Member Reviews
Thank you Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book. These opinion are completely my own.
A spooky mystery that hooked me right away. It drags at bit at times like with her is trying to avoid new friends with the trio, but the writing is so good it's a forgivable offence. I liked it and I thing YA that like a mystery/thriller will like it too
I made a rookie mistake. I went into this book comparing it to 14 Ways to Die by this author. I really liked that book, which is why I requested this one from Netgalley. But, it set the bar too high for me and ultimately set me up for disappointment.
This has all the makings of a great book for me. The paranormal, a m*rderous ghost seeking revenge, urban legends, ghostly dementions, m*rder,a night in the cemetery, and even a dash of romance. It had the right ingredients, but it was overcooked for my taste.
I don't even know what that means, I just ran with the metaphor.
I had a hard time keeping interested and found myself skimming to get through it. In the end, it just wasn't for me.
Still, with those "ingredients," I can't bring myself to give less than 3⭐️. I will definitely read more of this author's work.
As always,I would like to thank Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to have an advanced ebook copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Well, it started with a slow creep with Nate and his family moving every few months or so and falling apart due to nightmares about the Hiding Boy because they lived on the street next to the infamous so called Murder Road which was cursed with people in every house being killed by the Hiding Boy. Very good start with that mystery of why Nate and his family need to keep moving and then when he meets up with the trio (Max, Seb, and Tyler) who are on the hunt to see if certain urban legends (the most ghostly ones) are true. And because Nate joins them, the legends do seem to be coming to life! That was nicely scary.
Not many questions were answered for roughly two thirds of the book, raising the level of creep and making me very curious about the Hiding boy and why it was haunting Nate's family. I was not expecting that twist in the last third and when it hit, I was very WHAT!!!?? And then I had to finish the rest of it in one sitting because that is when it got really wild and I had to know how the story was going to end. That twist is what bumped up my rating to 4 stars.
So you have a slow burn on the ghosty bits and then very ramped up last section. I enjoyed reading this as it was nicely entertaining. I mean I am sure all of us have tried to do Bloody Mary in the mirror or messed with haunted houses. I am glad though I have yet to meet a ghost up close!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a chance to read and review this book.
I love urban legends so I was excited to listen to this one. This was an interesting YA horror that had some paranormal elements. There were some coming of age elements throughout that added an extra layer to the plot. While the characters were a little flat, I still was curious to see what was going to happen to them. There is a good twist that blindsided me and made for a compelling ending.
Coming from Secrets Never Die by the same author, I was extremely excited to pick up One House Left. I'm a fan of how Ralph tells his stories and reveals his plot twists and secrets.
One House Left introduces us to Nate, a shy and awkward 16 year old who has a broken family with a shrouded past. Are they running from something? Does it have anything to do with Murder Road? Ralph does a good job of making you question everything - maybe even to the point of writing them all down so you don't forget. In any other case this may have not worked, but I do believe the nature of the plot really made the mystery surrounding everything worth the read.
Overall, it's a good YA thriller. While it was good, I do believe the pace could have been picked up a bit more and it would be an even better book. Overall, 3.5 stars rounded for goodreads.
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the arc!
I had a great time reading One House Left by Vincent Ralph.
This one grabs you and doesn’t let go. Just when I thought I had it figured out, the author throws in another wrench.
A gripping YA horror!
My thanks to NetGalley and Wednesday Books/St. Martins Publishing for the ARC of "One House Left" in exchange for an honest review.
Loads of mixed feelings about this one, a YA horror in the bloody, scary teen-angst tradition of R.L. Stine.
To begin with, you need to swallow the involved mythology of Cherry Tree Lane (a.k.a. "Murder Road.) A grisly mass killing in one of the houses resulted in a curse put on the entire street......leading to similar, unexplainable atrocities up and down the block. So this little chunk of the neighborhood becomes worse than the Bates Motel - residents check in but they don't check out, except in the parade of body bags that the police haul out of the homes on a regular basis. And that also applies to rubbernecking gawkers who make the mistake of stopping in for a visit. Presumably the neighborhood's realtor must be on anti-depressants.
16 year old Nate and the rest of his family lived close enough to Murder Road to flee for their lives. But no matter how many new towns they move in and out of, they're inevitably followed and bedeviled by the supernatural "HIding Boy" who first put the curse in action. Knowing each new home is temporary, Nate avoids making any friends at his new high school, but that pretty quirky girl Max sends him into an instant crush. Even worse for him - Max and her two friends Seb and Tyler invite him into their little group of Urban Legend chasers, daring to provoke monsters and ghouls into coming out and play.
In the immortal words of Scooby Doo.......Ruh-roh.
I'm making this sound like good creepy fun, but uh.....not really. There's certainly no shortage of oncoming dread, frightful moments and an extended third act finale filled with nightmarish sights and a truly nihilistic twist. But the main characters are sketched with little or no attempt at reader empathy, which I thought undercut effectiveness of the horror. While I realize that the final paragraph is meant to pack a punch, it only served to increase the sour feeling it left me with. (Plus, if I moved into a town where the big yearly event is called 'Bloodbath', I'd already rent a U=Haul to move right out again.....)
The generous 3 stars are for horror completists who don't want to miss a thing........all the stuff you like is here, but I'm not sure how much of it will entertain you.
I really enjoyed this slow burn YA horror read. Most of the action happens in the final part of the book. I liked the characters and that they had an urban legend club. I was shocked by all of the twists especially the ones near the end. Be patient with this book because the payoff at the end is worth it.
Sixteen-year-old Nate grew up a street away from the infamous Murder Road and the lore surrounding it. Him and his family have just settled into a new town in the hopes of finally leaving the curse of that road behind, but Nate finds himself drawn to a group of friends with urban legends of their own.
ONE HOUSE LEFT by Vincent Ralph is a slow-burn, unsettling horror novel.
This book was easily unlike anything I’ve ever read, especially in the YA sphere!
Full of urban legend, grief, and trauma, I found the story to be extremely complex and downright dark by the end.
We get to know each of the characters in an intimate way that makes what they go through even more heartbreaking - and the twist is one you won’t see coming!
Thanks to NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press, and Wednesday Books for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Publication Date: August 27
One House Left was one wild ride! This young adult horror book had me on the edge of my seat from start to finish. It reminded me of the good old R.L. Stine books I used to devour as a kid. Part horror, part thriller, and all kinds of suspense, this book had me hooked! Short chapters, family drama, secrets, and lies kept the pace quick and the pages turning. And don't even get me started on the plot twists! 🤯 I definitely didn't see them coming and the ending...well, let's just say it left me shook. 😳 If you're looking for a thrilling read, I highly recommend One House Left. 🏚️ Trust me, you won't be able to put it down!
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Vincent Ralph for providing me with a complimentary digital ARC for One House Left coming out August 27, 2024. The honest opinions expressed in this review are my own. .
This is the first book I’ve read by this author. I love horror books, so this sounded right up my alley. I love books where the family moved to a new creepy place. I really enjoyed the set up and the first half of the book. The plot was interesting. I wasn’t as into the second half of the books. Things seemed slightly repetitive and there wasn’t as much character development to me. It wasn’t as spooky as the first half. I would check out other books by this author!
I was so excited to read this book, and now I'm left feeling a little let down. It was not bad by any means, but it did not meet the description at all - "R.L. Stine meets Urban Legend. The first 3/4 of the book, you are trying to piece the puzzle together with any little detail you receive. It read like a mystery novel, not horror. There was nothing that had me looking over my shoulder in fear. If it was advertised as more a mystery than horror, I think it would be received a bit better.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a free e-ARC of this novel.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
Great job. I liked the suspense and the mix of an urban legend into this book. And while it is a YA book I still found it to be a good and engaging read.
A book about urban legends, a ton of teens playing with the supernatural, and getting into unnecessary drama, and even the family drama was awesome. This author is slowly becoming a fave in the YA suspense genre.
“One House Left” is a YA horror novel that blends urban legends with a slow-burn paranormal mystery. Sixteen-year-old Nate Campbell and his family have spent years running from the curse of Murder Road, where the vengeful spirit of the Hiding Boy has haunted their lives. Moving to a new town seems like a fresh start, but when Nate befriends a group of classmates obsessed with local ghost stories, past and present horrors begin to converge, leaving no place to hide.
While the novel boasts a unique premise and an eerie atmosphere, the pacing is slow, and the characters often feel underdeveloped. Nate, the shy and introverted protagonist, struggles to connect with his new friends, and the relationships—particularly his connection with Max—lack depth and clear motivation. As the story progresses, we learn more about the trio: Max's compassion for an elderly couple next door, Tyler's struggle with family expectations, and Seb's grief over his brother’s tragic death. Yet, these revelations come too late to fully engage the reader.
The narrative unfolds with a series of mysteries and questions that hang in the air for much of the book, leaving the reader grasping for clarity. Despite the slow pace, there are intriguing elements, such as the quartet’s urban legend explorations and eerie newspaper clippings that suggest something darker at play. The final third of the book offers some twists and semi-twists that finally bring the story into sharper focus, leading to an unsettling conclusion that fits the novel’s overall tone.
Despite the lack of character depth and the slow buildup, the writing style is refreshing and distinct, avoiding many of the clichés common in the genre. The execution of the plot is smart, with enough original elements to keep readers invested. The main twist, in particular, is unpredictable and adds to the enjoyment.
Overall, “One House Left” is a solid choice for those seeking a YA horror novel with a mix of urban legends and creepy components. While it may require some patience, it ultimately delivers a satisfying, if not entirely surprising, conclusion. If you’re looking for an adventurous paranormal thriller with a unique twist on ghost stories, this might be the book for you.
Thank you, Wednesday Books and NetGalley, for my free book for review.
Prepare to be captivated by this gripping page-turner that will keep you guessing until the very end. As a reviewer, I find myself in a delightful predicament – eager to share my enthusiasm while carefully avoiding spoilers that would rob you of the book's many surprises.
The author masterfully weaves a tapestry of mystery, skillfully engaging readers with tantalizing questions and perfectly timed hooks at the end of chapters. This narrative technique creates an irresistible pull, compelling you to keep turning pages long into the night.
At the heart of this thrilling tale is Nate, a complex and enigmatic teenager whose story unfolds across three distinct parts. We're introduced to Nate as he and his family settle into yet another new town, their weariness palpable and their past shrouded in secrecy. The constant uprooting of their lives hints at a troubling history, leaving us to wonder: What shadows are they fleeing? What burdens do they carry? These questions gnaw at the edges of the narrative, fueling our curiosity and investment in Nate's journey.
Nate's character truly comes alive when he encounters Max, Seb, and Tyler. This trio of urban legend enthusiasts becomes the catalyst for Nate's internal struggle between his longing for connection and the self-imposed barriers he's erected. We see glimpses of the person Nate could be – a friend, a confidant, a normal teenager – juxtaposed against the guarded, haunted individual he feels compelled to remain. His reluctance to join their urban legend investigations speaks volumes about his past, hinting at experiences that have left deep scars.
The author's portrayal of Nate is nuanced and deeply empathetic. We feel his yearning for stability and friendship warring with his instinct for self-preservation. Every interaction, and every hesitation reveals another layer of his character, making him feel startlingly real and relatable despite the extraordinary circumstances he faces.
The twists begin when readers hear the POVs of the trio in Part Two – their fears and regrets palpable across the pages. I found myself hoping for them to pull through and escape their predicament.
Part Three ties everything together. While the ending is unclear, it works well for the story.
For those seeking a perfect blend of creepy atmosphere and heart-pounding thrills, this book delivers in spades. Prepare to be thoroughly entertained – and maybe sleep with the lights on for a night or two.
This book gave me a Stranger Things meets Goosebumps vibe. New kid moves to town - makes friends with a group of kids who call themselves HellChasers Club.. they love to test out urban legends. But the main character has a secret to hide - what will his new friends think of him when they find out where he's from?
I loved Secrets Never Die by this author, so I had high hopes for this one! I also liked the idea of it being focused around urban legends, but that’s where the interest ended. This story was soooooooo slow and it never picked up, which was a huge let down. The characters were dull and didn’t give me any reason to care about them.
This had such potential but honestly, I couldn’t wait for it to end. I’m so sad that this was not what I was hoping for and kind of makes me not want to read anything by this author anymore.
Honestly, don’t waste your time with this one, it wasn’t worth the read.
I enjoyed this book more then I thought I would, which I loved to be surprised while reading a book. I'm looking forward to giving other books by this author a try, after reading this YA Horror with some Mystery/Thriller his other books sound interesting.
This book caught my attention as soon as I read "R.L. Stine meets Urban Legend," I love a good goosebumps when I was a kid. As a kid friends and family would like to do some Urban Legends like Bloody Mary, which were always scary but fun as a kid. As well as traveling to places that have been known to be haunted, which is cool in itself I feel like.
"Ready or not. Whatever you do. The Hiding Boy is coming for you.”
This book follows Nate who grew up in the shadow of Murder Road, a street that's been cursed by a vengeful spirit of the Hiding Boy. Every few years for nearly six decades, a different house on that street has been the scene of a tragedy. His family and him have moved to a new town as they try to outrun the curse once and for all.
During his first days at his new high school this group of 3 who are in an urban legend club ask him to join them. Knowing his past he tries to get away from this group, but the leader Max has this pull on him that makes him like her and want to join them. Tyler and Seb are the quieter ones in the club who are more guarded and aren't as opening to Nate as Max is.
They decide as a group they are going to do some Legends they've heard about and want to test them out. Nate has a decision to make, either join them or be friendless... what could possibly go wrong. Nate's older brother Rowan was more relatable to me since he's older and seemed to have gone through a lot. Hazel, Nate's sister was always sad about leaving her boyfriend, which is never easy for a girl in high school.
I felt like this book had some good relatable characters depending on who's reading this book. It's was a easy read with quick chapters. The more I read the more I needed to know what was going to happen to Nate and his friends. I felt like some parts fell short and I wanted to know more, but was left up to the imagination. I wish their was more depth within the character development but for a YA I felt like this was to the point which was great and spooky. I enjoyed the twists in this book and was caught off guard a few times.
(Thank you to St. Martin’s Press/Wednesday Books, NetGalley, and Vincent Ralph for the ARC in exchange for my honest review. This book will be released on August 27, 2024.)
This book was fine, but I wasn't the target audience. I missed that it was YA horror and it just felt like it dragged and dragged. I never truly felt dread or suspense.