Coraline (2008)

Adapted and Illustrated by P. Craig Russell

Based on the Novel by Neil Gaiman

The Cryptkeeper says:
Wonderful graphic novel adaptation of Gaiman's classic nightmare for children.

My one criticism would be that I loved Gaiman's ability to conjure such powerful imagery with so few words. By definition, the graphic novel is very illustrative and leaves little for imagination -- and that, I'm afraid, detracts from the overall tension and dread.

Then there's the artistic choices; Gaiman's book is modestly illustrated but what you get is so much more effective. Take a look at what I mean. One the left is how the "other-Mother" appears in the book; on the right is how she appears in the graphic novel. You decide which one is scarier! Grade: B+

So check this out!

A movie version of Neil Gaiman's Coraline, is set to be released in the US in February 2009!! Clay animation is the medium for this one and stars Dakota Fanning as the voice of Coraline and Terri Hatcher as the voice of Mother and Other Mother!!

For more information on the movie go here!

To view the trailer/commentary go here!

And last but not least, check out the previous post here!

Exciting, non?

--The Library Technician

The Graveyard Book (2008)

Neil Gaiman (Author), Dave McKean (Illustrator)

The Cryptkeeper says:

On the night his family is murdered in their sleep, Nobody Owens (Bod for short) wanders into the neighborhood graveyard and is subsequently adopted by the ghostly denizens who live there. A toddler upon his arrival, Bod comes of age as the graveyard's only living resident. He is surrounded by a cast of caring and eccentric spirits who must protect him from the world beyond the graveyard gates, and from the man who killed his family -- and continues to hunt for Bod.

Neil Gaiman weaves a tale in such a way that he transports me back to a state of childhood wonderment when being transfixed by a story seemed so much easier and so much more pleasurable. Fans of Gaiman's Coraline will not be disappointed with The Graveyard Book, an enchanted modern fairytale that will delight (and frighten) you. Highly recommended. Watch the book trailer now! Narrated by Neil Gaiman.

Check out the horror blog's previous post: Neil Gaiman's Coraline: a fearsome fairytale

The newest book has just made its appearance at RPL, so get your name on the list for The Last Apprentice: Wrath of the Bloodeye, the fifth book in the series, as soon as possible!

In the meantime though, if you're looking for a little more information about author Joseph Delaney, the other books in the series or if you want a run down on the characters, check out www.thelastapprentice.com!

Have a look at these previous postings to get the entire rundown on this RPL staff favorite!

--The Library Technician

Wrath of the Bloodeye

Last Apprentice series Book 5

Joseph Delaney

Do not overlook this series!! It is not just for kids; in fact, I've had one parent say to me she would think twice about letting her kids read these books because of the nightmares and sleepless nights that would surely result.

I've been reading horror (the good, the bad, and the ugly) for over 20 years and I can honestly say that Joseph Delaney has created something spectacular and sinister with his Last Apprentice books. The imagery is startling and unforgettable; you will hear the thumps in the cellar and feel that cold hand grab your arm. Certain scenes unfold like the best film sequences and burn into your mind.

Young Tom, the seventh son of a seventh son, starts work as an apprentice for the village Spook, whose job is to protect ordinary folk from "ghouls, boggarts, and all manner of wicked beasties." Tom begins his apprenticeship as a shy and uncertain boy, homesick and terrified of the dark. His journey to become a full-fledged Spook with the ability to face down any sort of supernatural threat is exciting and nerve-wracking. Each of these books are compulsive reads; I could not stop turning the pages.

Booklist *Starred Review*
Delaney grabs readers by the throat and gives them a good shake in a smartly crafted story in which the horror is set within the parameters of a boy's new job. In an unspecified England some centuries ago, Thomas, the 12-year-old seventh son of a seventh son, is taken on as an apprentice by the local Spook.... this is a gristly thriller; Delaney's descriptions of moldering bodies hoisting themselves from the earth and hairy pigs tearing into a witch's heart will have readers' eyes opening wide. Yet the twisted horror is amply buffered by an exquisitely normal young hero, matter-of-fact prose, and a workaday normalcy.

Posted by: The Cryptkeeper

The Wolves in the Walls by Neil Gaiman; illustrated by Dave McKean

From School Library Journal:

"Lucy hears sounds in her house and is certain that the "sneaking, creeping, crumpling" noises coming from inside the walls are wolves. Her parents and her brother know "if the wolves come out-, it's all over," and no one believes that the creatures are there-until they come out..."

This little gem was recommended to me by the Cryptkeeper!

It's quite a nice little scary-ish story for those dark and stormy nights curled up under the covers while someone more brave and grown up reads it to you! Neil Gaiman teamed with Dave McKean manage to creep you out while making you giggle. The illustrations just make the story pop!

While it IS a childrens book (mostly illustrations and roughly 56 pages long) it is just as good a read for the young of heart as it is for the scary story loving children in your life. Take it home for them today!

--The Library Technician

The brand spanking new copies of book 4 in the The Last Apprentice series written by Joseph Delaney have started to arrive.

There are currently only two copies of The Last Apprentice: Attack of the Fiend in our catalogue so if you haven't already, get your name on the list today!

I've already got my greasy little hands on a copy and can hardly wait to dig into it, it promises to be extra creepy!

--The Library Technician

Not familiar with the series? Want to know why we are all so excited? See previous blog post: The Last Apprentice series: Not just for kids

Coraline

by Neil Gaiman

Watch the book teaser for Coraline

Keeping in line with our "not just for kids" theme, here is another horror classic that I feel compelled to recommend. If you'd like a bout of the knee-knocking heebie jeebies, then Neil Gaiman's Coraline is the genuine article. Gaiman is one of the most talented writers to emerge in the last decade and his foray into children's books does not disappoint. Coraline is edgy, dark, compelling stuff. For a compact short read, this contemporary fairytale packs a huge wallop--the story will stay with you long after the reading is done.

Don't miss this uniquely weird and creepy tale...
You will never feel the same about black buttons again!

Coraline moves into a new house with her parents and uncovers a hidden door. When she steps through it she discovers a world very much like her own except with a few disturbing differences. When her parents go missing, Coraline must find the courage to go back to this terrifying world and save them.

Posted by: The Cryptkeeper

Cirque du Freak: The Saga of Darren Shan

Darren Shan is just an ordinary schoolboy who enjoys hanging out with his three best friends. Then one day they stumble across an invitation to visit the Cirque du Freak, a mysterious freak show. Only two tickets are available, so they draw straws to see who will go. As if by destiny, Darren wins one, and what follows is his horrifying descent into the dark and bloody world of vampires. This is Darren's story. (Book Description taken from Amazon)

I’m not usually one for vampire fiction, but let me tell you, I gave this book a try and was hooked onto the series. I found myself impatiently waiting for the conclusion (book 12) to be published. The adventure, drama, action, vivid descriptions mixed with the overarching themes of good versus evil, mesmerizes the reader drawing them into the world of vampires and vampaneze. Admittedly, the series does get a little too fantasy-driven for me, especially with the tenth book, but is back on track with the conclusion. This series is absolutely gripping.

--Serial Killers Anonymous

Here is a complete listing of the Saga of Darren Shan series in order:

The Last Apprentice (Book I): The Revenge of the Witch

The Last Apprentice (Book II): The Curse of the Bane

The Last Apprentice (Book III): Night of the Soul Stealer

Do not overlook this series!! It is not just for kids; in fact, I've had one parent say to me she would think twice about letting her kids read these books because of the nightmares and sleepless nights that would surely result.

I've been reading horror (the good, the bad, and the ugly) for over 20 years and I can honestly say that Joseph Delaney has created something spectacular and sinister with his Last Apprentice books. The imagery is startling and unforgettable; you will hear the thumps in the cellar and feel that cold hand grab your arm. Certain scenes unfold like the best film sequences and burn into your mind.

Young Tom, the seventh son of a seventh son, starts work as an apprentice for the village Spook, whose job is to protect ordinary folk from "ghouls, boggarts, and all manner of wicked beasties." Tom begins his apprenticeship as a shy and uncertain boy, homesick and terrified of the dark. His journey to become a full-fledged Spook with the ability to face down any sort of supernatural threat is exciting and nerve-wracking. Each of these books are compulsive reads; I could not stop turning the pages.

Booklist *Starred Review*
Delaney grabs readers by the throat and gives them a good shake in a smartly crafted story in which the horror is set within the parameters of a boy's new job. In an unspecified England some centuries ago, Thomas, the 12-year-old seventh son of a seventh son, is taken on as an apprentice by the local Spook.... this is a gristly thriller; Delaney's descriptions of moldering bodies hoisting themselves from the earth and hairy pigs tearing into a witch's heart will have readers' eyes opening wide. Yet the twisted horror is amply buffered by an exquisitely normal young hero, matter-of-fact prose, and a workaday normalcy.

Posted by: The Cryptkeeper