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The Bellwoods Game
Perfect for fans of Doll Bones and Hocus Pocus , this “beautifully creepy” ( Kirkus Reviews ), highly illustrated middle grade novel follows a girl who hopes to fix her outcast status through a game in the haunted woods, only to discover that some legends shouldn’t be played with.
Everyone knows Fall Hollow is haunted. It has been ever since Abigail Snook went into the woods many years ago, never to be seen again. Since then, it’s tradition for the sixth graders at Beckett Elementary to play the Bellwoods Game on Halloween night. Three kids are chosen to go into the woods. Whoever rings the bell there wins the game and saves the town for another year, but if Abigail’s ghost captures the players first, the spirit is let loose to wreak havoc on Fall Hollow—or so the story goes.
Now that it’s Bailee’s year to play, she can finally find out what really happens. And legend has it the game’s winner gets a wish. Maybe, just maybe, if Bailee wins, she can go back to the way things used to be before her grandma got sick and everyone at school started hating her. But when the night begins, everything the kids thought they knew about the game—and each other—is challenged. One thing’s for something sinister is at play…waiting for them all in the woods.
Everyone knows Fall Hollow is haunted. It has been ever since Abigail Snook went into the woods many years ago, never to be seen again. Since then, it’s tradition for the sixth graders at Beckett Elementary to play the Bellwoods Game on Halloween night. Three kids are chosen to go into the woods. Whoever rings the bell there wins the game and saves the town for another year, but if Abigail’s ghost captures the players first, the spirit is let loose to wreak havoc on Fall Hollow—or so the story goes.
Now that it’s Bailee’s year to play, she can finally find out what really happens. And legend has it the game’s winner gets a wish. Maybe, just maybe, if Bailee wins, she can go back to the way things used to be before her grandma got sick and everyone at school started hating her. But when the night begins, everything the kids thought they knew about the game—and each other—is challenged. One thing’s for something sinister is at play…waiting for them all in the woods.
320 pages, Hardcover
First published July 18, 2023
About the author
Celia Krampien
11 books33 followersCelia Krampien grew up in a house in the woods on the Bruce Peninsula in Ontario, Canada, and spent her childhood reading, observing the local wildlife, and climbing trees. She currently lives in Oakville , Ontario, with her partner, and enjoys working alongside her silly cat and going for long walks with her nosy beagle. Celia's illustrations have appeared in children's books, newspapers, and magazines.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 162 reviews
November 12, 2023
7.00 on CAWPILE
July 5, 2023
This was so lovely. Petition to have illustrations in adult horror novels because that made it 100% eerier. I loved the lore of the woods and the game, combined with the very human sixth grade emotions that all the kids were going through. Also loved the emphasis on fears, stories, and imagination. I would definitely recommend this to spooky middle graders (and adults alike).
Thanks to Netgalley for an arc of this book. All opinions are my own.
Thanks to Netgalley for an arc of this book. All opinions are my own.
December 3, 2023
This was an actually a really fun little spooky read! It defo gives some season one stranger things vibes just because of the kids. But it’s honestly so autumnal and perfect for that season!
October 12, 2023
A fantastic middle grade horror mystery perfect for #SpookySeason and fans of authors like Katherine Arden, Kenneth Opel or Laura Senf.
Set in a small town where something evil lurks and every Halloween kids play a game to enter the forest, ring the bell and drive away the scary thing lurking there for another year. Full of important messages about team work, facing your fears and dealing with tough family issues.
Good on audio with great narration by Caitlin Kelly, this new to me Canadian author definitely delivered a standout read!
Set in a small town where something evil lurks and every Halloween kids play a game to enter the forest, ring the bell and drive away the scary thing lurking there for another year. Full of important messages about team work, facing your fears and dealing with tough family issues.
Good on audio with great narration by Caitlin Kelly, this new to me Canadian author definitely delivered a standout read!
July 13, 2023
Thank you to the publisher for sending me an advance copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
I loved this book! It definitely wasn't life changing in any way for me, as an adult, but this book was still so good. It takes place on Halloween night in a creepy, haunted forest, and the atmosphere was just top notch. I even baked some pumpkin chocolate chip cookies and lit a fall candle to get the full autumn experience while reading this.
Then I ended up reading it in one sitting. I mean, it is targeted for fifth/sixth graders and less than 300 pages (for my paperback ARC), but I really ended up blowing through this.
I just know this book is perfect for kids that love scary stories. There is a lot going on in this book, and a lot of smaller "scary story" elements that I know kids will love. Plus, there is a whole theme of friendship and apologizing for your mistakes, and that the world isn't really as scary as you think. The plot never really dragged, and the illustrations in the story added an extra element while reading.
I am definitely keeping this book - it would be a good, quick read to bust a reading slump. Plus, it might be fun to reread during the Autumn season! I think it is a great recommendation to any younger kids, or a quick read if you want something easy and fun. The ending is wholesome, and the story itself was just entertaining to read. Like I said, nothing life changing here, but you can still enjoy it anyway.
Content warnings: child death, violence, bullying, grief
I loved this book! It definitely wasn't life changing in any way for me, as an adult, but this book was still so good. It takes place on Halloween night in a creepy, haunted forest, and the atmosphere was just top notch. I even baked some pumpkin chocolate chip cookies and lit a fall candle to get the full autumn experience while reading this.
Then I ended up reading it in one sitting. I mean, it is targeted for fifth/sixth graders and less than 300 pages (for my paperback ARC), but I really ended up blowing through this.
I just know this book is perfect for kids that love scary stories. There is a lot going on in this book, and a lot of smaller "scary story" elements that I know kids will love. Plus, there is a whole theme of friendship and apologizing for your mistakes, and that the world isn't really as scary as you think. The plot never really dragged, and the illustrations in the story added an extra element while reading.
I am definitely keeping this book - it would be a good, quick read to bust a reading slump. Plus, it might be fun to reread during the Autumn season! I think it is a great recommendation to any younger kids, or a quick read if you want something easy and fun. The ending is wholesome, and the story itself was just entertaining to read. Like I said, nothing life changing here, but you can still enjoy it anyway.
Content warnings: child death, violence, bullying, grief
October 19, 2023
The perfect quick cute yet scary middle grade read for spoopy season :) I couldn’t stop thinking about the story and how everything connected. I even revisited a few parts in the book.
June 24, 2023
Absolutely thrilled to be able to read this ARC that was given to the library I work at -
This is a SPECTACULAR read!! The way it came full circle of a family member righting a wrong that happened YEARS AGO by an older family member, was truly remarkable. The spook factor and ghost story appeal was incredible as well.
This is a SPECTACULAR read!! The way it came full circle of a family member righting a wrong that happened YEARS AGO by an older family member, was truly remarkable. The spook factor and ghost story appeal was incredible as well.
May 7, 2024
This is a spooky middle grade story set in the woods on Halloween night. It features friendships, bullying, and dealing with tough issues at home like money worries and medical issues. I thought the book was well written, with a lot of action, some scary parts, and a nice lesson about compassion for others, even if you aren't sure what they're going through.
February 16, 2024
really reminds me of The Hiddenseek
October 21, 2023
I really enjoyed the illustrations of this and the Fall vibes for me were definitely strong. The story could have been a bit better but I still enjoyed it overall. I'm very curious to see if this is going to become a series. I also love that the author/illustrator is Canadian ❤🍁
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July 31, 2023I'm very glad I read this gripping #MGLit horror book by Canadian author Celia Krampien during the daytime! Set in the woods of Fall Hollow, Bailee and her classmates are (sort of) ready for the traditional Bellwoods Game that takes place each Halloween for three randomly chosen kids from the sixth grade. It's well known that Abigail Snook, a girl who went missing several years ago, haunts the woods that night, but if one of the kids can race to the bell and ring it, they'll protect the town from Abigail's wrath for another year. Bailee is selected to play, but she's more interested in the wish that the winner supposedly gets to make, and with her recent status as a social outcast, she would like to make things go back to how they used to be. No one can remember what evil has happened in the woods in years past, but none of the kids will leave them the same as they went in…if they leave at all!
I most enjoyed the numerous illustrations in this book by the author, a highly accomplished illustrator who also created the book's cover, as well as others such as The Remarkable Journey of Coyote Sunrise by Dan Gemeihart, The Gray by Chris Baron, and Those Kid From Fawn Creek by Erin Entrada Kelly. Not only did the visuals add to the story, but they helped to break up the text and make the book feel shorter than its 305 pages. I also enjoyed Bailee and her classmates becoming unexpected allies and confronting their issues while facing the sinister force working against them.
I highly recommend this book to readers who enjoy spooky stories set in haunted woods with sinister twists around every corner.
I most enjoyed the numerous illustrations in this book by the author, a highly accomplished illustrator who also created the book's cover, as well as others such as The Remarkable Journey of Coyote Sunrise by Dan Gemeihart, The Gray by Chris Baron, and Those Kid From Fawn Creek by Erin Entrada Kelly. Not only did the visuals add to the story, but they helped to break up the text and make the book feel shorter than its 305 pages. I also enjoyed Bailee and her classmates becoming unexpected allies and confronting their issues while facing the sinister force working against them.
I highly recommend this book to readers who enjoy spooky stories set in haunted woods with sinister twists around every corner.
September 15, 2023
A bit repetitive in some parts (stuff that should have been caught in editing), but I really enjoyed this!
November 27, 2023
The Bellwoods Game is a middle grade horror book that is the perfect book to read around Halloween. In the story, Bailee is determined to play and win the annual Bellwoods game. It's a sixth grade rite of passage. Three kids are chosen and the one who rings the bell can save the town.
This is exactly the type of book that I would have loved as a middle school reader. The characters were fun. I liked all of them and how they ended up helping each other in the game. Even the ones that didn't get along. All of the kids who participate have a secret or issue that the end up having to face during the game. The book is really creepy and would be a great intro into the horror genre for a middle schooler. The main villain was also well written and gave me the chills. I don't want to spoil the story and tell you who wins or if the town was saved. I highly recommend this one and think it would be a great addition to any middle school library.
June 2, 2024
Every Halloween in the town of Fall Hollow, the six grade kids must decide who is going to play the haunted game in Bellwoods. Many years ago, young Abigail Snook went missing on Halloween and since then kids have played this game of trying to outrun her ghost to ring the bell before bad things begin to happen to the town. No Spoilers but I highly recommend this book! Great for kids of all ages!
September 28, 2024
This book is definitely my favorite book of 2024, (I changed my mind from it being the Grace of Wild Things) it inspired me and helped me have more courage. I would just like to put out that ending I mean it just caught me off guard. I would definitely recommend this book especially if you like spooky and mystery books this would be a great book for you!☺️😊
October 19, 2023
3.5⭐️
November 1, 2023
Very in the realm of Katherine Arden if you like those!
November 14, 2023
The Bellwoods Game was a delightful and cozy read, with fall and spooky vibes. My family and I read this together aloud during family reading time. I highly recommend The Bellwoods Game.
February 10, 2024
This book was really well written and captivated the attention of my son as I read out loud.
July 26, 2024
A solid middle-grade scary story. Like most of this type I get bored of the jumps-scares and the thin motivations of the made up specters, but I can certainly sell it to my students.
October 3, 2023
Really well written. Great spooky middle grades tale. I’ll have to listen to the audio version at some point- bet it’s great. This would make a fun movie.
June 24, 2024
It started strong. And then it Scooby Doo’d.
January 23, 2024
This was a great story with friendship, hardships, and kids finding out just how brave they can be when it counts. I loved every minute of it!
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February 16, 2023Spooky delight
March 15, 2024
This was a delightful middle-grade horror book! I absolutely loved the story and characters in this book especially the aspects of the game! The illustrations throughout the book really helped to bring this story to life and added to the creepy elements of the story. I thoroughly enjoyed reading The Bellwoods Game and highly recommend picking this book up! I flew through this book in one sitting and I really think middle graders will love this wonderful ghost story read.
Thank you Simon Kids for sending me a copy of this book.
Thank you Simon Kids for sending me a copy of this book.
January 4, 2024
What worked:
The Bellwoods Game provides a fresh twist to spooky ghost stories. There’s no haunted house where characters find themselves trapped but the three participants in the Bellwoods Game cannot leave the forest until the game has been completed. Failure to ring the bell will result in a spirit being freed to torment the town until next Halloween. Adding to the mystery is the fact that survivors from previous years can’t/won’t talk about their experiences so readers are left to imagine what’s going on. The Specter makes a comment that humans fear the unknown and often make it a bigger threat than what’s real. However, that’s not true in this book. The reality inside the forest is far worse than the characters ever dreamed.
The author includes several subplots involving the characters that generate emotional connections to them. Bailee is the main character and she’s been ostracized at school for several weeks. The author doesn’t reveal what happened right away so readers are free to speculate about what’s going on. Madison is the one person still talking to Bailee but even she has become more distant since the incident. Noah is present for most of the narrative as he’s doggedly inquisitive and wants to write an article about the Bellwoods Game. He’s a new student but remembers issues at his previous school that still trouble him. Carmen is a know-it-all classmate who no one really talks to or tries to befriend. Fen has been taking reckless risks recently and it becomes clear that he’s dealing with internal conflicts too. Even the specter called Abigail has unresolved problems that will need to be resolved.
The author skillfully builds suspense as the plot moves toward the climax pitting Bailee against the antagonist. Readers will note clues and become aware of what’s going to happen so the plot becomes a question of when they will occur. The Specter can attack by altering the forest and victims must sacrifice something they cherish to escape safely. Characters are going to be separated and “picked off” one by one so readers are left to wonder who’s next and how will it happen? Three sixth graders are supposed to enter the woods and attempt to ring the bell but the author includes two more non-participants to provide two more potential victims. In addition, Bailee wants to end the Bellwoods Game for good so readers can speculate how she might accomplish this impossible task.
What didn’t work as well:
Bailee isn’t able to share the truth about her feelings with others and it’s not clear why. It makes sense that she couldn’t do it when her classmates first started shunning her but it makes less sense as she begins to bond with other game participants. Fen treats her unfairly and Noah reveals some truths about his past experiences but she still won’t say anything about the problems bothering her. Readers will already know about them so why won’t she say anything to the other characters?
The final verdict:
This book presents an entertaining ghost tale with many twists and turns along the way. As with most exciting climaxes, the characters are left to formulate a plan to solve an impossible conflict. The climax is the most creative part of the plot and I recommend you give this book a shot.
The Bellwoods Game provides a fresh twist to spooky ghost stories. There’s no haunted house where characters find themselves trapped but the three participants in the Bellwoods Game cannot leave the forest until the game has been completed. Failure to ring the bell will result in a spirit being freed to torment the town until next Halloween. Adding to the mystery is the fact that survivors from previous years can’t/won’t talk about their experiences so readers are left to imagine what’s going on. The Specter makes a comment that humans fear the unknown and often make it a bigger threat than what’s real. However, that’s not true in this book. The reality inside the forest is far worse than the characters ever dreamed.
The author includes several subplots involving the characters that generate emotional connections to them. Bailee is the main character and she’s been ostracized at school for several weeks. The author doesn’t reveal what happened right away so readers are free to speculate about what’s going on. Madison is the one person still talking to Bailee but even she has become more distant since the incident. Noah is present for most of the narrative as he’s doggedly inquisitive and wants to write an article about the Bellwoods Game. He’s a new student but remembers issues at his previous school that still trouble him. Carmen is a know-it-all classmate who no one really talks to or tries to befriend. Fen has been taking reckless risks recently and it becomes clear that he’s dealing with internal conflicts too. Even the specter called Abigail has unresolved problems that will need to be resolved.
The author skillfully builds suspense as the plot moves toward the climax pitting Bailee against the antagonist. Readers will note clues and become aware of what’s going to happen so the plot becomes a question of when they will occur. The Specter can attack by altering the forest and victims must sacrifice something they cherish to escape safely. Characters are going to be separated and “picked off” one by one so readers are left to wonder who’s next and how will it happen? Three sixth graders are supposed to enter the woods and attempt to ring the bell but the author includes two more non-participants to provide two more potential victims. In addition, Bailee wants to end the Bellwoods Game for good so readers can speculate how she might accomplish this impossible task.
What didn’t work as well:
Bailee isn’t able to share the truth about her feelings with others and it’s not clear why. It makes sense that she couldn’t do it when her classmates first started shunning her but it makes less sense as she begins to bond with other game participants. Fen treats her unfairly and Noah reveals some truths about his past experiences but she still won’t say anything about the problems bothering her. Readers will already know about them so why won’t she say anything to the other characters?
The final verdict:
This book presents an entertaining ghost tale with many twists and turns along the way. As with most exciting climaxes, the characters are left to formulate a plan to solve an impossible conflict. The climax is the most creative part of the plot and I recommend you give this book a shot.
April 7, 2023
E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus
Bailee lives in Fall Hollow, where Abbie Snook went missing in the woods back in 1982. Ever since, sixth graders have played an elaborate game that involves going into the woods to ring a bell. This is said to protect the town from evil and keep the spirit of Abigail at bay. Bailee has researched it and is determined to play the game. This keeps her mind off her Nan, who had a stroke, and the fight she had with Fen that made everyone at school hate her. She does have an ally in Noah, who is new to the school and wants to report for the school paper about the Bellwoods Game. Madison, who used to be friendly with Bailee, tells her where the meeting is held, and thirteen children show up wanting to participate. The winner of the previous year's game chooses the three participants by having them draw stones, and Bailee, Fen, and a girl named Carmen are chosen. Rumor has it that the winner also gets to make a wish for whatever their heart desires, and it will come true. The woods are confusing and dangerous, but Bailee has done her research. Noah shows up to help her, and Carmen is smart and prepared, but Fen is determined to win and doesn't work well with the others. Back in the safety of Fall Hollow, it's easy to believe that this is just a game, and no more scary than the creepy graveyard that Bailee finds oddly comforting. Once in the woods, however, it is clear that something evil is actually in the woods. What will it take for the children to survive, since ringing the bell is actually necessary to protect their town?
Strengths: The interior illustrations, also by Krampien, are very attractive, and remind me of the illustrations in Chew's Everyday Magic books or Edward Eager's titles. The topic of illustrations in middle grade literature comes up every once in a while, but never seems to go anywhere. I'm glad to see these illustrations, and hope that it is the start of a trend! The Bellwoods Game has quite a well developed mythology and the tradition of the winner being the head of the committee to set up the next year's game is interesting. Bailee has just enough home and school drama to motivate her to get her mind on something else, and she has a whole notebook filled with facts about the game. Noah is a good friend who helps out quite a lot. The legend of Abigail is well presented, and her character comes into other parts of the story, but I don't want to say too much and ruin all the twists and turns.
Weaknesses: The story wasn't scary right away, and took a lot of setting up before the adventure begins.
What I really think: This is a good choice for readers who like Reese's Every Bird a Prince or Puckett's The Glass Witch.
Bailee lives in Fall Hollow, where Abbie Snook went missing in the woods back in 1982. Ever since, sixth graders have played an elaborate game that involves going into the woods to ring a bell. This is said to protect the town from evil and keep the spirit of Abigail at bay. Bailee has researched it and is determined to play the game. This keeps her mind off her Nan, who had a stroke, and the fight she had with Fen that made everyone at school hate her. She does have an ally in Noah, who is new to the school and wants to report for the school paper about the Bellwoods Game. Madison, who used to be friendly with Bailee, tells her where the meeting is held, and thirteen children show up wanting to participate. The winner of the previous year's game chooses the three participants by having them draw stones, and Bailee, Fen, and a girl named Carmen are chosen. Rumor has it that the winner also gets to make a wish for whatever their heart desires, and it will come true. The woods are confusing and dangerous, but Bailee has done her research. Noah shows up to help her, and Carmen is smart and prepared, but Fen is determined to win and doesn't work well with the others. Back in the safety of Fall Hollow, it's easy to believe that this is just a game, and no more scary than the creepy graveyard that Bailee finds oddly comforting. Once in the woods, however, it is clear that something evil is actually in the woods. What will it take for the children to survive, since ringing the bell is actually necessary to protect their town?
Strengths: The interior illustrations, also by Krampien, are very attractive, and remind me of the illustrations in Chew's Everyday Magic books or Edward Eager's titles. The topic of illustrations in middle grade literature comes up every once in a while, but never seems to go anywhere. I'm glad to see these illustrations, and hope that it is the start of a trend! The Bellwoods Game has quite a well developed mythology and the tradition of the winner being the head of the committee to set up the next year's game is interesting. Bailee has just enough home and school drama to motivate her to get her mind on something else, and she has a whole notebook filled with facts about the game. Noah is a good friend who helps out quite a lot. The legend of Abigail is well presented, and her character comes into other parts of the story, but I don't want to say too much and ruin all the twists and turns.
Weaknesses: The story wasn't scary right away, and took a lot of setting up before the adventure begins.
What I really think: This is a good choice for readers who like Reese's Every Bird a Prince or Puckett's The Glass Witch.
July 31, 2023
The Bellwoods Game by Celia Krampien is about a young girl named Bailee who decides to play a game with her classmates, but things expectedly start going wrong. The residents of Fall Hollow know that the town is haunted, especially after Abigail Snook went into the woods in 1982, and was never seen again. People assume that Abigail is the one haunting the town and its residents, at least according to the legend.
It’s been tradition since Abigail's disappearance for the sixth graders at Beckett Elementary to play the Bellwoods Game on Halloween Night. On this current year’s fateful night, three players are picked to go into the woods. To win, one of the players would need to ring the bell before they all get caught by Abigail. If the players win, the town is saved for another year. If the spirit catches you, you will need a “gift” to guarantee safe passage out of the woods and the spirit is given free reign to cause havoc on the town if no one rings the bell. No one knows for sure if the tale is true, as previous players are sworn to secrecy about the game.
Bailee is excited that it is finally her year to play the game. Bailee loves reading and writing horror stories and is obsessed with finding out the truth. Legend has it that the winner of the game is granted one wish. Bailee is determined to win because she wants things to go back to the way they were before her grandmother got sick and her friends started hating her. Her friends believed that she ratted them out to the principal about a dangerous stunt, causing the entire class to get detention. She once was surrounded by so many friends but now with most of her friends ignoring her, she feels lonely. As the game participants get ready to play the game, strange things start to happen. Is the local legend true or is someone playing a prank on them?
The book is geared towards young readers and has fun illustrations that added to my enjoyment of the novel. It was a quick read that had some scary and spooky elements that might be scary to some young readers, but I thought it was okay as an adult reader. It reminded me of the works of R.L Stine, with the creepy and scary factor but nothing that I was terrified or lost sleep over. The plot moved at the perfect pace to set the creepy mood and move the story along. I was a bit confused by the ending, I believe the author left it a bit open for more books and I would be open to reading more. If you or your young reader love mild horror books, then you will enjoy this book!
It’s been tradition since Abigail's disappearance for the sixth graders at Beckett Elementary to play the Bellwoods Game on Halloween Night. On this current year’s fateful night, three players are picked to go into the woods. To win, one of the players would need to ring the bell before they all get caught by Abigail. If the players win, the town is saved for another year. If the spirit catches you, you will need a “gift” to guarantee safe passage out of the woods and the spirit is given free reign to cause havoc on the town if no one rings the bell. No one knows for sure if the tale is true, as previous players are sworn to secrecy about the game.
Bailee is excited that it is finally her year to play the game. Bailee loves reading and writing horror stories and is obsessed with finding out the truth. Legend has it that the winner of the game is granted one wish. Bailee is determined to win because she wants things to go back to the way they were before her grandmother got sick and her friends started hating her. Her friends believed that she ratted them out to the principal about a dangerous stunt, causing the entire class to get detention. She once was surrounded by so many friends but now with most of her friends ignoring her, she feels lonely. As the game participants get ready to play the game, strange things start to happen. Is the local legend true or is someone playing a prank on them?
The book is geared towards young readers and has fun illustrations that added to my enjoyment of the novel. It was a quick read that had some scary and spooky elements that might be scary to some young readers, but I thought it was okay as an adult reader. It reminded me of the works of R.L Stine, with the creepy and scary factor but nothing that I was terrified or lost sleep over. The plot moved at the perfect pace to set the creepy mood and move the story along. I was a bit confused by the ending, I believe the author left it a bit open for more books and I would be open to reading more. If you or your young reader love mild horror books, then you will enjoy this book!
December 16, 2023
Brave kids enter the cursed Bellwoods on a dark Halloween night to play the legendary game. Legend has it that three kids must play the game every year to keep the town safe. Things turn spooky once the stage is set, and they realize they're not alone. Something sinister is watching them, waiting to strike. As the night wears on, they face unimaginable horrors, but they must keep playing to survive. Will they make it out alive or become the next victims of the Bellwoods Game?
Are you ready to embark on a spine-tingling journey? Do you dare to enter the haunted woods on Halloween? If you're brave enough, I have the perfect book for you. This book is not for the faint of heart but for those seeking a thrill and craving the unknown.
This book is one of the most haunting and intriguing books I have ever read. The plot twists will leave you breathless, and the emotional rollercoaster will keep you on the edge of your seat. The game has a Hunger Games vibe but no gore and only scares.
The concept of this game is straightforward yet terrifying. Selected kids enter the haunted woods on Halloween and must find and ring a bell before the Specter captures them. If they win, the town will be saved for another year. But if they lose, let's say the consequences are dire.
Bailee, the main character, is a curious and daring girl passionate about horror fiction. Abigail is courageous and my personal favorite. Madison is very social, and Fen, Bailee's old best friend, is annoying. Noah, the new friend, is curious, and Carmen, another player in the game, is intelligent. But beware, the Specter, the main antagonist, is very evil and will stop at nothing to capture the players.
This book promotes teamwork and having what it takes to face your fears. It's not just a book; it's an experience that will leave you breathless and craving more. The illustrations, beautifully drawn and designed by the author herself, will add an extra layer of spookiness to the story.
So, if you feel brave enough to enter the haunted woods on Halloween, read this book. But be warned, once you start, you won't be able to put it down.
Happy Reading, Paige ❤️ 📚
Thank you, the publisher, for sharing this excellent book with me!
Are you ready to embark on a spine-tingling journey? Do you dare to enter the haunted woods on Halloween? If you're brave enough, I have the perfect book for you. This book is not for the faint of heart but for those seeking a thrill and craving the unknown.
This book is one of the most haunting and intriguing books I have ever read. The plot twists will leave you breathless, and the emotional rollercoaster will keep you on the edge of your seat. The game has a Hunger Games vibe but no gore and only scares.
The concept of this game is straightforward yet terrifying. Selected kids enter the haunted woods on Halloween and must find and ring a bell before the Specter captures them. If they win, the town will be saved for another year. But if they lose, let's say the consequences are dire.
Bailee, the main character, is a curious and daring girl passionate about horror fiction. Abigail is courageous and my personal favorite. Madison is very social, and Fen, Bailee's old best friend, is annoying. Noah, the new friend, is curious, and Carmen, another player in the game, is intelligent. But beware, the Specter, the main antagonist, is very evil and will stop at nothing to capture the players.
This book promotes teamwork and having what it takes to face your fears. It's not just a book; it's an experience that will leave you breathless and craving more. The illustrations, beautifully drawn and designed by the author herself, will add an extra layer of spookiness to the story.
So, if you feel brave enough to enter the haunted woods on Halloween, read this book. But be warned, once you start, you won't be able to put it down.
Happy Reading, Paige ❤️ 📚
Thank you, the publisher, for sharing this excellent book with me!
August 4, 2023
If you are looking for a middle-school story perfect for spooky season or for readers who love a good ghost story, The Bellwoods Game by Celia Krampien is the book for you. This story blends a local ghost story with themes of family and friendship to tell the story of a group of sixth graders who are trying to navigate the major changes in their community and personal lives. The legend of Abigail Snook is well-known in Fall Hollow. Years ago, she went into the woods on Halloween night and never returned. Now the sixth graders from Beckett Elementary head out into the woods each year to play a game. Three students are chosen to go into the woods and the first one to ring the mysterious bell in the woods is the winner. Legend has it, if you ring the bell, the town will be safe from peril for one year, if the students don’t make it to the bell in time, a year of bad luck follows. Oddly, no one remembers many details from their night in the woods.
Our main character, Bailee has been experiencing some major life changes. Her Grandmother hasn’t been well, and her Father has had to look for work out-of-town. On the day that she finds out about her Grandmother, other students make assumptions that she has told the teachers about their upcoming night in the woods. As a result, her friends have stopped talking to her. On Halloween, the veil between the living and the dead lifts and the student in the woods are met by both benevolent spirits and darker forces that reminded me of the Boggarts from Harry Potter, feeding off of fears. Can the students work together to save the town or will their issues with each other get in their way?
Thank you to NetGalley and Simon and Schuster Canada for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Our main character, Bailee has been experiencing some major life changes. Her Grandmother hasn’t been well, and her Father has had to look for work out-of-town. On the day that she finds out about her Grandmother, other students make assumptions that she has told the teachers about their upcoming night in the woods. As a result, her friends have stopped talking to her. On Halloween, the veil between the living and the dead lifts and the student in the woods are met by both benevolent spirits and darker forces that reminded me of the Boggarts from Harry Potter, feeding off of fears. Can the students work together to save the town or will their issues with each other get in their way?
Thank you to NetGalley and Simon and Schuster Canada for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
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