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House Full of Strings
For fans of Coraline and Alice in Wonderland comes a new, heart-pounding adventure...
Since Levi was four, he had Kearney to take care of him. They always had each other’s backs and needed nothing else. Or that’s Kearney’s logic, at least. But Levi’s view on life isn't as simplistic. He has a taste for the extravagant and exciting, and he never expected to find those cravings satisfied by a weird little house in an alley. After all, that house had always been there with its secrets, and he was always eager to learn them. He had a feeling it wanted to share them, too.
And one day, it happens. The house finally opens up, and the boys get thrust into its bizarre world inside. Levi expected the inside of a house to be, well, a house, but he and Kearney get a healthy dose of sickeningly sweet candy worlds, run-down amusement parks, and sentient dolls with an astounding lack of common sense instead.
But behind the house's strange yet playful veneer is an ancient web of lies, one that threatens to trap any who enter it forever. And now that they're wrapped up in the middle of it, the only choice the boys have is to unravel the house’s mystery before it unravels them.
Since Levi was four, he had Kearney to take care of him. They always had each other’s backs and needed nothing else. Or that’s Kearney’s logic, at least. But Levi’s view on life isn't as simplistic. He has a taste for the extravagant and exciting, and he never expected to find those cravings satisfied by a weird little house in an alley. After all, that house had always been there with its secrets, and he was always eager to learn them. He had a feeling it wanted to share them, too.
And one day, it happens. The house finally opens up, and the boys get thrust into its bizarre world inside. Levi expected the inside of a house to be, well, a house, but he and Kearney get a healthy dose of sickeningly sweet candy worlds, run-down amusement parks, and sentient dolls with an astounding lack of common sense instead.
But behind the house's strange yet playful veneer is an ancient web of lies, one that threatens to trap any who enter it forever. And now that they're wrapped up in the middle of it, the only choice the boys have is to unravel the house’s mystery before it unravels them.
532 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 16, 2025
3 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
June 13, 2025
In the House Full of Strings, meet Levi the greedy impulsive little brats and Kearney the level headed too easy going on Levi older brother, both boys were living their days as peacefully as they could ( you know there's an "until" coming, don't you?) until the little brat decides to get inside a house with a vibrant red door and intricate carvings.. and this ladies and gentlemen is where our adventure begins!
From Candy deserts to toy town and finally the wanted destination, our two boys will see/have their lots of "mis-adventure" I'll say? Especially Kearney, oh boy, that boy is tough!
Let's begin, shall we?
The world building was Phantastic (read the book and you'll understand why I wrote it that way), brimming with magic, a creepy atmosphere and some unique creatures..
The pace a bit slow in the, I'll say, first 60% of the book, but no worries, it won't affect your experience, on the contrary. The author took her time to settle in, giving us, at the same time, many puzzle pieces to do our own detective work. But when it picked up, people, you'll have no time to breathe.
the characters each had his/her own personality and a little something that will make you love or hate him/her.
I love Kearney Dakota and colder very much, on the other hand, I couldn't stand Levi. I know he's just a child and all but still, he's a brat and got a my nerves.
The plot was great, no repetitiveness, I really enjoyed how the reader is given bits of information so she/he can make her/his own opinion until the final "dénouement".
Finally, I wouldn't call this downside, but while reading, I noticed that the kids acted rather very calmly in spite of everything horrific they went through.
But who knows, these fierce creatures can be tough when needed!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
From Candy deserts to toy town and finally the wanted destination, our two boys will see/have their lots of "mis-adventure" I'll say? Especially Kearney, oh boy, that boy is tough!
Let's begin, shall we?
The world building was Phantastic (read the book and you'll understand why I wrote it that way), brimming with magic, a creepy atmosphere and some unique creatures..
The pace a bit slow in the, I'll say, first 60% of the book, but no worries, it won't affect your experience, on the contrary. The author took her time to settle in, giving us, at the same time, many puzzle pieces to do our own detective work. But when it picked up, people, you'll have no time to breathe.
the characters each had his/her own personality and a little something that will make you love or hate him/her.
I love Kearney Dakota and colder very much, on the other hand, I couldn't stand Levi. I know he's just a child and all but still, he's a brat and got a my nerves.
The plot was great, no repetitiveness, I really enjoyed how the reader is given bits of information so she/he can make her/his own opinion until the final "dénouement".
Finally, I wouldn't call this downside, but while reading, I noticed that the kids acted rather very calmly in spite of everything horrific they went through.
But who knows, these fierce creatures can be tough when needed!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 14, 2025
Emmi Kolosov’s House Full of Strings is a surreal, unsettling blend of whimsical fantasy and creeping dread—a candy-coated dreamscape that quickly begins to feel like a nightmare. In my opinion, some scenes had strong echoes of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Coraline, and Beauty and the Beast, crafting a vividly imaginative world where nothing is quite as sweet as it seems.
The story follows Levi and Kearney, two children who stumble into a bizarre house filled with candy deserts, animated dinnerware, and gummy caves—yet seem strangely unaware of the danger surrounding them. Levi, in particular, is an infuriating character—bratty, chaotic, and wildly impulsive. Whether he’s a kleptomaniac, simply stubborn, or just completely unhinged remains unclear. Kearney, on the other hand, feels one-dimensional, largely present to fulfill the protector role without much agency or emotional depth.
Despite the characters’ shortcomings, Emmi Kolosov did a great job in worldbuilding. The writing is rich with vivid and often startling imagery: “the sky was a cloudy blue like it was about to cry. It looked like a watercolor painting. That blue was starkly different from the bright pink color of the candy desert beneath it.”
Near the end, the narrative shifts to show what’s happening beyond the house’s walls, providing much-needed context and clarity. The short chapters offer a sad and haunting perspective: the idea that the house has claimed children before, slowly erasing their memories until they forget who they once were.
House Full of Strings is equal parts enchanting and eerie. It reads like Caraval for younger readers, but its sinister undertones and disturbing implications make it clear this is not a simple children’s tale.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The story follows Levi and Kearney, two children who stumble into a bizarre house filled with candy deserts, animated dinnerware, and gummy caves—yet seem strangely unaware of the danger surrounding them. Levi, in particular, is an infuriating character—bratty, chaotic, and wildly impulsive. Whether he’s a kleptomaniac, simply stubborn, or just completely unhinged remains unclear. Kearney, on the other hand, feels one-dimensional, largely present to fulfill the protector role without much agency or emotional depth.
Despite the characters’ shortcomings, Emmi Kolosov did a great job in worldbuilding. The writing is rich with vivid and often startling imagery: “the sky was a cloudy blue like it was about to cry. It looked like a watercolor painting. That blue was starkly different from the bright pink color of the candy desert beneath it.”
Near the end, the narrative shifts to show what’s happening beyond the house’s walls, providing much-needed context and clarity. The short chapters offer a sad and haunting perspective: the idea that the house has claimed children before, slowly erasing their memories until they forget who they once were.
House Full of Strings is equal parts enchanting and eerie. It reads like Caraval for younger readers, but its sinister undertones and disturbing implications make it clear this is not a simple children’s tale.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 27, 2025
The house full of strings is the first novel of a new series. It follows the story of two orphan boys who are like brothers as they enter a mysterious house full of magic.
As the house doors close on them, what started as a fun adventure suddenly becomes a quest to unravel the house's mysteries and find their way back home.
I really enjoyed reading this novel. I thought that it was well-written and the pace was good as well. I enjoyed it all the more that it wasn't at all what I expected. While the heroes are all children, I am not sure that I would qualify it as a children's book as the author was extremely talented in eliciting fear and anguish in me.
Overall a truly good read and an amazing discovery for me that I would recommend with no hesitation.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
As the house doors close on them, what started as a fun adventure suddenly becomes a quest to unravel the house's mysteries and find their way back home.
I really enjoyed reading this novel. I thought that it was well-written and the pace was good as well. I enjoyed it all the more that it wasn't at all what I expected. While the heroes are all children, I am not sure that I would qualify it as a children's book as the author was extremely talented in eliciting fear and anguish in me.
Overall a truly good read and an amazing discovery for me that I would recommend with no hesitation.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 8, 2025
House Full of Strings follows two MMC , Levi , the mischievous one and older Kearney the levelheaded caretaker. When a house full of secrets finally open the boys get drawn in and trapped, losing each other. They have to navigate through the secrets and mysteries to escape.
This book does give Alice in wonderland vibes as I heard described. The plot had a lot of imagination and magical aspects but I was hoping for a little more of a dark edge. It was more of a fun read than creepiness I was hoping for. Over all I’d recommended of your looking for a witty, whimsical read.
I was given the opportunity to read this as an eARC from Booksirens. Thank you Booksirens !
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This book does give Alice in wonderland vibes as I heard described. The plot had a lot of imagination and magical aspects but I was hoping for a little more of a dark edge. It was more of a fun read than creepiness I was hoping for. Over all I’d recommended of your looking for a witty, whimsical read.
I was given the opportunity to read this as an eARC from Booksirens. Thank you Booksirens !
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 16, 2025
This worked with the magical adventure that I was expecting from the description and genre. The characters were everything that I was hoping for and enjoyed it as a start to the Set of Strings series. The characters had that charm to it and worked with the overall storyline. It left me wanting to read more in this world and from Emmi Kolosov. Emmi Kolosov has a strong writing style and am excited for what comes next.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 26, 2025
An inventive horror fantasy! Not quite what I was looking for, unfortunately, but still, it's definitely a good book! I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 6, 2025
3.5 ⭐
Thank you to Booksirens for the ARC.
First thing I think is worth mentioning about this book is to make sure you read the blurb before going in, I say this because I think the vibes the cover/title give off is more dark and serious than the book ends up being, yes it's still a mystery as advertised but there's a lot more eccentric or absurd things present than a quick glance would suggest, e.g buildings made of sweets and doll's given life.
Whilst we're on the subject of the fantastical stuff, I do think the boys react far too calmly to events that unfold, they take it way more in their stride than I would expect of a pair of teenage boys, especially when they've just been seperated and the other could be hurt or worse, but the reaction felt far too related for the situation they found themselves dumped into.
I will say I liked Kearney and Levi as characters well enough, and I really enjoyed the initial back and forth of Kearney trying to parent Levi and Levi internally realising he'd messed up and trying to balance their relationship. I honestly wish we'd seen them trying to survive on the streets, trying to solve mysteries in a more grounded story, but that's my personal preference showing.
Overall I had a decent time but just wasn't fully for me with the level of eccentricities.
Thank you to Booksirens for the ARC.
First thing I think is worth mentioning about this book is to make sure you read the blurb before going in, I say this because I think the vibes the cover/title give off is more dark and serious than the book ends up being, yes it's still a mystery as advertised but there's a lot more eccentric or absurd things present than a quick glance would suggest, e.g buildings made of sweets and doll's given life.
Whilst we're on the subject of the fantastical stuff, I do think the boys react far too calmly to events that unfold, they take it way more in their stride than I would expect of a pair of teenage boys, especially when they've just been seperated and the other could be hurt or worse, but the reaction felt far too related for the situation they found themselves dumped into.
I will say I liked Kearney and Levi as characters well enough, and I really enjoyed the initial back and forth of Kearney trying to parent Levi and Levi internally realising he'd messed up and trying to balance their relationship. I honestly wish we'd seen them trying to survive on the streets, trying to solve mysteries in a more grounded story, but that's my personal preference showing.
Overall I had a decent time but just wasn't fully for me with the level of eccentricities.
May 7, 2025
This book is filled with imagination and wonder as two kids enter a red door of an odd house to find themselves thrust into a world full of candy structures, toy people and no day or night. After getting separated the two boys must find out the secrets of this world to try and figure out a way to escape.
House Full of Strings came together in the end to make a solid read. I do have to admit that I struggled through the front half of the book, however, the final third of the book really shined and helped to pull the loose threads together to tie the book up quite nicely.
What I liked about this book was the sense of creepiness' it provoked throughout it's strange new world and characters.
It was hard for me to invest in the main characters early in the book. They felt bland and I didn't feel excited or interested in them. A lot of the characters backstories were kept hidden for the end of the book and the reveal worked well, but it made for a slow start that made the first part of the book more of a chore to read then I'd hoped. Luckily, the story paid of in the end
Rating: 3.5 out of 5
*I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
House Full of Strings came together in the end to make a solid read. I do have to admit that I struggled through the front half of the book, however, the final third of the book really shined and helped to pull the loose threads together to tie the book up quite nicely.
What I liked about this book was the sense of creepiness' it provoked throughout it's strange new world and characters.
It was hard for me to invest in the main characters early in the book. They felt bland and I didn't feel excited or interested in them. A lot of the characters backstories were kept hidden for the end of the book and the reveal worked well, but it made for a slow start that made the first part of the book more of a chore to read then I'd hoped. Luckily, the story paid of in the end
Rating: 3.5 out of 5
*I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 8, 2025
This story is written well and the plot was okay. Good characters. Now I wish I could say it was enjoyed by me. But to be honest I never got into the story. There are few books I have not ever finished. I did finish this one but it was a job and not a passion. I again must say the book is fundamentally fine. It’s just not one I enjoyed. Maybe it was too much like a fairytale for me. In fact I believe that is a good description of it. The book is written like a fairytale but a bit long.
June 15, 2025
🧸 With twisted humor and gripping suspense, House Full of Strings is a gothic gem. Emmi Kolosov creates a universe where every sweet world hides a bitter truth. Spooky, brilliant, and totally immersive!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews