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Shadow House #3
No Way Out
The third installment in the exciting Shadow House series that invites you to step inside the ghost story! Shadow House always wins . . .Poppy, Dash, Azumi, and Dylan may have made it out of Shadow House--but the grounds are a whole new nightmare. Someone they thought was a friend is hunting them, and there's no place that's safe now that they've woken the shadow creature. If they want to survive, they'll have to figure out once and for all what the house wants from them, and what-or who-they'll need to leave behind in order to escape . . . or risk being trapped within Shadow House forever.
218 pages, Hardcover
First published August 29, 2017
57 people are currently reading
838 people want to read
About the author
Dan Poblocki
26 books647 followersAuthor of The Stone Child, The Nightmarys, The Ghost of Graylock, and the Mysterious Four series,The Haunting of Gabriel Ashe, and The Book of Bad Things.
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February 4, 2024
وااااقعا نمیفهمم چرا انقدر این مجموعه آندرریتده…
October 13, 2017
There is no way out! Or is there? We will find that out in this last instalment in the Shadow House series!
The book begins where the previous book left us. The kids managed to get out of the house, only to encounter a beast of epic proportions. They lost one of their friends. They had to run, hide, flee.
The story switches between Dash, Azumi, Poppy. It was a bit confusing at times as to who was talking, but eventually I settled into the story and didn't have a problem with it.
The story was exciting as we now are getting to the final battle. The last 3 Specials have to be freed (but will the items they have found work on these 3 as well?), Dylan has to be saved, our 3 kids have to get out, defeat Larkspur. There is a lot of things going on, but it never felt like it was too much, instead it was just like a giant puzzle which finally got its last pieces clicking in place. I just couldn't stop reading, I wanted to know what more we could find out about Larkspur (we find out several things, plus we meet with Connie), I wanted to know what must be done to defeat the evil within.
I was definitely noping a few times while reading, not only because of clown Dylan, but also because of the carnival (with those creepy as hell clowns). As you may have guessed, I don't like clowns. *shivers*
I absolutely disliked Dash. All he does is complain, whine, complain, shout, scream at Poppy. He kept being a total toadwart towards her. Instead of being thankful, as really, thanks to her they solved quite a few things, he keeps resenting her. And hey, I don't see him come up with any good ideas other than going back to the driveway and constantly going on and on about his dead clown brother. And sure, Poppy made some mistakes, but I forgive her, as she is doing this under heavy pressure and the constant fear of death, plus at least she came up with some good ideas that are better than going to a driveway which is definitely not the way out. And really, do you think you can just walk up to the driveway without any problems? Do you really think you can just get out like that? Haha, how cute.
Yep, Poppy is definitely the one with the plan. Though she did went a bit craycray at times, but hey, anyone would do that given the situation and how the house is manipulating them all. I was quite liking this girl, she never gave up. She kept going even when Dash wasn't amused with her.
Azumi, I still feel sorry for her, losing her sister, seeing her in the house. But also that she needs to be the mediator between Dash and Poppy. She is already completely terrified, and then she has to stop those two fighting, and also from breaking up. At times I wanted to shake her, she should stop feeling so jealous. Yes, it may seem that Dash and Poppy aren't afraid, they aren't as affected as she is, but that is all just a front.
I had quite a few worries about this one ending. I knew this should be the final book, but given how the story unfolded and how little progress was made at times (especially in regards of their way out/defeating the evil), I thought there would be yet another book. Don't get me wrong, I wouldn't mind more story, maybe from the POV of the first groups, but I wanted this story to be over. These kids deserved to be free.
The ending was really exciting, and it was definitely a great way to end this series. Yes, I am keeping it vague, if you want to know if our trio got out, if they defeated the evil, you will just have to read the book!
Something I did want is an epilogue. A few weeks after, or a few years after. There are still some things I want to see. :)
Ah yes, and let's not forget the photographs/images that are spread throughout the book. They make things even more scarier and creepier. I know that at times I dreaded flipping the page as I just knew there would be a scary image waiting for me.
All in all, this is one book (and series) I would highly recommend to everyone! It is spooky, creepy, exciting, and you will not be able to stop reading.
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
The book begins where the previous book left us. The kids managed to get out of the house, only to encounter a beast of epic proportions. They lost one of their friends. They had to run, hide, flee.
The story switches between Dash, Azumi, Poppy. It was a bit confusing at times as to who was talking, but eventually I settled into the story and didn't have a problem with it.
The story was exciting as we now are getting to the final battle. The last 3 Specials have to be freed (but will the items they have found work on these 3 as well?), Dylan has to be saved, our 3 kids have to get out, defeat Larkspur. There is a lot of things going on, but it never felt like it was too much, instead it was just like a giant puzzle which finally got its last pieces clicking in place. I just couldn't stop reading, I wanted to know what more we could find out about Larkspur (we find out several things, plus we meet with Connie), I wanted to know what must be done to defeat the evil within.
I was definitely noping a few times while reading, not only because of clown Dylan, but also because of the carnival (with those creepy as hell clowns). As you may have guessed, I don't like clowns. *shivers*
I absolutely disliked Dash. All he does is complain, whine, complain, shout, scream at Poppy. He kept being a total toadwart towards her. Instead of being thankful, as really, thanks to her they solved quite a few things, he keeps resenting her. And hey, I don't see him come up with any good ideas other than going back to the driveway and constantly going on and on about his dead clown brother. And sure, Poppy made some mistakes, but I forgive her, as she is doing this under heavy pressure and the constant fear of death, plus at least she came up with some good ideas that are better than going to a driveway which is definitely not the way out. And really, do you think you can just walk up to the driveway without any problems? Do you really think you can just get out like that? Haha, how cute.
Yep, Poppy is definitely the one with the plan. Though she did went a bit craycray at times, but hey, anyone would do that given the situation and how the house is manipulating them all. I was quite liking this girl, she never gave up. She kept going even when Dash wasn't amused with her.
Azumi, I still feel sorry for her, losing her sister, seeing her in the house. But also that she needs to be the mediator between Dash and Poppy. She is already completely terrified, and then she has to stop those two fighting, and also from breaking up. At times I wanted to shake her, she should stop feeling so jealous. Yes, it may seem that Dash and Poppy aren't afraid, they aren't as affected as she is, but that is all just a front.
I had quite a few worries about this one ending. I knew this should be the final book, but given how the story unfolded and how little progress was made at times (especially in regards of their way out/defeating the evil), I thought there would be yet another book. Don't get me wrong, I wouldn't mind more story, maybe from the POV of the first groups, but I wanted this story to be over. These kids deserved to be free.
The ending was really exciting, and it was definitely a great way to end this series. Yes, I am keeping it vague, if you want to know if our trio got out, if they defeated the evil, you will just have to read the book!
Something I did want is an epilogue. A few weeks after, or a few years after. There are still some things I want to see. :)
Ah yes, and let's not forget the photographs/images that are spread throughout the book. They make things even more scarier and creepier. I know that at times I dreaded flipping the page as I just knew there would be a scary image waiting for me.
All in all, this is one book (and series) I would highly recommend to everyone! It is spooky, creepy, exciting, and you will not be able to stop reading.
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
May 14, 2021
Dylan has fallen further under Larkspur House's spell, and poses a serious threat to Poppy, Azumi, and his own twin brother Dash. The three of them are on the run from Larkspur, shellshocked after witnessing Marcus's death but knowing that the only way to avoid a similar fate is to escape before the house bores of its little game and kills them. They're headed away from Larkspur but can't seem to make any progress; Poppy leads Dash and Azumi into a carnival that suddenly appears, and for the first time, her friends doubt Poppy's instincts. Should they willingly participate in the house's games, or ignore its illusions and continue running? The fantasy mindscapes that Larkspur conjures are only going to get crazier and more dangerous.
Azumi is on the lookout for messages from her dead sister Moriko, Poppy keeps an eye out for any sign of Consolida Caldwell—the ghost girl who has appeared to her in mirrors for many years—and Dash won't let go of hope that Dylan can be saved from Larkspur's influence. Dylan seems more creature than human, possessed by the evil clown mask he's wearing, but he has shown flickers of his old self. Dash's sense of guilt over accidentally killing his brother months ago is still raw, but Dylan's ghost has been his companion ever since. Is there no way to save Dylan from a fate worse than death by electrocution? As Poppy, Dash, and Azumi search the labyrinthine grounds of Larkspur for an escape route, they discover there's one way to destroy the house. Frederick Caldwell, an ancestor of Poppy's, made a pact long ago with the evil entity that animates Larkspur, and the only way to nullify it is to locate the pact inside the house and burn it to ashes. With Larkspur fully aware of their intentions, it won't be easy.
All around the mazelike estate Poppy, Dash, and Azumi race, pursued by supernatural enemies. The three kids reenter Larkspur House to hunt for the art room, where Frederick Caldwell supposedly hid the pact inside one of his own paintings. Poppy, Dash, and Azumi suddenly can't seem to refrain from arguing among themselves, as though the house is setting them at each other's throats. Success is far from guaranteed as our surviving protagonists find the art room, chased by demons more horrible than they know. Are they about to end generations of oppression by Larkspur House...or does the mansion have one last trick to play?
No Way Out is slower and more predictable than The Gathering or You Can't Hide, but the emotional resolutions at the end are pretty good. Poppy and Azumi have trauma to sort through, but Dash's psychological uphill climb is steepest; he was teetering on the edge before Larkspur House deceived him into coming, and battling ghosts has taken a toll on him. It's fitting that the climactic scene features Dash and Dylan alone, finally given opportunity to say the words they each needed the other to hear. I might consider rating No Way Out two and a half stars; so much about Larkspur and its magic goes unexplained, but there's still another book, The Missing. I don't know how it ties in with the Shadow House narrative arc, but I look forward to finding out.
Azumi is on the lookout for messages from her dead sister Moriko, Poppy keeps an eye out for any sign of Consolida Caldwell—the ghost girl who has appeared to her in mirrors for many years—and Dash won't let go of hope that Dylan can be saved from Larkspur's influence. Dylan seems more creature than human, possessed by the evil clown mask he's wearing, but he has shown flickers of his old self. Dash's sense of guilt over accidentally killing his brother months ago is still raw, but Dylan's ghost has been his companion ever since. Is there no way to save Dylan from a fate worse than death by electrocution? As Poppy, Dash, and Azumi search the labyrinthine grounds of Larkspur for an escape route, they discover there's one way to destroy the house. Frederick Caldwell, an ancestor of Poppy's, made a pact long ago with the evil entity that animates Larkspur, and the only way to nullify it is to locate the pact inside the house and burn it to ashes. With Larkspur fully aware of their intentions, it won't be easy.
All around the mazelike estate Poppy, Dash, and Azumi race, pursued by supernatural enemies. The three kids reenter Larkspur House to hunt for the art room, where Frederick Caldwell supposedly hid the pact inside one of his own paintings. Poppy, Dash, and Azumi suddenly can't seem to refrain from arguing among themselves, as though the house is setting them at each other's throats. Success is far from guaranteed as our surviving protagonists find the art room, chased by demons more horrible than they know. Are they about to end generations of oppression by Larkspur House...or does the mansion have one last trick to play?
No Way Out is slower and more predictable than The Gathering or You Can't Hide, but the emotional resolutions at the end are pretty good. Poppy and Azumi have trauma to sort through, but Dash's psychological uphill climb is steepest; he was teetering on the edge before Larkspur House deceived him into coming, and battling ghosts has taken a toll on him. It's fitting that the climactic scene features Dash and Dylan alone, finally given opportunity to say the words they each needed the other to hear. I might consider rating No Way Out two and a half stars; so much about Larkspur and its magic goes unexplained, but there's still another book, The Missing. I don't know how it ties in with the Shadow House narrative arc, but I look forward to finding out.
January 26, 2018
This has got to be the fastest, most interesting, creepiest middle-grade trilogy that I have ever read. No Way Out in the third and final book in the Shadow House trilogy and it DID NO PACK ANY PUNCHES! When are these kids going to get a break? They've been through so much and I just want to give them a big hug...
Poppy, Dash, Azumi, and Dylan may have made it out of Shadow House--but the grounds are a whole new nightmare. Someone they thought was a friend is hunting them, and there's no place that's safe now that they've woken the shadow creature.
If they want to survive, they'll have to figure out once and for all what the house wants from them, and what-or who-they'll need to leave behind in order to escape . . . or risk being trapped within Shadow House forever.
I think I read this in an hour. By no means does that signify that this is a simple book and is 'too young' for young adult/adult readers. As I have stated in my reviews for book one and book two, Poblocki is a fantastic writer, and the way that he tells the story of the five main characters and the house means that any age group can read it, from middle-grade individuals to adults. It's a series that will entertain anyone and everyone. The simplistic language style and the eleven-year-old main characters will appeal to the younger audience, whereas the horror/thriller element of the book will appeal to the older readers. However, the horror aspect of the book is still creepy, but not TOO creepy so that younger children cannot read it. I hope that makes sense!
After the explosive ending of the second book, You Can't Hide, we follow now only three of the characters that we started out with. The only reason that I haven't given this book a 5-star rating is because of how Dash and Azumi treat Poppy. Poppy is the only character to every TRY and put aside her fears and try and get them out of the house and out of the grounds - even if it leads into danger, she doesn't give up, SHE KEEPS ON TRYING. Dash and Azumi don't do this. They're close to giving up, and they're always moaning. And then, they start being horrible to Poppy because every time she makes a decision, it leads them to danger. I can't believe they actually have a right to be horrible to her! She's the only one that's making decisions! SOMEONE HAS TO TAKE CONTROL! It was just really annoying how they would gang up on Poppy, but that's the only thing that really got to me about this book. Other than that, it was like the previous two: fast-paced, scary and a quick read.
I do think that this is the least scary one out of the three, but that doesn't mean that it's not creepy. There are clowns. And clowns are my worst nightmare. There's also a picture in the book of three clowns and I wanted to tear it out and throw it on the fire. Believe me when I say that I read that page VERY VERY quickly. Both books one and two were set in the house, but book three is set in the grounds of the Shadow House, which means they have to navigate around the forest that surrounds the house, and they also get lost on different paths and in a carnival (?)
Overall, this is a brilliant ending to a brilliant trilogy. I loved all of the characters, I loved the ending to No Way Out, I loved the aesthetic of the three books (grey pages that look like they've been burnt and also pictures to accompany the story), and I also like how the publishing company have done something quite different and made an app that you can play alongside reading the books. It's an app where the choices you make throughout the game, affect what happens. You also learn background information about some of the secondary characters which is really interesting. I only played the app whilst reading the first book, but in the near future, I think I'm going to go back and play the game for the second and third book as well.
If you're a middle-grade reader, a young adult or adult reader, then I highly recommend this book if you're looking for a quick, frightening read!
Poppy, Dash, Azumi, and Dylan may have made it out of Shadow House--but the grounds are a whole new nightmare. Someone they thought was a friend is hunting them, and there's no place that's safe now that they've woken the shadow creature.
If they want to survive, they'll have to figure out once and for all what the house wants from them, and what-or who-they'll need to leave behind in order to escape . . . or risk being trapped within Shadow House forever.
I think I read this in an hour. By no means does that signify that this is a simple book and is 'too young' for young adult/adult readers. As I have stated in my reviews for book one and book two, Poblocki is a fantastic writer, and the way that he tells the story of the five main characters and the house means that any age group can read it, from middle-grade individuals to adults. It's a series that will entertain anyone and everyone. The simplistic language style and the eleven-year-old main characters will appeal to the younger audience, whereas the horror/thriller element of the book will appeal to the older readers. However, the horror aspect of the book is still creepy, but not TOO creepy so that younger children cannot read it. I hope that makes sense!
After the explosive ending of the second book, You Can't Hide, we follow now only three of the characters that we started out with. The only reason that I haven't given this book a 5-star rating is because of how Dash and Azumi treat Poppy. Poppy is the only character to every TRY and put aside her fears and try and get them out of the house and out of the grounds - even if it leads into danger, she doesn't give up, SHE KEEPS ON TRYING. Dash and Azumi don't do this. They're close to giving up, and they're always moaning. And then, they start being horrible to Poppy because every time she makes a decision, it leads them to danger. I can't believe they actually have a right to be horrible to her! She's the only one that's making decisions! SOMEONE HAS TO TAKE CONTROL! It was just really annoying how they would gang up on Poppy, but that's the only thing that really got to me about this book. Other than that, it was like the previous two: fast-paced, scary and a quick read.
I do think that this is the least scary one out of the three, but that doesn't mean that it's not creepy. There are clowns. And clowns are my worst nightmare. There's also a picture in the book of three clowns and I wanted to tear it out and throw it on the fire. Believe me when I say that I read that page VERY VERY quickly. Both books one and two were set in the house, but book three is set in the grounds of the Shadow House, which means they have to navigate around the forest that surrounds the house, and they also get lost on different paths and in a carnival (?)
Overall, this is a brilliant ending to a brilliant trilogy. I loved all of the characters, I loved the ending to No Way Out, I loved the aesthetic of the three books (grey pages that look like they've been burnt and also pictures to accompany the story), and I also like how the publishing company have done something quite different and made an app that you can play alongside reading the books. It's an app where the choices you make throughout the game, affect what happens. You also learn background information about some of the secondary characters which is really interesting. I only played the app whilst reading the first book, but in the near future, I think I'm going to go back and play the game for the second and third book as well.
If you're a middle-grade reader, a young adult or adult reader, then I highly recommend this book if you're looking for a quick, frightening read!
November 26, 2017
Wow, I can't believe this series is over! After the first book in this series, I was hooked! It was creepy, mysterious and twisty. These other two never lived up to the first one in my opinion. In fact, the second one was predictable and the only thing that saved it for me was its ending.
No Way Out, the last book in this series, was better than the second by far. We get several big revelations and some great action scenes (kudos to the the mirror maze part)! The ending was a bit predictable, and I felt like it wasn't as tied together as it should have been. When the book ended, I was still left with several questions. Why did the house choose the five of them specifically (Poppy, Marcus, Dash, Dylan, and Azumi)? Was it because of their connection with the dead? Also, what really happened to Moriko? Did they ever figure out why she died and her ghost was with them at Larkspur?
So yes, I was left with some questions, but maybe I just missed something?
All in all, it was a quick and action packed read! I even held my breath several times! Dan Poblocki sure knows how to build up the suspense!
I'm very glad I came across this series. It was very interesting and different than anything I've ever read before. It's also pretty edgy for middle-grade, and it should be!
If you're looking for a creepy series, full of action and twists, then give this a go! You might just find your next favorite series!
No Way Out, the last book in this series, was better than the second by far. We get several big revelations and some great action scenes (kudos to the the mirror maze part)! The ending was a bit predictable, and I felt like it wasn't as tied together as it should have been. When the book ended, I was still left with several questions. Why did the house choose the five of them specifically (Poppy, Marcus, Dash, Dylan, and Azumi)? Was it because of their connection with the dead? Also, what really happened to Moriko? Did they ever figure out why she died and her ghost was with them at Larkspur?
So yes, I was left with some questions, but maybe I just missed something?
All in all, it was a quick and action packed read! I even held my breath several times! Dan Poblocki sure knows how to build up the suspense!
I'm very glad I came across this series. It was very interesting and different than anything I've ever read before. It's also pretty edgy for middle-grade, and it should be!
If you're looking for a creepy series, full of action and twists, then give this a go! You might just find your next favorite series!
September 20, 2017
What a great middle grade horror trilogy. I was really impressed and definitely want to read more of Poblocki's works.
As an adult, will this completely freak you out? No.
As an adult, will you be completely surprised with where the story goes? No.
No, as an adult, I wasn't scared and I found parts of the story to be cliche and predictable. However, if I'd been able to read this book when I was 13, I would have been completely freaked out and totally blown away by where the story went. If I had read it at 13, this series would have stuck with me forever and I would have always remembered it as one of the best, creepy series I'd ever read. If I'd read this at 13, it would have blown my mind.
My nearly 13 year old daughter is currently about 50 pages into the first book and it's blowing her mind. And I'm really, really enjoying watching it happen. I'm so excited that she gets to experience this at just the right age and I'm so glad that I can share it with her.
As an adult, will this completely freak you out? No.
As an adult, will you be completely surprised with where the story goes? No.
No, as an adult, I wasn't scared and I found parts of the story to be cliche and predictable. However, if I'd been able to read this book when I was 13, I would have been completely freaked out and totally blown away by where the story went. If I had read it at 13, this series would have stuck with me forever and I would have always remembered it as one of the best, creepy series I'd ever read. If I'd read this at 13, it would have blown my mind.
My nearly 13 year old daughter is currently about 50 pages into the first book and it's blowing her mind. And I'm really, really enjoying watching it happen. I'm so excited that she gets to experience this at just the right age and I'm so glad that I can share it with her.
May 3, 2019
"'I'll try to focus. But I need you guys to help me. I . . . I'm not okay.'
'None of us are okay,' said Poppy."
I was not expecting this to wrap up so nicely. Sure, it left a bit of an open ending, but all the bad was just. . . gone. This book was not like the second book, adding a whole bunch of plot, but instead focused on resolving all the past problems that they didn't think they could even resolve. I definitely think it's worth pushing through the second book if you didn't like it. The one thing I didn't like was, this is a spoiler but since it's out of context, you should be fine, the other kids mentioned didn't get to be free. They never ascended. The whole story was sad, but beautiful. I loved it.
'None of us are okay,' said Poppy."
I was not expecting this to wrap up so nicely. Sure, it left a bit of an open ending, but all the bad was just. . . gone. This book was not like the second book, adding a whole bunch of plot, but instead focused on resolving all the past problems that they didn't think they could even resolve. I definitely think it's worth pushing through the second book if you didn't like it. The one thing I didn't like was, this is a spoiler but since it's out of context, you should be fine, the other kids mentioned didn't get to be free. They never ascended. The whole story was sad, but beautiful. I loved it.
September 10, 2018
I enjoyed this book but not as much as the first two, I feel like this one got off to a bit of a slower start, and I found myself getting a bit annoyed with some of the characters constant arguing. But the story continued on perfectly, and there were definitely some creepy moments! So I really enjoyed this one and can't wait for the next one!
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August 31, 2018It was cool
October 6, 2018
2.5 stars really. Better than the 2nd book, most likely because there was a conclusion and it was finally over.
Again, the book falls into the "cram every horror element in" category. I think it would have been better served as one book that was heavily edited. Maybe Poblocki had to write a series?
I enjoy-ish watching "American Horror Story" but it feels a bit the same - "what kind of depravity, how much, and how often can we use? Let's throw it all in!" Just when you think it can't get worse, here's a human centipede or something like that (I'm seasons behind so it's possible they've done that already. Not up to the point I'm in).
I can see this series appealing to horror-philes in the younger set but there's got to be better series out there. If nothing else, read some of the classics! "The Lottery" is short, terrifying, and probably one of the best short stories ever written. Honestly, you could even read some Stephen King by this age (as a 7th grader did and wrote a book report on "Gerald's Game" when I was in 7th grade. It was a bit much. Stick to "Misery" or "'Salem's Lot").
I'm not saying all new horror is dead, there's just got to be a better written version out there. And without the sex and cussing. Just straight up horror, Jackson-style. Or Du Maurier.
Again, the book falls into the "cram every horror element in" category. I think it would have been better served as one book that was heavily edited. Maybe Poblocki had to write a series?
I enjoy-ish watching "American Horror Story" but it feels a bit the same - "what kind of depravity, how much, and how often can we use? Let's throw it all in!" Just when you think it can't get worse, here's a human centipede or something like that (I'm seasons behind so it's possible they've done that already. Not up to the point I'm in).
I can see this series appealing to horror-philes in the younger set but there's got to be better series out there. If nothing else, read some of the classics! "The Lottery" is short, terrifying, and probably one of the best short stories ever written. Honestly, you could even read some Stephen King by this age (as a 7th grader did and wrote a book report on "Gerald's Game" when I was in 7th grade. It was a bit much. Stick to "Misery" or "'Salem's Lot").
I'm not saying all new horror is dead, there's just got to be a better written version out there. And without the sex and cussing. Just straight up horror, Jackson-style. Or Du Maurier.
July 5, 2019
I am glad it's over for kids. But why it's over? I was hooked.
I couldn't believe it was last one in the series. Wanted more of Poppy, Dash, and Azumi.
This one picks up where last one was left off. Marcus is actually gone. I had this feeling that he might come back like Dylan but didn't. Gang finally figure out what is lurking in woods/house, and try to finish it off. Everyone play their role properly. Here, no one but their wits come to their rescue. Illustrations were scary as were part of book.
I couldn't believe it was last one in the series. Wanted more of Poppy, Dash, and Azumi.
This one picks up where last one was left off. Marcus is actually gone. I had this feeling that he might come back like Dylan but didn't. Gang finally figure out what is lurking in woods/house, and try to finish it off. Everyone play their role properly. Here, no one but their wits come to their rescue. Illustrations were scary as were part of book.
June 24, 2019
Great book for YA interested in mystery and suspense with a bit of spook.
December 9, 2018
2.5 stars because it was better than Book 2. I had borrowed both books 2 & 3 after getting all excited about Book 1 but decided after Book 2 that I was done. However, I accidentally ingested too much caffeine too late in the day and ended up needing to read in the middle of the night, and this one seemed like a good choice. I'm actually glad I did read it, because now I know how it ends and their were some really good scenes that explained it all, which is good for me to know when I'm talking about the book with my students. Note to librarians: Books 2 & 3 cannot be enjoyed without having read Book 1.
Good twisted thrill ride for too-young-for PG-13 horror.
Good twisted thrill ride for too-young-for PG-13 horror.
October 21, 2018
I couldnt wait to find out if and how they escaped the Shadow House. This one was full of more twist and turns and unexpected events. Very action packed. But now I want to know what happens next- what happens when the kids go back to their own lives.
March 21, 2020
Third book in this fun middle grade series that kind of reminds of if Goose Bumps were combined with Miss Peregrine's. I enjoy them quite a lot.
September 12, 2018
First thing I think the book Shadow House by Dan Poblocki is great. This book gives you chills whenever you read a page. The most scary part of the book is the pictures. It makes me love the book even more after every page. The book is about the 5 kids that got stuck in this house that is trying to kill the kids in it and there names are Marcus, Poppy, Dash, Dylan, Azumi. Dylan. I recommend this book to people that like scary books or mystery books
September 3, 2020
Name: Taren Zietlow
Book title: Shadow House: No Way Out
Personal response (3-5 sentences)
This is the third book of the series and it was by far the most interesting book out of the other two books that I have read. An interesting concept of this is how the author intends on finishing the series with one more book when they made it out of Larkspur other than Dylan( who was dead to begin with) and Marcus who are both now dead. I’m wondering if the next book is going to have them going home and explaining what had happened at Larkspur and what happened to Marcus. An alternative possibility would be if somehow they will all get dragged back to finish one more thing they must do to break the curse for good.
Plot summary (5-7 sentences)
This book is the third book in the four-book series and starts with everyone besides Marcus escaping from Larkspur. Marcus was killed and left behind, and everyone continues out to find a way back to their homes. Unfortunately, they are still trapped in the property of Larkspur and still forced to look for a way out. Everything in this place is made to drive each person to madness which nearly happens with every character in this book. In the end, they find a way to stop the curse and free “The Specials” was to tear the masks off including Dylan's and to burn up the Larkspur pact that kept them there. The entire house fell to the ground with Dash still in it with Dylan but ended up still alive.
Recommendation (3-5 sentences)
I’d recommend this book to anyone who has read the first two books and enjoyed reading the series. Anyone who is a fan of horror and mystery would be urged to start this series. This series is a pretty easy and short read so if someone wants to start a shorter series then this would also be recommended.
Book title: Shadow House: No Way Out
Personal response (3-5 sentences)
This is the third book of the series and it was by far the most interesting book out of the other two books that I have read. An interesting concept of this is how the author intends on finishing the series with one more book when they made it out of Larkspur other than Dylan( who was dead to begin with) and Marcus who are both now dead. I’m wondering if the next book is going to have them going home and explaining what had happened at Larkspur and what happened to Marcus. An alternative possibility would be if somehow they will all get dragged back to finish one more thing they must do to break the curse for good.
Plot summary (5-7 sentences)
This book is the third book in the four-book series and starts with everyone besides Marcus escaping from Larkspur. Marcus was killed and left behind, and everyone continues out to find a way back to their homes. Unfortunately, they are still trapped in the property of Larkspur and still forced to look for a way out. Everything in this place is made to drive each person to madness which nearly happens with every character in this book. In the end, they find a way to stop the curse and free “The Specials” was to tear the masks off including Dylan's and to burn up the Larkspur pact that kept them there. The entire house fell to the ground with Dash still in it with Dylan but ended up still alive.
Recommendation (3-5 sentences)
I’d recommend this book to anyone who has read the first two books and enjoyed reading the series. Anyone who is a fan of horror and mystery would be urged to start this series. This series is a pretty easy and short read so if someone wants to start a shorter series then this would also be recommended.
February 27, 2024
“The Shadow House; No Way Out” written by Dan Poblocki is a horror and paranormal sequel to the book “Shadow House; You Can’t Hide” that follows teenagers Azumi, Poppy, and Dash on their journey through the haunted Larkspur mansion. The trio are distraught to begin the second book following the death of their friend Marcus at the hands of the monster that haunts the mansion and the surrounding land. The three friends spend the beginning of the book looking for the gate at the end of the driveway to escape while avoiding obstacles like Dash's possessed twin brother chasing them around the land in a plastic clown mask. Once they reach the end of the driveway they quickly realize the gate has been replaced by a solid brick wall and when they climb the wall they see the other side is just a mirrored version of the land they have been traveling all day. With some help from Poppy's cousin Connie who is sending her messages from the afterlife, the group finds a pact that Fredrick Caudwell signed which cured the land. They burn the pact and the whole mansion collapses as the pact burns and the three of them are free to leave the grounds of the Larkspur house.
This book has a very subtle, but important message. Towards the end of the book it becomes prevalent that one of the main messages is being able to let go of the dead and the past. In order to leave the mansion Dash has to let go of his twin brother who we learn actually died in an accident a long time ago and has been a figment of Dash’s imagination this entire time. Azumi's sister Moriko disappeared in a Japanese forest years ago and Azumi cannot see the world clearly until she finally accepts that Moriko is gone forever.
The only big underlying issue with this book is the lack of character development from the three survivors. Besides Azumi and Dash learning to let go of their past, almost nothing. We see that Dash has some sort of anger issues and Poppy has a problem with being very controlling and instead of either of these traits dissipating, the book just ends and everything becomes alright with almost nothing actually happening that relates to those issues.
Overall this was a very good read that kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time. I wish the characters would have had a little more of an arc but other than that I’d give this book a four out of five stars.
This book has a very subtle, but important message. Towards the end of the book it becomes prevalent that one of the main messages is being able to let go of the dead and the past. In order to leave the mansion Dash has to let go of his twin brother who we learn actually died in an accident a long time ago and has been a figment of Dash’s imagination this entire time. Azumi's sister Moriko disappeared in a Japanese forest years ago and Azumi cannot see the world clearly until she finally accepts that Moriko is gone forever.
The only big underlying issue with this book is the lack of character development from the three survivors. Besides Azumi and Dash learning to let go of their past, almost nothing. We see that Dash has some sort of anger issues and Poppy has a problem with being very controlling and instead of either of these traits dissipating, the book just ends and everything becomes alright with almost nothing actually happening that relates to those issues.
Overall this was a very good read that kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time. I wish the characters would have had a little more of an arc but other than that I’d give this book a four out of five stars.
November 13, 2025
No Way Out is the third book in the Shadow House series by Dan Poblocki. In this novel, Poppy, Dylan, Dash, and Azumi escape the Shadow House, but the house still has its hold on them. The children must figure out what the house wants from them, so they are not trapped at Shadow House for eternity.
For the most part, I enjoyed revisiting Poppy, Azumi, and Dash on their latest adventure in "Shadow House Hell." The trio is still in peril and dealing with a great deal of upset. Poblocki dials up the horror in this one by adding creepy clowns. I despise clowns! And, as with the other two books in the series, the illustrations are wonderfully creepy.
No Way Out is my least favorite book in the series. I like the general idea of the story and wanting more of the mystery to unfold, but the execution of it felt a bit disjointed, and it took me awhile to get back into it. Perhaps, that was the author's intention with the chidren escaping Shadow House and navigating the grounds surrounding the house. Additionally, Dash got on my nerves, especially with the way he treated Poppy.
Nonetheless, No Way Out is an atmospheric horror story, there is closure for the characters, and the ending is bittersweet. While this novel was not as strong as the first one, it was still a satisfying enough read and worth continuing the series. I discovered there is a fourth book in this series, The Missing, which I plan to read soon.
For the most part, I enjoyed revisiting Poppy, Azumi, and Dash on their latest adventure in "Shadow House Hell." The trio is still in peril and dealing with a great deal of upset. Poblocki dials up the horror in this one by adding creepy clowns. I despise clowns! And, as with the other two books in the series, the illustrations are wonderfully creepy.
No Way Out is my least favorite book in the series. I like the general idea of the story and wanting more of the mystery to unfold, but the execution of it felt a bit disjointed, and it took me awhile to get back into it. Perhaps, that was the author's intention with the chidren escaping Shadow House and navigating the grounds surrounding the house. Additionally, Dash got on my nerves, especially with the way he treated Poppy.
Nonetheless, No Way Out is an atmospheric horror story, there is closure for the characters, and the ending is bittersweet. While this novel was not as strong as the first one, it was still a satisfying enough read and worth continuing the series. I discovered there is a fourth book in this series, The Missing, which I plan to read soon.
November 11, 2018
This is the third book in the Shadow Hosue series. It picks up immediately after the events of the second book, You Can't Hide. I caution that this does not work well as a stand alone. Without reading the first two in the series, you won't really get what is going on. That being said, I thought this was a solid end to the series.
The main characters that are left standing, Poppy, Dash, Azumi, and Dylan are out of the house trying to make it off the property. They realize that they need to give the ghosts of the house the things that they need in order to finally make it out. As I said this was a pretty solid addition to the series. It was even creepier than the first two with the addition of haunted clowns. I felt like there was a greater sense of why they were trapped in the house here and I got some of my questions answered. I would have loved an epilogue at the end , however, so know how the ones that made it out fared. This is a fun spooky series that I think middle school readers will enjoy.
The main characters that are left standing, Poppy, Dash, Azumi, and Dylan are out of the house trying to make it off the property. They realize that they need to give the ghosts of the house the things that they need in order to finally make it out. As I said this was a pretty solid addition to the series. It was even creepier than the first two with the addition of haunted clowns. I felt like there was a greater sense of why they were trapped in the house here and I got some of my questions answered. I would have loved an epilogue at the end , however, so know how the ones that made it out fared. This is a fun spooky series that I think middle school readers will enjoy.
May 6, 2021
In this installment of the Shadow house series we follow the main characters Dash Dylan Poppy and Azumi as they fight to get out of the Shadow House grounds.
I enjoyed this book but not as much as the first two, I feel like this one got off to a bit of a slower start, and I found myself getting a bit annoyed with some of the characters constant arguing. But the story continued on perfectly, and there were definitely some creepy moments!
Overall
As an adult, will this completely freak you out? No. As an adult, will you be completely surprised with where the story goes? No. No, as an adult, I wasn't scared and I found parts of the story to be cliche and predictable. However, if I'd been able to read this book when I was 13, I would have been completely freaked out and totally blown away by where the story went.
I enjoyed this book but not as much as the first two, I feel like this one got off to a bit of a slower start, and I found myself getting a bit annoyed with some of the characters constant arguing. But the story continued on perfectly, and there were definitely some creepy moments!
Overall
As an adult, will this completely freak you out? No. As an adult, will you be completely surprised with where the story goes? No. No, as an adult, I wasn't scared and I found parts of the story to be cliche and predictable. However, if I'd been able to read this book when I was 13, I would have been completely freaked out and totally blown away by where the story went.
October 6, 2025
As for the narrative, it struck me that Poppy, Dash, Azumi, and Dylan are like hapless gamers trapped in a horror video game they never signed up for. They’re stuck in a haunted house needing to navigate its grounds—each corner lurking with fresh horrors and twisting enigmas. When this book first hit the shelves, there was even a Shadow House app (though it might be just another ghost of the past now), suggesting there might have been an interactive element to accompany this spine-tingling saga.
Shadow House: No Way Out proved to be a darkly engaging, fast-paced read that kept me on my toes. If you’ve got little ones who crave thrills in the vein of horror, this series is absolutely worth seeking out. ╌★★★★✰
Find my full review at https://www.coffeeaddictedwriter.com/....
Shadow House: No Way Out proved to be a darkly engaging, fast-paced read that kept me on my toes. If you’ve got little ones who crave thrills in the vein of horror, this series is absolutely worth seeking out. ╌★★★★✰
Find my full review at https://www.coffeeaddictedwriter.com/....
December 16, 2017
Yes I read a children’s book to be exact a children horror book and I have to say I enjoyed it. Obviously being an adult these books I can read all three of them in one day unfortunately waiting for the library take me a couple of days to get each book in but when I would get a book basically finished it within a couple of hours.Have to say they give you enough of a scare so as a child I probably would’ve been scared I like how everything ties together and there’s a good ending though I wish it would do a time jump so we can see the kids and what would have been after it .would their be consequences or would happen when they went home why did their parents think. Then I realise logically this is a kids book and more details than necessary. Overall good series for kids who like a scare
June 6, 2019
Don't read this review if you have not read the the previous two books in the series!!
Poppy, Azumi, and Dash are finally outside! After Marcus sacrificed his life to help save them, and after deciding that Dylan may be too far gone to save, the children are trying to go around the house by the edge of the woods to find the driveway and leave this place. But little do they know, Larkspur has many secrets on the grounds as well. The house continues to play tricks to slow the kids down. And even if they get to the driveway, will the house ever let them go? As he house creeps closer and closer to ripping the kids apart and breaking them down, they must fight harder than ever to rescue the specials and defeat the Shadow monsters so that they can go home.
Poppy, Azumi, and Dash are finally outside! After Marcus sacrificed his life to help save them, and after deciding that Dylan may be too far gone to save, the children are trying to go around the house by the edge of the woods to find the driveway and leave this place. But little do they know, Larkspur has many secrets on the grounds as well. The house continues to play tricks to slow the kids down. And even if they get to the driveway, will the house ever let them go? As he house creeps closer and closer to ripping the kids apart and breaking them down, they must fight harder than ever to rescue the specials and defeat the Shadow monsters so that they can go home.
June 15, 2022
Oh how lovely, they finally made it out. I'm so happy that Dylan's soul moved on, and all the specials as well. Ahhhh I was so invested in Dash and Dylan and when Dylan was literally taken over and trying to kill everyone I was so saddddd. But now both my babies are happy. Idk what it is, but these siblings really got to me man. It's also very funny to me how it took them 3 whole books to burn a painting. This could have ended so easily. Also um RIP Marcus- like dude how are his parents gonna take this, and who is gonna tell them anyway...? Lolol I have a feeling the next book is gonna be somewhat about that, but I saw there are a bunch of new characters and I'm concerned. Well yeah anyway I liked the book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 19, 2025
oh my godddd. this got even better?? i loved the psychological tension going on between Dash, Poppy and Azumi at the beginning and it really felt like the house eating into them and wearing them down, and i actually felt myself rooting for them so hard. sure Poppy got on my nerve but she's literally a kid trying her best.
urghhhh the ending with Dylan and Dash got me. why am i tearing up at middle grade horror. no because the thing Dylan needed to move on was Dash's choice not to leave him even at the end, all he needed was to be chosen above all else and the fact that at the end he still wants Dash to leave the house and live his life is so damn beautiful and i hope the three survivors live their best lives. (literally why is there a fourth book. why. these kids have suffered enough.)
urghhhh the ending with Dylan and Dash got me. why am i tearing up at middle grade horror. no because the thing Dylan needed to move on was Dash's choice not to leave him even at the end, all he needed was to be chosen above all else and the fact that at the end he still wants Dash to leave the house and live his life is so damn beautiful and i hope the three survivors live their best lives. (literally why is there a fourth book. why. these kids have suffered enough.)
October 30, 2017
I really liked this book. I read the other two books and this was a perfect way to end the series. This book takes place in present time. You should know that this book really isn’t that scary. I hate scary things, but I read this book and I wasn’t scared and I really enjoyed it. Poppy, Dash, Dylan, and Azumi are now on the grounds of Shadow House. Somebody is hunting them and while they’re trying to free the Specials, they’re trying to escape themselves. Be ready to enter Shadow House and it’s mysteries. I also recommend using the Shadow House app. It will tell you more about the photos in the book. This book is good for an easy, quick read.
November 26, 2017
This appears to be the conclusion to. Dash, Azumi and Poppy’s adventure. There are tons of twists and turns throughout the pages as well as mystery and problem solving. I have to admit when I’d first started reading the series I hadn’t thought it was going to be as engaging for me as it was.
It’s a nice little mold horror series for younger children. It’s not even remotely close to scary in my opinion, however some of the descriptions within the pages could be considered scary to a younger audience.
I think of your child enjoys telling spooky ghost stories or likes to be extremely mildly scared, that they will more then likely enjoy this series.
It’s a nice little mold horror series for younger children. It’s not even remotely close to scary in my opinion, however some of the descriptions within the pages could be considered scary to a younger audience.
I think of your child enjoys telling spooky ghost stories or likes to be extremely mildly scared, that they will more then likely enjoy this series.
June 25, 2019
Third book, well executed and just as scary as the other two previous books. The creepy, dark photos that are throughout the book will send chills down your spine and so will the words. The photos appear at random times throughout the text. You are so focused on the words and what will happen next that turning the page and finding a dark photo with creepy masks and silhouettes will definitely scare you. It's perfect to read at nighttime especially if you really want to get that extra scary effect. The ending of the book was good, meaning no cliffhanger so I'm unsure of what the fourth book will cover but I will still read it.
September 7, 2023
I was a bit disappointed in this last book in the Shadow House trilogy. Where the first showed great pacing and action, plenty of chills, and development in the story and characters, this third book felt repetitive more than anything else. Sure, it did end neatly enough, but it just as if the journey meandered rather than had purpose. After the ways in which book shifted the focus of the story, I was expecting more wonderful moments from book three.
Still, I did go along for the ride and thought the overall concept had so much promise. For a YA horror that is marketed to the younger YA audience, I enjoyed the three books a lot. Quick reads, but plenty of chills and a lot of fun.
Still, I did go along for the ride and thought the overall concept had so much promise. For a YA horror that is marketed to the younger YA audience, I enjoyed the three books a lot. Quick reads, but plenty of chills and a lot of fun.
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