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Through the Paper Wall
Things haven’t been the same between Jesse and Dad since Mom died, and now Jesse’s worst fears are coming true. Not only has he been forced to move across the country, but Dad is also flirting like crazy with his new girlfriend. In an attempt to get away from the two lovebirds, Jesse starts to explore his new house and what he finds changes everything. Hidden in Jesse’s basement is a room the adults can’t see, and leading from the room is a massive tunnel. That’s not the only weird thing about Jesse’s new house, though. It’s also tagged with all sorts of rumors. Could the house actually be haunted like some people think?
With the help of his new friend Jake, Jesse soon discovers the truth, and they find themselves in a situation that is way out of their control. Ambyth, an eternal city of teenagers, is anything but a safe place for Jesse and Jake to be. Together they must overcome the evil that Jesse’s house has been hiding for decades, and they have to do it before time runs out.
With the help of his new friend Jake, Jesse soon discovers the truth, and they find themselves in a situation that is way out of their control. Ambyth, an eternal city of teenagers, is anything but a safe place for Jesse and Jake to be. Together they must overcome the evil that Jesse’s house has been hiding for decades, and they have to do it before time runs out.
277 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 13, 2013
1 person is currently reading
93 people want to read
About the author
Heidi Nicole Bird
2 books20 followersHeidi Nicole Bird has been writing for as long as she can remember and it is her favorite thing in the world. Heidi is a regular NaNoWriMo participant and is mostly a young adult fantasy writer, but also likes to write juvenile fiction and other genres. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in History from Brigham Young University and she looks forward to exploring the genre of historical fiction. Heidi lives in Utah with her family and four dogs, and loves working as both a writer and an Archival Digitization Specialist for Ancestry.com. To learn more visit www.heidinicolebird.com.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
February 15, 2013
OH my, where to start. This book gives so much to the reader: The turmoil of everyday life, the pain of death, the suspense and thrill of endless adventure, the wonder of fantasy!
Geared towards YA, I was quite elated when I found that I couldn't put the book down until I finished it in one sitting. I'm 20! This author has put something into this book that even people my age and older can relate to. We've all felt familial pain, fought with a loved one, wanted something more from life. She portrays it all wonderfully and leaves your mind spinning to keep up in a flurry of supernatural and whimsy!
I do not want to give too much away, so Ill finish with by saying that I was so so so sad when it ended! I wanted to continue on the adventure with the characters that I had come to know and love so well! I'll definitely be on the lookout for more of Heidi's works, because "Though the Paper Wall" definitely captured my attention, as well as my heart.
9999/10 Would read again and recommend fervently to any and everyone! Give it a shot, you won't regret it.
Geared towards YA, I was quite elated when I found that I couldn't put the book down until I finished it in one sitting. I'm 20! This author has put something into this book that even people my age and older can relate to. We've all felt familial pain, fought with a loved one, wanted something more from life. She portrays it all wonderfully and leaves your mind spinning to keep up in a flurry of supernatural and whimsy!
I do not want to give too much away, so Ill finish with by saying that I was so so so sad when it ended! I wanted to continue on the adventure with the characters that I had come to know and love so well! I'll definitely be on the lookout for more of Heidi's works, because "Though the Paper Wall" definitely captured my attention, as well as my heart.
9999/10 Would read again and recommend fervently to any and everyone! Give it a shot, you won't regret it.
April 2, 2013
I found Through the Paper Wall to be precious on so many levels. Even though it is geared towards YA I think a person can appreciate the message at any age. It is a reminder that life is fragile and we should be thankful for whatever we have. Even our thoughts should not be taken for granted and we should never judge a book by it's cover or give into pier pressure. If you have lived life you have experienced some kind of pain, loss, or indifference. The narrator takes you on a mysterious journey and does so in a captivating and oh so creative fashion while still being able to share valuable life lessons along the way.
“Plants were brighter here, and they had more personality somehow, as if they were excited to be living, or as if something was making them brighter than normal. The trees grew in weird ways, not straight up, but in twists and turns, and they had large, beautiful leaves. Some trees had mixed leaves of all sorts of sizes and shapes. Some of them looked like a crazy artist’s painting come to life.”
“Plants were brighter here, and they had more personality somehow, as if they were excited to be living, or as if something was making them brighter than normal. The trees grew in weird ways, not straight up, but in twists and turns, and they had large, beautiful leaves. Some trees had mixed leaves of all sorts of sizes and shapes. Some of them looked like a crazy artist’s painting come to life.”
March 16, 2013
Heidi Nicole Bird’s “Through the Paper Wall” is a charming delight. It captured my interest from the first sentence and maintained it.. The author writes in an assured and crisp manner, that effectively advances the narrative and builds suspense. Her characters are painted with deft brush strokes, bestowing depth as well as clarity. The descriptions of each person, and their personal and social interactions, are nicely nuanced and engaging.Although aimed at a younger audience, there is no condescension; thus, making “Through the Paper Wall” an entertaining read for all ages. Ambyth? Gareesh? Want to hear a secret? Come close, closer; I will whisper it in your ear. Join Jesse and Jake, through the paper wall. I thoroughly recommend this book. Thank you Heidi Nicole Bird, for the opportunity to review it.
Les Bush
Les Bush
April 12, 2013
I just finished reading Through the Paper Wall by Heidi Nicole Bird and what a refreshing story it was! It took me to a magical place in my mind; one of mystery, imagination, and wonder, yet had the touching side of real-life struggles that a lot of people have to deal with. Even though the main character is quite young, I found myself identifying with his frustration, pain, love, and realization. I love how he grows as a person as the book progresses and is taken to a whole new world that puts things into perspective in his own life.
This story is a young adult fantasy but is perfect for all ages and it has definitely not been done before! It was so well-rounded and interesting that it kept me reading long into the hours of the night. I would describe Ms. Bird’s style as whimsical and fresh, yet she gets down and dirty in the depths of the human soul and puts in some hard-core real life lessons. Bird’s style can almost be related to that of M. Night Shyamalan, in that it is mysteriously engaging and so true to heart in its mesh between fantasy and reality. I highly recommend this book to anyone and everyone, as it will not disappoint!
This story is a young adult fantasy but is perfect for all ages and it has definitely not been done before! It was so well-rounded and interesting that it kept me reading long into the hours of the night. I would describe Ms. Bird’s style as whimsical and fresh, yet she gets down and dirty in the depths of the human soul and puts in some hard-core real life lessons. Bird’s style can almost be related to that of M. Night Shyamalan, in that it is mysteriously engaging and so true to heart in its mesh between fantasy and reality. I highly recommend this book to anyone and everyone, as it will not disappoint!
February 13, 2013
What can I say about this book? How about some adjectives. Imaginative, beautiful, brilliant, engaging. From the first page of this book, I was hooked, and was very sad to soon be finding myself on the last page. While the story is a fantastic fantasy, the reader finds themselves learning a lesson after the book is over. Without wanting to give anything important away, I will just say that it is a great lesson.
I recommend this book to anyone, as it is an easy and enjoyable read for anyone!
I recommend this book to anyone, as it is an easy and enjoyable read for anyone!
April 26, 2013
Through The Paper Wall is an interesting novel that is completely suitable for children that are a little advanced, right up until those of an age where a mystery isn't something they care about any longer. The Meisters were scary, but not overly so, and the mystery of how to save the people of Ambyth from having their minds hijacked occupied my mind until Jesse, Jake and a very special person devise a way...
April 9, 2013
This is a great book. It captured my interest from the first sentence and maintained it.. She is a great writer and this book is a great read. I recommend this book. Thank you Heidi Nicole Bird, for the opportunity to review it.
April 30, 2013
This book is interesting. I liked the main character Jesse; he reminded me of myself at 13, sometimes being a prick and miserable just because. There are many points in the book where Jesse agrees with his Dad or begins to like his dad's new girlfriend but doesn't want to show it. Heidi has a good handle on young characters. The relationship between Jesse and his father seemed real and were very interesting. The move to Oklahoma would echo many of the thoughts and feelings of teenagers who have been forced to move. The dialogue is okay, but the author knows what Jesse tick. His friend Jake wasn't as well-rounded, but we never get into his head, we stay in Jesse's for almost the entire book.
I have two problems with this book. First is names: the main character is Jesse, his friend is Jake, and Dad's girlfriend is Jessica. Two characters in the secret world are Renna and Rosa. The names were too similar. I wish they had been more distinct, I sometimes thought Jake was speaking when it was actually Jesse, and vice versa. Sometimes it was a bit confusing.
The second is pacing. Maybe I'm not use to YA novels, but it seems a lot of time was spent on the relationship between Dad and Jesse, and adjusting to life in Oklahoma. Once Jesse and Jake enter Ambyth, the story goes on at a fast pace. The situation and villains are quickly set up. A plan is devised by the heroes to help the local people and then it is enacted. I wished more time had been spent exploring Ambyth. Another 50 or 100 page of setting up the world they live in, and the background of the Black Meisters, would have been interesting. The author set up an interesting world; a dark, 21st century Neverland, and I think the book could have benefited from a bit more world building. After reaching Ambyth things just felt too rushed; again I don't really know if it is the natural pacing of YA novels or the author, but the beginning dragged a little bit and had great moments of character interaction, but after going through the paper wall too much happens too fast.
But this is still a good book. I like that the characters aren't sullen, love-struck teenagers, and the message to be yourself and to believe in the power of thoughts and words is a positive one. Heidi Nichole Bird has great potential as a writer. It will be nice to see what else she has up her sleeves.
I have two problems with this book. First is names: the main character is Jesse, his friend is Jake, and Dad's girlfriend is Jessica. Two characters in the secret world are Renna and Rosa. The names were too similar. I wish they had been more distinct, I sometimes thought Jake was speaking when it was actually Jesse, and vice versa. Sometimes it was a bit confusing.
The second is pacing. Maybe I'm not use to YA novels, but it seems a lot of time was spent on the relationship between Dad and Jesse, and adjusting to life in Oklahoma. Once Jesse and Jake enter Ambyth, the story goes on at a fast pace. The situation and villains are quickly set up. A plan is devised by the heroes to help the local people and then it is enacted. I wished more time had been spent exploring Ambyth. Another 50 or 100 page of setting up the world they live in, and the background of the Black Meisters, would have been interesting. The author set up an interesting world; a dark, 21st century Neverland, and I think the book could have benefited from a bit more world building. After reaching Ambyth things just felt too rushed; again I don't really know if it is the natural pacing of YA novels or the author, but the beginning dragged a little bit and had great moments of character interaction, but after going through the paper wall too much happens too fast.
But this is still a good book. I like that the characters aren't sullen, love-struck teenagers, and the message to be yourself and to believe in the power of thoughts and words is a positive one. Heidi Nichole Bird has great potential as a writer. It will be nice to see what else she has up her sleeves.
May 5, 2013
To start out with,I think anyone can relate with the relational struggles between parent and child because you've been there - on both sides! The wording in this book catches the feelings so well. Then, there are the surprises. I love to SEE what I am reading, and Miss Bird describes so well that you feel like you're there. What a great story!
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews