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Araminta Spook #6
Gargoyle Hall
Well-intentioned trouble maker Araminta Spookie has been “helpful” one too many times, so her family has decided to send her to boarding school. Upon arrival, Araminta is surprised to discover that Gargoyle Hall makes her haunted home seem positively cozy. Strange moans and clanks echo down the halls, and the two class leaders are equally creepy. Most of the other students have been scared away, but Araminta is determined to find out what-or who-is menacing the school.
Complete with blank-and-white interior illustrations, loads of humor, and more than a few chills to go around, this brand-new story is perfect for fans of Pseudonymous Bosch and Jacqueline West. Look for the teaser at the end of this paperback for the next spooky book in the series!
Complete with blank-and-white interior illustrations, loads of humor, and more than a few chills to go around, this brand-new story is perfect for fans of Pseudonymous Bosch and Jacqueline West. Look for the teaser at the end of this paperback for the next spooky book in the series!
240 pages, Paperback
First published June 5, 2014
14 people are currently reading
935 people want to read
About the author
Angie Sage
65 books3,279 followersAngie Sage (born 1952) is the author of the Septimus Heap series which includes Magyk, Flyte, Physik, Queste, Syren, Darke and Fyre. She also wrote the Todhunter Moon series, and the Magykal Papers, an additional book with extra information about Septimus' world. She is also the illustrator and/or writer of many children's books, and is the new writer of the Araminta Spookie series.
Angie Sage grew up in Thames Valley, London and Kent. Her father was a publisher. He would bring home blank books that she could fill with pictures and stories. Sage first studied medicine, but changed her mind and went to Art School in Leicester. There she studied Graphic Design and Illustration. She began illustrating books after college. Then she progressed to writing children stories, including toddler books and chapter books. Her first novel was Septimus Heap: Magyk. Angie Sage is married and has two daughters, Laurie and Lois.
Angie Sage grew up in Thames Valley, London and Kent. Her father was a publisher. He would bring home blank books that she could fill with pictures and stories. Sage first studied medicine, but changed her mind and went to Art School in Leicester. There she studied Graphic Design and Illustration. She began illustrating books after college. Then she progressed to writing children stories, including toddler books and chapter books. Her first novel was Septimus Heap: Magyk. Angie Sage is married and has two daughters, Laurie and Lois.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
December 3, 2021
《هو الحق》
قدیمی ترین کتاب های کتابخونم ، ۳جلد آرمنتهی جن زدست که خانواده برای روز دختر بهم هدیه دادن ، یک جورایی آرمنته و قلم انجی سیج من رو کتابخون کرد 🥰
چند وقت پیش که دیدم دو جلد نهایی مجموعه ترجمه شده تصمیم گرفتم به یاد اون موقع ها بخونمشون
این جلد داستان جالب و هیجان انگیزی داشت ، دوستش داشتم
پ.ن : من ترجمه ی افق رو بیشتر پسندیدم💛🌼
قدیمی ترین کتاب های کتابخونم ، ۳جلد آرمنتهی جن زدست که خانواده برای روز دختر بهم هدیه دادن ، یک جورایی آرمنته و قلم انجی سیج من رو کتابخون کرد 🥰
چند وقت پیش که دیدم دو جلد نهایی مجموعه ترجمه شده تصمیم گرفتم به یاد اون موقع ها بخونمشون
این جلد داستان جالب و هیجان انگیزی داشت ، دوستش داشتم
پ.ن : من ترجمه ی افق رو بیشتر پسندیدم💛🌼
November 5, 2022
So nice to see Araminta again! I thought Angie Sage had finished with the series, but turns out she wrote two more.
These are happy books. Most of the characters (except the villains) are well-meaning, do their best, struggle against the odds, and so forth, and I love that (from time-to-time, not always). Araminta's indomitable, doesn't doubt herself, and gets the job down, ably assisted by Wanda who is sometimes useful.
The tone's consistent throughout, and it was a pleasure to read. As usual, I wouldn't suggest starting here (why? unless you were marooned, and only had this volume to read), but it could be read out of sequence and understood.
(Note: I'm a writer myself, so suffer pangs of guilt every time I offer less than five stars. These aren't ratings of quality, just my subjective account of how much I liked them: 5* = one of my all-time favourites, 4* = enjoyed it, 3* = readable but not thrilling, 2* = disappointing, and 1* = hated it.)
These are happy books. Most of the characters (except the villains) are well-meaning, do their best, struggle against the odds, and so forth, and I love that (from time-to-time, not always). Araminta's indomitable, doesn't doubt herself, and gets the job down, ably assisted by Wanda who is sometimes useful.
The tone's consistent throughout, and it was a pleasure to read. As usual, I wouldn't suggest starting here (why? unless you were marooned, and only had this volume to read), but it could be read out of sequence and understood.
(Note: I'm a writer myself, so suffer pangs of guilt every time I offer less than five stars. These aren't ratings of quality, just my subjective account of how much I liked them: 5* = one of my all-time favourites, 4* = enjoyed it, 3* = readable but not thrilling, 2* = disappointing, and 1* = hated it.)
November 19, 2020
A quick and enjoyable read! No previous knowledge of the series is necessary to enjoy it. All the mysteries will be satisfactorily solved!
November 20, 2019
This book Has suspicion mystery and many more. It’s really interesting and I would suggest it for people who love these kind of books. If you like those kinds of things you should be reading this book right now it’s amazing and I suggested it just for you!
July 22, 2015
In usual Araminta Spookie style, this book is full of silly laughs and an entertaining story that children and parents are sure to like. I've enjoyed watching the progression of these stories since the first one, and look forward to see what is going to happen in the future.
Hoping for more books.
I thought this one had a bit slower start than some of the others, but the antics soon caught up, making the kids smile and holding their attention. I love books that can make kids curious about what is going to happen next.
If you haven't checked out this series yet, you should, especially if you have little ones in your life.
Another fun book, another recommendation.
This review is based on a complementary copy from the publisher and provided through Netgalley. All opinions are my own.
Hoping for more books.
I thought this one had a bit slower start than some of the others, but the antics soon caught up, making the kids smile and holding their attention. I love books that can make kids curious about what is going to happen next.
If you haven't checked out this series yet, you should, especially if you have little ones in your life.
Another fun book, another recommendation.
This review is based on a complementary copy from the publisher and provided through Netgalley. All opinions are my own.
December 25, 2014
Very funny, I laughed so hard. And I like where the series are going. Hope it gets couple of more books.
January 18, 2018
These books are always cute with humor that's perfect for elementary school kids. Araminta is in trouble (again) and manages, with the interference and recommendation of a great-aunt, to get sent to boarding school. Araminta fancies herself a detective in this volume and she is miffed that she has to leave behind a big mystery involving her Uncle Drac to go away to school. However she finds an even bigger and more spooky mystery at her new school. The mix of funny, scary, and friendship with Wanda is just perfect for young readers. The hilarious and beloved family ghosts make an appearance as do the bats that our heroine adores. I foresee future installments taking place at the new school, giving a new freshness to the series. This is very clever on the author's part, since boarding schools are a beloved theme with kids and there will be opportunities for new characters and spookiness. Can't wait for the next one--and neither will kids!
December 3, 2018
I never read any of the other books but it was easy to get into this book, despite the fact that it is number 6 in the series.
I thought it was funny and very suitable for young teens.
The detective part is not very complicated butI guess that for inexperienced readers it is a good way to get started. Many things are explained and the mysteries aren't too difficult.
I thought it was funny and very suitable for young teens.
The detective part is not very complicated butI guess that for inexperienced readers it is a good way to get started. Many things are explained and the mysteries aren't too difficult.
June 18, 2024
I read this to fill a spot on a reading Bingo card but it was a really cute and fun read. Perfect for, I'd say, around 4th-5th grade. Good way to learn some new vocabulary and get a taste of the Addams Family vibes too!
June 20, 2019
II'm glad Angie Sage wrote more of the Spookie books. They're cute and just perfect for a quick, enjoyable read. Scary with a good helping of humor!
November 19, 2019
Very quick read. Enjoyed it just as much as I have enjoyed the other Araminta spookie books
September 8, 2020
Eleanor says: this book is probably my second favorite. This book was super good. This book was good to me because Araminta and Wanda saved Miss Gargoyle.
July 15, 2015
Gargoyle Hall: An Araminta Spookie Adventure by Angie Sage is a children's chapter book that is currently scheduled for release on August 11 2015. Araminta Spookie is a unique girl with a very special family. Uncle Drac keeps bats and goes of on expeditions to bring them home. There are three ghosts in the house, one that just happens to be a dog, and a best friend and her family that lives in the same house.when a great aunt comes to visit it is decided that Araminta has been "helpful" one too many times, so her family decides to send her to boarding school. On arrival, Araminta is surprised to discover that her best friend has stowed away in her trunk and that Gargoyle Hall makes her haunted home seem positively cozy. Strange moans and clanks echo down the halls and the two class leaders are equally creepy. Most of the other students have been scared away, but Araminta is determined to find out what-or who-is menacing the school.
Gargoyle Hall is the sixth book in this series, so I did feel a little like I was coming in late since I have not read any of the others, but I caught up to the spirit of the series fairly quickly. The writing is accessible to reluctant readers and avid readers alike and has a good mix of humor and spookiness to keep everyone entertained. Araminta is a strong willed, and slightly odd, young lady with good intentions. She is always trying to be helpful, but the majority of the time her 'help' causes more difficulty and chaos than expected. The adventures of Araminta, who reminds me of a kind hearted Wednesday Addams, are illustrated by Jimmy Pickering with black and white artwork. The pictures add a great deal of atmosphere and emotion to the story, helping younger readers identify with the characters even more. I found the adventure and the writing to be great from readers that need high action books to hold their interest and for those that love a touch of the spooky.
Gargoyle Hall is a great chapterbook for adventure and series fans. I think my two children, who often feel intimidated by chapter books and love anything remotely spooky will be hooked on this series in short order. I am bringing home the first book of this series, My Haunted House, as soon as possible for their perusal.
Gargoyle Hall is the sixth book in this series, so I did feel a little like I was coming in late since I have not read any of the others, but I caught up to the spirit of the series fairly quickly. The writing is accessible to reluctant readers and avid readers alike and has a good mix of humor and spookiness to keep everyone entertained. Araminta is a strong willed, and slightly odd, young lady with good intentions. She is always trying to be helpful, but the majority of the time her 'help' causes more difficulty and chaos than expected. The adventures of Araminta, who reminds me of a kind hearted Wednesday Addams, are illustrated by Jimmy Pickering with black and white artwork. The pictures add a great deal of atmosphere and emotion to the story, helping younger readers identify with the characters even more. I found the adventure and the writing to be great from readers that need high action books to hold their interest and for those that love a touch of the spooky.
Gargoyle Hall is a great chapterbook for adventure and series fans. I think my two children, who often feel intimidated by chapter books and love anything remotely spooky will be hooked on this series in short order. I am bringing home the first book of this series, My Haunted House, as soon as possible for their perusal.
July 19, 2016
Gargoyle Hall: An Araminta Spookie Adventure by Angie Sage is a children's chapter book. It is the sixth in the series as after finishing it, I will definitely be looking for the rest for the family and school library.
Araminta Spookie is a unique girl with a very special family. Uncle Drac keeps bats, there are three ghosts in the house, a knight, his page and his dog, two other aunts, her best friend and partner in the detective agency Wanda and her parents. Unfortunately, Araminta seems to be always getting in trouble, but it is not usually her fault. When a great aunt comes to visit it is decided that Araminta has had problems one too many times, so her family decides to send her to boarding school. On arrival, Araminta is surprised to discover that her best friend has stowed away in her trunk. She also meets up with the only other two students, sisters that she calls the Vultures. Strange noises echo down the halls at night and when Araminta and Wanda get up in the morning, they discover that Ms. Gargoyle is indisposed for the day. They get locked in the basement, but with the help of Araminta's cousin, and the ghosts from home, they find out who is causing the problems in the school and what has scared away the rest of the students.
The writing is accessible to reluctant readers and avid readers alike and has a good mix of humour and spookiness to keep everyone entertained. Araminta is a strong willed, and slightly odd, young lady with good intentions. She is always trying to be helpful, but the majority of the time her 'help' causes more difficulty and chaos than expected. The series is illustrated by Jimmy Pickering with black and white artwork that adds to the story just enough to keep you entertained. The story has enough adventure to entertain reluctant readers that need high action books to hold their interest and for those that love a touch of the spooky.
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Araminta Spookie is a unique girl with a very special family. Uncle Drac keeps bats, there are three ghosts in the house, a knight, his page and his dog, two other aunts, her best friend and partner in the detective agency Wanda and her parents. Unfortunately, Araminta seems to be always getting in trouble, but it is not usually her fault. When a great aunt comes to visit it is decided that Araminta has had problems one too many times, so her family decides to send her to boarding school. On arrival, Araminta is surprised to discover that her best friend has stowed away in her trunk. She also meets up with the only other two students, sisters that she calls the Vultures. Strange noises echo down the halls at night and when Araminta and Wanda get up in the morning, they discover that Ms. Gargoyle is indisposed for the day. They get locked in the basement, but with the help of Araminta's cousin, and the ghosts from home, they find out who is causing the problems in the school and what has scared away the rest of the students.
The writing is accessible to reluctant readers and avid readers alike and has a good mix of humour and spookiness to keep everyone entertained. Araminta is a strong willed, and slightly odd, young lady with good intentions. She is always trying to be helpful, but the majority of the time her 'help' causes more difficulty and chaos than expected. The series is illustrated by Jimmy Pickering with black and white artwork that adds to the story just enough to keep you entertained. The story has enough adventure to entertain reluctant readers that need high action books to hold their interest and for those that love a touch of the spooky.
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
June 15, 2016
{My thoughts} – Araminta has managed to upset Aunt Tabby in this book. She’s upset her to the point that she takes Uncle Drac’s mothers advice and enrolls her into a boarding school called Gargoyle Hall. Araminta had tried to do everything she could the night she was forced to leave, in order to change Aunt Tabby’s mind but all efforts were in vain.
Once she got to the boarding school, she had to sign the the school registry and after that she was shown to her room and left to unpack. The great thing about unpacking was that Wanda had stowed away in her trunk so the two were at the school together.
The next morning they were woken up by the two head girls and forced into the cellar to clean all the spiders and spider webs etc. That didn’t really bother then considering they came from Spookie House.
While they were down there they were surprised by Mathilda, Araminta’s cousin, whom was apparently there to rescue them from the clutches of the two head girls whom they decided to Cal vultures. I have to agree with the name they chose for those two, it became rather fitting as the story progressed.
It appears that Araminta had been enrolled as a last ditch effort to prevent the school from being closed. There seems to be some terrible beast that makes noises at night scaring off all the students as well as the way the vultures treated them during the day. Between the two things no one wanted to stick around.
Do the vultures succeed in getting the school closed? Do they and the beast manage to scare off Wanda and Araminta? There are so many more questions you will be asking yourself as your reading, but these are the top two.
I highly recommend this series for children that like paranormal reads that aren’t really scary. These are a lot of fun to read and you can knock them out in a couple of hours depending on your reading speed. I look forward to reading the newest book in this series soon.
Once she got to the boarding school, she had to sign the the school registry and after that she was shown to her room and left to unpack. The great thing about unpacking was that Wanda had stowed away in her trunk so the two were at the school together.
The next morning they were woken up by the two head girls and forced into the cellar to clean all the spiders and spider webs etc. That didn’t really bother then considering they came from Spookie House.
While they were down there they were surprised by Mathilda, Araminta’s cousin, whom was apparently there to rescue them from the clutches of the two head girls whom they decided to Cal vultures. I have to agree with the name they chose for those two, it became rather fitting as the story progressed.
It appears that Araminta had been enrolled as a last ditch effort to prevent the school from being closed. There seems to be some terrible beast that makes noises at night scaring off all the students as well as the way the vultures treated them during the day. Between the two things no one wanted to stick around.
Do the vultures succeed in getting the school closed? Do they and the beast manage to scare off Wanda and Araminta? There are so many more questions you will be asking yourself as your reading, but these are the top two.
I highly recommend this series for children that like paranormal reads that aren’t really scary. These are a lot of fun to read and you can knock them out in a couple of hours depending on your reading speed. I look forward to reading the newest book in this series soon.
August 11, 2015
I received this book from Netgalley/the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I was not familiar with Angie Sage’s Araminta Spookie series when I received the opportunity to review Gargoyle Hall, but now that I have done so, I will be picking up the rest of Araminta’s adventures!
Araminta Spookie is a young girl who lives in a big house with her family and her friend’s family. They are an eclectic bunch, like the Munsters or the Addams family. Araminta always has good intentions, but she is also rather “spirited” and her good intentions don’t always yield good results.
In Gargoyle Hall, Araminta is sent off to boarding school. This frustrates her, because she was in the middle of solving two very important mysteries. As soon as Araminta arrives at Gargoyle Hall, she finds herself in the middle of an even bigger mystery. The students have been frightened away by a monster, so it is up to our intrepid detective to figure out where the monster came from and why it is causing such a ruckus.
This was a very funny book. Sometimes children’s humor relies too heavily on insults and misfortune, but Angie Sage demonstrates that wry humor can be just as funny. Sage’s Araminta is just delightful, and reminds me of Clementine and Ramona. Araminta is clever, and she is a loyal friend. She embodies so many positive qualities, and although she is opinionated, she is not outright rude.
I would absolutely recommend Gargoyle Hall. It manages to be scary in a fun and campy way, without being truly terrifying. This book is perfect for children in the early years of elementary school. My oldest daughter just finished second grade, and she also enjoyed reading Gargoyle Hall. We will definitely be going to the library to look for more Araminta Spookie books!
I was not familiar with Angie Sage’s Araminta Spookie series when I received the opportunity to review Gargoyle Hall, but now that I have done so, I will be picking up the rest of Araminta’s adventures!
Araminta Spookie is a young girl who lives in a big house with her family and her friend’s family. They are an eclectic bunch, like the Munsters or the Addams family. Araminta always has good intentions, but she is also rather “spirited” and her good intentions don’t always yield good results.
In Gargoyle Hall, Araminta is sent off to boarding school. This frustrates her, because she was in the middle of solving two very important mysteries. As soon as Araminta arrives at Gargoyle Hall, she finds herself in the middle of an even bigger mystery. The students have been frightened away by a monster, so it is up to our intrepid detective to figure out where the monster came from and why it is causing such a ruckus.
This was a very funny book. Sometimes children’s humor relies too heavily on insults and misfortune, but Angie Sage demonstrates that wry humor can be just as funny. Sage’s Araminta is just delightful, and reminds me of Clementine and Ramona. Araminta is clever, and she is a loyal friend. She embodies so many positive qualities, and although she is opinionated, she is not outright rude.
I would absolutely recommend Gargoyle Hall. It manages to be scary in a fun and campy way, without being truly terrifying. This book is perfect for children in the early years of elementary school. My oldest daughter just finished second grade, and she also enjoyed reading Gargoyle Hall. We will definitely be going to the library to look for more Araminta Spookie books!
August 3, 2015
Having read and liked the first in this series, My Haunted House, when receiving an ARC of this title I was curious to see how the series had perhaps grown or changed in the books since. While I did like the first book, it also felt like the author was still trying to grow into her characters and setting ... and happily, with Gargoyle Hall, author Angie Sage seems to have embraced the Spookie world indeed. Here Araminta is in full "detective mode," trying to figure out the recent strange behavior of her Aunt Tabby and Uncle Drac - not to mention Drac's bats - and in trying to investigate with her sidekick/best friend Wanda (one of the most lovable ditzes in kids' literature) gets herself into enough trouble that visiting great-Aunt Emilene actually talks Tabby and Drac into shipping her off to boarding school. But upon her arrival at Gargoyle Hall, Araminta finds even bigger mysteries to solve; can she and stowaway Wanda learn the secrets behind the Beast of Gargoyle Hall in time to save the school? I LOVED this book, Araminta and Wanda are a great duo kids and adults alike can embrace, the spookiness not scary enough to frighten younger readers but nicely dark and mysterious for kids. Touches of humor make it enjoyable even for the "big kids" reading it as well, but most of all it's great to see that Sage has really grown into this world and her characters; I liked Araminta after the first book, but with this one I just think she and Wanda both are nothing short of awesome. ****1/2
Note: I received a free ARC of this title via NetGalley and the publisher, in exchange for an honest review.
Note: I received a free ARC of this title via NetGalley and the publisher, in exchange for an honest review.
July 31, 2015
Not sure where I have been but I didn't know this was part of a series when I requested this on NetGalley. It was a bit hard at the beginning to follow because there were a few pieces missing but overall I feel it could stand alone.
Araminta wants to be a detective and she certainly has a bunch of mysteries in this book. Why is her Uncle Drac not sleeping in the turret? Why are the bats trying to escape the turret? Why is she being sent to Gargoyle Hall? What is the Beast at Gargoyle Hall? Why are all the girls leaving Gargoyle Hall? With the help of her best friend Wanda, Araminta sets out to solve the mysteries and save Gargoyle Hall from being closed down.
This was a fun little mystery - good for 4th grade and up.
Araminta wants to be a detective and she certainly has a bunch of mysteries in this book. Why is her Uncle Drac not sleeping in the turret? Why are the bats trying to escape the turret? Why is she being sent to Gargoyle Hall? What is the Beast at Gargoyle Hall? Why are all the girls leaving Gargoyle Hall? With the help of her best friend Wanda, Araminta sets out to solve the mysteries and save Gargoyle Hall from being closed down.
This was a fun little mystery - good for 4th grade and up.
August 30, 2015
For the full review, please check out my blog:
http://livingalifeinbooks.blogspot.co...
In Gargoyle Hall by Angie Sage, Araminta Spookie seems to get herself into trouble an awful lot--but that's only because she's solving a mystery and no one else seems concerned.
I thought this was really cute!
When I requested this, I had no idea it was part of a series. thought there were probably a few things I would have gotten out of knowing the back story for all the characters, especially in the relationships Araminta has with different characters.
Gargoyle Hall is a great book for readers around grades 4-6.
http://livingalifeinbooks.blogspot.co...
In Gargoyle Hall by Angie Sage, Araminta Spookie seems to get herself into trouble an awful lot--but that's only because she's solving a mystery and no one else seems concerned.
I thought this was really cute!
When I requested this, I had no idea it was part of a series. thought there were probably a few things I would have gotten out of knowing the back story for all the characters, especially in the relationships Araminta has with different characters.
Gargoyle Hall is a great book for readers around grades 4-6.
July 18, 2015
Loved the illustrations throughout the book. Deff for middle grade kids, I enjoy books like that even though I am an adult. I couldnt get into it as it is for young ones. Even a 4th grader and up would like this one. I wanted this book because I love the author and loved the Septimus Heap books. So all in all, this is a great book for the young ones.
March 17, 2015
My daughter enjoyed this book. The chapters are a lot longer in this than in other Araminta Spook books that we have read. My only complaint is that the illustrations don't match the story properly.
July 1, 2015
Cute, funny & a quick read. Will definitely recommend to kids.
October 11, 2015
I prefer the easier and shorter Araminta Spookie series.
January 2, 2016
Fun to read. Interesting, unconventional characters. Sometimes reminds me of the Little Monsters comic book series from the 60s & 70s
June 7, 2016
My full review can be found here: http://www.compassbookratings.com/rev...
August 16, 2016
Araminta is a clever and likable character
March 22, 2020
hehe! fun fun fun :)
October 5, 2015
Heerlijk boek en door nieuwe wending weer veel nieuwe avonturen te verwachten.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews