spot like that. And while this is happening, Freddy only uses the word “loud” to describe what he’s hearing. He uses it 31 times in a 150 page book. (I did appreciate when he describes a character screaming in a “blood-curdling high pitch” it was refreshing).
Freddy also seems to switch between understanding he’s experiencing deja vu and being confused in why the day is repeating. He acknowledges that his day is repeating and then a few paragraphs later, questions why he knows what’s going to happen next. This made it difficult to get through a good portion of the book, and unfortunately that’s why it’s a 2.5/5 instead of a 3/5 for me. There’s a challenge in making a “groundhog day” plot be creatively interesting and this didn’t seem to make the cut because of the constant tug of war on Freddy’s memory.
Once we get past this, the book was more enjoyable and thrilling. There were points in the book where I was nervous to see the next page or scrambled to get to it. But it wasn’t enough of a thrill…
**||SPOILERS START HERE||**
The ending left the reader with unsolved answers. We wanted to get to the bottom of WHY Freddy was looping and never really received an answer. Only vague remarks from Coach G. The buildup to this point was rather disappointing. It just happened to be a thing Freddy, Coach G, and Blithe experienced but somehow Blithe can forget (despite going through it before) and Freddy and Coach G can remember it? I think this needed to be fleshed out a little bit as the book shortly ends after this reveal. It left me wondering why I read it, while also understanding that there is a wonderful sappy message to take away from this that’s important to young readers.
**||SPOILERS END HERE||**
Overall, the book fell short for me on its inconsistent voice & character knowledge along with the journey all in all. There are a few grammar errors in the book as well that can be jarring. There were really intriguing parts in this book and some really good moments, just not enough for me.
This is a good book for its audience and I can also see a young reader getting bored due to how the “groundhog day” plot was handled.
I will be reading the second book to see how the series develops! The first few Goosebumps books were misses and it’s still an iconic series - I hope to see the same from Terror Valley.
January 24, 2024
Hi RL Stine, Squall Charlson has entered the chat. The Terror Valley series kicks off with a bang, or should I say the last day of school, and then the last day of school again, and again..
School's Out for Never is a fun page turner with exciting twists and turns. The engaging pre-teen characters are endearing and totally relatable for the target audience. As reader in his 30s, it took me down memory lane opening up my favorite Goosebumps novels, and getting sucked into a thrilling mystery. Absolutely recommend this for fans of the YA horror genre.
School's Out for Never is a fun page turner with exciting twists and turns. The engaging pre-teen characters are endearing and totally relatable for the target audience. As reader in his 30s, it took me down memory lane opening up my favorite Goosebumps novels, and getting sucked into a thrilling mystery. Absolutely recommend this for fans of the YA horror genre.
October 6, 2023
**I was sent an early copy of this book from the author with zero expectations.**
School's Out For Never is a Goosebumps style story with FEELINGS. Freddy can't wait for summer and is more than over school. On the last day he hopes to just coast on by and make it to the fun part. Only, instead, he ends up in a seemingly endless loop of the last day of fifth grade.
This was such a fun read! I went through it, enjoying what it had going on and wondering what was really happening. What I did NOT expect was to start tearing up when the real message of this story came through. When we were in fifth grade, not a single one of us could have ever realized just how much changes after that. The friendships, the teachers, and all the things we learned about ourselves as we start moving on with our lives. This was a beautifully written message about what it is like to be a fifth grader and a loving reminder to appreciate the now. To look at what is in front of us and all that we've become as it shapes us. As someone in her mid thirties, this really hit me in the chest. I was surprised it had the emotional impact it did on me and now I KNOW this is a MUST read for middle grade age children. Especially fifth graders!
I'm really looking forward to more of Terror Valley in the future!
School's Out For Never is a Goosebumps style story with FEELINGS. Freddy can't wait for summer and is more than over school. On the last day he hopes to just coast on by and make it to the fun part. Only, instead, he ends up in a seemingly endless loop of the last day of fifth grade.
This was such a fun read! I went through it, enjoying what it had going on and wondering what was really happening. What I did NOT expect was to start tearing up when the real message of this story came through. When we were in fifth grade, not a single one of us could have ever realized just how much changes after that. The friendships, the teachers, and all the things we learned about ourselves as we start moving on with our lives. This was a beautifully written message about what it is like to be a fifth grader and a loving reminder to appreciate the now. To look at what is in front of us and all that we've become as it shapes us. As someone in her mid thirties, this really hit me in the chest. I was surprised it had the emotional impact it did on me and now I KNOW this is a MUST read for middle grade age children. Especially fifth graders!
I'm really looking forward to more of Terror Valley in the future!
August 18, 2023
The first installment of Terror Valley distills the emotions, fears, and triumphs of grade school life into a fun and thrill filled package!
Conjured from the likes of Goosebumps and Animorphs, School's Out For Never! brings adult readers back to a time both simpler and more petrifying... 5th grade. Filled with characters that echo those grade school friends, first crushes, and oddball teachers we all once knew (or thought we knew) and boiling over with preteen anxieties the story grabs you in the first few pages and doesn't let go until the very end. Adult readers with a fondness for dogeared paperback children's horror books will find themselves reminiscing of times long gone while they attempt to solve the nefarious mystery afoot. Young readers will experience a thrilling tale (though not overly frightening) that keeps them yearning for the next page!
I cannot wait to see what is next for the Terror Valley series but if this story is anything to go by, we are in for a killer ride at each installment!
Conjured from the likes of Goosebumps and Animorphs, School's Out For Never! brings adult readers back to a time both simpler and more petrifying... 5th grade. Filled with characters that echo those grade school friends, first crushes, and oddball teachers we all once knew (or thought we knew) and boiling over with preteen anxieties the story grabs you in the first few pages and doesn't let go until the very end. Adult readers with a fondness for dogeared paperback children's horror books will find themselves reminiscing of times long gone while they attempt to solve the nefarious mystery afoot. Young readers will experience a thrilling tale (though not overly frightening) that keeps them yearning for the next page!
I cannot wait to see what is next for the Terror Valley series but if this story is anything to go by, we are in for a killer ride at each installment!
August 24, 2023
I was very fortunate to receive an advance copy of School’s Out For Never! If you are looking for a short horror/thriller story, then this is the book for you! School’s Out For Never had me on my toes and guessing until the very end. I really appreciated all the small foreshadowing details added throughout the book. Thinking back on my time as a late elementary/early middle schooler, I realize how relatable Freddy is.
If you’re interesting in receiving an advance copy, then check out terrorvalley.com. It was the best choice that I’ve made!
If you’re interesting in receiving an advance copy, then check out terrorvalley.com. It was the best choice that I’ve made!
November 20, 2023
If there's one thing you need to know about me it's that I am going to take any opportunity to devour some MG horror! SCHOOL'S OUT FOR NEVER! combines a lot of the nostalgic, good MG horror qualities I look for and throws in some twists. We get a little deja-vu-Groundhog's-Day story here and this one kid is forced to live out the last hours and school day of 5th grade over and over... the same math problems, history quiz, gym punishment with sit ups and push ups, etc. YIKES JUST LET HIM GO TO MIDDLE SCHOOL ALREADY! Fans of Goosebumps will enjoy!
December 5, 2024
3.5 (good!)
I found this book to be fast and fun. It took me back to elementary school days. I think I would have liked it better if I enjoyed repeating groundhog day type stories. However, it was similar to the "goosebumps" series and I enjoyed the cute story and lesson in it.
I bought the second one and will buy again.
I found this book to be fast and fun. It took me back to elementary school days. I think I would have liked it better if I enjoyed repeating groundhog day type stories. However, it was similar to the "goosebumps" series and I enjoyed the cute story and lesson in it.
I bought the second one and will buy again.
August 26, 2023
R.L. Stine would be jealous. The thrill blends perfectly with the humor and it throws plenty of twists and turns at you to keep you turning those pages! I may not have to repeat the same day over and over, but I would gladly read this book again and again.
January 10, 2024
This book was amazing. I finished in a day and while it may be compared to Goosebumps, I would say it is even better! As a person who cannot read certain books due to an overactive imagination, this book was a great way to get the thrill of a horror book!
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews