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All Hallows' Eve
A boy is trapped in a possessed car that has stalled in the path of an oncoming train. A girl is dragged into a crypt during a field trip to an eighteenth-century cemetery. A group of friends meet their fate after an unsettling visit with a backwoods psychic. And that's just the beginning. Celebrated author Vivian Vande Velde is at her spine-tingling best in this collection of thirteen scary stories, all of which take place on Halloween night. With tales that range from the disturbing to the downright gruesome, this is one collection that teens will want to read with the lights on . . . and the doors locked.
240 pages, Hardcover
First published September 1, 2006
29 people are currently reading
720 people want to read
About the author
Vivian Vande Velde
51 books994 followersVivian Vande Velde (born 1951, currently residing in Rochester, New York) is an American author who writes books primarily aimed at young adults.
Her novels and short story collections usually have some element of horror or fantasy, but are primarily humorous. Her book Never Trust a Dead Man (1999) received the 2000 Edgar Award for Best Young Adult Novel. She says that she really likes to write for children. She likes to do school talks to children. She does many book conventions and also gives writing classes.
Her novels and short story collections usually have some element of horror or fantasy, but are primarily humorous. Her book Never Trust a Dead Man (1999) received the 2000 Edgar Award for Best Young Adult Novel. She says that she really likes to write for children. She likes to do school talks to children. She does many book conventions and also gives writing classes.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 128 reviews
November 5, 2022
I made another attempt at reading some of these this Halloween, and I think this time was able to identify why the collection doesn't work for me: they are supernatural horror stories in which the emphasis is really on how unpleasant humans are.
That's fine! Perfectly valid approach to horror. It's just not what I look for in supernatural horror, ad especially not what I want at Halloween.
***
Read the first three stories, was bored.
That's fine! Perfectly valid approach to horror. It's just not what I look for in supernatural horror, ad especially not what I want at Halloween.
***
Read the first three stories, was bored.
October 21, 2018
This is very much an 'it-was-okay' 2 stars not a 'it-was-bad' 2 stars but it was just ok.
October 5, 2011
I've read a few things by Vivian Vande Velde before, and I was in the right mood for something nice and creepy. It's October! Time to roll out the scary books!
Sadly, I was a teensy bit disappointed. I was promised a chilled spine, and I rarely got it. Short story collections are almost always a mixed bag. No exception here! There were a few stories that were creepy, if not memorably so, and a few that fell flat.
The best of the lot were Morgan Roehmer's Boys (set in a haunted hayride!), Only on All Hallows' Eve, Best Friends (great mixed narration), I Want to Thank You (it's amazing what you can do in only two pages), When My Parents Come to Visit (darkly hilarious), and My Real Mother. The last story, Holding On, is remarkably good, but so far in tone from the others that it didn't really feel like it belonged.
MARIAN, Pretending, and When and How dragged on and were horribly predictable. The rest of the stories were largely forgettable, if not actually bad. Still, 7 good stories out of 13 makes for a pretty good batting average.
Thinking about it, I bet that this would have packed more of a punch when I was actually in the target age range. But as we get older, and read more, our tastes change and grow and it takes more to satsify. Even now, it makes a good early October read, and gives me an appetite for more.
Sadly, I was a teensy bit disappointed. I was promised a chilled spine, and I rarely got it. Short story collections are almost always a mixed bag. No exception here! There were a few stories that were creepy, if not memorably so, and a few that fell flat.
The best of the lot were Morgan Roehmer's Boys (set in a haunted hayride!), Only on All Hallows' Eve, Best Friends (great mixed narration), I Want to Thank You (it's amazing what you can do in only two pages), When My Parents Come to Visit (darkly hilarious), and My Real Mother. The last story, Holding On, is remarkably good, but so far in tone from the others that it didn't really feel like it belonged.
MARIAN, Pretending, and When and How dragged on and were horribly predictable. The rest of the stories were largely forgettable, if not actually bad. Still, 7 good stories out of 13 makes for a pretty good batting average.
Thinking about it, I bet that this would have packed more of a punch when I was actually in the target age range. But as we get older, and read more, our tastes change and grow and it takes more to satsify. Even now, it makes a good early October read, and gives me an appetite for more.
September 15, 2015
I knew it was a YA anthology and for some reason that's exactly what I wanted for my Halloween reading. The stories are brief and fun. They are creepy but not keep-you-up-at-night scary and I didn't mind at all. I like my Halloween entertainment to be less blood and guts and more like a chilling whisper on the wind and that's what you get here. I had a good time with this book.
March 1, 2019
1. “Come in and rest a spell”
Thoughts while reading.
Rating: 2 stars. Not scary, I found the story flawed, and the ending made me laugh instead of being scared.
2. “Marian”
Thoughts while reading
Rating: 3 stars, a step up from the last short story. Definitely unsettling, but felt unsatisfied with the ending.
3. Morgan Roehmar’s Boys
Rating: 4 stars. It was suspenseful but there were parts that didn’t make sense.
4. “Only on All Hallows’ Eve”
Rating: 2 stars. Eh. I didn’t find it interesting and the ending was nothing special.
5. “Cemetery Field Trip”
Rating: 2 Stars. Well... it had a good start, but I was so disappointed by that ending.
6. “Best Friends”
Rating: 3 Stars. I liked the eeriness of this story. The dual perspective was great, but I kinda wish the story was a little longer!
7. “Pretending”
Rating: 4 Stars. This story was suspenseful, but the beginning dragged.
8. “I Want to Thank You”
Rating: 2 Stars. There wasn’t much to this story. It was barely two pages.
9. “When and How”
Rating: 3 Stars. This story was ok. I wasn’t shocked or surprised, I expected the majority of that ending.
10. “When My Parents Come to Visit”
Rating: 3 Stars. Eh, this didn’t seem like a scary/creepy story.
11. “Edward, Lost and Far from Home”
Rating: 2 stars. This story was really boring to me. 😬
12. “My Real Mother”
Rating: 3 Stars. You never would’ve known this was a “horror” (I use the term very loosely) short story until the very end.
13. “Holding On”
Rating: 3 Stars. Not bad but I wanted more to the story.
Thoughts while reading.
Rating: 2 stars. Not scary, I found the story flawed, and the ending made me laugh instead of being scared.
2. “Marian”
Thoughts while reading
Rating: 3 stars, a step up from the last short story. Definitely unsettling, but felt unsatisfied with the ending.
3. Morgan Roehmar’s Boys
Rating: 4 stars. It was suspenseful but there were parts that didn’t make sense.
4. “Only on All Hallows’ Eve”
Rating: 2 stars. Eh. I didn’t find it interesting and the ending was nothing special.
5. “Cemetery Field Trip”
Rating: 2 Stars. Well... it had a good start, but I was so disappointed by that ending.
6. “Best Friends”
Rating: 3 Stars. I liked the eeriness of this story. The dual perspective was great, but I kinda wish the story was a little longer!
7. “Pretending”
Rating: 4 Stars. This story was suspenseful, but the beginning dragged.
8. “I Want to Thank You”
Rating: 2 Stars. There wasn’t much to this story. It was barely two pages.
9. “When and How”
Rating: 3 Stars. This story was ok. I wasn’t shocked or surprised, I expected the majority of that ending.
10. “When My Parents Come to Visit”
Rating: 3 Stars. Eh, this didn’t seem like a scary/creepy story.
11. “Edward, Lost and Far from Home”
Rating: 2 stars. This story was really boring to me. 😬
12. “My Real Mother”
Rating: 3 Stars. You never would’ve known this was a “horror” (I use the term very loosely) short story until the very end.
13. “Holding On”
Rating: 3 Stars. Not bad but I wanted more to the story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 29, 2008
Reviewed by Me for TeensReadToo.com
I have been a fan of Vivian Vande Velde ever since I read CURSES, INC. AND OTHER STORIES. I quickly followed that up by reading several of her other books, including NOW YOU SEE IT... and COMPANIONS OF THE NIGHT. Ms. Vande Velde is the master of spooky stories, whether they be contemporary, paranormal, or fantasy. What she's even better at, though, is writing short stories that have a way of staying with you long after you finish reading them.
With ALL HALLOWS' EVE, the author has brought us thirteen original short stories that, as a whole, scared the bejesus out of me. Whether the story is two pages long or ten, you find yourself immersed in the life of whatever tale the author is telling--and find yourself coming out, at the end of it, glad you're reading with the lights on.
The stories in this collection include:
COME IN AND REST A SPELL
MARIAN
MORGAN ROEHMAR'S BOYS
ONLY ON ALL HALLOWS' EVE
CEMETERY FIELD TRIP
BEST FRIENDS
PRETENDING
I WANT TO THANK YOU
WHEN AND HOW
WHEN MY PARENTS COME TO VISIT
EDWARD, LOST AND FAR FROM HOME
MY REAL MOTHER
HOLDING ON
There is nothing timid about this collection. I have always loved Halloween; it is, in fact, my second favorite holiday, beat out only by Christmas. After reading these short stories, though, I will never look at hay rides, cemeteries, school trips, cackling old ladies, or scarecrows on front porches in the same way. I read, on a regular basis, the stories of horror/paranormal authors Dean Koontz and Stephen King, and these stories by Vivian Vande Velde freaked me out just as much as those by my horror heroes. Be warned, though. Read MORGAN ROEHMAR'S BOYS, CEMETERY FIELD TRIP, and MY REAL MOTHER at your own risk--and with those lights on.
I have been a fan of Vivian Vande Velde ever since I read CURSES, INC. AND OTHER STORIES. I quickly followed that up by reading several of her other books, including NOW YOU SEE IT... and COMPANIONS OF THE NIGHT. Ms. Vande Velde is the master of spooky stories, whether they be contemporary, paranormal, or fantasy. What she's even better at, though, is writing short stories that have a way of staying with you long after you finish reading them.
With ALL HALLOWS' EVE, the author has brought us thirteen original short stories that, as a whole, scared the bejesus out of me. Whether the story is two pages long or ten, you find yourself immersed in the life of whatever tale the author is telling--and find yourself coming out, at the end of it, glad you're reading with the lights on.
The stories in this collection include:
COME IN AND REST A SPELL
MARIAN
MORGAN ROEHMAR'S BOYS
ONLY ON ALL HALLOWS' EVE
CEMETERY FIELD TRIP
BEST FRIENDS
PRETENDING
I WANT TO THANK YOU
WHEN AND HOW
WHEN MY PARENTS COME TO VISIT
EDWARD, LOST AND FAR FROM HOME
MY REAL MOTHER
HOLDING ON
There is nothing timid about this collection. I have always loved Halloween; it is, in fact, my second favorite holiday, beat out only by Christmas. After reading these short stories, though, I will never look at hay rides, cemeteries, school trips, cackling old ladies, or scarecrows on front porches in the same way. I read, on a regular basis, the stories of horror/paranormal authors Dean Koontz and Stephen King, and these stories by Vivian Vande Velde freaked me out just as much as those by my horror heroes. Be warned, though. Read MORGAN ROEHMAR'S BOYS, CEMETERY FIELD TRIP, and MY REAL MOTHER at your own risk--and with those lights on.
January 18, 2019
For writing horror stories, VVV has the touch! Her tone is an unmistakable blend of grim humor, Roald Dahl nastiness, and real scares, plus just a touch of heart sometimes.
In this collection, I most enjoyed “Best Friends” (fun in a catty way, with an unreliable narrator), “When My Parents Come to Visit” (funny and painful), and “My Real Mother” (delightfully evil).
I also liked the short pieces “Come In and Rest a Spell” and “I Want to Thank You.” I didn’t care for “Morgan Roehmer’s Boys” or “When and How,” which was too nasty. “Only On Hallow’s Eve” was good but nasty.
“Edward, Lost and Far From Home” was pretty good, but it was a little too long. Same for “Cemetery Field Trip.” “Pretending” dragged a bit, and it was mean. “MARIAN” was kind of bland.
“Holding On” was good, but like another reviewer said, the tone was really different from the rest of the collection. It and “Parents” were the most serious ones.
In this collection, I most enjoyed “Best Friends” (fun in a catty way, with an unreliable narrator), “When My Parents Come to Visit” (funny and painful), and “My Real Mother” (delightfully evil).
I also liked the short pieces “Come In and Rest a Spell” and “I Want to Thank You.” I didn’t care for “Morgan Roehmer’s Boys” or “When and How,” which was too nasty. “Only On Hallow’s Eve” was good but nasty.
“Edward, Lost and Far From Home” was pretty good, but it was a little too long. Same for “Cemetery Field Trip.” “Pretending” dragged a bit, and it was mean. “MARIAN” was kind of bland.
“Holding On” was good, but like another reviewer said, the tone was really different from the rest of the collection. It and “Parents” were the most serious ones.
November 3, 2018
This is a fun and spooky collection of stories perfect for the Halloween season, so I’m glad I picked it up on Halloween. Although this is classified as a young adult read, I would say it sits low on the spectrum specifically closer to upper middle grade or early teens. The writing has a slight juvenile tone to it, and I didn’t think it took away from the story but instead made it a faster read.
As with all collections, some stories were stronger than others, so I rated each story individually on my blog for those interested.
https://theprincessgummybearreviews.b...
As with all collections, some stories were stronger than others, so I rated each story individually on my blog for those interested.
https://theprincessgummybearreviews.b...
October 22, 2016
Velde knows how to scare! I don't even remember reading some of her work that was this scary. It has everything from undead serial killers, adopted vampire children, ghost parents, and more! Great Halloween read.
October 10, 2016
Review to come
September 27, 2024
Vivian Vande Velde has a very straight forward way of writing. There's not a lot of extra detail, and that's okay. The stories in here are lean and mean, often containing a twist at the end. All Hallows' Eve is a great collection for Middle Grade and YA readers looking for something to get them in to the Halloween spirit.
The best stories in here include:
"Come in and Rest a Spell" - the short opening tale. A woman goes to see a witch for a love potion. It doesn't turn out well for her. The story is told only through the witch's dialogue which was a neat way of writing it.
"Morgan Roehmar's Boys" is possibly my favorite story here. A girl working a Halloween haunt attraction meets the ghost of a young boy. Is it one of the boys murdered years before by a Gacy-like serial killer who formerly lived on the property? I love the trope of haunted attractions being actually haunted, so I found this one to be a lot of fun.
"Best Friends" - This one is told from two different points of view, both characters having a different point of view regarding their years long friendship.
"Pretending" focuses on a guy going to pick his new girlfriend up at her remote house. Turns out, her family is really into Halloween. Or is something more sinister going on? Some elements of this are a bit contrived, but otherwise this is a fun story with an entertaining twist.
Edward Lose and Far From Home - One of the best twists comes from this story of a young man laboring on a farm in what seems like the past or maybe an alternate world. How did he get here? And how can he get back where he belongs?
Finally, my other favorite story is "My Real Mother" a spoiled and delusional teenage girl goes looking for her real parents (she's adopted) on Halloween. She's convinced if she finds her biological mother, everything in her life will change. Obviously this is a horror story, so things don't quite work out like she planned.
Most of these stories hinge on a twist, and some of them even have a vaguely Twilight Zone kind of feel. They're all fairly brief and are quick reads, so this is a great read on a cool October afternoon to get you into the Halloween spirit.
The best stories in here include:
"Come in and Rest a Spell" - the short opening tale. A woman goes to see a witch for a love potion. It doesn't turn out well for her. The story is told only through the witch's dialogue which was a neat way of writing it.
"Morgan Roehmar's Boys" is possibly my favorite story here. A girl working a Halloween haunt attraction meets the ghost of a young boy. Is it one of the boys murdered years before by a Gacy-like serial killer who formerly lived on the property? I love the trope of haunted attractions being actually haunted, so I found this one to be a lot of fun.
"Best Friends" - This one is told from two different points of view, both characters having a different point of view regarding their years long friendship.
"Pretending" focuses on a guy going to pick his new girlfriend up at her remote house. Turns out, her family is really into Halloween. Or is something more sinister going on? Some elements of this are a bit contrived, but otherwise this is a fun story with an entertaining twist.
Edward Lose and Far From Home - One of the best twists comes from this story of a young man laboring on a farm in what seems like the past or maybe an alternate world. How did he get here? And how can he get back where he belongs?
Finally, my other favorite story is "My Real Mother" a spoiled and delusional teenage girl goes looking for her real parents (she's adopted) on Halloween. She's convinced if she finds her biological mother, everything in her life will change. Obviously this is a horror story, so things don't quite work out like she planned.
Most of these stories hinge on a twist, and some of them even have a vaguely Twilight Zone kind of feel. They're all fairly brief and are quick reads, so this is a great read on a cool October afternoon to get you into the Halloween spirit.
October 30, 2018
13 horror stories by Vivian Vande Velde. Each interesting and unique in its own way. Some very short, others, a little longer; all with their own twist of the supernatural. Worth the read.
October 24, 2019
This was a quick read that was perfect for Halloween. I would recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a spooky read that isn't very scary. Most of the stories in this book are creepy more than anything else. As with most books that include a collection of short stories, some are better than others. The first story, Come in and Rest a Spell, isn't that great, but they get better after that.
October 19, 2017
Short horror stories often feel compelled to include a twist ending, and with that expectation, so many of them can fall short. This is amplified even further in YA fiction, which often goes for the jugular in predictable, movie-inspired ways. Nonetheless, Vande Velde's collection of Halloween tales was unexpectedly satisfying- the macabre, "Tales from the Crypt" sensibility running through many of them felt genuinely dark and at a few times even unsettling for real. Definitely a nice way to spend a Halloween evening's read.
March 3, 2015
This book is an amazing book to read. This has to be my go to When I miss the feeling halloween brings me. With in this story of multiple stories that have a dark humor while others are sad. Parts that make you question things with out dragging you to be uncomfortable places. Giving to real situations that still having a paranormal feel that we all want. All of this is combined into one, behind a cover. This book I will always want to read again.
May 17, 2009
A truly spooky collection of short stories with twists at the ends of each one that will send a chill down your spine. Vivian Vande Velde is an expert when it comes to creepy stories. If you like these stories, be sure to check out the rest of her books.
October 23, 2013
This collection of short stories provides a good mix of suspense, terror, and intrigue, with just the right amount of humor thrown in. Some of the stories are particularly innovative, and the various twists and turns are sure to keep you interested. A charming YA collection.
October 1, 2019
I LOVE Vivian Vande Velde. She's been a favorite of mine for a long time, and this book of short stories was not a disappointment. She even had a story in SECOND person! Really good collection for teens and older, and it's a quick read too.
January 12, 2025
I really enjoyed this book. I think short stories are perfect for the horror genre. There is enough detail to be scary and it can be left on a bit of a cliff hanger. This book was perfect for a Halloween read.
October 19, 2010
I loved this book! It was very exciting in alot of parts. I think the author is very good at spooking people out. This is one of my favorite books to read right before halloween.
October 30, 2023
I had All Hallows' Eve on my reading list since last year and was glad to pick it up this October. I was a little hesitant at first due to the average ratings and knowing that short story collections can be hit or miss. But as a Halloween, short story, and YA fan I figured these 13 Halloween-themed stories were a fitting read for the spooky season.
“Come in and Rest a Spell”
You seek help from Granny All Hallows' Eve and she has the spell for you. For an opener, it's pure Halloween with a classic witch. While it's more experimental with the 2nd person POV, I enjoyed the atmosphere. 3/5
"MARIAN"
When a boy buys a car from a college student, he discovers it has a built in GPS system. Velde has an interesting idea and take on a ghost story, though I wasn't a fan of the main character. 2/5
"Morgan Roehmar’s Boys"
When a storm interrupts a local haunted hayride built on the former home of a serial killer, Ashley is stuck at the barn and finds she's not alone. As one of the longer stories, Velde fleshes out some cool backstory about the murders. It's creepy, suspenseful, and features a spooky setting. 4/5
“Only on All Hallows’ Eve”
In the village of Farnham, Martin decides to play an All Hallows' Eve prank on old Elfrida. It captures the Halloween idea of mischief, though I wasn't a fan of the olden time setting or the characters. 1/5
“Cemetery Field Trip”
Janelle goes on a cemetery field trip with her English class and encounters a horror in the mausoleum. I liked the concept, though with so many characters, we don't get to know Janelle much. I wanted more from it. 3/5
“Best Friends”
Nikki and Aimee Ann are best friends, but the truth of their bond gets tested on Halloween. I liked the use of alternating 1st person POV to show how each character sees their friendship. It's a cool character-driven piece with subtle horror. 4/5
“Pretending”
Brian goes to pick up his girlfriend for a Halloween party. He finds himself in the country and encounters her bizarre family. I liked the family, the humor, and the subtle dread. Once again, the twists got me and it had a fun snap ending. 5/5
“I Want to Thank You”
A witch thanks her rescuer from saving her on Halloween. For a quick 2nd person flash piece, this was well-written and had a nice twist. 4/5
“When and How”
A group of friends visit a psychic to get their fortunes told, leading to one asking when and how they'd die. The story felt gripping from the start and although I could predict what might happen, Velde kept me guessing on the how. 4/5
“When My Parents Come to Visit”
A boy and his grandmother prepare for his parents to come visit on Halloween night. I liked the playfulness and the concept. 4/5
“Edward, Lost and Far from Home”
Edward works on the farm of an older couple, but is locked outside on Halloween where witches roam. I thought the concept was intriguing once it was revealed, but I wanted more. Also, I'm not a fan of these kind of stories taking place in either a historical or slightly fantasy setting. 2/5
“My Real Mother”
Evelyn tries to find her biological mother in hopes to escape her adoptive parents. I loved Evelyn's distinct voice and penchant for movies. The writing was engaging and the twist was pretty unexpected and dark. 5/5
“Holding On”
Harlan has seen a ghost boy for eight years and on Halloween he can hear the ghost. I liked the idea of being able to see into the environment of the ghost though the twist felt a bit predictable. 3/5
Overall, while I liked some stories and didn't care for others, Velde's writing and range of styles impressed me. Unlike some so-called Halloween books, each story is about or takes place on Halloween and capture that whimsical darkness of the holiday. If you like YA horror and want a cool Halloween read, try All Hallows' Eve.
“Come in and Rest a Spell”
You seek help from Granny All Hallows' Eve and she has the spell for you. For an opener, it's pure Halloween with a classic witch. While it's more experimental with the 2nd person POV, I enjoyed the atmosphere. 3/5
"MARIAN"
When a boy buys a car from a college student, he discovers it has a built in GPS system. Velde has an interesting idea and take on a ghost story, though I wasn't a fan of the main character. 2/5
"Morgan Roehmar’s Boys"
When a storm interrupts a local haunted hayride built on the former home of a serial killer, Ashley is stuck at the barn and finds she's not alone. As one of the longer stories, Velde fleshes out some cool backstory about the murders. It's creepy, suspenseful, and features a spooky setting. 4/5
“Only on All Hallows’ Eve”
In the village of Farnham, Martin decides to play an All Hallows' Eve prank on old Elfrida. It captures the Halloween idea of mischief, though I wasn't a fan of the olden time setting or the characters. 1/5
“Cemetery Field Trip”
Janelle goes on a cemetery field trip with her English class and encounters a horror in the mausoleum. I liked the concept, though with so many characters, we don't get to know Janelle much. I wanted more from it. 3/5
“Best Friends”
Nikki and Aimee Ann are best friends, but the truth of their bond gets tested on Halloween. I liked the use of alternating 1st person POV to show how each character sees their friendship. It's a cool character-driven piece with subtle horror. 4/5
“Pretending”
Brian goes to pick up his girlfriend for a Halloween party. He finds himself in the country and encounters her bizarre family. I liked the family, the humor, and the subtle dread. Once again, the twists got me and it had a fun snap ending. 5/5
“I Want to Thank You”
A witch thanks her rescuer from saving her on Halloween. For a quick 2nd person flash piece, this was well-written and had a nice twist. 4/5
“When and How”
A group of friends visit a psychic to get their fortunes told, leading to one asking when and how they'd die. The story felt gripping from the start and although I could predict what might happen, Velde kept me guessing on the how. 4/5
“When My Parents Come to Visit”
A boy and his grandmother prepare for his parents to come visit on Halloween night. I liked the playfulness and the concept. 4/5
“Edward, Lost and Far from Home”
Edward works on the farm of an older couple, but is locked outside on Halloween where witches roam. I thought the concept was intriguing once it was revealed, but I wanted more. Also, I'm not a fan of these kind of stories taking place in either a historical or slightly fantasy setting. 2/5
“My Real Mother”
Evelyn tries to find her biological mother in hopes to escape her adoptive parents. I loved Evelyn's distinct voice and penchant for movies. The writing was engaging and the twist was pretty unexpected and dark. 5/5
“Holding On”
Harlan has seen a ghost boy for eight years and on Halloween he can hear the ghost. I liked the idea of being able to see into the environment of the ghost though the twist felt a bit predictable. 3/5
Overall, while I liked some stories and didn't care for others, Velde's writing and range of styles impressed me. Unlike some so-called Halloween books, each story is about or takes place on Halloween and capture that whimsical darkness of the holiday. If you like YA horror and want a cool Halloween read, try All Hallows' Eve.
July 2, 2020
Come in! Come in! It’s Halloween. Such a spooky night. But don’t be afraid of poor old Granny. I’m just an old defenseless woman with no teeth. I can’t harm you!
Let’s see what you need. I have many spells and potions that can help people. I’ve never had any complaints! You’re so beautiful and young, with your dark, thick hair and lovely clear eyes, your soft skin and pretty hands, what could you possibly need?
Granny sees a light in your eyes—not fever or hunger—no, it’s love! Granny guesses it’s love—you’re in love with a boy who doesn’t love you back. Oh! Granny can help you with that! Is he handsome and rich? Granny knows just the young man you mean. Granny thinks he’s a fine choice; if Granny were younger, she’d want him for herself.
Granny has just the spell to bind him to you. A little of this, a little of that….Yes, it smells bad, but it’s just what you need. So drink it up! Every last drop! That’s a good girl. It makes you feel funny, doesn’t it? Here, let me hold your hands so you don’t fall over.
It is funny that Granny has made you drink the potion, when HE’s the one who’s going to be made to fall in love with your hair, your eyes, your lips, your smile. You’re right: Granny will make him drink that potion, soon, very soon.
What did I give you, you ask? Well, that little potion lets us trade bodies, you and Granny. Don’t struggle. It’s no use. Don’t you feel it working already?
You can start to see it as Granny’s hair gets fuller and eyes grow brighter, and you are starting to feel weaker and older. It’s no use screaming! There’s no one else here to hear you anyway. And besides, the poison is working on you already.
Did I forget to mention the poison? Don’t worry. Just lie there on the floor. It won’t be much longer anyway. I’ll go and see your young man. He and I will be very happy together. And if we’re not, I have a spell for that, too.
(REVIEW: Nice and creepy set of short stories like the one I told you in the booktalk. This book is good for putting down and picking up again since you can read each story separately and not lose track of the plot. The stories aren't so creepy that they'll keep you up at night, but they're just creepy enough to make you shudder a little. Lexile: 950L)
Let’s see what you need. I have many spells and potions that can help people. I’ve never had any complaints! You’re so beautiful and young, with your dark, thick hair and lovely clear eyes, your soft skin and pretty hands, what could you possibly need?
Granny sees a light in your eyes—not fever or hunger—no, it’s love! Granny guesses it’s love—you’re in love with a boy who doesn’t love you back. Oh! Granny can help you with that! Is he handsome and rich? Granny knows just the young man you mean. Granny thinks he’s a fine choice; if Granny were younger, she’d want him for herself.
Granny has just the spell to bind him to you. A little of this, a little of that….Yes, it smells bad, but it’s just what you need. So drink it up! Every last drop! That’s a good girl. It makes you feel funny, doesn’t it? Here, let me hold your hands so you don’t fall over.
It is funny that Granny has made you drink the potion, when HE’s the one who’s going to be made to fall in love with your hair, your eyes, your lips, your smile. You’re right: Granny will make him drink that potion, soon, very soon.
What did I give you, you ask? Well, that little potion lets us trade bodies, you and Granny. Don’t struggle. It’s no use. Don’t you feel it working already?
You can start to see it as Granny’s hair gets fuller and eyes grow brighter, and you are starting to feel weaker and older. It’s no use screaming! There’s no one else here to hear you anyway. And besides, the poison is working on you already.
Did I forget to mention the poison? Don’t worry. Just lie there on the floor. It won’t be much longer anyway. I’ll go and see your young man. He and I will be very happy together. And if we’re not, I have a spell for that, too.
(REVIEW: Nice and creepy set of short stories like the one I told you in the booktalk. This book is good for putting down and picking up again since you can read each story separately and not lose track of the plot. The stories aren't so creepy that they'll keep you up at night, but they're just creepy enough to make you shudder a little. Lexile: 950L)
November 8, 2015
I love short horror stories, and All Hallows' Eve was the perfect book for me to have as a Halloween read. While there were a few flawed stories, there were many that had great plots and some great plot twists, especially in the last few stories. Here are some brief synopses of all 13 stories in the book and my opinion on each:
Come In And Rest A Spell: A witch agrees to help a woman earn a man's love. The story is written through the witch's POV and dialogue, which is a pretty neat writing style. But storywise, it's pretty simple with a fairly predictable ending. Not a very strong opening story.
MARIAN: A reckless young man discovers that his secondhand car has a high-tech GPS system. It's a very creative premise and the look into the main character's youthful, arrogant mind was entertaining and displayed the excellent writing. MARIAN was also a compelling villain whose motive makes her a sympathetic Tragic Villain.
Morgan Roehmar's Boys: A teenage girl participates in a haunted hayride attraction, which is built on the property of a deceased killer who murdered two young men. The story unfolds slowly, but the way suspense and tension is built makes the lengthy read worth it. The twist may come across as obvious to some, but it doesn't hinder the story. Plus, the thought that gives the story an air of Fridge Horror. (Additional note: I'm fairly certain Morgan Roehmar is based on John Wayne Gacy).
Only On All Hallows' Eve: Inspired by a visiting pastor's sermon, a young man decides to pull a prank on a crabby old lady in the neighborhood. The premise is original and the plot twist is somewhat unexpected, but I found the main character very unlikable for being mad at his cousin for maturing and settling down to start a family. But in a way, that made the ending better for me.
Cemetery Field Trip: A teenager gets lost during a class trip to a cemetery. The main character was very likable and the plot, while it seemed to going a generic route, takes another turn and becomes an original tale. While it's not very scary, it's still a good story.
Best Friends: Two teenage girls have vastly differing views on their friendship. I like the way the story alternates between Nikki and Aimee Ann's POV and their different perspectives on their relationship. I can relate to both girls as I feel I've been in both of their shoes at one point. Thus, I found myself being able to sympathize with both girls: But in the end, I ended up feeling worse for Aimee Ann than Nikki, . One of my favorite stories.
Pretending: A teenage boy goes to pick up his date for a school dance and has to deal with her Halloween-centric parents. For most of this story, I wasn't sure where it was going. I had a feeling . But despite this slight twist, the story still came off as fairly generic. Not great, but not awful either.
I Want To Thank You: A woman accused of witchcraft thanks a man for giving her shelter. The shortest story in the book, but its short length doesn't make it a bad story. The story didn't make its' direction at all obvious, making the ending much more chilling.
When And How: Five high school seniors go to a psychic, who tells one of them how and when they will die. Another story that appears to be generic at first, but then surprises you at the end. . A creative detail that stuck out to me was . Overall, a very well-written story.
When My Parents Come To Visit: A boy and his grandmother must brave another annual visit from the boy's constantly bickering parents. I didn't know at all where the story was going until the plot twist came in, which nicely tied the whole thing together. Until then, the main character developed nicely and I sympathized with him as a result. In the end, the story ended up being more sad than scary, since .
Edward, Lost And Far From Home: A young farmhand prepares the house for All Hallow's Eve, known as the Witch's Sabbat to his boss. Like the last story, this is more sad than scary. Edward has suffered years of abuse at the hands of his cruel boss and his apathetic wife, . Edward was very sympathetic and I wanted him to escape his horrible life in the end. A major complaint I have is the story's abrupt ending, which doesn't give any resolution and makes the story feel unfinished.
My Real Mother: Tired of life with her insufferable adoptive family, a teenage girl decides to find her biological mother. The main character was pretty likable, if not a bit spoiled and out of touch with reality. Despite her flaws, her animosity towards her adoptive family aren't unwarranted. When Evelyn met with her real mother and , I thought the story would take a turn for the predictable. But then, the ending came and changed EVERYTHING. One of the best stories and best plot twists in the book.
Holding On: A boy has continuous visions of a dead boy's ghost. Another story with a great plot twist. The story, again, started out like it would be a generic ghost story, but then the twist came in and changed everything. A great story to end on.
Overall, All Hallows' Eve is the perfect book for any horror fan. The writing is great, the stories are original and well-written, and the plot twists are expertly crafted. Even the few duds are easy to forgive. I highly recommend this collection of short stories.
Pros: The great writing, the likable characters, the original storylines, and the plot twists (particularly the one in My Real Mother).
Cons: Some unlikable characters, a few predictable stories, and the abrupt, incomplete ending of Edward, Lost And Far From Home.
Come In And Rest A Spell: A witch agrees to help a woman earn a man's love. The story is written through the witch's POV and dialogue, which is a pretty neat writing style. But storywise, it's pretty simple with a fairly predictable ending. Not a very strong opening story.
MARIAN: A reckless young man discovers that his secondhand car has a high-tech GPS system. It's a very creative premise and the look into the main character's youthful, arrogant mind was entertaining and displayed the excellent writing. MARIAN was also a compelling villain whose motive makes her a sympathetic Tragic Villain.
Morgan Roehmar's Boys: A teenage girl participates in a haunted hayride attraction, which is built on the property of a deceased killer who murdered two young men. The story unfolds slowly, but the way suspense and tension is built makes the lengthy read worth it. The twist may come across as obvious to some, but it doesn't hinder the story. Plus, the thought that gives the story an air of Fridge Horror. (Additional note: I'm fairly certain Morgan Roehmar is based on John Wayne Gacy).
Only On All Hallows' Eve: Inspired by a visiting pastor's sermon, a young man decides to pull a prank on a crabby old lady in the neighborhood. The premise is original and the plot twist is somewhat unexpected, but I found the main character very unlikable for being mad at his cousin for maturing and settling down to start a family. But in a way, that made the ending better for me.
Cemetery Field Trip: A teenager gets lost during a class trip to a cemetery. The main character was very likable and the plot, while it seemed to going a generic route, takes another turn and becomes an original tale. While it's not very scary, it's still a good story.
Best Friends: Two teenage girls have vastly differing views on their friendship. I like the way the story alternates between Nikki and Aimee Ann's POV and their different perspectives on their relationship. I can relate to both girls as I feel I've been in both of their shoes at one point. Thus, I found myself being able to sympathize with both girls: But in the end, I ended up feeling worse for Aimee Ann than Nikki, . One of my favorite stories.
Pretending: A teenage boy goes to pick up his date for a school dance and has to deal with her Halloween-centric parents. For most of this story, I wasn't sure where it was going. I had a feeling . But despite this slight twist, the story still came off as fairly generic. Not great, but not awful either.
I Want To Thank You: A woman accused of witchcraft thanks a man for giving her shelter. The shortest story in the book, but its short length doesn't make it a bad story. The story didn't make its' direction at all obvious, making the ending much more chilling.
When And How: Five high school seniors go to a psychic, who tells one of them how and when they will die. Another story that appears to be generic at first, but then surprises you at the end. . A creative detail that stuck out to me was . Overall, a very well-written story.
When My Parents Come To Visit: A boy and his grandmother must brave another annual visit from the boy's constantly bickering parents. I didn't know at all where the story was going until the plot twist came in, which nicely tied the whole thing together. Until then, the main character developed nicely and I sympathized with him as a result. In the end, the story ended up being more sad than scary, since .
Edward, Lost And Far From Home: A young farmhand prepares the house for All Hallow's Eve, known as the Witch's Sabbat to his boss. Like the last story, this is more sad than scary. Edward has suffered years of abuse at the hands of his cruel boss and his apathetic wife, . Edward was very sympathetic and I wanted him to escape his horrible life in the end. A major complaint I have is the story's abrupt ending, which doesn't give any resolution and makes the story feel unfinished.
My Real Mother: Tired of life with her insufferable adoptive family, a teenage girl decides to find her biological mother. The main character was pretty likable, if not a bit spoiled and out of touch with reality. Despite her flaws, her animosity towards her adoptive family aren't unwarranted. When Evelyn met with her real mother and , I thought the story would take a turn for the predictable. But then, the ending came and changed EVERYTHING. One of the best stories and best plot twists in the book.
Holding On: A boy has continuous visions of a dead boy's ghost. Another story with a great plot twist. The story, again, started out like it would be a generic ghost story, but then the twist came in and changed everything. A great story to end on.
Overall, All Hallows' Eve is the perfect book for any horror fan. The writing is great, the stories are original and well-written, and the plot twists are expertly crafted. Even the few duds are easy to forgive. I highly recommend this collection of short stories.
Pros: The great writing, the likable characters, the original storylines, and the plot twists (particularly the one in My Real Mother).
Cons: Some unlikable characters, a few predictable stories, and the abrupt, incomplete ending of Edward, Lost And Far From Home.
November 6, 2024
Pleasantly surprised by this collection of stories. I'm not usually a fan of short story collections but I saw this one was halloween themed with 13 stories and I decided to read one a day leading up to Halloween. This might've been the best spooky season decision I've made in a long time. I had so much fun reading these stories- they were all quick, easy reads, each different from the others but all with a fun little twist at the end.
Thoughts on each of the included stories:
Come in and rest for a spell
Loved the pov, the writing the creepy story. Skeleton key vibes.
4/5
Marian
Creepy ai vibes- but a ghost
Teach bad drivers a lesson
4/5
Morgan Roehmers Boys
Spooky haunted house set up at an actual haunted house. Murder ghost?!
4/5
Only on Hallows Eve
Prank gone awry!
Can you kill a ghost?
3/5
Cemetery field trip
Creepy murdeous transient tried to kill Janelle- unlikely saviors!
3/5
Best friends
Two wildly different ideas/views of a friendship. But some bonds go beyond this lifetime
5/5
Pretending
Monster inception
2/5
I want to thank you
When and where
Don't ask questions you don't want the answers to. Also she wasn't wrong.
3/5
When my parents come to visit
Horrible people homophobic and critical
Fun twist. But meh story 3/5
Edward lost and far from home
Be careful who you trick- you might not like the consequences.
4/5
My Real Mother
This story had so many twists!
The scarecrows...THE SCARECROWS!
Loved the narrator
5/5
Holding on
Who's holding on to who. Haunted or haunter?
3/5
Thoughts on each of the included stories:
Come in and rest for a spell
Loved the pov, the writing the creepy story. Skeleton key vibes.
4/5
Marian
Creepy ai vibes- but a ghost
Teach bad drivers a lesson
4/5
Morgan Roehmers Boys
Spooky haunted house set up at an actual haunted house. Murder ghost?!
4/5
Only on Hallows Eve
Prank gone awry!
Can you kill a ghost?
3/5
Cemetery field trip
Creepy murdeous transient tried to kill Janelle- unlikely saviors!
3/5
Best friends
Two wildly different ideas/views of a friendship. But some bonds go beyond this lifetime
5/5
Pretending
Monster inception
2/5
I want to thank you
When and where
Don't ask questions you don't want the answers to. Also she wasn't wrong.
3/5
When my parents come to visit
Horrible people homophobic and critical
Fun twist. But meh story 3/5
Edward lost and far from home
Be careful who you trick- you might not like the consequences.
4/5
My Real Mother
This story had so many twists!
The scarecrows...THE SCARECROWS!
Loved the narrator
5/5
Holding on
Who's holding on to who. Haunted or haunter?
3/5
November 8, 2019
All Hallows Eve. by Vivian Vande Velde
I personally like all Hallows Eve. The book is about witches, the dead, and vampires I love these kinds of the book, so if you like them, too you should check it out. There were a couple of stories in the book that wasn’t my favorite because they were boring and not fun and some of them didn’t make sense but overall it was a good book. I liked the way the book was set up the way the author wrote it, by putting some scary parts in it but not too many. paperbacks cost $4.48 hardcover cost $22.37.
The story Thank You was one of my favorites because it was about this girl who is a witch she lived with townfolk she thinks they went crazy so she lived with someone else and says thank you a lot. The genre of the book is horror so if you get scared fast you might not want to read this at night. My opinion of the book is it’s very good its scary but the scary parts the fun of the book I personally think. The stories are fun to read the good this about the book is you don’t have to read it in order. The author makes the book interesting but putting witch power and vampires.
So if you like horror books I think you should try this book it would be perfect for you. The best thing about the book is who there is a twist in about every story. There is a
I personally like all Hallows Eve. The book is about witches, the dead, and vampires I love these kinds of the book, so if you like them, too you should check it out. There were a couple of stories in the book that wasn’t my favorite because they were boring and not fun and some of them didn’t make sense but overall it was a good book. I liked the way the book was set up the way the author wrote it, by putting some scary parts in it but not too many. paperbacks cost $4.48 hardcover cost $22.37.
The story Thank You was one of my favorites because it was about this girl who is a witch she lived with townfolk she thinks they went crazy so she lived with someone else and says thank you a lot. The genre of the book is horror so if you get scared fast you might not want to read this at night. My opinion of the book is it’s very good its scary but the scary parts the fun of the book I personally think. The stories are fun to read the good this about the book is you don’t have to read it in order. The author makes the book interesting but putting witch power and vampires.
So if you like horror books I think you should try this book it would be perfect for you. The best thing about the book is who there is a twist in about every story. There is a
April 3, 2020
A decent collection of Halloween themed stories. I didn’t find any of them properly scary and I honestly doubt a teenager would either. They’re the kind of stories little kids tell to scare each other, each with a twist at the end. The writing wasn’t bad, it just tended to be predictable and the endings didn’t quite pack the punch I expected. I think it’s because they lacked a lot of the atmospheric elements that are required to make a horror story scary. You have to feel as if you’re actually there with the character, and these stories seemed to focus more on the plot and sometimes the characters. Morgan Roehmar’s Boys was probably the best story overall, and looking at the reviews, others seem to agree. It focused a lot more on developing the setting and the mood than the other stories. We had one character and one setting, and thus the author was able to develop them enough to actually pack a punch at the end. 2.25/5 April 2 2020
July 4, 2024
Witches are dancing. The dead are walking. Vampires are feeding. For tonight is All Hallows' Eve.
Halloween themed story collections will never fail luring me in. In the case of this amateur seeming anthology, a few of the young adult tales actually were splendid, while a majority of them were just okay. Maybe one story out of the thirteen I didn't care for at all. Something spooky for the midnight hour dwelling teenager with a fetish for all things October.
Halloween themed story collections will never fail luring me in. In the case of this amateur seeming anthology, a few of the young adult tales actually were splendid, while a majority of them were just okay. Maybe one story out of the thirteen I didn't care for at all. Something spooky for the midnight hour dwelling teenager with a fetish for all things October.
January 19, 2017
While some of the short stories in this collection are better than others overall it is fun and spooky. The author frequently subverts the reader's expectations and puts a surprising spin on the common ghost story. It's a quick easy read that is perfect for Halloween night, but can be enjoyed anytime.
November 1, 2022
It is Halloween, and Vande Velde is one of my favorite authors, so even though I don't like horror stories, I decided to give this a shot. Seems like I liked it more than most people who did want to be creeped out? Maybe because I liked that all the stories were short, or very very short, and I do love 'zingers.'
April 6, 2018
This wasn't thrilling at al. It were just stories about halloween and some paranormal things. Kind of liked some of them, others had huge anticlimaxes at the end. Overall it was good for a quick read but I will not reread this ever.
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