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The Legends of Eerie-on-Sea #3
Shadowghast
In the third mysterious tale of Eerie-on-Sea, it's almost Ghastly Night, and the Shadowghast—an ancient spirit in a lantern—lurks in wait for the power to enslave the town.
In this third adventure, shipwrecked orphan Herbert Lemon, Lost-and-Founder at the Grand Nautilus Hotel, must square off with a creature of town lore as he confronts a shadow from his past. While other towns celebrate Halloween, in Eerie-on-Sea it's Ghastly Night, and a grim spirit in a lantern awaits its moment. Legend has it that if people fail to light manglewick candles on Ghastly Night, and if no showman conjures shadow puppets on the pier as an offering, the insulted Shadowghast will seize and devour the shadows of the living. This year, a professional theater troupe has been summoned, including a raven-haired magician named Caliastra with startling news of Herbie's origins. No sooner have the players checked into the hotel than townspeople start vanishing into thin air, including the guardian of Herbie's best friend, Violet Parma. It's up to Herbie and Violet to separate truth from sleight of hand and solve the mystery of the Shadowghast lantern before darkness swallows them all.
In this third adventure, shipwrecked orphan Herbert Lemon, Lost-and-Founder at the Grand Nautilus Hotel, must square off with a creature of town lore as he confronts a shadow from his past. While other towns celebrate Halloween, in Eerie-on-Sea it's Ghastly Night, and a grim spirit in a lantern awaits its moment. Legend has it that if people fail to light manglewick candles on Ghastly Night, and if no showman conjures shadow puppets on the pier as an offering, the insulted Shadowghast will seize and devour the shadows of the living. This year, a professional theater troupe has been summoned, including a raven-haired magician named Caliastra with startling news of Herbie's origins. No sooner have the players checked into the hotel than townspeople start vanishing into thin air, including the guardian of Herbie's best friend, Violet Parma. It's up to Herbie and Violet to separate truth from sleight of hand and solve the mystery of the Shadowghast lantern before darkness swallows them all.
352 pages, ebook
First published September 14, 2021
54 people are currently reading
1501 people want to read
About the author
Thomas Taylor
24 books273 followersThomas Henry Taylor is a British children's writer and illustrator.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_...
Librarian Note:
There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Thomas^^^^^Taylor
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_...
Librarian Note:
There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Thomas^^^^^Taylor
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 310 reviews
December 11, 2021
3.5 bardzo solidna seria młodo młodzieżowa/dziecięca ❤️
August 15, 2021
I did a spoiler-free reading vlog for this book along with 3 other anticipated middle grade upcoming releases, which you can watch on my YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/2bwv9CRwM4w
December 29, 2024
В цій частині мене якось Вайолет підбішувала, а ще сильно дратувало те, що один персонаж ніяк не помре, постійно вилазе звідкись.
October 26, 2021
Book Reviewed on www.whisperingstories.com
Our young protagonist and Lost-and-Founder at the Grand Nautilus Hotel in Eerie-on-Sea, Herbie Lemon is back in the third instalment of his series set in the spooky seaside town. If you are unfamiliar with the series then you need to start at the beginning with ‘Malamander‘ which will explain all about the young lad being washed up on the shore in a crate of lemons and his job at the hotel, plus this is where he meets his best friend Violet.
In the third book, Herbert gets a surprise when a woman, a magician, turns up in Eerie-on-Sea, for the Ghastly Night celebrations that take place once a year at the end of the pier. She states that she is his aunt and that she has come to take him home, but whilst Herbert is sure she is telling the truth, Violet is not. Although she does have more pressing issues as her friend and boss Jenny from the book dispensary has gone missing and with the legend that is the Shadowghast instilled into the resident’s minds, it isn’t long before people begin to believe that the man who steals shadows has returned.
Shadowghast is a fabulous book and brings together all the characters from the previous two stories and adds a few more to the mix. Eerie-on-Sea (originally called Cheerie-on-Sea but the first two letters fell off the sign), will capture the imagination of the reader with its amazing shops, including the book dispensary with its Mermonkey that chooses the right book for you. A talking cat, and a whole host of amazing and unusual residents.
The plot is full of adventure and I love the nod to the 80s in the arcade, including the movie BIG!! This is the perfect book for this time of year with its creepy and slightly dark plot. It is engaging and keeps the reader entertained the whole way through and gives them a thrilling ride as they join Herbert and Violet once again.
Our young protagonist and Lost-and-Founder at the Grand Nautilus Hotel in Eerie-on-Sea, Herbie Lemon is back in the third instalment of his series set in the spooky seaside town. If you are unfamiliar with the series then you need to start at the beginning with ‘Malamander‘ which will explain all about the young lad being washed up on the shore in a crate of lemons and his job at the hotel, plus this is where he meets his best friend Violet.
In the third book, Herbert gets a surprise when a woman, a magician, turns up in Eerie-on-Sea, for the Ghastly Night celebrations that take place once a year at the end of the pier. She states that she is his aunt and that she has come to take him home, but whilst Herbert is sure she is telling the truth, Violet is not. Although she does have more pressing issues as her friend and boss Jenny from the book dispensary has gone missing and with the legend that is the Shadowghast instilled into the resident’s minds, it isn’t long before people begin to believe that the man who steals shadows has returned.
Shadowghast is a fabulous book and brings together all the characters from the previous two stories and adds a few more to the mix. Eerie-on-Sea (originally called Cheerie-on-Sea but the first two letters fell off the sign), will capture the imagination of the reader with its amazing shops, including the book dispensary with its Mermonkey that chooses the right book for you. A talking cat, and a whole host of amazing and unusual residents.
The plot is full of adventure and I love the nod to the 80s in the arcade, including the movie BIG!! This is the perfect book for this time of year with its creepy and slightly dark plot. It is engaging and keeps the reader entertained the whole way through and gives them a thrilling ride as they join Herbert and Violet once again.
March 23, 2022
This is such an amazing series! Wow. I was blown away when I loved the 2nd book even more than the 1st..Well now this 3rd book is my favorite lol So they just keep getting better & better. I absolutely love Herbie & Violet with my whole heart, along with Erwin, Jenny, Mrs. Fossil, Dr. Thalassi, Mr. Seegol, everyone at the hotel, & just everyone & everything about this magically eerie seaside town. All the kooky shops, including the book dispensary with the Mermonkey-soooo good! These are such atmospheric reads, with the most descriptive writing. I feel like I’m there on this adventure with them. I love how each mystery is so vastly different, yet so intertwined with this place, & certain people, like our Herbie. I loved the direction this one took, & all the different layers to it, & things explored & things revealed. Even though I feel like I know a little more to the puzzle, I’m left even more eager to know more! Lol So much adventure, mystery, suspense, danger, & friendship. Can’t wait for the 4th one in the fall! Highly recommend! Another STUNNING cover by George Ermos as well!💜
September 26, 2022
Da mir die ersten beiden Bände der „Die Geheimnisse von Eerie-on-Sea“ – Reihe so gut gefallen haben, musste ich natürlich auch den dritten Band unbedingt bei mir einziehen lassen. Auf „Shadowghast“ war ich tierisch gespannt!
Die Nacht vor Allerheiligen steht an und während überall sonst auf der Welt Halloween gefeiert wird, begeht man in der kleinen Küstenstadt Eerie-on-Sea die Ghastly Night, um die sich viele Erzählungen ranken. Der Legende nach macht in dieser Gruselnacht der böse Shadowghast Jagd auf die Schatten der Lebenden und verschlingt sie, wenn man nicht rechtzeitig eine Zwirbeldrahtkerze angezündet hat, um sich zu schützen. Dieses Jahr versprechen die traditionellen Ghastly-Night-Feierlichkeiten besonders spektakulär zu werden. Eine Truppe von Schaustellern hat im Grand Nautilus Hotel eingecheckt und versetzt die ausgewählten Zuschauer bereits mit einer kleinen Kostprobe in helle Begeisterung. Doch nicht nur die Fest-Vorbereitungen sorgen für Aufregung: Unter der Theatertruppe befindet sich die Zauberkünstlerin Caliastra, die unglaubliche Neuigkeiten über Herbies Herkunft hat. Die Ereignisse beginnen sich zu überschlagen, als plötzlich immer mehr Bewohner spurlos verschwinden. Es liegt nun an Herbie und Violet, dem ganzen auf den Grund zu gehen und Eerie-on-Sea zu retten.
Bei mir ist es nun schon wieder ein gutes Jahr her, dass ich den vorherigen Teil „Gargantis“ gelesen habe – die genauen Geschehnissen waren mir daher inzwischen leider nicht mehr allzu präsent. Da es dem Autor aber erneut prima geglückt ist, kleine Rückblenden in die Handlung einfließen zu lassen, waren meine Erinnerungen im Nu wieder aufgefrischt, sodass ich meinen dritten Aufenthalt in Eerie-on-Sea in vollen Zügen genießen konnte. Vermutlich kann man das Buch sogar noch jegliches Vorwissen lesen, allerdings würde ich persönlich davon abraten. Da die Bände aufeinander aufbauen, wäre es zweifellos sinnvoller, ihre korrekte chronologische Reihenfolge einzuhalten. Die Lesefreude ist dann einfach um einiges höher.
Was mein Leseerlebnis anbelangt, kann ich nur sagen, dass ich mich eindeutig zurecht so sehr auf das Buch gefreut habe und meine Erwartungen nicht zu hoch geschraubt waren. Thomas Taylor hat mit „Shadowghast“ eine weitere absolut überzeugende Fortsetzung aufs Papier gebracht, die sich nicht hinter ihren beiden Vorgängern zu verstecken braucht und große Lust auf mehr macht. Ich habe auch diesen Band innerhalb kurzer Zeit verschlungen und hätte danach am liebsten sofort zum nächsten gegriffen. Auf Englisch gibt es diesen sogar schon, aber da ich lieber auf Deutsch lese, werde ich mich wohl nun leider noch ein Weilchen gedulden müssen bis ich weiterlesen kann. Auf „Festergrimm“, wie der Originaltitel lautet, freue ich mich schon sehr!
Aber zurück zum dritten Teil. Bereits auf den ersten Seiten kommt eine fesselnde Spannung und unheimliche Stimmung auf, sodass man sofort ganz gebannt von der Geschichte ist und mit einer wohligen Gänsehaut dasitzt. Für die Halloweenzeit kann ich die Reihe, allen voran diesen Band, definitiv ganz besonders empfehlen. Mit dem Küstenstädtchen Eerie-on-Sea hat Thomas Taylor einfach den perfekten Schauplatz für eine Gruselstory erschaffen, voller düsterer Atmosphäre, zeitlosen Charme und geheimnisvoller und magischer Orte.
Zu den Charakteren kann ich mich ebenfalls mal wieder nur begeistert äußern. Ob alte Bekannte oder neue Gesichter, ob gut oder böse – alle wurden sie mit viel Liebe und Fantasie ausgearbeitet und begeistern uns Leser*innen mit ihren außergewöhnlichen und teils ziemlich schrägen Eigenheiten.
Besonders gut gefallen haben mir erneut unsere zwei Hauptprotagonisten Herbie und Violet. Ich liebe einfach die Gegensätzlichkeiten der beiden und ihr amüsantes Zusammenspiel. Waisenjunge und Sachenfinder Herbie Lemon, unser 12-jähriger Ich-Erzähler, ist nicht so der große Fan von gefährlichen Ereignissen und Überraschungen, die toughe Violet dagegen liebt die Aufregung und die Gefahr und stürzt sich stets nur zu gerne in waghalsige Abenteuer. So verschieden die zwei Kinder aber auch sein mögen, sie sind inzwischen die allerbesten Freunde geworden und ergeben zusammen ein erstklassiges Team. In diesem Band jedoch, so viel sei schon mal verraten, wird die Freundschaft der beiden auf eine harte Probe gestellt werden.
Auf die genaue Handlung möchte ich dann auch eigentlich gar nicht weiter groß eingehen. Stellt euch einfach mal daraufhin ein, dass ihr das Buch kaum mehr aus der Hand legen mögt, da es euch so sehr packt und mitreißt und einfach so viel Spaß bringt. In Eerie-on-Sea gehen auch dieses Mal lauter mysteriöse Dinge vor sich, merkwürdige Gestalten tauchen auf, Bewohner*innen werden vermisst und dann wäre da natürlich noch der grausige Shadowghast, der angeblich in der Stadt sein Unwesen treibt und für Angst und Schrecken sorgt. Mitfiebern und Mitbibbern ist hier auf jeden Fall angesagt und da neben dem Nervenkitzel auch die witzigen Momente nicht zu kurz kommen, gerät man beim Lesen an vielen Stellen auch ordentlich ins Schmunzeln.
Und zu guter Letzt noch ein paar Worte zu der Gestaltung des Buches. Wobei ich zum Cover vermutlich gar nicht groß was zu sagen brauche, oder? Sieht es nicht klasse aus? Also ich mag es total gerne, in meinen Augen ist es ein echter Hingucker.
Der Innenteil ist aber auch super aufgemacht. Die Kapitelanfänge werden von kleinen stimmungsvollen schwarz-weiß Vignetten geziert und auf den Vorsatzpapieren kommen wir erneut in den Genuss dieser wunderbaren doppelseitigen Karte, die Eerie-on-Sea zeigt und die voller zauberhafter Details steckt.
Fazit: Ein schaurig-schönes Lesevergnügen voller Geheimnisse und Magie!
Mit „Shadoghast“ beschert uns der englische Autor Thomas Taylor einen weiteren rundum gelungenen Folgeband seiner „Die Geheimnisse von Eerie-on-Sea“ - Serie, der wie seine Vorgänger eine tolle Mischung aus phantastischer Abenteuergeschichte, skurrilem Humor,Herzlichkeit und Grusel enthält und die perfekte Lektüre für dunkle Herbsttage ist. Ich habe auch dieses Mal eine herrliche Zeit mit Herbie, Violet und den weiteren einzigartigen Charakteren verbracht und freue mich schon sehr auf mein Wiedersehen mit ihnen. Ob Jung oder Alt – ich kann diese Reihe jedem nur wärmstens empfehlen. Band 3 erhält von mir 5 von 5 Sternen!
Die Nacht vor Allerheiligen steht an und während überall sonst auf der Welt Halloween gefeiert wird, begeht man in der kleinen Küstenstadt Eerie-on-Sea die Ghastly Night, um die sich viele Erzählungen ranken. Der Legende nach macht in dieser Gruselnacht der böse Shadowghast Jagd auf die Schatten der Lebenden und verschlingt sie, wenn man nicht rechtzeitig eine Zwirbeldrahtkerze angezündet hat, um sich zu schützen. Dieses Jahr versprechen die traditionellen Ghastly-Night-Feierlichkeiten besonders spektakulär zu werden. Eine Truppe von Schaustellern hat im Grand Nautilus Hotel eingecheckt und versetzt die ausgewählten Zuschauer bereits mit einer kleinen Kostprobe in helle Begeisterung. Doch nicht nur die Fest-Vorbereitungen sorgen für Aufregung: Unter der Theatertruppe befindet sich die Zauberkünstlerin Caliastra, die unglaubliche Neuigkeiten über Herbies Herkunft hat. Die Ereignisse beginnen sich zu überschlagen, als plötzlich immer mehr Bewohner spurlos verschwinden. Es liegt nun an Herbie und Violet, dem ganzen auf den Grund zu gehen und Eerie-on-Sea zu retten.
Bei mir ist es nun schon wieder ein gutes Jahr her, dass ich den vorherigen Teil „Gargantis“ gelesen habe – die genauen Geschehnissen waren mir daher inzwischen leider nicht mehr allzu präsent. Da es dem Autor aber erneut prima geglückt ist, kleine Rückblenden in die Handlung einfließen zu lassen, waren meine Erinnerungen im Nu wieder aufgefrischt, sodass ich meinen dritten Aufenthalt in Eerie-on-Sea in vollen Zügen genießen konnte. Vermutlich kann man das Buch sogar noch jegliches Vorwissen lesen, allerdings würde ich persönlich davon abraten. Da die Bände aufeinander aufbauen, wäre es zweifellos sinnvoller, ihre korrekte chronologische Reihenfolge einzuhalten. Die Lesefreude ist dann einfach um einiges höher.
Was mein Leseerlebnis anbelangt, kann ich nur sagen, dass ich mich eindeutig zurecht so sehr auf das Buch gefreut habe und meine Erwartungen nicht zu hoch geschraubt waren. Thomas Taylor hat mit „Shadowghast“ eine weitere absolut überzeugende Fortsetzung aufs Papier gebracht, die sich nicht hinter ihren beiden Vorgängern zu verstecken braucht und große Lust auf mehr macht. Ich habe auch diesen Band innerhalb kurzer Zeit verschlungen und hätte danach am liebsten sofort zum nächsten gegriffen. Auf Englisch gibt es diesen sogar schon, aber da ich lieber auf Deutsch lese, werde ich mich wohl nun leider noch ein Weilchen gedulden müssen bis ich weiterlesen kann. Auf „Festergrimm“, wie der Originaltitel lautet, freue ich mich schon sehr!
Aber zurück zum dritten Teil. Bereits auf den ersten Seiten kommt eine fesselnde Spannung und unheimliche Stimmung auf, sodass man sofort ganz gebannt von der Geschichte ist und mit einer wohligen Gänsehaut dasitzt. Für die Halloweenzeit kann ich die Reihe, allen voran diesen Band, definitiv ganz besonders empfehlen. Mit dem Küstenstädtchen Eerie-on-Sea hat Thomas Taylor einfach den perfekten Schauplatz für eine Gruselstory erschaffen, voller düsterer Atmosphäre, zeitlosen Charme und geheimnisvoller und magischer Orte.
Zu den Charakteren kann ich mich ebenfalls mal wieder nur begeistert äußern. Ob alte Bekannte oder neue Gesichter, ob gut oder böse – alle wurden sie mit viel Liebe und Fantasie ausgearbeitet und begeistern uns Leser*innen mit ihren außergewöhnlichen und teils ziemlich schrägen Eigenheiten.
Besonders gut gefallen haben mir erneut unsere zwei Hauptprotagonisten Herbie und Violet. Ich liebe einfach die Gegensätzlichkeiten der beiden und ihr amüsantes Zusammenspiel. Waisenjunge und Sachenfinder Herbie Lemon, unser 12-jähriger Ich-Erzähler, ist nicht so der große Fan von gefährlichen Ereignissen und Überraschungen, die toughe Violet dagegen liebt die Aufregung und die Gefahr und stürzt sich stets nur zu gerne in waghalsige Abenteuer. So verschieden die zwei Kinder aber auch sein mögen, sie sind inzwischen die allerbesten Freunde geworden und ergeben zusammen ein erstklassiges Team. In diesem Band jedoch, so viel sei schon mal verraten, wird die Freundschaft der beiden auf eine harte Probe gestellt werden.
Auf die genaue Handlung möchte ich dann auch eigentlich gar nicht weiter groß eingehen. Stellt euch einfach mal daraufhin ein, dass ihr das Buch kaum mehr aus der Hand legen mögt, da es euch so sehr packt und mitreißt und einfach so viel Spaß bringt. In Eerie-on-Sea gehen auch dieses Mal lauter mysteriöse Dinge vor sich, merkwürdige Gestalten tauchen auf, Bewohner*innen werden vermisst und dann wäre da natürlich noch der grausige Shadowghast, der angeblich in der Stadt sein Unwesen treibt und für Angst und Schrecken sorgt. Mitfiebern und Mitbibbern ist hier auf jeden Fall angesagt und da neben dem Nervenkitzel auch die witzigen Momente nicht zu kurz kommen, gerät man beim Lesen an vielen Stellen auch ordentlich ins Schmunzeln.
Und zu guter Letzt noch ein paar Worte zu der Gestaltung des Buches. Wobei ich zum Cover vermutlich gar nicht groß was zu sagen brauche, oder? Sieht es nicht klasse aus? Also ich mag es total gerne, in meinen Augen ist es ein echter Hingucker.
Der Innenteil ist aber auch super aufgemacht. Die Kapitelanfänge werden von kleinen stimmungsvollen schwarz-weiß Vignetten geziert und auf den Vorsatzpapieren kommen wir erneut in den Genuss dieser wunderbaren doppelseitigen Karte, die Eerie-on-Sea zeigt und die voller zauberhafter Details steckt.
Fazit: Ein schaurig-schönes Lesevergnügen voller Geheimnisse und Magie!
Mit „Shadoghast“ beschert uns der englische Autor Thomas Taylor einen weiteren rundum gelungenen Folgeband seiner „Die Geheimnisse von Eerie-on-Sea“ - Serie, der wie seine Vorgänger eine tolle Mischung aus phantastischer Abenteuergeschichte, skurrilem Humor,Herzlichkeit und Grusel enthält und die perfekte Lektüre für dunkle Herbsttage ist. Ich habe auch dieses Mal eine herrliche Zeit mit Herbie, Violet und den weiteren einzigartigen Charakteren verbracht und freue mich schon sehr auf mein Wiedersehen mit ihnen. Ob Jung oder Alt – ich kann diese Reihe jedem nur wärmstens empfehlen. Band 3 erhält von mir 5 von 5 Sternen!
December 30, 2022
Ну це дуже гарна історія!! Подобається як в кожній книзі автор вже натякає на сюжети наступних😍
December 28, 2021
I'm not sure how Thomas Taylor does it, but these books just seem to get better and better. The Eerie-on-Sea series is just about perfection in how it has created a town full of unique, odd, and eccentric inhabitants and legends that come to life.
If you are not familiar with the series it features Herbie Lemon, the Lost-and-Founder at the Grand Nautilus Hotel, and his best friend Violet. Years ago Herbie washed up from a shipwreck in a crate of lemons having no memory of his past. But! That all potentially change in this latest book when someone comes to the Grand Nautilus and claims to be Herbie's aunt.
You might think Violet would be happy for Herbie, but she has her doubts about his "aunt." On the other hand, Herbie thinks Violet is just jealous that he found his family before she found hers. This disagreement creates tension between our two heroes resulting in one of the best fight scenes ever. These two are definitely not expert fighters and listening to it on audio book gave me quite a laugh.
But while the drama between Herbie/Violet is occurring, there is even more happening in the town itself. The Ghastly Nights are approaching (their fall event) and this year is looking to be even more 'ghastly' than normal. People go missing, odd behavior occurs for others, and in the end more mysterious things about the town are discovered leaving us with even more questions about what's to come.
Two side notes:
- Two of the best assistants/henchmen ever are featured in Shadowghast. The mime assistants had me chuckling whenever they entered the scene as I could see their actions play out.
- If you have been wanting more of Erwin (the talking cat), then this is your book! He popped up everywhere you would expect and not expect him to be. I can't wait to see more of him in future books.
I had the pleasure of listening to this book on audio and once again Will M. Watt has brought the story to life. A terrific range of voices and inflections for each character. The perfect choice.
Rating: 5 stars
If you are not familiar with the series it features Herbie Lemon, the Lost-and-Founder at the Grand Nautilus Hotel, and his best friend Violet. Years ago Herbie washed up from a shipwreck in a crate of lemons having no memory of his past. But! That all potentially change in this latest book when someone comes to the Grand Nautilus and claims to be Herbie's aunt.
You might think Violet would be happy for Herbie, but she has her doubts about his "aunt." On the other hand, Herbie thinks Violet is just jealous that he found his family before she found hers. This disagreement creates tension between our two heroes resulting in one of the best fight scenes ever. These two are definitely not expert fighters and listening to it on audio book gave me quite a laugh.
But while the drama between Herbie/Violet is occurring, there is even more happening in the town itself. The Ghastly Nights are approaching (their fall event) and this year is looking to be even more 'ghastly' than normal. People go missing, odd behavior occurs for others, and in the end more mysterious things about the town are discovered leaving us with even more questions about what's to come.
Two side notes:
- Two of the best assistants/henchmen ever are featured in Shadowghast. The mime assistants had me chuckling whenever they entered the scene as I could see their actions play out.
- If you have been wanting more of Erwin (the talking cat), then this is your book! He popped up everywhere you would expect and not expect him to be. I can't wait to see more of him in future books.
I had the pleasure of listening to this book on audio and once again Will M. Watt has brought the story to life. A terrific range of voices and inflections for each character. The perfect choice.
Rating: 5 stars
January 12, 2022
Tuhaf deniz kasabası serisini gerçekten çok seviyorum. Onlarca kitabı çıksa hepsini sıkılmadan okurum. Her kitapta farklı bir efsaneyi macera dolu bir şekilde okumak çok keyifli. Herkese tavsiye ederim. +11, fantastik.
November 6, 2025
A spooky and scary addition to the Legends of Eerie-on-Sea series.
✏️ Review ✏️
After reading the summary of Shadowghast, I was leary of reading the third installment in this series. After all, it sounded scary and a bit weirder than something I would normally care to read. So after reading this claimed-to-be spooky tale, I can definitely say it is spooky and, as far as the "weird" category goes, definitely weird but not as weird I was expecting. Shadowghast, however, is still a story I wouldn't normally choose for reading material due to some of the questionable magic content (the most notable example being hints at being able to control people's souls through magic).
Yes, the creepy and magical elements in Shadowghast are presented in a realistic and believable manner, which makes for a scary adventure (see Random Comments for more details relating to these elements). And as this book really deepens the entire secrets and overall mystery of Eerie-on-Sea, I'm glad I read it. This book excites me to keep reading this series in order to get to the bottom of these deep secrets in Eerie-on-Sea. I'm ready for more exciting legendary adventures ahead!
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📊 A Quick Overview 📊
👍🏼 What I Liked:
• Most of the plot — it's suspenseful and fast-paced.
• The writing style — it has a really smooth flow and artistic flair.
• The MC — at this point the MC has a very mysterious backstory and is well-rounded.
• The deepening revelations of secrets within the entire series.
👎🏼 What I Did Not Like:
• Some of the magical elements in the story.
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❓ To Read or Not To Read? ❓
— Would I recommend this book? Yes, selectively.*
— To whom? To those who have read books one and two of the Legends of Eerie-on-Sea series and who are aware of the magic content in this book
*(Note: I leave it up to each individual to decide the maturity and discernment level required to read the books I recommend, based on my content warnings below [in my Book Breakdown]. My content warnings [if any] should always be considered alongside my recommendations when deciding who these books are best suited for.)
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📖 BOOK BREAKDOWN 📖 (Overall: 2.5/5 [rounded down to 2 on Goodreads])
~Fundamentals: (1=worst; 5=best)
— 📈 Plot: 3.5/5
— 📝 Writing: 4/5
— 👥 Characters: 3.5/5
~Content: (0=none; 1=least; 5=most)
— 🤬 Language: 1/5
• One use of "d*mn."
— ⚔️ Violence: 1/5
• A few potentially mildly frightening situations and circumstances.
— ⚠️ Sexual: 0/5
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📣 Random Comments 📣
• Magic content: 🛑🛑🛑 Potentially spoilerish 🛑🛑🛑 A magical lantern contains a monstrous creature known as the Shadowghast. This disembodied shadow has the ability to snatch other people's shadows which results in the person's shadow being taken into the lantern. This then causes the person's intellect to be under the control of the Shadowghast. The owner of the lantern, however, controls both the Shadowghast and the captured shadows and people. Throughout the story there are inferences that this magic also controls people's souls. Also, there are two scenes where this ghost-figure communicates with the MC in the MC's mind. While it is a prominent part of the story, the use and possession of the aforementioned magic is portrayed in a negative manner. 🟢🟢🟢 Potential spoilers are over. 🟢🟢🟢
Readers who are uncomfortable with this type of magic content will want to either avoid this third book in the series altogether or read it with heightened discretion; since this book contains many revelations which I imagine to be crucial to the rest of the Legends of Eerie-on-Sea series, I would suggest the latter but leave the decision up to each individual.
• A note about my rating: My original rating for Shadowghast was 3.5 stars. I didn't feel comfortable, however, with some of the magical elements in the story, such as the inferences about the magic being able to control people's souls. Because of this, I felt compelled to subtract one star and bring my rating down to 2.5 stars for consistency and so that it aligns more accurately with my rating system.
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💬 Favorite Quotes 💬
• "You're never alone when you have a book." (p. 288)
✏️ Review ✏️
After reading the summary of Shadowghast, I was leary of reading the third installment in this series. After all, it sounded scary and a bit weirder than something I would normally care to read. So after reading this claimed-to-be spooky tale, I can definitely say it is spooky and, as far as the "weird" category goes, definitely weird but not as weird I was expecting. Shadowghast, however, is still a story I wouldn't normally choose for reading material due to some of the questionable magic content (the most notable example being hints at being able to control people's souls through magic).
Yes, the creepy and magical elements in Shadowghast are presented in a realistic and believable manner, which makes for a scary adventure (see Random Comments for more details relating to these elements). And as this book really deepens the entire secrets and overall mystery of Eerie-on-Sea, I'm glad I read it. This book excites me to keep reading this series in order to get to the bottom of these deep secrets in Eerie-on-Sea. I'm ready for more exciting legendary adventures ahead!
"You're still thinking the Shadowghast is nothing more than a silly superstition.
No more than a trick of the light.
Only, remember this: at the heart of every legend is a spark of truth. And when the sunlight dies and you're running from the shadows through the deepening streets of Eerie-on-Sea, a spark — no matter how small — is all you need.
Unless that trick of the light is actually a trick of the dark...."
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📊 A Quick Overview 📊
👍🏼 What I Liked:
• Most of the plot — it's suspenseful and fast-paced.
• The writing style — it has a really smooth flow and artistic flair.
• The MC — at this point the MC has a very mysterious backstory and is well-rounded.
• The deepening revelations of secrets within the entire series.
👎🏼 What I Did Not Like:
• Some of the magical elements in the story.
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❓ To Read or Not To Read? ❓
— Would I recommend this book? Yes, selectively.*
— To whom? To those who have read books one and two of the Legends of Eerie-on-Sea series and who are aware of the magic content in this book
*(Note: I leave it up to each individual to decide the maturity and discernment level required to read the books I recommend, based on my content warnings below [in my Book Breakdown]. My content warnings [if any] should always be considered alongside my recommendations when deciding who these books are best suited for.)
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📖 BOOK BREAKDOWN 📖 (Overall: 2.5/5 [rounded down to 2 on Goodreads])
~Fundamentals: (1=worst; 5=best)
— 📈 Plot: 3.5/5
— 📝 Writing: 4/5
— 👥 Characters: 3.5/5
~Content: (0=none; 1=least; 5=most)
— 🤬 Language: 1/5
• One use of "d*mn."
— ⚔️ Violence: 1/5
• A few potentially mildly frightening situations and circumstances.
— ⚠️ Sexual: 0/5
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📣 Random Comments 📣
• Magic content: 🛑🛑🛑 Potentially spoilerish 🛑🛑🛑 A magical lantern contains a monstrous creature known as the Shadowghast. This disembodied shadow has the ability to snatch other people's shadows which results in the person's shadow being taken into the lantern. This then causes the person's intellect to be under the control of the Shadowghast. The owner of the lantern, however, controls both the Shadowghast and the captured shadows and people. Throughout the story there are inferences that this magic also controls people's souls. Also, there are two scenes where this ghost-figure communicates with the MC in the MC's mind. While it is a prominent part of the story, the use and possession of the aforementioned magic is portrayed in a negative manner. 🟢🟢🟢 Potential spoilers are over. 🟢🟢🟢
Readers who are uncomfortable with this type of magic content will want to either avoid this third book in the series altogether or read it with heightened discretion; since this book contains many revelations which I imagine to be crucial to the rest of the Legends of Eerie-on-Sea series, I would suggest the latter but leave the decision up to each individual.
• A note about my rating: My original rating for Shadowghast was 3.5 stars. I didn't feel comfortable, however, with some of the magical elements in the story, such as the inferences about the magic being able to control people's souls. Because of this, I felt compelled to subtract one star and bring my rating down to 2.5 stars for consistency and so that it aligns more accurately with my rating system.
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💬 Favorite Quotes 💬
• "You're never alone when you have a book." (p. 288)
April 16, 2021
Yes! We're Back on Track
I really enjoyed the first book in this series, ("Malamander"). Mostly that was because of how engaging and well developed our two heroes, Herbie and Violet, were. Eerie-on-Sea is a marvelously warped village, the locals are either creepy or appealing, and the whole book was a satisfyingly cozy and yet suspenseful adventure, with just the right fantastic elements. The second book, ("Gargantis"), was a bit of a letdown by comparison. The plot was hectic, crammed with increasingly over the top fantasy angles, and felt very rushed. Worse, at times Herbie and Violet became almost secondary characters in their own story.
Which is why I've been thrilled by this third volume. You probably want to read the first book first to really get the premise of Eerie-on-Sea and to fully engage with Herbie's foundling back story, although reading book one isn't strictly necessary. In any event, you'll be taken by this book three. Herbie and Vi are front and center for all of the action, and their relationship is in many ways the centerpiece of the book and provides most of the energy and impetus for the story. This time around we have an is she/or isn't she villainess, and a marvelously creepy ghost story. This is framed in the grand tradition of a dark/magical carnival wonder show, and it incorporates all of the best creepy and unnerving aspects of those sorts of tales. There is peril around every corner, no one can be trusted, and while the plot isn't complex or overwrought, it is compelling and advances at an increasingly feverish pace. Instead of fantasy action this book leans more toward supernatural suspense mystery, and that's fine because it plays into the strengths of Herbie and Vi.
And this may be the best written of the three books. Dialogue is especially crisp. Mood and atmosphere is appropriately dark and unsettling. The plot is woven around an old Eerie ghost story, and over the course of the book the story is told several different ways by several different characters. Each version of the story, and how it manifests in the real time action, is exceptionally well told. There are some legitimately scary bits, and those scares are well earned through good old-fashioned and elegant story telling. The earlier book had a plot, sure, but this one has a story, and characters for whom you develop a real affection, and that makes all the difference.
(Please note that I received a free ecopy 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 really enjoyed the first book in this series, ("Malamander"). Mostly that was because of how engaging and well developed our two heroes, Herbie and Violet, were. Eerie-on-Sea is a marvelously warped village, the locals are either creepy or appealing, and the whole book was a satisfyingly cozy and yet suspenseful adventure, with just the right fantastic elements. The second book, ("Gargantis"), was a bit of a letdown by comparison. The plot was hectic, crammed with increasingly over the top fantasy angles, and felt very rushed. Worse, at times Herbie and Violet became almost secondary characters in their own story.
Which is why I've been thrilled by this third volume. You probably want to read the first book first to really get the premise of Eerie-on-Sea and to fully engage with Herbie's foundling back story, although reading book one isn't strictly necessary. In any event, you'll be taken by this book three. Herbie and Vi are front and center for all of the action, and their relationship is in many ways the centerpiece of the book and provides most of the energy and impetus for the story. This time around we have an is she/or isn't she villainess, and a marvelously creepy ghost story. This is framed in the grand tradition of a dark/magical carnival wonder show, and it incorporates all of the best creepy and unnerving aspects of those sorts of tales. There is peril around every corner, no one can be trusted, and while the plot isn't complex or overwrought, it is compelling and advances at an increasingly feverish pace. Instead of fantasy action this book leans more toward supernatural suspense mystery, and that's fine because it plays into the strengths of Herbie and Vi.
And this may be the best written of the three books. Dialogue is especially crisp. Mood and atmosphere is appropriately dark and unsettling. The plot is woven around an old Eerie ghost story, and over the course of the book the story is told several different ways by several different characters. Each version of the story, and how it manifests in the real time action, is exceptionally well told. There are some legitimately scary bits, and those scares are well earned through good old-fashioned and elegant story telling. The earlier book had a plot, sure, but this one has a story, and characters for whom you develop a real affection, and that makes all the difference.
(Please note that I received a free ecopy 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.)
January 31, 2022
Bu seriyi çok seviyorum. Kitabın ciltli tasarımı, illüstrasyonlar o kadar güzel ki. Karakasvette diğerleri kadar güzeldi. Kitabı okuyacaklar bakmasın ama Yılanbalık gene ortaya çıktı. Galiba bu serinin sonuna kadar o da bir şekilde kurtulup bizimkilere ve kasabaya hep problem yaratacak. Kitabın son sayfasında karekodu okutarak serinin bir sonraki kitabından ön okuma olarak beş sayfa okuyabiliyorsunuz. Yeni kitap Festergrimm'i sabırsızlıkla bekliyorum.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 13, 2020
Malamander book 3, what can I say, the series gets better and better - I loved it!!
August 15, 2022
The third installment in the Eerie-On-Sea series does not disappoint! This book was another exciting tale of mystery and creepy creatures known only to Eerie-On-Sea. Herbie is such a fun and relatable protagonist, and this one had me wondering just how connected to Eerie-on-Sea he is.
Thomas Taylor is a wizard with words, and this book had me in its grip within just a few pages. This is the kind of book that somehow makes you want to both be in the book, experiencing its events with the character--and also thankful that you aren't. I can't wait for the next book to come out!
Thomas Taylor is a wizard with words, and this book had me in its grip within just a few pages. This is the kind of book that somehow makes you want to both be in the book, experiencing its events with the character--and also thankful that you aren't. I can't wait for the next book to come out!
November 24, 2025
The writing and characters are still very fun - though this was far spookier than others (verging into demonic, rather than spookiness) at several points.
August 5, 2023
Loved it! Fun and a bit spooky story with great characters and a Lemony Snicketesque vibe. 😊
April 24, 2025
Basically same feelings as the first two.
I liked that there was a hint about Herbie's backstory because that is part of the continuous mystery and I also liked the development of Herbie and Violet's friendship.
I liked that there was a hint about Herbie's backstory because that is part of the continuous mystery and I also liked the development of Herbie and Violet's friendship.
May 28, 2025
Обожнюю читати про пригоди Гербі Демона та Вайолет у Морському Аду 🤗 Хоч це серія книг, але кожна книга не уступає в якості написання першій. Легка, пригодницька, цікава! рекомендую до прочитання 😉
January 5, 2025
Reread along with the preceding books so I can get to the new ones! Fantastic last book of 2024.
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I absolutely ADORE these books, and the best part is that it seems there will be more.
Also, what better way for me to kick off Believathon IV? Read for prompt 27, "Same letter as your name".
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I absolutely ADORE these books, and the best part is that it seems there will be more.
Also, what better way for me to kick off Believathon IV? Read for prompt 27, "Same letter as your name".
January 1, 2022
Liked it but not as much as book 2
I wanted to give it 5 stars. I really did. Even more so that all of my friends - whose opinions I follow, respect and (mostly) agree with - said that it's the best part of the series.
The intrigue/mystery was as good as in books 1 and 2 (Malamander and Gargantis). And Herbert and Violet's adventures were funny, scary and made even me (an adult reader!) bite my nails a few times. But...
But I didn't get the resolutions of those problems/mysteries I thought I would. I mean I thought this was supposed to be a trilogy, and not a longer series, right? So what about...
So, it was an enjoyable read, again, and I would definitely recommend the whole series to younger (and older) mystery fantasy fans :)
I wanted to give it 5 stars. I really did. Even more so that all of my friends - whose opinions I follow, respect and (mostly) agree with - said that it's the best part of the series.
The intrigue/mystery was as good as in books 1 and 2 (Malamander and Gargantis). And Herbert and Violet's adventures were funny, scary and made even me (an adult reader!) bite my nails a few times. But...
But I didn't get the resolutions of those problems/mysteries I thought I would. I mean I thought this was supposed to be a trilogy, and not a longer series, right? So what about...
So, it was an enjoyable read, again, and I would definitely recommend the whole series to younger (and older) mystery fantasy fans :)
May 15, 2025
I read the first two books physically, but listened to some of the audiobook version of the first book.
I really enjoyed the narration of it, and I’m in a bit of a chronic illness crash, so thought I’d listen to the audiobooks of the rest of the series.
Unfortunately, each audiobook is narrated by a different person, so it took a bit of time to get used to the different voices this narrator used - especially for Violet.
However, I ended up really enjoying it!
I’ve started listening to the audiobook for the fourth book and I think I’m just going to read it physically. I cannot get my head around the constant change of character voices. Violet has now changed from a Suffolk farmer to a scouser.
I really enjoyed the narration of it, and I’m in a bit of a chronic illness crash, so thought I’d listen to the audiobooks of the rest of the series.
Unfortunately, each audiobook is narrated by a different person, so it took a bit of time to get used to the different voices this narrator used - especially for Violet.
However, I ended up really enjoying it!
I’ve started listening to the audiobook for the fourth book and I think I’m just going to read it physically. I cannot get my head around the constant change of character voices. Violet has now changed from a Suffolk farmer to a scouser.
February 4, 2022
Kammovarjo on pelottavin seikkailu Aaverannassa tähän mennessä. Legendan mukaan Kammovarjo voi viedä varjosi ja Nukkemestari, joka hallitsee sitä voi hallita myös niitä, joiden varjo on viety. Mikä voisikaan olla pelottavampaa, että joku voi ottaa toisen ihmisen täydelliseen komentoonsa ja käyttää häntä pahojen tekojensa nappulana? Herbien ja Orvokin on pelastettava koko kaupunki joutumasta Kammovarjon uhreiksi.
Toisin kuin aiemmin on ilmoitettu, sarja ei päätykään tähän osaan, vaan jatkoa on tulossa jo kesällä (Festergrim) ja 2023 Mermeduke, näin ainakin kirjailijan kotisivuilla lukee. Nämäkin varmaan ilmestyvät tulevaisuudessa suomeksi.
Toisin kuin aiemmin on ilmoitettu, sarja ei päätykään tähän osaan, vaan jatkoa on tulossa jo kesällä (Festergrim) ja 2023 Mermeduke, näin ainakin kirjailijan kotisivuilla lukee. Nämäkin varmaan ilmestyvät tulevaisuudessa suomeksi.
October 2, 2021
Read- October 2021 for Magical Hopathon, Scary Readathon, Fantasy Fall Reads and Raedathon
- I had a really strong feeling that this third book would get the full 5 stars from me and I am so happy that I was right.
- I had a really strong feeling that this third book would get the full 5 stars from me and I am so happy that I was right.
February 22, 2022
Olipa ihana palata Aaverantaan! Tämä kolmas osa oli jotenkin tiiviimpi kuin edeltäjänsä, ja vei mut ja alakoululaiset lapseni aivan mukanaan. Todella lämmin suositus tälle sarjalle!
Read
October 26, 2021“You, too, would hurry a little faster through the blustery streets as the days grew shorter and the shadows long. And when the end of October finally arrived, you’d put up a manglewick candle for protection, too. Just in case. Just in case this is the year that Ghastly Night is forgotten and no showman lights a lantern on the pier to conjure shadow puppets in offering to the dark. For if that should ever happen, so folks say, the Shadowghast—enraged by the insult—would hunt instead for the shadows of the living.” After feeling like I was getting into a reading slump this part got me out of it. Such a cozy fall read that’s perfect time for this year. I loved the first two books so much.
November 22, 2021
3.5 Stars!
I liked this one a little better than book 2, but I think what will keep me reading these books more than anything is Will M. Watt, the audio narrator. As long as he narrates these books I will read them until the series is over.
I liked this one a little better than book 2, but I think what will keep me reading these books more than anything is Will M. Watt, the audio narrator. As long as he narrates these books I will read them until the series is over.
September 2, 2021
I absolutely adore the Legends of Eerie-on-Sea series, so when this third book appeared on Netgalley, of course I requested it! I will still try to get my hands of the physical copy though… because like I said: I love the series.
One of the things that makes this series so great is the setting. All of the stories take place in a seeside village called Cheerie-on-Sea… apart from that out of season two of the letters fall of the sign therefore the town is now called Eerie-on-Sea. And it is just perfect and I want to visit it. There is a book dispensary (where you get not necessarily the book you want, but the book you need), there is Mrs Fossil the beachcomber, there a wonderful museum, there is a great fish-and-chip shop on a pier… and there is Herbert Lemon who works as a Lost-and-Founder in the Grand Nautilus Hotel. Also, a talking cat and a clockwork hermit crab.
To all of that greatness, this book now adds another layer of atmosphere with it all being set around Ghastly Night (the towns version of Halloween) and the creatures and legends that come with it: the Shadowghast. And yes, he is creepy… making this the perfect read for upcoming spooky season.
We also get some developments on Herbie’s story and I cannot wait to see where that takes us, And we get to explore some new part of the town. As usual the stakes are high, and Thomas doesn’t make life easy for his heroes even though this book is written for kids. Herbert and Violet also get their friendship tested which was kinda nice to see.
My only (minor) issue with this book is with the villain, and a trope/trick that I’m not the biggest fan of in the first place done just a bit too often. But that might just be a personal irk.
This is one of those middle grade series that is very easy to enjoy by an older audience as well, and a perfect autumn read (especially this third book). So you should definitely pick these up soon!
One of the things that makes this series so great is the setting. All of the stories take place in a seeside village called Cheerie-on-Sea… apart from that out of season two of the letters fall of the sign therefore the town is now called Eerie-on-Sea. And it is just perfect and I want to visit it. There is a book dispensary (where you get not necessarily the book you want, but the book you need), there is Mrs Fossil the beachcomber, there a wonderful museum, there is a great fish-and-chip shop on a pier… and there is Herbert Lemon who works as a Lost-and-Founder in the Grand Nautilus Hotel. Also, a talking cat and a clockwork hermit crab.
To all of that greatness, this book now adds another layer of atmosphere with it all being set around Ghastly Night (the towns version of Halloween) and the creatures and legends that come with it: the Shadowghast. And yes, he is creepy… making this the perfect read for upcoming spooky season.
We also get some developments on Herbie’s story and I cannot wait to see where that takes us, And we get to explore some new part of the town. As usual the stakes are high, and Thomas doesn’t make life easy for his heroes even though this book is written for kids. Herbert and Violet also get their friendship tested which was kinda nice to see.
My only (minor) issue with this book is with the villain, and a trope/trick that I’m not the biggest fan of in the first place done just a bit too often. But that might just be a personal irk.
This is one of those middle grade series that is very easy to enjoy by an older audience as well, and a perfect autumn read (especially this third book). So you should definitely pick these up soon!
November 13, 2021
Absolutely magnificent! This book had me gripped from the get go. Shadowghast tells tales of mystery, intrigue, shadows and strange goings on. Herbie, as always, is brave and brilliant. I loved the threads of folk tales, the towns history and the importance of friendship in this. It’s eerie enough to be spooky, but not terrifying! Are the newcomers to Eerie-in-Sea really who they say they are?! Loved this! What a spot on Halloween read!
June 12, 2023
3.5 ⭐
Uwielbiam oryginalność i ciepło tej serii! Zdecydowanie jeden z fajniejszych comfort readów, jakie dorwałam w tym roku i do tego bardzo przyjemny lektor. Pod względem akcji to nie jest mój ulubiony tom, zdecydowanie bardziej polubiłam się z poprzednimi, ale mimo to nie sposób się nie uśmiechać w trakcie.
Czekam niecierpliwie, aż pojawią się w PL kolejne tomy ♡
Uwielbiam oryginalność i ciepło tej serii! Zdecydowanie jeden z fajniejszych comfort readów, jakie dorwałam w tym roku i do tego bardzo przyjemny lektor. Pod względem akcji to nie jest mój ulubiony tom, zdecydowanie bardziej polubiłam się z poprzednimi, ale mimo to nie sposób się nie uśmiechać w trakcie.
Czekam niecierpliwie, aż pojawią się w PL kolejne tomy ♡
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