Title: Curses for Sale
Author: Steve Brezenoff
Genre: Chapter Book, Horror
Publisher: Stone Arch Books
Publication Date: August 1st 2012
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Review copy provided by the publisher through Netgalley.
Weird and scary things happen after Jace buys an old toy car at a garage sale. Is the toy cursed?
Curses for Sale is a light, fun read for younger readers. It reminded me of the Goosebumps books by R.L. Stine, which I enjoyed very much when I was younger. I wanted to read this book primarily for the cover. Don’t you just love the creepy old mansion? Although the cover is definitely scary, it’s appropriate for younger readers as well.
This book is part of the Raven’s Pass series. Apparently each book in the series is a stand-alone, but they fit together much like R.L. Stine’s Fear Street books – they take place in the same, cursed town. This was my first time reading a book in the Raven’s Pass series, but it may not be my last, considering how much I enjoyed this book.
While Jace and his Dad drive through town one day, they come across a garage sale. Jace notices a red toy car, large enough for him to sit in, and that for just five dollars! He buys the car, unaware of the dangers lurking right around the corner. Soon it becomes clear to Jace and his entire family that the toy car has a mind of its own, and it’s not afraid to hurt anyone who stands in its way. Jace goes to his best friend for help, and together they try to solve the mystery before it’s too late.
From an adult point of view, the story was quick and fun, but not necessary spooky. However, from a child’s point of view I imagine the story could be pretty scary. The vocabulary was easy to follow, the writing very fluent. I enjoyed the illustrations in the book itself, which could be especially helpful for young readers to help them picture what’s happening.
A nice read for younger readers, and a fun one for adults as well.
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