Member Reviews
Book 3 in the Supernatural Society is just as good as the series opener and could likely stand alone. I missed the 2nd installment but didn’t feel any gaps or struggles to figure out why and how Will, Linus and Ivy became friends and began to fight against all the monsters that lurk in their town. This time, instead of werewolves or vampires, the trio must figure out who is raising the dead and keep him or her from reviving a monster. As in the first book, there is humor, some creepiness, and plenty of action. The friendship is strong and the brother-sister relationship of Linus and Ivy is portrayed as healthy and pretty typical with the two of them working through their differences successfully. Text is almost free of profanity (mild expletive used 2 or 3 times) and is free of sexual content. The violence is appropriate to the target age group and is never excessively graphic. Representation: Ivy is Korean, Linus is Black, Will is Caucasian; Ivy is adopted and both she and Linus live with their two dads. Highly recommended series for grades 4-7. Possibility of a 4th alluded to in end notes.
This middle grade series is a whole bunch of fun! They’re a little Scooby-Doo, Series of Unfortunate Events, and Encyclopedia Brown vibe going.
The Supernatural Society is by Rex Ogle. I hope this series continues since it is published by the now defunct Inkyard Press - an Harper Collins imprint. Does Adam the Monster ever find love? Why can't Will get in contact with his dad? Where does Ivy's ring get it power from? Will all the time spent saving the world from monsters interfere with Linus's perfect
GPA? WE NEED TO KNOW!
**Book Review: A Supernatural Adventure Filled with Heart and Friendship**
In the charming town of East Emerson, where magical creatures and mysteries lurk beneath the surface, three unlikely heroes – Will, Ivy, and Linus – once again take center stage in an enthralling story that seamlessly blends the supernatural with the everyday.
As I immersed myself in the pages of "Rise of the Undead," I found myself rooting for Will Hunter, a relatable character who is grappling with challenges both mundane and supernatural. Will's desire for a peaceful day in East Emerson is disrupted by a persistent bully and his mother's financial struggles. Joined by his steadfast friends Ivy and Linus, the trio has already saved their town from vampires and werewolves, but a new threat arises when the dead start coming back to life.
Ogle's writing is captivating, drawing me into the world of East Emerson and its quirky inhabitants. Despite this being the third book in the series, I was able to dive in seamlessly, as the characters and their past experiences are skillfully interwoven into the narrative. Will's struggles and determination resonated deeply, reminding me of the universal themes of friendship, acceptance, and facing adversity.
The diversity in the cast of characters is a highlight of the book, from Ivy's vibrant personality to Linus's nerdy charm. Ogle skillfully portrays their bonds, highlighting their unique qualities and strengths. The interactions among the trio are heartwarming and genuine, reminding readers of the importance of steadfast friendships, especially in times of crisis.
The plot takes a thrilling turn when zombies begin to roam East Emerson. As the protagonists unravel the mystery behind this unnerving phenomenon, the story gains momentum, culminating in a tense race against time. Ogle's narrative balance keeps the pacing engaging, offering both character development and pulse-pounding action sequences.
The novel seamlessly merges the supernatural elements with the relatable struggles of its characters, resulting in a rich and immersive reading experience. The town itself feels like a character, its history and secrets adding depth to the story. The impending danger looms large, creating a sense of urgency that keeps the reader invested.
"Rise of the Undead" touches on poignant themes, including self-acceptance, resilience, and the power of unity. Ogle's writing strikes a perfect balance between adventure and introspection, making this novel a thought-provoking read for readers of all ages. Fans of magical realism, friendship-driven stories, and middle-grade adventure will undoubtedly find themselves captivated by this imaginative tale from beginning to end.
"Rise of the Undead" by Rex Ogle is an enthralling middle grade fantasy novel that skillfully weaves together elements of friendship, adventure, and supernatural mystery. The book takes readers on an exhilarating journey through the life of Will Hunter, a relatable protagonist, as he faces bullies, financial struggles, and supernatural forces that threaten to unravel his town and the world.
The story is set in the quiet town of East Emerson, where the protagonist, Will Hunter, yearns for a day of tranquility but finds himself in a series of unexpected and perilous situations. From the very beginning, Ogle captures the reader's attention by presenting a relatable and sympathetic main character. Will's desire for a peaceful existence makes him instantly likable, and readers will undoubtedly resonate with his struggles at school and his mother's financial challenges.
What sets this novel apart is its seamless blend of the mundane and the supernatural. As Will navigates the challenges of school and home life, he forms an unbreakable bond with friends Ivy and Linus. Together, the trio's dynamic is heartwarming and authentic, portraying the strength that friendship can provide in even the most dire circumstances.
The plot takes a riveting turn when the town is plagued by the resurgence of a seemingly unstoppable evil – Ozzie is raising the dead! As the stakes rise, Will, Ivy, and Linus are thrust into a race against time to uncover the buried secrets of East Emerson. The story masterfully builds suspense as the trio delves deeper into the town's history, unearthing centuries-old enigmas that hold the key to preventing a catastrophic outcome.
Ogle crafts a world rich in detail, seamlessly blending the everyday with the supernatural. The town itself becomes a character, with its hidden depths and mysteries mirroring the challenges faced by the protagonists. The pacing of the novel is well-balanced, allowing for both character development and adrenaline-pumping action sequences.
As the story hurtles towards its climactic showdown, readers will find themselves on the edge of their seats. Ogle skillfully paints vivid images of the menacing forces that threaten East Emerson, captivating readers with a sense of impending doom. The final act is a rollercoaster of emotions, blending heartache, bravery, and the determination of youth to face insurmountable odds.
"Rise of the Undead" is a captivating and imaginative tale that appeals to readers of all ages. With its relatable characters, well-crafted plot, and seamless integration of supernatural elements, Ogle has created a book that stands out in the middle grade fantasy genre. The novel's underlying themes of friendship, resilience, and the power of unity make it not only an enjoyable read but also a thought-provoking one. Fans of adventure, mystery, and the supernatural will find themselves eagerly turning the pages until the very end.
Thanks #NetGalley for an advance copy #RiseoftheUndead
Honestly, I had no idea this was the third book in a series until I started reading it. But after just one chapter, I was hooked and had to go back and get the first two books. I loved it and think it would be great for young readers. Actually, I'm gonna grab a copy for my little brother!
I loved this story so much! The characters were seriously awesome. It's so cool that they all come from different backgrounds but still have this deep connection and care for each other. Also, they're all super smart which is pretty rad.
I have read this series to my youngest child, the first book was bought for my oldest daughter so i decided to read it to my youngest and it was really good and then i thought this one was the next one and found out i missed one sooooo then we ended up listening to number two on audio and again really loved it and then we just completed this one and my youngest literally told me "Tell the author he did a great job, it was really good"
I mean if you can keep hold of his attention for this long i apraise you there. P.S We totally read all of the books Adam Monster, and we will never stop!
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. Thank you NetGalley.
Rise of the Undead is apparently book 3 in the series, I wasn't aware of that. SO I did go into this reading it without readin the rest of the series. I was able to follow along just fine though.
This IS geared towards maybe middle grade / kids. So keep that in mind when reading.
Overall, solid book. The worldbuilding was great. The storyline was fun. And i was able to get through this book quickly!
I received this ARC thanks to Netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.
What a creative read! I was won over before even starting the actual story. The secret codes are so fun, and seeing them used often throughout the book is such a fun idea.
The story itself is not a stand alone, reading the first two would have made things much less confusing. That being said, the books are amazingly creative and tons of fun.
My godson will be getting the first 3 books for Christmas for sure.
** “People mock what they fear, and they fear what they don’t understand. Do not hate the people who are cruel to you. Offer a bridge so that they can try to understand you.” **
Will Hunter is feeling down in the dumps. His mother is struggling to pay the bills. He’s being bullied at school. And because the town’s curse doesn’t allow the residents to see the magical creatures and events in town, they don’t even realize how much Will and his friends Ivy and Linus Cross have done to save East Emerson, a place filled with magic, monsters, myths and mad science.
But when zombies start appearing, the dynamic trio — all who have been enabled to see the magical goings-on — must figure out why the creatures are awakening. Will they be able to stop the zombies, and whoever is controlling them, or will they finally meet their doom?
Rex Ogle once again delivers a fun, zany story with “Rise of the Undead,” the third in his Supernatural Society series. He continues with an awesome cast of characters, as well as fills his story with some great lessons, like we are more than our outward appearance; it’s OK to be unique; bad things can make us stronger; you can either help or be part of the problem; the importance of acts of love and friendship; and life is worth living (“I will say this, though: life is not always easy, but it is worth living. There are many beautiful things in this world. Sunrises and sunsets. Butterflies and birds (and the bees if you like bees, which I do because they make honey, which I enjoy in my tea)”).
One word of warning for parents, there is the use of one mild curse word used a few times.
Fans of Lemony Snicket, Jason Segel’s “Nightmares” series, Neil Gaiman and Chris Colfer will love “The Supernatural Society,” which is due out July 11.
Five stars out of five.
Inkyard Press provided this complimentary copy through NetGalley for my honest, unbiased review.
To start, this is actually the third book in the series and I didn’t know that. So if you want to jump in, grab book one. Normally I try to make sure it’s not a series book but missed it.
THIS BOOK WAS SO GOOD! It’s third in a series but it’s so fantastically written that I knew what happened more or less in the previous ones without it being given away (so I will be buying them) and the characters grew on me so fast.
Will, Linus and Lucy. Will lives with his mom and they’re struggling with bills. It stresses him and he wants to help. I saw a lot of myself in Will. At one point, one passage in the book actually made me cry. He said things that I had said to my parents, word for word. It brought it all back.
I don’t cry easy, so right there, boom great writing.
Ivy is Korean and her brother Linus is adopted. Ivy is loud and rambunctious and adorable. Linus is by the book, nerdy, good student, always prepared and I love him. Their parents are two men whose names I don’t remember but they’re doing a good job with these kids.
Now, back to the story.
It’s got codes! Cyphers! I was hype when I saw it because I love cyphers! There was one I didn’t figure out, at the very front of the book so if anyone has the answer, drop it in a comment please!
This was well written. From an adult’s point of view I would say it’s fast paced, but if I put myself in the shoes of a child, it’s good fast. I never felt bored. I never thought I was going to hate the book. I loved it.
The pacing is very good, especially for a younger crowd. You’re still getting a fantastic story.
We’ve got a really diverse cast who all love each other and they’re strong smart kids.
My partner asked me once why do kids’ books show them having to do such hard things. I told him it’s so kids can know they’re capable of doing hard things. This book is one that really shows that. I loved it. I’m telling everyone I know to read it.
It gets 5 out of 5 for me. I adored every word. The codes, the characters, everything. Please, read this, regardless of your age.
I received this eARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thanks to them and the publisher.
Rise of the Undead is another creative entry from a masterful voice for youth. This book has the advantage of being a series book, and is fun and supernatural without being too much of either to be enjoyed by a wide range of readers.
This was such a fun story! I loved the characters so much and i can’t wait to read the other books in the series. And i enjoyed the narration style. I found it interesting that it was narrated by a monster and that he would constantly warn you against reading the story, lol. And finding out towards the end who the monster is was pretty cool. I had kinda guessed it, but it was pretty neat to see it all come together. The 3 main characters are really likeable. They have such different personalities and I think in any other town, they probably wouldn’t have ever become friends, But in a small town overrun by evil, these 3 kids are the only heroes who can save everyone around them. They have the ability to see the monsters that inhabit the town, waiting to destroy everyone in it and its up to them, with the occasional help from some strange adults, to keep the down from being thrust into complete and utter destruction. This was a really fun read. Not too scary, but just enough to keep you on the edge of your seat wondering if everyone would come together in the end to keep the evil that lived underground at bay. I’m excited to read the previous books and looking forward to the next one.
This middle grade monster fighting adventure is absolutely fantastic. I can't get enough of theses books. I can't wait for the next one!
I just reviewed Rise of the Undead by Rex Ogle. #RiseoftheUndead #NetGalley
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