Book Review – Monster Blood 2

Monster Blood II picks up after Evan’s terrifying encounter with the strange, swelling substance called Monster Blood. Now, Evan is dealing with a different kind of horror—middle school. Bullied by a brute named Conan Barber, Evan tries to keep his head down. But when Monster Blood re-enters his life, things escalate—literally. A tiny pet hamster transforms into a towering beast, turning school into a playground of panic.

Familiar Faces, Bigger Problems

Evan is more relatable than ever, struggling with real-world problems like fitting in and facing bullies. His friend Andy adds spunk and humour to the plot, and even the teachers at his school come across as suspicious and secretive. But the real star this time might just be Cuddles, the classroom hamster. Watching this cute critter morph into a monster adds a hilarious twist to the horror.

A Tale of Science Gone Wild

R.L. Stine is in top form with this sequel, cleverly blending science fiction and slapstick. The Monster Blood itself remains a mysterious and unpredictable element—its magical properties never fully explained, which adds to the suspense. Stine keeps readers flipping pages with short, punchy chapters, loads of action, and his signature cliffhanger endings. The growing hamster scenes are both comical and creepy—proving that not all monsters need claws or fangs to terrify!

A Sequel That Sticks

While sequels often fall flat, Monster Blood II delivers just the right mix of familiar fun and fresh frights. It expands the story world of the original without repeating the same plot, and it keeps readers wondering what new form the goo might take next. Perfect for middle-grade readers who love laughs with their scares, this book proves that when it comes to Goosebumps, lightning—and slime—can strike twice!