Status Updates From The Haunting of Alaizabel Cray

Bahahaha! I don’t know why but Carver surviving and tipping his hat to Stitch Face, a literal serial killer, as he is on his way to murder one of the escaped bad guys is not the epilogue I was expecting but boy, did it make me grin impishly!

Aaaah! A kiss!
Honesty though, I love the dialogue and interactions between Thaniel and Alaizabel. I just wish there was more of them.
Wooding has always been a great dialogue writer. It’s realistic and it’s dialogue I expect the characters to say. It’s not cliche or over the top. I never roll my eyes and think “nobody talks like that” to myself. Truly is a highlight of his works.

Really appreciated the chapter of the random Londoners falling victim to the Fragernity’s evil machinations. When I complain about books not having enough worldbuilding or caring about the setting, this is what I mean. These aren’t characters we’ve gotten to know, but they are people in this world and the consequences to them are very real.

Wooding can definitely write tension and scary scenes. And how about that foreshadowing with the magic? We love to see it

Lots happening - we learn the truth of Alaizabel’s parents, a traitor is in the midst, badass network of homeless people, and now Alaizabel is missing. All tied together by Woodings writing. I will say, of all the books of his I read, I do prefer his adult novels versus YA. It just lacks what I know he can do, create incredibly compelling characters. This is also one of his earlier works so that could be part of it

The addition of the random murders throughout adds even more mystery and a definite creep factor as well since we jump into the POV of the victim in their final moments. Definitely spooky! And though we don’t know how yet, I’m sure related to the main plot involving Thaniel and Alaizabel.

How refreshing to read a book 25 years old and see none of the tropes and annoyances that plague me with newer novels. I finished Act 1 and we know what is happening to Alaizabel but we don’t know how yet. Nor do we know how to fix it. But at least one mystery is resolved.
So many books today reveal everything at the end and it’s wrapped up way too nice and neatly. And until then, we’re just in the dark.

I feel so bad this is taking as long as it has considering I was so excited to get it. Need more free time in the week / be less sleepy at night

But with that said, I am intrigued about what’s going on. Is she really seeing monsters or is it all in her head? Also, Thaniel just wants a friend. So cute. Love him.

I love his writing style. I just do. And despite the fact this book is considered YA it’s not because the writing is amateur or purposefully dumbed down for a younger audience. All YA should be to this standard.

Been waiting about 12 years to find this book and read it. Perfect for October what with monster hunters and ghosts. I wanted to read another Chris Wooding book this year and I’m getting my wish (next year might be the Broken Sky series).