Release: September 15, 2020
Format: Ebook
Publisher: Scholastic Press
Source: Amazon
Find it at: Amazon , B&N
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One of our most iconic childhood games receives a creepy twist as it becomes the gateway to a nightmare world.
I went up the muddy hill, stomped my toe and made it bloody, should I wash it?
Justin knows that something is wrong with his best friend.Zee went missing for a year. And when he came back, he was . . . different. Nobody knows what happened to him. At Zee’s welcome home party, Justin and the neighborhood crew play Hide and Seek. But it goes wrong. Very wrong.
One by one, everyone who plays the game disappears, pulled into a world of nightmares come to life. Justin and his friends realize this horrible place is where Zee had been trapped. All they can do now is hide from the Seeker.
About the Author:
Daka Hermon was born in Tennessee and spent her childhood huddled under a blanket with a flashlight reading and writing fairy-tale and fantasy stories. She works in the entertainment industry, and is an active member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators. She loves peach sweet tea, chocolate, cupcakes, and collecting superhero toys. Daka lives in California .
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Hide and Seeker Review:
I don’t think I have ever read a middle grade book that was so creepy that it scared me, but this book sure did!
This book felt like a middle grade, scary version of “IT” by Stephen King, and I say that as a compliment. What really stands out in the story is the villain, the Seeker. The Seeker is not just any villain but one that is feeds off our fears. He is truly a terrifying villain for a middle grade novel, and probably one that would give me nightmares as an adult. Similarly, the author writes the characters also in a compelling manner. I loved most of the characters in the story. You immediately connect to all the characters / players like Justin, Nia, Lyric, Carla etc. because most of them face common fears like us. I also have a fear of losing a loved one, of snakes, rats and spider-webs. Hence, as a reader, you immediately side with them to overcome their fears to defeat the Seeker.
Moreover, the author also did a great job in making the characters complex. Initially when I started reading the story, I didn’t like Carla or Shae, but I liked them as the story progressed. Similarly, Mary and Duke are wonderful in the supporting role. Also, I loved all the random facts that Nia spurts out, and how loyal Lyric is to his friends. Justin is wonderful in the lead and my heart just went out to him whenever he missed his mother.
Overall, this book surprised and terrified me, and made it a very memorable read. I high recommend reading this if you are in the mood for a scary story.
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