What do you think?
Rate this book
Ghoulfriends #1
Ghoulfriends Forever
Ghoulfriends Forever is a brand-new Monster High series, introducing three new monster characters. As new students, the trio must navigate the bewildering array of cute monster boys, established cliques, and monster-rific subjects like Mad Science, G-ogre-phy, and Physical Deaducation. As if that weren't hard enough, something strange and sinister seems to be happening at the school. Popular girls like Frankie Stein and Cleo de Nile are acting weird-and all signs point to everyone's new favorite teacher, Miss Sylphia Flapper. Can the new GFFs expose the fave as a fraud, or will they succumb to peer pressure?
272 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2012
About the author
Gitty Daneshvari
44 books203 followersGitty Daneshvari was born in Los Angeles to an Iranian father and an American mother. As a child she talked incessantly, feeling the need to comment on everything around her. While at first charmed by her verbose nature, her family soon tired of the constant commenting. This is how she found writing — it was better than talking since she didn't even need anyone else to do it with.
She currently lives in New York City and yes she still talks too much.
She currently lives in New York City and yes she still talks too much.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 173 reviews
October 28, 2019
I only read this because I own (and have owned, for about 6 years- I was a big fan of Monster High) a physical copy of this book, and I'm currently trying to get through my unread physical books because I'm running out of space in my bookcases, so whatever I don't like will have to go.
This book will go. I liked Gitty Daneshvari's School of Fear series (although it's been years since I read it, I probably wouldn't like it now), but this was just insufferable. She tried SO HARD to have multiple monster puns per sentence that she forgot to write decent characters or a decent plot.
Is it a Gitty Daneshvari writer quirk to have a character spout rules and regulations all the time? Because there was one in School of Fear, and there is another one here, who canonically never acts like that. The difference is that it made more narrative sense in SOF, in Ghoulfriends it's just there because Gitty probably thinks it's funny, or maybe she's obsessed with rules herself. There are multiple canon diaries and cartoon episodes that show exactly how the characters act, and this just ain't it. Rochelle isn't obsessed with rules, Robecca isn't a naive airhead that is only there to say "Golly gosh! Deary me!", Headmistress Bloodgood isn't ALSO a naive airhead that doesn't even know where she is half the time (I know it's pretty weird for a 25 year old to rant about doll characters but just go with it, I was a fan for many years) (Robecca and Headmistress are basically the same character). I'm not even going to touch Gitty's original characters for the book.
I also realize I'm judging this middle grade book far too harshly, but it had a lot of potential, and it flopped so hard. People love to bash the former Monster High books by Lisi Harrison (although, judging from the reviews, they don't seem to love this one either), and while those were cringey at times, at least they were entertaining. Ghoulfriends wasn't.
This book will go. I liked Gitty Daneshvari's School of Fear series (although it's been years since I read it, I probably wouldn't like it now), but this was just insufferable. She tried SO HARD to have multiple monster puns per sentence that she forgot to write decent characters or a decent plot.
Is it a Gitty Daneshvari writer quirk to have a character spout rules and regulations all the time? Because there was one in School of Fear, and there is another one here, who canonically never acts like that. The difference is that it made more narrative sense in SOF, in Ghoulfriends it's just there because Gitty probably thinks it's funny, or maybe she's obsessed with rules herself. There are multiple canon diaries and cartoon episodes that show exactly how the characters act, and this just ain't it. Rochelle isn't obsessed with rules, Robecca isn't a naive airhead that is only there to say "Golly gosh! Deary me!", Headmistress Bloodgood isn't ALSO a naive airhead that doesn't even know where she is half the time (I know it's pretty weird for a 25 year old to rant about doll characters but just go with it, I was a fan for many years) (Robecca and Headmistress are basically the same character). I'm not even going to touch Gitty's original characters for the book.
I also realize I'm judging this middle grade book far too harshly, but it had a lot of potential, and it flopped so hard. People love to bash the former Monster High books by Lisi Harrison (although, judging from the reviews, they don't seem to love this one either), and while those were cringey at times, at least they were entertaining. Ghoulfriends wasn't.
October 7, 2019
did not appreciate the use of g*psy which is a slur, but the overarching mystery was fun and ill probably read the others too
February 16, 2022
literally fangtastic! all the characters are drop-dead gorgeous and the ghouls are literally so iconic
April 21, 2015
I am so disappointed in this book. I waited to write this review to see if my ire would cool, but it hasn't. So here we go.
Just because you're writing characters based off a product franchise does NOT give you the right to be sloppy and boring. Please, for the love of all that is literary, go watch a few episodes of Ruby Gloom or read A Wonderlandiful World. Both Ruby Gloom and Wonderlandiful are based on product franchises and they both stand alone with astounding creativity. This book, however, is atrocious. As a Monster High fan, I was so offended by this book that I can only think to express my feelings in a direct-to-the-author manner.
1. Just because the majority of the characters are female does not mean that they all use cutesy phrases, obsess over clothes/hair/skin care, or want a boyfriend.
2. Your portrayal of "gypsy vampires" is offensive. I would say it is 'beyond offensive' but I can't even imagine what word I would use for that. I am THAT sickened by your racist cariacture. Good job putting that in a kid's book.
3. Children are not stupid. Children know big words. Could you maybe go beyond one or two syllables now and then?
4. Learn to write a climax. The entire premise of how to defeat the bad guy was unnecessarily complicated. After literally MILENIA of monster history, you'd think there would have been a streamlined method, but no. Your climax was so boring that I wanted to abandon the book. And considering Venus and Robecca are my FAVORITE MH characters, that really is saying something. They lucked into it using cheap gags and slapdash story telling tricks.
5. You described Rochelle's frame as "slim but heavy" LITERALLY SEVEN TIMES. When you repeat a phrase so often that the reader rolls their eyes at it, you have failed. I don't care if you're writing for kids, you should be able to use more vocabulary than that.
6. Rochelle has been a gargoyle her ENTIRE LIFE. By the time she has hit high school, she has probably come to terms with her "slim but weighty" figure and learned how to deal with it. If she had been uncomfortable with her body in any other context than when being talked to by a different breed of monster, this would have worked as a great body-image metaphor. But, no. It was only used to illustrate Rochelle comparing herself to other monsters when directly in front of them. And that's just not how body insecurity works. It is with you ALL THE TIME.
In short: The author appears to think the age group she is writing for has no vocabulary, interest in a good story line, or need for well-fleshed characters.
If I could give this book less than one star I would, despite my abiding love for Monster High.
Just because you're writing characters based off a product franchise does NOT give you the right to be sloppy and boring. Please, for the love of all that is literary, go watch a few episodes of Ruby Gloom or read A Wonderlandiful World. Both Ruby Gloom and Wonderlandiful are based on product franchises and they both stand alone with astounding creativity. This book, however, is atrocious. As a Monster High fan, I was so offended by this book that I can only think to express my feelings in a direct-to-the-author manner.
1. Just because the majority of the characters are female does not mean that they all use cutesy phrases, obsess over clothes/hair/skin care, or want a boyfriend.
2. Your portrayal of "gypsy vampires" is offensive. I would say it is 'beyond offensive' but I can't even imagine what word I would use for that. I am THAT sickened by your racist cariacture. Good job putting that in a kid's book.
3. Children are not stupid. Children know big words. Could you maybe go beyond one or two syllables now and then?
4. Learn to write a climax. The entire premise of how to defeat the bad guy was unnecessarily complicated. After literally MILENIA of monster history, you'd think there would have been a streamlined method, but no. Your climax was so boring that I wanted to abandon the book. And considering Venus and Robecca are my FAVORITE MH characters, that really is saying something. They lucked into it using cheap gags and slapdash story telling tricks.
5. You described Rochelle's frame as "slim but heavy" LITERALLY SEVEN TIMES. When you repeat a phrase so often that the reader rolls their eyes at it, you have failed. I don't care if you're writing for kids, you should be able to use more vocabulary than that.
6. Rochelle has been a gargoyle her ENTIRE LIFE. By the time she has hit high school, she has probably come to terms with her "slim but weighty" figure and learned how to deal with it. If she had been uncomfortable with her body in any other context than when being talked to by a different breed of monster, this would have worked as a great body-image metaphor. But, no. It was only used to illustrate Rochelle comparing herself to other monsters when directly in front of them. And that's just not how body insecurity works. It is with you ALL THE TIME.
In short: The author appears to think the age group she is writing for has no vocabulary, interest in a good story line, or need for well-fleshed characters.
If I could give this book less than one star I would, despite my abiding love for Monster High.
March 26, 2013
Where to start with this? I picked this up because my kiddos are going nuts over it. It was featured in the spring book fair and all of my 4th and 5th grade girls were absolutely nuts about buying it. I like to know what's popular and what my kiddos are reading so I nabbed an extra copy and sat down. Usually I can fly through kid lit books. Not so much with this one. Ugh.
The story revolves around three main characters or monsters who are new to Monster High. Rochelle Goyle, a truthful gargoyle, Venus McFlytrap, a eco friendly plant, and Robecca Steam, a forgetful......some sort of steampunk robot. If you think that these names are clever, then the style of writing, or really stringing puns together, is right up your alley. The girls are trying to navigate their first few days at the new school when they realize something is wrong with one of the new teachers. She has started a new after school group and everyone who attends a meeting leaves under some sort of spell. Can the girls stop her in time for the big dance? (Spoiler alert: yes.)
The best I can say is that there wasn't anything too adult in the book which, considering my young audience, I had been slightly concerned with. The girls have crushes and boyfriends, but it's like a junior high relationship: all talk and no action. The puns though. They get old about three sentences in. It's not the library- It's the libury. The gargoyle is french and instead of Oh La la, she says Boo La La. The characters are very one dimensional. Each monster has his or her trait and that who they are. (And there are a lot of monsters to keep straight)
I understand the appeal for my kiddos and honestly if they are reading, I'm a happy camper. However, I hope that maybe these books can improve and that this first one was just for mass appeal. I know Daneshvari has more in her. The School of Fear was much better than this.
The story revolves around three main characters or monsters who are new to Monster High. Rochelle Goyle, a truthful gargoyle, Venus McFlytrap, a eco friendly plant, and Robecca Steam, a forgetful......some sort of steampunk robot. If you think that these names are clever, then the style of writing, or really stringing puns together, is right up your alley. The girls are trying to navigate their first few days at the new school when they realize something is wrong with one of the new teachers. She has started a new after school group and everyone who attends a meeting leaves under some sort of spell. Can the girls stop her in time for the big dance? (Spoiler alert: yes.)
The best I can say is that there wasn't anything too adult in the book which, considering my young audience, I had been slightly concerned with. The girls have crushes and boyfriends, but it's like a junior high relationship: all talk and no action. The puns though. They get old about three sentences in. It's not the library- It's the libury. The gargoyle is french and instead of Oh La la, she says Boo La La. The characters are very one dimensional. Each monster has his or her trait and that who they are. (And there are a lot of monsters to keep straight)
I understand the appeal for my kiddos and honestly if they are reading, I'm a happy camper. However, I hope that maybe these books can improve and that this first one was just for mass appeal. I know Daneshvari has more in her. The School of Fear was much better than this.
April 7, 2017
I am an adult fan of Monster High. I collect the dolls and think the webisodes are adorable. Additionally I am a fan of all things paranormal as well as an avid reader. I was somewhat disappointed when I learned that Lisi Harrison's Monster High books were no longer being written and published. I then learned that a new Monster High book series was being released written by a different author. Then I became more concerned when I learned they were being marketed to a younger age group. I was really leery about "Ghoulfriends Forever"
I was positively surprised. This new series is much more true to the Monster High shows and doll line. I loved Headmistress Bloodgood losing her head now and then! I also really enjoyed seeing appearances by even some of the shows background characters. While I would have liked to see bigger roles by Cleo, Frankie, Ghoulia, Draculaura, Clawdeecn, and Lagoona, I did really enjoy getting to know the three newest Ghouls, Robecca, Venus, and adorable Rochelle. I also liked that they portrayed Monster High as having dorms for students who don't have families that reside in town. The cover of this book is breathtaking and I really liked the black and white drawings that opened each chapter.
What I wasn't so crazy about? The book wasn't too low of a reading level but I can see where younger fans more in the targer demographic will be able to read this book. It was still enjoyable reading for me but I would have liked the book to have been slightly more detailed. The mystery was solved very easily which is to be expected. Still this book was worth reading and I am glad that they will be releasing more installments.
I was positively surprised. This new series is much more true to the Monster High shows and doll line. I loved Headmistress Bloodgood losing her head now and then! I also really enjoyed seeing appearances by even some of the shows background characters. While I would have liked to see bigger roles by Cleo, Frankie, Ghoulia, Draculaura, Clawdeecn, and Lagoona, I did really enjoy getting to know the three newest Ghouls, Robecca, Venus, and adorable Rochelle. I also liked that they portrayed Monster High as having dorms for students who don't have families that reside in town. The cover of this book is breathtaking and I really liked the black and white drawings that opened each chapter.
What I wasn't so crazy about? The book wasn't too low of a reading level but I can see where younger fans more in the targer demographic will be able to read this book. It was still enjoyable reading for me but I would have liked the book to have been slightly more detailed. The mystery was solved very easily which is to be expected. Still this book was worth reading and I am glad that they will be releasing more installments.
May 2, 2022
idziesz mrocznym korytarzeeeeeeeeeem....
September 15, 2023
Bardzo lubię Monster high, więc przez tą moją miłość do tej bajki nie potrafię dać niskiej oceny ❤️. Z tego co rozumiem, jest to inna, niezekranizowana historia. Być może trochę naciągany koniec, ale wiadomo, że ta książka jest skierowana do młodszych czytelników. Na początku się nudziłam (myślałam nawet, że nie przeczytam do końca), ale jednak w połowie zaczęło się dziać sporo rzeczy, a więc jestem zadowolona. No i też te przecudowne rysunki...
October 25, 2012
Salem, Oregon is home to Monster High where Rochelle Goyle, Robecca Steam, and Venus McFlytrap are new roommates in the Chamber of Gore and Lore. Although each of these teen girls is quite different, it took me awhile to differentiate among them all. The illustrations with long-maned doll-like beauties with extremely long eyelashes helped a bit, but then again, even in those, the girls looked a lot alike. The premise behind the story is that new teacher Miss Flapper has mounted a whispering campaign through which she enchants the students and teachers in an effort to take over the school. The girls and their one-eyed friend Cy Clops must save the day. What's especially fun in this title despite the thin storyline is the author's clever word play. She goes to great lengths to remind readers that this is a school for monsters; for instance, there's a gathering place called the Coffin Bean, school meetings are held in the Vampitheater, books can be found in the Libury, the students get fit in Physical Deaducation, and they eat meals in the Creepateria. While this book won't be for everyone, it does have appeal for readers who enjoy puns and like their ghouls on the lite side.
May 12, 2023
I loved this book series
March 24, 2024
wybitne
Want to read
May 20, 2024Me encanta 😍😍😍
July 2, 2023
It was much better then I expected, I’m glad I have the rest of the series
June 26, 2022
I didn't expect this book to be as well written or compelling as it was, but for a middle grade YA book I had a lot of fun with it as a break from reading for college classes! Looking forward to reading the rest of the series as a little nostalgia trip - had the dolls as a kid but never read the books for some reason.
June 27, 2013
If you were expecting the "MH: Ghoulfriends Forever" series to be anything like the "Monster High" series that Lisi Harrison wrote, you were--no doubt--GRAVEly disappointed. This series is apparently aimed at 3rd and 4th grade children, and has much larger print, which made it quite a bit easier on my eyes. But, that's pretty much where the good things about this end, since it was a struggle to make it through this. Where Lisi's MH books might take me 3 or 4 hours to read, this one could not keep my attention that long, and it took me parts of 3 days to read it.
Another thing about this that really bothered me is how the monsters actually call themselves "monsters". In the originals, the monsters called themselves "RADs". Did Gitty not think the grade schoolers could understand RADs and what it means?
And, the whole Miss Flapper thing was drastically overplayed. New teacher swoops into MH, wins over the hearts of all the monsters (except the Main 4), and puts everyone under her Monster Whisperer spell. And, she does this just by claiming she's a Dragon Whisperer. Seemed really weird to me that only 4 students could seem through her facade.
What was even worse was that, after the Main 4 have rescued all the students from this horrible spell (which took like 2/3 of the book to come up with a way to do!), Headmistress Bloodgood has the nerve to say that Miss Flapper is as much a victim as everyone else. WTF?!? No, she put them under the spell....No amount of her fake tears should make people think she's a victim, when she is actually the culprit!
But, at the end of the book, after they have made months pass in just a few pages, we are told that Miss Flapper is being controlled to do this, and that the monsters controlling her are coming to Monster High. When you read that, it makes you slightly suspicious of Rochelle's arriving friends, but I don't think they have anything to do with it. We'll see.
----------------------
Luckily, I got the 2nd book from the Decatur Public Library as well, so I will be able to continue reading this story. And, I hope book 2 is better than book 1. But, I really miss Lisi's MH series. It needs to continue.
Another thing about this that really bothered me is how the monsters actually call themselves "monsters". In the originals, the monsters called themselves "RADs". Did Gitty not think the grade schoolers could understand RADs and what it means?
And, the whole Miss Flapper thing was drastically overplayed. New teacher swoops into MH, wins over the hearts of all the monsters (except the Main 4), and puts everyone under her Monster Whisperer spell. And, she does this just by claiming she's a Dragon Whisperer. Seemed really weird to me that only 4 students could seem through her facade.
What was even worse was that, after the Main 4 have rescued all the students from this horrible spell (which took like 2/3 of the book to come up with a way to do!), Headmistress Bloodgood has the nerve to say that Miss Flapper is as much a victim as everyone else. WTF?!? No, she put them under the spell....No amount of her fake tears should make people think she's a victim, when she is actually the culprit!
But, at the end of the book, after they have made months pass in just a few pages, we are told that Miss Flapper is being controlled to do this, and that the monsters controlling her are coming to Monster High. When you read that, it makes you slightly suspicious of Rochelle's arriving friends, but I don't think they have anything to do with it. We'll see.
----------------------
Luckily, I got the 2nd book from the Decatur Public Library as well, so I will be able to continue reading this story. And, I hope book 2 is better than book 1. But, I really miss Lisi's MH series. It needs to continue.
February 14, 2016
I read the Monster High books some time ago, so you can imagine my happiness when I read someone else will take it over and make a new series!!
Sadly that person was Gitty Daneshvari, who also wrote School of Fear, a book I really disliked. So I was quite worried this and the art would be the same as that one. Luckily, it turned out to be much, much different and much much better.
We have 3 main girls: Rochelle (a gargoyle), Robecca (steampunk robot) and Venus (a plant girl). Everyone of them has one quality and that gets told 100x times. It doesn't bother me that much though, it was at times a bit silly to see the same thing come up though.
I loved the descriptions of the classes, the school, the outside place, I could just imagine myself there and have fun with the monsters.
Be aware though, the whole book is filled with puns and such. Library is Libury, Oh la la becomes Boo la la and various countries have had their names changed to something more appropriate for a school of monsters.
We (cheer cheer) meet the old cast as well. I loved and I was so happy to see them again, to see them move through the school and have a great time together.
There is a good story going on, strange new teacher, people starting to act strange and the 3 main girls (and someone else) have to save the monsters.
Oh, I totally forgot one thing: There are illustrations. It took me a bit to get used to them. All the girls looked a clone copy of the other. The only thing different was the hair/clothes and few other small things. But in general she is she had only draw the outlines, then you would have the same characters everywhere.
All in all, and even though it is a funny and fluffy series, I will be sure to check the rest of the books out.
Sadly that person was Gitty Daneshvari, who also wrote School of Fear, a book I really disliked. So I was quite worried this and the art would be the same as that one. Luckily, it turned out to be much, much different and much much better.
We have 3 main girls: Rochelle (a gargoyle), Robecca (steampunk robot) and Venus (a plant girl). Everyone of them has one quality and that gets told 100x times. It doesn't bother me that much though, it was at times a bit silly to see the same thing come up though.
I loved the descriptions of the classes, the school, the outside place, I could just imagine myself there and have fun with the monsters.
Be aware though, the whole book is filled with puns and such. Library is Libury, Oh la la becomes Boo la la and various countries have had their names changed to something more appropriate for a school of monsters.
We (cheer cheer) meet the old cast as well. I loved and I was so happy to see them again, to see them move through the school and have a great time together.
There is a good story going on, strange new teacher, people starting to act strange and the 3 main girls (and someone else) have to save the monsters.
Oh, I totally forgot one thing: There are illustrations. It took me a bit to get used to them. All the girls looked a clone copy of the other. The only thing different was the hair/clothes and few other small things. But in general she is she had only draw the outlines, then you would have the same characters everywhere.
All in all, and even though it is a funny and fluffy series, I will be sure to check the rest of the books out.
July 8, 2015
Книга заинтересовала скорее не меня, а мою дочку. Когда вместе с ней выбирали книги в библиотеке, то именно она обратила мое внимание на эту книгу. Только потом я заметила, что на книге стоит возрастное ограничение, но, так как, заветние 12 когда-то и нам стукнут, решила все же ознакомиться. Мне кажется, что книга вполне для детей 4-5 касса, читается легко, шрифт крупный, отсутствует ненормативная лексика и другие неподобающие сцены. У героинь есть бойфренды, но это как бы и все. По сюжету, конечно, ну очень простенько и незамысловато, я бы даже сказала, ни о чем. Ребенку дать почитать можно, но нужно ли?
January 18, 2016
I read this to miss 7 for her bedtime story these last couple of weeks, I really enjoyed the story, but I was surprised at the big words inside (thank goodness I was the reader). Miss 7 & I both enjoyed the story, it was action packed, keeping you in suspense. A mystery in every sense. Will start book 2 tomorrow night.
May 18, 2021
Ghoulfriends Forever
Plot Sue Na Mi gives new student Rochelle Goyle and her pet Roux (from Scaris) the tour of MH. She meets her roommates Venus McFlytrap and Robecca Steam. At the Welcome Assembly, Frankie and Draculaura introduces the new teacher Slyphia Flapper who’ll be teaching Dragon Whispering. She’s also brought a group of trolls. Then Cleo and Deuce talk about the Dance of the Delightfully Dead. In Literature class Rochelle crushes on Deuce secretly. Venus doesn’t approve of all Cleo’s bags and as payback hits her with a dose of her persuasion pollen. But gets in trouble for using her powers and is sent off with one of the trolls. The troll tries to give Venus a warning of bad things that had happened before and that are happening now. Robecca starts to notice a shy boy named Cy Clops. Rochelle makes it her mission to help Mr. D’Eath get over his depression. Meanwhile, everyone at MH is captivated by Mrs. Flapper. Venus tries to tell them what the troll told her, but Robecca says it’s probably just an infection. The ghouls catch Miss Flapper whispering something in the student’s ears as she floats down the hallway She seems to be inviting them to join her organization known as MALL (Monster Advancement League League). Rochelle tries to make Mr. D’Eath a suit but messes it up so they go to find Frankie. On the way, they notice Cy is showing up everywhere. They find Frankie at the Coffin Bean, but they also find Mrs. Flapper who again tries to persuade them to join MALL. She says the club is about monster domination. All three are able to avoid all her attempts. Frankie (clearly in a trance) agrees to help and will ask Clawdeen. The suit comes out amazing and to entice the *suggestion* to join MALL, Frankie and Clawdeen (who’s also tranced) say that Miss Flapper will go out with Mr. D’EATH. Miss Flapper attempts to trance Venus, but she’s interrupted by the Bloodgood and Sue. She’s even gotten in the staff’s heads. Deuce notices the change and to Rochelle’s delight confides in her. But later feels bad when her boyfriend back home (Garrote) sends her something special. Venus makes her feel better. The troll tells Venus he tried to warn her and now it’s too late. Mrs. Flapper is a monster whisper. Cy finally gets the nerve to talk to Robecca and he tells her he’s been watching out for her. He saw a MALL meeting and it creeped him out. She’s even gotten Mr, D’EATH and is now calling herself “The Flap” Soon Deuce is added to her worshippers. Luckily, she hasn’t gotten to Sue Nami who says she’ll handle it. In the meantime, Robecca, Rochelle, Venus, and Cy hide in the tower. Until they get a alert for an emergency meeting. Bloodgood retires and gives control of MH to The Flap. So they all decide to sneak into her office and find her personal files so they can get some answers but Deuce catches them. They’re able to escape and Cy decides to sneak back into the school and call some of Flappers former associates. One of the teachers tells him he has to find a certain book in the Crybury before it’s too late. Pm the night of the dance, they disguise themselves, zombify a snake, tale care pf the trolls, fling the snake around Flapper’s neck. Then Cy dumps the powder in her mouth. This breaks the spell and they all wake up. Miss Flapper first claims ignorance and then claims she herself was under a spell( (riiight)
My Thoughts: I never got into this series as much as I did with the one written by Lisa Harrison. What stood out to me on this read was the sketch-style artwork. The depictions of Venus, Rochelle, and Robecca were very detailed and beautifully done! Yet there was something off about the characters. Such as I don’t remember in the cartoons Bloodgood being as spacey as this. Throughout the whole story she’s depicted as she’s either high or drunk. Rochelle, I do remember being into rules but this made her out to be *really* annoying. I definitely don’t remember Robecca talking like this orjust rambling like she also is an airhead. I think that the plot had potential because a creepy woman slinking around whispering in people’s ears and taking over their brains is dark and sinister. (And I couldn’t help thinking about an old song called The Whisper Song). But since this is a kid’s book I felt like it couldn’t go too far with it. So it was ok for the type of book it was. When I first read it I thought it wasn’t the greatest but on this read, I thought it was an alluring idea but it just didn’t go past an average read.
Rating: 5
Plot Sue Na Mi gives new student Rochelle Goyle and her pet Roux (from Scaris) the tour of MH. She meets her roommates Venus McFlytrap and Robecca Steam. At the Welcome Assembly, Frankie and Draculaura introduces the new teacher Slyphia Flapper who’ll be teaching Dragon Whispering. She’s also brought a group of trolls. Then Cleo and Deuce talk about the Dance of the Delightfully Dead. In Literature class Rochelle crushes on Deuce secretly. Venus doesn’t approve of all Cleo’s bags and as payback hits her with a dose of her persuasion pollen. But gets in trouble for using her powers and is sent off with one of the trolls. The troll tries to give Venus a warning of bad things that had happened before and that are happening now. Robecca starts to notice a shy boy named Cy Clops. Rochelle makes it her mission to help Mr. D’Eath get over his depression. Meanwhile, everyone at MH is captivated by Mrs. Flapper. Venus tries to tell them what the troll told her, but Robecca says it’s probably just an infection. The ghouls catch Miss Flapper whispering something in the student’s ears as she floats down the hallway She seems to be inviting them to join her organization known as MALL (Monster Advancement League League). Rochelle tries to make Mr. D’Eath a suit but messes it up so they go to find Frankie. On the way, they notice Cy is showing up everywhere. They find Frankie at the Coffin Bean, but they also find Mrs. Flapper who again tries to persuade them to join MALL. She says the club is about monster domination. All three are able to avoid all her attempts. Frankie (clearly in a trance) agrees to help and will ask Clawdeen. The suit comes out amazing and to entice the *suggestion* to join MALL, Frankie and Clawdeen (who’s also tranced) say that Miss Flapper will go out with Mr. D’EATH. Miss Flapper attempts to trance Venus, but she’s interrupted by the Bloodgood and Sue. She’s even gotten in the staff’s heads. Deuce notices the change and to Rochelle’s delight confides in her. But later feels bad when her boyfriend back home (Garrote) sends her something special. Venus makes her feel better. The troll tells Venus he tried to warn her and now it’s too late. Mrs. Flapper is a monster whisper. Cy finally gets the nerve to talk to Robecca and he tells her he’s been watching out for her. He saw a MALL meeting and it creeped him out. She’s even gotten Mr, D’EATH and is now calling herself “The Flap” Soon Deuce is added to her worshippers. Luckily, she hasn’t gotten to Sue Nami who says she’ll handle it. In the meantime, Robecca, Rochelle, Venus, and Cy hide in the tower. Until they get a alert for an emergency meeting. Bloodgood retires and gives control of MH to The Flap. So they all decide to sneak into her office and find her personal files so they can get some answers but Deuce catches them. They’re able to escape and Cy decides to sneak back into the school and call some of Flappers former associates. One of the teachers tells him he has to find a certain book in the Crybury before it’s too late. Pm the night of the dance, they disguise themselves, zombify a snake, tale care pf the trolls, fling the snake around Flapper’s neck. Then Cy dumps the powder in her mouth. This breaks the spell and they all wake up. Miss Flapper first claims ignorance and then claims she herself was under a spell( (riiight)
My Thoughts: I never got into this series as much as I did with the one written by Lisa Harrison. What stood out to me on this read was the sketch-style artwork. The depictions of Venus, Rochelle, and Robecca were very detailed and beautifully done! Yet there was something off about the characters. Such as I don’t remember in the cartoons Bloodgood being as spacey as this. Throughout the whole story she’s depicted as she’s either high or drunk. Rochelle, I do remember being into rules but this made her out to be *really* annoying. I definitely don’t remember Robecca talking like this orjust rambling like she also is an airhead. I think that the plot had potential because a creepy woman slinking around whispering in people’s ears and taking over their brains is dark and sinister. (And I couldn’t help thinking about an old song called The Whisper Song). But since this is a kid’s book I felt like it couldn’t go too far with it. So it was ok for the type of book it was. When I first read it I thought it wasn’t the greatest but on this read, I thought it was an alluring idea but it just didn’t go past an average read.
Rating: 5
October 5, 2020
For more reviews, check out my blog: Craft-Cycle
On the whole, a nice, fun read. The first book in the series introduces the characters, lays out the basic setting, and starts the mystery regarding the strange occurrences at Monster High. While it is helpful to have an idea of the main characters of Monster High, this book can be read without previous knowledge of the world.
I really enjoyed the aesthetic of the book. Each chapter contains a detailed sketch-like drawing as well as a few simple drawings throughout. They mesh well with the text and help the reader picture the characters and events.
The story itself was interesting. It takes a little bit for the mystery to come about as some setup is required, but it was a unique story that was fun to read. Overall, I enjoyed it.
There were a few issues I took with the book. I know Monster High is based off of a line of fashion dolls, but I felt the book was overly centered on appearance. I am not a huge fan of reading about fashion so I kind of glossed through the descriptions of clothing and accessories. However, I felt it was unnecessary to describe those who didn't fit the ideal in such negative terms. From Miss Sue Nami and her "shapeless hips" and "whose profile closely resembled an overstuffed trash can" to Mr. Hack, "the school's most unpleasant-looking teacher", the negative descriptions were just mean and unneeded.
Also, the book does use the word "gypsy" and perpetuates some accompanying stereotypes with the twin sisters, Rose and Blanche Van Sangre. The book did come out in 2012 so it could be argued that it was not recognized in the mainstream as a slur, however it is still important to note going forward so young readers are aware that it is not an appropriate term to use.
While there were some problematic aspects of the book, on the whole I found it entertaining. I have the boxed set of the series so I am planning to continue the series to find out what happens next. Good set up and interesting to see stories of other characters besides the main ones usually featured in the movies.
On the whole, a nice, fun read. The first book in the series introduces the characters, lays out the basic setting, and starts the mystery regarding the strange occurrences at Monster High. While it is helpful to have an idea of the main characters of Monster High, this book can be read without previous knowledge of the world.
I really enjoyed the aesthetic of the book. Each chapter contains a detailed sketch-like drawing as well as a few simple drawings throughout. They mesh well with the text and help the reader picture the characters and events.
The story itself was interesting. It takes a little bit for the mystery to come about as some setup is required, but it was a unique story that was fun to read. Overall, I enjoyed it.
There were a few issues I took with the book. I know Monster High is based off of a line of fashion dolls, but I felt the book was overly centered on appearance. I am not a huge fan of reading about fashion so I kind of glossed through the descriptions of clothing and accessories. However, I felt it was unnecessary to describe those who didn't fit the ideal in such negative terms. From Miss Sue Nami and her "shapeless hips" and "whose profile closely resembled an overstuffed trash can" to Mr. Hack, "the school's most unpleasant-looking teacher", the negative descriptions were just mean and unneeded.
Also, the book does use the word "gypsy" and perpetuates some accompanying stereotypes with the twin sisters, Rose and Blanche Van Sangre. The book did come out in 2012 so it could be argued that it was not recognized in the mainstream as a slur, however it is still important to note going forward so young readers are aware that it is not an appropriate term to use.
While there were some problematic aspects of the book, on the whole I found it entertaining. I have the boxed set of the series so I am planning to continue the series to find out what happens next. Good set up and interesting to see stories of other characters besides the main ones usually featured in the movies.
January 17, 2023
Io ormai amo troppo monster high per dare solo due stelle, ma, probabilmente, se questo libro non avesse quel nome, le darei.
Ok, io sono sicuramente fuori target di età per leggere un libro del genere, ma non è stato nemmeno una lettura chill e leggiadra, da apprezzare comunque.
Le tre protagoniste del libro non sono del tutto nuove, si vedono nella serie animata, ma sono riuscita a riconoscere solo Robecca. Le altre avevano una personalità talmente esagerata, al punto da essere odiose, Rochelle con il suo rispetto per le regole e Venus con la sua battaglia per l'ambiente (ma spoiler: non è vegetariana e non ha problemi a mumificare un serpente vivo).
La storia è esageratamente veloce. La prima metà del libro serve solo per introdurre i personaggi, praticamente, quindi non succede niente.
Si accorgono del problema, che mancano 50 pagine alla fine del libro (quando, per il lettore, era chiaro da almeno 100 pagine, che ti fa innervosire per la loro cecità e ingenuità).
Risolvono il problema in venti pagine e, sinceramente, in una serie di movimenti così confusi, che nemmeno ho capito come (e, guarda caso, loro tre + solo un altro ragazzo erano gli unici studenti, che potevano salvare la situazione.
Ok, ripeto, sono io fuori target di età per un libro del genere, ma per tutti i ragazzi ormai adulti, che hanno seguito monster high da quando erano bambini e hanno letto la serie di Lisi Harrison, sconsiglio la lettura.
Ok, io sono sicuramente fuori target di età per leggere un libro del genere, ma non è stato nemmeno una lettura chill e leggiadra, da apprezzare comunque.
Le tre protagoniste del libro non sono del tutto nuove, si vedono nella serie animata, ma sono riuscita a riconoscere solo Robecca. Le altre avevano una personalità talmente esagerata, al punto da essere odiose, Rochelle con il suo rispetto per le regole e Venus con la sua battaglia per l'ambiente (ma spoiler: non è vegetariana e non ha problemi a mumificare un serpente vivo).
La storia è esageratamente veloce. La prima metà del libro serve solo per introdurre i personaggi, praticamente, quindi non succede niente.
Si accorgono del problema, che mancano 50 pagine alla fine del libro (quando, per il lettore, era chiaro da almeno 100 pagine, che ti fa innervosire per la loro cecità e ingenuità).
Risolvono il problema in venti pagine e, sinceramente, in una serie di movimenti così confusi, che nemmeno ho capito come (e, guarda caso, loro tre + solo un altro ragazzo erano gli unici studenti, che potevano salvare la situazione.
Ok, ripeto, sono io fuori target di età per un libro del genere, ma per tutti i ragazzi ormai adulti, che hanno seguito monster high da quando erano bambini e hanno letto la serie di Lisi Harrison, sconsiglio la lettura.
December 15, 2017
Ghoulfriends Forever by Gitty Daneshvari is a great book part of a series!I was more into the series though when I was in about 2nd grade.I think it is good to read books you used to enjoy when you were a kid when you are stressed in school,work,or anything else.What I mean by this is I have been a little stressed about my school work since I am a procrastinator and when I read this book it made me feel like I was in 2nd grade again when things were easier.For example,since it's a series,I read this and the second book part of the series so far and it made me forget about how stressed I am.I feel feel more calm and relaxed when I read fantasy,realistic fiction,any type of book!This book is similar to other fantasy books because it is about monsters,what a cliché. If I had to recommend this book to someone it would be to kids in elementary because I enjoyed these books way more at that age.
June 25, 2020
Overall Book opinon: 3 stars.
Characters: 5 stars.
Plot: 3 stars.
Diversity: 5 stars
Total: 4.5 stars
I would give an opinion, but this is simply based on the fact that I read when I was MUCH MUCH younger and adored it, but now it simply feels like child's play to me, WHICH IS GOOD. It's definitely targeted towards the younger kiddos (all of elementary, maybe lower middle school) and fans of the series. Although I give big props for the originality in the characters speech patterns, behaviourisms, names, and personalities (definitely enjoy Venus McFlytrap!!) And I love how the author made diversity in a book about monsters, with both varying degrees of skin tones (when applicable, think Robecca Steam!) And different species (Rochelle and Venus) and showing the inclusivity of Monster High to the characters. All in all, it's a good book for young kids and a great read if you just want to numb your mind as an adult.
Characters: 5 stars.
Plot: 3 stars.
Diversity: 5 stars
Total: 4.5 stars
I would give an opinion, but this is simply based on the fact that I read when I was MUCH MUCH younger and adored it, but now it simply feels like child's play to me, WHICH IS GOOD. It's definitely targeted towards the younger kiddos (all of elementary, maybe lower middle school) and fans of the series. Although I give big props for the originality in the characters speech patterns, behaviourisms, names, and personalities (definitely enjoy Venus McFlytrap!!) And I love how the author made diversity in a book about monsters, with both varying degrees of skin tones (when applicable, think Robecca Steam!) And different species (Rochelle and Venus) and showing the inclusivity of Monster High to the characters. All in all, it's a good book for young kids and a great read if you just want to numb your mind as an adult.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 14, 2023
Written in the style of the animated show, this book is an adventure for Venus, Rochelle, and Robecca. The three girls are new to Monster High and they end up saving the day.
The book has really cute artwork at the beginning of each chapter. It also has some basic art throughout the chapter.
I love how the book is so similar to the show. It is great for fans of the show that want to read about another adventure. A book series came out when the show was at its height in popularity but the were an AU and it was a disappointment when you were hoping for an adventure in the same world as the show.
I'm not sure which of the three girls was my favorite. They all have such big personalities that help save the day when the school is in danger. Venus with her save the earth persona, Robeccca with her throw back jargon, or Rochelle with her french words and rigid rules.
If your kid( or even just you) love Monster High, this is a fun adventure to jump into.
The book has really cute artwork at the beginning of each chapter. It also has some basic art throughout the chapter.
I love how the book is so similar to the show. It is great for fans of the show that want to read about another adventure. A book series came out when the show was at its height in popularity but the were an AU and it was a disappointment when you were hoping for an adventure in the same world as the show.
I'm not sure which of the three girls was my favorite. They all have such big personalities that help save the day when the school is in danger. Venus with her save the earth persona, Robeccca with her throw back jargon, or Rochelle with her french words and rigid rules.
If your kid( or even just you) love Monster High, this is a fun adventure to jump into.
January 13, 2024
WHY IS NO ONE POINTING OUT SOME OF THE BIZARRENESS IN THIS BOOK CATERED TOWARDS CHILDREN? I read this all the way back in 2013 and here i am 11 years later just now understanding what this book is about. i mean the depressed suicidal teacher and the teacher THAT TURNS INTO A DICTATOR TRYING TO START A RACE WAR??? HELLO?? The Flap is really out here manipulating all the students , making them wear the same brown clothing and canceling all classes so she can focus on teaching them how to get rid of humans and that monsters are better. And then has the trolls acting like communists military? all doing the scary march with the red uniforms and trying to find the four friends and bring them to the dictator so they go can get brainwashed into thinking humans are the enemy and they need to be taken down. I MEAN??? WHAT??? I know this is a series so it probably delves further into who really is behind trying to turn the monster world into 1940s military but i don't think i will continue.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 26, 2019
I picked up this book out of pure nostalgia, remembering all these hours spent playing with my Monster High Dolls and brushing their - fabulous, if you ask me - hair. But I have to admit that I got what I was expecting : a kid book, with a god-awful ton of cheesy puns.
To be honest, it didn't bother me, but yeah, that's only because of what I said earlier. I don't think an adult would like it. Maybe a teenager in search of a 'back to childhood' read. But I definitely think that this book suits children or tweens. Even if the main theme of this universe is monsters, I can assure you you won't find any gnarly, bloody details. And the protagonist's romantical relationship are nothing more than your old high school crush.
I didn't read the book in English, but given the translation, I'm pretty sure the writing style is pretty easy to read.
To be honest, it didn't bother me, but yeah, that's only because of what I said earlier. I don't think an adult would like it. Maybe a teenager in search of a 'back to childhood' read. But I definitely think that this book suits children or tweens. Even if the main theme of this universe is monsters, I can assure you you won't find any gnarly, bloody details. And the protagonist's romantical relationship are nothing more than your old high school crush.
I didn't read the book in English, but given the translation, I'm pretty sure the writing style is pretty easy to read.
July 19, 2020
As a fan of Monster High, I enjoyed this book. It wasn’t my favourite book by any means, but it was enjoyable; however, in terms of the age group this book is intended for, it is a fantastic book. The storyline is one that will catch young readers attention and give them something they can sink their teeth into. The book had a few spelling errors in some of the words and names which are reinvented to fit into the world of Monster High, however, the grammar was well done, with sentences that were easy to follow and understand. Also commendable is the use of words that I would not expect to see in the typical novel for young readers: providing young readers with a chance to learn new words and expand their vocabulary. All in all, I would recommend this book for both young readers and Monster High fans alike.
March 13, 2019
Of course this wasn't anywhere close to being as good as the Monster High books by Lisi Harrison, but I still enjoyed it. I love reading the descriptions of the school and the girls because Monster High is my style inspiration lol I wish I could go to school there. I absolutely loved the character Mr. D'eath, everything he said was hilarious to me.
However, sometimes the book got annoying, mainly because of how much a know-it-all Rochelle was and how annoying Venus was with her extreme save the planet crap. It also really bothered me how the word "ghoul" was used for both girl and cool. Pick one! I didn't really feel satisfied with the ending but I'm hoping the other books in the series will clear up the questions I have.
However, sometimes the book got annoying, mainly because of how much a know-it-all Rochelle was and how annoying Venus was with her extreme save the planet crap. It also really bothered me how the word "ghoul" was used for both girl and cool. Pick one! I didn't really feel satisfied with the ending but I'm hoping the other books in the series will clear up the questions I have.
April 24, 2021
23 April 2021
3.5 stars!
I read this a looooong time ago. (Okay, maybe it wasn't that long, but it was before middle school.) As far as I remember, it was a decent book.
~~~~~
Want more bookish stuff?
・ Comment below to discuss this book more. I'd love to hear what you think!
・ Send me a private message on Goodreads to discuss this book (and/or other books)!
・ Join the Book Nerds Unite group to discuss this book and other books, as well as to receive book recommendations or just to chat in general with other book nerds like me!
・ Like this review, and follow my reviews for more book reviews.
Happy Reading!
3.5 stars!
I read this a looooong time ago. (Okay, maybe it wasn't that long, but it was before middle school.) As far as I remember, it was a decent book.
~~~~~
Want more bookish stuff?
・ Comment below to discuss this book more. I'd love to hear what you think!
・ Send me a private message on Goodreads to discuss this book (and/or other books)!
・ Join the Book Nerds Unite group to discuss this book and other books, as well as to receive book recommendations or just to chat in general with other book nerds like me!
・ Like this review, and follow my reviews for more book reviews.
Happy Reading!
December 8, 2016
Monster High Ghoulfriends Forever by Gitty Daneshvari is a good book. This book is about three monsters who are new to the school. They become good friends with a lot of people, but they think something is going on with the "best teacher ever." It is up to them three to figure out the mystery behind Miss Flapper. I like this book because I really like monster high, and I like books that are fake and that can't really happen because to me they are more interesting. I recommend this book to anyone that likes books that aren't real life type.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 173 reviews