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Crescentville Haunting
Determined to pass junior year, Logan won’t let Henry distract him—much. Logan’s focusing on all things human, which means his swoony vampire ex-boyfriend will have to file his own fangs for a change. When he goes to the school bonfire and runs into Henry, wandering into the woods seems like a great escape. Until he’s bitten by a wicked Crone with some twisted magical munchies.
Logan is certain his ex-free human future is done when he’s dragged off to a scientific institution for study. There, he’s presented with an opportunity to keep his life, family, and future. All he has to do is stick to human ideology, since all things paranormal are illegal. But complications arise when the Crone begins to haunt him and Logan realizes that if he wants to get his life back, he has to navigate his lingering feelings for Henry.
With the Crone set on devouring him and the institution ready to obliterate him for any missteps, Logan must decide between pursuing the human future his family wants—one that he thought he wanted too—or the chance to embrace Henry, even if the world isn’t ready.
Logan is certain his ex-free human future is done when he’s dragged off to a scientific institution for study. There, he’s presented with an opportunity to keep his life, family, and future. All he has to do is stick to human ideology, since all things paranormal are illegal. But complications arise when the Crone begins to haunt him and Logan realizes that if he wants to get his life back, he has to navigate his lingering feelings for Henry.
With the Crone set on devouring him and the institution ready to obliterate him for any missteps, Logan must decide between pursuing the human future his family wants—one that he thought he wanted too—or the chance to embrace Henry, even if the world isn’t ready.
365 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 27, 2023
17 people are currently reading
280 people want to read
About the author
M.N. Bennet
11 books358 followersMN Bennet is a high school teacher, writer, and reader. He lives in the Midwest, still adjusting to the cold after being born and raised in the South.
He enjoys writing paranormal and fantasy stories with huge worlds (sometimes too big), loveable romances (with so much angst and banter), and Happily Ever Afters (once he’s dragged his characters through some emotional turmoil).
When he’s not balancing classes, writing, or reading, he can be found binge watching anime or replaying Baldur's Gate 3 for the millionth time.
He enjoys writing paranormal and fantasy stories with huge worlds (sometimes too big), loveable romances (with so much angst and banter), and Happily Ever Afters (once he’s dragged his characters through some emotional turmoil).
When he’s not balancing classes, writing, or reading, he can be found binge watching anime or replaying Baldur's Gate 3 for the millionth time.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
October 17, 2024
I was very lucky to read an ARC of MN Bennet's YA paranormal debut.
Crescentville Haunting is a thoughtfully written story about Logan, a human in a paranormal world who wants to repair his normal life wrecked by dating a supernatural. If he can just get his grades up and graduate, everything will be fine. What could go wrong? When a bite at a bonfire sends him to a facility meant to reverse the very non-human side effects, his goals are shattered.
His time in the facility spent making connections and discovering what's important to him really shows us who he is. And when things go down and Logan steps up, it's satisfying to witness his growth. And I'm a sucker for "will they, won't they", so Logan and Henry are up there with my favorite paranormal couples!
A wonderful read by MN Bennet, I can't wait to see what he writes next!!
Crescentville Haunting is a thoughtfully written story about Logan, a human in a paranormal world who wants to repair his normal life wrecked by dating a supernatural. If he can just get his grades up and graduate, everything will be fine. What could go wrong? When a bite at a bonfire sends him to a facility meant to reverse the very non-human side effects, his goals are shattered.
His time in the facility spent making connections and discovering what's important to him really shows us who he is. And when things go down and Logan steps up, it's satisfying to witness his growth. And I'm a sucker for "will they, won't they", so Logan and Henry are up there with my favorite paranormal couples!
A wonderful read by MN Bennet, I can't wait to see what he writes next!!
March 30, 2023
Full text review: https://jamreads.com/reviews/crescent...
Interview with the author: https://jamreads.com/interviews/some-...
Crescentville Haunting is the debut novel from M.N. Bennett, a great mix of paranormal romance elements and urban fantasy, centered around themes such as self-acceptance and discovery, all of this while writing an excellent metaphor about the situations many members of the LGTBI+ collective experience sometimes; a really brave novel with an engaging plot.
Logan was determined to have a year far from the paranormal things, and far from Henry, his ex-boyfriend, a vampire; all with the hope of improving his marks during junior year. But not all goes as we plan, and while trying to avoid Henry, he runs into a Crone, and gets bitten.
In a world where paranormal things are mostly illegal, Logan gets dragged into a scientific institution for study; and he's promised to recover his life and family if he sticks to human ideology. But again, things get even more complicated, as the Crone is decided to devour Logan, putting him into a situation that will force him to choose between going for the human life with his family, or embracing his paranormal nature as a Viceling, and accepting Henry as a part of his life.
Before we talk about the themes, it's important to talk a little about worldbuilding. While in Crescentville there are several paranormal creatures, most of them Vices (paranormal creatures that are bornt), paranormal activity is basically persecuted and forbidden, being treated with intolerance by the humans.
There are institutions that try to maintain those paranormal creatures confined, and Crescentville Haven, the one where Logan gets dragged, it's trying to cure those who were haunted and transformed into Vicelings.
But the most important point in the novel is how this is a novel about how Logan has to deal with his nature, how he's forced into this "cure" treatment with the threat of losing his family and his life. He's a Viceling, and it's not something he has chosen to be; this cure is basically making him renounce a part of what he is: and his decision is highly pressured by those around him. There's something I couldn't take out of my head while reading, and it's how this is a big metaphor about how queer people are sometimes forced into renouncing what they are in order to fit in with what the people around them expect (and Bennet has crafted it in such a great way).
Romance elements are present but kinda tenuous. While the relationship between Henry and Logan is a key piece of the whole plot, as Henry represents the paranormal part of Logan's life, I think it's put into the plot in a really organic way; if you are looking for a spicy book, definitely this is not one.
Crescentville Haunting is a really brave novel, with an important message about self-acceptance. If you like young adult fantasy, or are in the look for a queer novel, certainly give it a try, because you won't be dissapointed.
Interview with the author: https://jamreads.com/interviews/some-...
Crescentville Haunting is the debut novel from M.N. Bennett, a great mix of paranormal romance elements and urban fantasy, centered around themes such as self-acceptance and discovery, all of this while writing an excellent metaphor about the situations many members of the LGTBI+ collective experience sometimes; a really brave novel with an engaging plot.
Logan was determined to have a year far from the paranormal things, and far from Henry, his ex-boyfriend, a vampire; all with the hope of improving his marks during junior year. But not all goes as we plan, and while trying to avoid Henry, he runs into a Crone, and gets bitten.
In a world where paranormal things are mostly illegal, Logan gets dragged into a scientific institution for study; and he's promised to recover his life and family if he sticks to human ideology. But again, things get even more complicated, as the Crone is decided to devour Logan, putting him into a situation that will force him to choose between going for the human life with his family, or embracing his paranormal nature as a Viceling, and accepting Henry as a part of his life.
Before we talk about the themes, it's important to talk a little about worldbuilding. While in Crescentville there are several paranormal creatures, most of them Vices (paranormal creatures that are bornt), paranormal activity is basically persecuted and forbidden, being treated with intolerance by the humans.
There are institutions that try to maintain those paranormal creatures confined, and Crescentville Haven, the one where Logan gets dragged, it's trying to cure those who were haunted and transformed into Vicelings.
But the most important point in the novel is how this is a novel about how Logan has to deal with his nature, how he's forced into this "cure" treatment with the threat of losing his family and his life. He's a Viceling, and it's not something he has chosen to be; this cure is basically making him renounce a part of what he is: and his decision is highly pressured by those around him. There's something I couldn't take out of my head while reading, and it's how this is a big metaphor about how queer people are sometimes forced into renouncing what they are in order to fit in with what the people around them expect (and Bennet has crafted it in such a great way).
Romance elements are present but kinda tenuous. While the relationship between Henry and Logan is a key piece of the whole plot, as Henry represents the paranormal part of Logan's life, I think it's put into the plot in a really organic way; if you are looking for a spicy book, definitely this is not one.
Crescentville Haunting is a really brave novel, with an important message about self-acceptance. If you like young adult fantasy, or are in the look for a queer novel, certainly give it a try, because you won't be dissapointed.
March 1, 2023
*I received an ecopy of this book via BookSirens. This has not influenced my review.*
Action, danger, supernaturals, a bit of romance, and, most importantly, a teenager finding himself and figuring out what he wants in life.
This felt surprisingly grounded, at least, as much as a story about supernaturals can be. A lot of the story took place within the facility where Logan was staying during the program he was forced into. (In case anyone is worried, there's not a bunch of medical stuff. It's basically just occasional blood drawing and group therapy.) And while he was there, I got to know Logan and understand what was going on his mind and how he was growing over the course of the story. It's great to have some stories, especially in YA, that are more about personal growth. And it felt really natural.
And although I didn't get to see as much time between Logan and Henry as I would normally like in a romance, because of the whole "in the facility for a while" thing, I still saw enough to know their relationship was sweet! They only broke up because Logan was worried about the danger of being entrenched within the supernatural world, so there were still feelings between them. Henry was always trying to protect and help Logan, and Logan was, well, trying to do the same for Henry, but in the sense of protecting him from the prejudice against vampires and other Vices.
As I said, there was also some action and danger, magical fights with witches and other paranormal beings and government agents.
This was a unique supernatural/magic system. Different types of supes, but also sort of classifications of them (Vices, Sins, Hauntings). The reader gets to meet various types with different abilities throughout the book whom Logan is friends with or meets in the program, which is fun. I always love supernaturals, especially less common ones. I actually would've liked some info dumping because it was confusing at the start, and there are still some things I'm not sure about, but I think I mostly got it by the end.
Overall, the romance was sweet, the magic and action were fun, the character growth was great, and I enjoyed this supernatural-filled story!
*Rating: 3.5 Stars // Read Date: 2023 // Format: Ebook via TTS*
Recommended For:
Anyone who likes YA paranormal, unique supernatural lore, lots of supernaturals, a bit of second chance romance, and teens figuring out their way in life.
Original Review @ Metaphors and Moonlight
Action, danger, supernaturals, a bit of romance, and, most importantly, a teenager finding himself and figuring out what he wants in life.
This felt surprisingly grounded, at least, as much as a story about supernaturals can be. A lot of the story took place within the facility where Logan was staying during the program he was forced into. (In case anyone is worried, there's not a bunch of medical stuff. It's basically just occasional blood drawing and group therapy.) And while he was there, I got to know Logan and understand what was going on his mind and how he was growing over the course of the story. It's great to have some stories, especially in YA, that are more about personal growth. And it felt really natural.
And although I didn't get to see as much time between Logan and Henry as I would normally like in a romance, because of the whole "in the facility for a while" thing, I still saw enough to know their relationship was sweet! They only broke up because Logan was worried about the danger of being entrenched within the supernatural world, so there were still feelings between them. Henry was always trying to protect and help Logan, and Logan was, well, trying to do the same for Henry, but in the sense of protecting him from the prejudice against vampires and other Vices.
As I said, there was also some action and danger, magical fights with witches and other paranormal beings and government agents.
This was a unique supernatural/magic system. Different types of supes, but also sort of classifications of them (Vices, Sins, Hauntings). The reader gets to meet various types with different abilities throughout the book whom Logan is friends with or meets in the program, which is fun. I always love supernaturals, especially less common ones. I actually would've liked some info dumping because it was confusing at the start, and there are still some things I'm not sure about, but I think I mostly got it by the end.
Overall, the romance was sweet, the magic and action were fun, the character growth was great, and I enjoyed this supernatural-filled story!
*Rating: 3.5 Stars // Read Date: 2023 // Format: Ebook via TTS*
Recommended For:
Anyone who likes YA paranormal, unique supernatural lore, lots of supernaturals, a bit of second chance romance, and teens figuring out their way in life.
Original Review @ Metaphors and Moonlight
February 27, 2023
Crescentville Haunting, by M.N. Bennet
adventurous, funny, mysterious. medium-paced
Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
I received this arc for free through Book Sirens. That doesn’t affect any review or opinion of mine.
This book was so fun! Bennet’s world building is amazing. Crescentville felt like a place I was visiting, I felt like I was really there. I sure hope he writes more in this universe, by the way! I’d love to see it extended, more fleshed out about the Covenant and the SPU and various other paranormal groups.
Henry is my precious baby. I want a book all about him and his family, especially Tricia. Logan was a very 3D character with a strong, individual voice. Don’t go into this expecting a romance. I would have preferred more Logan + Henry scenes, but I understand that this isn’t romance as much as it’s an adventure/ mystery/ thriller.
I thought I had figured out the mystery early on in the book, and was very pleasantly surprised when there was a twist I didn’t expect! I’d say this is was definitely worth the read. I enjoyed it a lot and I’m giving it 4/5 stars, with plans to read any sequel that may be forthcoming (I hope!).
I had a bit of a slump during the period when Logan was in the facility. The story didn't move far and the characters didn't grow much at this time. This is a trope I regularly dislike, so it's not a surprise that I struggled with it. If I hadn't had that bump in the reading, I would happily give this book 5 stars!
adventurous, funny, mysterious. medium-paced
Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
I received this arc for free through Book Sirens. That doesn’t affect any review or opinion of mine.
This book was so fun! Bennet’s world building is amazing. Crescentville felt like a place I was visiting, I felt like I was really there. I sure hope he writes more in this universe, by the way! I’d love to see it extended, more fleshed out about the Covenant and the SPU and various other paranormal groups.
Henry is my precious baby. I want a book all about him and his family, especially Tricia. Logan was a very 3D character with a strong, individual voice. Don’t go into this expecting a romance. I would have preferred more Logan + Henry scenes, but I understand that this isn’t romance as much as it’s an adventure/ mystery/ thriller.
I thought I had figured out the mystery early on in the book, and was very pleasantly surprised when there was a twist I didn’t expect! I’d say this is was definitely worth the read. I enjoyed it a lot and I’m giving it 4/5 stars, with plans to read any sequel that may be forthcoming (I hope!).
I had a bit of a slump during the period when Logan was in the facility. The story didn't move far and the characters didn't grow much at this time. This is a trope I regularly dislike, so it's not a surprise that I struggled with it. If I hadn't had that bump in the reading, I would happily give this book 5 stars!
July 14, 2023
For a novel about Vampires, emotions, covert science laboratories, and DANGER!, I found this a wonderfully comfy-cozy read. Firstly I credit author M. N. Bennett's talented prose, which immediately made me "part of the story," and the subtle and unobtrusive humor woven throughout. Part of sanity is the ability to laugh at oneself and to find humor in the most dire situations, is it not? Better to laugh than to weep.
I also very much appreciated the author's approach to "content warnings," placing this note at the commencement, and especially giving any reader the space to back away and come back to the novel later. I think that's the first time I've ever seen that approach!
Throughout the story there was no need to suspend disbelief: I readily accepted the vampires, Witches, and Monsters as real, and despite not being in the protagonist's situation, still empathy was easy and immediate, so the entire story was a joy.
If you adore Contemporary Queer YA Urban Fantasy, or even if you're just into Urban Fantasy in general: PLEASE do not miss CRESCENTVILLE HAUNTING!!!
I also very much appreciated the author's approach to "content warnings," placing this note at the commencement, and especially giving any reader the space to back away and come back to the novel later. I think that's the first time I've ever seen that approach!
Throughout the story there was no need to suspend disbelief: I readily accepted the vampires, Witches, and Monsters as real, and despite not being in the protagonist's situation, still empathy was easy and immediate, so the entire story was a joy.
If you adore Contemporary Queer YA Urban Fantasy, or even if you're just into Urban Fantasy in general: PLEASE do not miss CRESCENTVILLE HAUNTING!!!
January 11, 2023
This book is a paranormal romance with vampires. The book was well paced, and an enjoyable read. The romance is swoon worthy!!
I loved meeting Logan and Henry so much.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫/5
I received an ARC for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I loved meeting Logan and Henry so much.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫/5
I received an ARC for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 19, 2023
Ahhh, I loved this!! The characters have so much personality, the plot is engaging, and the writing is smooth.
Paranormal romance is one of my favorite genres, and add the tension that the MC and his love interest just broke up before the story began just adds to this story’s angsty appeal!
Plus, the disclaimer at the beginning was very thoughtful and appreciated. I highly recommend this book!
Paranormal romance is one of my favorite genres, and add the tension that the MC and his love interest just broke up before the story began just adds to this story’s angsty appeal!
Plus, the disclaimer at the beginning was very thoughtful and appreciated. I highly recommend this book!
July 12, 2023
Thank you Pridebooktours and M.N. Bennet for providing me with a free copy of this book!
Not truly reading (or registering, in this case) the synopsis’ of books myself, this book was a wild ride. From the very start this story jumped right into it and I think that was an excellent choice. I admit it was quite difficult to follow at times since they keep throwing different ‘species’ and variants at you without any clear explanation about what this world is like.
From the very start I got strong Teen Wolf vibes, it’s not a bad thing. It’s very interesting and it might even be a plus for some readers, so it seemed worthy of mentioning. Also, do not let the cover deceive you, I don’t actually view this book as a romance story. Sure, it has romantic elements in it, but it’s definitely not the main focus of it. The book starts when Logan and Henry have already broken up, and I can count the amount of interactions they have after 65% of this book on one hand. The conversations they have are mostly about the plot. Again, I just want to be clear for people who are interested in reading this book, know what you’re getting into.
After seeing how mislabelled books like The Cruel Prince can make it so that readers hate a series, I’d prefer to be transparent about the vibes of a book even if it doesn’t fit the marketing or hype it’s gotten.
I did genuinely enjoy this book, confusion about a lot of things aside. A very interesting aspect about this book is how it gave me the feeling that it was an awful (but in a good way) comparison to homosexuality. The Crescentville Hospital truly gave me conversion therapy vibs from the start. I’m not sure it if was intentional, but once it was in my head – It was difficult to forget about it.
FULL REVIEW: https://wolfsbanebooks.wordpress.com/...
Not truly reading (or registering, in this case) the synopsis’ of books myself, this book was a wild ride. From the very start this story jumped right into it and I think that was an excellent choice. I admit it was quite difficult to follow at times since they keep throwing different ‘species’ and variants at you without any clear explanation about what this world is like.
From the very start I got strong Teen Wolf vibes, it’s not a bad thing. It’s very interesting and it might even be a plus for some readers, so it seemed worthy of mentioning. Also, do not let the cover deceive you, I don’t actually view this book as a romance story. Sure, it has romantic elements in it, but it’s definitely not the main focus of it. The book starts when Logan and Henry have already broken up, and I can count the amount of interactions they have after 65% of this book on one hand. The conversations they have are mostly about the plot. Again, I just want to be clear for people who are interested in reading this book, know what you’re getting into.
After seeing how mislabelled books like The Cruel Prince can make it so that readers hate a series, I’d prefer to be transparent about the vibes of a book even if it doesn’t fit the marketing or hype it’s gotten.
I did genuinely enjoy this book, confusion about a lot of things aside. A very interesting aspect about this book is how it gave me the feeling that it was an awful (but in a good way) comparison to homosexuality. The Crescentville Hospital truly gave me conversion therapy vibs from the start. I’m not sure it if was intentional, but once it was in my head – It was difficult to forget about it.
FULL REVIEW: https://wolfsbanebooks.wordpress.com/...
May 22, 2023
I'm always looking for more queer books, so when the author offered me a review copy of this one, I was happy to accept!
The writing style flows pretty well and read fairly quickly for me. There was a definitive sense of voice. I also loved the differing fonts to show the Crone's creepy voice. It's a YA book that definitely feels written for teens.
I loved the mystery in the plot. Who the Crone was, what her plan was. In general, she was a pretty insidious villain and worked well as the big bad. I also loved the mystery of what Logan's powers would turn out to be. Admittedly, the whole system of magic (Vices, Sins, Vicelings, Virtues, Hauntings, Saints, etc.) was a little bit confusing to part out at first. But I'm not sure if there was a clearer way to explain things, so I didn't take off a star for it.
The relationship between Logan and Henry was adorable. I appreciated that Henry wasn't the cliche "dark brooding vampire" archetype. Instead, he was a perfect mix of infuriating and loveable. And the chemistry between the two was well done. Henry knows how to make those big statements the romantics love. Wouldn't be surprised if a lot of his dialogue ended up highlighted or underlined in other reader's books.
In general, a great pick for a YA paranormal read!
The writing style flows pretty well and read fairly quickly for me. There was a definitive sense of voice. I also loved the differing fonts to show the Crone's creepy voice. It's a YA book that definitely feels written for teens.
I loved the mystery in the plot. Who the Crone was, what her plan was. In general, she was a pretty insidious villain and worked well as the big bad. I also loved the mystery of what Logan's powers would turn out to be. Admittedly, the whole system of magic (Vices, Sins, Vicelings, Virtues, Hauntings, Saints, etc.) was a little bit confusing to part out at first. But I'm not sure if there was a clearer way to explain things, so I didn't take off a star for it.
The relationship between Logan and Henry was adorable. I appreciated that Henry wasn't the cliche "dark brooding vampire" archetype. Instead, he was a perfect mix of infuriating and loveable. And the chemistry between the two was well done. Henry knows how to make those big statements the romantics love. Wouldn't be surprised if a lot of his dialogue ended up highlighted or underlined in other reader's books.
In general, a great pick for a YA paranormal read!
March 29, 2023
*round up from 3.5 stars*
This is a high school paranormal book. It can get a little confusing with all the classes of paranormal, magic, and different events being referenced that didn’t happen in the book timeline. It read like I might have missed the first book in a series and stumbled upon the second. It is a stand-alone though. I loved that this had several LBGTQ+ reps. The romance was there, but it took a backseat to the plot.
Logan is very much human and broke up with his vampire boyfriend. He can’t handle the danger that goes with being with him. At least that’s his reasoning until he goes to a bonfire and gets attacked in the woods. Now he is working on dealing with the after effects of the attack. Because he was attacked by the worst of paranormals, called a Sin. And now he is either dying or being changed into something else. And he didn’t even get to kiss his boyfriend first.
Thanks to BookSirens for the copy to review!
This is a high school paranormal book. It can get a little confusing with all the classes of paranormal, magic, and different events being referenced that didn’t happen in the book timeline. It read like I might have missed the first book in a series and stumbled upon the second. It is a stand-alone though. I loved that this had several LBGTQ+ reps. The romance was there, but it took a backseat to the plot.
Logan is very much human and broke up with his vampire boyfriend. He can’t handle the danger that goes with being with him. At least that’s his reasoning until he goes to a bonfire and gets attacked in the woods. Now he is working on dealing with the after effects of the attack. Because he was attacked by the worst of paranormals, called a Sin. And now he is either dying or being changed into something else. And he didn’t even get to kiss his boyfriend first.
Thanks to BookSirens for the copy to review!
March 17, 2023
Well, there go several hours of my life I'll never get back. This was disappointing. The world-building makes absolutely no sense (each Vice has exactly 3 abilities? Each type of Vice is, for some reason, associated with a color?), the writing is clunky, the plot and pacing are all over the place, the characters and their motivations are so random and nonsensical, and I never liked or was rooting for Logan at all. Not much here to distinguish from any other mediocre urban fantasy out there. I didn't enjoy reading this and can't really recommend it.
I received a free ARC from BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received a free ARC from BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 14, 2023
This was an enjoyable young adult paranormal romance. I loved the author’s writing style in this book. This book had a unique magic system which I appreciated. Overall this was a great read with wonderful characters and character development.
March 27, 2023
Happy publication day 🦇
I've got an arc from booksirens, all thoughts are mine !
I really enjoyed reading this, it's a fun read with some angst and bit of mystery and lots of worldbuilding. I truly think it was a great way to set up a serie and I hope more books are coming because I want to see more of those characters !
Logan is a good protagonist, he's curious and since we're in his head we learn a lot through him ! It never feels like we got info dumped tho. So kudos for that.
Henry seems interesting and I would have liked to be in his head sometime. The others viceling were cute too and I really hope we'll see more of them !
All in all its a perfect book if you liked first kill and teen wolf !!
I've got an arc from booksirens, all thoughts are mine !
I really enjoyed reading this, it's a fun read with some angst and bit of mystery and lots of worldbuilding. I truly think it was a great way to set up a serie and I hope more books are coming because I want to see more of those characters !
Logan is a good protagonist, he's curious and since we're in his head we learn a lot through him ! It never feels like we got info dumped tho. So kudos for that.
Henry seems interesting and I would have liked to be in his head sometime. The others viceling were cute too and I really hope we'll see more of them !
All in all its a perfect book if you liked first kill and teen wolf !!
March 16, 2023
crescentville haunting is not your typical supernatural high school romance. due to its supernatural nature, it could have played into many overdone tropes… but it didn’t. this book felt like a breath of fresh air. the story was new and exciting, the characters were loveable and realistic, and i was unable to guess the ending which is a huge plus. also, the world building was fantastic so i never felt lost or confused while reading even though there was always a lot going on for the characters.
thanks to book funnel and mn bennet for giving me the chance to read this arc. it’s been a pleasure.
thanks to book funnel and mn bennet for giving me the chance to read this arc. it’s been a pleasure.
July 27, 2023
This is a YA Paranormal Urban Fantasy. This was an engaging story but it had glaringly obvious plot points. The vampire boyfriend was only roughly sketched out. However, it did have good pacing and smooth character interactions. I would be willing to read a second book in the series, with the hope the writing and story are more developed.
February 28, 2023
***Thank you to the author for providing an advanced copy of the book. My review contains my honest thoughts about my reading experience.***
This was such a fun read. It had lovable characters, inventive world-building, and a compelling coming-of-age story. The writing was easy to read, and the pacing was steady throughout the story. I never felt bored and read the entire thing in three sittings because I always wanted to see what would happen next. I really enjoyed the author's ability to bring all the action to life. There were moments that had me cringing in disgust and others that left me with chills.
The world-building was probably my favorite thing about the novel. It took all the usual supernatural creatures and made them into something new, while also maintaining a feeling of familiarity. The classification system was interesting, and I liked getting to know each of the different types of creatures. I honestly wanted even more information about the history of the Vices, Sins, and the Crone, but it probably would have bogged the story down too much. Maybe one day we'll get an appendix or a compendium of some sort with all the different creatures and their histories? I'd totally be down to read it!
I was honestly a bit surprised by the trajectory of the plot. The book blurb made it sound like the romance was integral to the story, but it seemed like more of an afterthought. Logan and Henry spent very little time together, and there were times when Henry was avoidant of Logan that didn't really make sense to me. Don't get me wrong... I liked the two of them together. I just wish it had been developed a little more with a bit more page time for the romance. That being said, I enjoyed reading Logan's coming-of-age story and his struggle to figure out his identity and how to put his life back together after his vision of himself and his future drastically changed. I also loved how the book was incredibly queer without making queerness the explicit subject of the book. The queer themes were subsumed under the facade of the supernatural, and it allowed for a critique of oppressive systems and the exploration of potentially traumatic content (conversion therapy, negative family reactions) in a way that was both entertaining and emotionally resonant without being in your face about the real life trauma of it all. It was great escapism, but I also think many queer individuals will see a piece of themselves in the story.
I loved the characters so much. Poor Logan was just trying to get his life back on track, but everything seemed to be against him. I felt so sorry for him, but I was also inspired by his determination to make a future for himself despite all the horrible things happening to him. Henry was an absolute sweetheart who just wanted to save everyone. I wish there had been a bit more of him in the book, but I loved the optimistic snark we did get. The rest of the cast was great too, especially Esteban the himbo troll. He lit up every scene he graced with his presence. The villain, the Crone, was disturbingly evil and quite grotesque, but it did feel a little one note, and her identity was very predictable. This was one area where I wished there had been some more history and a bit more context for her actions. However, she seemed to suggest a history with the doctor and police, or other oppressive forces like them. So, I am curious to see if she was turned into the monster by so many people making her out to be one...
All in all, if you are looking for a queer supernatural story with fascinating world-building, emotional depth, a bi male main character, and a sunshine vampire love interest who wants to save the world, this story is for you. I definitely recommend it. Therefore, I rate this book 4.5 out of 5 stars!
See more of my reviews and other bookish content on my blog.
This was such a fun read. It had lovable characters, inventive world-building, and a compelling coming-of-age story. The writing was easy to read, and the pacing was steady throughout the story. I never felt bored and read the entire thing in three sittings because I always wanted to see what would happen next. I really enjoyed the author's ability to bring all the action to life. There were moments that had me cringing in disgust and others that left me with chills.
The world-building was probably my favorite thing about the novel. It took all the usual supernatural creatures and made them into something new, while also maintaining a feeling of familiarity. The classification system was interesting, and I liked getting to know each of the different types of creatures. I honestly wanted even more information about the history of the Vices, Sins, and the Crone, but it probably would have bogged the story down too much. Maybe one day we'll get an appendix or a compendium of some sort with all the different creatures and their histories? I'd totally be down to read it!
I was honestly a bit surprised by the trajectory of the plot. The book blurb made it sound like the romance was integral to the story, but it seemed like more of an afterthought. Logan and Henry spent very little time together, and there were times when Henry was avoidant of Logan that didn't really make sense to me. Don't get me wrong... I liked the two of them together. I just wish it had been developed a little more with a bit more page time for the romance. That being said, I enjoyed reading Logan's coming-of-age story and his struggle to figure out his identity and how to put his life back together after his vision of himself and his future drastically changed. I also loved how the book was incredibly queer without making queerness the explicit subject of the book. The queer themes were subsumed under the facade of the supernatural, and it allowed for a critique of oppressive systems and the exploration of potentially traumatic content (conversion therapy, negative family reactions) in a way that was both entertaining and emotionally resonant without being in your face about the real life trauma of it all. It was great escapism, but I also think many queer individuals will see a piece of themselves in the story.
I loved the characters so much. Poor Logan was just trying to get his life back on track, but everything seemed to be against him. I felt so sorry for him, but I was also inspired by his determination to make a future for himself despite all the horrible things happening to him. Henry was an absolute sweetheart who just wanted to save everyone. I wish there had been a bit more of him in the book, but I loved the optimistic snark we did get. The rest of the cast was great too, especially Esteban the himbo troll. He lit up every scene he graced with his presence. The villain, the Crone, was disturbingly evil and quite grotesque, but it did feel a little one note, and her identity was very predictable. This was one area where I wished there had been some more history and a bit more context for her actions. However, she seemed to suggest a history with the doctor and police, or other oppressive forces like them. So, I am curious to see if she was turned into the monster by so many people making her out to be one...
All in all, if you are looking for a queer supernatural story with fascinating world-building, emotional depth, a bi male main character, and a sunshine vampire love interest who wants to save the world, this story is for you. I definitely recommend it. Therefore, I rate this book 4.5 out of 5 stars!
See more of my reviews and other bookish content on my blog.
April 11, 2023
I was given a copy to review via Love Book Tours for a book tour. My reviews are always honest and all opinions are my own. #CresentvilleHaunting #MNBennet #LoveBookTours #BookTourReview #YoungAdult #LBTCrew #BookReview
I want to start by saying I loved this book but most importantly I loved the inclusion of the trigger warnings at the start. For a book aimed at young adults who often share experiences that Logan and co have in the book (without the supernatural elements) it was lovely to see the author acknowledge that some may not be ready to join the characters on their journey and to give that warning already had me guessing I would love this and I wasn’t wrong.
First of all the world-building and supernatural elements in this were, I thought, brilliant and unique. As someone who loves supernatural and paranormal media I have to say I haven’t had or experienced anything like this so far. It was easy to understand and get emersed in which made it easier to then understand and focus on the characters. But before we discuss the characters and plot I want to say the writing style was also perfectly matched and so fun and easy to engage with, even the more horror parts. The writing flowed and so did the pace so much so that I never felt bored or wanting to rush through a chapter or scene. It was just right.
In terms of the plot it was honestly brilliant. While the supernatural and paranormal elements were present it was very much a story of coming-of-age and acceptance of yourself and who you are. Obviously with supernatural overtones but it can easily be applied to real life situations and experiences. The idea of feeling out of the norm but overcoming it is something nearly everyone can empathise with I think and I certainly did.
Since the plot is very much a coming-of-age story it’s safe to say the characters are important and Bennet’s characters are all unique and certainly memorable. We have Logan, the main character who suffers a life changing experience at a bonfire when he his bit by a Sin. It leaves him with strange cravings and turning into a viceling (a term for those infected by the Sin with their own supernatural powers). His ex-boyfriend Henry who is a vampire and incredibly charismatic and on top of this numerous other supporting characters. My favourites probably being Esteban (who nearly stole the show when ever he appeared) Kiera the phantom and Val. But honestly all the characters were brilliant and memorable in their own ways. I really hope we see more of them in the future.
One more thing I adored was that the romance between Logan and Henry while amazing, cute and I was so glad how it ended I actually loved it wasn’t the main focus a lot of the time. When we saw them together it was brilliant and lovely but it was nice to see them deal with issues separately and how what they go through, particularly Logan, helps them realise how much they matter to each other.
In short this book had it all, action, supernatural and paranormal elements, coming-of-age, great cast, coming-of-age elements and just enough romance for me to enjoy it.
I want to start by saying I loved this book but most importantly I loved the inclusion of the trigger warnings at the start. For a book aimed at young adults who often share experiences that Logan and co have in the book (without the supernatural elements) it was lovely to see the author acknowledge that some may not be ready to join the characters on their journey and to give that warning already had me guessing I would love this and I wasn’t wrong.
First of all the world-building and supernatural elements in this were, I thought, brilliant and unique. As someone who loves supernatural and paranormal media I have to say I haven’t had or experienced anything like this so far. It was easy to understand and get emersed in which made it easier to then understand and focus on the characters. But before we discuss the characters and plot I want to say the writing style was also perfectly matched and so fun and easy to engage with, even the more horror parts. The writing flowed and so did the pace so much so that I never felt bored or wanting to rush through a chapter or scene. It was just right.
In terms of the plot it was honestly brilliant. While the supernatural and paranormal elements were present it was very much a story of coming-of-age and acceptance of yourself and who you are. Obviously with supernatural overtones but it can easily be applied to real life situations and experiences. The idea of feeling out of the norm but overcoming it is something nearly everyone can empathise with I think and I certainly did.
Since the plot is very much a coming-of-age story it’s safe to say the characters are important and Bennet’s characters are all unique and certainly memorable. We have Logan, the main character who suffers a life changing experience at a bonfire when he his bit by a Sin. It leaves him with strange cravings and turning into a viceling (a term for those infected by the Sin with their own supernatural powers). His ex-boyfriend Henry who is a vampire and incredibly charismatic and on top of this numerous other supporting characters. My favourites probably being Esteban (who nearly stole the show when ever he appeared) Kiera the phantom and Val. But honestly all the characters were brilliant and memorable in their own ways. I really hope we see more of them in the future.
One more thing I adored was that the romance between Logan and Henry while amazing, cute and I was so glad how it ended I actually loved it wasn’t the main focus a lot of the time. When we saw them together it was brilliant and lovely but it was nice to see them deal with issues separately and how what they go through, particularly Logan, helps them realise how much they matter to each other.
In short this book had it all, action, supernatural and paranormal elements, coming-of-age, great cast, coming-of-age elements and just enough romance for me to enjoy it.
April 1, 2023
I absolutely devoured this book like a hungry Sin. I cut my teeth on the likes of Madeleine L’Engle and The Boy Who Lived. And I honestly think that MN Bennet might earn his spot along the greats of YA Fantasy. And he definitely has in my heart!
This book kept me on the edge of my seat from start to finish, and had everything I enjoy. Sweet, angsty romance – check. At least a hint of a love triangle – check. Strong social commentary – seemingly always a must for sci-fi and fantasy – check. An amazingly complex world, introduced without info dumps – check! In fact, he did so well at this last bit, I checked more than once to make sure there wasn’t a first book that I missed.
Bennet built a beautifully complex world for his characters. It’s a near dystopian, but also near real-life setting. If anyone has read or watched the “True Blood” series, it’s a similar setup. Supernatural creatures are “out” and the government and “normal” people are attempting to deal with this information. I enjoyed the lore development behind the supernatural creatures, as well as the complicated governmental systems put in place to deal with the new information. Honestly, especially in the United States where it’s set, it seems exactly how we would handle things. There’s a new kind of people, we better make a government branch to watch them.
Bennet explored some deep social issues with his story. Without revealing spoilers, he featured LGBTQIA characters, which is already a big political issue in our society and that was clear in the book. But instead of dealing head on with those issues in the book, Bennett added another layer and explored how we treat “different” in general in our society. Using the high school experience and a small town to highlight how we treat differences was a great choice. Both of them offer a small, microcosm experience perfect for brewing a “no differences allowed” environment. He explored the topic without beating us over the head with it and while still making a thoroughly enjoyable book, something I always appreciate.
When I read in the author’s bio that he is a high school teacher, it made sense because he brought that high school experience to life so well – including the intensity of those “first loves.” The main characters are LGBTQIA characters, and the relationship was intense and beautiful. Bennet developed each character so well that I felt like I knew them. I rooted for the main characters and relationships. The actions of two distinct characters in the story surprised me, which is a nice treat for me. I frequently figure out twists and turns early, so I especially enjoy when authors surprise me.
In the past, I would have avoided this book because it has some horror elements, but I’m glad I’ve been giving horror more of a chance. While the story is categorized more as a fantasy and paranormal romance, it is a little scary and might be too much for extremely sensitive readers. It had some graphic descriptions of various rotting monsters, which might disturb some people.
Originally posted at http://amorinacarlton.com/2023/03/29/...
This book kept me on the edge of my seat from start to finish, and had everything I enjoy. Sweet, angsty romance – check. At least a hint of a love triangle – check. Strong social commentary – seemingly always a must for sci-fi and fantasy – check. An amazingly complex world, introduced without info dumps – check! In fact, he did so well at this last bit, I checked more than once to make sure there wasn’t a first book that I missed.
Bennet built a beautifully complex world for his characters. It’s a near dystopian, but also near real-life setting. If anyone has read or watched the “True Blood” series, it’s a similar setup. Supernatural creatures are “out” and the government and “normal” people are attempting to deal with this information. I enjoyed the lore development behind the supernatural creatures, as well as the complicated governmental systems put in place to deal with the new information. Honestly, especially in the United States where it’s set, it seems exactly how we would handle things. There’s a new kind of people, we better make a government branch to watch them.
Bennet explored some deep social issues with his story. Without revealing spoilers, he featured LGBTQIA characters, which is already a big political issue in our society and that was clear in the book. But instead of dealing head on with those issues in the book, Bennett added another layer and explored how we treat “different” in general in our society. Using the high school experience and a small town to highlight how we treat differences was a great choice. Both of them offer a small, microcosm experience perfect for brewing a “no differences allowed” environment. He explored the topic without beating us over the head with it and while still making a thoroughly enjoyable book, something I always appreciate.
When I read in the author’s bio that he is a high school teacher, it made sense because he brought that high school experience to life so well – including the intensity of those “first loves.” The main characters are LGBTQIA characters, and the relationship was intense and beautiful. Bennet developed each character so well that I felt like I knew them. I rooted for the main characters and relationships. The actions of two distinct characters in the story surprised me, which is a nice treat for me. I frequently figure out twists and turns early, so I especially enjoy when authors surprise me.
In the past, I would have avoided this book because it has some horror elements, but I’m glad I’ve been giving horror more of a chance. While the story is categorized more as a fantasy and paranormal romance, it is a little scary and might be too much for extremely sensitive readers. It had some graphic descriptions of various rotting monsters, which might disturb some people.
Originally posted at http://amorinacarlton.com/2023/03/29/...
July 6, 2023
*ARC provided for free for my honest opinion*
After two years of dating his vampire boyfriend Henry, a supernatural attack causes Logan to break things off and focus on his school grades instead. Which is difficult when Henry is everywhere at school. At a bonfire party, Logan is attacked again by a Sin, creatures which prey on Vices like vampires. The Sin's bite causes a supernatural change, and Logan is taken to a facility for people like him. Despite trying to avoid the paranormal world around him, Logan's human life is uprooted and now he must come to terms with his new existence.
This is clearly a debut novel and it could have used more editing before publication. It is a creative endeavor, and I'm always happy to read new takes on the paranormal genre, but this one could have used some additional world-building to make the world come alive. I never really got a sense of where the story took place and the speaker just assumes the reader knows about the Vice/Sin situation. I understand that writers keep some things held back to remain mysterious, but in this case much of the plot needed more exploration than was given. If you are going to take the paranormal tropes in a new direction, they need to be fully explained. The Vices and Sins, while a creative twist on the paranormal, were not well-fleshed out. All their powers and descriptions were overwhelming and complicated without context and read like a D&D campaign ("Witch casts Rejuvenation!")
As for the characters, I liked Logan well enough (his snarky, defeatist attitude helped) but without any backstory of his life up until this book, it was difficult to connect with him or Henry. Other than being Henry's boyfriend, who is he? What are his likes/dislikes? What are his goals? Despite the cover art, there is very little actual romance in this book--all of it happened off-page before the story started and other than a few kisses and innuendo, there is no romantic action.
Overall, this read like a Book 2 of a series, where all the action and romance happened in the first book and this sequel is tying up loose ends.
After two years of dating his vampire boyfriend Henry, a supernatural attack causes Logan to break things off and focus on his school grades instead. Which is difficult when Henry is everywhere at school. At a bonfire party, Logan is attacked again by a Sin, creatures which prey on Vices like vampires. The Sin's bite causes a supernatural change, and Logan is taken to a facility for people like him. Despite trying to avoid the paranormal world around him, Logan's human life is uprooted and now he must come to terms with his new existence.
This is clearly a debut novel and it could have used more editing before publication. It is a creative endeavor, and I'm always happy to read new takes on the paranormal genre, but this one could have used some additional world-building to make the world come alive. I never really got a sense of where the story took place and the speaker just assumes the reader knows about the Vice/Sin situation. I understand that writers keep some things held back to remain mysterious, but in this case much of the plot needed more exploration than was given. If you are going to take the paranormal tropes in a new direction, they need to be fully explained. The Vices and Sins, while a creative twist on the paranormal, were not well-fleshed out. All their powers and descriptions were overwhelming and complicated without context and read like a D&D campaign ("Witch casts Rejuvenation!")
As for the characters, I liked Logan well enough (his snarky, defeatist attitude helped) but without any backstory of his life up until this book, it was difficult to connect with him or Henry. Other than being Henry's boyfriend, who is he? What are his likes/dislikes? What are his goals? Despite the cover art, there is very little actual romance in this book--all of it happened off-page before the story started and other than a few kisses and innuendo, there is no romantic action.
Overall, this read like a Book 2 of a series, where all the action and romance happened in the first book and this sequel is tying up loose ends.
February 26, 2023
Trigger warnings for Crescentville Haunting include: descriptions of depression, anxiety, and paranoia. Depictions of blood and blood loss are on the page. As well as profanity and violence.
☆
☆
I picked this one up on January 19, and it's taken me over a month to even get round to reading it. Not because of the book or the content, just because I had a lot of other things on my TBR I wanted to get to.
~
I might have picked it up at a bad time. It might be that I just can't get into it properly. Or I just don't like this flavour of paranormal fantasy book. But whatever the reason, I got to 25% and couldn't get any further into it. I'm sure it's a great book for the right person, but that doesn't appear to be me.
~
That being said, the characters and the paranormal aspects are interesting and not something I've come across before. Vampires, witches and magic are fairly standard for paranormal fantasy, but there are elements within this book that aren't. Like the fact that all the paranormal elements are referred to as Vices, and that there are halfbreeds (the best way I can really describe it).
~
What I managed to read was enjoyable, and the characters were interesting enough, but it took me over a month to even get to the point I did, so I don't think it's for me unfortunately.
•
Thank you to BookSirens for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
☆
☆
I picked this one up on January 19, and it's taken me over a month to even get round to reading it. Not because of the book or the content, just because I had a lot of other things on my TBR I wanted to get to.
~
I might have picked it up at a bad time. It might be that I just can't get into it properly. Or I just don't like this flavour of paranormal fantasy book. But whatever the reason, I got to 25% and couldn't get any further into it. I'm sure it's a great book for the right person, but that doesn't appear to be me.
~
That being said, the characters and the paranormal aspects are interesting and not something I've come across before. Vampires, witches and magic are fairly standard for paranormal fantasy, but there are elements within this book that aren't. Like the fact that all the paranormal elements are referred to as Vices, and that there are halfbreeds (the best way I can really describe it).
~
What I managed to read was enjoyable, and the characters were interesting enough, but it took me over a month to even get to the point I did, so I don't think it's for me unfortunately.
•
Thank you to BookSirens for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
March 26, 2023
Crescentville Haunting follows Logan, as he tries, and fails to remove himself from the paranormal. Logan has just broken up with his ex, Henry, a vampire, for both of their safety. Logan is looking forward to returning to a ‘normal’ human life, but is unfortunately thrust back into the paranormal after being attacked by the Crone.
This read was really fun for me! It was fast paced, as well as very character driven. I think that its strengths definitely lie in its characters. I enjoyed that even though Henry and Logan had broken up, they were not really at odds with each other. There was a ton of negative tension between them which was genuinely nice. There was a lot of silly dialogue and inner thoughts, which made me laugh quite a bit.
At times the plot was a bit fast, and I had to reread a bit to follow exactly what was happening. There’s quite a bit of hallucinating, and dream sequences going on which were fun but could be confusing at times. I would love to have seen more of the lore behind the Sins and Saints explored (or maybe get to see it in the future?). It was a really interesting concept applied to already existing non-humans/monsters.
Overall I think this would be a fun read for anyone who enjoys Paranormal/Fantasy/Romance YAs. It reminded me a bit of Fell of the Dark.
This read was really fun for me! It was fast paced, as well as very character driven. I think that its strengths definitely lie in its characters. I enjoyed that even though Henry and Logan had broken up, they were not really at odds with each other. There was a ton of negative tension between them which was genuinely nice. There was a lot of silly dialogue and inner thoughts, which made me laugh quite a bit.
At times the plot was a bit fast, and I had to reread a bit to follow exactly what was happening. There’s quite a bit of hallucinating, and dream sequences going on which were fun but could be confusing at times. I would love to have seen more of the lore behind the Sins and Saints explored (or maybe get to see it in the future?). It was a really interesting concept applied to already existing non-humans/monsters.
Overall I think this would be a fun read for anyone who enjoys Paranormal/Fantasy/Romance YAs. It reminded me a bit of Fell of the Dark.
July 21, 2023
This book brought me back to my teenage days when I discovered my love for all things paranormal. It starts with a "huh" moment of highschooler Logan in the bathroom with his snarky vampire ex-boyfriend Henry, trying to file down his fangs. I was hooked after that.
We get thrown into a world of Vices/Sins (good/evil supernaturals), humans, a secret initiative hellbent on "fixing" all supernaturals and a corrupt government wanting to control them by any means necessary.
There were so many layers to this story, but it didn't take away from the main plot. The obsessed bloodthirsty Crone on the loose. It rather enhanced it and kept me reading when the pace had slowed down too much for my liking. This girl likes A LOT of action and I definitely got it in the end. I did not see that coming!
One thing that threw me off was that we met Logan and Henry in the middle of their story. They had been a couple and broke up because of something that had happened. We get a few details, but never the whole story. I think this was the reason that I couldn't really connect with them. They are both loveable characters, but I missed their development. Didn't keep me from rooting for their HEA though. I see potential for a duet with their "origin" story (maybe even in Henry's POV?).
Happy I found this author and now on to their next book!
We get thrown into a world of Vices/Sins (good/evil supernaturals), humans, a secret initiative hellbent on "fixing" all supernaturals and a corrupt government wanting to control them by any means necessary.
There were so many layers to this story, but it didn't take away from the main plot. The obsessed bloodthirsty Crone on the loose. It rather enhanced it and kept me reading when the pace had slowed down too much for my liking. This girl likes A LOT of action and I definitely got it in the end. I did not see that coming!
One thing that threw me off was that we met Logan and Henry in the middle of their story. They had been a couple and broke up because of something that had happened. We get a few details, but never the whole story. I think this was the reason that I couldn't really connect with them. They are both loveable characters, but I missed their development. Didn't keep me from rooting for their HEA though. I see potential for a duet with their "origin" story (maybe even in Henry's POV?).
Happy I found this author and now on to their next book!
April 22, 2023
I'm prefacing this review by saying that I'm not normally a reader of paranormal romance BUT, I am now! Crescentville Haunting is a fast-paced, action-packed read with just the right amount of teen angst to not make the romance feel forced, which is so often the case in YA stories. I was rooting for Logan and Henry the whole way and anxious for them to re-connect. I won't spoil if they do or don't. I especially enjoyed the scenes with the other Vices (again, no spoilers) and thought they were well-rounded characters for such a large cast. The relationships between Logan and the adults in his life are relatable and I appreciate that his parents are on page a lot, considering parents are often absent from YA stories. The world-building is spectacular. I can tell the author put a lot of thought into it. It wasn't confusing and definitely unique. There are so many clever sentences throughout the story that I found myself dog-earing the pages so I could read them again. Highly recommend this story for fans of YA romance, paranormal romance, or SF in general. Can't wait to read what the author writes next!
July 11, 2023
Firstly I’d like to thank Pride Book Tours for the eARC 🥰😘 You guys are the best!!
Crescentville Haunting is such a great read!! I love the bisexual rep (there needs to be more!!), the fact that there’s humour threaded throughout makes the story lighter rather than heavy (like when we meet Estaban 🥰❤️). I love anything that has vampires, witches etc. but the addition of vices and virtues is a brilliant one, it gives the book a really cool edge and makes it so much more than just a YA paranormal High School book. The unit kind of reminded me of Shatter Me at first? I also got Luminaries vibes too when The Crone first appeared 😍😏
Just wanted to add that I think that Logan is a great protagonist and it was great having the story from his POV but would love to have had more from Henry’s…😅🥺 Would love to see more of his perspective
I really enjoyed Crescentville Haunting, the world building, the supernatural beings and characters are completely awesome ❤️❤️ If you’re looking for some supernatural, queer YA fun this one is for you. 4✨
Crescentville Haunting is such a great read!! I love the bisexual rep (there needs to be more!!), the fact that there’s humour threaded throughout makes the story lighter rather than heavy (like when we meet Estaban 🥰❤️). I love anything that has vampires, witches etc. but the addition of vices and virtues is a brilliant one, it gives the book a really cool edge and makes it so much more than just a YA paranormal High School book. The unit kind of reminded me of Shatter Me at first? I also got Luminaries vibes too when The Crone first appeared 😍😏
Just wanted to add that I think that Logan is a great protagonist and it was great having the story from his POV but would love to have had more from Henry’s…😅🥺 Would love to see more of his perspective
I really enjoyed Crescentville Haunting, the world building, the supernatural beings and characters are completely awesome ❤️❤️ If you’re looking for some supernatural, queer YA fun this one is for you. 4✨
February 9, 2023
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review!
What a fun read! I loved the characters most of all (I just wanted all the good things for Logan--the guy's had it rough) and Henry always stole whatever scene he was in (although I did expect more of him in the story). The buddies Logan makes after being bitten by the Crone were also really good and I was hoping for more of them!
As a whole, I liked how the story focused on Logan's journey to understand himself and what he wants most of all. He's a confused guy just trying his best to have his normal life back and the steps he goes through to try to get it back is equal parts heartbreaking (because even you as the reader knows it won't happen) and equal parts uplifting because Logan is learning as he goes.
I'm really glad I got to read this! Writing was fun, world building intriguing, the pacing kept me going, and I can't wait to see what else Bennet releases afterward.
What a fun read! I loved the characters most of all (I just wanted all the good things for Logan--the guy's had it rough) and Henry always stole whatever scene he was in (although I did expect more of him in the story). The buddies Logan makes after being bitten by the Crone were also really good and I was hoping for more of them!
As a whole, I liked how the story focused on Logan's journey to understand himself and what he wants most of all. He's a confused guy just trying his best to have his normal life back and the steps he goes through to try to get it back is equal parts heartbreaking (because even you as the reader knows it won't happen) and equal parts uplifting because Logan is learning as he goes.
I'm really glad I got to read this! Writing was fun, world building intriguing, the pacing kept me going, and I can't wait to see what else Bennet releases afterward.
June 6, 2023
Crescentville Haunting is my first introduction to the talents of author M N Bennet’s books. I found their writing to be unique and interesting. I took me a little bit to catch on as to what is going on at first, but once I did, I was hooked. It was not one I could predict, and one that I had to keep reading to find out how it would end. I thought it was a pretty good read.
I am giving Crescentville Haunting four stars. I believe teen readers who are fans of fantasy fiction / paranormal fiction / science fiction would enjoy this one. I would be interested in reading more by the M N Bennet in the near future.
I received a digital copy of M N Bennet's Crescentville Haunting from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.
I am giving Crescentville Haunting four stars. I believe teen readers who are fans of fantasy fiction / paranormal fiction / science fiction would enjoy this one. I would be interested in reading more by the M N Bennet in the near future.
I received a digital copy of M N Bennet's Crescentville Haunting from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.
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November 1, 2023When Logan feels worried about the dangers caused by Henry's supernatural world he decides the best thing is to break up with his vampire boyfriend and focus on everything that's human which means avoiding Henry and getting through his junior year and not let Henry distract him.
But everything changes when he's attacked by an evil Crone during their school bonfire. Now he's stuck in a facility kept in for experimenting by the SPU agents.
While Logan is expected to transform into a Haunting after his attack, to everyone's surprise he doesn't. Turning out he's something that's known as a Viceling who's more human than paranormal yet more paranormal than human Logan's hopes of getting out of the facility are shattered.
This was definitely a fun book to read and i really liked the Main characters. Loved the world building.
But everything changes when he's attacked by an evil Crone during their school bonfire. Now he's stuck in a facility kept in for experimenting by the SPU agents.
While Logan is expected to transform into a Haunting after his attack, to everyone's surprise he doesn't. Turning out he's something that's known as a Viceling who's more human than paranormal yet more paranormal than human Logan's hopes of getting out of the facility are shattered.
This was definitely a fun book to read and i really liked the Main characters. Loved the world building.
March 26, 2023
Crescentville Haunting is a super fun read. We've seen high school vampire stories before, but this is a refreshingly new take with interesting magics and a clear, enjoyable voice. (Plus, no creepy age gaps).
Even with its high stakes and violence, Cresentville Haunting was more exciting than intense, finding the right balance between paranormal-bordering-on-horror and high school paranormal romance/coming of age.
If you love a story where an MC gets physically and emotionally beat up, but that offers enough friendship and romance to soften the blow, then this is a great, easy read. Throw in clashes with authority, an inverted Chosen One trope, and queer romance - what's not to love? Bonus points for super cool powers.
Even with its high stakes and violence, Cresentville Haunting was more exciting than intense, finding the right balance between paranormal-bordering-on-horror and high school paranormal romance/coming of age.
If you love a story where an MC gets physically and emotionally beat up, but that offers enough friendship and romance to soften the blow, then this is a great, easy read. Throw in clashes with authority, an inverted Chosen One trope, and queer romance - what's not to love? Bonus points for super cool powers.
March 27, 2023
Can I say when I first started reading this book I wasn't sure where I was or why (I think it's because I had only read a few pages when I had to stop, once I read a bit more it made sense). The book starts with Logan and Henry, two of the main characters, I did like Logan from the beginning but Henry did grow on me once I got further into the book. There is so much I loved about this book but I can't tell you as it would spoil it for you. Ms Goto wasn't what I expected, so keep your eye on her. I loved the way the author wrote about "The Crone" and the detail from chapter twenty-two, I felt like I was there with Logan and Margot, hidden behind the tablet. Will Logan and Henry find each other. This a 5***** from me
May 4, 2023
Hooked me from the start!
I absolutely loved this book! Start to end it is full of chaos, twists, gut wrenching concern for the characters while also keeping them very realistic in their thoughts and decisions given their ages.
I was totally invested in Logan's life. Poor kid was trying to have a normal school year even when he easily could have been spiralling a lot more.
I really enjoyed the way this author created and developed the world his characters live in. Everything was described and explained in a way that flowed into the story naturally.
This is not a book you can put down, so don't make my mistakes, set aside a day to sit and read this. What an awesome read!
I absolutely loved this book! Start to end it is full of chaos, twists, gut wrenching concern for the characters while also keeping them very realistic in their thoughts and decisions given their ages.
I was totally invested in Logan's life. Poor kid was trying to have a normal school year even when he easily could have been spiralling a lot more.
I really enjoyed the way this author created and developed the world his characters live in. Everything was described and explained in a way that flowed into the story naturally.
This is not a book you can put down, so don't make my mistakes, set aside a day to sit and read this. What an awesome read!
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