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House of Secrets #1
House of Secrets
From legendary Hollywood director Chris Columbus (Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone and Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets) and bestselling author Ned Vizzini (It's Kind of a Funny Story) comes this first book in an epic new fantasy series.
Brendan, Eleanor, and Cordelia Walker once had everything: two loving parents, a beautiful house in San Francisco, and all the portable electronic devices they could want. But everything changed when Dr. Walker lost his job in the wake of a mysterious incident. Now in dire straits, the family must relocate to an old Victorian house that used to be the home of occult novelist Denver Kristoff—a house that feels simultaneously creepy and too good to be true.
By the time the Walkers realize that one of their neighbors has sinister plans for them, they're banished to a primeval forest way off the grid. Their parents? Gone. Their friends? A world away. And they aren't alone. Bloodthirsty medieval warriors patrol the woods around them, supernatural pirates roam the neighboring seas, and a power-hungry queen rules the land. To survive, the siblings will have to be braver than they ever thought possible—and fight against their darkest impulses. The key may lie in their own connection to the secret Kristoff legacy. But as they unravel that legacy, they'll discover it's not just their family that's in danger . . . it's the entire world.
Brendan, Eleanor, and Cordelia Walker once had everything: two loving parents, a beautiful house in San Francisco, and all the portable electronic devices they could want. But everything changed when Dr. Walker lost his job in the wake of a mysterious incident. Now in dire straits, the family must relocate to an old Victorian house that used to be the home of occult novelist Denver Kristoff—a house that feels simultaneously creepy and too good to be true.
By the time the Walkers realize that one of their neighbors has sinister plans for them, they're banished to a primeval forest way off the grid. Their parents? Gone. Their friends? A world away. And they aren't alone. Bloodthirsty medieval warriors patrol the woods around them, supernatural pirates roam the neighboring seas, and a power-hungry queen rules the land. To survive, the siblings will have to be braver than they ever thought possible—and fight against their darkest impulses. The key may lie in their own connection to the secret Kristoff legacy. But as they unravel that legacy, they'll discover it's not just their family that's in danger . . . it's the entire world.
496 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 23, 2013
527 people are currently reading
15654 people want to read
About the author
Chris Columbus
16 books221 followersChris Joseph Columbus is an American film director, producer and screenwriter. Columbus is known for such movies as Gremlins, The Goonies, Mrs. Doubtfire, and Home Alone, the last receiving a British Comedy Award for Best Comedy Film.
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September 14, 2017
"،أرجوحة افعوانية خطيرة مكتظة بالأحداث الرهيبة المتسارعة في مغامرة عن القوة السرية.. للكـتب
"بـيــت الأســرار"هكذا تصف جي كي رولينج الرواية في الغلاف الخلفي للكتاب، وبهذا أفسدت لي أن أجد أي جديد لوصف إحساسي بالرواية
يأتيكم كاملا مع ثلاثة من الأشقاء الأذكياء واسعوا الحيلة، وأشرار مرعبون بحق، وأحداث مليئة بالفانتازيا، الخيال والرعب"
لأن بقراءتك الرواية ستجد ان اشادة مؤلفة هاري بوتر هو الأنسب لوصف العيش مع عائلة ووكر في بيت لمؤلف مرعب ..واسراره الأكثر رعبا
الاحداث
****
من تيماتي المفضلة الفانتازيا الحضرية، تلك التي تدور أحداثها في عالمنا الواقعي، وشخصيات واقعية، ولكن بأحداث خيالية
ومنذ أول صفحات الرواية باقترابي من كوبري سان فرانسيسكو الشهير ، شعرت وقتها اني امام موقع ممتاز للفانتازيا الحضرية
ثم يأتي البيت ذو الطابع القوطي، بثلاث طوابق علي الطراز الفيكتوري وصالاته الواسعة..وحجره المكتبة الكبيرة القديمة..المليئة برفوف الكتب والتي منها روايات كتبها صاحب البيت نفسه..دينفير كريستوف
ثم...بشكل مفاجئ أجد نفسي أنتقلت من سان فرانسيسكو الحقيقية إلى مكان وعالم غريب، خيالي تماما ,100%فانتازي
عالم خاص بثلاث روايات مرعبة ذات أجواء رهيبة، كل رواية لها عالم مرعب افظع من الاخر
ثلاث عوالم من روايات قام بتأليفها صاحب البيت تم مزجها معا في عالم واحد.. أكثر رعبا وفظاعة..كئيب، مرعب، لا مفر منه
H.P. Lovecraft رعب وخيال روايات كريستوف الشبيهه بروايات لافكرافت
لتبدأ الاحداث تتخذ طابع خيالي عجيب يمزج بين غابة تمتلئ بالوحوش الغريبة العملاقة .. وعالم القراصنة الوحشي في عرض البحر.. وشخصية شاردة من رواية عن اهوال الحرب العالمية الأولي تجد نفسها وسط الأحداث
وبالرغم من عدم تحمسي عاما لفكرة أجواء الفانتازيا "شاطحة الخيال" الا ان ما جذبني وأسرني في الأحداث وجعلني لا أستطيع الفرار منها شئ هام جدا...انهــا
الشــخصيات
******
الطريف في الأمر أني منذ البداية ارتبط الأشقاء الثلاثة في خيالي بإبطال مسلسل
Game of Thrones
غالبا بسبب أعمارهم المتقاربة
واعجبني جدا ذكر المسلسل نفسه في الرواية من ضمن ذكر إشارات لأشياء كثيرة عصرية، واعجبني ايضا انهم يمنعون الاخت الاصغر "اليانور" من مشاهده هذا المسلسل لانها تبلغ من العمر 8 سنوات :)
ثلاث أخوات اعمارهم 8 , 12 و 15 سنة… لكل منهم شخصية مختلفة، طباع معينة وذكاء وهوايات مختلفة..حقيقي شعرت أنني معهم ومتورط مثلهم في هذا العالم الغريب الذي دخلناه و نحاول الفرار منه لعالمنا الحقيقي
اختلاف شخصياتهم واعمارهم منح الرواية تنوع قوي جدا وصعب جدا الا تتعلق بهم أو تشعر بالقرب منهم بسهولة كما حدث معي، فالحوار وشخصياتهم تقريبا واقعية جدا
سواء كورديللا عاشقة الكتب والقراءة "15 سنه" ، المراهقة التي تتمني عيش قصة رومانسية كالروايات
أو بريندان مجنون ألعاب الفيديو جيمز "12 سنه" ويتعامل مع إخوته وعائلته كأي مراهق صغير مثل عمره، غارقا في عالمه الخاص بالالعاب
و أخيرا اليانور الذكية، اللماحة سريعة البديهة بالرغم من مشكلة عسر القراءة التي تواجهها كما ان حبها لعائلتها يجعلها تفعل اي شئ من أجلهم بالرغم من عمرها الذي لم يتجاوز ال8 سنوات
***********************
***********************
في النهاية
*****
حقيقي اذا ما لخصت كل ما كتبته في الريفيو سيظهر لك السطور البسيطة التي كتبتها جي كي رولينج في البداية :)
ربما يكون السبب الرئيسي لشرائي الكتاب هو هو ما كتبته عنها, وايضا ربما لأن المخرج كريس كولومبوس هو من قام بكتابة الرواية، وانا اعرف جيدا شدة تعلقه بالمغامرات والفانتازي ويظهر ذلك من إخراجه الامين لأول جزئين من هاري بوتر، وهما أكثر جزئين اقرب للرواية كاملة
وقد قام هنا بكتابة ليس رواية وإنما فيلم مغامرات فانتازي عالي الجودة ، ملئ بالأحداث والاكشن والذي تقرأها/تشاهدها دون ان تسطيع ان توقف لحظة وتضع الكتاب جانبا لالتقاط أنفاسك
وايضا يشارك في تأليف الكتاب المؤلف الشاب " نــيد فــينزي والشهير بتأليفه روايات شبابية شهيرة، لذا فلديه خبرة في كتابة مشاعر الشخصيات بالاخص المراهقين في الرواية
وبذلك يقدم الإثنان رواية مليئة بالإثارة والاحداث الشيقة وفي نفس الوقت شخصيات محبوبة. . وافضل ما في الامر ايضا ربط الاحداث الخيالية بأحداث حقيقية
"فتجد هنا هناك اشاره لزلزال شهير ضرب سان فرانسيكو أوائل القرن الماضي له دورا مهما في الأحداث...كما هناك جانب مظلم لنادي بوهيمي موجود حقيقي ...سأبحث عنه لاحقا قبل البدء في الجزء الثاني لان سيكون له دور اهم فيه
هناك ايضا رسومات بسيطه توضيحية في بعض الفصول كانت اكثر من رائعه...فلا هي هزلية ولا طفولية بالعكس كانت فنا حقيقيا وتدمجك في الأحداث بشكل جميل
حقا لا استطيع الانتظار للكتاب الثاني، وأتمنى أن يكون به توضيحات أكثر لبعض الغموض الذي مازال عالقا من الجزء الاول والتي لا استطيع الانتظار لمعرفة المزيد عن تاريخ واسرار
اعتقد فعلا انها ستكون سلسلة ممتازة، أرشحها بقوة لكل من يهوي الفانتازيا ذات الشخصيات المثيرة الواقعية...كل محبي هاري بوتر والروايات الفانتازيا ولافكرافت
قضيت مع الرواية اجمل اسبوع قراءة -الاسلوب سلس جدا فعلا وقوي وممتع في نفس الوقت- و أسبوع هي مدة حبكة القصة نفسها تقريبا
لذلك هو اسبوع مع عائلة ووكر لن انساه ابدا
****************************************
*** To The Memory of Ned Vizzini (1981-2013)***
صعقت حقا منذ ان علمت الخبر مساء يوم 20 ديسمبر...خبر الانتحار..صاحب تلك الابتسامة الجميلة والروح التي ستلمسها في ذلك الكتاب واكيد في كتاباته الاخري تكتب نهايتها بيدها
لقد عرفته من حوالي شهر من خلال صفحته الشخصية ومدونته هنا علي الجودريدز وروايته النفسية عن المراهقين والتي شاهدت فيلم مبني عليها مؤخرا
المدونه ولم اتخيل ان بداخله الحزن الذي يؤدي لنهايه كتلك
اشعر بحزن وانقباض رهيب فعلا, كما اشعر بندم غريب..كنت اتمني ان اقول له اكثر حول روايته واسلوبه اكثر من ذلك
في الريفيو الانجليزي هنا والذي للاسف قرأ الجزء البسيط الذي كنت كاتبه قبل ان ابدأ في الروايه
ولا اعرف اذا ماكان قرأ الريفيو النهائي ام لا,وكنت اتمني ان ارسل له راي له شخصيا في رساله لموهبته
كنت منتظرا للجزء الثاني للاسف وفعلا الامر الان يرهقني جدا ويؤلمني جدا جدا خاصا بعد ماتابعت اخر ما في صفحته من تابعت في صفحته من صور لكتابه وتحمسه الشديد لنجاح كتابه ودعم المكتبات له
في اخر الريفيو رابط لمقال كلمات المؤلفين زملائه في تأبينه..وقد تأثرت جدا بالجمله دي
Margaret Stohl, co-author of the "Beautiful Creatures" novels
The last time I saw Ned Vizzini, he was the only person who bothered to come to a bookstore where I was signing alongside Melissa de la Cruz, in Studio City. Ned, who had his young son with him, seemed upbeat – more so than the two of us, who were suffering the ignominy of an empty bookstore. His latest novel had just hit the bestseller list, he had steady work in Hollywood, and he said he was grateful.
امر حزين جدا جدا..كان يهتم جدا بغيره ويحاول دعمهم..موهبه كان لديها الكثير لتقدمه...شمعه اخري اطفئتها الرياح
رحمه الله وغفر له بمشيئته سبحانه وتعالي
Ned Vizzini: Writers and friends pay tribute
محمد العربي
قراءة من 10 نوفمبر 2013
الي 19 نوفمبر 2013
"الريفيو العربي في 21 ديسمبر 2013"
June 29, 2013
J.K. Rowling put a "blurb" for this book as being a "breakneck roller coaster of an adventure." Sadly, roller coasters make me very seasick, and this book left me feeling much the same way.
Chris Columbus directed the first two Harry Potter films, and is now helming the Percy Jackson films, so I'm sure he loves the world of fantasy and adventure.
However, this first book in the "House of Secrets" series is just WAY too busy and frenetic. He throws in everything but the kitchen sink, and in so doing, I became as tired of all the action as I do in the modern chaotic "action films" which sacrifice character development to constant "blowing things up" scenes.
I like the Walker children--Brendan, Cordelia, and Eleanor. However, with all the busyness, I never really felt I got to know them. And I'm appalled at the elitism of this story; the Walker father is a doctor who has lost his career, but still can afford to get a "cheap" house for $300,000. That is so insulting to people without money that I almost stopped reading right then.
The plot is simply spaghetti, since it's based on the children being in a world where books can become reality--so we get Will and his Sopwith Camel crashing into a prehistoric world where warriors from medieval times are chasing the kids.
I read a great deal of YA literature with my grandchildren--Rick Riordan has done such a good job of creating three series based on mythology (Greek, Roman, and Egyptian). Since he has a framework upon which to build, the storylines are clear and the characters become very real imho.
And of course Rowling created her own amazing, extensive mythology that let Harry, Hermione, and Ron come alive for millions.
Columbus simply has no framework, and the children get lost in the chaotic plot. It's a shame--I love the idea of bringing characters out of books into reality, but Cornelia Funke has done that SO well in her INKHEART series.
Chris Columbus, having directed films of the Rowling and Riordan books, must have wanted to write his own story. I wish I could have liked it better.
Chris Columbus directed the first two Harry Potter films, and is now helming the Percy Jackson films, so I'm sure he loves the world of fantasy and adventure.
However, this first book in the "House of Secrets" series is just WAY too busy and frenetic. He throws in everything but the kitchen sink, and in so doing, I became as tired of all the action as I do in the modern chaotic "action films" which sacrifice character development to constant "blowing things up" scenes.
I like the Walker children--Brendan, Cordelia, and Eleanor. However, with all the busyness, I never really felt I got to know them. And I'm appalled at the elitism of this story; the Walker father is a doctor who has lost his career, but still can afford to get a "cheap" house for $300,000. That is so insulting to people without money that I almost stopped reading right then.
The plot is simply spaghetti, since it's based on the children being in a world where books can become reality--so we get Will and his Sopwith Camel crashing into a prehistoric world where warriors from medieval times are chasing the kids.
I read a great deal of YA literature with my grandchildren--Rick Riordan has done such a good job of creating three series based on mythology (Greek, Roman, and Egyptian). Since he has a framework upon which to build, the storylines are clear and the characters become very real imho.
And of course Rowling created her own amazing, extensive mythology that let Harry, Hermione, and Ron come alive for millions.
Columbus simply has no framework, and the children get lost in the chaotic plot. It's a shame--I love the idea of bringing characters out of books into reality, but Cornelia Funke has done that SO well in her INKHEART series.
Chris Columbus, having directed films of the Rowling and Riordan books, must have wanted to write his own story. I wish I could have liked it better.
December 18, 2014
"A Breakneck, Jam-Packed Roller Coaster of an adventure about the Secret Power of books,
House of Secrets comes complete with three resourceful sibling heroes, a seriously creepy villainess, and barrel loads of fantasy and fear."
That's how J.K.Rowling describe the book in the back cover...and That's how she ruined for me an opportunity to express my feeling about the book...
I believe anyone read it will think about the same lines to describe the experience of living with the Walkers family in this Creepy House..with creepy secrets..
The Setting
***********
I love the realistic fantasy type ,or as I've recently learned from a friend the term is "The Urban Fantasy".
And from the moment that I reach Sea Cliff road,and the view of San Fransisco's Bridge and I knew I'm in one Good urban fantasy setting.
Then comes the Gothic 3 storey house,Victorian decor with big halls and an ancient library room..with shelves of books that some of them written by the original owner of the house...Denver Kristoff
Then....I'm no longer in the real San Fransisco....I'm in totally different world...Totally fictional and fantasy...into 3 HORRIBLE novels' worlds mixed together.. 3 Books that written by the House owner..very dark and dangerous even bloody ,like those of H.P. Lovecraft.
I may be not that big fan of extreme fantasy BUT it was really easy to get along this adventure and this horrible world of the 3 books, specially with .....
The Characters
****************
It was so funny when in one of the many mentions and spoofs about modern movies and TV shows they mention "Game of Thrones" and how Elanor -the youngest,8 years old- is forbidden to watch it..The funny thing here is that I've imagined the 3 younger of the Stark's Kids as the cast of the book in my Head's movie version :).
Well ,8,12 and 15 years old sibling ,each one with a different personality,a talent and interests. that made me feel trapped with them into this fantasy world and ,with them, trying to escape from.
I loved them so much, that gives the novel a good variety of characters' age that is impossible to not fall in love with.
They're so like everyone of us,or every kid we know in our life...one is a books' nerd, one is a gaming addicted with every teenager way of dealing with his family, and one smart daring dyslexia-fighter who's her love for her family would make her do anything.
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Finally
*******
Seriously if you sum up all what I've said you'll find it perfectly fit the first praise from J. K. Rowling.. may be it was the main reason I've get the book..also it's written by Chris Columbus, who's direct my beloved fantasy of all time "Harry Potter" in the most loyal for the book.
He made here a thriller/fantasy movie pack full of action that when you read/watch it you can not just "Pause", hard to let down.
And there's also Ned Vizzini who I believe a wonderful teenager and young adult expert ,as I know from his other famous books"
SO they together made a wonderful pack of Great thriller and super adorable characters, and mix it with a pit of the real world events "There's The famous San Fransisco's earthquake, and some other mystery real club 'The Bohemian Club' which I guess we'll learn more about later"
The illustrations in the book is also AMAZING and get you into the story without being silly or childish, was a real Art.
Can't wait for Book Two..which I hope get more revelation for some mysteries that we still dying to know..
I believe it'll be amazing series..I hope Part two would be even bigger and same -or more- strong.
It was really a wonderful week -the plot main runtime- with The Walkers that I'll never forget.
Mohammed Arabey
From 10th Nov. 2013
To 19th Nov. 2013
------------------------------------------
21st April 2013
----------------
J.K. Rowling have Written a Praise for the book on the top of the front cover...Is there's any thing more to add on "Why I MUST read that book"?
جي كي رولينج كاتبه جمله عن الكتاب ده في اعلي غلافه..المؤلف كريس كولومبس مخرج اول فيلمين لهاري بوتر واللي التزم بالروايه بامانه شديده لانه بيعشقها
هو اللي "خلق" عالم هاري بوتر من صفحات لشئ ممكن تشوفه بعينيك في الفيلم
ولو انت بقي مش معترف بهاري بوتر اساسا..فالمؤلف بيعترف انه كتبها متأثر بطريقه
H.P. Lovecraft
عرفتوا بقي ليه "لازم"اقرأ الروايه دي؟؟..مفتكرش في اسباب تانيه اهم من كده
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--------------21 Dec.2013-----------------------
***** To The Memory of Ned Vizzini (1981-2013)*****
I;m really so sad and depressed since I heard that sad news on 20th Dec.2013..It shock me that sweet smile,that calm peaceful man, that's you'd feel through his writing in this book and sure all of his other writings, would end it all with subside
I just know him a month ago at his blog here at Goodreads
I feel so sad,very depressed till now, even regret that I didn't message him with my opinion on his talent and wonderful writing style.. I know he read my small pre-read review since he hit like to it But I wish he know the final one,I wish I said more..while he was still here....
It really hurt me and make me even more sad..
It's all sad..talented young man with so much to give..just gone..another Candle in the wind ..
May God bless his soul and Rest in Peace ...
Ned Vizzini: Writers and friends pay tribute
21st December 2013
November 24, 2025
Childishly insulting to an intelligent young reader!
A random collection of criticisms of a book that has earned many more than I care to take the time to write:
Even without referring to a poorly conceived, wandering plot line that seems to be headed simultaneously in several different directions without any single plot direction ever really reaching adequate resolution, it has to be said that the writing in this story is at best stilted and outrageously amateurish.
Apparently the story is directed at young readers in grades 4 to 8 but it is difficult to imagine anyone in that age group understanding musical references to Mick Jagger or Styx, American cultural references to the cartoon Scooby Doo, or British historical cultural references to such terms as "above stairs" and "below stairs".
The use of random Latin quotations as magical spells sounds rather familiar and derivative at best (or should one call it actual plagiarism?) from another young adult series we're all familiar with. The device of simply saying the words backwards to undo the spell was trite and ridiculous even for a child's novel.
Strongly recommended against. There's little enough precious reading time in this world.
Paul Weiss
A random collection of criticisms of a book that has earned many more than I care to take the time to write:
Even without referring to a poorly conceived, wandering plot line that seems to be headed simultaneously in several different directions without any single plot direction ever really reaching adequate resolution, it has to be said that the writing in this story is at best stilted and outrageously amateurish.
Apparently the story is directed at young readers in grades 4 to 8 but it is difficult to imagine anyone in that age group understanding musical references to Mick Jagger or Styx, American cultural references to the cartoon Scooby Doo, or British historical cultural references to such terms as "above stairs" and "below stairs".
The use of random Latin quotations as magical spells sounds rather familiar and derivative at best (or should one call it actual plagiarism?) from another young adult series we're all familiar with. The device of simply saying the words backwards to undo the spell was trite and ridiculous even for a child's novel.
Strongly recommended against. There's little enough precious reading time in this world.
Paul Weiss
June 26, 2013
Enter to win House Of Secrets on my blog!
"Sometimes you can't get your life back. Sometimes you have to take it back."
I have been a fan of Ned Vizzini ever since I read It's Kind Of A Funny Story a couple years ago (If you haven't read this book yet, what are you waiting for? Stop reading this review immediately and get It's Kind Of A Funny Story. I know you'll thank me later). I have read everything by Vizzini except for Teen Angst? Naaah . . . which I need to read pronto. I even interviewed Mr. Vizzini back in the day when I was a noob blogger. Once I saw The House Of Secrets on Edelweiss, I immediately downloaded it.
Imagine if The Goonies had a baby with Inkheart, I think the result would be House Of Secrets. (I really loved The Goonies and Inkheart so this is my way of complimenting it). House of Secrets is one of the most entertaining middle-grade fantasy novels I have ever read. The thing about House Of Secrets is that it's not just for little kids. I'm a grumpy male teen and I just absolutely loved this book. Anyone can enjoy House of Secrets because it's chock full of action, adventure, and humor.
House Of Secrets is unlike any fantasy novel I've read recently. There's pirates, witches, magic houses, a WWI soldier, and just so much more. There's a lot going on in House Of Secrets plot-wise but Vizzini and Columbus manage to keep everything interesting. House of Secrets is well-written in a very cinematic way and I just kept imagining this book as a movie. This book actually started off as a movie script and Chris Columbus commented "I completed about 90 pages of the script, and realized that if I continued writing, this film would cost over $500 million dollars. " (from Chris Columbus's comments on House of Secrets).
House of Secrets was a nice reprieve from all the generic dystopian books I have read recently. I really loved the way Columbus & Vizzini manage to include a ton of humor into the action-packed plot. One thing that irritated at me at first was the constant product references but I realize that these references gave it a realistic feel. There was one pop culture reference that was absolutely perfect: "I can see him from up here! He looks like thar really skinny British guy on the cover of Dad's old CDs..Yeah he looks like Mick Jagger if Mick Jagger ate a whole truckful of Snickers." Only Vizzini could pull off comparing Mick Jagger to a Snickers-obsessed-giant with dandruff without it becoming ridiculous.
Usually when I read a book, the relationships between the siblings is just so fake but that's not the case in House of Secrets. (I kind am questioning how the Pevensie didn't really fight too much in The Chronicles of Narnia, maybe they were C.S. Lewis's ideal children.) The relationships between Cordelia, Brendan, and Eleanor was completely realistic. Their relationship kind of reminded me of my relationship with my two siblings. Besides the fact that the relationships between the characters were spot on, the characters themselves were realistic and extremely developed. Cordelia, Eleanor, and Brendan don't just sit around and mope that they are in the middle of a disaster. "Sometimes you can't get your life back. Sometiems you have to take it back." This is a fantastic quote from House of Secrets because not only does it describe the children's attitudes but it's also very applicable in life.
I would highly recommend reading House of Secrets for people of all ages. Fans of Spiderwick Chronicles, Inkheart, and Narnia will love this fun. action-packed novel. I really loved how even though House of Secrets was entertaining, it was still filled with valuable morals. Once you read House of Secrets you'll be begging for the sequel!
"Sometimes you can't get your life back. Sometimes you have to take it back."
I have been a fan of Ned Vizzini ever since I read It's Kind Of A Funny Story a couple years ago (If you haven't read this book yet, what are you waiting for? Stop reading this review immediately and get It's Kind Of A Funny Story. I know you'll thank me later). I have read everything by Vizzini except for Teen Angst? Naaah . . . which I need to read pronto. I even interviewed Mr. Vizzini back in the day when I was a noob blogger. Once I saw The House Of Secrets on Edelweiss, I immediately downloaded it.
Imagine if The Goonies had a baby with Inkheart, I think the result would be House Of Secrets. (I really loved The Goonies and Inkheart so this is my way of complimenting it). House of Secrets is one of the most entertaining middle-grade fantasy novels I have ever read. The thing about House Of Secrets is that it's not just for little kids. I'm a grumpy male teen and I just absolutely loved this book. Anyone can enjoy House of Secrets because it's chock full of action, adventure, and humor.
House Of Secrets is unlike any fantasy novel I've read recently. There's pirates, witches, magic houses, a WWI soldier, and just so much more. There's a lot going on in House Of Secrets plot-wise but Vizzini and Columbus manage to keep everything interesting. House of Secrets is well-written in a very cinematic way and I just kept imagining this book as a movie. This book actually started off as a movie script and Chris Columbus commented "I completed about 90 pages of the script, and realized that if I continued writing, this film would cost over $500 million dollars. " (from Chris Columbus's comments on House of Secrets).
House of Secrets was a nice reprieve from all the generic dystopian books I have read recently. I really loved the way Columbus & Vizzini manage to include a ton of humor into the action-packed plot. One thing that irritated at me at first was the constant product references but I realize that these references gave it a realistic feel. There was one pop culture reference that was absolutely perfect: "I can see him from up here! He looks like thar really skinny British guy on the cover of Dad's old CDs..Yeah he looks like Mick Jagger if Mick Jagger ate a whole truckful of Snickers." Only Vizzini could pull off comparing Mick Jagger to a Snickers-obsessed-giant with dandruff without it becoming ridiculous.
Usually when I read a book, the relationships between the siblings is just so fake but that's not the case in House of Secrets. (I kind am questioning how the Pevensie didn't really fight too much in The Chronicles of Narnia, maybe they were C.S. Lewis's ideal children.) The relationships between Cordelia, Brendan, and Eleanor was completely realistic. Their relationship kind of reminded me of my relationship with my two siblings. Besides the fact that the relationships between the characters were spot on, the characters themselves were realistic and extremely developed. Cordelia, Eleanor, and Brendan don't just sit around and mope that they are in the middle of a disaster. "Sometimes you can't get your life back. Sometiems you have to take it back." This is a fantastic quote from House of Secrets because not only does it describe the children's attitudes but it's also very applicable in life.
I would highly recommend reading House of Secrets for people of all ages. Fans of Spiderwick Chronicles, Inkheart, and Narnia will love this fun. action-packed novel. I really loved how even though House of Secrets was entertaining, it was still filled with valuable morals. Once you read House of Secrets you'll be begging for the sequel!
January 13, 2014
I gave up about 2/3 of the way through. There was potential for this story, but it never got off the ground. There was no real plot once the kids got trapped in the books' stories--they just went from one tight squeeze to another with no actual progress. The characters were just barely fleshed out enough for me to care about them at all, but after a while the lack of plot made even that go away.
One of my biggest complaints was little Eleanor. While I liked her, she was completely unrealistic. An eight year old with dyslexia would not be able to read 50 pages of a book written for adults. And she would not know what the word vivisection means. She talked FAR too old, even for an intelligent child of that age.
Anyway, I was going to try to make it to the end, but when I saw that this was the first in a series, I decided there was no point as I'm not going to read the sequel. I'm really disappointed, too, as this book is endorsed by JK Rowling. I was really hoping for something with some intelligence, but no...
One of my biggest complaints was little Eleanor. While I liked her, she was completely unrealistic. An eight year old with dyslexia would not be able to read 50 pages of a book written for adults. And she would not know what the word vivisection means. She talked FAR too old, even for an intelligent child of that age.
Anyway, I was going to try to make it to the end, but when I saw that this was the first in a series, I decided there was no point as I'm not going to read the sequel. I'm really disappointed, too, as this book is endorsed by JK Rowling. I was really hoping for something with some intelligence, but no...
October 29, 2021
A middle grade story about a family moving into a new house where there is a mysterious book and a greedy witch who traps the 3 kids of the family into a story until they hand over the book to her and holds their parents captive. The three kids must survive the storyline and save their parents
The plot observes various morals related to selflessness, family, friendship, greed etc. Good for children of the targeted age group, can't say the same for every age group though.
The plot observes various morals related to selflessness, family, friendship, greed etc. Good for children of the targeted age group, can't say the same for every age group though.
April 17, 2013
I love reading Middle Grade novel. I think these books are the ones that you can enjoy and cherish no matter how old you are. There is a feeling of innocence surrounding a good MG novel that always leaves me giddy. As a result, taking into account my fondness for MG novels, I was looking forward to reading Ned Vizzini and Chris Columbus's "House of Secrets". The description and cover alone were enough to make me curious about the book. I can definitely say I was not disappointed. The book is very interesting and engaging; it will leave you hanging on every word until the end.
"House of Secrets" is a perfect mash of adventure - it has pirates, witches, WWI soldiers-, action, fantasy and humor - brilliantly inserted in the book by its authors. The protagonists are well developed and able to shine throughout the book. They are also very credible, making you feel like you could meet Cordelia, Brendan, and Eleanor on the street any day and not be surprised. I also loved the authenticity of their sibling relationship; it was very realistic and once again made me think of a family I might meet at the market.
All in all, if you're a fan of MG novels or if you are simply looking for an engaging story to read, give "House of Secrets" a try. You will not be disappointed.
"House of Secrets" is a perfect mash of adventure - it has pirates, witches, WWI soldiers-, action, fantasy and humor - brilliantly inserted in the book by its authors. The protagonists are well developed and able to shine throughout the book. They are also very credible, making you feel like you could meet Cordelia, Brendan, and Eleanor on the street any day and not be surprised. I also loved the authenticity of their sibling relationship; it was very realistic and once again made me think of a family I might meet at the market.
All in all, if you're a fan of MG novels or if you are simply looking for an engaging story to read, give "House of Secrets" a try. You will not be disappointed.
December 5, 2020
This was a very adventurous read. I felt like I was actually there. Looking forward to the next book in the series.
May 24, 2013
The Walker kids are trying to make the best of their situation. They have to move into a cheaper place because their dad lost his surgeon position due to an incident, involving sleepwalking and carving strange symbols into the skin of a patient. But the new house looks way too cool for the asking price. It's an old mansion and comes complete with cool furnishings. The family thinks it is too good to be true. It turns out, they may be right. After they move in the old lady who lives next door goes psycho and sends the kids and the house into the imagined world of the former house owner's books. That might not be so bad, except he wrote about WWI, a realm ruled by a horrible queen, and pirates. Nell, Brendan and Cordelia (ages 8-15) have to figure out where they are, how to survive, and how to get back to the real world. That turns out to be quite the task between crazy mean knights, pirates and sharks. Oh, and the next door neighbor witch lady who has a certain task for them.
This story could have been good. A house that travels into the land of books has promise, but I think Vizzini and Columbus are out of touch with the children's world and are more used to an adult audience. Because this story was a bit more gorey and crazy evil than normal for kids. Most of the magic involved in the story is tied to occult practices and involves death. The pirate captain has this thing about vivisecting his captives, and this is explained! Umm, I'm pretty sure most of the parents of kids at our school would not be happy if I handed this book to their child to read. I also really didn't feel like it was great writing. The voices of the kids were inconsistent. Sometimes Nell does sound like she is 8 but sometimes she sounds just like her 15 year old sister, and vice versa. They all kinda blended together and became indistinct, even the brother, Brendan. (Maybe that was because of the 2 authors???) Whatever the reason, I can't recommend it unless it could go back to the editor for some consistency and be adapted with appropriate content for the target audience.
Notes on content: 2 or 3 minor swear words. There is a kiss, but nothing more. There are 25 people who appear naked in the story after being brought back to life from being skeletons. The children see all of them naked. There's a LOT of violence. Each of the children gets injured in some way. Two get serious stab wounds. Several people get shot by a gun. One person gets shot by an arrow and the kids do surgery to remove it (with some description). A woman describes being killed by a flaming mace. Three people describe getting killed by vivisection, and the kids watch a fourth person start to get vivisected. A bad guy gets a dart in his eye and pulls out his entire eyeball in front of the kids (and they are not phased by this). And there's more. The pirates also get drunk on wine.
This story could have been good. A house that travels into the land of books has promise, but I think Vizzini and Columbus are out of touch with the children's world and are more used to an adult audience. Because this story was a bit more gorey and crazy evil than normal for kids. Most of the magic involved in the story is tied to occult practices and involves death. The pirate captain has this thing about vivisecting his captives, and this is explained! Umm, I'm pretty sure most of the parents of kids at our school would not be happy if I handed this book to their child to read. I also really didn't feel like it was great writing. The voices of the kids were inconsistent. Sometimes Nell does sound like she is 8 but sometimes she sounds just like her 15 year old sister, and vice versa. They all kinda blended together and became indistinct, even the brother, Brendan. (Maybe that was because of the 2 authors???) Whatever the reason, I can't recommend it unless it could go back to the editor for some consistency and be adapted with appropriate content for the target audience.
Notes on content: 2 or 3 minor swear words. There is a kiss, but nothing more. There are 25 people who appear naked in the story after being brought back to life from being skeletons. The children see all of them naked. There's a LOT of violence. Each of the children gets injured in some way. Two get serious stab wounds. Several people get shot by a gun. One person gets shot by an arrow and the kids do surgery to remove it (with some description). A woman describes being killed by a flaming mace. Three people describe getting killed by vivisection, and the kids watch a fourth person start to get vivisected. A bad guy gets a dart in his eye and pulls out his entire eyeball in front of the kids (and they are not phased by this). And there's more. The pirates also get drunk on wine.
April 23, 2013
Alright, audiobook reviews can be sort of tricky to review, since the experience can be so different from reviewing a print book. I notice such different things and don't tend to remember super specific details as well. I'm going to try borrowing (with approval, of course) April of Good Books and Good Wine's format she's been using lately.
Why Did I Read This Book?
Okay, this may not reflect particularly well on me as a person, but the allure was equal parts the famous name and the awesome cover. Basically, I was curious about whether this would be any good, and whether it would live up to the cover. Obviously, I was skeptical, because Chris Columbus isn't an author, but Ned Vizzini's written things of which I have had good report, so I thought maybe it would pan out well.
What's the Story Here?
The Walker family lost most of their money and their reputation when the surgeon father did something totally whack during a surgery. They've moved to San Francisco in hopes of getting far enough away from the lawsuit that he can find employment in a hospital (good luck, buddy). Though they lack much money for a house, the realtor show's them this totally insane house, Kristoff House, and they can have it for pretty much nothing. Obviously, they are stoked and ready to move in immediately. Then, the inevitable drawback: Dahlia Kristoff, the daughter of author Denver Kristoff, who built the crazy house is like totally evil and she kills the parents and sends the three kids to a magical world that continually tries to kill them. They face, among other things, barbarians, pirates, skeletons, sharks, witches, and giants. Basically, action, action, action. Oh, and there's a surprising amount of violence. Pretty much everyone gets injured throughout the course of the book and a few die.
How Are the Characters?
Characterization is totally not what this book is about, so they're pretty flat mostly. Elinor, the youngest walker, tends to actually be the most useful, even if she does tend to run into things without a plan, like when she stabs the leader of the barbarians with a fork. Brave, but ill-considered. Brendan is a teen boy, and he's pretty typical. He doesn't like to read much, and constantly has his eyes on a video game, but he steps up to defend his sisters. Cordelia, the eldest, should be my favorite, because she's all about reading and vocabulary, but she ended up annoying me because of her blindness with regards to boys. Oh, one touch I did like is that both teens actually had acne. That is so rare in books, and, seriously, how many teens don't have pimples now and then? Or, you know, all the time?
What About Romance?
So, like I said, Cordelia desperately wants a certain boy within this book. He's an aviator named Will, and he's British and handsome. Like, I do not blame her for crushing on him, because British and hot, however, he regularly says seriously sexist things and pisses her off. Yet, she will quickly brush that off and reset to swooning all over the place and being jealous, which only reinforces his negative attitudes towards women. He is totally not a candidate for romance right now, because that is not cool. Overall, though, Cordelia would rather have him as a boyfriend, even if he is sexist, than NOT have him as a boyfriend. Brendan has a couple of little crushes too. I will say, though, that mostly there's not much romance, and that the authors seem to delight in crushing their hopes for the most part, which was a pretty nice change from the romance heavy books I usually read.
Am I Going to Continue with the Series?
Probably not. It's not character-based enough to be an ideal read for me. I'm glad I satisfied my curiosity, but I'm not interested to continue on for more, especially since the direction it's going in at the end annoys me. I feel like this could have been a standalone, but those aren't all that popular right now.
How Was the Audio?
Daniel Vincent Gordh does a pretty good job. His lady voices are a little bit weak, but that's not uncommon. His little girl voice for Elinor was really obnoxious, though. Otherwise, he was easy to listen to, and the audiobook was an enjoyable way to pass the time. I don't think I would have been able to three star this in print, because it's just not really my thing, but it was fun on audio.
Why Did I Read This Book?
Okay, this may not reflect particularly well on me as a person, but the allure was equal parts the famous name and the awesome cover. Basically, I was curious about whether this would be any good, and whether it would live up to the cover. Obviously, I was skeptical, because Chris Columbus isn't an author, but Ned Vizzini's written things of which I have had good report, so I thought maybe it would pan out well.
What's the Story Here?
The Walker family lost most of their money and their reputation when the surgeon father did something totally whack during a surgery. They've moved to San Francisco in hopes of getting far enough away from the lawsuit that he can find employment in a hospital (good luck, buddy). Though they lack much money for a house, the realtor show's them this totally insane house, Kristoff House, and they can have it for pretty much nothing. Obviously, they are stoked and ready to move in immediately. Then, the inevitable drawback: Dahlia Kristoff, the daughter of author Denver Kristoff, who built the crazy house is like totally evil and she kills the parents and sends the three kids to a magical world that continually tries to kill them. They face, among other things, barbarians, pirates, skeletons, sharks, witches, and giants. Basically, action, action, action. Oh, and there's a surprising amount of violence. Pretty much everyone gets injured throughout the course of the book and a few die.
How Are the Characters?
Characterization is totally not what this book is about, so they're pretty flat mostly. Elinor, the youngest walker, tends to actually be the most useful, even if she does tend to run into things without a plan, like when she stabs the leader of the barbarians with a fork. Brave, but ill-considered. Brendan is a teen boy, and he's pretty typical. He doesn't like to read much, and constantly has his eyes on a video game, but he steps up to defend his sisters. Cordelia, the eldest, should be my favorite, because she's all about reading and vocabulary, but she ended up annoying me because of her blindness with regards to boys. Oh, one touch I did like is that both teens actually had acne. That is so rare in books, and, seriously, how many teens don't have pimples now and then? Or, you know, all the time?
What About Romance?
So, like I said, Cordelia desperately wants a certain boy within this book. He's an aviator named Will, and he's British and handsome. Like, I do not blame her for crushing on him, because British and hot, however, he regularly says seriously sexist things and pisses her off. Yet, she will quickly brush that off and reset to swooning all over the place and being jealous, which only reinforces his negative attitudes towards women. He is totally not a candidate for romance right now, because that is not cool. Overall, though, Cordelia would rather have him as a boyfriend, even if he is sexist, than NOT have him as a boyfriend. Brendan has a couple of little crushes too. I will say, though, that mostly there's not much romance, and that the authors seem to delight in crushing their hopes for the most part, which was a pretty nice change from the romance heavy books I usually read.
Am I Going to Continue with the Series?
Probably not. It's not character-based enough to be an ideal read for me. I'm glad I satisfied my curiosity, but I'm not interested to continue on for more, especially since the direction it's going in at the end annoys me. I feel like this could have been a standalone, but those aren't all that popular right now.
How Was the Audio?
Daniel Vincent Gordh does a pretty good job. His lady voices are a little bit weak, but that's not uncommon. His little girl voice for Elinor was really obnoxious, though. Otherwise, he was easy to listen to, and the audiobook was an enjoyable way to pass the time. I don't think I would have been able to three star this in print, because it's just not really my thing, but it was fun on audio.
May 13, 2013
I need to explain my feelings on Chris Columbus before I get to the review proper. For those of you unfamiliar with the name, he directed the first two Harry Potter movies (and Percy Jackson, and Home Alone and Rent. I have many feelings about that last one). I also personally consider the first two Potters as being the worst of the films; they’re relatively faithful adaptations but boring movies. IMO, Columbus doesn’t bring a great visionary style and lacks the ‘magic’ touch, if you will. So, why did I read a book cowritten by him? I like Ned Vizzini; I have all of his books and I think he’s really good. If it weren’t for that fact, I would have skipped this book completely.
What the plot lacked in uniqueness, the varying details that make up the story sounded really interesting. Unfortunately, this is not that book. There are some really good passages in here that actually grabbed me, but they’re buried between pages of bad writing. For the good potential that’s in here, it’s bogged down with lazy characterization and cultural references. It’s not ‘chuck the book against the wall a few times’ awful, but I cringed way too many times while reading this.
The biggest sin on the writing here is Rule Number One: Show Don’t Tell. For example, there’s a scene toward the climax where the oldest sibling, Cordelia, is seduced by the power of the Dark Side. And we’re told that all the good memories that she has with her siblings have suddenly vanished and replaced by the Wind Witch’s hatred! No, really, that’s exactly how it’s put in the book. I haven’t read any of Columbus’s writing (only watched Goonies), but Vizzini should have known better than to do this. And if it had happened a few times, I would have been fine—it would have still bugged me, but I’d give it a pass. But once the Wind Witch casts the Walkers into the alternate universe, it feels like either Columbus or Vizzini gave up on doing any actual writing and the editor similarly threw their hands up as well.
Going along with the above, because this made me angry: pop culture references. Allow me to use Meg Cabot as an example: she gets criticism for using numerous pop culture references. In fairness, at times her use of them makes sense depending on the book. In comparison to this, she barely uses any references whatsoever. This book clocks in about two or more references every other page. There is at least a page and a half about a minor character’s resemblance to Mick Jagger, with the main characters commenting on said resemblance. What makes me angry about the reference-dropping is that not only is it completely unnecessary to the story overall, but it talks down to the audience by assuming that “Well, you can’t understand what we’re referring to, so have a reference to something that might have been thrown at you on TV!” There’s no good reason for them to be here. Again, had it been restrained to a couple of references (the Lovecraft one was perfectly fine and made sense!), I would have been fine.
Massive problem number three: there is too much just going on in general. You’ve got this long-standing history between the Walker family and the Kristoffs (which never gets explained or expanded on after a hundred pages because it’s a series! Of course it is.); you’ve got the Wind Witch/Dahlia’s backstory and plot to get the Book of Doom and Desire; there are three separate plotlines going on in the world these kids have been tossed into. I’m used to books with multiple storylines, but at least those subplots relate back to the main plot, and not just “Oh, that sounds cool, throw it in.” The only plotline that doesn’t have much an effect on the overall plot is Will Draper, and that’s because it’s more focused on his character rather than what was happening in his ‘book.’ (More on this below.) After the set-up of the Walkers and the Kristoffs’ shared history, the kids are thrown into a mashed-together world taken from Denver Kristoff’s books. Again, there are some cool things here, and actually if this is to be a series, I would have actually taken the entirety of this book and chopped it up into an opening trilogy. I think it would have flowed a little better if there were individual books focusing on say, encountering the pirates, then the savage band, etc.
I’d like to say that the characters are the strongest part, but there’s massive problems with them, too. I will say this, though—the Walkers do at least act like siblings. They bicker and argue about what’s the right thing for them to do, but they do at least overcome their issues and stand up for each other. And promptly go back to the bickering. I did like that aspect, it’s one of the few things that felt right. However, as individual characters they all fall into assigned roles that they’re never really allowed to grow out of. Cordelia’s the oldest and the smart one, Brendan is the smart-ass, and Nell is only around to be cute and mispronounce words. Brendan never gets any characterization aside from being a loudmouth who frequently does stupid things (like setting off a grenade just to see what blows up). Cordelia is allegedly fifteen years old, but sounds more like a pompous, over-educated twelve year old. Which is especially frustrating since a large plot of her subplot is her developing a crush on Will Draper, but completely negates any maturity Cordelia might have had. Nell is the only one who actually felt like she had any character traits. Sure, she’s the youngest child and feels like she’s there to be cute, but there’s at least a reason to her misunderstanding words and just wanting to go home.
The other characters have barely any characterization. The most developed we get are Will and Dahlia. Dahlia chiefly monologues about her childhood and discovering her father’s magic; there’s a few attempts to connect her character with Cordelia’s personal frustrations, but said attempts never play out completely so…why? Will has this whole “OMG I’m a fictional character?!” that only exists to be a one-off joke and doesn’t do much for the rest of the book. (Also, he’s British. He’d like a spot of tea, old chap, because he’s British, you know.) Everyone else in this book does not get any characterization whatsoever; again, if this book had been chopped up, I don’t think it would have been as much of a problem.
There’s a good book in here somewhere. It’s not quite the blueprints of a good book, but rather, a couple of scribbled notes in the margins of the blueprints of this book. As I mentioned, there are one or two good things overall about the story and the characters, as well as some good parts with the writing. But it’s all buried underneath the lazy writing and plotting. A lot of this book suffers from the plain fact that—and this is my assumption—because this is a children’s book, it means that the writing needs to be simplified to the point of talking down to the readers. It’s a tactic that I find frankly insulting to the audience, especially with the over-reliance on cultural references to explain things. And I’m really disappointed overall because I’m familiar with one of the authors, and I know he can write better than this. There’s better series with similar concepts, and House of Secrets is just not what it could have been.
What the plot lacked in uniqueness, the varying details that make up the story sounded really interesting. Unfortunately, this is not that book. There are some really good passages in here that actually grabbed me, but they’re buried between pages of bad writing. For the good potential that’s in here, it’s bogged down with lazy characterization and cultural references. It’s not ‘chuck the book against the wall a few times’ awful, but I cringed way too many times while reading this.
The biggest sin on the writing here is Rule Number One: Show Don’t Tell. For example, there’s a scene toward the climax where the oldest sibling, Cordelia, is seduced by the power of the Dark Side. And we’re told that all the good memories that she has with her siblings have suddenly vanished and replaced by the Wind Witch’s hatred! No, really, that’s exactly how it’s put in the book. I haven’t read any of Columbus’s writing (only watched Goonies), but Vizzini should have known better than to do this. And if it had happened a few times, I would have been fine—it would have still bugged me, but I’d give it a pass. But once the Wind Witch casts the Walkers into the alternate universe, it feels like either Columbus or Vizzini gave up on doing any actual writing and the editor similarly threw their hands up as well.
Going along with the above, because this made me angry: pop culture references. Allow me to use Meg Cabot as an example: she gets criticism for using numerous pop culture references. In fairness, at times her use of them makes sense depending on the book. In comparison to this, she barely uses any references whatsoever. This book clocks in about two or more references every other page. There is at least a page and a half about a minor character’s resemblance to Mick Jagger, with the main characters commenting on said resemblance. What makes me angry about the reference-dropping is that not only is it completely unnecessary to the story overall, but it talks down to the audience by assuming that “Well, you can’t understand what we’re referring to, so have a reference to something that might have been thrown at you on TV!” There’s no good reason for them to be here. Again, had it been restrained to a couple of references (the Lovecraft one was perfectly fine and made sense!), I would have been fine.
Massive problem number three: there is too much just going on in general. You’ve got this long-standing history between the Walker family and the Kristoffs (which never gets explained or expanded on after a hundred pages because it’s a series! Of course it is.); you’ve got the Wind Witch/Dahlia’s backstory and plot to get the Book of Doom and Desire; there are three separate plotlines going on in the world these kids have been tossed into. I’m used to books with multiple storylines, but at least those subplots relate back to the main plot, and not just “Oh, that sounds cool, throw it in.” The only plotline that doesn’t have much an effect on the overall plot is Will Draper, and that’s because it’s more focused on his character rather than what was happening in his ‘book.’ (More on this below.) After the set-up of the Walkers and the Kristoffs’ shared history, the kids are thrown into a mashed-together world taken from Denver Kristoff’s books. Again, there are some cool things here, and actually if this is to be a series, I would have actually taken the entirety of this book and chopped it up into an opening trilogy. I think it would have flowed a little better if there were individual books focusing on say, encountering the pirates, then the savage band, etc.
I’d like to say that the characters are the strongest part, but there’s massive problems with them, too. I will say this, though—the Walkers do at least act like siblings. They bicker and argue about what’s the right thing for them to do, but they do at least overcome their issues and stand up for each other. And promptly go back to the bickering. I did like that aspect, it’s one of the few things that felt right. However, as individual characters they all fall into assigned roles that they’re never really allowed to grow out of. Cordelia’s the oldest and the smart one, Brendan is the smart-ass, and Nell is only around to be cute and mispronounce words. Brendan never gets any characterization aside from being a loudmouth who frequently does stupid things (like setting off a grenade just to see what blows up). Cordelia is allegedly fifteen years old, but sounds more like a pompous, over-educated twelve year old. Which is especially frustrating since a large plot of her subplot is her developing a crush on Will Draper, but completely negates any maturity Cordelia might have had. Nell is the only one who actually felt like she had any character traits. Sure, she’s the youngest child and feels like she’s there to be cute, but there’s at least a reason to her misunderstanding words and just wanting to go home.
The other characters have barely any characterization. The most developed we get are Will and Dahlia. Dahlia chiefly monologues about her childhood and discovering her father’s magic; there’s a few attempts to connect her character with Cordelia’s personal frustrations, but said attempts never play out completely so…why? Will has this whole “OMG I’m a fictional character?!” that only exists to be a one-off joke and doesn’t do much for the rest of the book. (Also, he’s British. He’d like a spot of tea, old chap, because he’s British, you know.) Everyone else in this book does not get any characterization whatsoever; again, if this book had been chopped up, I don’t think it would have been as much of a problem.
There’s a good book in here somewhere. It’s not quite the blueprints of a good book, but rather, a couple of scribbled notes in the margins of the blueprints of this book. As I mentioned, there are one or two good things overall about the story and the characters, as well as some good parts with the writing. But it’s all buried underneath the lazy writing and plotting. A lot of this book suffers from the plain fact that—and this is my assumption—because this is a children’s book, it means that the writing needs to be simplified to the point of talking down to the readers. It’s a tactic that I find frankly insulting to the audience, especially with the over-reliance on cultural references to explain things. And I’m really disappointed overall because I’m familiar with one of the authors, and I know he can write better than this. There’s better series with similar concepts, and House of Secrets is just not what it could have been.
December 9, 2020
وسط کتاب میخواستم یه ریویوی کامل بنویسم اما الان حس میکنم نوشتن هرچیزی برای این کتاب، حیفومیل کردن چند کلمهست. نمیدونم جی.کی.رولینگ روی چه حسابی برای این کتاب ریویو نوشته، شاید هم وقتی گفته این کتاب مثل ترنهوایی ماجراجوییه لحنش طنزآمیز بوده، آخه کی دلش میخواد قدر ۵۰۰ صفحه روی ترنهوایی بمونه؟ شاید داستان به درد یه فیلم درجهچندم هالیوود بخوره اما کتابش شکنجه بود.
پونصد صفحه داستان فانتزی، ملغمهای از هر چیزی که نویسنده تا حالا توی زندگیش خونده و دیده، از خونهی جادویی گرفته تا دزد دریایی.
The bottom line: An absolute waste of time.
پونصد صفحه داستان فانتزی، ملغمهای از هر چیزی که نویسنده تا حالا توی زندگیش خونده و دیده، از خونهی جادویی گرفته تا دزد دریایی.
The bottom line: An absolute waste of time.
November 6, 2019
Fun and great for kids
February 20, 2015
The Walker family is in a situation. Dr. Walker, the dad lost his job after cutting an eye shape into a patient's chest with a knife at his hospital. Now they live in a small apartment, and are looking for a house. They find the huge Kristoff House, over-looking the Golden Gate Bridge, built after the San Francisco earthquake by Denver Kristoff, a well-known author. They move in, and they are in the middle of dinner when a woman knocks on the door that claims she is their neighbor. She then turns into a creature known as the Wind Witch, and tears the home apart. The three kids; Brendan, Eleanor and Cordelia wake up after the hurricane-like disaster with their parents gone; and so is San Francisco. In a fast-paced adventure story, the Walker kids are trapped in three of Denver Kristoff's books. With pirates, a pilot from World War I and a colossus, the Walkers need to figure out how to defeat the Wind Witch and get back home before it is too late and they are the ones destroyed. Will the Walkers make it home safely, or will that be the end of them?
What I thought about it:
Wow. Two master storytellers coming together really does make an epic adventure. I really enjoyed House of Secrets; it keeps you on the edge of your seat the whole time. You are pretty much drooling for more, thinking, What is going to happen next?!?! I loved the idea of being able to live in a book. I mean, who wouldn't want to do that? Well, you would be able to be killed by, say, Voldemort, or in this case a very evil gang of pirates; that would not be good. I also love the cover illustration by Greg Call; it totally lives up to the book. The action was spectacular in this book, as was the suspense. I look forward to reading more adventures with the Walkers, and I want to give a shout-out to Ned Vizzini who generously sent me an ARC of this book to me in very cool promotional packaging that looks like The Book of Doom And Desire and is a gem on my bookshelf. Ned and Chris, your writing is fabulous together and I hope you write many more books as a team. More reviews at: www.mybookwormblog.wordpress.com
What I thought about it:
Wow. Two master storytellers coming together really does make an epic adventure. I really enjoyed House of Secrets; it keeps you on the edge of your seat the whole time. You are pretty much drooling for more, thinking, What is going to happen next?!?! I loved the idea of being able to live in a book. I mean, who wouldn't want to do that? Well, you would be able to be killed by, say, Voldemort, or in this case a very evil gang of pirates; that would not be good. I also love the cover illustration by Greg Call; it totally lives up to the book. The action was spectacular in this book, as was the suspense. I look forward to reading more adventures with the Walkers, and I want to give a shout-out to Ned Vizzini who generously sent me an ARC of this book to me in very cool promotional packaging that looks like The Book of Doom And Desire and is a gem on my bookshelf. Ned and Chris, your writing is fabulous together and I hope you write many more books as a team. More reviews at: www.mybookwormblog.wordpress.com
Want to read
May 8, 2013J.K. Rowling gave a blurb for this book (and she rarely does that), so I must give it a fair chance!
July 1, 2013
If you like action and a fantasy foray of pirates, witches, ghosts, skeletons, magicians, and more then you might like this book. The lack of character development, unlikable characters' behavior at times, and loose plot ends made me not like this book very much. I did like the descriptions of the villains, the bone room, the pirate with the dolphin tattoo versus a shark, and the wind witch, who could transform into a hag or whirlwind. Most of the story is told from siblings twelve-year old, Brendan, and fifteen-year-old, Cordelia Walker. The younger sister, eight-year-old Eleanor Walker gets some page time but less than her older siblings. The Walker family is viewing an old Victorian house for sale with their real estate agent, when Eleanor sees an old lady in the woods by the house. The three kids go to investigate only to find a statue of a woman with one hand by the house. When the family leaves, Brendan decides to check out the statue one more time, but it is gone. An old crone hisses at him that his family doesn't belong in the house setting off a series of events thats hurdles them into another world on a quest to find their parents. The three learn what it means to be family and work together versus fighting.
The straightforward plot is a bit predictable and the execution doesn't always work. The kids in the beginning are so outrageously rude to the adults that they came across as spoiled brats instead of strong-willed characters. When Brendan wields a weapon against a stranger I really thought there was something wrong with him mentally. Yes, the old woman threatened him to not buy the house, but she doesn't make it sound dire enough for Brendan to resort to inappropriate violence. He's the more scary of the two by acting so extreme. Next, when Cordelia steals something, I'm thinking... maybe I don't want to read this book. As the plot evolves it becomes apparent why these two things happen as a contrivance to move the plot forward, but were out-of-character for Cordelia and Brendan.
While some of the references to pop culture were funny such as "instant-oatmeal spells" and Cordelia not being named after King Lear's story, but Cordelia Chase in Buffy the Vampire; it soon began to feel like a tornado of pop culture attacking me and it interfered with the storyline at times. I have no clue what "punk'd" meant and got overwhelmed by Lunchables, Scooby Doo, American Girl dolls, iPhone, MacBooks, Mick Jagger, Target and more. I would have preferred if the author had just stuck with the items pertinent to the plot such as the Playstation.
I have read a few books where the authors can't seem to strike the right balance between cartoonish violence and violence. The pirates are buffoons in the beginning and then become violent. I did like the part where Brendan has to do something selfish to fulfill the quest and he does all he can to get Will's weapons. Boys in the library are always asking me for weapon books and war books no matter what country I am in. They love explosions, swords, and guns and this plot twist is a way to live out that fantasy. Another contrived plot point happens when Brendan doesn't take the book or tell the others about it much later in the story. When the violence becomes more serious with real people dying I thought the shift back to cartoonish violence jarring. This happens toward the end when a character pulls his eyeball out when an arrow pierces it and asks Brendan to kill him to which Brendan replies, "get an eye patch." I had issues with this character whose humor was oftentimes disrespectful and mean rather than funny.
The wind witch's powers are never explained and she is a one-dimensional villain. She is driven solely by greed and there is no explanation as to why she became that way. The ending with the money didn't settle with me very well. I thought the dad's problem's would be addressed and found the selfish money resolution a turn-off. Money can buy comforts but not happiness and the dad lost more than a sizable income. He lost his reputation and career. I also wondered why the giant helped the kids risking his life and Eleanor's dyslexia did not have enough authenticity for me to empathize with her as a character. The explanation of how she tried to think about it in her head first was a start, but I wanted more. While I did finish the book and I found some action sequences entertaining, as a whole it didn't do much for me.
The straightforward plot is a bit predictable and the execution doesn't always work. The kids in the beginning are so outrageously rude to the adults that they came across as spoiled brats instead of strong-willed characters. When Brendan wields a weapon against a stranger I really thought there was something wrong with him mentally. Yes, the old woman threatened him to not buy the house, but she doesn't make it sound dire enough for Brendan to resort to inappropriate violence. He's the more scary of the two by acting so extreme. Next, when Cordelia steals something, I'm thinking... maybe I don't want to read this book. As the plot evolves it becomes apparent why these two things happen as a contrivance to move the plot forward, but were out-of-character for Cordelia and Brendan.
While some of the references to pop culture were funny such as "instant-oatmeal spells" and Cordelia not being named after King Lear's story, but Cordelia Chase in Buffy the Vampire; it soon began to feel like a tornado of pop culture attacking me and it interfered with the storyline at times. I have no clue what "punk'd" meant and got overwhelmed by Lunchables, Scooby Doo, American Girl dolls, iPhone, MacBooks, Mick Jagger, Target and more. I would have preferred if the author had just stuck with the items pertinent to the plot such as the Playstation.
I have read a few books where the authors can't seem to strike the right balance between cartoonish violence and violence. The pirates are buffoons in the beginning and then become violent. I did like the part where Brendan has to do something selfish to fulfill the quest and he does all he can to get Will's weapons. Boys in the library are always asking me for weapon books and war books no matter what country I am in. They love explosions, swords, and guns and this plot twist is a way to live out that fantasy. Another contrived plot point happens when Brendan doesn't take the book or tell the others about it much later in the story. When the violence becomes more serious with real people dying I thought the shift back to cartoonish violence jarring. This happens toward the end when a character pulls his eyeball out when an arrow pierces it and asks Brendan to kill him to which Brendan replies, "get an eye patch." I had issues with this character whose humor was oftentimes disrespectful and mean rather than funny.
The wind witch's powers are never explained and she is a one-dimensional villain. She is driven solely by greed and there is no explanation as to why she became that way. The ending with the money didn't settle with me very well. I thought the dad's problem's would be addressed and found the selfish money resolution a turn-off. Money can buy comforts but not happiness and the dad lost more than a sizable income. He lost his reputation and career. I also wondered why the giant helped the kids risking his life and Eleanor's dyslexia did not have enough authenticity for me to empathize with her as a character. The explanation of how she tried to think about it in her head first was a start, but I wanted more. While I did finish the book and I found some action sequences entertaining, as a whole it didn't do much for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 23, 2013
Do you like stories that invoke vivid images in your mind while you’re reading?
If so, you’ll probably enjoy reading House of Secrets.
While the story has its funny, wild and untamed moments, House of Secrets is certainly not a cute, feel-good type of middle-grade fantasy. In the story, we have Brendan, Eleanor, and Cordelia Walker – the children of two loving parents who are desperately trying to get themselves out of a tough financial situation. When the real estate agent finds them a home that is on sale at a very affordable price, the Walkers take the house and move in, believing that this new home will be their first step of a fresh start. Unfortunately, a weird person shows up at their doorstep and before they know what’s really happening, the three children find themselves stranded in an unfamiliar, unfriendly environment. Their only hope now is to comply with what this weird person demands. Can the Walkers find their way back home?
Personally, I find the story a bit too savage and spiteful. While each of the children has their own distinctive habits and personalities, they are not adorable characters. Brendan is impulsive and wimpy. Eleanor is wild. And Cordelia … em … she seems a tad too smart to see her own flaws. If you dislike characters that are whiny, loud, annoying and reckless, I’m afraid you may not have much tolerance for these children.
The plot of the story is imaginative and a little unpredictable. I welcome the element of surprise, although I did find some of the scenes appeared to be less carefully thought out than others. Despite the somewhat inconsistent flow to the story, I must say House of Secrets is entertaining.
If I may highlight one thing that I especially like, I’d say it’s the tone of the story. Particularly towards the end, I like that the story somehow conveys a false sense of ease that makes things look and feel unnervingly sinister. So, while I have mixed feelings about this book, I still think the story would appeal to a wide variety of audience.
To watch a 2-min video about the book, go to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=29BUyTajg7M.
--
Originally posted on Leisure Reads.
A copy of the book was provided by publisher for review purposes.
If so, you’ll probably enjoy reading House of Secrets.
While the story has its funny, wild and untamed moments, House of Secrets is certainly not a cute, feel-good type of middle-grade fantasy. In the story, we have Brendan, Eleanor, and Cordelia Walker – the children of two loving parents who are desperately trying to get themselves out of a tough financial situation. When the real estate agent finds them a home that is on sale at a very affordable price, the Walkers take the house and move in, believing that this new home will be their first step of a fresh start. Unfortunately, a weird person shows up at their doorstep and before they know what’s really happening, the three children find themselves stranded in an unfamiliar, unfriendly environment. Their only hope now is to comply with what this weird person demands. Can the Walkers find their way back home?
Personally, I find the story a bit too savage and spiteful. While each of the children has their own distinctive habits and personalities, they are not adorable characters. Brendan is impulsive and wimpy. Eleanor is wild. And Cordelia … em … she seems a tad too smart to see her own flaws. If you dislike characters that are whiny, loud, annoying and reckless, I’m afraid you may not have much tolerance for these children.
The plot of the story is imaginative and a little unpredictable. I welcome the element of surprise, although I did find some of the scenes appeared to be less carefully thought out than others. Despite the somewhat inconsistent flow to the story, I must say House of Secrets is entertaining.
If I may highlight one thing that I especially like, I’d say it’s the tone of the story. Particularly towards the end, I like that the story somehow conveys a false sense of ease that makes things look and feel unnervingly sinister. So, while I have mixed feelings about this book, I still think the story would appeal to a wide variety of audience.
To watch a 2-min video about the book, go to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=29BUyTajg7M.
--
Originally posted on Leisure Reads.
A copy of the book was provided by publisher for review purposes.
March 22, 2013
What can I say? I hoped for more. I requested this book with the hope of finding a good follow-up to The Other Normals by Ned Vizzini (I loved it as do many of my students). This title came to our attention and I volunteered to read it. I read the summary. I knew the book was not going to be a perfect match, but I hoped that the tone, the style, and the characterization would be similar enough to recommend to my Other Normals groupies. Not so. But that was OK, because I was happy enough to read it as a potential series to add to our collection. Unfortunately the book presented one frustration after another. The storyline was weak. I didn't think the storyline supported the idea of the magic that the Kristoff's used. And the characters were inconsistent. I found several situations in which Cordelia and Brendan acted completely out-of-character and really beyond what their characters seemed to be capable of. As well, I didn't buy epilogue that I imagine was written as a set-up for the series. The pacing seemed choppy to me. The style and language inconsistent for the audience. Particularly the description of the violent scenes seemed more than necessary for the audience. Unfortunately, this book did not meet my expectations either as a read-alike for The Other Normals nor as an option for our collection.
This review was written for the digital ARC I requested. It did not include many of the illustrations. I gave the book 2 stars because the illustrations I did see were very good. I don't think they would change my overall opinion of the book, but they are worth noting.
This review was written for the digital ARC I requested. It did not include many of the illustrations. I gave the book 2 stars because the illustrations I did see were very good. I don't think they would change my overall opinion of the book, but they are worth noting.
Read
May 24, 2013I only made it through the beginning of chapter 12.
This story just never took off for me. There was a lot of telling where there could have been showing. Also, the appearance (and recurrence) of the phrase "before the incident" really bugged me. It was as if the authors thought there was a need to wave a huge flag saying, "There's a BIG secret coming! We're not going to tell you what it is, but we wanted to you know it was coming so you'll keep reading!"
I think the last straw for me was when something particularly sinister happens (for no apparent reason) with lots of destruction and mayhem. As soon as the two oldest children come to their senses, instead of dashing madly through the rubble looking for their parents and sister, they actually take time to talk about some of the weird things they noticed during the melee.
I can only imagine J.K. Rowling agreed to a blurb because of her connection with Chris Columbus-not based on the strength of the writing.
This story just never took off for me. There was a lot of telling where there could have been showing. Also, the appearance (and recurrence) of the phrase "before the incident" really bugged me. It was as if the authors thought there was a need to wave a huge flag saying, "There's a BIG secret coming! We're not going to tell you what it is, but we wanted to you know it was coming so you'll keep reading!"
I think the last straw for me was when something particularly sinister happens (for no apparent reason) with lots of destruction and mayhem. As soon as the two oldest children come to their senses, instead of dashing madly through the rubble looking for their parents and sister, they actually take time to talk about some of the weird things they noticed during the melee.
I can only imagine J.K. Rowling agreed to a blurb because of her connection with Chris Columbus-not based on the strength of the writing.
unfinished
August 21, 2013I could've gotten through this book, but I doubt it would've been worth it. The POV was constantly rotating between the three protagonist-children, all of whom were shallow, irritating, and development-less from the very beginning.
As I abandoned it before anything much began to happen, it might be an interesting book story-wise. I simply didn't see a point in wading through the viewpoint ping-pong among unsympathetic tritagonists.
As I abandoned it before anything much began to happen, it might be an interesting book story-wise. I simply didn't see a point in wading through the viewpoint ping-pong among unsympathetic tritagonists.
February 9, 2023
The book itself was quite good, I liked it. It was a nice escape and I'm glad I read it. I liked the characters overall, but Eleanor was quite confusing for me. Once I felt like she was 4 and then 16, but oh well, maybe 8yos are just like that. The "sucked into books" trope was quite unexpected, but I liked it. I didn't, however, like how Will's character was shown. He was acting way older (I understand - army, but still) and the way he disrespected Kordelia?? Hello?? He dared to lock her up, constantly insult her and undermine her, but then act as if she were supposed to crawl back to him again.
I liked the fact that the characters from the past (pirates, Slayne, ect.) were historically accurate, but it didn't make me hate them (or just men in general) any less.
Overall the book was a nice little break and I LOVED the font and the drawings, but it's highly unlikely that I'll continue this series.
I liked the fact that the characters from the past (pirates, Slayne, ect.) were historically accurate, but it didn't make me hate them (or just men in general) any less.
Overall the book was a nice little break and I LOVED the font and the drawings, but it's highly unlikely that I'll continue this series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 16, 2023
With shorter chapters and plenty of twists, this lengthy middle-grade novel would be perfect for evening story-time or for young readers who have graduated from early chapter books. There was plenty of action and adventure with a satisfying ending leading into the next installment. However, I found the numerous cultural references cliche, the character names (and nicknames) confusing, and the patchwork plot disjointed. Although a solid 3.5 stars for originality, I would hesitate to recommend this book to just anyone; there are some pretty gruesome and scary events and lots of characters to keep track of. Not terrible, not great.
July 31, 2013
When Brendan, Cordelia and Nell are forced to move to Kristoff House in San Francisco with their parents, they are less than happy. However things are about to get much worse. Before the family have time to order in a takeaway pizza, let alone unpack, they are attacked by a crazed witch who transports the children and the house to a magical world where they must search for a book of terrible power. If they fail, they will never see their parents again, however retrieving the book will mean that the entire world will fall under the witches power.
If the name of one of the authors seems familiar, it's because Chris Columbus is a very well known screenwriter and director, being responsible for the first two Harry Potter films, among other things. And it shows.
House of Secrets plays out like a summer blockbuster movie, with lots of battles, close escapes and things generally blowing up. The book tries to tick off as many things as it can. Evil barbarian hordes? Check. Bloodthirsty pirates? Yup. First World War fighter planes, evil witches, magical battles, giants...You get the idea. House of Secrets is not a novel that dwells on anything for long, and in fairness to it, the plot moves along at a cracking pace. No sooner have the children avoided one terrible fate, than another threat presents itself. Unfortunately, like so many summer blockbuster movies, it isn't really very good.
There are a few problems with the book, but the biggest by far are the characters. Brendan, Cordelia and Nell are as flat as the pages that they are written on, and worse, are actually irritating with little in the way of redeeming qualities. A significant amount of the trouble that they get into is as a direct result of their own idiotic, selfish actions. Not only that, but their reaction to the things around them is almost nonexistent. When one of their companions are brutally murdered in front of their eyes, for example, they dwell on it for almost an entire paragraph before returning to their old, irritating selves as if nothing had happened.
The other real issue is that the book is not really clear about which age group its aimed at. The 550 pages and the sometimes brutal and graphic depictions of violence would make it unsuitable for younger readers, however the laughable plot, wooden characters and clunky dialogue would make older children roll their eyes, then discard the book and go back to their games consoles.
House of Secrets is a bloated example of style over substance, with a contrived plot, unrealistic characters and very little in the way of redeeming qualities. I would not bet against it being made into an equally bloated and tedious movie at some point in the near future.
If the name of one of the authors seems familiar, it's because Chris Columbus is a very well known screenwriter and director, being responsible for the first two Harry Potter films, among other things. And it shows.
House of Secrets plays out like a summer blockbuster movie, with lots of battles, close escapes and things generally blowing up. The book tries to tick off as many things as it can. Evil barbarian hordes? Check. Bloodthirsty pirates? Yup. First World War fighter planes, evil witches, magical battles, giants...You get the idea. House of Secrets is not a novel that dwells on anything for long, and in fairness to it, the plot moves along at a cracking pace. No sooner have the children avoided one terrible fate, than another threat presents itself. Unfortunately, like so many summer blockbuster movies, it isn't really very good.
There are a few problems with the book, but the biggest by far are the characters. Brendan, Cordelia and Nell are as flat as the pages that they are written on, and worse, are actually irritating with little in the way of redeeming qualities. A significant amount of the trouble that they get into is as a direct result of their own idiotic, selfish actions. Not only that, but their reaction to the things around them is almost nonexistent. When one of their companions are brutally murdered in front of their eyes, for example, they dwell on it for almost an entire paragraph before returning to their old, irritating selves as if nothing had happened.
The other real issue is that the book is not really clear about which age group its aimed at. The 550 pages and the sometimes brutal and graphic depictions of violence would make it unsuitable for younger readers, however the laughable plot, wooden characters and clunky dialogue would make older children roll their eyes, then discard the book and go back to their games consoles.
House of Secrets is a bloated example of style over substance, with a contrived plot, unrealistic characters and very little in the way of redeeming qualities. I would not bet against it being made into an equally bloated and tedious movie at some point in the near future.
May 6, 2013
It's funny how the books that I love the most, I don't really put a lot of thought into before buying. I stumbled upon this book while grocery shopping with my dad at Sam's Club and convinced him (after reading the JK Rowling blurb and the synopsis, I was pretty sure this would be a fun read) I needed another book. And that was it. It was cool-looking, but I didn't exactly do any research on it before tossing it in the shopping cart next to the frozen Barramundi and family-pack of broccoli.
Turns out, that was the best random book decision I made this year. This book was EXACTLY what I needed. It's got everything I could ever ask for in an adventure! There's nightmarish pirates, a cute British pilot, and medieval warriors!
The only sad thing about this book is that I'll now have to wait a year for the next book! Though hopefully this gets snatched up by a director soon! :)
(On a side note, The Goonies is one of my absolute favorite movies ever and I had no idea that Chris Columbus was also behind such a landmark in my childhood until halfway through the book, which definitely sweetened the experience!)
Turns out, that was the best random book decision I made this year. This book was EXACTLY what I needed. It's got everything I could ever ask for in an adventure! There's nightmarish pirates, a cute British pilot, and medieval warriors!
The only sad thing about this book is that I'll now have to wait a year for the next book! Though hopefully this gets snatched up by a director soon! :)
(On a side note, The Goonies is one of my absolute favorite movies ever and I had no idea that Chris Columbus was also behind such a landmark in my childhood until halfway through the book, which definitely sweetened the experience!)
October 21, 2013
I have read quite a number of YA fantasies. They run the gamut from "wow really great" to "crap why did I ever start this?". This book is.....firmly in the gray area. "Ahhhh, it's okay".
I don't want to give the book 2 stars as I tend to think of that as the beginning of "negative numbers" but while I didn't dislike this book, I was never enthused about it.
The story telling is "cute" we get the talk of the "incident" throughout the book. We get the and the fantasy adventure that the kids get sucked into.
I read it, I liked parts of it, but I doubt I'll follow it up. I think possibly that younger readers may enjoy it more...just me.
I don't want to give the book 2 stars as I tend to think of that as the beginning of "negative numbers" but while I didn't dislike this book, I was never enthused about it.
The story telling is "cute" we get the talk of the "incident" throughout the book. We get the and the fantasy adventure that the kids get sucked into.
I read it, I liked parts of it, but I doubt I'll follow it up. I think possibly that younger readers may enjoy it more...just me.
March 13, 2017
Loved loved loved this book! It may be middle grade but it is still one of my favourite books of all time
August 29, 2023
Kesanku setelah baca buku ini adalah... aku lelah. Kenapa? Karena buku ini penuh dengan karakter dan petualangan berbahaya. Sedari awal sampai akhir kita disuguhi petualangan yang bikin jantungan lagi. Kadang kala menyatukan beberapa elemen keren ke dalam suatu plot tidak selalu menjadi jaminan campuran itu akan menghasilkan sesuatu yang keren juga. Apalagi kalau campuran itu jadi terasa uneccesarily overstuffed.
Aku baca buku ini bareng dengan Owen dan kupikir walau karakternya mayoritas gadis-gadis dari 3 bersaudara berusia antara 10-15 tahun tapi cerita ini masih nyaman dinikmati oleh anak laki-laki.
Banter antar karakternya lumayan kocak Dan sarkas. Challenge dan petualangannya juga beneran mempertaruhkan nyawa yang melibatkan capung raksasa buas, para prajurit liar, penyihir yang tak bisa mati, dan pesawat tempur ala perang dunia I.
Plotnya lumayan rame dan butuh fokus. Menurutku sih lebih berat isinya daripada seri Percy Jackson. Disini juga banyak pesan moral tentang ikatan keluarga.
Aku baca buku ini bareng dengan Owen dan kupikir walau karakternya mayoritas gadis-gadis dari 3 bersaudara berusia antara 10-15 tahun tapi cerita ini masih nyaman dinikmati oleh anak laki-laki.
Banter antar karakternya lumayan kocak Dan sarkas. Challenge dan petualangannya juga beneran mempertaruhkan nyawa yang melibatkan capung raksasa buas, para prajurit liar, penyihir yang tak bisa mati, dan pesawat tempur ala perang dunia I.
Plotnya lumayan rame dan butuh fokus. Menurutku sih lebih berat isinya daripada seri Percy Jackson. Disini juga banyak pesan moral tentang ikatan keluarga.
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January 20, 2013There has been an incident and the Walker family must relocate. The realtor is about to show them the Kristoff House in an area known as Sea Cliff. Since moving is the last thing the children Cordelia, Brendan, and Eleanor want, they are suspicious when the realtor gushes about how fabulous this house is.
Sea Cliff is no joke. Kristoff House is balanced precariously on a cliff with portions of the structure supported by stilts and something described as "earthquake" barrels. The family is promised that the elaborate house is perfectly safe and has survived previous disasters unscathed.
A fantastic view of the Golden Gate Bridge impresses the potential buyers, but before they even enter the house, Brendan is spooked by an angel statue in the garden. No one listens to his worries which should have been taken as a warning of times to come.
Inside, the place is amazing. It is fully furnished with elegant appointments including an amazing library that captures the attention of Cordelia. This place might not be so bad after all. The asking price is too good to pass up, and the sale is quickly made.
The family has barely moved in when disaster strikes. In a freak accident the children's parents disappear leaving only bloody traces behind. What follows is total chaos! Cordelia, Brendan, and Eleanor begin a series of adventures that have them battling colossal giants and pirates as they struggle to stay alive in a house that soon becomes a vehicle of sorts. When book loving Cordelia discovers they have become part of some story created by the house's original owner, the children's quest becomes one of finding the right story that will take them to their parents and reunite the Walker family.
Author Ned Vizzini teams up with movie director/producer Chris Columbus in creating to new fantasy adventure. HOUSE OF SECRETS will be the first in a series of books sure to capture the attention of young adventure fans. Set to release April 23, 2013, this is one to put on your to-be-read list.
Sea Cliff is no joke. Kristoff House is balanced precariously on a cliff with portions of the structure supported by stilts and something described as "earthquake" barrels. The family is promised that the elaborate house is perfectly safe and has survived previous disasters unscathed.
A fantastic view of the Golden Gate Bridge impresses the potential buyers, but before they even enter the house, Brendan is spooked by an angel statue in the garden. No one listens to his worries which should have been taken as a warning of times to come.
Inside, the place is amazing. It is fully furnished with elegant appointments including an amazing library that captures the attention of Cordelia. This place might not be so bad after all. The asking price is too good to pass up, and the sale is quickly made.
The family has barely moved in when disaster strikes. In a freak accident the children's parents disappear leaving only bloody traces behind. What follows is total chaos! Cordelia, Brendan, and Eleanor begin a series of adventures that have them battling colossal giants and pirates as they struggle to stay alive in a house that soon becomes a vehicle of sorts. When book loving Cordelia discovers they have become part of some story created by the house's original owner, the children's quest becomes one of finding the right story that will take them to their parents and reunite the Walker family.
Author Ned Vizzini teams up with movie director/producer Chris Columbus in creating to new fantasy adventure. HOUSE OF SECRETS will be the first in a series of books sure to capture the attention of young adventure fans. Set to release April 23, 2013, this is one to put on your to-be-read list.
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