Goosebumps: Monster Blood - Book Review

[CooperTheGoosebumpsGuy]

This book is one of my favourites, I always put of reading it, but I finally read it, and I was amazed how good it was!

[TheLuhya]

Thank you for the review! I love your videos. I appreciate your thoughts on this one-- they are valid. I just finished this book. And I have a different opinion on it-- I think this is one of Stine's better works (out of the books I have read so far). I think this is better than some of his later works, and I'm starting to believe that his later works aren't as strong as his earlier ones.

I agree with you, this doesn't read like some of his other books, but I found this to be a strength. He took time for us to get acquainted with the main character in ways that some later installments failed to do. We follow Evan getting used to a new setting with his dog companion, watch him struggle to adapt to his strange Aunt, we feel for him when he is forced to face neighborhood bullies, we watch as he makes a new friend who is much different from him but complements him, and we root for him as he seeks to defeat multiple foes threatening his life. Stine takes time to lay this all out! I think there is more plot here than is acknowledged. This is not like later installments where Stine briefly introduces a character, and then boom-boom-boom, crazy cliff-hanger event after another crazy cliff-hanger event. You are right in that the pacing is slower, but I see this as a positive. And I gravitate toward these kinds of stories where authors describe friendships that are forged in the face of difficulties such as bullies, monsters, and feelings of loneliness (as a Stephen King fan, I immediately think of It or Stand by Me). I thought Stine did well there. I grew to like these characters.

Another pro: I actually think Stine set up events throughout the story that paid off in the end and helped explain the twist ending/reveal (I’ll try not to spoil anything as you asked). Yes, I think the twist ending actually worked as “silly” as it may have seemed! If one were to read carefully, you will find subtle (and in some ways obvious) events and descriptions of characters throughout the story that hint at what will come later.

Another pro: I won’t say too much, but I think Stine did well describing the monster blood when it grew and came to life. Holy moly, talk about a kid’s version of Stephen King’s The Raft (with that dangerous black goo/tar thing). The description of the monster blood getting active near the end would have disturbed me as a kid. For those of you who haven’t read the book: Stine might make you question whether this will finally be the book where there will be a body kill count by the end of the story--and both animals and humans are not immune to the count! I wish I could say more about how I think Stine was effective in describing the monster blood in its glory, but I don’t want to spoil anything too much.

Finally, the cons. This is a problem with every Goosebumps book, but I wish we got more lore about certain aspects of the story. I want to know more about Evan’s family members, his aunt included and her backstory. I also want more lore on the monster blood, that seemingly simple “goop” being sold at the store—was it truly just that? Or did that store owner have a more serious reason to not want to sell it to Andy and Evan? There are other things I want more backstory on, but no spoilers here! It should be acknowledged that Goosebumps books are short, so it is hard to accomplish this in so little space. I get that.

Anyways, this was a good Goosebumps book in my opinion. Not perfect, but good and a fun read. I gave it 4/5 starts. Thanks again for the awesome video review!

[huntercoleman]

I have mixed feelings on this one. I didn’t really care for Evan. He was so whiny. I also like how it’s pretty much Stine’s take on The Blob.

[grayztatherapper]

Just started reading this one I'm about 5 or 6 chapters in & I'm really enjoying it so far

[scarystorycory]

Just finished reading “Monster Blood”. I really enjoyed it. I will admit, it wasn’t very scary, and the twist at the end was a little odd. Considering where the story was going. With that being said. I still enjoyed the idea of the story, and I really liked the characters. Having that monster blood in real life would be kinda cool. This book is my top ten. Anyway, another great review bro! 🙏🏼

[forestduffe]

Monster Blood ending wasn't what I expected. I like Andy character .

[alittlebitofeverything]

I have read monster blood before, I don’t really remember too many little details, except that they get the goop and then it gets bigger, the dog eating it.... that it was a goopy slime toy that grew, and ran over people LOL 😂

[mykusreviews]

Pls read The Beast From The East, its really, really good. Its my tenth favorite book.

[GiuseppeDeRosa]

Actually just started reading this one since I just got back into goosebumps. I do have to agree with michael here. It’s ok…

[detectiveblutomindpretzel]

I remember looking at the cover for monster blood for breakfast. It scared me. Plus guess my profile pic. And monster blood for breakfast is the 3rd in the horrorland series

[BrandontheBeldam]

Honestly you're not alone in thinking this book was mediocre, I feel the same.

[shadowseeker]

Honestly monster blood 3 is the best one for me. 1 is obnoxiously slow. 2 is ok. (Haven't read 4 yet)

[RobiticDuck]

In my opinion Monster Blood (except for book 4) is Stine mixing a tamer version of The Blob with slime toys of the 1990s. I admit...im still into silly putty. More of a putty fan than a slime fan. I used to listen to the audio book during my late night job working in a print shop. I agree Monster Blood isnt super amazing. But looking back at the history of Goosebumps, this was only the 3rd book published. So Goosebumps was just picking up steam. I have a feeling plenty of peoples first Goosebumps book they read could have been Monster Blood. Thats my theory at least. Loved the video! God Bless