I absolutely loved this story. Definitely perfect for spooky season. Evie is trying to figure out how to rescue Desmond from the Shadowlands with the help of her friends she definitely has a crazy journey And gets to the bottom of all the darkness trying to envelope her small town

I read Holly Horror last year. And while it was a good story overall—and relatively self-contained—by the end there were still some lingering mysteries as well as the massive curveball thrown by the cliffhanger. As the saying goes, out of the oven and into the frying pan. So its sequel, titled Holly Horror: The Longest Night, was near the top of my list of sequels releasing in 2024. And it’s one of my favorites too.

Holly Horror: The Longest Night took what I liked about the previous installment and carried it over into Evie Archer’s second adventure, which pitted her against the shadowy and menacing forces buried beneath the town of Ravenglass.

Part of The Longest Night had aspects of a coming of age story, where Evie had to confront her past—her strained relationship with her father as well as her history with Holly Hobbie and Sarah Flower. She had a lot to work through in her personal life too. She was dealing with grief and guilt, which was tangled with the fallout from Holly Horror’s ending. And, considering how, in the previous book, she’d erroneously assigned blame to herself for the collapse of her family. She’d had this habit of hiding her emotions as well as her distrust of those who she should’ve been able to confide in the most, and it had opened her up to supernatural manipulation. In The Longest Night, enough time was devoted to fully exploring and resolving the complicated nature of Evie’s familial ties and her relationship to the abilities she was just beginning to accept. Her character arch is one of my favorite parts of this story.

On the other hand, the story had this creeping sense of dread, which was always in the background casting a shadow (both literally and figuratively) over the events of the story. One of the pivotal characters of these books, Desmond King, was missing. And the story was, ultimately, something of a race against time. And it was the case: Would they be able to save him or not? I knew something bad was going to go down, and it was about seeing when and how the shoe was going to drop. And Corpora did this to great effect, subtly building a mystery full of secrets around the spookiest aspects of The Longest Night.

The ending was effective with resolving the above mentioned mysteries, and even offered clarity to the tragedy that had given Hobbie House its nickname. Suffice it to say, the questions Holly Horror had left behind were more than answered in its sequel.

So, I got everything I was looking for out of Holly Horror: The Longest Night. It works as a sequel, and sufficiently wrapped up the story in a way that was satisfying for the mystery as well as the characters. And, if you’ve read Holly Horror, then this one is a must read.

Disclaimer: this copy of the book was provided by the publisher (Penguin Workshop) via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review, thank you!

As with my previous reviews, I don’t want to give away too much about the plot if you haven’t read the first book. This book picks up where the previous one left off and we’re following Evie as she tries to solve the mystery of the previous story. I will give Michelle Jabes Corpora kudos for jumping straight into the story and giving the context most of us need.

We’re following the plotline from the first book as Evie, Tina, and a new member of her friend group: Sai Rockwell. He’s the son of a doctor in town and he ends up getting entangled in the web of everything going on. Is there a little bit of drama and a little romantic tension there? You bet and it made the story even more fun.

Another thing I have to note is that we learn more about Holly and Sarah’s stories which are such an integral part of the plot. I loved learning more about Sarah especially as she’s such an interesting character. While the plot was very different, this book reminded me a lot of Hocus Pocus with how spooky it was and some of the events in the story.

Corpora also did a great job of wrapping up all the storylines in Holly Horror: The Longest Night so I do believe this is only a two-book series. Maybe it’ll be more but I absolutely loved seeing how everything worked out for everyone involved. It was also fun to see the introduction of new characters like Evie’s dad, Sai, Dr. Rockwell, and the villain who I won’t spoil.

The Holly Horror series is such a fun and surprisingly scary YA read. I’ll be honest and say that my heart was racing at times. Regardless, I really like this series and I think it appeals to those who are long-time fans of Holly Hobbie or those who are just being introduced to her.

This was a very fun followup to Holly Horror and a great option if you're looking for campy horror that's creepy but not all that scary. This time with a holiday theme a la A Christmas Carol! I didn't love this installment quite as much as the first one which was more a haunted house story, I still enjoyed it. We're back with Evie and her friends as they face a dark enemy, and she tries to come to terms with her feelings about her dad since her parents divorce. It feels very YA and very fun. If you liked the first book I would recommend trying this one too! It's a satisfying conclusion to the loose ends left in book 1. I received a copy of this book for review via Netgalley, all opinions are my own.

Short and Sweet Review
It has been two weeks since Evie solved the mystery surrounding Holly and also when she realized Desmond followed her into the mines and hasn’t come back. Evie wants to find Desmond but her connection to Holly and the shadow world has been severed. With the help of her friend Tina and new kid Sai, they use the clues Holly left behind to find Desmond and face another type of evil making its way into town.
This sequel picks up two weeks after the ending of the first book, and if you forgot what happened don’t worry because there’s a bit of a recap from Evie. I thought this book would only focus on Desmond but there’s something even more sinister coming and this thing basically thrives on using people. I felt bad for Evie, she feels like she's to blame for Desmond going missing and so do most of the people in town. I think this judgement she feels from others is what makes her even more determined to bring him home. I also liked seeing more of Evie's family dynamic and there's some conversations that are had that seem like they've been building up for a while. I did like seeing Evie work with Tina and Sai. Sai is new in town but he has a connection to the shadow world and he’s able to help out in that department. Sai hasn’t had the easiest time in life, but once we find out why he’s the one Holly suggests can help we really feel for him. The writing is great and it will have you engaged and wanting to know what will happen next. I think the best thing about this book was the characters thinking they had only one thing to focus on but there was more to the story.
Overall, this was a good sequel. The vibes are creepy and I love it, I think this book would be perfect to read in October. It also has that small town feel and we all know the strangest things take place in small towns. I did like the ending and everything was wrapped up in a satisfying way. I would recommend this duology!

Screaming over how truly incredible this author is. Book two wrapped up the story beautifully in a nice little bow. Truly incredible character development and lots of mysteries and thrills to keep it going. Also introduces a nice little love triangle to the mix for that extra dose of spice

Thank you to Penguin Teen for an e-arc of this book!

I very much enjoyed the first book, and the ending left me wanting more, so I was thrilled when I was given the chance to review this book.

This book was just as creepy as the first book, and the atmosphere was just so on point. It had the spooky autumnal vibes that I absolutely adore.

The writing was just fabulous in this book, it kept me engaged all the way through. It carries the mystery from the first book into this one, but it also introduces new characters.

I did enjoy the new character, Sai, in this book. Evie was still such a great protagonist in this one!

This book was an enjoyment to read, and anyone who loves spooky, scary stories with ghosts, and other horror things will enjoy this book! I really enjoyed the plot of the book and I got invested!

Another great book, and I'm thrilled I got the chance to read a review copy!

Definitely delivered the horror factor. I enjoyed book 2 so much and highly recommend people to give this series a go! The pacing was good and flowed well. Thank you penguin teen for the arc

"The parts of us we don't want to reveal to others, but that live inside us nonetheless. Those are chains that can never be broken. Our shadows follow us wherever we go. But they'll only hurt us if we let them."

Special thanks to @penguinteen @MichelleJabèsCorpora & @netgalley for the #gifted eARC.

👉🏼 swipe for synopsis ➡️

𝙈𝙔 𝙍𝙀𝙑𝙄𝙀𝙒:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This is book 2 in the Holly Horrow series and I definitely say to read book 1 before reading this one. I did struggle a bit with this one near the middle. I felt as though it plateaued in the story line, but the ending definitely made up for it.

This book picks up directly where Holly Hprror # 1 leaves off & without mentioning any spoilers - Evie is wrecked by a disappearance of someone very close to her and is bound to find that person, no matter what it takes. Yet this time, she is having a harder time summoning Holly for help. Enter Sai Rockwell 🥵 . He is the missing piece that will help Evie and Tina find their missing friend and hopefully put Ravensglass back together for good.....
But not without a few speed bumps along the way, of course. AND, keep in mind this all takes place on the winter solstice - "the longest day".

Check this one out this fall!

𝙋𝙐𝘽 𝘿𝘼𝙔:
Aug 13, 2024

QOTD ❓️⁉️❓️ If you lost someone close to you, would you go searching for them yourself or wait for back up?

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#mystetyandthrills #thrillersandsuspense #thrilleraddict #thrillerlover #yathriller #yahorror #hollyhorrorthelongestnight #hollyhorrorseries #MichelleJabèsCorpora #penguinteenpartner #bookbuzz #tbrpile #upcomingyahorror #upcomingyathriller
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The sequel to Holly Horror, a YA haunted house story, this follows Evie as she continues to uncover the history of Hobbie House and its ghosts.

Like the first book, this book has such a fun and cheesy (in the best way) vibe, but with so many moments of genuinely expertly crafted horror. The imagery is terrifying, and there are moments from this book that are sticking with me the same way the scariest scenes of a horror movie do. The plot in this one was not quite as compelling as the first book for me, but it gives some much needed closure, and overall I was happy to have a sequel to such a fun horror book.

Thanks Penguin Teen for the ARC!

I absolutely adore the covers of this series. After finishing the first book, which ended with a cliffhanger, I couldn't wait to read the final one. The story picked up where the first book left off. I liked the creepy atmosphere throughout the book. It was a fun and spooky read. However, if you're expecting intense horror, be aware that this series may be more suitable for a younger audience. For me, it delivered just the right amount of horror. Overall, I had a great time reading it and I'm looking forward to more books from the author. Thanks to Netgalley for providing me with an early copy. I will post my review closer to the publication date.

So I sailed through the first Holly Horror book. And what’s funny is that it was a completely random pick from the library. I liked the cover and I was reading horror books at the time so it seemed to fit. So I was more than a little excited to read the second book!

For me the book started out a bit slow in the pacing, however the creep factor was always there. I loved being introduced to new characters and learning how they fit into the grand scheme of things. The pacing picked up and felt a bit more like book one and I was hooked. I thoroughly enjoyed the read.

This unnamed sequel plunges readers back into the chilling world of Ravenglass, where Evie Archer and her friends grapple with a new nightmare. With a gripping opening that throws you right into the action, the story wastes no time establishing the stakes. Evie's guilt over Desmond's disappearance and the town's descent into darkness create a palpable atmosphere of dread.

The core mystery of the sinister force stealing townspeople is intriguing, and the clues left behind by Holly offer a tantalizing puzzle for Evie and her companions to solve. The addition of Sai, a troubled newcomer, injects fresh energy into the dynamic, while the fate of the missing residents adds a layer of urgency to the narrative.

Thank you Netgalley and Penguin Group for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

"Holly Horror: The Longest Night" by Michelle Jabès Corpora is a horror sequel (I believe the end of the duology) that not only lives up to the atmospheric charm of the first book but surpasses it in terms of horror and suspense. Set in the quaint, autumnal town of Ravenglass, this book is perfect for those who relish small-town horror, especially if you’re someone that doesn’t really like gore (this book mainly focuses on ghosts/possessions).

Picking up where the first book left off, the story follows Evie Archer as she delves deeper into the dark mysteries surrounding the disappearance of her friend Desmond. The story thrusts Evie into a relentless pursuit to uncover the truth about the sinister entity lurking in the Shadow Land. Having forgotten some details of the first book, I appreciated the brief recount in the initial pages, which set the stage for this sequel without feeling lost. The book revolves around Evie with reoccurring characters from the previous book like her friend Tina, and there is also a new character named Sai.

The book effortlessly recaptures the enchanting yet eerie atmosphere of the first installment. I I actually found this book to be genuinely scarier than the previous one, a testament to Corpora's ability to elevate the horror elements while maintaining the series' unique charm. I especially liked these interspersed horror chapters that involved various people throughout the town. There was one towards the beginning involving a little kid that was actually pretty creepy.

In this sequel, Evie is more determined than ever, grappling with guilt over Desmond's disappearance and the looming threat over Ravenglass. Evie's quest to reconnect with Holly and decipher her clues is intense and gripping, aided by her friend Tina and the enigmatic newcomer, Sai. I liked how this book fleshed out Tina more by focusing on her background and family, but I wish she had more of a role in this book. It just seemed like she was forgotten at times. Evie’s father is also more prominent in this book as there is more of a focus on Evie’s family drama, which allows for some more character development of Evie. There was a bit of an unexpected love triangle with Sai, especially since Desmond is missing throughout the book. While I liked Sai’s character, he was a bit stereotypical.

The New England town setting in the fall/winter is what really sets this book apart from other horror books. The atmospheric setting (who knew that Christmas caroling could be so creepy?) creates the perfect backdrop for this chilling tale, enhancing the overall tone and immersion. The progression of the plot keeps you on edge, with twists and revelations that are both shocking and satisfying. The nostalgic references and horror elements (I was not expecting such a focus on The Christmas Carol) combine seamlessly, making this a compelling read for both young adults and adults who enjoy a good scare.

Overall, "Holly Horror: The Longest Night" is an excellent sequel that I definitely enjoyed. It's a great choice for fans of YA thrillers and anyone looking to get lost in a spooky, small-town mystery.

These books are just so fun! I am in love with this universe and all its spooky vibes, even if they can be a little silly at times.

I liked this more than the first book! This one delivered more on the horror that I was expecting and thought was lacking some in the first.
Reading this as an adult was fun, it's definitely nostalgic to some creepy shows or books from when I was younger. I love the setting, I think a small New England town in the fall is the perfect place for this kind of book, it just really sets the tone!
The story was interesting and kept me engaged while following Evie and her friends to figure out what is going on in Ravenglass.

Thank you Penguin Teen and NetGalley for the eARC!

This was such a fun book to read, I have always been wanting to read the first one and even though I have not read it, it did not make a difference. I was able to follow it and further put my need into wanting to read the first book. This book also took me back to my younger years when I would read Goosebumps and Fear Street. I loved the characters and I loved the descriptions of when the town was slowly turning more and more crazy. Holly, when she was around, I feel like she was my favorite character. If people loved ya thrillers, this would be the book for you!

I loved the story, the world building and meeting the different characters. I felt completely immersed in the story and couldn't stop reading it.

Big thank you NetGalley and to the publisher for the chance to review this book pre-release. The second book in the Holly Horror series was just as good as the first. I love these books. they feel nostalgic, almost like I'm back in the middle school years rereading Fear Street. I like that we continue following the MC of book one, and her newest haunting adventure. I'll certainly keep reading this series, I hope it continues for quite a few more books. A more formal review will be available on my IG/TikTok and Goodreads.

I REALLY enjoyed the first Holly Horror book. It had small colonial autumnal town with Gilmore Girls vibes but spooky. The vibes were so nice and perfect for an autumn and small town horror lover like me, and I knew that I was going to pick up the next installment right after finishing the first book about a year ago. And the moment is finally here! Holly Horror 2 bringing another much appreciated dose of autumn/Halloween vibes during the summer!

So the downside to reading a sequel so far in the future is forgetting the details. I had little memory of the final showdown in book one, aside from a generic recollection without specific details. But luckily, the first few pages do give a very brief recount, which was much needed. Basically, Holly had gone missing when searching for Sarah (the patchwork girl) and they were now lost in the Shadow Land that could be accessed through the mine, where Evie’s (now missing) friend Desmond was stuck in too. And Sarah, Holly, and Desmond are not the only ones in this dark land. The book starts with Evie determined to find out what other entity residing in this dark place had taken Desmond, and how to get him out. Evie dives deep into research, hoping that the answers lie somewhere in Holly’s research about Sarah’s disappearance. But before long, she is thrown into yet another supernatural adventure and has bigger problems to worry about. And this one is even creepier.

Before I had even reached page 30, I immediately got the giddy autumn small town horror feelings again that I got from the first book. All these cute small town details I had forgotten, like Evie’s mom working at a cute local inn (just like Gilmore Girls!) but with a creepy twist of course. The whole thing just gives off such a Hocus Pocus energy. I don’t recall the first book being particularly scary, just cozy and autumnal in vibe. But this one was actually scary! Far scarier than the first book which is a huge plus! This was a much darker and scarier installment. I really love these books and that hope there’s another, though I would feel bad for the characters if there’s another installment because I feel like they’ve been through enough at this point!

I have no critiques and can’t think of any way this book could’ve been any better, so a rarely given 5/5 stars! Thank you to Netgalley and Penguin for sending me an advanced copy in return for my honest review.

Note: This is not the fault of the book but I must complain about this again because I VEHEMENTLY dislike reading out of the Netgalley app rather than kindle. It is MUCH harder to see the text and it is a much more difficult reading experience, though this file was much more tolerable than the other arc I’d been forced to read on the Netgalley app (the bar was not very high though). There is smaller, harder to read text with no option provided by Netgalley to enlarge the text. Penguin, for the sake of other arc readers, please allow them to import this arc into kindle. This was not a pleasant arc reading experience without that.