Legends of Funland

by Melanie Florence

Buddy wants to prove to his big brother that he is not a scared little kid anymore. For as long as Buddy can remember, there has been a rumour that the local theme park is haunted. After a fight with his brother, he convinces his friends that they should sneak into the park and spend the night. That way, everyone will know how brave they are. But can Buddy and his friends avoid the guards and the cameras and whatever is haunting the theme park? Or is the whole thing just an urban legend after all?

Genres: Horror

128 pages, Paperback

Published August 16, 2022

Reviews

[Suzanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great easy YA read. Target audience would be 3-6 grade snd would be a home run for those reluctant readers. Fast pace with relatable characters.

Thanks to Orca Book Publishers for an advanced digital copy via NetGalley. It is set for publication on August 16, 2022.

[Cherlynn | cherreading · Rating 3 out of 5]

On the horror front, this turned out underwhelming as it isn't spooky at all like the cover or synopsis suggests. However, what we have here is still a solid popcorn novella in between heavier reads. Buddy is a well-developed protagonist and I enjoyed the siblings dynamics. I found the story engaging overall even though it could have been creepier.

[Amie's Book Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

This easy to read your adult novel is perfect for reluctant readers.

The story should be relatable for young adults. It's fast pace will keep the interest of even those readers whose attention spans are quite short.

Highly recommend for middle grade and young adult readers who do not usually read for fun.

4 out of 5 Stars ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

[Shan Rich · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fast paced read for young readers, middle grade thrills & lessons about bravery and trusting yourself!

[Ms. Yingling · Rating 3 out of 5]

Library Copy

I was hoping this would be similar to Scraff's Planet Doom (2001), and it had its moments, but it wasn't all that scary. The ghost turned out to be very benign and even helpful. I liked the dynamic between Buddy and his older brother, whom he idolizes, and the idea of being stuck in an amusement parks has received several other treatments, notably Alexander's Escape or Jortner's 102 Days of Lying About Lauren.

This was a quick read, and the cover will insure that kids pick it up, but I wish it had been scarier.

[Holly Dimitrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

YA adventure ghost type story
Def a great read for middle school and young adults, but I also enjoyed it so a fun fast read for adults also
Fast-paced and hooks you
Who doesn't want to be cool.... esp if you are young and have an older sibling?
Ben is a great main character and his friends are awesome, they make this story great
Well written and fun book

Thank you Orca Book Publishers and NetGalley for this ARC
The opinion and thoughts above are my own and honest

[Danielle Bush · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a super cute short story about a boy who wants to be cool. After getting yelled at by his cool older brother Ben aka Buddy talks his friends into breaking into Funland and staying the night. If they happen to see the legendary ghost of Funland (even though they are almost pretty sure it's just a story) then all the better.
There actually is a ghost, which I liked. I loved Ben and his friends. They are a tight knit group that stick together and help Ben out when they know hes feeling down.

I would definitely read more by this author.

[Jeni · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good low level, high interest book. Not creepy enough, some missed opportunities at the amusement park. Short chapters, quick read, nice ending. Glaringly obvious missing age of the main character…is he 12? 17? 10? We’ll never know.

[Tina · Rating 2 out of 5]

I enjoy many of the books in this collection, but this one is not one of them.

The basic premise is silly, and all the characters are immature and pretty ridiculous.

Huge no for me with this one.

[Lizz Axnick · Rating 1 out of 5]

Super short and so unscary it's ridiculous. Glad I got it from the library.

[Alex · Rating 2 out of 5]

Just kind of "meh".

[Aryanna Tunstall · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought this would be more of an R L Stein read but it was a basic story of a couple of kids sneaking out of an amusement park.