Review on Croak by its Second Reader

Croak - Gina Damico

Fun read in the Halloween spirit.
Quick read at over 250 pages but not crowded with words on those 250 pages.

I just finished reading this book, which was first reviewed by Emma. It is definitely a book aimed at the teen scene. Very clever idea about the grim reaper(s). Not at all like the one in The Book Thief. He would be too old and unhip for this crowd. This is the author's first book and she will likely get better at describing things some of which were just too regular such as, "She felt like she had been hit in the stomach" does anyone write that anymore. Do editors let writers write like that any more? A number or references to dinosaurs which I found to be odd. She is not as polished a writer as the Twilight or Hunger Games teen writers, but a good effort. The characters were lovable in a Bella and Edward type way. Meaning, there were times you just wanted to smack the heroine.

This is the first in a series  and I'll admit I wonder what is going to happen next. I'll keep reading safe in the knowledge that one is already written and the last is on the way.

Now a soap box moment. Why does everything have to be a series. This book ends one mystery and in the last few pages introduces a whole new one. There is no sense of completion. "Wow that book was great. I hope the author will write another one. I really liked these characters." I can read a thick book so wait until your story is complete and then submit the manuscript.  The answer is of course money likely on the part of the publisher as well as the writer. If the book hadn't sold I don't think we'd be looking forward to book two.