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Silent Lee: And the Adventure of the Side Door Key
As if life isn’t already complicated when you have to sneak out a magical side door and enter a different century just to get to school each morning. And now Silent has to figure out what happened to her beloved Aunt Generous, the woman who raised her—which would be complicated enough even if CIA agents in black SUVs weren’t chasing her—but they definitely are!
119 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 30, 2019
11 people are currently reading
18 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
May 20, 2019
My favorite book series from my childhood is the Trixie Belden mysteries. So was easily drawn toward “Silent Lee and the Adventure of the Side Door Key” the first in a mystery series. I think children who grew up on The Magic Tree House series would like this book (although some of the content is more age-appropriate for tweens).
A fun and easy read, the story kept me intrigued and curious to find out what happens next. Love when circumstances force two seemingly opposite people toward one another, Sie and Raahi, who eventually lean on each other to get out of some tricky predicaments. Especially like the true-life inspiration of the mansion - the author’s grandmother’s home. And the author does a great job moving from the magical world to the current world.
Looking forward to the sequel in this series. Special thanks to Smith Publicity and the author, Alex Haim, for an advanced reader’s copy in exchange for an honest review.
A fun and easy read, the story kept me intrigued and curious to find out what happens next. Love when circumstances force two seemingly opposite people toward one another, Sie and Raahi, who eventually lean on each other to get out of some tricky predicaments. Especially like the true-life inspiration of the mansion - the author’s grandmother’s home. And the author does a great job moving from the magical world to the current world.
Looking forward to the sequel in this series. Special thanks to Smith Publicity and the author, Alex Haim, for an advanced reader’s copy in exchange for an honest review.
November 26, 2020
When is the next book going to come? This is series is so good, I can't wait for the next installment.
October 8, 2020
| Reader Fox Blog |
Raahi did not like it when his classmates called him a bookworm. Bookworms ate books--they didn't read them.
Where do I begin with Silent Lee and the Adventure of the Side Door Key by Alex Hiam? The truth is, I'm feeling very middle of the road about this book, despite having fallen completely in love with that title. A part of me is certain that there are quite a number of children who will very much enjoy the tale of a young girl called Silent who alternates her life between the world of the Side Door in which magic flourishes and what basically equates to the real world outside of her Aunt Generous' front door and the ensuing adventure when her Aunt suddenly dies and her mother has generated a plot to get into the magical realm beyond the side door. However, I also have the wherewithal to acknowledge that this book was somewhat poorly written. And that, in and of itself, leaves me feeling rather conflicted as I write this review because I actually did deeply enjoy the overall plot of the novel. And I do find myself wondering if I were to go back and read books from my childhood that I consider similar to this one, would I find the same problems?
Let's begin with my biggest issue with this novel; a rather large number of the events within it are deeply unrealistic and almost always present themselves as a way to further the plot or wrap up particular plot points. This is not a sign that you're reading a good novel, but rather that the author couldn't think of any realistic or believable reason to get her characters from point A to point B. Take the brief moment, for example, of Raahi attempting to find Silent after having briefly met her on the street. Instead of looking for her at school, instead of following her, and instead of returning to the street where he met her Raahi goes to the administrative offices at his school and asks the secretary for her contact information (e.g. address). Not only is this ridiculous because no school administrator int heir right mind would offer up sensitive information like that to a student just wanting to know, but it's incredibly unprofessional and unsafe. I'm sure anyone who reads this book and then goes to try something like that would be laughed out of the office.
The end of the novel follows this rather unprofessional and unrealistic plot device and though I will keep my discussion of it to a minimum to avoid spoilers, what I can say is that it resulted in the resolution feeling extremely contrived. Of course, it would take no effort whatsoever and everything would be wrapped up perfectly in a pretty bow in order for the main issue of the entire novel to be resolved in the time it takes to snap your fingers. Of course, there would be no struggle to right the wrongs. The antagonist would be snuffed out and punished accordingly. Everything was simply far too easy to fix. I'm sorry, but young readers deserve better.
My other complaints are minimal in comparison, varying from the fact that the main character, Silent, was somewhat difficult to like as she was quite rude--though I suppose some of it can be excused considering her situation--to poorly written dialogue in various places. Fortunately, I can get past most of that and see merit in a novel, especially when the target audience is younger children around 7-12 years old. And while I did deeply love the idea behind the story and the Side Door world, we spent exactly less than ten minutes and a paltry number of pages in that Side Door world to the point that it almost felt meaningless.
I did, for the most part, enjoy reading this book. It's one that, were it to go through a bit more editing and some rewrites, I could see myself having loved when I was younger and one that I would feel thrilled to recommend to others. I am also over the moon thrilled that the book wasn't entirely whitewashed and we have an Indian main character whose culture is actually mentioned. This isn't something I've seen often in many books and I'm always happy when I do come across such representation. In general, the novel had a lot of promise and does appear to be setting up for it to become a series. I'm not sure if I would continue reading the series, though I would like to see the author's writing improve and do see an opportunity for that to be the case.
So, do I regret reading this book? Not particularly. Would I buy it? Nah. Would I read a sequel? Maybe. I haven't quite made up my mind just yet. I suppose we'll just have to wait and see.
I was provided a free copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
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Raahi did not like it when his classmates called him a bookworm. Bookworms ate books--they didn't read them.
Where do I begin with Silent Lee and the Adventure of the Side Door Key by Alex Hiam? The truth is, I'm feeling very middle of the road about this book, despite having fallen completely in love with that title. A part of me is certain that there are quite a number of children who will very much enjoy the tale of a young girl called Silent who alternates her life between the world of the Side Door in which magic flourishes and what basically equates to the real world outside of her Aunt Generous' front door and the ensuing adventure when her Aunt suddenly dies and her mother has generated a plot to get into the magical realm beyond the side door. However, I also have the wherewithal to acknowledge that this book was somewhat poorly written. And that, in and of itself, leaves me feeling rather conflicted as I write this review because I actually did deeply enjoy the overall plot of the novel. And I do find myself wondering if I were to go back and read books from my childhood that I consider similar to this one, would I find the same problems?
Let's begin with my biggest issue with this novel; a rather large number of the events within it are deeply unrealistic and almost always present themselves as a way to further the plot or wrap up particular plot points. This is not a sign that you're reading a good novel, but rather that the author couldn't think of any realistic or believable reason to get her characters from point A to point B. Take the brief moment, for example, of Raahi attempting to find Silent after having briefly met her on the street. Instead of looking for her at school, instead of following her, and instead of returning to the street where he met her Raahi goes to the administrative offices at his school and asks the secretary for her contact information (e.g. address). Not only is this ridiculous because no school administrator int heir right mind would offer up sensitive information like that to a student just wanting to know, but it's incredibly unprofessional and unsafe. I'm sure anyone who reads this book and then goes to try something like that would be laughed out of the office.
The end of the novel follows this rather unprofessional and unrealistic plot device and though I will keep my discussion of it to a minimum to avoid spoilers, what I can say is that it resulted in the resolution feeling extremely contrived. Of course, it would take no effort whatsoever and everything would be wrapped up perfectly in a pretty bow in order for the main issue of the entire novel to be resolved in the time it takes to snap your fingers. Of course, there would be no struggle to right the wrongs. The antagonist would be snuffed out and punished accordingly. Everything was simply far too easy to fix. I'm sorry, but young readers deserve better.
My other complaints are minimal in comparison, varying from the fact that the main character, Silent, was somewhat difficult to like as she was quite rude--though I suppose some of it can be excused considering her situation--to poorly written dialogue in various places. Fortunately, I can get past most of that and see merit in a novel, especially when the target audience is younger children around 7-12 years old. And while I did deeply love the idea behind the story and the Side Door world, we spent exactly less than ten minutes and a paltry number of pages in that Side Door world to the point that it almost felt meaningless.
I did, for the most part, enjoy reading this book. It's one that, were it to go through a bit more editing and some rewrites, I could see myself having loved when I was younger and one that I would feel thrilled to recommend to others. I am also over the moon thrilled that the book wasn't entirely whitewashed and we have an Indian main character whose culture is actually mentioned. This isn't something I've seen often in many books and I'm always happy when I do come across such representation. In general, the novel had a lot of promise and does appear to be setting up for it to become a series. I'm not sure if I would continue reading the series, though I would like to see the author's writing improve and do see an opportunity for that to be the case.
So, do I regret reading this book? Not particularly. Would I buy it? Nah. Would I read a sequel? Maybe. I haven't quite made up my mind just yet. I suppose we'll just have to wait and see.
I was provided a free copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
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July 4, 2019
Middle grade readers are going to enjoy this series! Silent Lee and the Adventure of the Side Door Key is a magical journey that tweens will eager to read more of. I love the unique aspect of a world filled with alchemy tossed around with modern day. Sie, as Silent prefers to be called, is at a crucial age and it seems like everything is being turned upside down. She has an air of self-confidence that I hope younger readers can pick up on and learn from. She’s quite witty and always two steps ahead of the adults — makes for a fun character! The plot keeps you turning pages, anxious to know more about the Side Door World. The characters are very well-written, without overwhelming you with backstory or unnecessary details. If your tween is a fan of Harry Potter and the likes, they’re going to be easily pulled into the Silent Lee series!
I received a copy of the book for reviewing purposes. All opinions are my own!
I received a copy of the book for reviewing purposes. All opinions are my own!
August 29, 2019
So, I gave this book 4/5🌟. I really enjoyed the story but it was a bit short and I would have liked it to be a bit longer and have some more details. I thought the world was really interesting with the actual world and the side door world, the plot was very original and clever. I fell in love with Silent, she seems so mature and intelligent for her age. I thought that Raahi was so cute and I adored their relationship and banter. Overall, I really enjoyed this book, but I suppose that I would have like more character and world developments. I'm really looking forward to learning more about this fantastical side door world and I hope that Raahi and Silent's friendship stays strong. I also can't wait to learn more about Aunt Gen, she seems so lovely !
November 22, 2019
Enchanting!
I love the concept of this book. The idea of a ‘front door world’ which is modern and mundane, contrasted with the magic to be found through a little side door, is absolutely wonderful and I really enjoyed the characters of Silent and Aunt Gen and their adventures thwarting sinister government agents (not to mention the hilarious acronyms). We are left with lots of hints of mysteries to be unfolded and I look forward to the next book.
I love the concept of this book. The idea of a ‘front door world’ which is modern and mundane, contrasted with the magic to be found through a little side door, is absolutely wonderful and I really enjoyed the characters of Silent and Aunt Gen and their adventures thwarting sinister government agents (not to mention the hilarious acronyms). We are left with lots of hints of mysteries to be unfolded and I look forward to the next book.
June 17, 2021
Just a delightful read.
I enjoyed the character development very much. It was an interesting, comfortable, cozy read. Highly recommended as very much enjoyed.
I enjoyed the character development very much. It was an interesting, comfortable, cozy read. Highly recommended as very much enjoyed.
October 6, 2019
Thank you to the author for providing me with a copy of Silent Lee and the Adventure of the Side Door Key!
Silent’s Aunt Generous is gone and she’s being shipped off to live with cousins she doesn’t even particularly like. That would be bad enough, but she usually sneaks through a magical side door to attend school in a different century each day – and that door is in her Aunt’s house she’s just left.
When she meets the boy across the street, she’s not too keen to become friends, she has enough on her plate worrying about a cryptic clue her Aunt left her and why her cousins’ family seem to have left their house in a hurry before she arrived. But life has other plans and she finds herself teaming up with him, to try and make sense of what’s going on around them – and why black cars seem to be following their every move.
Silent Lee and the Adventure of the Side Door key was quirky and so much fun. It’s a brilliant book for middle graders and a quick read for the YA audience. Both Silent and Raahi are both such interesting characters and I was left very much looking forward to the sequel at the end!
Silent’s Aunt Generous is gone and she’s being shipped off to live with cousins she doesn’t even particularly like. That would be bad enough, but she usually sneaks through a magical side door to attend school in a different century each day – and that door is in her Aunt’s house she’s just left.
When she meets the boy across the street, she’s not too keen to become friends, she has enough on her plate worrying about a cryptic clue her Aunt left her and why her cousins’ family seem to have left their house in a hurry before she arrived. But life has other plans and she finds herself teaming up with him, to try and make sense of what’s going on around them – and why black cars seem to be following their every move.
Silent Lee and the Adventure of the Side Door key was quirky and so much fun. It’s a brilliant book for middle graders and a quick read for the YA audience. Both Silent and Raahi are both such interesting characters and I was left very much looking forward to the sequel at the end!
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews