Title: Holly Jolly: Campfire Stories
Author: J.K. Franko Jr.
Published November 25, 2020
Kindle Edition
Rating: 4.35
Overview
Holly Jolly: Campfire Stories by J.K. Franko Jr. is a must-read for young teens who love spine-chilling tales. With a Miami Youth Fair Blue Ribbon under his belt, this fourteen-year-old author has crafted a collection of creepy stories that will leave readers on the edge of their seats.
From a murderous snowman to a haunted toy, each story is guaranteed to give readers goosebumps. Franko Jr.’s masterful storytelling and surprise twists make this book a perfect addition to any teen’s reading list.
Get ready to be spooked, thrilled, and captivated by the cast of creeps in Holly Jolly: Campfire Stories.
Editoral Review
Holly Jolly: Campfire Stories, by J.K. Franko Jr., is a collection of ten short horror stories that are perfect to read around a campfire during the holiday season. The book was published on November 25, 2020, and it is the latest addition to Franko’s repertoire of horror tales.
The author, J.K. Franko Jr., is a well-known author of horror and suspense novels. His previous works include The Night of the Long Shadows and The House on the Hill.
Franko’s stories are known for their dark themes and vivid descriptions, and Holly Jolly is no exception.
The book is a collection of ten short stories, each one as eerie and chilling as the last. The stories take place in different settings, from a deserted highway to a Christmas party in a haunted mansion.
Despite the variety of settings, the stories are all linked by a common theme: the joy and terror of the holiday season.
One of the standout stories in the collection is “The Christmas Tree,” which follows a young couple who purchase a Christmas tree from a mysterious vendor. As the couple decorates the tree, strange things begin to happen, and they realize that the tree may have a sinister past.
The story is expertly crafted, with a slow-building sense of dread that keeps the reader on edge until the very end.
Another standout story is “The Ghost of Christmas Past,” which takes place in a small town where the residents are haunted by the ghosts of their past mistakes. The story is a poignant reminder that the holiday season is not always a joyful time for everyone, and that the past can come back to haunt us in unexpected ways.
The stories in Holly Jolly: Campfire Stories are well-written and engaging, with vivid descriptions and well-drawn characters. Franko’s writing style is immersive, drawing the reader into each story and making them feel like they are a part of the action.
One of the strengths of the book is its pacing. The stories are short enough to be read in one sitting, but long enough to allow for character development and plot twists.
The pacing keeps the reader engaged and invested in the outcome of each story.
However, one of the weaknesses of the book is its lack of diversity. The stories all feature white, middle-class characters, which may not be relatable to readers from different backgrounds.
Additionally, some of the stories rely too heavily on cliches and tropes of the horror genre, which can make them feel predictable.
Despite its limitations, Holly Jolly: Campfire Stories is a great read for horror fans who are looking for a seasonal twist on the genre. The book is well-written, engaging, and expertly crafted, and it will keep readers on the edge of their seats until the very end.
Rating: 4/5 stars.
