Michaelbrent Collings

I went into Collings' story not knowing exactly what to expect. I enjoy closed-in horror and Jaws remains one of my favorites. So I saw this book as a safe bet. The story's a nail-biting page-turner and it reinforced my decision to never scuba-dive. Ever. I can appreciate the beauty of the ocean and what lives within it from afar, but... nope! I appreciated the multiple points of view that allowed me to get inside the heads of the characters, kicking up the tension. I found the underwater show more segments the scariest which reinforces the idea that sometimes what you don't see scares you the most. However, I did want a little more payoff at the end. I was expecting more of a battle but events seemed to lose steam at the end. Still, a satisfying read! show less

This is probably the darkest, most twisted installment yet, while still having one of the sweetest, nicest characters in this series. I don't know what I was expecting going in - but I was surprised by how disgusted I was by some of the new players on the field. Seriously, how does Collings find new ways to horrify and disgust me after the first three books??? That said, I loved the two new people Legion falls in with early in the story - Marnie and her mom (whose names often change as show more they're on the run). It's not a short book, yet I found myself flying through it, eager to find out what would happen next. If you enjoy dark horror that will make your skin crawl, with characters that can sometimes surprise you, you're going to really enjoy this one! I really hope to see more of Legion in the future - he's become a favorite of mine, madness and all. show less

Firstly, if you haven't read book one, you absolutely need to. It sets up the world, and establishes the characters, and you'll be missing out on a crazy, spooky, fun adventure if you don't read it too! Now that that's out of the way, let's dive into this second installment. I was so excited to dive back into the rich worlds that Collings has created, both in the strange little town Willow and Jake live in, but also the Grimmworld, where fairytales are real. The story captures your interest show more from the start, picking up where the first book left off. There are new bad guys, and new challenges to face down, with high stakes and new allies, too. I loved getting to see more of Grimmworld, and those who inhabit it. The pacing is good, and this is perfect for middle graders who are looking for a tense read and love fantasy books. Final note - when do we get book three??? show less

A fun, fantastic twist on the Grimm fairytales, particularly Hansel and Gretel! I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It’s my first book by Michaelbrent Collings and I can’t wait to read more.

The Witch in the Woods begins with two endearing 11 year old twins faced with leaving their friends and home in California for a small, mysterious town in Idaho. As they’re packed up and ready to leave, a strange man appears in their backyard looking like something out of a sci-fi movie and appears to show more be threatening them. Though they try to tell their parents, they don’t seem to believe them. Along the way, even stranger things happen and when they finally get to their new home in New Marburg, Idaho they discover they’re living in a Think Tank city with robots, cars that act like hoverboards, and a strange house with walls impervious to nails.

While their scientific parents are busy working on a secret project, Willow and Jake attend an advanced school with a mean teacher who seems to be out to get them from the first. When their already fantastic world is turned upside down after a terrible lightening storm, they suddenly find themselves in a fairytale world with a creepy forest, talking naked mole rat, and a terrible witch who’s captured their new friends. Can they solve the witch’s riddles to free themselves and their friends from her clutches?

I love middle grade books that are imaginative and well written. It’s also refreshing to read a book about siblings who truly love and support each other. Willow’s musical, loves to read, is smart, and social. Jake’s quiet, smart, kind, likes facts especially about animals and excels at remember them. I found myself on pins and needles cheering these kids on as they use logic and smarts to solve the witch’s clever riddles.

There’s also a sci-fi element with the parents working on a project that’s bringing about the collision of the fairytale world with our world. I loved that this story didn’t dumb things down for kids or use annoying potty humor. It’s intelligently written with scientific theories like string theory mentioned that might have kids googling to find more information. The book ends on a cliffhanger with a couple of twists I didn’t see coming. I can’t wait to find out what happens in the next book.

I definitely think both middle grade boys and girls who like fantasy, sci-fi, or fairytale retellings will enjoy this! There are some scary elements with a witch who enjoys eating children, and some mild peril/violence which might be a bit frightening for younger readers. I received an advanced complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own and voluntarily provided. 4 1/2 stars! show less