Cricket Hunters has been high on my list since I saw wonderful reviews circulating on Twitter. From the blurb to the cover (which reminded me of an old-school Fear Street book, but for adults) I had a good feeling about this one.
And it did not disappoint. The first few pages gripped me and never let go. I finished this in three short sittings and could easily see myself re-reading this again.
One of the things I liked most was the dual timeline framing. Hepler's use of flashbacks to a significant childhood event that directly relate to Cel's conflict in the current plot is wonderfully executed, bringing depth and insight into character motivations. I was fascinated by the Cricket Hunters and their coming-of-age summer adventures--and the question of "is she or is she not a witch" was both refreshing and insightful. I could read about Cel's abuelita all day.
I also loved seeing an older sister/younger brother connection, an oftentimes unexplored relationship, that seemed so terribly real. I can't count the number of times I scolded my own little brothers to stay out of my friend group--and Abby and Jeff's interactions were wrought with bitter-sweet nostalgia with which I really connected.
I could've used a little more present-day with Parker because he felt more flat than the others, but the beautifully-developed tension building in each chapter was enough to keep me turning page after page.
Haunting and fun, complex and engrossing. At its core, Cricket Hunters is storytelling done well.
Comments