Susanne Schmidt

In the quaint German town of Fels, Halloween takes a dark turn for eleven-year-old Jo. When her annoying older brother, Hektor, goes missing, Jo suspects he's playing a prank. But then both her father and grandma forget Hektor's name, and his stuff mysteriously disappears from his room. With the adults of no help whatsoever, Jo starts her own investigation, and uncovers a gruesome legend: A monster lives in the rye fields, and it has been preying on the children of Fels for centuries, ensnaring them into its world under the roots. With two days until the gate between their worlds closes, Jo races against time to save her brother. Armed with a trusty turnip lantern, and her brother's obnoxious best friend as her only ally, can Jo outsmart the ancient monster, or will the rye fields claim even more innocent victims? Embrace the magic of spooky season and join Jo on a pulse-pounding journey into German folklore where courage, friendship, and darkness collide.

Bad Grains

I received this novella to judge for SFINCS. Opinion is my own, and does not represent that made by the team. I did also happen to purchase this in paperback, as I prefer to read physical, and I liked the cover.

This is a middle grade horror that is a homage to the author’s favorites like Goosebumps. While it doesn’t quite hit that level of suspense, I do see how the author took them and made something of their own. Also like GB this novella does push the limits of ‘children’s’ and ‘horror’, With some dark imagery and description.

The 1st person POV of Jo is very authentic, reading as real in both age and personality. I loved the issues with making friends, having a mean brother, and reading as an escape. All things that we’ve dealt with on some level.

I love the German setting as well as the German folklore. I love that the author kept certain German words/phrases, as although they may have been self explanatory, they added depth. The Rye fields monster, as well as the world under the roots was super unique and I loved the idea of such a small, quaint town. Sadly the idea of walking around alone as a kid is kind of ruined by the nature of the story, but I liked it at the start!

Personally a 4/5* for me. Well written, enjoyable throughout.

C. J. Daley 

I received this novella to judge for SFINCS. Opinion is my own, and does not represent that made by the team. I did also happen to purchase this in paperback, as I prefer to read physical, and I liked the cover.

This is a middle grade horror that is a homage to the author’s favorites like Goosebumps. While it doesn’t quite hit that level of suspense, I do see how the author took them and made something of their own. Also like GB this novella does push the limits of ‘children’s’ and ‘horror’, With some dark imagery and description.

The 1st person POV of Jo is very authentic, reading as real in both age and personality. I loved the issues with making friends, having a mean brother, and reading as an escape. All things that we’ve dealt with on some level.

I love the German setting as well as the German folklore. I love that the author kept certain German words/phrases, as although they may have been self explanatory, they added depth. The Rye fields monster, as well as the world under the roots was super unique and I loved the idea of such a small, quaint town. Sadly the idea of walking around alone as a kid is kind of ruined by the nature of the story, but I liked it at the start!

Personally a 4/5* for me. Well written, enjoyable throughout.

Bad Grains

Reviews