Simile:
* "The fog was like a thick, white blanket..." (Describing the eerie atmosphere)
* "The wind howled like a banshee..." (Emphasizing the unsettling nature of the weather)
Metaphor:
* "My heart was a drum in my chest..." (Illustrating Ryan's fear and excitement)
* "The secrets of Skeleton Creek were whispering in the wind..." (Creating a sense of mystery and intrigue)
Personification:
* "The trees seemed to be reaching out with gnarled fingers..." (Giving the trees a sinister presence)
* "The creek itself seemed to hold its breath..." (Creating an ominous and tense atmosphere)
Hyperbole:
* "My stomach felt like it was doing a somersault..." (Exaggerating Ryan's nervousness)
* "The silence was so thick you could cut it with a knife..." (Emphasizing the unsettling silence)
Imagery:
* "The moon hung low in the sky, casting long, skeletal shadows..." (Creating a visual picture of the eerie setting)
* "The air was thick with the smell of salt and decay..." (Appealing to the reader's senses and creating a vivid impression)
These are just a few examples, and you might find others as you read the book. While Ryan's journal entries focus on his observations and experiences, the use of figurative language helps to draw the reader into his world, making the story more engaging and impactful.