Last word first: Frighteningly good. (4/5)Description: Everyone has heard of Malice, the comic book that you're never supposed to tell your parents about. The one whose characters seem to be borrowed from the missing children list. And everyone knows the rhyme daring Tall Jack to come and take you to Malice. No one would admit they believe it's real, but very few have the courage to actually say the rhyme. But when Seth's friend Luke admits to finding a copy of Malice, then later disappears without a trace, Seth starts to believe whether he wants to or not.
My thoughts: Malice is part comic book, part novel, and all exciting. The tension of the story builds as Seth and his friend Kady start to realize that the world of Malice is real, and more dangerous than they ever thought. I was completely riveted. This was definitely a quick read for me.
I'm not usually one for reading graphic novels, but I really enjoyed the comic book portions of this book. The drawings were great for bringing the bizarre new world into focus, and the darkness of them built up the suspense factor in a way words couldn't have done.
I was even pleasantly surprised by the plotting and character development of Malice. It's not the next Great American Novel, but it's good for what it is. Seth, Kady, and the other characters they come across are intriguing and fun to read about.
I think this would be a great read for teens and tweens seeking a thrilling scare. I'm adding it to my great for guys list, though I think girls will enjoy it as well. I know I did.
Content warning: This story was a little on the scary side. I enjoyed it, but sensitive readers should beware. The world of Malice is not for the faint of heart.
About Chris Wooding: Chris Wooding grew up in a small town in Leicestershire, where not much of anything happened. So he started to write novels. He was sixteen when he completed his first. He had an agent by eighteen. By nineteen he had signed his first book deal. When he left university he began to write full-time, and he has been doing it professionally all his adult life. (an excerpt from the bio on his website)
4 comments:
The cover on this book even made my husband pick it up over the weekend and take a look. I don't think the story is my cup of tea, but it sure is packaged all pretty-like!
I, like your first commentor, spotted the cover in my local bookstore when it came out...how could you miss it? Bright color, shadowy figure, and oh yes, it's in a 3D type jump-out-at-you form. It's great to hear a little of what's inside the great cover....I may need to add it to my seek out list. Thanks for sharing!
I really want to read this! I have enjoyed the other books I have read by Wooding.
I saw it at the bookstore too, but had no idea what it was about. Now I really wish I had brought it home! I certainly will at some point.
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