Member Reviews

This book was intriguing, thrilling, and had me coming back for more. I normally don't read this genre or this age group but it was very enjoyable and digestible.

Was this review helpful?

K.R. Alexander does a great job with the characters. This book is both entertaining and at times unnerving. The ending was kind of abrupt leaving me wanting more. Will she or will she not get out... hmmm... I want more.

Was this review helpful?

Chelsea and Angelica are twins, but Angelica has died five years ago. However, Angelica has never really left. She lingers around Chelsea keeping her company and helping her through life. Meanwhile Angelica is actually holding Chelsea back due to being jealous that Chelsea gets to live and Angelica can only live through her twin sister.
This is a great entry level horror story for upper elementary and middle grade readers. It's also a great read for reluctant readers as Alexander really lays everything out for the reader and there isn't too much that the younger/reluctant reader has too decipher.

Was this review helpful?

I had a blast with this! The plot is unique and the writing draws you in! This is a great intro to horror books for both young and old alike! I would recommend this! Special Thank You to K.R. Alexander, Scholastic and NetGalley for allowing me to read a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

I have 2 boys, ages 11 and 13. They both enjoy K.R. Alexander books. When I had the opportunity to get an advance copy of Identikill for them from netgalley, I knew I had to.

I read this myself and I know my kids are going to enjoy it when they get the chance to read it.

It's the perfect amount of creepy. Also parts of the story are relatable for middle schoolers, which is always a plus when finding something my kids will enjoy reading.

Highly recommend if you're 10-14 year old is looking for something creepy to read.

Was this review helpful?

This is the first book by K.R. Alexander that I have read and it will not be my last. First I love the play on words in the title. It wasn't unitl I started reading that I actually got it. The story itself it a perfect horror story. I love how it focuses on the bond between twins and what can happen when one dies and is not able to move on. Perfectly creepy. I also love how it was not super long, as to not scare away reluctant readers.

Was this review helpful?

Identikill is about Chelsea who lost her twin, Angelica. Chelsea has been able to continue seeing and talking to her sister, which has left her ostracized by her peers until a new girl comes to town and befriends Chelsea. Now Chelsea must face Angelica’s wrath of jealousy as the sisters fight to find common ground and understanding.

K.R. Alexander is a popular middle-grade author of spooky stories and this one is sure to be a hit with his fans. This is a quick and easy read that is full of twists and turns to keep you on your toes from start to finish.

Was this review helpful?

Identikill is a fast-paced middle grades novel about a girl named Chelsea, whose twin sister Angelica has been lingering around ever since her death. Only Chelsea can see and interact with Angelica, but all that changes when Chelsea befriends Janette. Angelica becomes jealous of the relationship and begins to search for a way to return to life.

Chaos ensues, and all this leads to a pretty fun climax that ultimately leaves something to be desired--the ending is a little rushed, but otherwise, this is a fun read for middle-grades kids.

Was this review helpful?

This fast-paced novel immediately immerses readers in its compelling narrative, ensuring sustained engagement. The dual-perspective approach effectively develops both Chelsea and Angelica, allowing readers to understand their motivations and perspectives. The book authentically portrays the complexities of middle-grade social dynamics, including friendships and instances of bullying, making it highly relatable for young readers. While the abrupt ending might leave some wanting more, the overall reading experience is enjoyable. This title is a strong addition to the library's horror collection, evoking a classic "Goosebumps" feel.

Was this review helpful?

Identikill is a creepy ghost story. It's a real page-turner with interesting characters. The story is suspenseful and will be hard to put down once you start reading it. It will haunt you after the last page. If you are a fan of Are You Afraid of the Dark?, then will definitely enjoy this book.

Was this review helpful?

Thank you net galley for this arc. I enjoyed it, it was a pretty quick read. I would recommend it and I gave it 4 stars.

Was this review helpful?

This was a good middle-grade thriller. It felt a little predictable, and I wasn't sure at some points early on if it was going for actual paranormal or more psychological. The characters felt very realistic for their ages and I liked hearing the different perspectives between the twins. The story did a good job balancing a lot of emotions.

The ending was ok, but felt rushed and predictable. It didn't resolve things the way I would've liked it to and I felt like I was missing something as I walked away from the story.

Was this review helpful?

loved how this story was just straight to the point. I feel like I could understand where Angelica was coming from although she took it out on Chelsea the wrong way. the characters were relatable and I really liked that the chapters were short and easy for me to stop relatively quickly especially with the holidays. I was kinda sad it was left on a cliff hanger but it makes me excited for more.
thank you netgalley for allowing me to read this copy. can't wait for the next one,

Was this review helpful?

Creepy ghost story that will definitely keep the kids at my Junior High up all night reading AND unable to sleep in the dark afterwards. Thank you NetGalley and Scholastic.

Was this review helpful?

This is an excellent middle school book. I read this with my 12-year-old, and to note our second book by this author! And not our last! When I was a middle schooler myself, my mother worked in an elementary school library, providing me with new titles to read and evaluate before releasing them into the library’s rotation. Now, although I am somewhat older than the intended audience, I still love these stories, and I don’t feel guilty reading them when I am reading them with my kiddo.

The MC faces the challenges of middle school, compounded by the mystery of her deceased twin sister, who continues to communicate with her. What is the purpose of this connection? Does she harbor ill will? And why doesn’t anyone believe she is speaking to her dead sister? Strong MC book also tackles a heavy theme involving a deceased sibling but a great ghost element will appeal no matter the age. I’d rate it a solid four stars and I am relieved I don’t have a twin! And also that ending........

Thank you Scholastic and NetGalley for a chance to to give an honest review. This review is my own.

Was this review helpful?

I suppose for 4th/5th graders who are just getting into the horror genre, this is a reasonable choice. There’s definitely a niche for this type of story. I get irked easily by this genre, because there isn’t a lot of quality writing out there. K.R. Alexander books, in particular, tend to be basic and cliched, with lots of plot holes. For introductory reading it’s fine, but for kids who appreciate better characters and a well crafted plot I would recommend Victoria Schwab, Katherine Arden, Ellen Oh, Dan Poblocki, and even Lindsay Currie.

Chelsea is a grieving twin who claims her dead sister, Angelica, still visits and talks to her as if she’s real. This has not been good for her social situation at school where she is bullied relentlessly by Riley. Then new girl Janette arrives offering unconditional friendship. Unfortunately, Angelica will have none of it. After all, she’s dead, bored, jealous, and getting meaner. Then, for reasons we never understand, she gains strength, becoming visible to people besides Chelsea. But as she grows stronger, Chelsea grows weaker. She won’t stop until she has Chelsea back, all to herself.

It’s a quick, mediocre read, straight to paperback, reminiscent of Goosebumps. Lots of kids love this. For those kids, I recommend.

Was this review helpful?

I always wanted a twin but after reading this, I’m not so sure.

Chelsea has struggled to make friends ever since her twin sister Angelica died five years ago. But the thing is Chelsea can see her twin, Angelica wherever she goes. But after few circumstances Chelsea meets and befriends with a new student Janette, who helps her and is really understanding.

This, makes Angelica angry and she tries to dismiss the new girl and get her sister to walk away. When Angelica accuses her of forgetting her, Chelsea replies that she's not forgetting, she's just trying to live her life. Which Angelica can’t do because she’s trapped in a creepy gloomy underworld. But she needs her sister to be with her, only with her.

The creepy font and the plot is really good. Also the cover is super creepy as hell! I think that’s what draws me to the book.But overall I didn’t like ending because it felt abrupt. But this is a book for a middle grader so I’m okay with this.

Was this review helpful?

This was such an awesome palette refresher/break from my usual reads.

This was a quick read and left me feeling very reminiscent of Are You Afraid of the Dark. The nostalgia was definitely strong but in its own unique way.

Readers find out that Chelsea, who is now thirteen, lost her twin sister at seven. Since her passing she has been able to see/hear Angelica. She’s grown up the last five years feeling very alone and ostracized from her peers. Things take a turn once a possible new best friend arrives and threatens Angelica’s bond with Chelsea.

The ending made it seem like there could be a sequel.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of this eARC for review.

Was this review helpful?

This book was definitely something. Yet it did not live up to all my expectations. The premise, again, was amazing but I feel it could have been fleshed out better. There were moments of creepiness that I liked plus that ending, but more could have been done to make the characters more relatable to the readers. All in all, it is a pretty average read and can serve as palate cleanser between more serious reads.

Was this review helpful?

Holy cow this had me hooked all the way through! I love these types of ghost stories and K. R. Alexander has quickly became one of my top favorite authors. This was such a chilling book to read and experience! Definitely one I had a hard time putting down at times. I always wanted to know what was going to happen next so it kept my attention fully. The characters and the world building is phenomenal! Honestly I wholeheartedly believe this would be such a great book to film adaptation! I’m so grateful to have been given an ARC to read through Netgalley. Thank you for sharing your work with me!

Reviews have been posted on Instagram (@rainydaysmut), TikTok (@rainymarie01) and Goodreads (@Rainy Marie Butts) as of 11/2/2024

Was this review helpful?