Revenge of the Evil Librarian

By Author / Illustrator

Michelle Knudsen

Genre

Adventure

Age range(s)

11+

Publisher

Walker Books Ltd

ISBN

9781406373967

Format

Paperback / softback

Published

06-04-2017

Synopsis

The stage is set for a fiendishly dramatic summer for Cynthia and her boyfriend in this highly entertaining and witty comedy horror.

With elements of Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Glee!, this perfectly pitched novel will delight fans of Point Horror and R. L. Stine, as well as readers who like their horror with a light-hearted touch.

Last autumn, Cynthia Rothschild saved her best friend, as well as the entire student body, from the demon librarian. But now all that demon stuff is behind her, Cyn is looking forward to the best summer ever at theatre camp with her boyfriend, Ryan. Once she gets to camp, though, Cyn realizes all that demon stuff might not be as over as she thought. But at least any new demons that show up can't possibly be as evil as Mr. Gabriel. It's not like he could somehow come back to life to seek his terrible revenge or something, right?

Reviews

This wittily written book - the follow-up to The Evil Librarian - took me right back to my days of watching Buffy the Vampire Slayer! Having not read the previous book, I was pleased that it started with a quick recap to set the scene but did not labour the point. I was quickly drawn to the characters in the story, who were lively and engaging. There is a streak of teenage angst running through the book which lends it credibility without being too wearing. Although the book does not set out on a moral crusade, it does address some interesting points about lies within friendships and relationships that might be a good starting point for discussions in PHSE. There are also knowing nods to the fact that some of the plot twists are a bit fantastical e.g. Commenting on wondering how the adults at the camp have not noticed them all sloping off for meetings! This made me laugh and actually helped suspend my disbelief. As is made clear from the author's acknowledgments at the back of the book, she has a love of musical theatre that was clear throughout the book, throwing in references to shows and musicals to add to the plot. There is mild swearing throughout the book and references to sex but no one actually has sex. There is also blood and horror but it is not too graphic. I would say that a mature 12 year old would be fine to read this but if you are of a more conservative persuasion/working in a more conservative setting, you might recommend 14+. The chatty and relationship-driven conversational style of the dialogue is probably more suitable for girls than boys, although it is witty and knowing enough that some boys might find it ok. The hang ups regarding relationships and jealously are obviously written from a female perspective though. I would say there is definitely more crossover from something like the Gallagher Girls than say Charlie Higson or Daren Shan's demon featuring books. I really enjoyed reading this book and it made me want to go back and read the first one. It also left you wondering what will happen in the next book. 288 pages / Ages 12+ / Reviewed by Alison Urquhart.