New York Times bestselling author Katherine Arden returns with another creepy, spine-tingling adventure in this follow-up to the critically acclaimed Small Spaces and Dead Voices.
Having met and outsmarted the smiling man in Dead Voices but fearful of when he’ll come again, Ollie, Brian, and Coco are anxiously searching for a way to defeat him once and for all. By staying together and avoiding remote places, they’ve steered clear of him so far but their constant worry and stress is taking a toll on their lives and friendship. So when Ollie’s dad and Coco’s mom plan a “fun” boat trip on Lake Champlain, the three are apprehensive to say the least. They haven’t had the best of luck on their recent trips and even worse their frenemy Phil is on the boat as well. But when a lake monster destroys their boat, they end up shipwrecked on a deserted island. This isn’t just any island though. It’s hidden from the outside world in a fog and unless everyone works together to find a way to escape, they won’t survive long.
Title : Dark Waters
Author : Katherine Arden
Series : Small Spaces (book three)
Format : eARC
Page Count : 256
Genre : MG paranormal fantasy
Publisher : G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young
Release Date : August 3, 2021
Reviewer : Hollis
Rating : ★ ★ ★
Hollis’ 3 star review
First of all, that cover? Amazing. It’s definitely my favourite of the series. But this didn’t nudge out book two for sheer spooky creepy excellence, unfortunately.
Now spring (following fall and then winter themes for books one and two), this trio of besties are still researching ways to defeat their nemesis the Smiling Man. Their adventures have taken a toll, as has their preoccupation, and so they jump on the opportunity to spend some time outdoors, away from small spaces and mirrors and any situation that might provoke another encounter, and go sailing. But they still can’t escape a brush, and more, with the otherworldly forces.
This particular scary story didn’t grip me quite the same way as the last book; Arden still did a great job with the vibe, and sending a few twists along the way (the ghost in this story was so good, and heartbreaking), but the story didn’t feel as tight or focused. I wish it had been longer, had spent more time building some suspense, digging into the feeling of isolation or more. But maybe that’s just the adult in me talking. That said, this did feel more like a build up to the cliffhanger and thus the big finale to come in book four. I still did enjoy it, though, and especially loved seeing the parents get mixed into things, as well as a new friend. Mostly, I’m just excited to reread/binge this series when book four comes out.
If you, or the younger human in your life, is into the spookier side of things ala Goosebumps, I definitely recommend.
** I received an ARC from the publisher (thank you!) in exchange for an honest review. **
