What do you think?
Rate this book
Open Evening
Sometimes you don’t get to choose where you are placed in the collective ecosystem of a high school.Luke Hartford spends his days on the fringes of social inadequacy. A normal day at his small town American High School can be described as horrific. That is until events take a turn for the worse. After a vision, Luke realises there is something other than the horror of trying to fit in lurking just under the surface.A mysterious stranger arrives in town and the teachers are acting weirder than normal. Soon enough Luke and an unlikely team of allies must fight their way towards survival, even if they don’t really know who to trust. The question is, who will survive the Open Evening?“If I can see you, they can see you.”
329 pages, Paperback
Published September 22, 2016
288 people are currently reading
851 people want to read
About the author
Lee Hall
9 books216 followersLee Hall has spent many years reading and writing. The fruits of such are multiple books crossing several genres. From occult thrillers with monsters, witches and vampires which eventually became known as the ‘Order of the Following Series’ to paranormal romance and even the tale of a drunken superhero looking for justice. All of his works carry a deeper meaning that tribute the events from real life, just with the names, places and details changed enough to avoid libel. Over the years thousands of readers have downloaded Lee’s works which you’ll find being promoted through an active social media presence but he prefers to talk about fellow authors works through reviews and blog interviews.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
November 23, 2021
“Cold darkness would follow, and it excited me a little, for reasons I still don’t know, maybe it was just the intrigue of what another season would bring or perhaps it was what actually lay in the darkness beyond.”
These simple words popped up throughout the book, “Open Evening,” inciting a chilling sense of foreboding. This is an excellent, subconscious premonition of what is to come...we are being prepped. The seed is cast. Author, Lee Hall, spins a horrific tale in this first book within a series which instantly grips the reader in a roller-coaster ride of epic proportions. Mr. Hall neatly lays out the plot with a plethora of fleshed-out characters, high octane scenes that build tension and great detail that paints a moving picture within the reader’s mind.
Mr. Hall is endowed with his own, unique style of writing. He does a fantastic job of building tension that culminates in horrific descriptions and well thought out scenes which contribute to the ultimate goal of creating a sense of fear and urgency within the reader’s imagination. Take for instance this line:
“Taking one glance behind me as I ran, an image imprinted itself forever; that of a human entrails in a slaughter house. Blood red remains everywhere, parts of people nobody should ever see, the interior of pure hell.”
And that is exactly what I felt like reading this book…as if I was in a kind of hell that my mind never thought to imagine. The book reminded me of those teenage blockbuster horror flicks we watched repeatedly a few years back. It wasn’t just a book. It was a saga…a horrific saga that left my throat parched at the end of every major scene!
In summation, the author wrote a fast-paced, detailed story brimming with palpable tension and fear, delivered to the reader with seamless writing and a fierce intent to mystify and horrify.
A great first book!
I was not asked to write this review. All opinions expressed are my own.
These simple words popped up throughout the book, “Open Evening,” inciting a chilling sense of foreboding. This is an excellent, subconscious premonition of what is to come...we are being prepped. The seed is cast. Author, Lee Hall, spins a horrific tale in this first book within a series which instantly grips the reader in a roller-coaster ride of epic proportions. Mr. Hall neatly lays out the plot with a plethora of fleshed-out characters, high octane scenes that build tension and great detail that paints a moving picture within the reader’s mind.
Mr. Hall is endowed with his own, unique style of writing. He does a fantastic job of building tension that culminates in horrific descriptions and well thought out scenes which contribute to the ultimate goal of creating a sense of fear and urgency within the reader’s imagination. Take for instance this line:
“Taking one glance behind me as I ran, an image imprinted itself forever; that of a human entrails in a slaughter house. Blood red remains everywhere, parts of people nobody should ever see, the interior of pure hell.”
And that is exactly what I felt like reading this book…as if I was in a kind of hell that my mind never thought to imagine. The book reminded me of those teenage blockbuster horror flicks we watched repeatedly a few years back. It wasn’t just a book. It was a saga…a horrific saga that left my throat parched at the end of every major scene!
In summation, the author wrote a fast-paced, detailed story brimming with palpable tension and fear, delivered to the reader with seamless writing and a fierce intent to mystify and horrify.
A great first book!
I was not asked to write this review. All opinions expressed are my own.
July 11, 2019
Bearing in mind that I am not a natural reader and struggle to read many fictional books, I can say that this is one that I found i could read easily. It is written in a style that I could follow and contained plenty of action to keep me interested. Looking forward to reading the next one.
July 11, 2019
I lived this debut novel from Lee Hall, it kept me gripped and I got totally immersed in the characters
January 27, 2022
🔥𝓑𝓸𝓸𝓴 𝓡𝓮𝓿𝓲𝓮𝔀📖
“Open Evening” by Lee Hall
🔥If you are looking for a good novel in an old horror movie style, this book is what you need.
___
Genre: horror novel
Pages: 311
Language: English
Release date: 2016
🔥The Plot: Luke Hartford is a pupil of High School, which seems a harsh world for him. One day Luke sees a vivid dream about an upcoming Open Evening. He wakes up in cold sweat and tries to calm down a bit, understanding that it is just a dream. The teenager can’t even imagine that his dream will come true; unknown nocturnal dangerous creatures will arrange a real bloody feast in his High School. The young man doesn’t realize that the Open Evening will change his life forever. The only point is that Luke has to survive as well as others.
🔥The Writing Style: This is my third book by this writer, and I should mention that Lee Hall proved once again that he can write in multiple genres brilliantly. The well-thought and well-structured worldbuilding consists of many intense twists, touching moments of a teenager’s life, heartbreaking scenes, and humorous episodes. Actually, when I was in the middle of the book, for a split second, I thought that I was watching an old good horror movie – “The Faculty,” to be exact. Many years ago, I loved watching this movie with Robert Patrick so much, and now, reading this book, I sent a lot of virtual “thank you” to Lee Hall for this travel back in time.
🔥The Characters: The number of characters is average. The author succeeded in describing briefly and deeply the characters’ emotions and musings, focusing more on their role in the hectic, scary and tense battle during the Open Evening.
🤭Warnings: death, death of a child
💙My Favorite Quote: “…trust your instincts, embrace the unexpected and suspect everything in plain straight, because you are not alone.”
🤗Would I read other books by this author: Definitely yes!
⭐️My humble rating is: 5/5
#writer #writerslife #bookreview #bookishlovegroup #unitedbookstagram #bookstagram #betterreadschallenge
“Open Evening” by Lee Hall
🔥If you are looking for a good novel in an old horror movie style, this book is what you need.
___
Genre: horror novel
Pages: 311
Language: English
Release date: 2016
🔥The Plot: Luke Hartford is a pupil of High School, which seems a harsh world for him. One day Luke sees a vivid dream about an upcoming Open Evening. He wakes up in cold sweat and tries to calm down a bit, understanding that it is just a dream. The teenager can’t even imagine that his dream will come true; unknown nocturnal dangerous creatures will arrange a real bloody feast in his High School. The young man doesn’t realize that the Open Evening will change his life forever. The only point is that Luke has to survive as well as others.
🔥The Writing Style: This is my third book by this writer, and I should mention that Lee Hall proved once again that he can write in multiple genres brilliantly. The well-thought and well-structured worldbuilding consists of many intense twists, touching moments of a teenager’s life, heartbreaking scenes, and humorous episodes. Actually, when I was in the middle of the book, for a split second, I thought that I was watching an old good horror movie – “The Faculty,” to be exact. Many years ago, I loved watching this movie with Robert Patrick so much, and now, reading this book, I sent a lot of virtual “thank you” to Lee Hall for this travel back in time.
🔥The Characters: The number of characters is average. The author succeeded in describing briefly and deeply the characters’ emotions and musings, focusing more on their role in the hectic, scary and tense battle during the Open Evening.
🤭Warnings: death, death of a child
💙My Favorite Quote: “…trust your instincts, embrace the unexpected and suspect everything in plain straight, because you are not alone.”
🤗Would I read other books by this author: Definitely yes!
⭐️My humble rating is: 5/5
#writer #writerslife #bookreview #bookishlovegroup #unitedbookstagram #bookstagram #betterreadschallenge
February 15, 2024
I loved this book - what an adventure!
It revolves around Luke, a high school kid who fades into the background in the social ranks - yep, that was me, too 😂 One night, he has a premonition about dark events that will happen at his school. As it turns out, he was right, and monstrous mayhem ensues.
The characters in this book are written so well - they're all vastly different, and this makes it fun to see how they work together.
I found myself on edge most of the time - what was going to happen next? It's also super fun and action-packed.
This is the second book I've read by Lee Hall - I also read The Ghost Beside Me, which is a beautiful story.
I highly recommend Open Evening - just bring your monster gear!
It revolves around Luke, a high school kid who fades into the background in the social ranks - yep, that was me, too 😂 One night, he has a premonition about dark events that will happen at his school. As it turns out, he was right, and monstrous mayhem ensues.
The characters in this book are written so well - they're all vastly different, and this makes it fun to see how they work together.
I found myself on edge most of the time - what was going to happen next? It's also super fun and action-packed.
This is the second book I've read by Lee Hall - I also read The Ghost Beside Me, which is a beautiful story.
I highly recommend Open Evening - just bring your monster gear!
July 11, 2019
I’m not normally much of a reader, in fact this was the first book I’ve read in about 10+ years. Awesome book kept me on the edge of my seat, couldn’t put it down. Already ordered sequel “Cemetery House”, can’t wait to find out what happens next.
Well done Lee keep them coming.👍🏻
Well done Lee keep them coming.👍🏻
November 6, 2024
Good old-fashioned, classic horror
Luke Hartford is struggling with life as a teenager when all hell breaks out that night during a high school event. Creatures are running amok and Luke narrowly escapes. He is rescued by a man named Twister who explains there are monsters nesting in the school and he is there to eradicate them. The two join forces with several other students to kill the creatures and rescue Josie, a girl that Luke is infatuated with.
Open Evening is a fast-paced YA apocalyptic adventure and a great intro to the series.
Luke Hartford is struggling with life as a teenager when all hell breaks out that night during a high school event. Creatures are running amok and Luke narrowly escapes. He is rescued by a man named Twister who explains there are monsters nesting in the school and he is there to eradicate them. The two join forces with several other students to kill the creatures and rescue Josie, a girl that Luke is infatuated with.
Open Evening is a fast-paced YA apocalyptic adventure and a great intro to the series.
April 18, 2020
This book is definitely not something that I usually read (a theme with all of Hall’s books) however I know that I always enjoy the stories that he creates as well as his writing.
I struggled reading in March and this book honestly brought back my mojo.
"What don’t kill ya, will harden your soul."
So this book happens over one night during the Open Evening at Luke’s school, however this isn’t just the usual boring event. Something happens and then shit hits the fan, Luke ends up joining the stranger known as Twister to not only survive the night but also to try and save his town.
Twister is an odd character who I would definitely love to learn more about. I love that the teachers are acting strange as when in school we as students often see them as a different species so I did appreciate that.
Here we have non-stop action with an unlikely band of characters, there are seriously high stakes with times where I was kept on the edge of my seat.
This definitely exceeded my expectations, it’s so addictive and I will hopefully get to the sequel Cemetery House soon.
I struggled reading in March and this book honestly brought back my mojo.
"What don’t kill ya, will harden your soul."
So this book happens over one night during the Open Evening at Luke’s school, however this isn’t just the usual boring event. Something happens and then shit hits the fan, Luke ends up joining the stranger known as Twister to not only survive the night but also to try and save his town.
Twister is an odd character who I would definitely love to learn more about. I love that the teachers are acting strange as when in school we as students often see them as a different species so I did appreciate that.
Here we have non-stop action with an unlikely band of characters, there are seriously high stakes with times where I was kept on the edge of my seat.
This definitely exceeded my expectations, it’s so addictive and I will hopefully get to the sequel Cemetery House soon.
March 4, 2021
Highly entertaining book. I loved the characters and their attitudes. Reminded me how much high school could suck but they proved to themselves that they could kick butt. I will be reading the next book for sure.
February 22, 2022
This action packed story was like watching a movie in my head. I was right there in the midst of it. With some great lines and characters you can definitely relate to. Full of exciting moments and inspirational messages. Can't wait to read the next one.
August 8, 2023
This is the second work by indie author Lee Hall I have read and it definitely won't be my last! What is scarier than a haunted house or an age old urban legend? If you answered “surviving high school!” then this is a must read! The plot twists and fresh adventures set before his characters added considerable depth to the overall story.
I had to remind myself that Open Evening was shockingly Lee's debut novel. Excellent writing and kept my attention throughout! Up next you ask? Lee's follow-up work Darke Blood of course!
I had to remind myself that Open Evening was shockingly Lee's debut novel. Excellent writing and kept my attention throughout! Up next you ask? Lee's follow-up work Darke Blood of course!
September 12, 2019
This is an incredible book with many twists and turns, brilliant for young and old alike.
March 9, 2025
Blue pencil requested
This was a decent story, but the lack of effective editing and proofreading prior to publication greatly distracted from my enjoyment of the book. There are simply too many grammatical errors, inconsistencies, and non-sequitors.
This was a decent story, but the lack of effective editing and proofreading prior to publication greatly distracted from my enjoyment of the book. There are simply too many grammatical errors, inconsistencies, and non-sequitors.
September 8, 2023
Entertaining 90s-inspired horror
I've followed the author for some time on social media and taken encouragement and guidance from his own observations on self-publishing, so thought it only fair to write this review.
The phrase 'of its time' certainly rings true with this book. I grew up in the 80s, so don't share the same affection for Buffy et al that the author clearly does. This is a fondness that is paid homage to in a skilful and adept way though, such is Hall's aptitude for action scenes, dialogue and natural humour. Open Evening reads just like a 2000s 15 rated movie that you may have picked up at Blockbuster back in the day. Snappy and fast-moving, it's an engaging and fun read with an underlying coming-of-age theme that anyone can relate to, no matter how well they fitted in at high school.
I've followed the author for some time on social media and taken encouragement and guidance from his own observations on self-publishing, so thought it only fair to write this review.
The phrase 'of its time' certainly rings true with this book. I grew up in the 80s, so don't share the same affection for Buffy et al that the author clearly does. This is a fondness that is paid homage to in a skilful and adept way though, such is Hall's aptitude for action scenes, dialogue and natural humour. Open Evening reads just like a 2000s 15 rated movie that you may have picked up at Blockbuster back in the day. Snappy and fast-moving, it's an engaging and fun read with an underlying coming-of-age theme that anyone can relate to, no matter how well they fitted in at high school.
October 8, 2022
Exciting and fastpaced
I mostly enjoyed the book but the "Britishisms" kept interrupting and taking me out of the story. I guess the author is British and that's fine except: the characters specifically state the story is set in the US. One says, "This is still America." Yet the book and dialog are filled with things Americans don't say. We do not call the front covering of a car the bonnet. Hair hanging over your forehead isn't fringe, math is always singular, and no one says whilst. If he just said the story was set in the south of England it would be fine. But these characters and narrator were not speaking American English.
I mostly enjoyed the book but the "Britishisms" kept interrupting and taking me out of the story. I guess the author is British and that's fine except: the characters specifically state the story is set in the US. One says, "This is still America." Yet the book and dialog are filled with things Americans don't say. We do not call the front covering of a car the bonnet. Hair hanging over your forehead isn't fringe, math is always singular, and no one says whilst. If he just said the story was set in the south of England it would be fine. But these characters and narrator were not speaking American English.
June 30, 2024
This was a quick read, with an entertaining enough premise where teens at an open evening for their school are suddenly overrun by creatures intent on killing everything in their path. There’s a great use of a creepy catchphrase, and it has the right settings and characters for a creature apocalypse, however nothing that was developed enough for my tastes. It may suit a young teen just delving into supernatural stories who is trying to decide if they like the genre.
November 11, 2022
Probably ok if you’re 14. Cheesy story line, boy meets girl, defeats monsters rampaging his school, end of story. No substance to the story, no explanation of where these monsters came from. Few grammatical and spelling errors. Wouldn’t read the next one in the series.
February 23, 2023
A waste of time, really. Good theory but plot and characters mixed up, one could never quite get where they were - and when you did, you had to re-imagine the whole backdrop in your head.
November 5, 2019
High school is killer. There are the jocks, the popular pretty girls, the class clown, the bully, the geeks, the total outcasts, where do you fit in? Luke Hartford spends each day skirting the fringes of the high school hierarchy. He just wants to get in, get class done and get by. Odd teachers, jerk classmates, the unattainable girl, and a really weird friend who seems determined to become his best friend, these are all things he can deal with. Then comes the school Open Evening. It sets off a strong sense of deja vu - or is it more than that? The Open Evening swiftly moves from being a regular mundane school event to be endured and suffered through, to a fight for life. We are introduced to a cast of characters, Luke, Buster, Twister. Then come the…..well, what are they exactly? Nothing you want to hang around and say hello to for sure.
Once the action kicks off it continues until the very end. There are tantalising backstories teased at for some of the characters. There is more going on than we truly understand. But what we do see is our motley crew stepping up to the plate, and shaping up to become just the people needed to try to save the town. The big question is, can they? And can they survive becoming heros??
You find yourself enthralled by the story before you even realise it, sucked right into crazy escapades, into the drama and suspense, and almost casting around for a weapon for self-defense of your own, just in case you need it - a sure sign of a gripping read. Definitely one to add to the ‘to read’ list!
Once the action kicks off it continues until the very end. There are tantalising backstories teased at for some of the characters. There is more going on than we truly understand. But what we do see is our motley crew stepping up to the plate, and shaping up to become just the people needed to try to save the town. The big question is, can they? And can they survive becoming heros??
You find yourself enthralled by the story before you even realise it, sucked right into crazy escapades, into the drama and suspense, and almost casting around for a weapon for self-defense of your own, just in case you need it - a sure sign of a gripping read. Definitely one to add to the ‘to read’ list!
March 31, 2025
There is a good story (or at least an entertaining one) hiding in here somewhere, but it needs some SERIOUS editing.
The spelling errors, grammatical errors, and random mix of British and American words (in my almost 50 years living here I have never once heard anyone say "what's the worth") would have made it a less than stellar novel, but there were so many things about it that made it very difficult to read:
- There were so many deus ex machina moments it almost felt like none of the "good guys" would ever have anything seriously bad happen.
- The characters continually default to yelling "b*tch" at women.
- There are SO MANY cheesy action clichés.
- The main character's self-centered view gets constantly reinforced rather than showing him he has anything to learn.
There are more, but you get the point. I don't want to be too harsh; there were some good ideas (the "if I can see you, they can see you" moments are genuinely creepy), but it would benefit greatly from being well overhauled by an editor.
The spelling errors, grammatical errors, and random mix of British and American words (in my almost 50 years living here I have never once heard anyone say "what's the worth") would have made it a less than stellar novel, but there were so many things about it that made it very difficult to read:
- There were so many deus ex machina moments it almost felt like none of the "good guys" would ever have anything seriously bad happen.
- The characters continually default to yelling "b*tch" at women.
- There are SO MANY cheesy action clichés.
- The main character's self-centered view gets constantly reinforced rather than showing him he has anything to learn.
There are more, but you get the point. I don't want to be too harsh; there were some good ideas (the "if I can see you, they can see you" moments are genuinely creepy), but it would benefit greatly from being well overhauled by an editor.
March 10, 2023
I really enjoyed this fast-paced, horror-filled read by Lee Hall. I'm not usually into the horror genre so this was a new adventure for me but I loved that the whole book was peppered with humour, wit and teenage angst because it gave it reams of depth and tension. On the whole, I felt the characters were very 'movie-worthy' and by halfway through I was really rooting for them to get through the horrific onslaught of monstrous attacks set mainly in a high school. The irony of high school being a 'monstrous' experience even on a good day was not lost on me and gave me a lot of empathy for the main character who just wanted to be free of its social and physical confines. This book was fun, fast and fierce and I'd definitely be up for reading more of the series.
September 22, 2022
Exciting take on horrors of high school.
Loved the main character, Luke. Luke is one of those kids who is not popular or particularly successful in high school. Open Evening becomes a horror show when vicious creatures feed on the humans attending the school event. Luke finds his strength in the ensuing battle. A mysterious hero comes to town in time to lead the battle. A good read.
Loved the main character, Luke. Luke is one of those kids who is not popular or particularly successful in high school. Open Evening becomes a horror show when vicious creatures feed on the humans attending the school event. Luke finds his strength in the ensuing battle. A mysterious hero comes to town in time to lead the battle. A good read.
September 25, 2022
A bit gung ho but not too much, Luke comes good and gets the girl overcoming his fears and the class system in the school to be the hero of the moment. It's got all the important elements for a High School drama, demons, a pretty girl, big headed jock and mooching sidekick plus horrible teacher turned into hero and a mystery organisation fighting evil, weird name for him and how come he drives a taxi but it all adds to the fun. Good first story well worth the read.
May 17, 2023
This book started out fast and just kept going! From the moment you meet Twister and start down this macabre and hellish tale, it's got you hooked. Everyone who has been through high school can understand so much of the characters choices and where they are coming from. It even kept to the theme of "nothing is permanent" with how the story progressed. Definitely a fun read and would recommend to a friend.
January 4, 2020
Not a bad debut
The characters and writing style really grabbed me. It was drawn out at points and sometimes the main character over explained things but as a debit novel, pretty awesome. There was a part of the ending I hated - seemed unnecessary and just because so that was annoying. Probably will check out the sequel though.
The characters and writing style really grabbed me. It was drawn out at points and sometimes the main character over explained things but as a debit novel, pretty awesome. There was a part of the ending I hated - seemed unnecessary and just because so that was annoying. Probably will check out the sequel though.
September 10, 2021
Lee has a writing style that not only holds your attention but makes you invested in these characters with their personalities and quirky traits. Our band of misfits, Luke, Josie, and Buster are thrust into a horrific event that only the strong willed will survive.
My further thoughts:
https://cch217.wordpress.com/2021/09/...
My further thoughts:
https://cch217.wordpress.com/2021/09/...
March 6, 2023
An entertaining read. Fast paced, lots of action, monsters, high school hell and fighting to survive.
This story brought me back to "Buffy the vampire slayer" when the hellmouth opened and all of Sunnydale got destroyed. Except in this book "Buffy" is a high school boy named Luke that dont't know anything about real monsters and how to fight them.
I have bought the next book in the series, and I'm looking foreward to reading it.
This story brought me back to "Buffy the vampire slayer" when the hellmouth opened and all of Sunnydale got destroyed. Except in this book "Buffy" is a high school boy named Luke that dont't know anything about real monsters and how to fight them.
I have bought the next book in the series, and I'm looking foreward to reading it.
October 23, 2024
Kept me interested
I really like this, especially the way students viewed their teachers, which reminded me of what we thought of teachers back in the day and the nicknames we students had for teachers. One we called birdlady because she had a short haircut and what looked like a bird tail in the back of her neck. Overall, I really liked reading this story.
I really like this, especially the way students viewed their teachers, which reminded me of what we thought of teachers back in the day and the nicknames we students had for teachers. One we called birdlady because she had a short haircut and what looked like a bird tail in the back of her neck. Overall, I really liked reading this story.
March 22, 2021
Action-packed
This book was full of action and very fast-paced. Talk about a nightmare at school! This book could be easily made into a screenplay. I am looking forward to checking out the next one.
This book was full of action and very fast-paced. Talk about a nightmare at school! This book could be easily made into a screenplay. I am looking forward to checking out the next one.
September 9, 2022
Luke Hartford is a social misfit in a high school system which is has little time for the bashful or introverted. After awaking from a dream featuring monstrous creatures he finds his school overrun by 'demons' of their own, until it soon turns out that the principal and her staff are more than just egotists and autocrats.
Hartford references Buffy the Vampire Slayer and generically that's a firing way to describe it. Part of The Order of the Following Series, Open Evening takes its place amid the tradition of reluctant teens thrown into disarray by the unknown and inexplicable. Still, there is more to it that teen protagonists fighting against alien-style monsters, who hide in the rafters, and attack in the classrooms. Hartford is in love, and the uncompromising monsters at least give him the chance to step up the plate in the eyes of the much-targeted Josie. On the periphery of law enforcement, the slayer specialist Twister is an entertaining leader of the fightback.
No one could accuse Hall of not getting on with it, for this is a pacey yarn, with sharp dialogue and a plot that cannot afford to stay in one place. It's a teen, coming-of-age, monster written by an author with a playful suspicion of authority. Whether Hall substitutes action for plot substance might be revealed in the sequel. What matters in this first novel is that the monsters are there and they can see you. Perhaps it won't bother the young adult reader why that it is too much.
Hartford references Buffy the Vampire Slayer and generically that's a firing way to describe it. Part of The Order of the Following Series, Open Evening takes its place amid the tradition of reluctant teens thrown into disarray by the unknown and inexplicable. Still, there is more to it that teen protagonists fighting against alien-style monsters, who hide in the rafters, and attack in the classrooms. Hartford is in love, and the uncompromising monsters at least give him the chance to step up the plate in the eyes of the much-targeted Josie. On the periphery of law enforcement, the slayer specialist Twister is an entertaining leader of the fightback.
No one could accuse Hall of not getting on with it, for this is a pacey yarn, with sharp dialogue and a plot that cannot afford to stay in one place. It's a teen, coming-of-age, monster written by an author with a playful suspicion of authority. Whether Hall substitutes action for plot substance might be revealed in the sequel. What matters in this first novel is that the monsters are there and they can see you. Perhaps it won't bother the young adult reader why that it is too much.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews