Review Detail

4.7 6

Project 17

Young Adult Fiction 825

Project 17

April 25, 2009 (Updated: June 04, 2026)

Overall rating

4.0

Plot

4.0

Characters

N/A

Writing Style

N/A

Illustrations/Photos (if applicable)

N/A

Reader reviewed by BooksObsession

Project 17 by Laurie Stolarz

Summary:

Danvers
State Hospital, the abandoned mental institution on Hathorne Hill, is
rumored to be haunted. Locals in town share stories about the cold
underground tunnels and the unmarked, and forgotten graves surrounding
the hospital. Some even say there are still dead patients' souls locked
inside. Perfect setting for a ghost story, right? On the eve of the
demolition of Danvers State Hospital, six teenagers break in to spend
the night. They plan to film a movie inside to enter in a contest
afterwards. But after coming across patient's records, journals, and
personal belongings, the teenagers start to feel uncomfortable in this
madhouse. These 6 completely different teenagers, each with their own
story, have to work together to make it through the night alive. What
begins as a teasing joke for the teens, unravles into a hectic,
terrifying night of surprises.

Quote:

"We
each went to Danvers State Hospital, the old abandoned asylum on the
hill, with the intention of spending one night before the place got
torn down. Little did any of us know how haunting the experience would
be. Little did I know that the experience would change my life.
Forever."

Review:

If
you're looking for a quick, scary story, I advise for you to pick this
book. Just looking at the cover of the book caught my attention, and
made me wonder the secret behind the title. The story's characters
reminded of The Breakfast Club, with your mix of popular boy, class
clown, shy unapproachable girl, ego-filled actor, cocky and
materialistic girl, and freaky goth...which kept my attention
throughout the book. What started out as a cheesy horror,
predictable-ending book, quickly changed into an exhilarating, thrill
of excitement. Particular chapters gave me goosebumps, and I constantly
found myself looking behind my back (haha) when I was reading it alone
in my bedroom. Which reminds me to tell you, be sure to read it at
night, to get the full effect. Overall, this novel kept me attentive,
gave me a rush of excitement, and had a convincing ending.

Rating:

Plot: B
Originality: B
Development of Characters: A
Entertainment Level: A
Recommend to others: B
Overall feeling at the end: A
Grade = B+