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House of Many Doors
Every year on Halloween night, villains from around the world gather to attend a secretive event known as a midnight auction. Here the wealthy, the diabolical and the curious get to bid on items from the darker side of antique spell-books, knives used by famous murderers, hands of glory. It's not the kind of place for those with a weak constitution and it's certainly not the kind of place for a twelve-year old boy, no matter how brave he might think he is …Tony Lott lives with his uncle in a dusty antiques shop in London, England.Joseph Martell—said uncle—is an old man harboring a terrible secret.When the pair are lured to the grandest midnight auction of all, they find themselves caught up in a frightening conspiracy. At the center of the puzzle lies Marshwood, the House of Many Doors. But what does its owner want with Tony? And why is a teenage witch with a short temper the key to unraveling the whole mystery?
- GenresFantasy
387 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 29, 2014
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479 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
October 25, 2019
2.5 stars.
Review pending.... What started out as a horror novel, quickly changed into a YA fantasy-type of story. I have very mixed feelings on this one...
Review pending.... What started out as a horror novel, quickly changed into a YA fantasy-type of story. I have very mixed feelings on this one...
July 10, 2017
So this is my first review on a book in some time, I ended up taking a lengthy hiatus from reading due to a change in job and just general life but I am back with a vengence now and my first order of protocol was 'House of Many Doors' I rememer seeing this just before my break and thinking how brilliant the synopsis was and just had to pick this up as one of my first books.
The story is based on a main character young Tony, who lives with his uncle Martell in an antique shop in London, but things are about that change when they are both invited to an illegal midnight auction, an annual action held for the the evil, the wealthy and the curious, selling various magical and historical items, it is here where the story unfolds as Tony and Martell barely make it out alive, close behind them two asssasins and many other antagonists to follow.
The characters were brilliant, Tony and his uncles bond throughout was so believable and strong, there were lots of interesting characters to meet throughout, Vanessa was a strong minded yet soft at heart girl who brought some sass. The two assassin Mr. Kepler and Krooks were both cold hearted killers the kind you love to hate. Even down to side characters such as the genie (yes your correct in your assumptions, it is a genie in a bottle) and Sir Roderick the big beef of a man who at first seems cruel and cold hearted, but ends up a great asset and ally.
The plot runs smoothly Richard's imagery of London is perfect, I am not sure if he has ever been, or just did tons of research but it really comes alive, the plot is faced past and barely have time to breathe at points, but sewed in are some funny interactions and little side stories that will let you catch your breath. Of course filled with lots of magic and fantasy, fairies and genies, wizards and witches, you can't help but compare to the likes of Gaiman and Pullman. I was never bored and only engrossed.. 400 pages the book was in total I believe on the kindle and it felt like half of that with the speed of which I read it even staying up extra late to finish this one off.
As I say fans of Pullman and Gaiman are in for a treat, I was actually rather shocked this one hadn't received more reviews so just had to put my little word in for people who are wondering or hesitating about whether or not to read this one, please don't..... you will NOT be disappointed.
The story is based on a main character young Tony, who lives with his uncle Martell in an antique shop in London, but things are about that change when they are both invited to an illegal midnight auction, an annual action held for the the evil, the wealthy and the curious, selling various magical and historical items, it is here where the story unfolds as Tony and Martell barely make it out alive, close behind them two asssasins and many other antagonists to follow.
The characters were brilliant, Tony and his uncles bond throughout was so believable and strong, there were lots of interesting characters to meet throughout, Vanessa was a strong minded yet soft at heart girl who brought some sass. The two assassin Mr. Kepler and Krooks were both cold hearted killers the kind you love to hate. Even down to side characters such as the genie (yes your correct in your assumptions, it is a genie in a bottle) and Sir Roderick the big beef of a man who at first seems cruel and cold hearted, but ends up a great asset and ally.
The plot runs smoothly Richard's imagery of London is perfect, I am not sure if he has ever been, or just did tons of research but it really comes alive, the plot is faced past and barely have time to breathe at points, but sewed in are some funny interactions and little side stories that will let you catch your breath. Of course filled with lots of magic and fantasy, fairies and genies, wizards and witches, you can't help but compare to the likes of Gaiman and Pullman. I was never bored and only engrossed.. 400 pages the book was in total I believe on the kindle and it felt like half of that with the speed of which I read it even staying up extra late to finish this one off.
As I say fans of Pullman and Gaiman are in for a treat, I was actually rather shocked this one hadn't received more reviews so just had to put my little word in for people who are wondering or hesitating about whether or not to read this one, please don't..... you will NOT be disappointed.
May 7, 2014
Set in London, the story centers around Tony, a twelve-year-old boy being raised in an antiques shop by his only relative, his uncle, Martell. Things really start to get dark and magical when Tony and Martell visit an illegal midnight auction, which ends in a disaster from which they barely escape...
Questions arise: who is the Black Magician of Dover Street? Why have a pair of assassins taken an interest in Martell and Tony? And, most unsettling of all, what is the House of Many Doors?
I LOVE the characters in this book, particularly Sir Roderick and Vanessa. The interactions between the characters lend humor to the story, which balances the darkness and high stakes perfectly. They are well drawn out, believable, and easy to root for (or against!).
Next, I love the plot, which is fast paced and tightly woven. There are plenty of satisfying twists and turns as Tony and Vanessa uncover layer after layer of the mystery of the House of Many Doors. So much depends on a book's ending, and this one does not disappoint.
Finally, I love the sense of place—Ian Richards's London is beautifully described, haunting and magical. It's clear that the city is close to his heart, as it will be to his readers as they follow Tony's journey through it.
Fans of the Harry Potter series, Philip Pullman's His Dark Materials trilogy, and the works of Neil Gaiman will enjoy this novel.
Questions arise: who is the Black Magician of Dover Street? Why have a pair of assassins taken an interest in Martell and Tony? And, most unsettling of all, what is the House of Many Doors?
I LOVE the characters in this book, particularly Sir Roderick and Vanessa. The interactions between the characters lend humor to the story, which balances the darkness and high stakes perfectly. They are well drawn out, believable, and easy to root for (or against!).
Next, I love the plot, which is fast paced and tightly woven. There are plenty of satisfying twists and turns as Tony and Vanessa uncover layer after layer of the mystery of the House of Many Doors. So much depends on a book's ending, and this one does not disappoint.
Finally, I love the sense of place—Ian Richards's London is beautifully described, haunting and magical. It's clear that the city is close to his heart, as it will be to his readers as they follow Tony's journey through it.
Fans of the Harry Potter series, Philip Pullman's His Dark Materials trilogy, and the works of Neil Gaiman will enjoy this novel.
May 7, 2015
I loved this book! It was a fun read, and great escape. The author creates a world of magic, and incorporates the many facets of magic into an entertaining story, with endearing characters, and scary, violent villains that help move the plot along. I was very impressed with Ian Richards' first novel, and hope to read any future books he may write.
November 6, 2019
Decent coming-of-age fantasy but a little draggy in spots. I enjoyed it.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews