Friday, August 19

Review: The Curse of the Were-Hyena (and giveaway!)


You guys, full moon means only one thing right? Well, if you thought werewolf, think again. Yep, it's the Full Moon of the Were-Hyena (even more creepy than the werewolf, seriously). This blog tour goes all month long and is all over the interwebs. As for me? Check out my review below and a giveaway! Also, stay tuned for an interview with Bruce Hale that is in the works!

The Curse of the Were-Hyena
Bruce Hale

My rating: ★★★★

ISBN: 978-1484713259
Publisher: Disney-Hyperion
Date of publication: July 5, 2016
Age: Grades 3 - 6
Genre: Mystery, Horror
Format: ARC from publisher

Themes: shape-shifting, monsters, friendship, teachers, curses, humor

"What do you do when your favorite teacher starts turning into a were-hyena?

a) Flee in terror?
b) Try to cure him?
c) Bring him carrion snacks?

Mr. Chu, the coolest teacher ever, has developed some very unusual habits, like laughing hysterically for no reason, sniffing people's homework, and chasing chickens. When best friends Carlos and Benny decide to find out what's happening to him, they get caught up in some moonlight madness. And it looks like just the beginning of the weirdness that has arrived in the town of Monterrosa. . ."

Hilarious and creepy. Yes, two for one special! Turning into a hyena makes for some terrifying situations...but with a lot of laughs. I mean, it is a hyena after all. But seriously, Carlos and Benny keep things light at the right times, while also have some great depth as characters. I also really enjoyed the character, Mrs. Tamasese, who (while being totally kick-butt awesome) provided a little of the needed adult supervision. Along those lines, it did bother me a bit that the kids' parents were (once again) totally ignorant or absent or silly, but I realize kids like reading about being the heroes in such situations.

Otherwise, the story is quick-paced and starts off immediately with an action-packed grabber. The mystery of who's behind it all kept me guessing through most of the book, too. There's some scattered illustrations throughout the book that also help keep the story going. Overall, kids will have a lot of fun with this one, especially if they're looking for scary (but not too scary). Great for reluctant readers, too, with the quick, high-action storyline. Definitely give this one a try!

Find it at your library or on Amazon
The Full Moon of the Were-Hyena Howling Good Giveaway!
★ ★ ★ ★
Ten winners will receive a copy of Bruce Hale’s The Curse of the Were-Hyena. Four Grand Prize winners will receive The Curse of the Were-Hyena plus an advance reading copy of the second book in the series, Mutant Mantis Lunch Ladies! And as a bonus, Grand Prize winners will also get a signed photo of Bruce Hale disguised as a were-wolf!
Click here to enter!

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