Wretched Waterpark

Three orphaned siblings - the Sinister-Winterbottom children - arrive at the Fathoms of Fun Waterpark for their summer vacation. They find themselves under the care of their Aunt Saffronia, who seems more interested in her research than in looking after them. The waterpark proves to be unlike any other, with dark corridors, strange employees, and an unsettling history. As the children explore their surroundings, they uncover mysteries about both the park and their family's past. Through encounters with peculiar characters and investigation of the park's secrets, the siblings must rely on their individual strengths and work together to navigate their unusual circumstances. Theo uses logic, Wil channels her competitive spirit, and Alexander draws on his extensive knowledge of marine life. The book explores themes of family bonds, trust, and the power of embracing one's unique abilities in the face of uncertainty. Within its gothic-tinged setting, the story demonstrates how siblings can overcome challenges by supporting each other.

Readers note the book's dark humor and quirky mysteries appeal to fans of Lemony Snicket and Tim Burton. Many reviewers highlight the gothic atmosphere and appreciate that it doesn't talk down to young readers. Likes: - Fast-paced plot with constant reveals - Sibling dynamics feel authentic - Detailed black and white illustrations - Smart vocabulary that challenges young readers - Balance of spooky and funny elements Dislikes: - Some find the beginning slow - A few readers wanted more character development - Parents note it may be too dark for sensitive children - Multiple reviews mention confusing plot threads Ratings: Goodreads: 4.05/5 (2,000+ ratings) Amazon: 4.6/5 (300+ ratings) Barnes & Noble: 4.7/5 (100+ ratings) "Perfect for kids who like their humor with a side of creepy" - Common Sense Media reviewer "The mystery keeps you guessing but some plot points remain unclear" - Goodreads reviewer

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🌊 Author Jonathan Auxier wrote part of Wretched Waterpark while sitting in an actual waterpark, drawing inspiration from the sights, sounds, and smells around him. 🏊‍♀️ The book is the first installment in "The Sinister Summer Series," which follows the adventures of the Sinister-Winterbottom twins. 📚 Many of the unusual creatures in the story, like the "mants" (half-man, half-ant beings), were inspired by B-movie monsters from 1950s horror films. 🎡 The fictional Fathoms of Fun waterpark was partially based on abandoned amusement parks the author researched, including Lake Shawnee Amusement Park in West Virginia. 🖋️ Before becoming an author, Jonathan Auxier worked as a librarian and used to test out his stories by reading them to young library visitors during story time.