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Warren the 13th #3
Warren the 13th and the 13-Year Curse
An illustrated middle-grade fiction series with Gothic and Victorian overtones featuring the misadventures of a cursed 12-year-old bellhop trying to save his family's hotel from the clutches of evil.
At the conclusion of the second book in the Warren the 13th series, The Warren Hotel had transformed into a giant ship, and set sail for the open seas! When Warren 3 opens, Warren is adjusting to the demands of running a floating hotel and is planning his 13th birthday party when disaster strikes--the hotel is shipwrecked on a strange island. To make things worse, his octopus-like friend Sketchy is kidnapped by a travelling circus! Warren and his friends must solve a series of riddles to find the next location of the circus and rescue their friend before it's too late. Along the way, they meet a new cast of characters, including some elderly pirates, a sea witch, a talking clam, and a giant sea monster. As Warren pursues Sketchy's kidnappers, he will learn the truth of his friend's mysterious origins--as well as one final secret of the Warren Hotel.
At the conclusion of the second book in the Warren the 13th series, The Warren Hotel had transformed into a giant ship, and set sail for the open seas! When Warren 3 opens, Warren is adjusting to the demands of running a floating hotel and is planning his 13th birthday party when disaster strikes--the hotel is shipwrecked on a strange island. To make things worse, his octopus-like friend Sketchy is kidnapped by a travelling circus! Warren and his friends must solve a series of riddles to find the next location of the circus and rescue their friend before it's too late. Along the way, they meet a new cast of characters, including some elderly pirates, a sea witch, a talking clam, and a giant sea monster. As Warren pursues Sketchy's kidnappers, he will learn the truth of his friend's mysterious origins--as well as one final secret of the Warren Hotel.
224 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 24, 2020
12 people are currently reading
275 people want to read
About the author
Tania del Rio
78 books150 followersHi, my name is Tania del Rio, author of the middle grade novel, WARREN THE 13TH AND THE ALL-SEEING EYE for Quirk Books. The sequel, WARREN THE 13TH AND THE WHISPERING WOODS comes out on March 21st, 2017! I’m also a professional comic book writer and artist with 10 years experience writing and illustrating for a young audience. My clients include Archie Comics, Dark Horse, and Marvel. AOL Comics Alliance described my work on SABRINA THE TEENAGE WITCH as “One of the best and most underrated all-ages comics of the last 10 years”! Most recently, I am the author of DIARY OF A GIRL NEXT DOOR: BETTY, an illustrated novel for Archie comics. I’ve also edited MANGAKA AMERICA (Collins Design), a gallery and tutorial book featuring some of the hottest emerging North American manga artists of the time, and am currently working on another tutorial book for Focal Press on character design. I reside with three dogs in Los Angeles, California, where I can be found writing under a palm tree, expressing my inner teenager.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
June 22, 2021
I loved the first 2 books in the Warren the 13th series. They are a little odd and quirky and different than most other stories out there. There was 2 years between the first 2 book and I have been waiting for the 3rd book and I'm happy it came out. I was ready for it
I do think this is worth 4 stars and it's a good book, yet I still feel like this was my least favorite so far. That's okay, because it's still a great series. If your kids love gothic stories or Lemony snicket, then they will enjoy this book.
The hotel keeps morphing and showing us how special it is. This book revolves around Sketchy, the squid and the setting is a set. The hotel is on a boat. We meet plenty of new characters and there are puzzles and adventures to be had. I do wonder what will happen next with the hotel. What can be added. Maybe it can go to space. I could see that happening in a future installment. I'm still very excited for the next book and I hope there is another one.
Warren learns much more about his family and his history and there are clues given and we learn a little more here, but are still left with plenty of questions. Where will they go next. I'm up for the cuteness.
It's a quick read with great illustrations. It took me so long to read because I only read it at work on my lunch break. It's an adventure tale. I hope people will check out these books so we get more of them.
I do think this is worth 4 stars and it's a good book, yet I still feel like this was my least favorite so far. That's okay, because it's still a great series. If your kids love gothic stories or Lemony snicket, then they will enjoy this book.
The hotel keeps morphing and showing us how special it is. This book revolves around Sketchy, the squid and the setting is a set. The hotel is on a boat. We meet plenty of new characters and there are puzzles and adventures to be had. I do wonder what will happen next with the hotel. What can be added. Maybe it can go to space. I could see that happening in a future installment. I'm still very excited for the next book and I hope there is another one.
Warren learns much more about his family and his history and there are clues given and we learn a little more here, but are still left with plenty of questions. Where will they go next. I'm up for the cuteness.
It's a quick read with great illustrations. It took me so long to read because I only read it at work on my lunch break. It's an adventure tale. I hope people will check out these books so we get more of them.
June 28, 2021
Nemohu jinak. Knihy s Warrenem XIII. jsou totálně úžasně graficky vyvedené s bohatou měrou skvělých ilustrací, které dodávají příběhu (v případě tohoto dílu doslova) hloubku. Je škoda, že tato série končí, přál bych si mít ve sbírce další díly s dalšími barvami.
April 1, 2020
Isn’t the ending of a series just so sad? I loved the final book in the Warren the 13th series but hate to see the end of it all. The final installment follows Warren and his crazy gang consisting of a two witches, an octopus, a former circus chef, a librarian/scholar, a journalist, and his dopey uncle on a journey across the sea on their now floating hotel ship. But as it’s Warren’s thirteenth birthday, he is beloved to be cursed by the ancient thirteen-year curse set upon his family generations ago. When he ends up shipwrecked on a remote island just after setting off, Warren begins to believe in the curse. When even more horrible things start befalling Warren and his crew, can he shake the curse and save his friends from certain peril? Filled with pirates, a circus, and many fun puzzles to solve, I adored the ending to this middle grade series. I will miss all the kooky characters and their crazy adventures. With stunning illustrations and a great plot, this series is a must add to any home library for the young or young at heart.
June 9, 2024
Warren je naprosto boží. Prokažte si službičku a dejte si ho v audiu. Tady si s ním neskutečně vyhráli. A nejlíp, když si během toho budete listovat knihou, ta je totiž taky grafický poklad!
May 18, 2020
I loved the debut novel in Tania del Rio’s series: Warren the 13th and The All-Seeing Eye. Then I loved the second book, Warren the 13th and the Whispering Woods, even more! So I didn’t think there was any room to love the third book, Warren the 13th and the Thirteen-Year Curse even more — but I did.
As the name indicates, our hero is the 13th Warren to manage the Warren Hotel — planned by Warren the First and built by his architect son, Warren the Second. As always, Warren remains calm — well, relatively — in terrible situations. I love how clever Warren is, but his greatest features are his compassion, perceptiveness and willingness to help others.
As always, Will Staeble’s quirky two-color illustrations really enhance del Rio’s latest modern fairy tale. Every one of these books reminds us that what’s important is your family, and that your family as those who love you, regardless of blood ties — or even species — and always being kind. If that’s not the perfect message for this time of COVID-19 and for our own adventures, I don’t know what is.
In the interest of full disclosure, I received this book from NetGalley and Quirk Books in exchange for an honest review.
As the name indicates, our hero is the 13th Warren to manage the Warren Hotel — planned by Warren the First and built by his architect son, Warren the Second. As always, Warren remains calm — well, relatively — in terrible situations. I love how clever Warren is, but his greatest features are his compassion, perceptiveness and willingness to help others.
As always, Will Staeble’s quirky two-color illustrations really enhance del Rio’s latest modern fairy tale. Every one of these books reminds us that what’s important is your family, and that your family as those who love you, regardless of blood ties — or even species — and always being kind. If that’s not the perfect message for this time of COVID-19 and for our own adventures, I don’t know what is.
In the interest of full disclosure, I received this book from NetGalley and Quirk Books in exchange for an honest review.
March 27, 2020
Series Info/Source: This is the third (and final) book in the Warren the 13th series. I got a copy of this book from the publisher to review.
Story (4/5): With the Warren Hotel now transformed into a ship, Warren has increasing concerns (as he turns 13 years old) that the 13 year curse will cause some sort of calamity to happen. When the Warren Hotel ends up shipwrecked and Sketchy is kidnapped, Warren thinks the curse has finally been activated. Warren embarks on an adventure to save his eight-armed friend. I enjoyed this, the story is simple but cute and fun. There is some adventure here which I enjoyed and a lot about friendship as well.
Characters (4/5): I continued to enjoy this cast of characters; they are well done and humorous. They continue to lack depth, but work well for a story aimed at the middle grade audience.
Setting (4/5): I still really enjoy the Warren Hotel as a setting and love the adventures it ends up on.
Writing/Drawing Style (5/5): As with previous books, what really sets this book apart from others are the amazing drawings and the way the book is put together. The writing is also easy to read and follow but it’s really the puzzles and pictures that make this book stand out.
Summary (4/5): Overall this was another well done book in the Warren the 13th series. This series is definitely aimed at the middle grade age group. As an older reader I did enjoy how nicely the book was put together and how much the drawings added to the story. However, I wasn’t all that engaged in the story and found both the characters and story to be a bit simple. This is one I think middle grade aged or younger readers will enjoy more than adults. The whole thing is very well done and I would definitely recommend.
Story (4/5): With the Warren Hotel now transformed into a ship, Warren has increasing concerns (as he turns 13 years old) that the 13 year curse will cause some sort of calamity to happen. When the Warren Hotel ends up shipwrecked and Sketchy is kidnapped, Warren thinks the curse has finally been activated. Warren embarks on an adventure to save his eight-armed friend. I enjoyed this, the story is simple but cute and fun. There is some adventure here which I enjoyed and a lot about friendship as well.
Characters (4/5): I continued to enjoy this cast of characters; they are well done and humorous. They continue to lack depth, but work well for a story aimed at the middle grade audience.
Setting (4/5): I still really enjoy the Warren Hotel as a setting and love the adventures it ends up on.
Writing/Drawing Style (5/5): As with previous books, what really sets this book apart from others are the amazing drawings and the way the book is put together. The writing is also easy to read and follow but it’s really the puzzles and pictures that make this book stand out.
Summary (4/5): Overall this was another well done book in the Warren the 13th series. This series is definitely aimed at the middle grade age group. As an older reader I did enjoy how nicely the book was put together and how much the drawings added to the story. However, I wasn’t all that engaged in the story and found both the characters and story to be a bit simple. This is one I think middle grade aged or younger readers will enjoy more than adults. The whole thing is very well done and I would definitely recommend.
December 14, 2020
I have loved this trilogy from the first book. In fact, this trilogy has become a family affair. I read this book and shared it with my mom. Then, she read it for my nephews when they were younger at night and they fell in love with these books as well. Since the release of these books, I have gained a niece. She is the latest to join in the love of these books.
I am sad to see this trilogy come to a conclusion as I have really grown to love everything, not just Warren. Each person brings something fun to these books. They are like family. These books are not just for reading but an entertaining adventure. There are a few puzzles to solve along the way. These books are family fun for everyone!
I am sad to see this trilogy come to a conclusion as I have really grown to love everything, not just Warren. Each person brings something fun to these books. They are like family. These books are not just for reading but an entertaining adventure. There are a few puzzles to solve along the way. These books are family fun for everyone!
March 1, 2020
Thank you for sharing this amazing ride, Will and Tania. I'll miss Warren, but I also know that he's off to new adventures. So, I'll bid him and both of you farewell instead.
July 28, 2021
Warren je nejvíc, pobaví a dojme. Děti i dospělé - ověřeno mnou a synovci.
Skvělý, chytrý, akční, čtivý příběh, úžasné ilustrace a celkové vypravení knihy (ano, už od prvního dílu uvažuju, že si nechám Warrena vytetovat) a hlavní hrdina, kterého nejde nemilovat. Láska prostě...
Skvělý, chytrý, akční, čtivý příběh, úžasné ilustrace a celkové vypravení knihy (ano, už od prvního dílu uvažuju, že si nechám Warrena vytetovat) a hlavní hrdina, kterého nejde nemilovat. Láska prostě...
March 7, 2020
Thank you so much Quirk Books for letting me get an early copy of Warren the 13th! I have adored this series since the first book came out five years ago. And, while I'm sad this will be the last adventure we get with the Warren and the inhabitants of the Warren Hotel. I'm glad to have been apart of the journey these last few years.
No better place to to start than with the cover. As always they picked the perfect to accent throughout the story, and since most of the story takes place on the high seas. So blue was the perfect color. The shark chasing Warren on the back cover is probably my favorite part of the cover.
Despite the three year gap between the second book and third, the story takes place not long after the first book ends. The Warren isn't so much lost at sea, as it hasn't seen land since the Malwoods. But that doesn't matter because it's Warren's Thirteenth birthday! Which means something is bound to go wrong. Because if Warren didn't have bad luck, he'd have no luck at all.
Warren the 13th and the Thirteen-Year Curse keeps to the same formula as the rest of the series. Things always go from bad to worse, Warren uses his smarts to get out of trouble, and there are puzzles to be solved. Only this time their are pirates! Well, retired pirates!
Petula is still my favorite characters of all of those staying at the Warren Hotel. She always seems to have her head on straight, and is always ready to save the day. Without her I'm not completely Warren would have made it this far in his adventures. Sometimes he forgets how smart he is and needs Petula to remind him that he doesn't need tricks and magic to get through whatever obstacle is in his way. On that note, Mr. Vanderbelly is probably my least favorite of those staying at the Warren Hotel. While Uncle Rupert is completely useless and he knows it. Mr. Vanderbelly can't be bothered to help because he's taking notes. Just ugh...whatever. He kind of redeemed himself toward the end, but still not my favorite.
As for the story itself it was so much fun. We start with a shipwreck that leads to Sketchy being a worshiped to Sketchy being kidnapped. The story moves pretty fast with the usually puzzles and riddles to be solved. I really felt like the High Seas theme was met and then some. We got everything I could have wanted, and Bonny was a lovely addition. The Warren the 13th series is Middle Grade, and the puzzle fit in with that age range. Not easy, but not overly complicated. One of them almost had be scratching my head. Took my a little longer than it should have to see the pattern to the solve the puzzle.
There are ups and downs through the story, but never once does Warren give. And, it such a great story about a found family. They take care of each, protect each other, and do what it take to get back the member of their family that is kidnapped. It's everything I adore about this series, and a great way to end the series as well. Even though I'm sad that that series is coming to end after only three books.
These are books that are fun to read again and again. So, thanks again to Quirk Books for sending me a copy of Warren the 13th and the Thirteen-Year Curse. It was a great way to end the series and I enjoyed every page!
You can this review and other bookish posts at my blog, Bookish Whispers!
No better place to to start than with the cover. As always they picked the perfect to accent throughout the story, and since most of the story takes place on the high seas. So blue was the perfect color. The shark chasing Warren on the back cover is probably my favorite part of the cover.
Despite the three year gap between the second book and third, the story takes place not long after the first book ends. The Warren isn't so much lost at sea, as it hasn't seen land since the Malwoods. But that doesn't matter because it's Warren's Thirteenth birthday! Which means something is bound to go wrong. Because if Warren didn't have bad luck, he'd have no luck at all.
Warren the 13th and the Thirteen-Year Curse keeps to the same formula as the rest of the series. Things always go from bad to worse, Warren uses his smarts to get out of trouble, and there are puzzles to be solved. Only this time their are pirates! Well, retired pirates!
Petula is still my favorite characters of all of those staying at the Warren Hotel. She always seems to have her head on straight, and is always ready to save the day. Without her I'm not completely Warren would have made it this far in his adventures. Sometimes he forgets how smart he is and needs Petula to remind him that he doesn't need tricks and magic to get through whatever obstacle is in his way. On that note, Mr. Vanderbelly is probably my least favorite of those staying at the Warren Hotel. While Uncle Rupert is completely useless and he knows it. Mr. Vanderbelly can't be bothered to help because he's taking notes. Just ugh...whatever. He kind of redeemed himself toward the end, but still not my favorite.
As for the story itself it was so much fun. We start with a shipwreck that leads to Sketchy being a worshiped to Sketchy being kidnapped. The story moves pretty fast with the usually puzzles and riddles to be solved. I really felt like the High Seas theme was met and then some. We got everything I could have wanted, and Bonny was a lovely addition. The Warren the 13th series is Middle Grade, and the puzzle fit in with that age range. Not easy, but not overly complicated. One of them almost had be scratching my head. Took my a little longer than it should have to see the pattern to the solve the puzzle.
There are ups and downs through the story, but never once does Warren give. And, it such a great story about a found family. They take care of each, protect each other, and do what it take to get back the member of their family that is kidnapped. It's everything I adore about this series, and a great way to end the series as well. Even though I'm sad that that series is coming to end after only three books.
These are books that are fun to read again and again. So, thanks again to Quirk Books for sending me a copy of Warren the 13th and the Thirteen-Year Curse. It was a great way to end the series and I enjoyed every page!
You can this review and other bookish posts at my blog, Bookish Whispers!
May 22, 2025
The final Warren the 13th and one with even more adventures!
A big big thank you to my hubby for giving me this one for my birthday! I was so so looking for this one as it is the final volume and the one I desperately needed!
😍 Let’s start with the cover which is so fun! I love that each of the books has its own colour, in this case it is blue!
😍 And the illustrations are also blue/black/grey/white, which is just perfection.
😍 I love how each chapter has a two page spread illustration with a fun title to give a glimpse of what is coming next.
��� Warren is such a wonderful character and I really like him. Sure, he has his flaws, but I love how hard he works to overcome them and get better. With each book he discovers new skills and tries out new things with gusto. He is dedicated to his friends and the hotel and I was just cheering for him. A lot of 13 year olds would have given up, but he keeps going, even when he learns of a curse that may be happening during his 13th year (which yes, brings along some tension, but he didn’t let it put him down too much).
😍 Loved all the other characters, Sketchy who is adorable and fun, Beatrice and Petula who kicks some serious ass (and not just witches’ asses), the chef who makes everything even when not having too much supplies. I loved how they were always there for Warren and helped him out with whatever came their ways.
😍 The hotel. It could already walk. It could already swim/float. But in this one we get a third special power, I am not telling you which one, but I am sure that everyone will love it as much as I did. I think it is so cool that the family made this hotel and that they added all this while keeping the hotel intact. This way the hotel can go everywhere. I hope that after all these adventures that Warren is able to get his hotel back to business.
😍 The Sea Witch was such an interesting character, though haha, just like all people who tell your fortune/can tell you what you are looking for, it is all cryptic and good luck figuring things out.
😍 How to find out where the circus was! That was such a fun one. That they tell the location through a riddle in a newspaper and you better go there fast.
😍 While the circus was of course not the best place given things, it still sounded magical and interesting.
😍 Pirates! Both retired (who turned out to be such fun characters) and the baddies.
😍 Finding out more about Warren’s parents, about Sketchy (his background story was just so wonderful but also sad), and also about a famous writer that Warren loves.
😍 There is tons of action, for real, there is just never a boring moment in this one. Sometimes things slow down a bit, giving Warren and the crew a bit of a breather and Warren some time to mull things over, but then BOOOMMMM. Things happen again.
😍 The ending. While I am sad that this is where it ends for us, I know that Warren will have many more adventures and will make the hotel even grander.
🤔 While I love that Warren has such a big heart and is so kind. I just didn’t like how he didn’t believe Petula and the others when they told him about the girl that is now boarding with them. It was quite obvious what was going on and he just ignored it/didn’t see it.
All in all, I really enjoyed this last Warren the 13th! I would highly recommend this series to all.
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
A big big thank you to my hubby for giving me this one for my birthday! I was so so looking for this one as it is the final volume and the one I desperately needed!
😍 Let’s start with the cover which is so fun! I love that each of the books has its own colour, in this case it is blue!
😍 And the illustrations are also blue/black/grey/white, which is just perfection.
😍 I love how each chapter has a two page spread illustration with a fun title to give a glimpse of what is coming next.
��� Warren is such a wonderful character and I really like him. Sure, he has his flaws, but I love how hard he works to overcome them and get better. With each book he discovers new skills and tries out new things with gusto. He is dedicated to his friends and the hotel and I was just cheering for him. A lot of 13 year olds would have given up, but he keeps going, even when he learns of a curse that may be happening during his 13th year (which yes, brings along some tension, but he didn’t let it put him down too much).
😍 Loved all the other characters, Sketchy who is adorable and fun, Beatrice and Petula who kicks some serious ass (and not just witches’ asses), the chef who makes everything even when not having too much supplies. I loved how they were always there for Warren and helped him out with whatever came their ways.
😍 The hotel. It could already walk. It could already swim/float. But in this one we get a third special power, I am not telling you which one, but I am sure that everyone will love it as much as I did. I think it is so cool that the family made this hotel and that they added all this while keeping the hotel intact. This way the hotel can go everywhere. I hope that after all these adventures that Warren is able to get his hotel back to business.
😍 The Sea Witch was such an interesting character, though haha, just like all people who tell your fortune/can tell you what you are looking for, it is all cryptic and good luck figuring things out.
😍 How to find out where the circus was! That was such a fun one. That they tell the location through a riddle in a newspaper and you better go there fast.
😍 While the circus was of course not the best place given things, it still sounded magical and interesting.
😍 Pirates! Both retired (who turned out to be such fun characters) and the baddies.
😍 Finding out more about Warren’s parents, about Sketchy (his background story was just so wonderful but also sad), and also about a famous writer that Warren loves.
😍 There is tons of action, for real, there is just never a boring moment in this one. Sometimes things slow down a bit, giving Warren and the crew a bit of a breather and Warren some time to mull things over, but then BOOOMMMM. Things happen again.
😍 The ending. While I am sad that this is where it ends for us, I know that Warren will have many more adventures and will make the hotel even grander.
🤔 While I love that Warren has such a big heart and is so kind. I just didn’t like how he didn’t believe Petula and the others when they told him about the girl that is now boarding with them. It was quite obvious what was going on and he just ignored it/didn’t see it.
All in all, I really enjoyed this last Warren the 13th! I would highly recommend this series to all.
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
September 30, 2025
Iso sydän Warren-sarjan 3. osalle. Ihana Piirto!! Harmi, jos näitä kirjoja ei tule enää lisää.
March 25, 2020
Warren and his friends set out on a new adventure with the hotel, traveling the seas and encountering pirates. When Warren's beloved pet, Sketchy, is kidnapped, he'll do anything to find his friend!
I loved this book! The design is elaborate and the plot is mysterious. I loved the characters and the writing style. I flew right through the pages, and enjoyed the action in every chapter.
Warren is such a likable and interesting character! I really appreciated his curiosity, his resilience, and his love for the hotel. He feels connected to his parents and to his ancestors through their shared history in the hotel, and it gave the story a lot of depth to have that heritage. He finds clues that his father left behind for him, and that gives him the courage to face difficult circumstances.
There are so many great supporting characters, all unique and quirky and memorable. I really love how Warren develops these close friendships, and encounters new and strange characters through the story. It was interesting to see how Warren navigates the sticky relationships with different characters.
I loved the puzzles and secret codes in this book! I loved the rich history of the hotel, and the mystery surrounding the kidnapping of Sketchy. The plot takes so many twists and turns, and kept my interest right up to the last page.
The art design is incredible! There are only three colors, black, white, and electric blue, but the artwork and designs are so elaborate and cleverly done that you barely realize that there are so few colors. There are full page illustrations at the beginning of each chapter, and smaller illustrations throughout the other pages. It really adds to the story, and immerses the reader into the world of the hotel.
One of the special things in this book that shows the careful thought that was put into the design is when the ship is caught in the waves and tossed to and fro. Right when the text says that the ship was lurching to the left, the entire page of text is printed tilting to the left, and on the next page when the ship is lurching to the right, the page is tilted to the right! It's a really fun way to bring the design of the book into the story and involve the reader.
I loved the ending to this trilogy, and enjoyed the whole series so much!
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts, and are not influenced by anyone.
I loved this book! The design is elaborate and the plot is mysterious. I loved the characters and the writing style. I flew right through the pages, and enjoyed the action in every chapter.
Warren is such a likable and interesting character! I really appreciated his curiosity, his resilience, and his love for the hotel. He feels connected to his parents and to his ancestors through their shared history in the hotel, and it gave the story a lot of depth to have that heritage. He finds clues that his father left behind for him, and that gives him the courage to face difficult circumstances.
There are so many great supporting characters, all unique and quirky and memorable. I really love how Warren develops these close friendships, and encounters new and strange characters through the story. It was interesting to see how Warren navigates the sticky relationships with different characters.
I loved the puzzles and secret codes in this book! I loved the rich history of the hotel, and the mystery surrounding the kidnapping of Sketchy. The plot takes so many twists and turns, and kept my interest right up to the last page.
The art design is incredible! There are only three colors, black, white, and electric blue, but the artwork and designs are so elaborate and cleverly done that you barely realize that there are so few colors. There are full page illustrations at the beginning of each chapter, and smaller illustrations throughout the other pages. It really adds to the story, and immerses the reader into the world of the hotel.
One of the special things in this book that shows the careful thought that was put into the design is when the ship is caught in the waves and tossed to and fro. Right when the text says that the ship was lurching to the left, the entire page of text is printed tilting to the left, and on the next page when the ship is lurching to the right, the page is tilted to the right! It's a really fun way to bring the design of the book into the story and involve the reader.
I loved the ending to this trilogy, and enjoyed the whole series so much!
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts, and are not influenced by anyone.
February 6, 2021
I did not read the other books in this series, and this is the last in the set of three. But I still didn't have much trouble sinking into the tale and enjoying the characters with every single of their wonderful oddities and good natured hearts.
Warren the 13th is the bellboy of his family's hotel, and since the death of his parents, tries to keep the hotel running. In this installment, the very special hotel and its occupants have made their way through the last adventure, and the hotel has now transformed into a ship. Warren, however, is about to have his 13th birthday and is about to release the 13 year curse. And this seems to strike immediately as they find themselves shipwrecked on an island with feisty pirates at a special, pirate retirement home, and Sketchy (their friend, the octopus) is considered the deep regarded beast of the deep...which he may or may not be. Anyway, when he's kidnapped, things really go nuts.
This is a super fun read and packed with quirkiness and adventure. It wasn't quite as over the top as I thought it'd be, but really follows an exciting plot. The hotel is special but not as much for its amazing, transformation abilities as for the individuals who have taken residence inside. Warren might have lost his parents, but these occupants form a unique and golden family. Each one, despite their spikes and crinkled personalities, are the most valuable friends a kid like Warren could have.
Each page is originally formatted into a more columned, newspaper style, instead of the block of text which usually forms each page in a novel. Plus, there are oodles and goodles of illustrations peppered on each page. There are even puzzles and riddles, which the reader can help Warren solve, which mold seamlessly into the tale and never give it a puzzle book feel (plus, there are only a handful of these). Still, it's a super fun mix.
And to top it off, the adventure is really engaging and draws in. Excitement rolls through at a very steady pace and keeps the tension high until the end. This weaves around simple, wholesome values of loyalty, kindness, selflessness, and keeping a positive attitude. In other words, this is a wonderful read, which not only middle graders are sure to enjoy.
Warren the 13th is the bellboy of his family's hotel, and since the death of his parents, tries to keep the hotel running. In this installment, the very special hotel and its occupants have made their way through the last adventure, and the hotel has now transformed into a ship. Warren, however, is about to have his 13th birthday and is about to release the 13 year curse. And this seems to strike immediately as they find themselves shipwrecked on an island with feisty pirates at a special, pirate retirement home, and Sketchy (their friend, the octopus) is considered the deep regarded beast of the deep...which he may or may not be. Anyway, when he's kidnapped, things really go nuts.
This is a super fun read and packed with quirkiness and adventure. It wasn't quite as over the top as I thought it'd be, but really follows an exciting plot. The hotel is special but not as much for its amazing, transformation abilities as for the individuals who have taken residence inside. Warren might have lost his parents, but these occupants form a unique and golden family. Each one, despite their spikes and crinkled personalities, are the most valuable friends a kid like Warren could have.
Each page is originally formatted into a more columned, newspaper style, instead of the block of text which usually forms each page in a novel. Plus, there are oodles and goodles of illustrations peppered on each page. There are even puzzles and riddles, which the reader can help Warren solve, which mold seamlessly into the tale and never give it a puzzle book feel (plus, there are only a handful of these). Still, it's a super fun mix.
And to top it off, the adventure is really engaging and draws in. Excitement rolls through at a very steady pace and keeps the tension high until the end. This weaves around simple, wholesome values of loyalty, kindness, selflessness, and keeping a positive attitude. In other words, this is a wonderful read, which not only middle graders are sure to enjoy.
March 8, 2020
Originally published on my blog: Nonstop Reader.
Warren the 13th and the Thirteen-Year Curse is the third book in a middle grade series written by Tania del Rio. Due out 24th March 2020 from Quirk Books, it's 224 pages and will be available in hardcover and ebook formats.
These books are delightfully strange, humorous, well written, whimsically odd, and generally good (if occasionally dark) fun. This installment sees the inhabitants of Hotel Warren stranded on an uncharted tropical island and having adventures with pirates. The stories work well as standalone stories and it's not necessary to have read the previous books for continuity. The story will require a healthy suspension of disbelief and sense of fun however. The plot is non-stop, rollicking, and it's what I would definitely call a ripping yarn (with pirates, magic, and a sentient multi-eyed octopus sidekick thing called Sketchy).
The content is age appropriate and although it's aimed at a middle grade readership, it would make a fun bedtime read for younger kids. The art, by creator Will Staehle, is quirky and Edward Gorey-esque and moves the plot along as well as adding a load of personality to the narrative.
Highly recommended to all-ages and fans of middle grade fantasy (Spiderwick, Fablehaven, Mister Max, etc).
Four and a half stars.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes
Warren the 13th and the Thirteen-Year Curse is the third book in a middle grade series written by Tania del Rio. Due out 24th March 2020 from Quirk Books, it's 224 pages and will be available in hardcover and ebook formats.
These books are delightfully strange, humorous, well written, whimsically odd, and generally good (if occasionally dark) fun. This installment sees the inhabitants of Hotel Warren stranded on an uncharted tropical island and having adventures with pirates. The stories work well as standalone stories and it's not necessary to have read the previous books for continuity. The story will require a healthy suspension of disbelief and sense of fun however. The plot is non-stop, rollicking, and it's what I would definitely call a ripping yarn (with pirates, magic, and a sentient multi-eyed octopus sidekick thing called Sketchy).
The content is age appropriate and although it's aimed at a middle grade readership, it would make a fun bedtime read for younger kids. The art, by creator Will Staehle, is quirky and Edward Gorey-esque and moves the plot along as well as adding a load of personality to the narrative.
Highly recommended to all-ages and fans of middle grade fantasy (Spiderwick, Fablehaven, Mister Max, etc).
Four and a half stars.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes
March 12, 2020
Does Not Disappoint
I've been a fan of Warren's since the first book in this series, and this third, and latest, book is a fine continuation of the series. Again we follow the adventures of Warren's floating hotel, but this time around we have a shipwreck, pirates, a circus, octopus hijinks, and all sorts of amusing and ripping adventures. The whole gang of original characters is back, with some new additions to keep the pot interesting.
I don't know why they felt the need to make Warren "ugly", although I imagine the idea was to contrast Warren's outer appearance with his inner decency, fortitude and honor. That seems a bit heavy-handed, but there it is. In any event, Warren remains an engaging and appealing hero, and his companions, (especially common-sensical Petula), are stalwart and resourceful, so the whole adventure has an upbeat energy and gung-ho vibe. The seafaring theme and locales add a nice swashbuckling touch to the proceedings.
This is a third book. You could probably start here, but I think a reader would get a lot more out of it if they had at least read Book One, since that lays out Warren's backstory in a very satisfying fashion. Either way, this is an old school but fast paced and crisply written adventure and friendship tale that I would expect a younger reader would find very rewarding and entertaining.
(Please note that I received a free advance will-self-destruct-in-x-days Adobe Digital copy of this book without a review requirement, or any influence regarding review content should I choose to post a review. Apart from that I have no connection at all to either the author or the publisher of this book.)
I've been a fan of Warren's since the first book in this series, and this third, and latest, book is a fine continuation of the series. Again we follow the adventures of Warren's floating hotel, but this time around we have a shipwreck, pirates, a circus, octopus hijinks, and all sorts of amusing and ripping adventures. The whole gang of original characters is back, with some new additions to keep the pot interesting.
I don't know why they felt the need to make Warren "ugly", although I imagine the idea was to contrast Warren's outer appearance with his inner decency, fortitude and honor. That seems a bit heavy-handed, but there it is. In any event, Warren remains an engaging and appealing hero, and his companions, (especially common-sensical Petula), are stalwart and resourceful, so the whole adventure has an upbeat energy and gung-ho vibe. The seafaring theme and locales add a nice swashbuckling touch to the proceedings.
This is a third book. You could probably start here, but I think a reader would get a lot more out of it if they had at least read Book One, since that lays out Warren's backstory in a very satisfying fashion. Either way, this is an old school but fast paced and crisply written adventure and friendship tale that I would expect a younger reader would find very rewarding and entertaining.
(Please note that I received a free advance will-self-destruct-in-x-days Adobe Digital copy of this book without a review requirement, or any influence regarding review content should I choose to post a review. Apart from that I have no connection at all to either the author or the publisher of this book.)
March 7, 2020
Well, after two wonderful books, we were hopeful the series ended on a high, but… I am sure (seeing as I read this electronically) the real hardback is once again a thing of wonder, and rightly shouting the merits of all its old-fashioned production values, but I didn't engage with this third book nearly as much. It may be that, of all the fantastical things in this world we could have had, what we get are too many pirates. The huge walking and now sailing hotel that Warren the Thirteenth has inherited gets hit by a storm, and everyone is shipwrecked on the shore of a traditional mystery island – where a whole host of retired pirates live. Some of these are nicely going to feature in the story that follows, others are going to feature for very not-nice reasons, such as their blatantly obvious villainy. I don't remember anything else being as simplistic as that in the previous volumes. Throw in some awkwardly difficult problems that we're told Warren can solve, and he's on a quest to rescue a friend, and find the truth behind the legends of the biggest sea monster of all. But it's only in the final act that I found the whimsical wonder, the drama and the surprise of the new – before then it's just a little too humdrum, and too pirate-filled. It was all perfectly reasonable, I suppose, especially for the target age ranges, but that still counts as a major let-down in light of what had come before.
August 23, 2021
I did not read the other books in the series, but I received this final chapter in the Warren the 13th series as a gift from Amazon to review and I became very interested in the book because of the whimsical illustrations, gilded cover, and gorgeous construction quality and printing of the book when I received it. I read this book over a month at bedtime with my twelve and six-year-old sons, and even though we didn’t read the rest of the story, they were captivated by the vibrant illustrations and quirky story of this kid who sets out on a quest in his family’s floating hotel to set the 13-year curse upon the earth while dealing with his family’s shipwreck on an island of pirates... not the swarthy kind, but the retirement home kind. This is a really neat book that is as much fun to read as it is to experience as a story, and I highly recommend it to anyone. Additionally, the quality of the book, illustrations, and page layout is perfect for any up-and-coming readers as the layout offers an opportunity to read easily on every page with column-based formatting and bold printing. I will definitely be going and purchasing the first two so we can not only have the set of beautiful books on our shelf, but heck, just to read the beginnings of the zany adventures of this little kid with his accepted family rather than his blood family. Great fun to be had in this one.
April 26, 2020
In the 3rd installment of the Warren the 13th series, Warren the 13th and the Thirteen-Year Curse The Warren Hotel with it's cast of quirky inhabitants has left dry land to continue its adventures on the high seas. To pirate obsessed Warren its a dream come true but it wouldn't be a book about Warren and his friends without a few bumps along the way. A curse, a shipwreck and the kidnapping of Sketchy certainly fit the bill. Warren and his friends must once again, use their unique skillsets to get the hotel sea-worthy once again and find and rescue Sketchy. This series continues to be a joy to read. I really enjoyed learning Sketchy's story and the new characters that we got to meet along the way (pirates and sea witches and sea monsters, Oh my!). The illustrations are just as wonderful as ever. If you've read the first two books in the series I don't think you will be disappointed by this one!
June 11, 2020
The third and final book in this creative series is a bittersweet ending. Young Warren's adventures come to a close but leave us knowing not to an end. Del Rio and Staehle are a perfect pairing and have given us new characters to grow our imaginations with. I recommend this series to all, young readers or adults. It's time to find inspiration for your own adventures.
December 17, 2019
The illustrations for Warren the 13th and the thirteen-year curse are one my favourites out of the childrens books I've reviewed. Reminds me very much of Tim Burtons creations. The stories are the perfect length to dip in and out of at bedtime.
February 22, 2020
Warren is such a great character. Truly fun for all ages. While the third and final book got a little dull in the middle for me; its still a series I hold in high regard.
I received an advanced copy of this book.
I received an advanced copy of this book.
April 4, 2020
This was a wonderful conclusion to the series. I love the art, and the adventure. I’m looking forward to whatever Tania del Rio decides to write next!
I requested a copy from Netgalley in exchange for a honest review.
I requested a copy from Netgalley in exchange for a honest review.
April 12, 2020
13 year Curses! Kidnapped Squids! Secret Codes! Sea Witches! Retired Pirates! Oceanic Dirigibles! A Nefarious Nomadic Circus! & Other Thrilling Elements. Worth the wait. Beautiful artwork and the books are always complete and compelling stories. Special & Delightful in every way.
June 27, 2020
These books are such fun to read. They are full of heart, and acceptance, and the drawings are absolute perfection. Sad to see the series end, but so glad I read it. It made me feel all warm and happy, and that's exactly what I needed.
September 14, 2020
Warren is an awesome main character. He is loyal, brave, polite, a reader and problem solver.
This book in which contains friends/enemies, adventure, drama, shipwrecks, pirates, the Great Eight, reunions and more.
Fare thee well Warren!
This book in which contains friends/enemies, adventure, drama, shipwrecks, pirates, the Great Eight, reunions and more.
Fare thee well Warren!
Want to read
February 10, 2020Note: I received a digital review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
May 10, 2020
Not quite as good as the first, nor the second, but still a good read. Very adventurous, lots of characters.
June 18, 2020
This is the most adorable trilogy. I love the optimism and positive message throughout all three books!
July 9, 2020
Such a fun, unique series. I hope that they write more.
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