BOOK REVIEW: Night of Madness

 

NIGHT OF MADNESS
by Ryan Douglass
Available September 29

When I get pitched a book described as a horror take on Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, naturally I pick it up immediately. Fortunately, in an era awash with novels that are primarily vaguely altered takes on other stories, Night of Madness actually iterates on the theme: modernizing it, altering the competition and contestants to align with more contemporary lures and faults, and tying it all into the modern trend of extreme haunts. Though, in spite of all that, it does wear its inspiration very unabashedly on its sleeve.

Mara comes from a household that, at this point, is just her mother, her grandparents, and her younger brother Charlie (see above). She works as a scare actor at a haunted house, a job she holds down thanks to her now-absent father acclimating her to the horror movies of director Jack Stanley when she was younger. But now, Stanley wants to turn his most famous movie, Madness, into a real experience. Five social media influencers will be chosen to brave "Night of Madness," and the cash prize is more than enough for Mara to turn her life around.

With the help of some sneaky play, Mara gets herself enough of a platform to get chosen, along with her best friend Storm. Alongside an influencer power couple and a singer with a tragic backstory, they make their way through a terrifying asylum that, at least to start, follows Madness beat for beat. But before long, things turn literally murderous, and Mara's only goal becomes escaping with her life.

One of the problems I've seen with these "modern retellings" of classic stories is that, a lot of times, it feels like there's no point in writing them. Which is not to say that every story needs a "point," but I feel like for something to make it all the way through the trad publishing process, it's got to offer something. Beth Is Dead was a beautiful exception, using modernity to interrogate the worn-down characterizations of the March family. Night of Madness is another great one. Because it isn't a one-to-one retelling. Rather, it takes the format and theme — five young people with unique flaws and desires are brought into an experience that either uses those flaws and desires to break them or brings them out the other side positively changed — and reimagines it in a way relevant to contemporary issues.

Our protagonist and her best friend could actually transform their lives with the prize. The rest crave attention, a platform, and what those things could bring. An even better lifestyle. Accolades. Things that, for at least the wealthier contestants, are as ultimately trivial as a unique gum flavor or tons of chocolate or the best TV ever. The Oompa-Loompas who simply sing about the fate of the contestants are transformed into cameramen who simply broadcast the contestants' suffering (though even that isn't the entirety of their purpose). The biggest difference is, while Willy Wonka is ultimately a decent person who's just super weird, that's not at all the case with Jack Stanley.

The one quibble I have with the book is that the payoff of the extreme haunt itself feels very rushed. That's understandable for a life-or-death situation in which the characters have to quickly assemble backstory while also running for their lives, and there needs to be some willing suspension of disbelief for a lot of what goes on here. But there's an absolute glut of information that doesn't quite hit in the moment. Fortunately, the actual emotional payoff (i.e. Mara's character arc) is well done.

Night of Madness is gruesome and weird. If you like gruesome and weird, you'll like this. It feels cinematic, which works both for and against it depending on the scene, but ultimately it's a lot of grotesque fun.

TEA PAIRING: Midnight at Sherlock's
A dark, broody blending of pu-erh, tea, and cacao beans. This feels like the perfect fit for a late-night misadventure that requires both brains and brawn to conquer. Use my code KARA15 for 15% off this and more book-inspired teas from Chapters Tea & Co.!

FEATURED CANDLE: Summer Thriller
A mainstay whenever I end up with a horror novel crossing my desk. I love the interplay of summery coconut and spooky oud and amber. While this one is out of stock at the moment, you can check out more book-inspired candles from Frostbeard!

BOOK REVIEW: The Intergalactics

 

THE INTERGALACTICS
by Erik Jon Slangerup
Available September 29

All through Brinx's short life, he's only understood one thing: it's his duty to "live his code." He is a Featherbone: a hybrid created in a far-flung future on a far-off planet. After enduring one thousand tests, he and his fellow hybrids will be taken to Havenport, where their new life will begin. But on their way, Brinx and a slew of other hybrids are in a spaceship crash that lands them in the unforgiving wilds of their home planet.

Now teamed up with hybrids from other lines and with other strengths, Brinx must learn to recognize his own strengths and work alongside the very people he spent his life competing against. He's also on the search for Jang, his best friend and fellow Featherbone who may or may not have survived the crash. But even as the team of misfits is learning to work together, new facts come to light that completely alter the hybrids' view of their life and purpose.

I've never read any of Slangerup's other work, but I really enjoyed The Intergalactics. The worldbuilding is strong, but doesn't get bogged down in itself to the point that it overtakes the plot. We see a very small, but very rich, slice of the world on which the story takes place. Telling the story from the point of a view of a boy grown and raised in a lab is, actually, a huge help: there's no need to define the entire world, because there comes a point where Brinx is just as uninformed as we are.

While this is indeed a book for young readers, it also has some strong messages about identity, self-worth, and the dangers of corporate greed. But it's all packaged in a way that will be interesting for younger readers without being too heavy or confusing. There's plenty of sci-fi action, plenty of high stakes, and plenty of characters who turn out to be surprisingly likable. I would love to have had this book as a young sci-fi fan.

DRINK PAIRING: Elixir of Inner Light
The misfits at the core of The Intergalactics really shine when they're on their A-game, and this sparkly supplement has become a morning non-negotiable. I usually mix it in with my first cup of morning tea to get my day started right. It has a light blood orange flavor, a pretty shimmer, and lots of vitamin B and D. Use my code KARA15 for this and other functional elixirs from Velvet Hammer!

FEATURED CANDLE: Storm Rider
A classic monthly candle with mystical scents of rain and dragon's breath. This one feels perfect for Brinx and his friends' journey through the alien wilderness. While this one isn't on sale again just yet, you can pick up lots more great book-inspired candles from Frostbeard!

BOOK REVIEW: Socks & Secret Quests

 

SOCKS & SECRET QUESTS
by Triona Murphy, illustrated by James Firnhaber
Available now

I'd like to kick this off with an admission: I haven't read Legends & Lattes or anything adjacent to it. So my foray into "cozy fantasy" is just now beginning with this review. I can't judge it opposite anything else out there; I can only judge it on my own personal vibes. Which I don't consider a bad thing, but, you know. Heads up.

Socks & Secret Quests touts itself as the first entry in a new series titled The Wandering Shop. This first book introduces Peri, an apprentice shopkeeper in a magical kingdom. In this world, shopkeepers are a special breed, with a connection to their shop and a knack for understanding what adventurers need. Unfortunately, despite showing massive aptitude for magic, Peri doesn't seem to have manifested any special abilities. She just loves knitting, which doesn't really come in handy when her mentor is kidnapped by an evil wizard.

To save said mentor, Peri tracks down three young adventurers who recently visited her shop: self-assured party leader Niam, fiery wizard Bree, and timid wayfinder Audra. Despite lacking a license to take on the quest and knowing they'll be up against a powerful wielder of magic, the four undertake the journey. And while all four young adventurers make discoveries about themselves and each other along the way, Peri makes an especially important discovery: her magic manifests through knitting. Moreover, the things she makes can grant power and protection to whoever they're made for.

You don't have to know anything about knitting to enjoy Socks & Secret Quests, and you don't even really need a grounding in fantasy adventure. Familiar fantasy literature and game concepts are spun into new elements in the book's setting, with hints at a vast history and worldview to be uncovered in later books. It's also a lovely story about different types of strength, and how any talent honed and respected can make a difference.

Now, if you are a knitter, there's an extra treat for you at the back of the book: a pattern for the hat Peri knits for Niam! This plus the theme makes it a no-brainer recommendation for knitters who also happen to love fantasy.

DRINK RECOMMENDATION: Elixir of Serenity
Just like Peri's knitting brings comfort to the people she cares about, Velvet Hammer's Elixir of Serenity is super relaxing and comforting. I mix it into decaf tea for my regular end-of-day drink, but it works in cocktails, mocktails, or on its own. Plus, it's got GABA, L-theanine, and other ingredients to help you relax. Use my code KARA15 for 15% off your order of this and other shimmery elixirs from Velvet Hammer!

FEATURED CANDLE: Owens' Apothecary
I keep coming back to Frostbeard's candle of the month, but it's kind of perfect for the Wandering Shop. The rosemary and chocolate scent is surprisingly good. Check out this and more bookish candles from Frostbeard!

BOOK REVIEW: Hardy Boys Clue Book Fall Mysteries 3-in-1

 

HARDY BOYS CLUE BOOK FALL MYSTERIES 3-IN-1
by Franklin W. Dixon
Available now

The Hardy Boys series will be 100 years old next year, and the stories are still going strong even now. Although Frank and Joe Hardy have evolved with the times, one thing remains the same (other than the collective pseudonym of writer Franklin W. Dixon): these are very, very fun.

The new series of Hardy Boys Clue Books has been receiving 3-in-1 edition releases, with collections themed to seasons. The Fall Mysteries 3-in-1 volume contains three mysteries for young readers to solve along with the Hardy Boys: "The Bad Luck Skate," "The Pirate Ghost," and "The Great Pumpkin Smash." The final chapter of each story is preceded by a page with a list of questions, encouraging the reader to crack the case for themselves before seeing what Frank and Joe have figured out.

"The Bad Luck Skate" leans into hockey season, with a certain lucky skate doused with paint right before a big game. Signs point to everyone from rival players to the janitor, but there are other suspects hiding in plain sight.

"The Pirate Ghost" follows the boys to a pirate festival, complete with a treasure hunt! But the boys are warned of a vengeful pirate ghost who doesn't want his treasure dug up. And signs of the ghost's anger begin turning up! Could the pirate ghost be real? And if not, who would want to keep the boys from digging up the treasure?

Finally, "The Great Pumpkin Smash" takes place at a local zoo's Halloween party. Unfortunately, someone has come in and smashed all the painted pumpkins! If the culprit isn't found, Boo at the Zoo may close down for good. Fortunately, the Hardy Boys are able to spot the culprit where no one else can!

These are all quick and simple reads, each suitable for a single sitting. The mysteries are very logically solvable, and should offer kids enough of a challenge while still making sense. (The whole "logically solvable" is on my mind in the wake of a certain podcast attempting to solve Encyclopedia Brown mysteries.) "The Bad Luck Skate" hangs together the best of the three, with everything contained in a very small space and time and the solution being surprisingly wholesome. But "The Great Pumpkin Smash" has the benefit of a livelier story with unique guest characters and an unconventional solution that kids will probably get a big kick out of.

I was a Bobbsey Twins girl growing up, but I'm well aware of the power of the Hardy Boys. It's great to see them still going strong. Whoever this currently Franklin W. Dixon is, they have a huge backlog of dad jokes and a good head for kid-paced mysteries.

TEA PAIRING: Caramel Cabin
This is a fall tea I keep coming back to. It's not "Halloweenish" specifically, but the smooth caramel flavor still gives those vibes. It feels just right for reading along with a classic mystery series. Use my code KARA15 for 15% off this and more bookish teas from Chapters Tea & Co.!

FEATURED CANDLE: Pumpkin Juice
This limited-edition fall candle is really special to me because it smells exactly like a fall candle my grandmother would bring out years and years ago at Halloween. It's sweet, seasonal, and nostalgic, just right for some Hardy Boys reading. Get more book-inspired candles from Frostbeard!

BOOK REVIEW: Dead Girls

 

DEAD GIRLS
by Beck Kubrick
Available September 22

Maybe it's because I just marathoned five seasons of Only Murders in the Building, but my mind has been kind of stuck on the ethics of true crime lately. I love a podcast or YouTube video that digs into real-world situations, but I also know that you need to be careful when you're profiting off someone else's suffering. Dead Girls explores that fine line, as well as small-town cults, serial killers, and the power of friendship.

Ash Hargreeves is the daughter of the infamous Clossdale Killer, and life is already tough enough when you're in foster care and your mom is the subject of true crime podcasts. But now there's a series of copycat killings in Clossdale, with five local girls going missing and turning up dead in the forest. All eyes are on Ash... but, despite being kind of a weirdo, she's innocent.

To clear Ash's name, she and her two friends decide to investigate, using their horror movie nowse to navigate the real-life terrors awaiting them. The truth of the killings (both the current ones and the ones credited to Ash's mom) goes much deeper than a simple slasher flick, and Ash is going to have to dismantle a terrifying tradition to save herself, her friends, and her reputation.

Beck Kubrick's rough art style might not be for everyone, but I liked it, especially for this particular story. The story, like the art, is a strange blend of gory and cute, with many scenes cutting away unapologetically to adorable pink unicorns. (I'm thinking of one scene in particular.) The dialogue does suffer a bit from reading a bit like a grownup trying to guess how teens talk, but that's sort of endemic in middle-grade and YA fiction and there's only so much you can bring it up while knowing it's still going to happen.

That one quibble aside, Dead Girls was a fun read: easy enough to enjoy in one reading, but strong enough to last across a few if you want to measure it out.

TEA PAIRING: Pumpkin Lane Café
A new blend for fall, this decaf fruit tea is inspired by pumpkin pie. I've been enjoying this in the evenings when I'm done with caffeine for the day. The sweet autumnal blend fits just right with this graphic novel and its blend of cute and scary. Use my code KARA15 for 15% off these and more book-inspired teas from Chapters Tea & Co.!

FEATURED CANDLE: Summer Thriller
This is a long-gone seasonal candle, but I always hope it'll come back so others can appreciate it! It's a warm and evocative blend of amber and coconut that somehow brings to mind both dark horror and bright summers. Check out more book-inspired candles from Frostbeard!

BOOK REVIEW: A Dangerous Bargain

 

A DANGEROUS BARGAIN
by Erin Cotter
Available September 22

I find myself increasingly drawn to Erin Cotter's work with every new release. By Any Other Name was an interesting story burdened by anachronism, but A Traitorous Heart largely did everything I'd hoped its predecessor would do. And now, A Dangerous Bargain is absolutely magnificent, blending historical flavor, romantic undertones, and fantastic worldbuilding with an unsubtle but extremely timely metaphor.

The novel takes place in 15th century Florence, following young art apprentices Virgil Pitti and Leonardo da Vinci (yes, that one). While Leonardo seems to make his art effortlessly while also sketching impossible machines, Virgil trades away memories and weeks of his life to perfect his work. You see, this version of Florence is filled with angels: uncanny creatures who accept bargains from artists to imbue their art with magic. Virgil has done this quite a lot, whittling his life away to patch up his less than stellar work.

But Virgil has a lot on his mind. When the studio's angel must be put down, he's put in charge of their new angel, whom he names Lupa — and she refuses to accept bargains from him. Meanwhile, the departure of the previous angel means all of Virgil's bargains are null and void, and he feels he has no talent left. Leonardo offers to help him, and the pair prepare to put their bid in to paint Lorenzo de' Medici's wedding portrait... and Virgil discovers that Niccolo, his long-lost older brother, may be alive and working with the House of Medici.

Virgil also has an unspoken crush on Leonardo, but that's a whole other set of problems. Not to mention that, given the time he's spent with Lupa, he's beginning to realize what angels really are.

A Dangerous Bargain is equal parts political intrigue, paranormal drama, and tribute to Dante's Inferno. What stuck out the most to me, though, was how the angels of Florence are a fairly up-front metaphor for the modern rise of generative AI. Artists are pushed by the wealthy and by their studios to use it, whittling their lives away for everything from commissions to (effectively) silly memes. The cost is massive but ignored until it's too late, with the deeper truths of the system being legitimately dire even for people who don't bargain. And as Virgil relies more and more on bargains, he feels his artistic skill stagnating until he becomes unafraid to start fresh and make mistakes again. That isn't all this book is, mind, but it's pretty unapologetic about that particular.

This is absolutely Cotter's best so far, and it's gratifying to see her excel more and more with each new story. A Dangerous Bargain feels like a perfectly mixed cocktail, with each ingredient complementing the others. I can't wait to see what's next.

TEA PAIRING: Letters of Lavender
This lavender bergamot blend may be inspired by love letters rather than art, but it still seems very appropriate for our protagonists. It's also one of my favorite blends from the company, hands down. Use my code KARA15 for 15% off this and more book-inspired teas from Chapters Tea & Co.!

FEATURED CANDLE: Owens' Apothecary
This month's limited-edition candle seems to go with everything. Its blend of herbs and chocolate reminds me of Leonardo and Virgil eating breakfast together and Lupa going out of her way to bring Virgil birthday sweets. Be sure to check out more bookish candles from Frostbeard!