Books matching: children disappearing
35 result(s)
- #1
Save:Thirteens by Kate Alice Marshall is a middle-grade book set in the mysterious town of Eden Eld. The story follows Eleanor, Otto, and Pip, three thirteen-year-olds who discover they are next in line to disappear as part of a sinister town secret. As they uncover the truth about the town's dark history and the curse that plagues it every thirteen years, they must work together to survive the challenges and mysteries that surround them. The book seamlessly weaves elements of friendship, mystery, and suspense, creating a captivating and atmospheric setting that keeps readers hooked until the very end.
- #2
Save:'Djinn Patrol on the Purple Line' by Deepa Anappara is a novel that follows the story of nine-year-old Jai, who, inspired by police shows on TV, decides to investigate the mysterious disappearances of children from his slum. As Jai, along with his friends Pari and Faiz, delves deeper into the case, they uncover the harsh realities of life in the slums of India, where indifference from the police and societal tensions exacerbate the situation. The narrative, primarily from Jai's perspective, captures the innocence, courage, and struggles of the children as they navigate through a world filled with danger and uncertainty, shedding light on the issues of poverty, religious tensions, and the plight of missing children in India.
The book is praised for its vivid and evocative descriptions that bring the setting of the slums to life, allowing readers to immerse themselves in the sights, sounds, and smells of Jai's surroundings. Through Jai's narrative, the author skillfully portrays the harsh realities faced by children in impoverished communities, highlighting the resilience, camaraderie, and determination of the young protagonists as they embark on a journey to uncover the truth behind the disappearances, ultimately revealing the complexities of social injustice and inequality in society.
- #3
Save:'Seize the Night' by Dean Koontz is a thrilling tale set in Moonlight Bay, where children start disappearing, and the town's dark secrets begin to unravel. The protagonist, Christopher Snow, who has a rare genetic disorder, is determined to uncover the mysteries behind the abductions. As he delves deeper into the investigation, he faces a web of conspiracy, horror, and danger lurking in the shadows of the town. The story unfolds with suspenseful writing, engaging characters, and a blend of horror and sci-fi elements that keep the reader captivated till the end.
Elsewhere, night falls, but in Moonlight Bay it steals upon us with barely a whisper, like a gentle dark-sapphire surf licking a beach. At dawn, when the night retreats across the Pacific toward dista...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Moonlight Bay ) - #4
Save:December Park by Ronald Malfi is a coming-of-age novel set in a small town haunted by the disappearance of teenagers. The story follows a group of friends led by Angelo as they embark on a quest to uncover the truth behind the missing children, delving into the secrets of their town and confronting the mysterious figure known as the Piper. The narrative weaves together themes of friendship, loss, and the blurred lines between childhood and adulthood, creating a compelling and suspenseful tale that keeps readers engaged until the surprising and bittersweet ending. Malfi's writing style is praised for its realistic characters, vivid descriptions, and ability to evoke nostalgia for a time when childhood innocence and belief in the supernatural were intertwined.
We stood at the intersection of Point and Counterpoint,cigarettesdangling from our mouths like we were serious about something but too cool to show it, and shivered against the wind. Farther up Counte... - #5
Save:Set in the small town of Never Better, 'Far Far Away' follows the tale of Jeremy Johnson Johnson, a boy who can hear the voice of Jacob Grimm, one half of the famous Brothers Grimm. Narrated by Jacob himself, the story unfolds with Jeremy's struggles after his mother's departure and his father's reclusive nature. When a series of dark events are set into motion by a local girl named Ginger, the plot takes a grim turn, leading to a suspenseful and gripping narrative with elements of macabre fairy tales and ghostly protection.
The book combines a dark fairy tale with humor, creating a unique and engaging story that appeals to both young adult and adult readers. With a mix of fantasy, supernatural elements, mystery, family relationships, and coming-of-age themes, 'Far Far Away' offers a modern twist on traditional fairy tales while exploring the complex dynamics between characters and the eerie atmosphere of the town.
Let us begin on a May afternoon when the light was pure, the air scented with blossoms, and the sky a pale blue. Lovely, in other words, and brimming with promise. The village trees were in full leaf,... - #6
Save:'The Replacement' by Brenna Yovanoff is a dark and eerie urban fantasy novel set in the small town of Gentry. The story follows Mackie Doyle, a Replacement or changeling who doesn't belong in the human world due to his fatal allergies and mysterious origins. As Mackie navigates his identity and relationships with his family and friends, he is drawn into a world of music, death, ancient rituals, and magic underground. The plot unfolds with a sense of mystery and self-discovery, exploring themes of belonging, sacrifice, and love amidst a backdrop of creepy and atmospheric settings.
The writing style of 'The Replacement' is beautifully creepy, blending elements of folklore and paranormal genres in a refreshing and unique way. The book features vivid descriptions, honest emotions, and dark, grim imagery that sets it apart from typical young adult novels. Through the character of Mackie and his relationships, readers are taken on a journey of self-discovery and acceptance, with a touch of bittersweetness and heartwarming moments that make the story compelling and memorable.
I don’t remember any of the true, important parts, but there’s this dream I have. Everything is cold and branches scrape the window screen. Giant trees, rattling, clattering with leaves. White rain gu... - #7
Save:"City of Light" in the series "Outcast" by Keri Arthur is set in a futuristic earth a few hundred years after a war between shifters and humans. The novel follows Tiger, a genetically engineered dechet created during the war, who now navigates a world filled with shifters, vampires, and otherworldly creatures. The story unfolds as Tiger, with her unique powers and a mysterious past, gets involved in solving the disappearance of children, revealing a complex world of post-war politics and supernatural threats.
The writing style of "City of Light" is praised for its world-building, character development, and unique take on familiar urban fantasy elements. Keri Arthur creates a dark and haunting atmosphere, introducing readers to a dystopian world where humans, shifters, and vampires coexist after a devastating war. The narrative is fast-paced, engaging, and filled with unexpected twists, making it a captivating read for fans of urban fantasy and supernatural fiction.
I stretched the kinks out of my bones, then glanced at the old metal clock on the far wall to confirm what I instinctively knew. It was barely six p.m., so night hadn’t fallen yet. The ghosts were wel... - #8
Save:'Hekla's Children' by James Brogden is a gripping and imaginative story that blends elements of mystery, thriller, and fantasy. The plot follows a group of students led by Nathan through Sutton's Park, where they encounter supernatural occurrences, including a legend of a wildman living in the woods. As the story progresses, the narrative transitions from a contemporary mystery thriller to a fantasy tale reminiscent of 'Mythago Wood,' with unexpected twists and turns that keep readers engaged. The author's writing style is described as original, well-written, and fast-paced, creating a compelling narrative with well-drawn characters and a tight plot.
Across the hill fort they awoke. The women reached for their children in the dark and held them close, thankful that this time it wasn’t them, while the men found their bronze-bladed hunting spears an... - #9
Save:Serafina and the Black Cloak by Robert Beatty is a middle-grade novel set at the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, NC, in the late 1800s. The story follows Serafina, a young girl who lives hidden in the basement of the estate with her father, the maintenance man. When children start disappearing from the estate, Serafina takes it upon herself to solve the mystery, teaming up with a new friend, Braden Vanderbilt. The book blends mystery, fantasy, and elements of the supernatural, with a focus on Serafina's unique abilities and her determination to uncover the truth behind the disappearances. The writing style is captivating, with engaging descriptions, intriguing characters, and a plot that keeps readers turning pages to unravel the mysteries within the Biltmore Estate.
Serafina opened her eyes and scanned the darkened workshop, looking for any rats stupid enough to come into her territory while she slept. She knew they were out there, just beyond her nightly range, ... - #10
Save:The Near Witch by Victoria Schwab is a haunting and beautifully written fantasy novel that follows the story of Lexi in the town of Near. When children start disappearing and a mysterious boy appears, Lexi finds herself entangled in a centuries-old witch's grudge. The writing style is described as lyrical and captivating, drawing readers into a world filled with eerie plots, rich settings, and intriguing characters.
“The wind on the moors is a tricky thing,” I begin, and Wren’s small body sinks deeper into the bed. I imagine she is listening more to the highs and lows of my voice than the words themselves. We bot...
