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Wax
Paraffin, Vermont, is known the world over as home to the Grosholtz Candle Factory. But behind the sunny retail space bursting with overwhelming scents and homemade fudge, seventeen-year-old Poppy Palladino discovers something dark and unsettling: a back room filled with dozens of startlingly life-like wax sculptures, crafted by one very strange old lady. Poppy hightails it home, only to be shocked when one of the figures—a teenage boy who doesn’t seem to know what he is—jumps naked and screaming out of the trunk of her car. She tries to return him to the candle factory, but before she can, a fire destroys the mysterious workshop—and the old woman is nowhere to be seen.
With the help of the wax boy, who answers to the name Dud, Poppy resolves to find out who was behind the fire. But in the course of her investigation, she discovers that things in Paraffin aren’t always as they seem, that the Grosholtz Candle Factory isn’t as pure as its reputation—and that some of the townspeople she’s known her entire life may not be as human as they once were. In fact, they’re starting to look a little . . . waxy. Can Poppy and Dud extinguish the evil that's taking hold of their town before it’s too late?
With the help of the wax boy, who answers to the name Dud, Poppy resolves to find out who was behind the fire. But in the course of her investigation, she discovers that things in Paraffin aren’t always as they seem, that the Grosholtz Candle Factory isn’t as pure as its reputation—and that some of the townspeople she’s known her entire life may not be as human as they once were. In fact, they’re starting to look a little . . . waxy. Can Poppy and Dud extinguish the evil that's taking hold of their town before it’s too late?
368 pages, Hardcover
First published August 2, 2016
32 people are currently reading
2683 people want to read
About the author
Gina Damico
9 books781 followersI grew up under four feet of snow in Syracuse, New York. I received a degree in theater and sociology from Boston College, where I was active with the Committee for Creative Enactments, a murder mystery improv comedy troupe that may or may not have sparked my interest in wildly improbably bloodshed. I have since worked as a tour guide, transcriptionist, theater house manager, scenic artist, movie extra, office troll, retail monkey, yarn hawker, and breadmonger.I live in Western Massachusetts with my husband, two cats, one dog, and and obscene amount of weird things purchased at yard sales.
NOTE: I don't check back here as often as I'd like to (OR write reviews), so instead of sending me a friend request or following me, why not hit me up on Twitter instead? @ginadamico
NOTE: I don't check back here as often as I'd like to (OR write reviews), so instead of sending me a friend request or following me, why not hit me up on Twitter instead? @ginadamico
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 185 reviews
March 5, 2017
I was hoping to really love this book but it was okay. I was thinking it was going to be more scary than it was, it wasn't really scary. The thought was more scary. **A Mild Spoiler Or Two**
Anyhoo, Poppy is a teenager living in Paraffin, Vermont. <--- heh! funny since the town is known for making candles. Poppy is known for some little incident that happened when she put on a play but I really don't see why these people had to be so rude about it and laugh at her. She was on tv and in papers across the globe. But she is keeping her head up and dealing with it.
The Grosholtz Candle Factory has been around for years. They modernized the front of the factory but in the back you can still see the old castle looking building.
Poppy's best friend is Jill and they are your typical teens. They were funny and got on your nerves. Poppy runs the drama club at school (if you can call it that) and doesn't get picked on that much any more. Well, with the exception of some stupid boy.
Moving on . . . .
One day Poppy and Jill go to the candle factory and go on the tour. Poppy sneaks into the older sections where she's not supposed to be. She ends up finding a scary room and an old lady.
There are all kinds of wax figures in the room and she talks to the lady for a little while. Seems that the lady has been around forever, but there is more to the story than that . . .
When Poppy leaves the old lady gives her a candle to take with her. And when Poppy gets home she finds that she has a wax boy in her trunk. Guess that was another surprise. Oh, and he's naked. She names him Dud and they end up going on a mystery together to find out what is happening to the town and what the real story is.... and I'm not going to tell you.
Overall the book was okay. I would recommend it to people that like a little cheese in their young adult books, people that like candles, wax figures and a little bit of cray!
MY BLOG: Melissa Martin's Reading List
Anyhoo, Poppy is a teenager living in Paraffin, Vermont. <--- heh! funny since the town is known for making candles. Poppy is known for some little incident that happened when she put on a play but I really don't see why these people had to be so rude about it and laugh at her. She was on tv and in papers across the globe. But she is keeping her head up and dealing with it.
The Grosholtz Candle Factory has been around for years. They modernized the front of the factory but in the back you can still see the old castle looking building.
Poppy's best friend is Jill and they are your typical teens. They were funny and got on your nerves. Poppy runs the drama club at school (if you can call it that) and doesn't get picked on that much any more. Well, with the exception of some stupid boy.
Moving on . . . .
One day Poppy and Jill go to the candle factory and go on the tour. Poppy sneaks into the older sections where she's not supposed to be. She ends up finding a scary room and an old lady.
There are all kinds of wax figures in the room and she talks to the lady for a little while. Seems that the lady has been around forever, but there is more to the story than that . . .
When Poppy leaves the old lady gives her a candle to take with her. And when Poppy gets home she finds that she has a wax boy in her trunk. Guess that was another surprise. Oh, and he's naked. She names him Dud and they end up going on a mystery together to find out what is happening to the town and what the real story is.... and I'm not going to tell you.
Overall the book was okay. I would recommend it to people that like a little cheese in their young adult books, people that like candles, wax figures and a little bit of cray!
MY BLOG: Melissa Martin's Reading List
September 5, 2016
This was odd.
It is really outside my normal wheelhouse as it is a bit comedy and a little bit horrorlite/mystery.
Review to come....but lets just say that a Wax boy comes to life and helps a social media sensation (not in a good way but in an 'I'll be in therapy the rest of my life because my most embarrassing moment went viral' way) and her theater group save the town from wax copies replacing main members of the small town.
It is really outside my normal wheelhouse as it is a bit comedy and a little bit horrorlite/mystery.
Review to come....but lets just say that a Wax boy comes to life and helps a social media sensation (not in a good way but in an 'I'll be in therapy the rest of my life because my most embarrassing moment went viral' way) and her theater group save the town from wax copies replacing main members of the small town.
July 7, 2019
Gina Damico's books give me life. There, I said it. The Croak trilogy was incredible, Hellhole was hilarious, and Wax... Wax is fantastick. (I can make musical references too). Seriously, that whole angle was flawless. Also, naming it the Grosholtz candle factory? Of course I realize now that I may or may not have posted a spoiler in my earlier, super-excitable non-updates, but OH WELL. I can't help it if I'm a history nut on top of a theatre geek.
But this book was amazing. The dialogue was so snappy and the characters all had their own fantastic little quirks (or big quirks, in some cases). The small-town vibe reminded me of the place we go on vacation, especially with Smitty's being such a fixture (probably because I've never been to Vermont). But it was all captured so well, and everyone meshed together without blending together -- they all played off each other perfectly, versus me not being able to tell them apart.
And can I reiterate again how Gina is totally fearless when it comes to killing characters? In case anyone's forgotten after Croak *grabs the box of tissues* Something else that always seems to run through contemporary-esque novels is that age-old necessity of school. Gina manages to juggle that necessity with the necessary; that is, she wrangles it so that when they DO have to go to school, it helps forward the plot. Plots are things I'm bad at, so I inherently admire anyone who's good at them. Gina's brilliant and I will forever worship the ground she walks on.
But this book was amazing. The dialogue was so snappy and the characters all had their own fantastic little quirks (or big quirks, in some cases). The small-town vibe reminded me of the place we go on vacation, especially with Smitty's being such a fixture (probably because I've never been to Vermont). But it was all captured so well, and everyone meshed together without blending together -- they all played off each other perfectly, versus me not being able to tell them apart.
And can I reiterate again how Gina is totally fearless when it comes to killing characters? In case anyone's forgotten after Croak *grabs the box of tissues* Something else that always seems to run through contemporary-esque novels is that age-old necessity of school. Gina manages to juggle that necessity with the necessary; that is, she wrangles it so that when they DO have to go to school, it helps forward the plot. Plots are things I'm bad at, so I inherently admire anyone who's good at them. Gina's brilliant and I will forever worship the ground she walks on.
July 2, 2020
Wax by Gina Damico is a delightful YA fantasy horror comedy. I'm so glad I decided to give this a chance. As a fan of House of Wax (1953) with Vincent Price, this was a lot of fun to see a modern fantasy twist on that kind of story. Damico's characters make the story - they are all unique and quirky and the dialog Damico has written for them is clever. Dud is my favorite - a lot of fun comedic moments stem from him. As funny as this is, the doesn't shy away from the creepy stuff either and it does it very well. Finally, there was one very unlikely scene that really stood out to me and that's when Poppy, her family, and Dud went to eat at Friendly's. My hometown used to have one of those until it closed several years ago and I still miss it. Now, there aren't even any more in the state of Ohio.
April 26, 2018
3.5
Imagine growing up in a town that makes smelly candles. You know, those things are great, but imagine them at high concentration and conflicting smells and- ok- anyway ...
There is a town and its business is waxworks. Yeah; it’s not just the candles and the candle factory there. There are the mannequins on display and weird things that go on. Really weird things. And then there is a clumsy but endearing girl caught in the middle. A laughing stock of the town, will anyone listen to her when she notices the weird stuff? I am a sucker for anything with waxworks in it. I love that weird uncanny feeling that wax figures give you. And there are uncanny feelings in this book in spades.
I thought it was a quick fun read. Quirky and weird.
Imagine growing up in a town that makes smelly candles. You know, those things are great, but imagine them at high concentration and conflicting smells and- ok- anyway ...
There is a town and its business is waxworks. Yeah; it’s not just the candles and the candle factory there. There are the mannequins on display and weird things that go on. Really weird things. And then there is a clumsy but endearing girl caught in the middle. A laughing stock of the town, will anyone listen to her when she notices the weird stuff? I am a sucker for anything with waxworks in it. I love that weird uncanny feeling that wax figures give you. And there are uncanny feelings in this book in spades.
I thought it was a quick fun read. Quirky and weird.
Want to read
November 12, 2014Gina Damico writing about LIVING WAX FIGURES?!
All I can think of is...
This is going to be amazing!
Can't wait for 2016 ^-^
All I can think of is...
This is going to be amazing!
Can't wait for 2016 ^-^
June 8, 2019
I like the idea of this book, but I didn't like Poppy or any of the other characters, and the writing style wasn't my favorite.
I don't have much else to say, this book wasn't bad, but I also didn't really enjoy it or care about what was going to happen either.
I expected spooks, instead, I got mildly interesting descriptions of things.
I don't have much else to say, this book wasn't bad, but I also didn't really enjoy it or care about what was going to happen either.
I expected spooks, instead, I got mildly interesting descriptions of things.
August 22, 2016
A very enjoyable book- both funny and weird. Loved Dud- the best character in the book :)
October 21, 2018
3.65/5
This book has an AWESOME idea, I loved it SO MUCH!!! Turning Paraffin citizens into wax statues?! I’m sold👏🏻
I loved the story!! The thing it wasn’t for me always on point was the execution in my opinion. Sometimes it was a little too long of description and introduction before the starting of the event or the action, I don’t know my attention was a little on and off. But originality speaking it was so amazing!!
Absolutely recommend it for a cool and different Halloween read 😏
This book has an AWESOME idea, I loved it SO MUCH!!! Turning Paraffin citizens into wax statues?! I’m sold👏🏻
I loved the story!! The thing it wasn’t for me always on point was the execution in my opinion. Sometimes it was a little too long of description and introduction before the starting of the event or the action, I don’t know my attention was a little on and off. But originality speaking it was so amazing!!
Absolutely recommend it for a cool and different Halloween read 😏
September 9, 2016
***This review has also been posted on The Social Potato
1. The back of my arc copy describes this one as being “creepy fun.” I can attest to that fact and 100% agree. This book is creepy, not super scary and fun.
2. It’s FUNNY. Things are going down in this town that are messed up but I love that the author infuses humour in the creepy. I love that this book can scare you a little but make you laugh out loud.
3. An MC who isn’t trying to hide the big bad thing she found out from the world. She is telling all her friends what is up even if they don’t believe her right away.
4. Creativity. The idea of wax that is alive (like has a conscious and everything) is so original. I haven’t read any YA quite like Wax and I love that candles, something lots of people love to collect and sniff, can be made out to be something to be afraid of.
5. Cute boy made of wax. What the what? He isn’t actually a proper love interest and there isn’t romance in the book but I love the relationship between Dud and Poppy. I love how Poppy isn’t annoyed with his ignorance of the human world and takes the time to teach him the ways of the humans.
6. Plot & pacing. Wax is well paced and well plotted. The plot progresses at an appropriate rate and the mystery element is so well written. I love unravelling all the evil going on in the town and it was just a whole lot of fun.
Note that I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
6 Reasons Why You Should Read Wax
1. The back of my arc copy describes this one as being “creepy fun.” I can attest to that fact and 100% agree. This book is creepy, not super scary and fun.
2. It’s FUNNY. Things are going down in this town that are messed up but I love that the author infuses humour in the creepy. I love that this book can scare you a little but make you laugh out loud.
3. An MC who isn’t trying to hide the big bad thing she found out from the world. She is telling all her friends what is up even if they don’t believe her right away.
4. Creativity. The idea of wax that is alive (like has a conscious and everything) is so original. I haven’t read any YA quite like Wax and I love that candles, something lots of people love to collect and sniff, can be made out to be something to be afraid of.
5. Cute boy made of wax. What the what? He isn’t actually a proper love interest and there isn’t romance in the book but I love the relationship between Dud and Poppy. I love how Poppy isn’t annoyed with his ignorance of the human world and takes the time to teach him the ways of the humans.
6. Plot & pacing. Wax is well paced and well plotted. The plot progresses at an appropriate rate and the mystery element is so well written. I love unravelling all the evil going on in the town and it was just a whole lot of fun.
Note that I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
June 27, 2017
I loved it.
August 3, 2016
I really enjoyed this book far more than I thought I would. It certainly was not a horror story, it was more of a humorous story. It certainly makes fun of itself and that was nice to read.
This it the story of Poppy who lives in Paraffin, Vermont. Poppy is still trying to get over the horrific accidnet she had during a national talent show. Obviously, it was televised and the entire world witnessed her performance. While trying to get on with her life, Poppy is still carefree and determined to make it in the acting world. But growing up in Paraffin, home of the world famous Grosholtz Candle Factory is not easy. While on a tour of the candle factory, Poppy discovers a secret room with a rather peculiar old lady living there carving life-like statues of people out of wax. After this unsettling encounter, Poppy makes it home to discover the factory caught fire and one of the life-like statues of a young boy has come to life and answers to the name of Dud. With the help of her new wax friend, Dud, Poppy sets out to discover all of the secrets within Paraffin and rid her town on the evil within.
I know, I know. This sounds really cheesy but I am here to tell you that the story is so much more humorous than the description lets on. Poppy, Dud, and Poppy's best friend, Jill, have such funny banter that I found myself really laughing out loud. The campy humor really added to the charm of the book. I felt all of the characters were unique and a pleasure to read. I really liked Dud's character. Talk about pure innocence. I wanted to be friends with him in real life. The plot of this story is pretty straight forward. There is a mystery to be solved and Poppy sets out to solve it with her friends in tow.
I felt Damico did a great job of world building. She created a spooky, creepy world in which the unthinkable happen but it didn't seem as unrealistic as you would think. With the way Damico wrote this story, it felt natural to read a story about the strange and unusal world of all things wax. I won't give any spoilers away in this review, but everything about this story just seemed to flow. The pacing was good and so were the characters. I'm not sure I can say enough good things about this story. It surprised me and I am very lucky I was given the chance to read this one early. I highly recommend this to everyone. Please, give it a chance. This is one of those times that you should not judge a book by its cover.
This it the story of Poppy who lives in Paraffin, Vermont. Poppy is still trying to get over the horrific accidnet she had during a national talent show. Obviously, it was televised and the entire world witnessed her performance. While trying to get on with her life, Poppy is still carefree and determined to make it in the acting world. But growing up in Paraffin, home of the world famous Grosholtz Candle Factory is not easy. While on a tour of the candle factory, Poppy discovers a secret room with a rather peculiar old lady living there carving life-like statues of people out of wax. After this unsettling encounter, Poppy makes it home to discover the factory caught fire and one of the life-like statues of a young boy has come to life and answers to the name of Dud. With the help of her new wax friend, Dud, Poppy sets out to discover all of the secrets within Paraffin and rid her town on the evil within.
I know, I know. This sounds really cheesy but I am here to tell you that the story is so much more humorous than the description lets on. Poppy, Dud, and Poppy's best friend, Jill, have such funny banter that I found myself really laughing out loud. The campy humor really added to the charm of the book. I felt all of the characters were unique and a pleasure to read. I really liked Dud's character. Talk about pure innocence. I wanted to be friends with him in real life. The plot of this story is pretty straight forward. There is a mystery to be solved and Poppy sets out to solve it with her friends in tow.
I felt Damico did a great job of world building. She created a spooky, creepy world in which the unthinkable happen but it didn't seem as unrealistic as you would think. With the way Damico wrote this story, it felt natural to read a story about the strange and unusal world of all things wax. I won't give any spoilers away in this review, but everything about this story just seemed to flow. The pacing was good and so were the characters. I'm not sure I can say enough good things about this story. It surprised me and I am very lucky I was given the chance to read this one early. I highly recommend this to everyone. Please, give it a chance. This is one of those times that you should not judge a book by its cover.
August 4, 2020
further cements my belief that wax figures are evil and will come to life for world domination. 10/10 recommend
January 19, 2016
I love Gina Damico. I just do. I feel like she gets my sense of humor. I loved the Croak books, I loved Hellhole, and this is right up there with its predecessors. The characters are fun in this. Poppy is an absolute hoot, I love her friendship with Jill, and Dud is so entertaining. The plot for some reason reminds me of the villagers in Hot Fuzz meets Invasion of the Body Snatchers. The ending was a crazy thrill ride (although I hope the implosion at the factory gets better fleshed out in the final edition. It was a bit confusing) and the very last part was quite touching. It was fast-paced, unique, and funny as hell. Read all her books. Just do it. Thanks, Edelweiss, for the ARC!
August 26, 2016
Ladies and gentlemen, Gina Damico did it again. She wrote a book that was funny, it was sad, it was creepy (and definitely unsettling), it was mysterious, it was everything you would want.
I have been reading this author's books since the Croak series, and I can tell you that I love all of her books. Every time however I do worry, would this be the first book I like less, or even don't like? But then I start reading, get slurped up in the world of the book, and even afterwards I stay stuck in the world. The same happened with Wax, I tried out the ebook at first, but after 3 pages I knew I just had to have this one in physical form.
It took 4 days, but the book finally got delivered yesterday! And I took my time reading it, savouring it as much as I could, until I just had to finish it today, I had to know what happened, I had to see what the ending would bring.
The book brings a topic that isn't new. There are enough (horror) shows and books about the topic of wax people, living wax people, turning into a wax statue. But this one does bring the topic a new flame. This book doesn't pack in the frights or the scares, instead it settles on a creepy and unsettling feeling throughout the book, gaining momentum as the climax and the ending approach. I wasn't scared as much as I was just creeped out by everything, the idea that wax people can just take over and that none would be the wiser. Your neighbour could be a wax figure, or even your friends and family. Boy.... Anyone could just disappear, even the MC was at risk.
I loved the MC, I really did. From the start to the end she was the best character (of course next to Dud, who was just amazing). I felt sorry for her, for what she had to go through (though it was such a typical Gina Damico scenario (and I mean this kindly), who else could think of what happened to this girl), and I was all for her revenge plans. Though those quickly evaporate when poo hits the fan and she has to do all sorts of things to prevent stuff from happening.
I did love how she reacted to a kinder Blake. Many YA books would turn this in a romance, but no need to worry. She does seem to care more for him, and also see a different side, but she is still wary and will also be sure to let him know what she thinks of him.
Our girl is brave, she is smart, but I also like how she reacts to people, she has a certain snark that made me laugh. Especially during the moments with Dud.
Jill, well, I did like the girl in the beginning, but then she turned in a big jerkwad. Which is just a darn shame. Though I could forgive it for most, for one reason, and that I can't say as that would be a spoiler. I do have some questions about that reason, yes, I know this sounds confusing, but you will just have to read the book.
Dud. Ah Dud, my second favourite character. He was just so sweet, kind, curious, interesting, and I just loved seeing him grow, see him learn. See him make a life, learn about emotions, learn about humans. Yes. Dud was amazing, and he deserves all the happiness in life. Sure, at times I could just feel how Poppy felt, he kept asking endless questions, over and over again, I can imagine why, since he doesn't know anything, but I can also see why Poppy would at times just sigh at it all.
I definitely have to give points to Poppy's wonderful, fun family. They were just the best and I loved how supportive her parents were, and how they tried to be there for Poppy.
I loved the whole candle factory and the big secret behind it. I love how things escalated from small things, to bigger things, to the final battle. I was really proud of Poppy, it must have been scary but she didn't falter, she just continued, battled on.
I also love the message from the old lady (and also the revelations about everything in her life as the story continued).
Plus I just love it when an author adds an extra chapter with how our characters are doing x time after. This one was just perfection and made me squee so loud. <3
The plan was amazing and brilliant. The added times were a nice touch, as it gave an idea on how the plan was unfolding and what happened when. And you could see how fast everything was unfolding, within the span of a bit over an hour the plan was set in motion and everything fell into place. It was also interesting to see what happened from other people's POV. We could see Anita and Preston, but also Big Bob, and others. At some parts of the plan I was just laughing so much, as it felt straight out of some silly action movie. :P
The chapter titles being crossed out? Perfect, especially considering Poppy and her endless lists.
Next to the creepiness and unsettling feeling there was also enough comedy and parts that just had me in stitches. Gina Damico truly knows how the weave a story with sprinkles of comedy, but make them not too much, just the right amount, at the right moments. And some lightheartedness at times was just a delight, a moment reprieve from all the creepiness and waxiness.
There is also a smell of Young Love in the air. Which I just loved, I won't of course spoil anything, so you will have to find out the who's and what's yourself.
The ending was really great, and I was happy for everyone, though also sad for others. :(
I think I mentioned everything I wanted to, the review turned out quite long. I would really recommend this book to everyone. Looking for a creepy, unsettling read with some comedy and love sprinkled over it? Then try Wax!
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com
I have been reading this author's books since the Croak series, and I can tell you that I love all of her books. Every time however I do worry, would this be the first book I like less, or even don't like? But then I start reading, get slurped up in the world of the book, and even afterwards I stay stuck in the world. The same happened with Wax, I tried out the ebook at first, but after 3 pages I knew I just had to have this one in physical form.
It took 4 days, but the book finally got delivered yesterday! And I took my time reading it, savouring it as much as I could, until I just had to finish it today, I had to know what happened, I had to see what the ending would bring.
The book brings a topic that isn't new. There are enough (horror) shows and books about the topic of wax people, living wax people, turning into a wax statue. But this one does bring the topic a new flame. This book doesn't pack in the frights or the scares, instead it settles on a creepy and unsettling feeling throughout the book, gaining momentum as the climax and the ending approach. I wasn't scared as much as I was just creeped out by everything, the idea that wax people can just take over and that none would be the wiser. Your neighbour could be a wax figure, or even your friends and family. Boy.... Anyone could just disappear, even the MC was at risk.
I loved the MC, I really did. From the start to the end she was the best character (of course next to Dud, who was just amazing). I felt sorry for her, for what she had to go through (though it was such a typical Gina Damico scenario (and I mean this kindly), who else could think of what happened to this girl), and I was all for her revenge plans. Though those quickly evaporate when poo hits the fan and she has to do all sorts of things to prevent stuff from happening.
I did love how she reacted to a kinder Blake. Many YA books would turn this in a romance, but no need to worry. She does seem to care more for him, and also see a different side, but she is still wary and will also be sure to let him know what she thinks of him.
Our girl is brave, she is smart, but I also like how she reacts to people, she has a certain snark that made me laugh. Especially during the moments with Dud.
Jill, well, I did like the girl in the beginning, but then she turned in a big jerkwad. Which is just a darn shame. Though I could forgive it for most, for one reason, and that I can't say as that would be a spoiler. I do have some questions about that reason, yes, I know this sounds confusing, but you will just have to read the book.
Dud. Ah Dud, my second favourite character. He was just so sweet, kind, curious, interesting, and I just loved seeing him grow, see him learn. See him make a life, learn about emotions, learn about humans. Yes. Dud was amazing, and he deserves all the happiness in life. Sure, at times I could just feel how Poppy felt, he kept asking endless questions, over and over again, I can imagine why, since he doesn't know anything, but I can also see why Poppy would at times just sigh at it all.
I definitely have to give points to Poppy's wonderful, fun family. They were just the best and I loved how supportive her parents were, and how they tried to be there for Poppy.
I loved the whole candle factory and the big secret behind it. I love how things escalated from small things, to bigger things, to the final battle. I was really proud of Poppy, it must have been scary but she didn't falter, she just continued, battled on.
I also love the message from the old lady (and also the revelations about everything in her life as the story continued).
Plus I just love it when an author adds an extra chapter with how our characters are doing x time after. This one was just perfection and made me squee so loud. <3
The plan was amazing and brilliant. The added times were a nice touch, as it gave an idea on how the plan was unfolding and what happened when. And you could see how fast everything was unfolding, within the span of a bit over an hour the plan was set in motion and everything fell into place. It was also interesting to see what happened from other people's POV. We could see Anita and Preston, but also Big Bob, and others. At some parts of the plan I was just laughing so much, as it felt straight out of some silly action movie. :P
The chapter titles being crossed out? Perfect, especially considering Poppy and her endless lists.
Next to the creepiness and unsettling feeling there was also enough comedy and parts that just had me in stitches. Gina Damico truly knows how the weave a story with sprinkles of comedy, but make them not too much, just the right amount, at the right moments. And some lightheartedness at times was just a delight, a moment reprieve from all the creepiness and waxiness.
There is also a smell of Young Love in the air. Which I just loved, I won't of course spoil anything, so you will have to find out the who's and what's yourself.
The ending was really great, and I was happy for everyone, though also sad for others. :(
I think I mentioned everything I wanted to, the review turned out quite long. I would really recommend this book to everyone. Looking for a creepy, unsettling read with some comedy and love sprinkled over it? Then try Wax!
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com
September 19, 2018
“You’re right. After all I’ve been through, I do deserve the promise of moist, kissable lips.”
I was given this book as a surprise present and had heard nothing about it or the author previously. I was delightfully surprised by its quirky narrative and characters, and the usually fast paced plot (My only hang up was around the middle where the story seemed to drag a bit and the action didn’t drive the plot forward). This tale reminds me a lot of Buffy, Seasons 1 & 2; the story is a bit cheesy (though in the best way) and a bit creepy and a lot funny!
I was given this book as a surprise present and had heard nothing about it or the author previously. I was delightfully surprised by its quirky narrative and characters, and the usually fast paced plot (My only hang up was around the middle where the story seemed to drag a bit and the action didn’t drive the plot forward). This tale reminds me a lot of Buffy, Seasons 1 & 2; the story is a bit cheesy (though in the best way) and a bit creepy and a lot funny!
May 1, 2025
Okay, so it was not terrible but not great. I wish it had a scarier element to the story. The concept was creepy, however the outcome was just kinda lamely weird.
I hated the main character, I mean I am all for strong teen girl leads, but she drove me nuts. Throughout the story Poppy was such a jerk to all the people around her, especially her best friend. The entire time she was so bossy and rude and not empathetic whatsoever. She was so impulsive the entire time and (as a teenage girl) I felt like she was so immature.
Not to mention the fact she had an OBSESSION with her teacher. All the lines where Poppy thought about “undressing her teacher” were absolutely vulgar. Disgusting. She was written in the “teenage girl cliche” that doesn’t even exist. Maybe talk to a teenager before writing your main character as one.
Moving on, the book itself and the story was pretty good. I loved all the imagery and the way the story was told, but overall it was just a meh book. I’d give it a 5/10.
In summary, not bad but not good and an annoying weird main character.
I hated the main character, I mean I am all for strong teen girl leads, but she drove me nuts. Throughout the story Poppy was such a jerk to all the people around her, especially her best friend. The entire time she was so bossy and rude and not empathetic whatsoever. She was so impulsive the entire time and (as a teenage girl) I felt like she was so immature.
Not to mention the fact she had an OBSESSION with her teacher. All the lines where Poppy thought about “undressing her teacher” were absolutely vulgar. Disgusting. She was written in the “teenage girl cliche” that doesn’t even exist. Maybe talk to a teenager before writing your main character as one.
Moving on, the book itself and the story was pretty good. I loved all the imagery and the way the story was told, but overall it was just a meh book. I’d give it a 5/10.
In summary, not bad but not good and an annoying weird main character.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 15, 2018
This is almost exactly what I wanted: funny, light-hearted with a bit of depth, and a bit creepy to boot. Could it have been a bit scarier? In my humble opinion, yes, but that's a me thing. I never deeply cared for any of the characters, but they were fun people to follow around. Some of the twists were easy to figure out, too, so I wasn't overly impressed with the way some of that was handled.
But I had fun. That's what I wanted and needed right now.
3.75/5 stars
But I had fun. That's what I wanted and needed right now.
3.75/5 stars
August 8, 2017
I absolutely adored Poppy and Dud, they are one
of the best YA protagonist I have read about in
a very long time. Poppy was always chirpy, full
of positive attitude, and a real goal setter. Dud was
just plain adorable and full of wonder and life. I
loved the ending and I was happy that Poppy
and Dud stayed together.
I am not going to lie though, the premise of the
story is super creepy and full of horror movie
aspects. The idea that people are slowly being
replaced by hollows was just so incredibly horrible.
However, the author wrote the book in such a way
that you are laughing out loud even while tragedy
is happening. I must admit that I felt bad for
what happened to Blake, even if he was horrible
to Poppy.
Characterization wise, Poppy and Dud are by far
some of my favorite characters in a very long
time. The family dynamic in the book was so
great, both parents were super supportive.
of the best YA protagonist I have read about in
a very long time. Poppy was always chirpy, full
of positive attitude, and a real goal setter. Dud was
just plain adorable and full of wonder and life. I
loved the ending and I was happy that Poppy
and Dud stayed together.
I am not going to lie though, the premise of the
story is super creepy and full of horror movie
aspects. The idea that people are slowly being
replaced by hollows was just so incredibly horrible.
However, the author wrote the book in such a way
that you are laughing out loud even while tragedy
is happening. I must admit that I felt bad for
what happened to Blake, even if he was horrible
to Poppy.
Characterization wise, Poppy and Dud are by far
some of my favorite characters in a very long
time. The family dynamic in the book was so
great, both parents were super supportive.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 5, 2017
Wax is something I would read again and again, just like any other book that Gina Damico has written. The characters were almost all very realistic and relatable; throughout the book I kept sending my friends sections of the books because of how much they could apply to my life. The plot was enthralling, I couldn't put the book down because I needed to know how it turned out for these characters that I had grown to love, even the ones made out of wax.
April 23, 2019
This book really surprised me!! I almost unhauled it because I began to lose more and more interest as it collected dust on my shelf. However, I gave it a chance and ended up loving it. The writing, the characters, the narration—it was all so well done and so humorous. The plot and tone was completely different from what I assumed from the synopsis, but in all the best ways possible. Wax is a perfect comedy/thriller for autumn, especially around Halloween time.
September 29, 2019
How did I forget about Gina Damico? I loved her Croak series, so when I saw this sitting out at the library, I could have smacked my forehead and yelled "doh!" I thoroughly enjoyed her sarcastic characters and their witty dialogue, not to mention the premise of Wax. Damico manages to make it creepy and hilarious, but not too cheesy. It's a perfect balance. So if the idea of a small town being taken over by wax people sounds interesting, I highly recommend it!
June 24, 2017
This book is a hoot! A candle factory, one many local folks will find quite familiar, in a quiet Vermont village is the source of mysterious rumors. A handful of people in town begin acting slightly strangely but only Poppy seems to notice. She enlists the help of her high school musical theater club to get to the bottom of things and stop the nefarious wax people from taking over the town. A fast paced, enjoyable read. Just right for summer reading!
May 22, 2017
4.5!!
October 17, 2017
Good young adult book for the Halloween Season.
August 22, 2017
I was not expecting to enjoy this book as much as I did - was it because I'm a New Englander and a musical theatre dork? And poking fun at Yankee Candle always gets a thumbs-up from me. Regardless, I laughed a lot.
August 1, 2016
3.5
WAX takes place in Paraffin, Vermont. And after a horrifically embarrassing singing incident on national TV, Poppy Palladino has become a recluse. She will never, EVER live this down. After stumbling across the Grosholtz Candle Factory one evening, she meets a French old woman, Madame Grosholtz and the conspicuously lifelike wax figures she has displayed inside.
In leaving the factory, Poppy arrives back home, then opens the trunk of her car, but much to her surprise, an alive, screaming, naked wax figure bounds out of her car and onto the street, shrieking all the while.
Poppy names him Dud appropriately. But when she attempts to return him to the Grosholtz Candle Factory later, it’s aflame the moment she arrives and Madame Grosholtz is nowhere to be found.
So here’s what I didn’t like:
- Poppy has a creepy crush on her teacher. He’s not a sexysex teacher either. He’s old, married with kids, and she’s fully-prepared to take him from his wife, which isn’t scary but disgusting.
- The potential ship of Poppy & Dud. Since he’s technically a wax figure (as in, an inanimate object), this was not something I was endorsing. I liked their little adventures and I thought Dud was hilarious. I feel like Damico was trying to force them on us, but they aren’t a Beauty and the Beast situation. Poppy can’t kiss him and turn him human. Nononono. This didn’t work for me.
AND WHAT I LOOOOOVED:
-THE PARENTS.
(Okay, but for real. They are so epic.)
- Poppy’s best friend, Jill.
- DAD JOKES
- The name, Poppy Palladino.
- The. Humor.
- This die-hard concept.
- How well the first and last chapter mesh.
- Thy author's note.
-
It was okay.
RTC at a later date (or rather: waxily ever after) (cymbal crash??)
“To your masterpiece,” Jill said, toasting me with her milkshake. “Tell me: How does it end? I love spoilers.”
WAX takes place in Paraffin, Vermont. And after a horrifically embarrassing singing incident on national TV, Poppy Palladino has become a recluse. She will never, EVER live this down. After stumbling across the Grosholtz Candle Factory one evening, she meets a French old woman, Madame Grosholtz and the conspicuously lifelike wax figures she has displayed inside.
In leaving the factory, Poppy arrives back home, then opens the trunk of her car, but much to her surprise, an alive, screaming, naked wax figure bounds out of her car and onto the street, shrieking all the while.
Poppy names him Dud appropriately. But when she attempts to return him to the Grosholtz Candle Factory later, it’s aflame the moment she arrives and Madame Grosholtz is nowhere to be found.
So here’s what I didn’t like:
- Poppy has a creepy crush on her teacher. He’s not a sexysex teacher either. He’s old, married with kids, and she’s fully-prepared to take him from his wife, which isn’t scary but disgusting.
- The potential ship of Poppy & Dud. Since he’s technically a wax figure (as in, an inanimate object), this was not something I was endorsing. I liked their little adventures and I thought Dud was hilarious. I feel like Damico was trying to force them on us, but they aren’t a Beauty and the Beast situation. Poppy can’t kiss him and turn him human. Nononono. This didn’t work for me.
AND WHAT I LOOOOOVED:
-THE PARENTS.
“Come on, Popsicle. Are we so tragically unhip that you can’t bear to be seen with your parents anymore?” He made a frowny face. “I promise to leave my leisure suit at home!”
“I won’t even wear my Crocs!” added my mother.
“We’ll let you Instagram the whole thing!”
“And tweet all the Twitters!”
(Okay, but for real. They are so epic.)
- Poppy’s best friend, Jill.
- DAD JOKES
- The name, Poppy Palladino.
- The. Humor.
- This die-hard concept.
- How well the first and last chapter mesh.
- Thy author's note.
“Yes!” She hurriedly got under the covers. “Bed. Bed is what I will go to.” She raised her voice. “Dud and I will both go to bed.”
Her father gave her a wink. “But not together, right?”
“Dad.”
-
It was okay.
RTC at a later date (
January 30, 2017
I really loved this novel! It reminded me of a Saturday afternoon movie, the ones where you laughed at the characters as you couldn’t believe what you were witnessing and then, the drama and the mystery that was occurring to them held you in a trance, you couldn’t break away at least not until a commercial popped up on the screen. That’s exactly how this novel felt for me, it was humorous, I was laughing out loud continuously throughout this whole novel. It seemed bizarre and unexplainable what they were doing, yet it could happen, of course, it really could happen in the world of sci-fi. The characters were making light of the situations that they were in, while deep inside, they were harboring their true feelings. And I, was savoring every moment that I was with them.
The town of Paraffin, this tiny, happy place on the map was noted for the Grosholtz Candle Factory. Locals thought the town had an odor. It wasn’t the smell of money that reeked through the air, although it could have been, as the factory was the town’s moneymaker but it was factory, it emitted an odor. Poppy was tired of the stench, she was tired of the bus loads of individuals arriving daily to embark upon the factory and she was tired of the locals reminding her of her awful performance in the Sound of Music. Poppy just wanted to be a performer, she wanted to enjoy high school and she wished Blake would leave her alone. Blake was up to his old tricks when he used a wax image of Poppy and now Poppy and her best friend Jill were on a mission to retaliate. Poppy snuck into an “employee only” hallway at the Grosholtz Candle Factory while the girls tried to find the information that they needed. Poppy didn’t expect to find Madam Grosholtz behind the door. Surrounded by her creations, Madam was currently working on a Viking, a Viking that created quite a stir in Poppy. The imagery is wonderful, as Poppy and Madam converse and there is an immediate connection. Madam wants to protect Poppy for she feels danger is looming but Poppy feels she has no need for such protection. Madam talks about the artistic and groundbreaking work that she has been doing down in this room and Poppy asks her why she is in the basement. It’s a turn of events as Poppy starts to feel uncomfortable and she suddenly feels that she must leave. A mysterious edge has taken to the novel. Poppy is relieved to arrive home but gets a huge surprise that changes the course of everything when she meets Dud. I loved Dud, he was great, and he brought plenty of smiles to my face. I was drawn through this novel as Poppy has her hands full. It was a fun read.
The town of Paraffin, this tiny, happy place on the map was noted for the Grosholtz Candle Factory. Locals thought the town had an odor. It wasn’t the smell of money that reeked through the air, although it could have been, as the factory was the town’s moneymaker but it was factory, it emitted an odor. Poppy was tired of the stench, she was tired of the bus loads of individuals arriving daily to embark upon the factory and she was tired of the locals reminding her of her awful performance in the Sound of Music. Poppy just wanted to be a performer, she wanted to enjoy high school and she wished Blake would leave her alone. Blake was up to his old tricks when he used a wax image of Poppy and now Poppy and her best friend Jill were on a mission to retaliate. Poppy snuck into an “employee only” hallway at the Grosholtz Candle Factory while the girls tried to find the information that they needed. Poppy didn’t expect to find Madam Grosholtz behind the door. Surrounded by her creations, Madam was currently working on a Viking, a Viking that created quite a stir in Poppy. The imagery is wonderful, as Poppy and Madam converse and there is an immediate connection. Madam wants to protect Poppy for she feels danger is looming but Poppy feels she has no need for such protection. Madam talks about the artistic and groundbreaking work that she has been doing down in this room and Poppy asks her why she is in the basement. It’s a turn of events as Poppy starts to feel uncomfortable and she suddenly feels that she must leave. A mysterious edge has taken to the novel. Poppy is relieved to arrive home but gets a huge surprise that changes the course of everything when she meets Dud. I loved Dud, he was great, and he brought plenty of smiles to my face. I was drawn through this novel as Poppy has her hands full. It was a fun read.
December 22, 2016
Wax is the story of a town called Paraffin. It’s famous for making candles that smell of every conceivable scent known to man. It smelled like everything at once, all the time. For residents, “[…] Each scent layered one on top of the other, mixing and mingling, fusing and swelling into an odorous abomination that could knock an unsuspecting sniffer off his feet – a gag-inducing whiff that attacked the nostrils with a ruthless barrage of cinnamon-and-death-scented stink. Other than that, Paraffin was a lovely place to visit.”
The Grosholtz Candle Factory was responsible for making the town a tourist attraction for candle enthusiasts who enjoyed the museum tours, bought the candles and wax molds, and loved the artificially bought happiness that came from the fragrant candles. All is seemingly well in the small town until people start to go missing and are replaced with living wax replicas. It’s like a case of the body snatchers.
Poppy Palladino, a local teenager and budding thespian who recently suffered a humiliating performance of The Sound of Music, is the first to realize something isn’t quite right in their picture perfect town. She with the help of her best friend, Jill, and a wax boy who comes to life named Dud investigate what is really going on behind the scenes inside the candle factory. It has something to do with Madame Tussauds and a couple who seek eternal life.
I think what made this book enjoyable for me was the unexpected humor and banter between characters. I especially liked the scenes between Poppy and Jill as they try to teach Dud English and the fun they have with words and their sometimes multiple meanings. The author is clearly having fun with the language. For example, “Time to hit the hay. […] “Poppy?” “Yeah?” “What is hay and why would you hit it?” “Go to sleep, Dud.” “What is sleep?” Poppy snapped the light on. “You don’t sleep?” she said irritably. “Close your eyes and lose consciousness for seven to nine hours?” “That sounds scary.” It did, now that he mentioned it.”
This is definitely written for a younger audience. I still enjoyed the story and the ridiculousness that takes place as Poppy tries to convince her parents that Dud is a foreign exchange student visiting from Africa to explain his strangeness as she struggles to solve the mysterious disappearance of townsfolk, and ultimately - save the town.
The Grosholtz Candle Factory was responsible for making the town a tourist attraction for candle enthusiasts who enjoyed the museum tours, bought the candles and wax molds, and loved the artificially bought happiness that came from the fragrant candles. All is seemingly well in the small town until people start to go missing and are replaced with living wax replicas. It’s like a case of the body snatchers.
Poppy Palladino, a local teenager and budding thespian who recently suffered a humiliating performance of The Sound of Music, is the first to realize something isn’t quite right in their picture perfect town. She with the help of her best friend, Jill, and a wax boy who comes to life named Dud investigate what is really going on behind the scenes inside the candle factory. It has something to do with Madame Tussauds and a couple who seek eternal life.
I think what made this book enjoyable for me was the unexpected humor and banter between characters. I especially liked the scenes between Poppy and Jill as they try to teach Dud English and the fun they have with words and their sometimes multiple meanings. The author is clearly having fun with the language. For example, “Time to hit the hay. […] “Poppy?” “Yeah?” “What is hay and why would you hit it?” “Go to sleep, Dud.” “What is sleep?” Poppy snapped the light on. “You don’t sleep?” she said irritably. “Close your eyes and lose consciousness for seven to nine hours?” “That sounds scary.” It did, now that he mentioned it.”
This is definitely written for a younger audience. I still enjoyed the story and the ridiculousness that takes place as Poppy tries to convince her parents that Dud is a foreign exchange student visiting from Africa to explain his strangeness as she struggles to solve the mysterious disappearance of townsfolk, and ultimately - save the town.
April 19, 2016
Thanks to HMH for an ARC!
Gina Damico won my and my students’ hearts with Croak to the point that even though my paperback copy of Croak isn’t exactly in the best shape (front cover bent, back cover torn, the pages are ripped in a way that students are missing a few words) it still circulates well. We love Croak so much we are ready to overlook any possible flaws.
Damico has a lot to offer high school and sophisticated middle school readers: she is ludicrous without being troubling or offensive. Her books are well-paced. And she plays to her strengths of inventing plausible dialogue for implausible characters.
WAX takes place in Parrafin, Vermont, which is the tourist trap/company town of the Grossholtz Candle Factory. Anybody who has been to the Yankee Candle Factory in western Massachusetts will immediately note the parallels. While Parrafin is mostly known for its candles, it is also home to Poppy Palladino, who became an unwelcome viral sensation after an unfortunate performance on national television.
When Poppy’s longtime nemesis, Blake Bursaw, attempts to humiliate Poppy with a waxen likeness of her, Poppy becomes curious about what really goes on inside that candle factory. And she finds out that wax isn’t just for candles -- it can come to life, too.
Some readers may identify issues with overly convenient deus ex machina and a bevy of one-note characters, including Dud, a mildly defunct ball of wax come to life. However, those aims really aren’t in the scope of this work: Damico gives us a rompy if slightly predictable good time, and this book will be easy to put into the right reader’s hands.
Recommended for middle school/high school libraries.
Gina Damico won my and my students’ hearts with Croak to the point that even though my paperback copy of Croak isn’t exactly in the best shape (front cover bent, back cover torn, the pages are ripped in a way that students are missing a few words) it still circulates well. We love Croak so much we are ready to overlook any possible flaws.
Damico has a lot to offer high school and sophisticated middle school readers: she is ludicrous without being troubling or offensive. Her books are well-paced. And she plays to her strengths of inventing plausible dialogue for implausible characters.
WAX takes place in Parrafin, Vermont, which is the tourist trap/company town of the Grossholtz Candle Factory. Anybody who has been to the Yankee Candle Factory in western Massachusetts will immediately note the parallels. While Parrafin is mostly known for its candles, it is also home to Poppy Palladino, who became an unwelcome viral sensation after an unfortunate performance on national television.
When Poppy’s longtime nemesis, Blake Bursaw, attempts to humiliate Poppy with a waxen likeness of her, Poppy becomes curious about what really goes on inside that candle factory. And she finds out that wax isn’t just for candles -- it can come to life, too.
Some readers may identify issues with overly convenient deus ex machina and a bevy of one-note characters, including Dud, a mildly defunct ball of wax come to life. However, those aims really aren’t in the scope of this work: Damico gives us a rompy if slightly predictable good time, and this book will be easy to put into the right reader’s hands.
Recommended for middle school/high school libraries.
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