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Shark Night
From bestselling and award-winning author R. L. Stine, Shark Night is a terrifying seafaring adventure that will leave readers gasping for more.
After an accident with the original diver, Carlo finds himself alone in a giant water tank holding a camera. A twenty-foot-long hammerhead shark is about to be lowered into the tank with him …
Carlo is helping his mom film a documentary for the Danger Channel. A twelve-year-old battling a shark! It’ll be a sensation! But don’t worry, the hammerhead is the gentlest of sharks, and this one is old and nearly toothless, so he should be fine.
But Carlo is still paralyzed with fear, and as the shark is lowered into the tank he realizes something isn’t right …
They sent down the WRONG shark!
After an accident with the original diver, Carlo finds himself alone in a giant water tank holding a camera. A twenty-foot-long hammerhead shark is about to be lowered into the tank with him …
Carlo is helping his mom film a documentary for the Danger Channel. A twelve-year-old battling a shark! It’ll be a sensation! But don’t worry, the hammerhead is the gentlest of sharks, and this one is old and nearly toothless, so he should be fine.
But Carlo is still paralyzed with fear, and as the shark is lowered into the tank he realizes something isn’t right …
They sent down the WRONG shark!
225 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 2, 2024
About the author
R.L. Stine
1,520 books17.4k followersRobert Lawrence Stine known as R. L. Stine and Jovial Bob Stine, is an American novelist and writer, well known for targeting younger audiences. Stine, who is often called the Stephen King of children's literature, is the author of dozens of popular horror fiction novellas, including the books in the Goosebumps, Rotten School, Mostly Ghostly, The Nightmare Room and Fear Street series.
R. L. Stine began his writing career when he was nine years old, and today he has achieved the position of the bestselling children's author in history. In the early 1990s, Stine was catapulted to fame when he wrote the unprecedented, bestselling Goosebumps® series, which sold more than 250 million copies and became a worldwide multimedia phenomenon. His other major series, Fear Street, has over 80 million copies sold.
Stine has received numerous awards of recognition, including several Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards and Disney Adventures Kids' Choice Awards, and he has been selected by kids as one of their favorite authors in the NEA's Read Across America program. He lives in New York, NY.
http://us.macmillan.com/itsthefirstda...
R. L. Stine began his writing career when he was nine years old, and today he has achieved the position of the bestselling children's author in history. In the early 1990s, Stine was catapulted to fame when he wrote the unprecedented, bestselling Goosebumps® series, which sold more than 250 million copies and became a worldwide multimedia phenomenon. His other major series, Fear Street, has over 80 million copies sold.
Stine has received numerous awards of recognition, including several Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards and Disney Adventures Kids' Choice Awards, and he has been selected by kids as one of their favorite authors in the NEA's Read Across America program. He lives in New York, NY.
http://us.macmillan.com/itsthefirstda...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews
June 2, 2024
Child me loved R. L. Stine (it was the first author I binge read) so I am excited to see him start to write again. While this book was more of an adventure than a horror story I still found it to be a fun ride. While I didn’t find it to be particularly twisty and I saw the ending coming it was still a fun, quick read. Liam’s mother is a filmmaker determined to do a project for Shark Week. She’s ecstatic when she is approved and Liam and his little sister get to watch the filming. But nothing about this adventure goes Liam’s way and after an accident he finds himself in the tank ready to film and swim with sharks. This was a fun middle grade story that I think kids and adults who are kids at heart will truly enjoy.
July 26, 2024
**3.5-stars rounded up**
Shark Night is a fast, fun and engaging scary story for kids, by legendary children's author, R.L. Stine.
I listened to this audiobook, fabulously narrated by Ramon de Ocampo, and highly recommend that as a format. Told via 1st-person POV, de Ocampo truly brought MC, Liam, to life. It really felt like you were listening to Liam tell his story.
Liam's Mom is a Documentary Filmmaker who specializes in Nature Docs. Her latest assignment involves making a film for the Danger Channel for Shark Week.
She comes up with a great idea to submerge a diver into a tank, along with a big shark, to see what happens. I mean, what could go wrong?
After the original diver is injured, Liam is forced to fill in, because Stine's parental characters always make the worst decisions ever. We all know this.
On the day of filming, everything possible goes wrong and Liam founds himself swept out to sea, forced to fight for his life. Will he be able to figure out a way out of this?
This was a lot of fun. It gets wild. I was completely entertained. I laughed out loud, cringed, yelled at some of the characters and couldn't believe how quickly it read.
This does feature a classic Stine ending, and another frequent feature of Stine books, a bratty younger sibling.
While, personally, I wish that the ending could have gone in a different direction, I still do appreciate the story as a whole. It works. Kids will love this.
Thank you so much to the publisher, Blackstone Publishing, for providing me with a copy of the audiobook. I love to keep up with Stine's latest releases and this one delivered!
Shark Night is a fast, fun and engaging scary story for kids, by legendary children's author, R.L. Stine.
I listened to this audiobook, fabulously narrated by Ramon de Ocampo, and highly recommend that as a format. Told via 1st-person POV, de Ocampo truly brought MC, Liam, to life. It really felt like you were listening to Liam tell his story.
Liam's Mom is a Documentary Filmmaker who specializes in Nature Docs. Her latest assignment involves making a film for the Danger Channel for Shark Week.
She comes up with a great idea to submerge a diver into a tank, along with a big shark, to see what happens. I mean, what could go wrong?
After the original diver is injured, Liam is forced to fill in, because Stine's parental characters always make the worst decisions ever. We all know this.
On the day of filming, everything possible goes wrong and Liam founds himself swept out to sea, forced to fight for his life. Will he be able to figure out a way out of this?
This was a lot of fun. It gets wild. I was completely entertained. I laughed out loud, cringed, yelled at some of the characters and couldn't believe how quickly it read.
This does feature a classic Stine ending, and another frequent feature of Stine books, a bratty younger sibling.
While, personally, I wish that the ending could have gone in a different direction, I still do appreciate the story as a whole. It works. Kids will love this.
Thank you so much to the publisher, Blackstone Publishing, for providing me with a copy of the audiobook. I love to keep up with Stine's latest releases and this one delivered!
July 15, 2024
"You don’t make any sense, she shot back. You were in the water too long. Your brain is soggy."
Sharks are creatures that a lot of humans are afraid of. Me being one of those humans. I saw ‘Jaws’ at a young age and I never wanted to step back into the water. There’s something about being ripped apart by something that lurks in the deep that just freaks me out. Ummm… No, thanks!
Stine does it again with another fun and freaky story. This time he makes us come face to face with a real fear. I was on edge the entire time and it made me enjoy this a lot more.
Liam is a lot braver than I because I would never get into the water with a shark. Well, you know what I mean. Yes, I’ve been in the ocean but I’ve never had a shark dropped into a tank I was swimming in. I’m not a loon.
Shark Night was a lot of fun. It brought me face to face with sharks and I lived to tell the tale. I just love a good Stine story. Who am I kidding? I love all of his books.
Sharks are creatures that a lot of humans are afraid of. Me being one of those humans. I saw ‘Jaws’ at a young age and I never wanted to step back into the water. There’s something about being ripped apart by something that lurks in the deep that just freaks me out. Ummm… No, thanks!
Stine does it again with another fun and freaky story. This time he makes us come face to face with a real fear. I was on edge the entire time and it made me enjoy this a lot more.
Liam is a lot braver than I because I would never get into the water with a shark. Well, you know what I mean. Yes, I’ve been in the ocean but I’ve never had a shark dropped into a tank I was swimming in. I’m not a loon.
Shark Night was a lot of fun. It brought me face to face with sharks and I lived to tell the tale. I just love a good Stine story. Who am I kidding? I love all of his books.
August 18, 2024
This was fun. Didn’t quite give me the nostalgiac goosebumps vibes I was going for, but my kid (11) adored it, and she’s really the audience for it. (Side note: she hated the somewhat ambiguous ending. Apple doesn’t fall far from the tree there.)
This is about a kid whose mom is a TV writer? I think? Desperate for work. So she proposes something called Shark Night, to the Danger Channel, where they throw a kid, sans cage, in a pool with a hammerhead shark.
It is somehow her own son who winds up being the unlucky kid doing this show. Cue the chaos.
Despite the name, there weren’t enough sharks in it for me. I kinda caught on as to what was going on about halfway through, which is fine. It felt chaotic and lacking in direction in places. Not really that scary ever.
But overall a fun night time read.
This is about a kid whose mom is a TV writer? I think? Desperate for work. So she proposes something called Shark Night, to the Danger Channel, where they throw a kid, sans cage, in a pool with a hammerhead shark.
It is somehow her own son who winds up being the unlucky kid doing this show. Cue the chaos.
Despite the name, there weren’t enough sharks in it for me. I kinda caught on as to what was going on about halfway through, which is fine. It felt chaotic and lacking in direction in places. Not really that scary ever.
But overall a fun night time read.
July 29, 2024
ʀʟ sᴛɪɴᴇ ɪs sᴏ sᴜᴄᴄᴇssғᴜʟ ᴀɴᴅ ᴛɪᴍᴇʟᴇss ʙᴇᴄᴀᴜsᴇ ʜɪs sᴛᴏʀɪᴇs ᴀʀᴇ ɢʀᴏᴜɴᴅᴇᴅ ɪɴ ʀᴇᴀʟɪᴛʏ ᴀɴᴅ ʏᴇᴛ ʏᴏᴜ ʜᴀᴠᴇ ᴛᴏ sᴜsᴘᴇɴᴅ ᴅɪsʙᴇʟɪᴇғ ᴀᴛ ᴛʜᴇ sᴀᴍᴇ ᴛɪᴍᴇ. ᴛʜɪs ғᴇᴇʟs ʟɪᴋᴇ ᴀ ʟᴏɴɢᴇʀ ғᴏʀᴍ ᴠᴇʀsɪᴏɴ ᴏғ ʜɪs ɢᴏᴏsᴇʙᴜᴍᴘ sᴇʀɪᴇs. ᴡʜɪᴄʜ ʜᴏɴᴇsᴛʟʏ, ᴍᴏsᴛ ᴏғ ʜɪs ʟᴏɴɢᴇʀ ɴᴏᴠᴇʟs ᴅᴏ ʀᴇᴍɪɴᴅ ᴍᴇ ᴏғ ᴛʜᴇᴍ! ᴛʜᴇ ᴠᴏɪᴄᴇ ᴀᴄᴛɪɴɢ ʙʏ ʀᴀᴍᴏɴ ᴡᴀs sᴛᴇʟʟᴀʀ! ʜᴇ ᴅɪᴅ ᴀ ɢʀᴇᴀᴛ ᴊᴏʙ ᴏғ ᴄʜᴀɴɢɪɴɢ ʜɪs ᴠᴏɪᴄᴇ ғᴏʀ ᴅɪғғᴇʀᴇɴᴛ ᴄʜᴀʀᴀᴄᴛᴇʀs ᴡɪᴛʜᴏᴜᴛ ɪᴛ ʙᴇɪɴɢ ᴄᴏᴍɪᴄᴀʟ. ɪ ᴛʜɪɴᴋ sᴏᴍᴇᴛɪᴍᴇs ᴡɪᴛʜ ɴᴏᴠᴇʟs ғᴏʀ ʏᴏᴜɴɢᴇʀ ᴀᴜᴅɪᴇɴᴄᴇs ᴛʜᴇ ɴᴀʀʀᴀᴛɪᴏɴ ᴄᴀɴ ʙᴇ sɪʟʟʏ ғᴏʀ ʟᴀᴄᴋ ᴏғ ᴀ ʙᴇᴛᴛᴇʀ ᴛᴇʀᴍ, ʙᴜᴛ ᴛʜɪs ᴡᴀs ᴘᴇʀғᴇᴄᴛ ғᴏʀ ᴛʜᴇ ᴀɢᴇ ᴅᴇᴍᴏɢʀᴀᴘʜɪᴄ ᴀɴᴅ ғᴏʀ ᴍᴇ ᴀs ᴀɴ ᴀᴅᴜʟᴛ 🙃 ʜɪs ᴄᴀᴅᴇɴᴄᴇ ᴀɴᴅ ᴛᴏɴᴇ ᴡᴇʀᴇ ᴇɴᴊᴏʏᴀʙʟᴇ - ᴡʜɪᴄʜ ᴄᴀɴ ʙᴇ ᴀ ᴍᴀᴋᴇ ᴏʀ ʙʀᴇᴀᴋ ғᴏʀ ᴀɴ ᴀᴜᴅɪᴏʙᴏᴏᴋ! ᴛʜɪs ɪs ᴀ ғᴜɴ sᴜᴍᴍᴇʀ ʀᴇᴀᴅ ᴀɴᴅ ᴅᴇғɪɴɪᴛᴇʟʏ ʀᴇᴄᴏᴍᴍᴇɴᴅ ᴡʜᴇᴛʜᴇʀ ʏᴏᴜ ᴀʀᴇ ᴀ ᴘʀᴇᴛᴇᴇɴ ᴏʀ ᴀ ɴᴏsᴛᴀʟɢɪᴄ ᴀᴅᴜʟᴛ 😎
📖 ʜᴜɢᴇ ᴛʜᴀɴᴋ ʏᴏᴜ ᴛᴏ @BlackstonePublishing ᴀɴᴅ @Netgalley ғᴏʀ ᴛʜɪs ᴀʀᴄ ᴄᴏᴘʏ ɪɴ ᴇxᴄʜᴀɴɢᴇ ғᴏʀ ᴀɴ ʜᴏɴᴇsᴛ ʀᴇᴠɪᴇᴡ 📖
📖 ʜᴜɢᴇ ᴛʜᴀɴᴋ ʏᴏᴜ ᴛᴏ @BlackstonePublishing ᴀɴᴅ @Netgalley ғᴏʀ ᴛʜɪs ᴀʀᴄ ᴄᴏᴘʏ ɪɴ ᴇxᴄʜᴀɴɢᴇ ғᴏʀ ᴀɴ ʜᴏɴᴇsᴛ ʀᴇᴠɪᴇᴡ 📖
July 4, 2024
This was quite a good book I must say! It started out a bit juvenile but eventually had me squirming in my seat a little. The illustrations are horrible but the story had so many twists and turns, I genuinely had no idea where it was headed. R.L. Stine always keeps me guessing…
July 20, 2024
I love R.L. Stine and his stories with a depth that reaches far into the origins of my childhood.
To be able to read his newest publication brought me a lot of joy and a good amount of healthy nostalgia as I was transported to a simplistic horror story designed to unsettle yet not quite terrify. Great for kids getting in to the horror genre.
Perhaps everyone can relate to being scared of sharks at some point in their lives - they are scary creatures.
Of course popular media like Jaws or The Meg exacerbate these fears into hysteria, creating the level of fear we know of today.
In reality, sharks are wonderful and necessary animals whose presence is required to promote a healthy aquatic ecosystem.
I love a good shark story, but I will always remember the logic over the fear.
***Thank you to Blackstone Publishing, Netgalley and to R.L. Stine for providing this title in exchange for an honest review.
To be able to read his newest publication brought me a lot of joy and a good amount of healthy nostalgia as I was transported to a simplistic horror story designed to unsettle yet not quite terrify. Great for kids getting in to the horror genre.
Perhaps everyone can relate to being scared of sharks at some point in their lives - they are scary creatures.
Of course popular media like Jaws or The Meg exacerbate these fears into hysteria, creating the level of fear we know of today.
In reality, sharks are wonderful and necessary animals whose presence is required to promote a healthy aquatic ecosystem.
I love a good shark story, but I will always remember the logic over the fear.
***Thank you to Blackstone Publishing, Netgalley and to R.L. Stine for providing this title in exchange for an honest review.
July 7, 2024
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this one! The audio by Ramón de Ocampo was pretty solid!
The premise for this is that Liam’s mother is a screenwriter for tv. Her big idea gets picked up for the latest Shark Night on the Danger Channel and her big promise is that Liam will NOT have to be the kid inside the tank. Naturally, we know that’s not going to be true.
As usual, this has all the silliness, the cliffhanger endings, and all the possible scares it could…just like the Goosebumps books. I’m just always curious as to why these separate releases aren’t just GB. He has a very signature style anyway. I wonder if it’s a Stine or a publisher thing.
This was enjoyable and silly and quick, exactly what I’d want and expect from a Stine read. The only snag for me was the fact that it’s literally called Shark Night (both the book and the channel’s special) and yet the shark has the most limited page time? Especially when other ‘things’ have more.
https://fanfiaddict.com/review-shark-...
The premise for this is that Liam’s mother is a screenwriter for tv. Her big idea gets picked up for the latest Shark Night on the Danger Channel and her big promise is that Liam will NOT have to be the kid inside the tank. Naturally, we know that’s not going to be true.
As usual, this has all the silliness, the cliffhanger endings, and all the possible scares it could…just like the Goosebumps books. I’m just always curious as to why these separate releases aren’t just GB. He has a very signature style anyway. I wonder if it’s a Stine or a publisher thing.
This was enjoyable and silly and quick, exactly what I’d want and expect from a Stine read. The only snag for me was the fact that it’s literally called Shark Night (both the book and the channel’s special) and yet the shark has the most limited page time? Especially when other ‘things’ have more.
https://fanfiaddict.com/review-shark-...
July 11, 2024
This one went in a completely different direction from where I thought it was going but I'm fine with that as I thought for sure we were going to spend the entire book building up to one event which is shown to us in the beginning but fortunately we got to that point quite quickly. From there going forward this went to some random, fun places and definitely veered into being an adventure based horror story. Also how awesome is the cover? (3.5 rounded down).
July 18, 2024
This one is such a letdown for me. Slime Doesn't Pay, while not great, is the superior title from Blackstone Publishing in my opinion.
Shark Night just felt like a bunch of random scenes thrown together with terrible illustrations to fill page space, juvenile writing (moreso than usual for Stine) - and a predictable twist ending. This just wasn't very good.
Shark Night just felt like a bunch of random scenes thrown together with terrible illustrations to fill page space, juvenile writing (moreso than usual for Stine) - and a predictable twist ending. This just wasn't very good.
June 21, 2024
I’ve read a lot of R.L. Stine’s middle grade books and generally have a fun time, so of course when I saw there was a new release set for July 2024 I just had to get my hands on it! Stine’s audiobooks are always of good production quality and have talented narrators, this one is no exception. And even the stories that aren’t my favorite are typically a fun listen. The main characters in this book were enjoyable to hang with and I think kids with siblings will likely find their relationship relatable. There is also a TON of action in this one! The story itself though was not a favorite, unfortunately. It was pretty all over the place and doesn’t make much sense until the very end, which I didn’t care for much. The book was SO fast paced, which I typically enjoy, but in this instance I would have enjoyed the story better had it been slowed down a bit. The listener is never given a moment to take a breath and sit with the characters, it’s constantly one insane thing after the next. By the last quarter of the book it just felt like too much to me. I suppose that pace will work well for some people but it’s not my personal preference. Again, I still had a pretty fun time listening though. Stine books are always easy reads for me and great for when I want something quick and silly. This particular one is also great for summer, lots of beachy vacation vibes! I think many kids & adults will have a fun time with this one overall, it’s a wild time! Just don’t take it too seriously or expect good parenting.
Thanks SO much to Blackstone Publishing, Netgalley, and the author for access to an ALC. Much appreciated!!!
Thanks SO much to Blackstone Publishing, Netgalley, and the author for access to an ALC. Much appreciated!!!
July 4, 2024
I haven’t read YA in forever but with a reading slump coming on, and an R. L. Stine book coming across my NetGalley dashboard - it felt meant to be. Growing up, Goosebumps (especially choose-your-own-adventure) were my absolute FAVORITE. I was just thinking the other day that I would love to revisit some of them as an adult. It’s crazy but I can still picture a lot of the specific covers from my favorites and snippets of titles and stories.
Shark Night was a super fun break to my usual reading and even featured SHARKS which I am a huge fan of. When 12-year-old Liam agrees to help his mom with a nature documentary, he is assured he will be in a tank with an elderly, harmless hammerhead shark. Unfortunately for him, that is NOT the shark that ends up in the tank with him.
While this one gets a bit ridiculous, I could absolutely see myself as a kid enjoying this one. This was such a fun break from my usual reading that I may seek out more Stine books or similar to try out!
**Thank you to NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for the eARC of this toothy title!**
Shark Night was a super fun break to my usual reading and even featured SHARKS which I am a huge fan of. When 12-year-old Liam agrees to help his mom with a nature documentary, he is assured he will be in a tank with an elderly, harmless hammerhead shark. Unfortunately for him, that is NOT the shark that ends up in the tank with him.
While this one gets a bit ridiculous, I could absolutely see myself as a kid enjoying this one. This was such a fun break from my usual reading that I may seek out more Stine books or similar to try out!
**Thank you to NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for the eARC of this toothy title!**
June 18, 2024
It's a classic R.L. Stine! It's fun, thrilling with just a little bit of silliness. Really great middle grade for those who want a fun shark story with some bonus thrills. Quick and easy to read, you can't help but to love Stine's books!
The narrator was great. There was a lot of energy in the performance which made it really fun to listen to.
Thank you so much Netgalley and the publishers for a copy of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review!
The narrator was great. There was a lot of energy in the performance which made it really fun to listen to.
Thank you so much Netgalley and the publishers for a copy of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review!
August 22, 2024
The perfect summer goosebumps book. A must-read if you're headed to the beach. This had a few unexpected twists. Kept me intrigued. Tense and fast-paced. And even better: A whole lotta shark.
June 26, 2024
Advance Reader Copy
Thank you to NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for giving me the opportunity to read this!
“Shark Night” reads just like many of the other R.L. Stine stand-alone novels, fully fleshing out a story, while staying highly entertaining. It’s no wonder that he has stayed relevant within children’s literature, and “Shark Night” shows just why.
To say this is a whirlwind of a story is an understatement. It starts off strong, and literally never lets up; chapter after chapter, this novel brings more and more action and adventure. With that, there are sections of the book that can feel a bit confusing, especially as you make your way to the middle of the book. For those who may not be fully paying attention to what they’re reading may end up being a bit confused if they’re not paying close enough attention.
With that in mind, this was still a very, very fun and entertaining read. I had such a good time getting to go back into one of Stine’s worlds, which makes me miss reading some of his classic novels like “Beach House” or “The Babysitter”.
Thank you to NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for giving me the opportunity to read this!
“Shark Night” reads just like many of the other R.L. Stine stand-alone novels, fully fleshing out a story, while staying highly entertaining. It’s no wonder that he has stayed relevant within children’s literature, and “Shark Night” shows just why.
To say this is a whirlwind of a story is an understatement. It starts off strong, and literally never lets up; chapter after chapter, this novel brings more and more action and adventure. With that, there are sections of the book that can feel a bit confusing, especially as you make your way to the middle of the book. For those who may not be fully paying attention to what they’re reading may end up being a bit confused if they’re not paying close enough attention.
With that in mind, this was still a very, very fun and entertaining read. I had such a good time getting to go back into one of Stine’s worlds, which makes me miss reading some of his classic novels like “Beach House” or “The Babysitter”.
June 27, 2024
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC audiobook of Shark Night by R.L. Stine.
I read book by R.L. Stine in the good old days. It was fun to revisit the author and to have my kids listen to the book. The narrator did a great job at all of the different voices. We had a great time listening to the adventure.
It is not a spooky book, just a little heart pounding shark terror. We laughed, enjoyed the thrill of the shark swim and went on a great adventure. We got so mad at Liam's sister. she volunteers him for everything. She is so mean.
Thanks for the enjoyable ride!
I read book by R.L. Stine in the good old days. It was fun to revisit the author and to have my kids listen to the book. The narrator did a great job at all of the different voices. We had a great time listening to the adventure.
It is not a spooky book, just a little heart pounding shark terror. We laughed, enjoyed the thrill of the shark swim and went on a great adventure. We got so mad at Liam's sister. she volunteers him for everything. She is so mean.
Thanks for the enjoyable ride!
July 2, 2024
ARC audiobook provided in exchange for an honest review.
The narrator was a perfect fit for this story! He’s engaging and easy to listen to, especially for younger readers. I was so excited to get an early listen for an RL Stine book and it brought me right back to childhood. The twists were plentiful and even as an adult I found myself trying to solve the mystery! If you have a younger reader or still love Stine’s work like myself, I’d definitely recommend reading this book!
The narrator was a perfect fit for this story! He’s engaging and easy to listen to, especially for younger readers. I was so excited to get an early listen for an RL Stine book and it brought me right back to childhood. The twists were plentiful and even as an adult I found myself trying to solve the mystery! If you have a younger reader or still love Stine’s work like myself, I’d definitely recommend reading this book!
July 16, 2024
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📖Genres: middle grade, horror, humor
📚Page Count: 225
🎧Audiobook Length: 03h 09min
👩🏾🏫My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️ - 3/5
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Shark Night by R. L. Stine is a story about Carlo, who's mom is a t.v show producer. Carlo's mom comes up with this wild t.v show idea to have a kid in a large water tank film a shark that they release. At first Carlo thinks he won't have to be the one in the tank, but he's wrong. Trying to calm his nerves, he grips his camera and then realizes that the producers didn't lower down the harmless and toothless hammerhead shark like they promised, they released a more deadly shark! Now Carlo is terrified, will he survive?
This was okay, it reminded me of some of the Goosebumps books I read when I was a kid. I think I enjoyed the Goosebumps series better but this was still okay. There are a lot of wacky characters and situations that Carlo gets into so I think any middle grader reading this will be entertained.
The audio book narration was great, Ramon de Ocampo did a really good job narrator all the characters. They also helped keep the story interesting.
This book was okay. I'm giving this 3 out of 5 stars.
⭐️⭐️⭐️ - 3/5 Stars
Thank you [NetGalley.com], R.L. Stine (the author), and Blackstone Publishing (publisher) for the arc (advanced reader's copy) of the audiobook.
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💬: -
📖Genres: middle grade, horror, humor
📚Page Count: 225
🎧Audiobook Length: 03h 09min
👩🏾🏫My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️ - 3/5
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Shark Night by R. L. Stine is a story about Carlo, who's mom is a t.v show producer. Carlo's mom comes up with this wild t.v show idea to have a kid in a large water tank film a shark that they release. At first Carlo thinks he won't have to be the one in the tank, but he's wrong. Trying to calm his nerves, he grips his camera and then realizes that the producers didn't lower down the harmless and toothless hammerhead shark like they promised, they released a more deadly shark! Now Carlo is terrified, will he survive?
This was okay, it reminded me of some of the Goosebumps books I read when I was a kid. I think I enjoyed the Goosebumps series better but this was still okay. There are a lot of wacky characters and situations that Carlo gets into so I think any middle grader reading this will be entertained.
The audio book narration was great, Ramon de Ocampo did a really good job narrator all the characters. They also helped keep the story interesting.
This book was okay. I'm giving this 3 out of 5 stars.
⭐️⭐️⭐️ - 3/5 Stars
Thank you [NetGalley.com], R.L. Stine (the author), and Blackstone Publishing (publisher) for the arc (advanced reader's copy) of the audiobook.
June 1, 2024
This is cute and fun but not Stine’s best work. This and a lot of his recent stuff is more of a kids adventure novel than kids horror, and I wish he would get back to what he does best because he’s so uniquely good at it.
Still, it’s a fun and clever story and while I didn’t love the goofy reality tv part of the plot, it’s a solidly plotted adventure.
The end is really, really predictable (another thing Stine usually does a far better job at), but I loved the kids’ misadventures at the hotel, and my kids still enjoyed the story even if it wasn’t their favorite of his work either.
*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
Still, it’s a fun and clever story and while I didn’t love the goofy reality tv part of the plot, it’s a solidly plotted adventure.
The end is really, really predictable (another thing Stine usually does a far better job at), but I loved the kids’ misadventures at the hotel, and my kids still enjoyed the story even if it wasn’t their favorite of his work either.
*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
July 3, 2024
Thank you to Blackstone Publishing for an early audiobook of Shark Night!
The audio production SLAYS, definitely recommend reading this one on audio for a good time.
Shark Night goes off the rails; so much so, it makes this book feel a bit messy. However, everything does tie together, making it all a lot more cohesive. & I think children would absolutely love the adventure they go on. I have /some/ questions based on the plot & characters (like, what kind of mother?!), but that’s just the adult in me. In the end, this is a silly adventure written by R.L. Stine and that’s that on that.
The audio production SLAYS, definitely recommend reading this one on audio for a good time.
Shark Night goes off the rails; so much so, it makes this book feel a bit messy. However, everything does tie together, making it all a lot more cohesive. & I think children would absolutely love the adventure they go on. I have /some/ questions based on the plot & characters (like, what kind of mother?!), but that’s just the adult in me. In the end, this is a silly adventure written by R.L. Stine and that’s that on that.
May 19, 2024
R.L. Stine is known for creating novels that will give us Goosebumps, pun intended, and this is no different with his latest offering, Shark Night. His newest novel is a heart-pounding adventure with twists and turns that will surprise even the most experienced reader.
In Shark Night, twelve-year-old Carlo is thrust into helping his mom film a television show for the Danger Channel's Shark Night. However, things turn out to be even more frightening when he is lowered into the thank with the wrong shark. What unfolds is a gripping adventure that leaves you guessing with each page turn.
While the premise of Shark Night seemed simple at fist glance, but Stine weaves a complex and thrilling story that goes far beyond the boy in a shark tank synopsis read. The twists and turns that lie ahead kept us on edge and was truly engaging from start to finish.
Stine's writing style in Shark Night is reminiscent of his iconic Goosebumps series, with its fast-paced narrative and suspenseful moments that have both young and old readers wanting to read with the lights on. His knack for building suspense and delivering on unexpected twists once again shines through in this book. Its definitely a must read for young and adult readers.
As someone who grew up in the generation of devouring R.L. Stine's Goosebumps books, we found ourselves delighted by the throwback to my childhood with Shark Night. This book could've easily slide into the classic series, a true testament to the skill of Stine even all these years later. Proving why his books are beloved by people of all ages, race and gender.S
hark Night by R.L. Stine is more than a young adult book. It's a book filled with danger, excitement and unexpected surprises. Fans of Goosebumps as well as more advance novels can get something out of this latest offering from the legendary author. It was nothing groundbreaking, but surely entertaining. We were happy to dive in and survive Shark Night.
In Shark Night, twelve-year-old Carlo is thrust into helping his mom film a television show for the Danger Channel's Shark Night. However, things turn out to be even more frightening when he is lowered into the thank with the wrong shark. What unfolds is a gripping adventure that leaves you guessing with each page turn.
While the premise of Shark Night seemed simple at fist glance, but Stine weaves a complex and thrilling story that goes far beyond the boy in a shark tank synopsis read. The twists and turns that lie ahead kept us on edge and was truly engaging from start to finish.
Stine's writing style in Shark Night is reminiscent of his iconic Goosebumps series, with its fast-paced narrative and suspenseful moments that have both young and old readers wanting to read with the lights on. His knack for building suspense and delivering on unexpected twists once again shines through in this book. Its definitely a must read for young and adult readers.
As someone who grew up in the generation of devouring R.L. Stine's Goosebumps books, we found ourselves delighted by the throwback to my childhood with Shark Night. This book could've easily slide into the classic series, a true testament to the skill of Stine even all these years later. Proving why his books are beloved by people of all ages, race and gender.S
hark Night by R.L. Stine is more than a young adult book. It's a book filled with danger, excitement and unexpected surprises. Fans of Goosebumps as well as more advance novels can get something out of this latest offering from the legendary author. It was nothing groundbreaking, but surely entertaining. We were happy to dive in and survive Shark Night.
June 1, 2024
This was a fun, fast paced, twisty story. It brought me back to when I was a kid reading the original goosebumps books. The narrator did a fabulous job! He really brought Liam to life! I could really feel his fear, especially at the end!
There is so much going on in this story. A complex web of characters and events. I was impressed with how well everything came together at the end.
I definitely recommend this book to anyone who has enjoyed R.L. Stine’s original Goosebumps books in the past! I think this book will be a hit with young readers.
There is so much going on in this story. A complex web of characters and events. I was impressed with how well everything came together at the end.
I definitely recommend this book to anyone who has enjoyed R.L. Stine’s original Goosebumps books in the past! I think this book will be a hit with young readers.
July 11, 2024
R.L. Stine strikes again in this fintastically frightful story. Just when you think the twists have ended… they attack again. Liam’s mom has a wildly horrific pitch for a tv show where unsuspecting swimmers are met with a shark. They film their reactions and go viral. When the star of the show breaks his ankle… Liam is thrust into the limelight and into the shark tank. Things get twisty and a little chaotic after the first few moments of filming. Read on to find out how!
August 10, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley, Blackstone Publishing - Audiobooks, R.L. Stine, and Ramon de Ocampo (audio narrator) for the opportunity to read and listen to the audiobook of Shark Night in exchange for an honest review.
As a lover of horror and a fan of Goosebumps, I was excited to see something about sharks, although I don't appreciate when sharks are shed in a negative light. Still, this makes for a fun middle grade/young adult semi-horror story.
Shark Night follows Carlo, whose mom is making a documentary on sharks. He's not exactly agreeable when it comes to being the one placed in the cage for the documentary. He's only twelve after all! But a kid with a shark seems like an excellent way to get high ratings.
It's supposed to be a hammerhead, relatively docile for a shark. Instead, Carlo finds himself face-to-face with a bull shark, known for their aggressive ferocity. When Carlos cage breaks and he finds himself on an island, he wonders how things turned to such a mess.
In an adventure of facing fear and coping with unfortunate situations, this novel is quick, quirky, and fun for a middle grade audience. It offers some instances of a fourth wall break that add a little extra fun, and the character and scenarios he is placed in are both realistic and ridiculous at the same time. Another fun novel from the brilliant writer of young readers horror.
As a lover of horror and a fan of Goosebumps, I was excited to see something about sharks, although I don't appreciate when sharks are shed in a negative light. Still, this makes for a fun middle grade/young adult semi-horror story.
Shark Night follows Carlo, whose mom is making a documentary on sharks. He's not exactly agreeable when it comes to being the one placed in the cage for the documentary. He's only twelve after all! But a kid with a shark seems like an excellent way to get high ratings.
It's supposed to be a hammerhead, relatively docile for a shark. Instead, Carlo finds himself face-to-face with a bull shark, known for their aggressive ferocity. When Carlos cage breaks and he finds himself on an island, he wonders how things turned to such a mess.
In an adventure of facing fear and coping with unfortunate situations, this novel is quick, quirky, and fun for a middle grade audience. It offers some instances of a fourth wall break that add a little extra fun, and the character and scenarios he is placed in are both realistic and ridiculous at the same time. Another fun novel from the brilliant writer of young readers horror.
July 9, 2024
For some reason, Stine has this track lately of writing stories about parents exploiting their children. Slime Doesn’t Pay, for example- and that story almost acts like it’s a good thing. Thankfully, in Shark Night, we get a very human response to the exploitation.
Even that aside, this was a very good read. Strongly recommend.
Even that aside, this was a very good read. Strongly recommend.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 6, 2024
Cant believe we get a NEW release... wouldnt miss it for the world. I did predict more than I used to with the new books, but the writing makes up for it ♡ plus Im not the target audience anyway ♡
August 12, 2024
It’s so stupid and I think if this was a film people would be dumb enough to enjoy it.
I did not enjoy it
I did not enjoy it
July 31, 2024
This was a really huge disappointment.
How foolish of me to expect a book called Shark Night to be focused on, oh I don't know, sharks. There was a brief bit in the beginning that was shark related but the book quickly moves past that and into one of the most wildly unbelievable plots I've ever read and not in a fun way. I'm usually a big fan of Stine and his younger reader horror books. There is a level of suspended belief you have to have to be okay with to enjoy those books and most books for that matter but I just couldn't justify a single part of this story. From the actions of the mother to the children's repeated horrible decision making throughout.
I think I didn't love the last few he's released and maybe his writing just isn't for me anymore.
How foolish of me to expect a book called Shark Night to be focused on, oh I don't know, sharks. There was a brief bit in the beginning that was shark related but the book quickly moves past that and into one of the most wildly unbelievable plots I've ever read and not in a fun way. I'm usually a big fan of Stine and his younger reader horror books. There is a level of suspended belief you have to have to be okay with to enjoy those books and most books for that matter but I just couldn't justify a single part of this story. From the actions of the mother to the children's repeated horrible decision making throughout.
I think I didn't love the last few he's released and maybe his writing just isn't for me anymore.
May 26, 2024
E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus
Liam's mother makes documentary television programs and wants to put together one for the Danger Channel. When executives don't like her "Pool Party" idea (invite people to a luxury pool and surprise them by letting killer sharks loose in it), she spitballs a different idea. What about putting a KID in a tank with a shark. The network loves the idea, but Liam makes his mother promise that HE won't be the kid in the tank. She does, and a swimmer and actor named Swan is hired for the show. WHen Liam accidentally causes Swan to break his ankle, he finds himself being put into the tank. Not only that, but when the shark is lowered in, it's not the old, toothless hammerhead his mother promised, but a bull shark, the most dangerous type of shark in the world. Not only that, but the tank he is in explodes, and he is washed out to sea. Luckily, he comes across two sailors, Sully and Ernie, whose trained dolphin has rescued him. They say they are "gathering sharks"... and want to use Liam for bait. He'll be safe, in a cage, and they just need to nick him a LITTLE to draw blood. Panicked, he jumps off the boat, and the dolphin takes him to an island where there is a resort. He meets his sister, Rosa, there. There's no good explanation why she is there, and why Liam's mother isn't looking for him, but he is determined to get in to the resort and find someone with a phone to let him call. The staff is suspicious and say that no phones are allowed, but the two find a kid named Derek who says he will help... but then calls the security guards. Liam finally calls home, but his mother denies she has children. Liam ends up in a lagoon with pirahnas, and Swan shows up to save him. What about his broken ankle? Something is clearly not right. What is going on in Liam's world?
Strengths: This was fast paced, a little goofy, and didn't have a dull moment. Liam is a reasonable character who finds himself in difficult circumstances but manages to survive in a resilient manner. Rosa was slightly evil, the way most siblings in Stine's work are. The mother was somewhat enigmatic, but this also makes sense given the circumstances. There are enough shark details to keep future marine biologists happy, and the cover is fantastic.
Weaknesses: I knew exactly what was happening and who was responsible about two pages after Liam got washed out to sea. Of course, I have read everything Stine has written in the last twenty years, so I grok his style. Young readers will just love the fact that bad things are constantly happening and Liam is surviving it all!
What I really think: Middle school students LOVE Shark Week, and there aren't a whole lot of books about sharks. This is a bit goofy, but have it swim along with Monniger's Dragged From Under series, Northrop's Surrounded by Sharks, or Spradlin's Menace From the Deep.
Liam's mother makes documentary television programs and wants to put together one for the Danger Channel. When executives don't like her "Pool Party" idea (invite people to a luxury pool and surprise them by letting killer sharks loose in it), she spitballs a different idea. What about putting a KID in a tank with a shark. The network loves the idea, but Liam makes his mother promise that HE won't be the kid in the tank. She does, and a swimmer and actor named Swan is hired for the show. WHen Liam accidentally causes Swan to break his ankle, he finds himself being put into the tank. Not only that, but when the shark is lowered in, it's not the old, toothless hammerhead his mother promised, but a bull shark, the most dangerous type of shark in the world. Not only that, but the tank he is in explodes, and he is washed out to sea. Luckily, he comes across two sailors, Sully and Ernie, whose trained dolphin has rescued him. They say they are "gathering sharks"... and want to use Liam for bait. He'll be safe, in a cage, and they just need to nick him a LITTLE to draw blood. Panicked, he jumps off the boat, and the dolphin takes him to an island where there is a resort. He meets his sister, Rosa, there. There's no good explanation why she is there, and why Liam's mother isn't looking for him, but he is determined to get in to the resort and find someone with a phone to let him call. The staff is suspicious and say that no phones are allowed, but the two find a kid named Derek who says he will help... but then calls the security guards. Liam finally calls home, but his mother denies she has children. Liam ends up in a lagoon with pirahnas, and Swan shows up to save him. What about his broken ankle? Something is clearly not right. What is going on in Liam's world?
Strengths: This was fast paced, a little goofy, and didn't have a dull moment. Liam is a reasonable character who finds himself in difficult circumstances but manages to survive in a resilient manner. Rosa was slightly evil, the way most siblings in Stine's work are. The mother was somewhat enigmatic, but this also makes sense given the circumstances. There are enough shark details to keep future marine biologists happy, and the cover is fantastic.
Weaknesses: I knew exactly what was happening and who was responsible about two pages after Liam got washed out to sea. Of course, I have read everything Stine has written in the last twenty years, so I grok his style. Young readers will just love the fact that bad things are constantly happening and Liam is surviving it all!
What I really think: Middle school students LOVE Shark Week, and there aren't a whole lot of books about sharks. This is a bit goofy, but have it swim along with Monniger's Dragged From Under series, Northrop's Surrounded by Sharks, or Spradlin's Menace From the Deep.
August 17, 2024
Shark Night is R. L. Stine's latest thriller for young adults, that takes readers on a harrowing journey of survival only the bravest would dare attempt.
The leading character is a young man that loves to play computer and other types of video games, forsaking the outside world. His sister keeps volunteering him to do things that make him uncomfortable. But it's his mother, desperate to make a shark documentary everyone will watch and talk about, that does the unthinkable, Thrusting the boy into a tank where a shark is swapped from what it is supposed to be and making her son believe his life is in danger, he thinks he's finally safe and is about to be reunited with his mom when she does an even more heinous crime, forcing him and his sister (who he reunited with on his quest to find his way home) to go on the run and be put in danger once more in the open ocean. It's not until after he is practically kidnapped and forced into a weak cage to confront even more dangerous sharks that he learns everything was set up for the ratings on his mom's new show.
R. L. Stine has been a an author everyone from preteens to young adults, and yes, even adults, can look up to for many years, with award winning series such as Fear Street, and Goosebumps translated into multiple languages worldwide.
Mr. Stine is renowned for bringing the chills and scares to the younger audience with just the right amount of horror to be entertaining, but not enough to leave nightmares. However, there is always the possibility Mr. Stine's current book will be the one to make the readers pull the covers over their heads at night and leave the nightlight on.
Shark Night, while not as gruesome as some of Mr. Stine's Fear Street or Goosebumps books, has more of a psychological effect on the young readers, especially when it comes to the mother helping to create most, if not all, of the leading character's problems and insecurities. Even with an adult's perspective reading the book, there was no way of knowing if the leading character would be alright, which is probably a feeling not a lot of adults readers are used to feeling, but if readers want to get in the habit of reading R. L. Stine, need to become familiar with the feeling quite intimately. Especially since this book alone leaves the reader dealing with the sense of hurt, familial betrayal, loss, parental abandonment and child abuse - all in the name of making a quick buck. But after all that, the leading character still has the greatest capacity to love and forgive because the two people that did him wrong the most are his mom and younger sister.
The leading character is a young man that loves to play computer and other types of video games, forsaking the outside world. His sister keeps volunteering him to do things that make him uncomfortable. But it's his mother, desperate to make a shark documentary everyone will watch and talk about, that does the unthinkable, Thrusting the boy into a tank where a shark is swapped from what it is supposed to be and making her son believe his life is in danger, he thinks he's finally safe and is about to be reunited with his mom when she does an even more heinous crime, forcing him and his sister (who he reunited with on his quest to find his way home) to go on the run and be put in danger once more in the open ocean. It's not until after he is practically kidnapped and forced into a weak cage to confront even more dangerous sharks that he learns everything was set up for the ratings on his mom's new show.
R. L. Stine has been a an author everyone from preteens to young adults, and yes, even adults, can look up to for many years, with award winning series such as Fear Street, and Goosebumps translated into multiple languages worldwide.
Mr. Stine is renowned for bringing the chills and scares to the younger audience with just the right amount of horror to be entertaining, but not enough to leave nightmares. However, there is always the possibility Mr. Stine's current book will be the one to make the readers pull the covers over their heads at night and leave the nightlight on.
Shark Night, while not as gruesome as some of Mr. Stine's Fear Street or Goosebumps books, has more of a psychological effect on the young readers, especially when it comes to the mother helping to create most, if not all, of the leading character's problems and insecurities. Even with an adult's perspective reading the book, there was no way of knowing if the leading character would be alright, which is probably a feeling not a lot of adults readers are used to feeling, but if readers want to get in the habit of reading R. L. Stine, need to become familiar with the feeling quite intimately. Especially since this book alone leaves the reader dealing with the sense of hurt, familial betrayal, loss, parental abandonment and child abuse - all in the name of making a quick buck. But after all that, the leading character still has the greatest capacity to love and forgive because the two people that did him wrong the most are his mom and younger sister.
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