Night School: A Promising Concept That Stumbles in Execution ⭐⭐

 Caroline B. Cooney's Night School starts with an intriguing premise—a mysterious, ominous night class that draws in an unlikely group of students. Unfortunately, while the setup had potential, the story doesn’t quite deliver on its eerie promises.

🚨 Spoilers Ahead! 🚨

The story follows a diverse set of characters—Mariah, Andrew, Autumn, and Ned—each with their own insecurities and motivations. They enroll in a night class that quickly shifts from ordinary to unsettling. The suspense builds as the group realizes the class isn't what it seems, but the payoff feels muddled and underwhelming.

The characters, while distinct, often fall into clichés, and their decisions sometimes strain credibility. For instance, Mariah’s obsession with Andrew and the group’s odd reactions to the night class’s bizarre atmosphere feel more confusing than compelling. The dark, foreboding tone is engaging, but the lack of clarity in the plot and the rushed conclusion make it hard to stay invested.

Favorite Scene: The prologue sets a spooky tone with its eerie depiction of Julie’s unsettling drive home. Unfortunately, it’s a gripping start that outshines much of the rest of the book.

Favorite Quote:
“We are becoming night people.” This line perfectly captures the night class's creepy, almost hypnotic vibe perfectly.

While the writing has its moments, the story lacks cohesion. The transitions between scenes are jarring, and the dark supernatural elements are left too vague to feel satisfying. It’s frustrating because the premise is so intriguing—you can see the potential for a truly gripping thriller that’s never fully realized.

Overall, Night School has a strong start and an interesting concept, but it doesn’t quite stick the landing. Fans of Cooney’s other works might find something to enjoy, but others may be left disappointed.

#NightSchool #CarolineBCooney #YAThriller #MissedPotential