I found this interesting. It was a fun read. I definitely Don't think this is my usual kind of read. I enjoyed it none the less.

This is the perfect book for your middle grade reader to usher in the new year.
The voice is as unique as the characters, and it reads incredibly smoothly that I finished it in two days. The world created is so atmospheric and creepy (in a whimsical and enticing spooky MG way) that Eelgrass Bog and the Unnatural History Museum are characters by their own right. Every detail of this world is so cleverly crafted with an incredible backstory that I don’t want to give anything away so not to spoil any of the fun surprises that’ll keep you reading for more (and the more keeps coming all the way to the end). Overall, I love the underlying message that no matter how “odd” you are, there are others willing to accept you.
I don’t even want to try to compare this book to a published one because I feel it’s in its own league and that authors of future MG horror books will be using THE CURSE OF EELGRASS BOG to comp with their own writing.

THE CURSE OF EELGRASS BOG is an inventive and evocative fantasy novel. I'm excited to see what this debut author writes next!

The Curse of Eelgrass Bog by Mary Averling is
Delightfully strange, uniquely magical, deliciously mysterious, and, above all, deeply heartfelt. I never thought I would describe a story set in a murky bog about a kid living in a dilapidated and deserted museum as lush and beautiful and yet here we are. Somehow debut author Mary Averling makes a damp and sticky setting inviting, a curmudgeonly witch endearing, and a shrunken head in a jar the best friend you could ever have. With beautiful prose and characters I would follow into the darkest depths of the Drowned World, this story captured my imagination and heart from the very beginning and has yet to let go.

This is the perfect middle-grade read for those who love eerie stories of curses, witches even demons wrapped with magic and mystery but want to read something different/unique from what has been filling the market. The set is unique as well and the bog being bog has enough symbolism of time and history, giving magical vibes that help with the world-building.

The author chose to write a first-person present tense and we can hear Jim's comments as well. Plus the beginning has a very strange writing style, it seems the character is always all over the place. This has a reason to be. It helps a lot when we learn about the major plot twist. The author was clever in making us feel this way in the beginning: nothing is quite determined, explained, or set. All is very strange, and seems not to be explained why the parents left them and why Oliver is obsessed with notes, but all gets stitched together making it a great story.

I love an author that makes the end pay off and this book didn't disappoint.

I couldn't resist the cover although now that I read is quite bright for the story. Still, it's gorgeous.

Thank you Netgalley and Publisher for this digital advance readers copy.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The Curse of Eelgrass Bog is a spellbinding middle-grade fantasy that had me hooked from the first page! Twelve-year-old protagonist Kess Pedrock already lives in a delightfully weird world, residing in her family's Unnatural History Museum surrounded by fossils, skeletons, and a talking demon head. But when a mysterious new girl in town named Lilou asks for Kess's help breaking a strange curse, it sweeps them both into a thrilling and chilling adventure beyond anything Kess could have imagined.

Despite ominous warnings, Kess bravely follows Lilou into the heart of the legendary Eelgrass Bog in search of answers. The atmospheric worldbuilding makes the bog come alive with subtle magic. Rich descriptions of dark secrets, odd creatures, and supernatural forces rising from the murky depths had my pulse racing even as the clever banter between the girls balanced the tension.

As the riveting mystery deepens, author Mary Averling deftly explores themes of friendship and responsibility with warmth and humor. Imaginative characters like Shrunken Jim add fantastic dimension without overshadowing the touching relationship between loyal Kess and outsider Lilou. The evolving curse becomes personal in a genuinely emotional way, raising the stakes dramatically.

Smart, courageous Kess makes for an appealing and authentic heroine whom young readers will adore following this spooky yet heartfelt adventure. It gives Studio Ghibli vibes. Equal parts funny, creepy, and poignant, The Curse of Eelgrass Bog is a winner that earns all five stars! I eagerly await whatever enchanting story Averling dreams up next.

Thanks so much to netgalley and the publisher for the arc of this book in exchange for an honest review!

I did not like this book and it was not for me. I DNFed it and I could not get through it. The characters and the plot were not compelling or interesting to me.

I know many people have liked this one so it was probably just me. Unfortunately, it was not for me.

This was a unique and intriguing middle grade fantasy with fun mystery elements and twists I never saw coming. The characters are incredibly well drawn and felt like real people to me. I enjoyed the setting, which felt like a character itself and was everything I imagine a bog to be--wet, mucky, stinky, and full of creatures. I enjoyed the family relationships, the found family, and friendships as well as the diverse characters.

The Curse of Eelgrass Bog is one of those books that stay with you long after you finish reading it. Averling's debut is an utterly charming spooky mystery. This book is atmospheric, nostalgic and creative. Even though there is plenty of spooky middle grade to choose from, Averling creates a setting and cast of characters that are fresh and innovative.

I highly recommend this sweetly, spooky book for all reader who enjoy Gamain-esque tales that explore the hope beyond horror.

I'd love to give this blurb for it: "Deliciously creepy and full of fabulous characters and eerie wonder." - Stephanie Burgis, author of The Dragon with a Chocolate Heart and The Raven Heir

Also, this is what I just posted on Goodreads:

This is the blurb I just sent for this gorgeously magical MG novel:

"Deliciously creepy and full of fabulous characters and eerie wonder."

For this review, I'll also add that it includes a wonderful, sweet first-romance subplot between two girls that's handled beautifully, AND I love the mix of created and found family by the end.

This was such a cool, atmospheric book! It gave me Mysterious Benedict Society meets Sixth Sense (or maybe Brigadoon?) vibes. I loved the relationships in this story--the cantankerous yet affectionate demon, the older brother whose meanness is rooted in his fear and his own distorted desire to protect, and most of all the sweet bond between the protagonist and the new girl who gives her the push she needs to fix what's gone wrong. This story doesn't flinch from nuanced feels, from exploring loss and love. This feels like it will be a classic!

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5666078080

Mary Averling's debut, THE CURSE OF EELGRASS BOG is a wonder-filled tale that's at once creepy, twisty, and incredibly full of love. Richly imagined, Kess's story kept me guessing and turning every page as we fell into this upside down world filled with decaying museums and magical underground tunnels. This is a keep-you-on-the-edge-of-your-seat adventure that will also open your heart. I highly recommend this fantastic tale and cannot wait to read more stories from Averling!
Thank you to Razorbill and Netgalley for the pleasure of reading an advanced E-Arc