This was one of the first Fear Street books I read, as well as one of the first R.L. Stine books. This book will keep you guessing and you absolutely can relate to the characters. ( )

The Stepsister by R.L. Stine is a cruel horror novel for those seeking some insanity and mean family members.

Emily has a new step father, step brother and step sister. It's been tough since her Dad died, but her Mom, her sister Nancy and her have been getting by. When the new family joins though, her step sister is wickedly evil and has a rough past. Dark and scary things start happening and it feels like Emily's life is purposely being ruined. But things aren't always as they seem...

TRIGGER WARNING ALERT: There is animal abuse in this book and holy moly I wish I knew beforehand because I wouldn't have picked it up. That one hurt my soul so much! I understand that animal abuse is horrifying and all that jazz, but my soul... my poor heart... It seemed heartless and cruel. Yeah, it's horror and it's supposed to be cruel but I didn't expect THAT.

This book is definitely a 1990s book but it holds up. Maybe not the computer exactly, but it still works. I think horror fans will enjoy this throwback and be able to sneak into it as long as they can get past my issue above.

Three out of five stars. It would have been five if there wasn't animal abuse but the animal abuse deserves a one. ( )

2.5 ( )

Wanting to revisit memory lane and enjoy those teen horror tales all over again, I was ecstatic to nab some of these babies on E-bay recently. I remember reading this one because of the cover, but every single aspect of the story alluded me. As I age, I seem to forget more and more. It was great fun to re-read stuff that meant so much to me then, and is a quickie that even an adult wanting a leisurely read can enjoy. I'm itching for my son to grow up a bit more and enjoy these as much as I did.

Character wise, we have nothing too complex as it's a fear street young adult, and it is cursed with the usual melodrama teenage angst. Still, the characterization is strong enough for this type of book, I really grew to love the little boy and get pissed at the mother as I should. Surprisingly the mystery is a relatively good one. Ok, Ok, I DID guess the culprit halfway through, but only because that person was the least likely suspect.

From beginning to end the story moves fast, with scene after scene was "horror" (Dare I say that?) Nothing too suspenseful or creepy, great for the young adult reader to cuddle up with for good times. It's not as good as some of his other stories, though, so this one earned the partner of three stars. Just didn't stand out enough, the motive and culprit wasn't surprising, and some of the drama DID begin to wear on my nerves (although I kept telling myself patience was needed because of the age level.)

Stine's a great writer and it's hard to believe he can come up with some many different stories. You would think after awhile the man would start repeating himself, but he doesn't. I would empty my meager savings for that sort of imagination. ( )

it was definitely an awesome book with an unexpected twist i really love this book ( )