The Thirteenth Curse

September 14, 2015
In this series opener from Wereworld creator Jobling, Max is the latest descendent of the famed monster-fighting Van Helsing family—his forefather battled Dracula in Stoker’s classic—growing up in Gallows Hill, Mass., with his tetchy guardian, Jed. (Max’s father died young, a common fate for monster hunters.) Aided by best friend Syd, Max is a pro at stopping ghouls, fire phantasms, and vampires (dossier-style profiles of which appear throughout), but Max would rather try to rehabilitate monsters than destroy them. His compassion is put to the test when normally placid monsters begin attacking him on his 13th birthday, and Max learns of a 300-year-old curse affecting his family. A warlock has been unleashed who could destroy all civilization, and Max, Syd, and a young neighbor fight the clock to stop him. Max, a hero in the vein of a young Indiana Jones, is more at ease facing demons than managing middle school, and his wisecracking attitude and quick thinking make for entertaining reading. This action-packed thriller sets up what promises to be a series filled with legend, lore, and epic battles. Ages 10–up.

September 1, 2015
A series opener about a middle school monster hunter. Max Helsing, of the Van Helsing family, has been raised in the monster-hunting life. Although Max has no problem helping malicious beasts to their eternal rests, he prefers to befriend those creatures that aren't interested in hurting anyone. Suddenly, on this, his 13th birthday, docile supernatural creatures (and even his own hellhound puppy) are out for his blood. Luckily he has help from his diverse band of friends: his African-American mentor, Latina best friend, and Asian-American neighbor. It turns out a newly resurrected warlock has a grudge against Max's family-and Max in particular. And if the warlock wins, humankind loses. Chapters usually end either on cliffhangers or with Max's witty quips, and the narrative is punctuated by annotated pages from a monster reference guide. There are plenty of action sequences-some may go on a touch long-and the best moments involve unorthodox fighting techniques. The gruesome descriptions are limited to the monsters; horrific injuries are mentioned without explicit details. Max's moral compass, confidence, and knack for getting into awkward situations make him eminently likable. Jobling ably pens a genuinely funny book without allowing the humor to overshadow the horror. While the narration and dialogue occasionally veer into camp, it suits the classic monster-movie vibe. The ending teases a more dangerous foe for the next installment. A delightful bit of ghoulish escapism. (Horror. 9-13)

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October 1, 2015

Gr 5-8-A modern spin on the Van Helsing legends of old. Max is a Helsing-the latest in a long line of monster hunters. In this first book of what will presumably be a new series, Max finds that the monstrous creatures who used to be on friendly terms with him are suddenly on the attack. Along with his skilled friends Wing and Syd, Max must save the world-and survive middle school. Along with the protagonist, readers encounter all sorts of monsters; in a particularly nice touch, each one is given a full-page write-up detailing major stats and character traits along with personal notes from select Helsings throughout time. The story is filled with intense and exhilarating action scenes, and the strong pacing will keep readers interested. Unfortunately, the plot fails to deliver enough twists and turns, leaving the ending feeling slightly flat. Jobling incorporates drama of the nonsupernatural variety through Max's middle school issues, but these elements come across as forced and without the same pull as the monster fighting. Still, middle grade readers will relate to Max, and his ability to see past some of the monsters' appearances into their more docile natures-something that none of the other Helsings had been able to accomplish-is commendable. VERDICT The allure of fantastical monsters, combined with the tried-and-true formula of kids saving the world, will surely draw readers to this novel and have them eager for future installments.-Chad Lane, Tulip Grove Elementary School, MD

Copyright 2015 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Starred review from November 1, 2015
Grades 5-8 *Starred Review* In this gore-spattered, bone-crunching series opener, turning 13 brings a host of new challenges for Max, a full-time monster hunter, part-time middle-school student, and the last scion of his renowned family. As if tending to the various ghouls, vampires, pixies, ghosts, and other nonhumans that lurk in the suburban Massachusetts town of Gallows Hill (while struggling to get his homework done) isn't hard enough, his birthday activates an old curse: should Max ever be killed, the entire planet will be vulnerable to an elder god's devastating Age of Unlight. Suddenly, Max is a target for every monster; even his pug-like pet hellhound, Eightball, is on the attack. Assisted by his trusty monster-hunter's handbook (annotated pages of which are reproduced here), wisecracking Max careens through an array of classic screamer settings, from church bell tower and haunted school boiler room to feculent sewers ( What's the matter, Master Maxwell? sneers half-goblin guide Odious Crumb. Ain't never crawled through a tunnel o' turds before? ), on the way to a wild climax in (where else?) a creepy cemetery. Accompanying Max is a sterling supporting cast including schoolmate Syd, a doughty sidekick and mechanical wiz, and Abel Archer, an annoyingly hunky rival slayer. A gruesome epilogue sets up the next episode.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2015, American Library Association.)