Holy crap nothing scares me more than dolls.
Zach, Poppy and Alice have been friends for ever. They love playing with their action figure toys, imagining a magical world of adventure and heroism. But disaster strikes when, without warning, Zach’s father throws out all his toys, declaring he’s too old for them. Zach is furious, confused and embarrassed, deciding that the only way to cope is to stop playing . . . and stop being friends with Poppy and Alice. But one night the girls pay Zach a visit, and tell him about a series of mysterious occurrences. Poppy swears that she is now being haunted by a china doll – who claims that it is made from the ground-up bones of a murdered girl. They must return the doll to where the girl lived, and bury it. Otherwise the three children will be cursed for eternity . . .
Doll Bones was a very unexpected read for me. I've never read anything by Holly Black, but how could I pass up a creepy story about kids being haunted by a china doll?! It turns out Doll Bones was far more heartwarming and cuter than I expected.
The kids in Doll Bones are 12 years old and on the brink of leaving that phase of childhood where it's OK to use your imagination and play with dolls. They are growing up. Their lives are changing and their friendships are changing, but thanks to a doll created from the bones of a murdered girl, they get to go on one last quest together before leaving their childhoods behind them.
I loved reading this as an adult, but it is also a perfect middle grade read for kids who enjoy creepy tales.
8/10: Great Read
Discussion:
Are you a fan of Holly Black? I loved her writing in Doll Bones. Is there another Holly Black book you would recommend? I know she has written a few series of books.
Are you a fan of Holly Black? I loved her writing in Doll Bones. Is there another Holly Black book you would recommend? I know she has written a few series of books.
I LOVE Holly Black and she is pretty hilarious. I haven't gotten anything signed by her, but she has been on several panels that I have attended in the last year. Doll Bones has been on my TBR list FOREVER! Gonna have to pick it up now.
ReplyDeleteI LOVE Holly Black and she is pretty hilarious. I haven't gotten anything signed by her, but she has been on several panels that I have attended in the last year. Doll Bones has been on my TBR list FOREVER! Gonna have to pick it up now.
ReplyDeleteOh, fun! I never get to attend cool book stuff. ;) Yes, you should definitely pick it up now.
DeleteI am a HUGE Holly Black fan and I agree about dolls. There is something so creepy about them!
ReplyDeleteKate @ Ex Libris
I need to read more Holly Black. I'll probably check my library's digital books in a bit.
DeleteOh, this sounds precisely like the sort of story I would have enjoyed as a child :) I used to love the horror genre when I was growing up and would read anything like this that I could get my hands on. I'm so happy to hear that you enjoyed this one :D
ReplyDeleteExactly. I know my middle grade self would have loved reading a creepy doll book. I wish I could go back and give it to her. ;)
DeleteI haven't even heard of this one but can you say creepy? *shudders* Sounds like it was more cutesy than terrifying but still.
ReplyDeleteIt was definitely more cute than terrifying, but there were a lot of moments where you didn't know if it was the doll or coincidence. And yeah... creepy dolls. *shudders*
DeleteI want to read this one so badly but my greatest fear in life is dolls (well, and clowns) but dolls scare the bejeezus out of me! It's good to see that it's a bit lighter than I had thought it was going to be. Great review, Jennifer!
ReplyDeleteYou would do fine. I'm full on scared of dolls. That's probably why God gave me all boys.
DeleteOh creepy!
ReplyDeleteShelleyrae @ Book'd OUt
I loved Holly Blacks Curseworkers series. Middle grade books don't always work for me, but since it's by Holly Black I would give it a shot. So glad you liked it!
ReplyDeleteAwesome. I put White Cat on hold at the library.
DeleteGreat review :) Glad you enjoyed this book too. <3 I thought it was cute. Not perfect, but pretty good :D Thank you for sharing. <3
ReplyDeleteThank you for commenting on my blog. <3
Love, Carina @ Carina's Books
Dolls - especially porcelain dolls - can be VERY creepy! They're right up there with circus clowns. Looks like you've got great taste in books. I would love to know your thoughts on Horns!
ReplyDeleteAw, thanks. Yes - VERY creepy. Ha! I'm not sure anyone is going to be thrilled with my thoughts on Horns.
DeleteHeartwarming and cute? I wasn't expecting that! Eeee, the doll on the cover is so creeepy!! I love Holly Black and I would definitely recommend her Curse Workers series.
ReplyDeleteI am really looking forward to reading this - it's sitting on my shelf haha. My sister is an art doll artist (one of her dolls is being featured/published in Art Doll Quarterly this November!!) So I love and collect dolls - my office is FULL of creepy little beauties staring down at me all day!
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ReplyDelete