Lost on Doll Island by Cassandra Ramos-Gomez

How many of you remember or have read Doll Bones by Holly Black (published in 2013)? That was the first thing that came to mind when I saw this cover...although it doesn't give quite the same feel, does it? The blurb compares this one to a mix of Rick Riordan and R.L. Stine, which definitely sounds interesting, but I also am skeptical when such huge names are used, since those are some pretty big shoes to fill. 

I have mixed feelings about diving into this one. There are quite a few doll-horror movies out there and such, so it's not a new direction, by any means. Plus, my two sons are not fans of clown horror, animatronics, or anything doll-like which leans to spookiness. My daughters have no problem with it, which makes me wonder. Anyway, I know horror is always a big genre, which never seems to have enough for readers, so I decided to give this one a chance. And that doll on the cover is creepy!

So, let's take a peek and see if this read is chill-worthy or not.

Also, it's Monday, which means it's time for the weekly MMGM list. Middle grade literature fans and knowers get together to give their recommendations for the weeks or other thoughts on the middle grade realm. So, if you're looking for reads for this age group, head on over HERE and see what's what on that front!

LOST ON DOLL ISLAND

by Cassandra Ramos-Gomez

Simon & Schuster

Middle Grade Horror

192 pages

ages 8 to 12

COMING...

AUGUST 26th!!!

Rick Riordan meets R. L. Stine in this fast-paced debut middle grade horror packed with adventure about a Mexican American boy who starts hearing the voice of a haunted doll while visiting family in Mexico City.

Diego feels trapped. He’s confined in an arm cast, stuck with his tía and tío for a week in Mexico City, and smothered with the sickening fear that he’s the one who really caused his parents’ divorce. But most of all, he’s trapped in his own secret. Because ever since he got to Mexico City, he’s started having strange dreams of a doll calling his name.

Then Diego learns of La Isla de Muñecas, an island full of legendary magic that can make children’s wishes come true. If Diego can harness the power there, maybe he could fix everything that has gone wrong in his life. Maybe he doesn’t have to move to Mexico City, his parents don’t have to separate, and he could even reunite with one of his oldest friends who’s still visiting him in his dreams…

So, with the help of two new friends, Diego takes a boat to the legendary island. From the moment the kids step ashore, nothing is as it seems—with dolls disappearing and reappearing in the blink of an eye. Suddenly, Diego is more trapped than ever before, and as the night goes on, he’s not sure he can escape.

GOODREADS    /     PUBLISHER

MY TIDBITS

Creepy dolls hanging from trees, the silent call of a doll in the mind, and a myth about making dreams come true meld and mold to form an eerie tale.

Diego's been sent to Mexico City by his mother, while she and his father work through marital issues. Since Diego has always lived in Texas, this is anything but thrilling. When he gets lost in the city, an antique store owner informs him that his school will probably be taking a trip to the La Isla de Munecas, an island filled with dolls. But it's not the real island. The true island is nearby and hides a doll, which can fulfill any wish. With the desire to return to Texas and make his problems disappear, Diego makes a plan to sneak off to the true island during the field trip, but the doll he seeks isn't what he hopes it will be. It demands a price.

First off, I do appreciate the shorter length of this read. At less than 200 pages, it works well for a fun, spooky dive which won't scare more reluctant readers away quite as much. The story remains quick-paced and doesn't spend much time on background information or deeper thought swirls. It offers just enough to get the story going and make Diego's situation clear, while adding a familiar problem surrounding parental issues to inject sympathy and a little bit of depth and drive. There's also friendship goodness and loyalty, which inspires.

As for horror, the island and dolls make it a chilling read. The eeriness builds the moment Diego meets the antique owner and, shortly thereafter, hears a voice in his head, but the dolls on the island notch it up to creepy. His bad decisions driven by his emotions are understandable and add those moments to make readers hope things work out. The antique store owner, who slides in another level of secrets, builds up a mysterious undertone along the way. Even as the stakes rise, the tale never leaves the middle grade level and works well for the lower end of the group thanks to the lighter writing depth. Sensitive readers might be uncomfortable, though.

All in all, it's a quick-paced read, which keeps the plot going . Readers, who want a shorter, direct read with chills and thrills, are sure to find exactly that.

And here she is...

Cassandra Ramos-Gomez is a Mexican American writer focused on creating middle grade and young adult fiction that centers Latinx experiences. She has a master’s degree in education and an undergraduate degree in art history and has taught middle school language arts and social studies. She currently lives in Texas with her husband and two kids. Her hobbies include painting, collecting animal bones, and playing Minecraft with her kids. Lost on Doll Island is her middle grade debut.