Die Stunde der Ungeheuer

Nightmares! #3

by Jason Segel, Kirsten Miller

"Twelve-year-old Charlie and his friends are in new danger as a visitor from the Netherworld is in Cypress Creek and is intent upon connecting the two worlds. It is up to them to stop that from happening or risk losing all that they've ever known"--

Genres: Fantasy, Middle Grade, Horror, Fiction, Audiobook, Mystery, Childrens

Mass Market Paperback

First published September 13, 2016

About the author

New York Times bestselling author Jason Segel used to have nightmares just like Charlie, and just like Charlie, he's learned that the things we're most afraid of are the things that can make us strong...if we're brave enough to face them. Jason likes acting, writing, making music, and hanging out with his friends. Sometimes he writes movies. Sometimes he writes songs for movies. Sometimes he stars in those movies and sings those songs. You might know him from The Muppets and Despicable Me. Your parents might know him from other stuff. Nightmares! is his first novel.

Reviews

[Mariana · Rating 4 out of 5]

El final de las aventuras de Charlie Laird y sus incursiones a Mundo Tenebroso no podría haberme dejado más contenta.

Las misteriosas ICK e INK siguen siendo un verdadero problema para Cypress Creek, ¿volverán a intentar destruir mundo despierto y mundo tenebroso las malignas hermanas?

Este libro nos recuerda que las apariencias muchas veces engañan y que dar una segunda oportunidad (o el beneficio de la duda) a las personas, por lo general, funciona bastante bien. La verdad es que ICK e INK son dos personajes que me gustaron un montón, disfruté que el libro no tuviera miedo de desviarse de Mundo Tenebroso para presentarnos una historia de intriga que se desarrolla en su mayoría en mundo despierto y que nos dieran más información sobre estas gemelas sobrenaturales.

El final de alguna saga o trilogía suele ponernos nostálgicos por lo general y este no fue la excepción para mí. Charlie, Jack y Charlotte fueron tres personajes que quedaron grabados en mi corazón desde el primer libro y la decisión que tomaron para terminar la historia, aunque resultó algo agridulce, me pareció la correcta. Una trilogía hermosa, para niños (y adultos) que nos enseña a enfrentar nuestros miedos, el valor de la familia y, por supuesto, también de los amigos.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun ending to this trilogy! (Although there's hints that there might be more!) The prophecy is fulfilled, ICK and INK are dealt with. I like how, in between dealing with nightmares and threats of poisonings and destruction of the world as we know it, these books always take the time to also deal with things like the tensions that can arise with stepparents. Or friends arguing, and how they resolve their differences. I also like the message of facing your fears, and working through your bad dreams to find out why you're having them, and how to make it better.

[Mehsi · Rating 5 out of 5]

The final book, the final battle, the final time we see the Netherworld, and we finally find out what is going on with INK and ICK.

This last volume is all about finding out what is going on with ICK and INK. What are their plans? Are they truly evil? Why is INK doing all that she is doing in Cypress Creek? What is their history (as we got quite an image already, but it isn't complete)? Will these girls be able to find happiness or will it all end in sadness? Will INK be able to get to her sister who is still stuck in the Netherworld?

I have to say that I quite started to take a liking to INK. Yes, I was still very hesitant to trusting her, and I was not convinced of things until they were truly confirmed and said. I loved that this girl just up and went to school. Other kids wouldn't dream of going to school, voluntarily, INK just wants to go to that place. And I had quite a laugh at how eager she was at discovering all that had changed in the many years she has been stuck as a kid/in the Netherworld/in that lighthouse. Plus she did some amazing things in this book.

I did think it was a bit weird/not handy that they never told Charlie's father what was going on. I get that it is best if most people are left in the dark, but with what happened in the book, it would have been best had he known a bit more.

And of course headstrong Charlie may just find out that maybe he should be less hot-headed if he wants to keep his friends and keep them happy. Still, I don't blame Charlie for acting the way he did. He has seen enough crap happening and is just worried about trusting someone after the events of the previous books.

We also have many parts in the Netherworld, and I still love seeing that place. Sure, I wouldn't want to spend my time there, too creepy, but I wouldn't mind seeing it just once. So fun to see characters from the previous books again. See them try to help out. But also meet new monsters and nightmares.

I liked finding out more about our new character, Ms. Abbot. What happened to her before she got Cypress Creek and got to be a teacher at Charlie's school. The poor woman. I did feel sorry that she went through all that. But it was quite important to the story, as what happened to her is also something that we see happening to ICK and INK. What rumours and people picking scapegoats will do. I loved that she was giving poisonous plants a chance and even talked about all that was good about them (and there is a lot of good about them).

Also given the cover I had expected them all to get between some scary looking sheep, but that is actually false. It is only Charlie who is able to get into ICK's dreams (and she is the one whose dream it is). I did think it was a bit of a shame. The parts where Charlie got into her dream/nightmare were still exciting and I was curious about what it all meant, but I was also a bit unhappy that the rest of the crew wasn't there.

I am not giving this book a 5 stars because of Jack. I am not even sure how I liked him in the first book. He was a terrible character in book 2 and an even worse character in book 3. There are just too many instances that I wanted to shake him and throw him in the Netherworld and then burn down the portal so he can't go back. :| How he is constantly making friends with potential enemies (I get that everyone deserves a second chance, but still, I would have rather seen him be a bit hesitant about INK instead of instantly making friends with her), how he seems to think he is so much better than anyone (and yes, Charlie also has that problem, but for some reason it is way less), I was already happy that he wasn't doing that superhero crap he pulled in the other books. I hated how smug he was at times. He was just too annoying, and the books would have been so much better if we didn't have him in the picture.

I liked reading about the murals and the guy who made them. Dang, he has talent. I am sure he will get very far in the future. <3

Of course, like the other books, this one is illustrated to the brim with fun and delightful illustrations. Perfectly capturing the good and the bad guys. :)

The ending? It certainly brought some tears to my eyes. That was just the perfect ending, and I am oh so happy with it. I would like to talk some more about it, but I don't want to go into spoiler territory or get too close to that.

Now all I got left is that guide on Nightmares. Guess I will be buying that one very soon. There was a sneak peek of it at the end of this book and now I want the book even more than I already wanted it. :P

Well, I had tons of fun reading this book and I loved the series. I would recommend this one to everyone looking for a fun, supernatural/paranormal read with some fantastic characters.

Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/

[Stefanie Hasse hisandherbooks.de · Rating 4 out of 5]

Inhalt:
Zunächst scheint alles gut. Der Turm der Zwillinge ist zerstört, die Welten sind sicher. Doch Charlie "erwacht" ständig in einem fremden Albtraum und der Turm, in dem sich das Portal zur Anderwelt befindet, ist abgesperrt, weil ICK ständig dort auftaucht. Und eines Tages auch ihre Schwester INK, die einbricht, um ihren Zwilling zu retten.
In der Schule gibt es eine neue Lehrerin, mit der Charlie zufolge etwas nicht stimmt. Und es gibt INK, die plötzlich ebenfalls zur Schule geht und alle Mitschüler erschreckt, weil sie plötzlich ihrem Albtraum gegenüberstehen...

Meinung:
Die beiden Vorgänger habe ich nahezu verschlungen, daher war ich gespannt, wie die Reihe rund um das Albtraumland enden wird.

Erneut gelingt der Einstieg in Jason Segels Welt wie von selbst. Etwas Normalität, dann erste Stolpersteine, ehe die Freunde hinter das große Geheimnis kommen.

Durch diesen dritten Band ziehen sich zahlreiche falsche Fährten, denen der Leser auf den Leim geht, die die Geschichte jedoch konstant am Laufen halten - oder auch den Fokus von der Haupthandlung nehmen. Leider ging für mich stellenweise der Kampf gegen die Antagonisten etwas unter und die Spannung verloren, behandelt aber gleichzeitig wichtige Themen für die Zielgruppe.

Denn neben der Bekämpfung der Bedrohung, die immer mal wieder präsenter und tatsächlich auch größer wird, erlebt Charlie typische Situationen im Alter der Zielgruppe: Familienstreitigkeiten, Unstimmigkeit mit Freunden, Mädchen, ... alles ebenso Quellen für Ängste und Sorgen, die sehr gut ausgearbeitet sind und authentisch rüberkommen.

Der Schreibstil ist der Zielgruppe angemessen, kleine humorvolle Dialoge lockern das Buch auf und machen es zu einem gelungenen Leseerlebnis.

Gegen Ende hin nimmt die Spannung dann noch einmal zu, ehe Jason Segel die Reihe um die Albträume zu einem gelungenen Ende führt, das auch die Zielgruppe mit den Albträumen abschließen lässt.

Urteil:
Nachdem der Kampf gegen die eigentlichen Albträume längst abgeschlossen ist, bringt Autor Jason Segel im finalen Band seiner „Nightmares“-Trilogie noch einmal alles unter, was der Zielgruppe Angst oder Sorgen machen kann. Real werdende Albträume, Streit mit Familie und Freunden und natürlich das andere Geschlecht. Mit einer Portion Humor gewürzt wird so auch der Reihenabschluss zu einem Leseerlebnis, bei dem die Spannung jedoch ein wenig auf der Strecke bleibt. Sehr gute 4 Bücher für „Die Stunde der Ungeheuer“.

Reihe:
1. Nightmares – Die Schrecken der Nacht
2. Nightmares – Die Stadt der Schlafwandler
3. Nightmares – Die Stunde der Ungeheuer



© hisandherbooks.de

[Kari · Rating 5 out of 5]

You know what they say, all good things must come to an end. The Lost Lullaby is the last book in the "Nightmares!" trilogy. I have loved this series from the first book and this one was no exception. It opens shortly after the second book ends. The lighthouse in Maine has been destroyed and the evil twins have been separated. ICK is in nightmare realm and INK is in the waking world and attending the kids' school. Charlie and his friends must once again band together to stop them from destroying the waking world.

I thought this was a great way to wrap up the series. Everything was tied up very nicely with really no loose ends. While I am sad to see it finished, I am satisfied with where all of the characters were in the end. As in the first two books, there is a nice subtle lesson for the kiddos embedded in the story. Things aren't always what they seem and you must look deeper to find out the true nature of things before making assumptions. Also, sometimes certain things can be used for both good and bad. There is also a lesson about scapegoats that I think some adults would do well to pay attention to as well. The book ends with a "THE END?" So maybe maybe it's not really over?

I highly recommend this series to any middle grade fiction reader. I often suggest it when I hear someone is looking for a good series for a kid. I really hope that this writing team keeps writing. I look forward to seeing what they can come up with next.

[Suad Shamma · Rating 5 out of 5]

The last book in the Nightmares! series, and it was quite sad saying goodbye to this world and all its characters.

This book continues where it left off with the lighthouse being destroyed and the twins separated. They assume all is well and it's over, but then a new student joins their school, and becomes friends with Charlie's brother, Jack, who takes the role of confidant. They are shocked when they see it is one of the twins, INK, and quickly assume she has an ulterior motive to her presence at their school.

Charlie is angry with his brother for letting her get close, but Jack seems to have a mind and will of his own. Simultaneously, Charlie has been having nightmares again, but this time, it doesn't seem like he's in his own nightmare. It involves black sheep and a creepy lullaby.

Again, I felt that Jack stole the limelight in this one, and again, there was a bitterness that Charlie couldn't help but display both to Jack, and to his stepmom, who was supportive of Jack's decisions. Charlie did come off as a bit...immature in this one, but I could understand where he's coming from and why he felt the way that he did.

It was an intriguing story, and I enjoyed finding out more about the twins and their history. A good end to a great trilogy - except...is it the end?

[Dyah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I LOVE IT

Found this book at Kinokuniya bookstore and picked it up immediately, without thinking twice. Then I binge-read it in 3 days.
It's so fun and entertaining~
Nightmares is definitely one of my fave middle grade series.

[Christin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing ending to an amazing series!!! I highly recommend this series to anyone!!! Very quick read and a real page turner! Jason Segel delivers again!!!!!!

[Shimmering.blue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Das war doch ein schöner Abschluss der Reihe. Nicht ganz so gruselig, dafür mehr Freundschaft und Herz. Und am Ende ein Happy End 😊

Eine neue, etwas undurchsichtige, Wissenschaftslehrerin kommt nach Cypress Creek. Der Leuchtturm, in dem die Zwillinge gelebt haben, wurde zerstört und die Zwillinge sind getrennt. Es hat den Anschein, als wollten beide mithilfe der Nachtmahre, durch das Portal der lila Villa, die Macht über die wache Welt übernehmen. Nur Jack glaubt daran, dass India keine bösen Absichten hat, und das sowieso schon manchmal etwas schwierige Verhältnis der beiden Brüder wird auf die Probe gestellt, nachdem sich auch noch einige Freunde von Charlie auf Jacks Seite stellen.

Doch durch einige Besuche in der Anderwelt, der Traumwelt und auch Izzies Alptraum sieht Charlie auch die andere Perspektive und versteht, dass nur er die Welten retten kann. Was er dann auch tut, indem er Isabel hilft, ihren Alptraum zu besiegen.

Die Zwillinge leben jetzt beide in der wachen Welt und dürfen endlich altern. Die neue Lehrerin hat sie adoptiert, da sie und auch die Zwillinge, ein gleiches Interesse für Chemie haben.

[tobi10 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Abschluss der Albträume

In dem Buch Die Stunde der Ungeheuer (Nightmares 3) von Jason Segel & Kirsten Miller, geht es um Charlie und um seine Freunde, sowie Familie. Die Schwester INK besucht Charlies neue achte Klasse und sorgt so viel Aufsehen. Charlie und seine Freunde wissen nämlich das INK und ICK das Schalf gut Elexier an die Leute verkauft haben. Gleichzeitig landet Charlie immer wieder in dem Albtraum von ICK und weiß nicht warum auch INK benimmt sich seltsam und Jack vertraut ihr, liegt er damit richtig oder hat wr einfach zu viel Vertrauen in INK ?

Meine Meinung:
Was für ein schöner Abschluss der Trilogie mit allen beantworteten Fragen, die ich noch hatte. Der Abschlussband war wieder spannend geschrieben und flüssig zu lesen. Es gab neue Erkenntnisse und neue Personen und wieder viel zum Rätseln und entdecken. Charlie und seine Freunde, sowie Bruder und Stiefmutter haben wieder viel zutun.

Fazit:
Ein guter Abschluss für die Trilogie mit Charlie und seinen Freunden. Eine Empfehlung für Gruselfans und welche die es werden wollen mit Albträumen, die doch eigentlich gar nicht so schlimm sind wie sie erscheinen.

[☆☆Hannah☆☆ · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was another great part of the series. I'm not sure if this is the actual ending or not. They had a question mark next to The End. If they do write another one I will definitely read it. I liked how we got to know more about the sisters and what really happened to them. Thankfully it wasn't what we thought. They were able to put everything behind them and got a happy ending.

[Jessica Welch · Rating 4 out of 5]

I haven't read the previous books in the series. I have no idea how this book even came to be in my possession. One day it was just there on my shelf. I had never seen or heard of it before. I decided to read it anyway and I enjoyed it. It probably would have been better if I had read the others first but I was able to understand the story just fine as it is. I loved the theme of things not always being what they seem and nothing being pure good or pure bad. The Netherworld was a fun place to visit. Perhaps someday I will get my hands on the first two books and visit all over again, this time from the beginning.

[Aneta · Rating 4 out of 5]

Musím říct, že závěrečný díl této serié je moc povedený (a rozhodně lepší než Spánkový elixír). Je fajn, že autoři zopakují, co se stalo v přechozích dílech. Pokud tuhle sérii nečtete najednou, tak to krásně osvěží paměť. Každá z knih v této sérii má nějaké ponaučení a tentokrát je to "Každá mince má dvě strany". Celkově se mi ale zdá, že ten konec byl trošku moc snadný.

[Jenn G · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a fun series to read. I will miss the characters and the world. I highly recommend the audiobook narrated by Jason Segel !

[Leah · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a fun story. I liked the twists and the ending. The ending was a surprise. The story has art, chemistry, nightmares, a lullaby, escaped sheep, a misunderstanding, and a false accusation.

[Liss · Rating 5 out of 5]

Auf das Finale von Jack und Charlie habe ich mich schon lange gefreut. Da der zweite Band schon ziemlich lange her war, habe ich mich über kleine Rückblenden der anderen beiden Bücher gefreut. Wir stehen nun vor dem unausweichlichen Ende. INK und ICK möchten großes Unheil anrichten und Charlie und seine Freunde sollen die Sache verhindern.

Ich war sofort wieder drin in der Albtraumwelt von Cypress Creek. Dabei spielen die Ungeheuer gar keine so große Rolle sondern eher ICK und INK, zwei Kinder, die die reale Welt vernichten wollen. Zumindest wird das angenommen. Was sich dann allerdings herausstellt und wirklich passiert wird mehrere Male durchgewürfelt und auf den Kopf gestellt. Denn oftmals sind die Dinge nicht ganz so wie sie scheinen. Ich finde es toll, dass ein großer Wert auf die Menschlichkeit und die Gefühle gelegt wird. Menschen ändern sich und das können sie mehrere Male. Denn es gibt immer Dinge, die wir vielleicht nicht wissen oder nicht bedacht haben.

Toll fand ich auch die Beziehung zwischen Charlie und seinem Bruder Jack. Charlie fühlt sich oft durch seinen Bruder in den Hintergrund gerückt. Dabei ist das gar nicht Jacks Absicht und die zwei unterscheiden sich ziemlich in ihren Ansichten und Vorgehensweisen, sodass sie sich am Ende doch noch irgendwie einig werden. Vor allem aber hat es mir das Ende angetan. Denn man muss beachten, dass das vorwiegend ein Kinderbuch ist, und es manchmal nicht so ratsam ist, zu sehr drastischen Methoden zu greifen. So war für mich das Ende wunderbar gelöst.

Ich kann wiederholt nur sagen, dass das Buch nicht ausschließlich für Kinder sondern auch perfekt für Erwachsene ist. Denn Themen wie Freundschaft, Träume, Ängste und Missverständnisse gehören zum gesamten Leben dazu und sind, wenn auch ungern, manchmal ein Bestandteil des Lebens.

Fazit

"Nightmares 03: Die Stunde der Ungeheuer" war der perfekte und runde Abschluss der Nightmares Trilogie. Charlie und seine Freunde wurden ein letztes Mal auf die Probe gestellt. Wer wirklich was will, wer warum etwas tut und wieso das so ist, ist manchmal eben nicht ganz einfach und durchsichtig. Oft schadet es nicht, den Menschen einmal zuzuhören. Schöner Abschluss. 5/5 Punkte.

[Bryan Sanchez · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the series so much they were full of faction and fun. I had some issues with this last book because I was expecting a big fight but it didn't come.

I loved all the characters and I know it is a book for children's so I am happy of the authors decided to end this story.

I'd like to read more about the twin sisters but I'm not sure if I am really into this series at that level.

These three books are good for kids and maybe some teenagers who want to read a funny story full of action and good characters. I want to say they are the best I've ever read because they are not, but they're fine :) and I'm happy with this finale

[meghann · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is just great. The stories are so much fun, and I really enjoy reading about Charlie's adventures. This story focuses on the ultimate showdown between Charlie and his friends and the evil twins Ick and Ink. Some interesting new characters are also introduced, and some of my favorites from previous books get more page time. The events at the end of this book could mean the series has reached its conclusion, but I really hope not. I would love to read more of these books.

[Marlana · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the first book in the series so much, but I can't help feeling the second book wasn't as good as the first and this, the final book in the trilogy, is more like a glass of warm milk than anything else - pleasant, but boring and sleep inducing.

Enjoyed the series though for what it was, but this wouldn't be one that I recommend. YMMV.

[McKinlay · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't like this one as much as the others but I think it's just because I forgot too much. I'm gonna have to re-read the whole trilogy. Maybe next Halloween?

[Jw · Rating 3 out of 5]

This trilogy kept me interested and entertained. I would recommend it for any age.

[Nick · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great end to this series. Enjoyed my time with these three books very much.

[Paige · Rating 4 out of 5]

MORE!

I have loved this series from start to finish and I am so glad it is a part of my life (: Segel did not disappoint.

[Marisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was very entertaining. It is a good book about teamwork and friendship.

[Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ein schöner und passender Abschluss einer wundervollen Reihe,an der Groß und Klein ihren Spaß und ihre Furcht haben können.
Die Geschichte um Ick und Ink,die in Teil 2 begonnen hatte,wird im dritten Teil weitergeführt und näher erläutert.
Man lernt zu verstehen warum die beiden Schwestern so sind wie sie sind.
Auch sonst werden alle offenen Fragen geklärt.
Für mich ein absolut zufriedenstellendes Ende.

[Ellen Deckinga · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great ending to a series. I loved how the story progressed through time without time travel. No spoilers, but if you are deciding on reading book 3 or not, you should! Really rounds things out.

[Ash Mustard · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm sad it's over

[Sulhan Habibi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yeaay..
Ternyata seru jadi bacanya cepat.
Endingnya pun memuaskan.
Suka sama seri ini jadinya.

[Joss · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a fun conclusion to this series!

[Izzy · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite of this series!!! Made me cry and was just so fun!!!