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The Other Side #1
The Castle in the Mist
Tess and Max travel behind the walls of a magical castle where wishes really do come true—if the hawthorne trees don’t get you first.
Tess and Max are sent to the English countryside for the summer and long for some excitement. So when Tess, out for a walk alone, happens upon an ornately carved gate and an old brass key, she decides to see what’s inside. To her amazement, she discovers the grounds of a castle filled with swans, bullfrogs, a hedge maze, an old-fashioned carnival, and a boy, William, just her age. William invites Tess back, and she can’t wait to return, this time with her brother.
But strange things happen at William’s castle. Carnival games are paid for in wishes, dreams seem to come alive, and then there’s William’s warning: Beware the hawthorne trees. A warning that chills Tess to the bone.
In the end it’s up to Tess to save her family and her friends from being trapped forever in the world beyond the hawthorns—but will one wish be enough?
Tess and Max are sent to the English countryside for the summer and long for some excitement. So when Tess, out for a walk alone, happens upon an ornately carved gate and an old brass key, she decides to see what’s inside. To her amazement, she discovers the grounds of a castle filled with swans, bullfrogs, a hedge maze, an old-fashioned carnival, and a boy, William, just her age. William invites Tess back, and she can’t wait to return, this time with her brother.
But strange things happen at William’s castle. Carnival games are paid for in wishes, dreams seem to come alive, and then there’s William’s warning: Beware the hawthorne trees. A warning that chills Tess to the bone.
In the end it’s up to Tess to save her family and her friends from being trapped forever in the world beyond the hawthorns—but will one wish be enough?
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First published February 7, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 185 reviews
March 22, 2017
The Castle in the Mist was a delightful read. Especially for children. Well, I must admit that I wasn't expecting this book to be that childish. Regardless, it was enjoyable.
OVERVIEW
This book revolves around three characters: Tess, William and Max.
Tess and Max are sister and brother. They find a castle in the mist. William is the owner of the castle. They are of same age. Three of them enjoy together and have little adventures.
THINGS I DIDN'T LIKE
=> I really felt that sometimes this book explained unnecessary things more than necessary things. I don't have a problem with it. But if this book could make a balance in description, then that would be a lot good.
=> Ending. Well, this was the thing which made me to deduct one star. Because don't know why if it's just me, I found that some elements in the history told in the ending were inappropriate.
DON'T OPEN THE SPOILER IF YOU WANT TO READ THIS BOOK. OTHERWISE, FEEL FREE TO OPEN IT.
THINGS I LIKED
=> I liked the relationship between Tess and Max. They were excellently written in a very natural way. I liked both of them. Of course, the character of William. He was also great. I loved him.
=> Their father is a reporter and he is in Afghanistan. They keep worrying about him. I liked this fact. I also understand this how one feels when his parents are not near him. That's why I liked this fact. I also liked that Tess kept remembering her father's sayings in the hour of need.
Overall, it was good.
March 21, 2017
OVERVIEW
This book revolves around three characters: Tess, William and Max.
Tess and Max are sister and brother. They find a castle in the mist. William is the owner of the castle. They are of same age. Three of them enjoy together and have little adventures.
THINGS I DIDN'T LIKE
=> I really felt that sometimes this book explained unnecessary things more than necessary things. I don't have a problem with it. But if this book could make a balance in description, then that would be a lot good.
=> Ending. Well, this was the thing which made me to deduct one star. Because don't know why if it's just me, I found that some elements in the history told in the ending were inappropriate.
DON'T OPEN THE SPOILER IF YOU WANT TO READ THIS BOOK. OTHERWISE, FEEL FREE TO OPEN IT.
THINGS I LIKED
=> I liked the relationship between Tess and Max. They were excellently written in a very natural way. I liked both of them. Of course, the character of William. He was also great. I loved him.
=> Their father is a reporter and he is in Afghanistan. They keep worrying about him. I liked this fact. I also understand this how one feels when his parents are not near him. That's why I liked this fact. I also liked that Tess kept remembering her father's sayings in the hour of need.
Overall, it was good.
Things happened the way they were supposed to and that you weren’t supposed to feel regret.
March 21, 2017
February 28, 2017
I really liked the writing in this book, the characters, and the plot but I do wish it was longer.
I thought the writing was really nice even though it did seem to get over descriptive in places and sometimes it wouldn't give enough description. But other than that, I thought the writing was pretty good. I liked the plot a lot. It was fun and the characters were fun as well.
This isn't the best Middle Grade book I've read and I do think it would be better suited for the targeted
age group than more experienced, critical readers. I definitely think this would be a great book for younger readers though.
I thought the writing was really nice even though it did seem to get over descriptive in places and sometimes it wouldn't give enough description. But other than that, I thought the writing was pretty good. I liked the plot a lot. It was fun and the characters were fun as well.
This isn't the best Middle Grade book I've read and I do think it would be better suited for the targeted
age group than more experienced, critical readers. I definitely think this would be a great book for younger readers though.
April 16, 2017
2.5 stars
This is a story of sister and brother spending their summer vacation in England with an aunt because their father is a journalist in Afghanistan and their mother has cancer. They meet a young boy in a mysterious castle on the top of the hill. Odd things occur. It is all very typical, which isn't always bad as there are always new kids who need to discover books. The problem here is it's not new and it's not executed very well. There is almost no character development and there are a lot of holes in both the plot and the world building. I feel like Ephron got it into her head that writing a children's book would be easy and then didn't bother to read any of the genre to help her know what she was about.
This is a story of sister and brother spending their summer vacation in England with an aunt because their father is a journalist in Afghanistan and their mother has cancer. They meet a young boy in a mysterious castle on the top of the hill. Odd things occur. It is all very typical, which isn't always bad as there are always new kids who need to discover books. The problem here is it's not new and it's not executed very well. There is almost no character development and there are a lot of holes in both the plot and the world building. I feel like Ephron got it into her head that writing a children's book would be easy and then didn't bother to read any of the genre to help her know what she was about.
February 10, 2017
Check out this and other reviews on my young adult book blog, Here's to Happy Endings!
I was super excited to read this book, because I absolutely love the whole idea of a castle and huge fantasy area that appears out of nowhere and is absolutely amazing. Don't get me wrong, it was definitely an interesting book, and it did have the awesome fantasy that I was looking for, of course, but it just had the potential to be so much more than it was.
I'm going to try and keep my review short and simple, because the book itself is short and I don't want to give away any spoilers.
Tess and her brother Max have been sent to live with their aunt in the country while their parents finish up various other things they have to do. Even though they're missing home, they have no idea what their summer is going to entail - not just boring old board games and dinner at the pub on weekends, either.
One day, Tess discovers a big gate with a strange, invisible fence blocking her path. Upon finding a key, she opens the gate and steps inside, and is met with a huge castle and grounds - complete with swans, a pond, a maze - she is completely enthralled with the place.
Later, when she takes Max with her to meet William, the little boy she was talking to earlier, they get a better tour of the grounds, and even meet the groundskeeper, Barnaby. A few days later when they return for dinner, it gets even better - there's a carousel, and all kinds of interesting things that they're absolutely in awe about.
But each time they are there, the little boy gives them a creepy warning - a warning about staying away from the hawthorn trees. While he never tells them why, he keeps saying it, over and over again.
When a fun filled evening goes awry, Tess and Max find out what's beyond the hawthorn trees that is so awful - and what's really happening with the castle.
Honestly, this book was enjoyable for the most part, and I read it in a single sitting. The writing was good, and it really drew me into the story.
The first problem I had with this book was how short it was. It isn't even 200 pages, which made it hard for it to go into a lot of detail or really have much of an adventure. I am taking into consideration that this is a middle grade novel, and I'm an adult, but to be honest, even when I was that age, I would have been mildly disappointed by how short and quick this book was.
The second thing I found a bit bothersome actually was the details in the book. It seemed like some parts of the book were described in great depth, while others were just glossed over quickly. For example, almost an entire page was taken up with the description of the gate that Tess had found, but later, but later on, toward the end of the book, is a scene that should have lasted at least two chapters, but was over in about two pages (I'm not spoiling this, so I won't talk about what happened, but you get the idea). It felt rushed, especially toward the end - honestly, I think this book could have used another 50-100 pages to create an even more enchanting story.
I wish there would have been more emphasis on the castle...we never got to see the inside of it, but only the outside. The story behind the castle at the end is interesting (and a little bit eerie), and it does do well to explain everything that happens in the book, which was great.
Tex and Max's characters were solid characters, and the close relationship that the two of them had was nice. It's always nice to see strong family ties in books, so this was definitely a plus. While their parents weren't in the majority of the book, their aunt was, so that was a bonus, too.
This was definitely an entertaining read, and I would recommend this to fans of middle grade fantasy, but just keep in mind that you won't get a highly detailed adventure, as it is rather short and seems to lack important details that might make the story more engaging.
Note: I received an ARC of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I was super excited to read this book, because I absolutely love the whole idea of a castle and huge fantasy area that appears out of nowhere and is absolutely amazing. Don't get me wrong, it was definitely an interesting book, and it did have the awesome fantasy that I was looking for, of course, but it just had the potential to be so much more than it was.
I'm going to try and keep my review short and simple, because the book itself is short and I don't want to give away any spoilers.
Tess and her brother Max have been sent to live with their aunt in the country while their parents finish up various other things they have to do. Even though they're missing home, they have no idea what their summer is going to entail - not just boring old board games and dinner at the pub on weekends, either.
One day, Tess discovers a big gate with a strange, invisible fence blocking her path. Upon finding a key, she opens the gate and steps inside, and is met with a huge castle and grounds - complete with swans, a pond, a maze - she is completely enthralled with the place.
Later, when she takes Max with her to meet William, the little boy she was talking to earlier, they get a better tour of the grounds, and even meet the groundskeeper, Barnaby. A few days later when they return for dinner, it gets even better - there's a carousel, and all kinds of interesting things that they're absolutely in awe about.
But each time they are there, the little boy gives them a creepy warning - a warning about staying away from the hawthorn trees. While he never tells them why, he keeps saying it, over and over again.
When a fun filled evening goes awry, Tess and Max find out what's beyond the hawthorn trees that is so awful - and what's really happening with the castle.
Honestly, this book was enjoyable for the most part, and I read it in a single sitting. The writing was good, and it really drew me into the story.
The first problem I had with this book was how short it was. It isn't even 200 pages, which made it hard for it to go into a lot of detail or really have much of an adventure. I am taking into consideration that this is a middle grade novel, and I'm an adult, but to be honest, even when I was that age, I would have been mildly disappointed by how short and quick this book was.
The second thing I found a bit bothersome actually was the details in the book. It seemed like some parts of the book were described in great depth, while others were just glossed over quickly. For example, almost an entire page was taken up with the description of the gate that Tess had found, but later, but later on, toward the end of the book, is a scene that should have lasted at least two chapters, but was over in about two pages (I'm not spoiling this, so I won't talk about what happened, but you get the idea). It felt rushed, especially toward the end - honestly, I think this book could have used another 50-100 pages to create an even more enchanting story.
I wish there would have been more emphasis on the castle...we never got to see the inside of it, but only the outside. The story behind the castle at the end is interesting (and a little bit eerie), and it does do well to explain everything that happens in the book, which was great.
Tex and Max's characters were solid characters, and the close relationship that the two of them had was nice. It's always nice to see strong family ties in books, so this was definitely a plus. While their parents weren't in the majority of the book, their aunt was, so that was a bonus, too.
This was definitely an entertaining read, and I would recommend this to fans of middle grade fantasy, but just keep in mind that you won't get a highly detailed adventure, as it is rather short and seems to lack important details that might make the story more engaging.
Note: I received an ARC of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
August 15, 2018
Another in my series of catching up on middle grade literature as I prepare to write my own. Some clunky pacing at times but when the magic was on, it was really quite beautiful!
September 3, 2017
***This review has also been posted on Xpresso Reads
The Castle in the Mist is destined to become a classic. No question about it. It draws a lot of classic children's literature tropes but somehow managed to create an entirely different narrative about families and the magic of nature. My literary analysis senses are tingling and I must stop myself from word-vomiting a bunch of off-topic stuff but seriously, THIS IS A BOOK I COULD write a 10 page paper about and have a lot of fun doing.
My biggest problem with the book doesn't lie in the actual writing but in the fact that so many books like The Castle in the Mist exist yet all of them seem to feature only white children? Do not white children not deserve to be featured in gothic-y stories that are magical, mystical and all around fabulous? Are only the stories that feature not-white children destined to become classics (totally using my own words against myself but I am a contradictory person.) While reading this wonderfully written book, my brain kept coming back to the fact that while this book was wonderful and transformative, the book was really white?
I don't know. I generally have a lot of feels about diversity and books and while there are so many wonderful middle grade novels that are already out and are coming out that are #ownvoices, I also just want to see more widespread diversity in middle grade books.
Having said all of that, The Castle in the Mist is still and incredibly well written book and so atmospheric. I love the gothicy-ness and the ways in which it plays with time. I love the relationships between the characters and I love that even though it is drawing on all these classic works, The Castle in the Mist stays true to (some of) its intended audience. It is a book well-worth reading but I wish that it was more inclusive.
Note that I received an advanced copy of this book for review.
The Castle in the Mist is destined to become a classic. No question about it. It draws a lot of classic children's literature tropes but somehow managed to create an entirely different narrative about families and the magic of nature. My literary analysis senses are tingling and I must stop myself from word-vomiting a bunch of off-topic stuff but seriously, THIS IS A BOOK I COULD write a 10 page paper about and have a lot of fun doing.
My biggest problem with the book doesn't lie in the actual writing but in the fact that so many books like The Castle in the Mist exist yet all of them seem to feature only white children? Do not white children not deserve to be featured in gothic-y stories that are magical, mystical and all around fabulous? Are only the stories that feature not-white children destined to become classics (totally using my own words against myself but I am a contradictory person.) While reading this wonderfully written book, my brain kept coming back to the fact that while this book was wonderful and transformative, the book was really white?
I don't know. I generally have a lot of feels about diversity and books and while there are so many wonderful middle grade novels that are already out and are coming out that are #ownvoices, I also just want to see more widespread diversity in middle grade books.
Having said all of that, The Castle in the Mist is still and incredibly well written book and so atmospheric. I love the gothicy-ness and the ways in which it plays with time. I love the relationships between the characters and I love that even though it is drawing on all these classic works, The Castle in the Mist stays true to (some of) its intended audience. It is a book well-worth reading but I wish that it was more inclusive.
Note that I received an advanced copy of this book for review.
April 27, 2017
Some reviews compare this to Secret Garden or Edward Eager's books, but I find that a bit misleading (unless you are looking at the fact that there is a key that lets you into a locked place where you want to be or the fact that magical things happen--otherwise no real similarity).
This is terrific and a good read for reluctant readers: it jumps right into the action; it is a quick read (under 170 pages); the action keeps coming; things don't take forever to develop. All of these reasons have been listed as negatives in other reviews I have read, however, I see them as strengths for today's kids who often are reluctant readers and who don't have long attention spans. Give them a book like this and get them hooked! Then maybe they can build up to something a bit longer, deeper, and more challenging....
I would love a sequel; I would love to find out more and have the author go a bit deeper, but if that doesn't happen, I enjoyed this. Pluses: it had a map! Maps are awesome in books! The brother and sister relationship felt real, and the family genuinely loved each other and looked out for each other.
This is terrific and a good read for reluctant readers: it jumps right into the action; it is a quick read (under 170 pages); the action keeps coming; things don't take forever to develop. All of these reasons have been listed as negatives in other reviews I have read, however, I see them as strengths for today's kids who often are reluctant readers and who don't have long attention spans. Give them a book like this and get them hooked! Then maybe they can build up to something a bit longer, deeper, and more challenging....
I would love a sequel; I would love to find out more and have the author go a bit deeper, but if that doesn't happen, I enjoyed this. Pluses: it had a map! Maps are awesome in books! The brother and sister relationship felt real, and the family genuinely loved each other and looked out for each other.
March 23, 2017
Very short fantasy that is reminiscent of the Secret Garden. Good recommendation for middle grade readers that are looking for a short fantasy. Focus on alternate reality and ghost like story was very unique. My only wish was that is was a little longer. You are thrown right in the story within the first two pages which is great for those reluctant readers.
April 22, 2017
The end came quickly and there were questions left unanswered, but it was a very enjoyable and immersing read.
May 30, 2020
Read- May 2020
- I just wasn't a massive fan of this, it was very strange.
- I just wasn't a massive fan of this, it was very strange.
February 24, 2017
Puts the Magic and the Reality Into Middle Grade "Magical Realism"
Lots and lots of middle grade magic books out there. Lots of family dramas, especially involving missing, ill or absent parents, as well. But this is one of the best books I've read that blends the two into a story that is both magical in the old-fashioned "wonder" sense and yet topical as well.
On the magic side, we aren't talking wands or spells or anything involving a "magic system". We are talking about wonder, and dreamy boundaries that divide the real from the imagined, and wishes, and mists that obscure and illuminate. We're talking about did-that-happen? and I'm-sure-this-is-where-it-was. Gates and walls and hedges and rabbit holes and magical carousels all play a part. What you end up with is, (MILD SPOILER), Brigadoon meets Nesbit's "Magic City" and "Enchanted Castle", meets the original Mary Poppins, as written. (Mary Poppins, in the books, is a powerful and unpredictable elemental earth force, not a sweet nanny.)
This is classic stuff, handled beautifully. Rather than belabor her points, Ms. Ephron uses suggestion and brief bits of dialogue, and passing observations to just sketch in what's happening. We switch from mundane scenes, (breakfast, driving to town, gardening), to scenes of great imaginative power, (finding the gate, escaping the carousel, playing magical miniature golf in the mist). Characters are always reading into what's in other characters' eyes, and half of the action is suggested rather than described. Sprinkled among these rather pastoral bits of wonder, though, are action scenes, (flight, escape, imprisonment), of great suspense and energy. Again, very hard to pull off, but I encountered no bumps or out of tune scenes.
On the realism side, our two heroes worry about and are separated from their parents. Adults are kind and supportive, but there is an undercurrent of real helplessness and isolation. Our heroes are siblings, and their small conflicts and grand loyalties are on full display. I've rarely seen, or believed, expressions of affection and love among siblings in middle grade books, but this tale manages the difficult and old-fashioned task of showing the family ties that bind with great aplomb. And the small and large acts of heroism that each child displays feel authentic.
As a bonus, there are some very funny scenes and some truly witty dialogue.
So, this is a book with a fine story, a marvelous feel as a written work, and a fast pace that never drags out a point or overworks a scene. Both dreamy and sharp, it is a warm, magical and realistic find worth considering. (Please note that I found this book while browsing in our local library. I have no connection at all to either the author or the publisher of this book.)
Lots and lots of middle grade magic books out there. Lots of family dramas, especially involving missing, ill or absent parents, as well. But this is one of the best books I've read that blends the two into a story that is both magical in the old-fashioned "wonder" sense and yet topical as well.
On the magic side, we aren't talking wands or spells or anything involving a "magic system". We are talking about wonder, and dreamy boundaries that divide the real from the imagined, and wishes, and mists that obscure and illuminate. We're talking about did-that-happen? and I'm-sure-this-is-where-it-was. Gates and walls and hedges and rabbit holes and magical carousels all play a part. What you end up with is, (MILD SPOILER), Brigadoon meets Nesbit's "Magic City" and "Enchanted Castle", meets the original Mary Poppins, as written. (Mary Poppins, in the books, is a powerful and unpredictable elemental earth force, not a sweet nanny.)
This is classic stuff, handled beautifully. Rather than belabor her points, Ms. Ephron uses suggestion and brief bits of dialogue, and passing observations to just sketch in what's happening. We switch from mundane scenes, (breakfast, driving to town, gardening), to scenes of great imaginative power, (finding the gate, escaping the carousel, playing magical miniature golf in the mist). Characters are always reading into what's in other characters' eyes, and half of the action is suggested rather than described. Sprinkled among these rather pastoral bits of wonder, though, are action scenes, (flight, escape, imprisonment), of great suspense and energy. Again, very hard to pull off, but I encountered no bumps or out of tune scenes.
On the realism side, our two heroes worry about and are separated from their parents. Adults are kind and supportive, but there is an undercurrent of real helplessness and isolation. Our heroes are siblings, and their small conflicts and grand loyalties are on full display. I've rarely seen, or believed, expressions of affection and love among siblings in middle grade books, but this tale manages the difficult and old-fashioned task of showing the family ties that bind with great aplomb. And the small and large acts of heroism that each child displays feel authentic.
As a bonus, there are some very funny scenes and some truly witty dialogue.
So, this is a book with a fine story, a marvelous feel as a written work, and a fast pace that never drags out a point or overworks a scene. Both dreamy and sharp, it is a warm, magical and realistic find worth considering. (Please note that I found this book while browsing in our local library. I have no connection at all to either the author or the publisher of this book.)
May 23, 2017
3.5 stars
Very mysterious story perfect for young readers!
This review was originally posted on Lazy Day Literature
Tess and Max are spending the summer in the English countryside with their Aunt Evie while their father is away in Afghanistan. While exploring, Tess comes across an old rusted gate and finds a key in the dirt that fits it perfectly. Inside, she finds the perfectly manicured gardens of a grand castle and a boy her age that invites her in to play. But he has a warning; beware the hawthorns. The next time she goes to visit, she takes her little brother and together, the trio begin a friendship that can only be found 'once in a blue moon'.
The Castle in the Mist is a mysterious story of a summer friendship between three young children. The mystery being how anyone can live in the castle that has surely been empty for decades. And wouldn't Aunt Evie have known if she had a young boy as a neighbor? And why does William insist that she always have the key with her so she can come back to play?
I really love the preface of this story. A hidden castle that can only be accessed with a special key. A dire warning about... trees? Yeah, that sounds like something I'd definitely want to read. It even had a bit of a 'The Secret Garden' vibe to it at first.
But.
I didn't love it. I was expecting more. The whole story is wrapped in this mystery but we don't get much of anything substantial until the end and then it was just a little confusing. We spend more time on the castle grounds than in the castle. There are little bits of what I suppose are magic but are more likely just bits of Tess's imagination. I honestly just wish it was a little longer and had more exploring or backstory of the castle itself.
But I think I am being too critical because I am not the intending audience for this book. I think young readers would really enjoy the story and not look for all of the answers and accept it for what it is; something fantastically mysterious that happened to two young children.
Very mysterious story perfect for young readers!
This review was originally posted on Lazy Day Literature
Tess and Max are spending the summer in the English countryside with their Aunt Evie while their father is away in Afghanistan. While exploring, Tess comes across an old rusted gate and finds a key in the dirt that fits it perfectly. Inside, she finds the perfectly manicured gardens of a grand castle and a boy her age that invites her in to play. But he has a warning; beware the hawthorns. The next time she goes to visit, she takes her little brother and together, the trio begin a friendship that can only be found 'once in a blue moon'.
The Castle in the Mist is a mysterious story of a summer friendship between three young children. The mystery being how anyone can live in the castle that has surely been empty for decades. And wouldn't Aunt Evie have known if she had a young boy as a neighbor? And why does William insist that she always have the key with her so she can come back to play?
I really love the preface of this story. A hidden castle that can only be accessed with a special key. A dire warning about... trees? Yeah, that sounds like something I'd definitely want to read. It even had a bit of a 'The Secret Garden' vibe to it at first.
But.
I didn't love it. I was expecting more. The whole story is wrapped in this mystery but we don't get much of anything substantial until the end and then it was just a little confusing. We spend more time on the castle grounds than in the castle. There are little bits of what I suppose are magic but are more likely just bits of Tess's imagination. I honestly just wish it was a little longer and had more exploring or backstory of the castle itself.
But I think I am being too critical because I am not the intending audience for this book. I think young readers would really enjoy the story and not look for all of the answers and accept it for what it is; something fantastically mysterious that happened to two young children.
May 16, 2017
Tess and Max are spending the summer with their aunt in England while their war-reporter (or photographer) father is in Afghanistan (?) on assignment, and their mother is at home in treatment for cancer (I think). Exploring one day, Tess finds a gate with no walls, and a key that opens it and leads to the grounds of a castle, where she meets William. The castle grounds are quite wonderful and next time Tess takes Max, and they have a great time. William warns them to stay away from the bordering hawthorn trees for some reason. Several magical things happen at the castle, but no one quite admits that they're magic or really thinks about them much. Then someone touches the hawthorns.
I have no idea what I just read. From the reviews I thought I'd love this--it's been compared to Secret Garden and others, and I thought it would be like Tom's Midnight Garden, another favorite. But to me, this felt like reading someone else's dream, in that maybe the logic would make sense in a dream but not outside of it, and I was outside of it. No one ever really admitted things were magic (which, OBVIOUSLY, they were, as ANY CHILD who has read or seen ANY FANTASY would know), but they didn't seem too perturbed most of the time. Other times they seemed to remember that maybe they should be perturbed, and made a vague attempt at it. Other times they half-heartedly tried to deny the magic, without any good explanations of what else it might be. The world seemed to have no logic or point to it--maybe I shouldn't be asking for any, but really, every other fantasy I've read and loved has had some rules behind it that the world followed, which is kind of the point and how you're able to suspend your disbelief because you can follow what's going on. This just seemed really random and completely unexplained. I started fast-forwarding to get through it. It had potential, but obviously I was not the right reader for this.
I have no idea what I just read. From the reviews I thought I'd love this--it's been compared to Secret Garden and others, and I thought it would be like Tom's Midnight Garden, another favorite. But to me, this felt like reading someone else's dream, in that maybe the logic would make sense in a dream but not outside of it, and I was outside of it. No one ever really admitted things were magic (which, OBVIOUSLY, they were, as ANY CHILD who has read or seen ANY FANTASY would know), but they didn't seem too perturbed most of the time. Other times they seemed to remember that maybe they should be perturbed, and made a vague attempt at it. Other times they half-heartedly tried to deny the magic, without any good explanations of what else it might be. The world seemed to have no logic or point to it--maybe I shouldn't be asking for any, but really, every other fantasy I've read and loved has had some rules behind it that the world followed, which is kind of the point and how you're able to suspend your disbelief because you can follow what's going on. This just seemed really random and completely unexplained. I started fast-forwarding to get through it. It had potential, but obviously I was not the right reader for this.
June 15, 2017
Part magic, part mystery, and part true imagination; The Castle In The Mist whisks readers into a magical world that blurs reality, with that of endless possibility. With its short chapters and easy to read narrative, young readers will fly through the storyline, all while being carried away by its imaginative adventure.
Amy Ephron, quickly guides readers into a world of wishes and imagination, in her first middle grade title. While this story is filled with many creative elements, I was still left with an overwhelming desire for a little more adventure. Between the hidden world behind the castle surrounded in mist, the mysterious boy William, his governess and the groundskeeper, there is so much more of a story that has yet to unfold. With its abrupt ending, I can only hope Amy Ephron will continue the story and either bring the children back to the castle in the mist, or continue the very endearing and intriguing storyline behind William and his family’s home.
You can find the rest of my reviews and giveaways in my newspaper column: For the Love of Books-Dixon's Independent Voice
April 3, 2017
When Tess finds an old-fashioned brass key, she runs into a boy named William who tells her to beware of the hawthorn trees. Soon, she and her brother Max are drawn to a castle in the mist. Things are not what they seem, however. For one, there’s a carousel that has you pay for rides with wishes. Is there more to William and the castle in the mist? What is with the hawthorn trees?
The characters in this book are easy to like and relate to. The plot has more of a fantasy mystery feel to it, but is well written and engaging. Together, they draw the reader into the story with ease. Fans of books similar to The Indian in the Cupboard or who like fantasy, mystery, and enchantment will enjoy reading this book.
This book was featured on The Keepers of the Books' "Weekly Reads with Elephant and Piggie, Descendants, Castle, and more" episode. For more book reviews, recommendations, or online librarian advice, please visit us at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCK3v...
Please Note: A copy of this book was given to us in exchange for an honest reviews. All opinions expressed, however, are our own.
The characters in this book are easy to like and relate to. The plot has more of a fantasy mystery feel to it, but is well written and engaging. Together, they draw the reader into the story with ease. Fans of books similar to The Indian in the Cupboard or who like fantasy, mystery, and enchantment will enjoy reading this book.
This book was featured on The Keepers of the Books' "Weekly Reads with Elephant and Piggie, Descendants, Castle, and more" episode. For more book reviews, recommendations, or online librarian advice, please visit us at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCK3v...
Please Note: A copy of this book was given to us in exchange for an honest reviews. All opinions expressed, however, are our own.
January 31, 2018
This starts off well: good characters, a fun countryside setting, a mysterious stranger and a magical mystery. It's not a terribly original setup, but that's fine. "If it ain't broke..."
But right at the halfway point, something changes. It feels like the story is being invented on the spot and...it's not really working. I'm honestly not sure if the fantastical/magical events are meant to be metaphor or if we are supposed to take them at face value or if it's just "all a dream". either way, I could discern no internal consistency to any of it, no magical system to learn or clues to tie it to the "real world." In other words, it just didn't make sense.
The pacing also goes horribly wrong so that it becomes a heady melange of bewildering and boring.
To top it off, the ending manages to not merely fail to explain the fantasy elements, but actually heaps additional weird "real world" situations on the story. It's just...logically bizarre and, in my opinion, it also makes no emotional sense.
This is not what I expect from a novel. At best, it's a Twilight Zone episode without a satisfyingly clever ironic twist.
But right at the halfway point, something changes. It feels like the story is being invented on the spot and...it's not really working. I'm honestly not sure if the fantastical/magical events are meant to be metaphor or if we are supposed to take them at face value or if it's just "all a dream". either way, I could discern no internal consistency to any of it, no magical system to learn or clues to tie it to the "real world." In other words, it just didn't make sense.
The pacing also goes horribly wrong so that it becomes a heady melange of bewildering and boring.
To top it off, the ending manages to not merely fail to explain the fantasy elements, but actually heaps additional weird "real world" situations on the story. It's just...logically bizarre and, in my opinion, it also makes no emotional sense.
This is not what I expect from a novel. At best, it's a Twilight Zone episode without a satisfyingly clever ironic twist.
November 28, 2016
This book is about three kids named Tess, Max, and William. Tess and Max are living with their Aunt for the summer. One day Tess is outside walking around and she stumbles upon an old brass key that unlocks an old carved gate. She finds herself in an old castle grounds. Tess and her brother Max become friends with a boy Tess's age named William.
The theme for this book is, Beware of the hawthorn trees. This means that you should pay attention to what people tell you and you should listen to them because people can get hurt if you don't. Tess learns a lot from William and same does Max. But when Max goes into the hawthorn tree. Tess learns what happens if you go into the hawthorn trees.
Things I liked about this book is that it was very exciting and I never wanted to put it down. It was so good. Other things I liked about this book is it's very adventurous, and it's an amazing book. I didn't have anything I didn't like about it, it was just perfect.
The theme for this book is, Beware of the hawthorn trees. This means that you should pay attention to what people tell you and you should listen to them because people can get hurt if you don't. Tess learns a lot from William and same does Max. But when Max goes into the hawthorn tree. Tess learns what happens if you go into the hawthorn trees.
Things I liked about this book is that it was very exciting and I never wanted to put it down. It was so good. Other things I liked about this book is it's very adventurous, and it's an amazing book. I didn't have anything I didn't like about it, it was just perfect.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 10, 2017
Summary: Tess and her little brother Max, have been living with their Aunt Evie in the English countryside. Their father is on business and their mother is very ill and had to send her little ones to Aunt Evie. Aunt Evie tries her very best to make the children happy and enjoy their stay. One day Tess finds a skeleton looking key, then she finds a secret world with a boy her age named William. Soon Tess, Max, and William go out on adventures and have the most fun in their lives.
Theme: The theme of this book is adventure. Tess her brother Max and their new friend William, have several fun adventures. One adventure was very scary for all three of them, but Tess was able to save Max and William!
Like/Dislike: I really love this book! I think everybody should definitely read this book! I really like how the book pulls you in and then you can’t break away from it. The only thing I didn’t like about this book is that it made me tear up at the end.
Theme: The theme of this book is adventure. Tess her brother Max and their new friend William, have several fun adventures. One adventure was very scary for all three of them, but Tess was able to save Max and William!
Like/Dislike: I really love this book! I think everybody should definitely read this book! I really like how the book pulls you in and then you can’t break away from it. The only thing I didn’t like about this book is that it made me tear up at the end.
January 3, 2017
I won this book in a giveaway sponsored by Goodreads. I was unaware that it was a children's book until I received it. I read it anyways, however, and to my astonishment, I absolutely adored the story. Sure, reading a children's book as an adult was rather different, but the story was sweet and perfect for children or middle schoolers.
I found myself wanting more when I finished it and was sad it wasn't longer, but again, it was a children's book! The only thing I didn't like was that you were never sure of the ages of Tess and Max, but I'm assuming that they're around ten or eleven. However, I did have to keep reminding myself that it was a children's book when the wording started to bug me, but the plot was amazing regardless. Keeping that in mind, I rate this book at five stars because honestly, it was worth the read.
I found myself wanting more when I finished it and was sad it wasn't longer, but again, it was a children's book! The only thing I didn't like was that you were never sure of the ages of Tess and Max, but I'm assuming that they're around ten or eleven. However, I did have to keep reminding myself that it was a children's book when the wording started to bug me, but the plot was amazing regardless. Keeping that in mind, I rate this book at five stars because honestly, it was worth the read.
February 6, 2017
This read a bit younger than I was expecting when I requested it, but it was still a really great tale. I don't recommend this if you are an adult. The words are too simple and there is not a lot of depth. But if I had read this as a child, I would have been in love with this book.
An older sister and a younger brother meet a strange family after going through a magic gate. They live in a castle in the mist. But what is the family hiding?
That's the gist. It's a simple story and it kind of lacks a focus, which is odd since it's so short, but it's a tale of friendship and family, mostly. I liked it, but I really just wanted to finish so I could read something else, and that's because of the age it skews for, which is not the author's fault. I am not the intended audience for this book. But I will be sending it to mu husband's classroom.
An older sister and a younger brother meet a strange family after going through a magic gate. They live in a castle in the mist. But what is the family hiding?
That's the gist. It's a simple story and it kind of lacks a focus, which is odd since it's so short, but it's a tale of friendship and family, mostly. I liked it, but I really just wanted to finish so I could read something else, and that's because of the age it skews for, which is not the author's fault. I am not the intended audience for this book. But I will be sending it to mu husband's classroom.
April 10, 2017
I guess I'm too old to enjoy this simple and short story of an old castle in English countryside.
Too Disney-channel-movie-ish.
But maybe, MAYBE, with a great dialog and music and an editing, this would make a beautiful movie.
Oh, but I LOVED the part with the key.
All in all, this sentence says it all:
" Ephron spends a great deal of time explaining characters’ motivations, and the overall narrative arc feels rushed. Though there are moments of wonder, such as a carousel that runs on wish-granting, these are undercut by Ephron’s need to clarify and oversimplify events (“Aunt Evie was lying to them, but they didn’t know that”) at the expense of a fully developed plot."
from: http://www.publishersweekly.com/978-0...
Too Disney-channel-movie-ish.
But maybe, MAYBE, with a great dialog and music and an editing, this would make a beautiful movie.
Oh, but I LOVED the part with the key.
All in all, this sentence says it all:
" Ephron spends a great deal of time explaining characters’ motivations, and the overall narrative arc feels rushed. Though there are moments of wonder, such as a carousel that runs on wish-granting, these are undercut by Ephron’s need to clarify and oversimplify events (“Aunt Evie was lying to them, but they didn’t know that”) at the expense of a fully developed plot."
from: http://www.publishersweekly.com/978-0...
March 20, 2017
A young girl, Tess finds a key to a gate in an invisible wall. The gate leads to William (a boy about her age) and a beautiful but mysterious estate. The estate becomes even more mysterious (and dangerous) on the night of the blue moon. This is an interesting tale that will keep the readers attention.
February 22, 2017
Forget the introductions, this book jumps right into action leaving you with a lot of questions, but, they get answered along the way. A light and fun book to read and letting your imagination run wild like you are a kid again.
February 28, 2017
Tess and her brother Max discover a magical castle hidden in the countryside near their aunt's home in England and have an adventure with their new neighbors. I would have liked for the tension to stay high longer, but overall it was a fun fantasy story middle graders will enjoy.
March 8, 2017
Sent for the summer to their aunt's sleepy village in the English countryside,Tess and Max find the key to a castle hidden from time and learn that wishes can come true, if they wish carefully. Excellent book for readers looking for a short but challenging book.
September 10, 2018
Left hanging... :( (hoping this means there's a sequel)
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March 24, 2020Ephron, Amy. The Castle in the Mist. (2017)
“ Beware of the hawthorn trees.”
That’s the warning that William gives to Tess Barnes, an eleven year old girl from New York who is visiting her Aunt Evie in England. She and her brother Max are drawn into the past and experience mysterious and magical adventures with William and his estate beyond the wooden gate.
In the first book of this series, we meet Tess and Max, two young American teenagers that are sent to England to visit their Aunt Evie. While exploring the countryside, Tess stumbles across a mysterious door that will only open with the antique key she had found at a store. Once she passes through the threshold, she meets an eleven year old boy named William, who shows her around his magnificent estate. Over the course of the novel, Tess, Max and William become friends and spend more time with each other. In a climatic moment, Max goes past the hawthorn trees. What happened to Max? Will Tess and William be able to help him?
I would recommend this book to readers that love a bit of realistic fiction and fantasy combined. I thoroughly enjoyed it and went on to read the next story in the series.
Target Audience: Ages 9 to 14
“ Beware of the hawthorn trees.”
That’s the warning that William gives to Tess Barnes, an eleven year old girl from New York who is visiting her Aunt Evie in England. She and her brother Max are drawn into the past and experience mysterious and magical adventures with William and his estate beyond the wooden gate.
In the first book of this series, we meet Tess and Max, two young American teenagers that are sent to England to visit their Aunt Evie. While exploring the countryside, Tess stumbles across a mysterious door that will only open with the antique key she had found at a store. Once she passes through the threshold, she meets an eleven year old boy named William, who shows her around his magnificent estate. Over the course of the novel, Tess, Max and William become friends and spend more time with each other. In a climatic moment, Max goes past the hawthorn trees. What happened to Max? Will Tess and William be able to help him?
I would recommend this book to readers that love a bit of realistic fiction and fantasy combined. I thoroughly enjoyed it and went on to read the next story in the series.
Target Audience: Ages 9 to 14
May 18, 2017
I really like all of the Ephron sisters but Amy has a special place in my heart for her lovely snapshot novels like "A Cup of Tea" and "One Sunday Morning". When I saw that she had a new YA story out, I was immediately intrigued - and even more so after seeing the cover/title and reading the blurb. I am a huge fan of world-within-a-world books, and would have been over the moon to stumble into such an adventure as a kid, so always enjoy a nice romping adventure story in that vein because it reminds me of being young in a world of endless possibilities... This one was lovely, as her stories always are, but it was a little too tidy (and a little too Mary Poppins-esque at one point, which will make sense as a reference once you read it) to be truly magical. I think that the brevity of the book was the issue there - it clocks in at less than 200 pages, and much of that was given over to thoroughly appropriate description and set up, which meant that the conflict build-up and denouement were, necessarily, brief. Still, it was a delightfully sweet story of childhood, possibilities, and the power of love (both friendly and familial), and would make a lovely, quick, addition to a summer reading list.
August 18, 2024
How can a book for such a young target audience be so confusing? This book made little sense. Most of it felt like it had no point or purpose. You get a vague sense of mystery around this castle, and the boy in its gardens but until the last couple pages that is it. The only redeeming qualify in this was I I liked the family connections this book makes with the characters. Otherwise bored beyond belief. Some might have been the narrator but the story itself must be mostly to blame in this case.
June 4, 2020
Using the three stars as intended; I liked it.
It wasn't amazing but it held my interest until the end. I am actually interested in reading more Tess and Max adventures, so I'll try to find book two sometime.
As for things I liked, the characters were fairly well done. I liked Tess and Max and they really acted like siblings so that was nice to read.
There were things I wouldn't clarify as a dislike, but simply needed more thought; pacing and plot. For more than 50% of the book it felt slow. Things that didn't matter were elaborated on, and things that mattered were briefly touched. I wish that the climax was more thought out and longer as I really liked the writing style. It felt rushed since we wasted half the book on boring nonsense.
Anyway, I think this is a decent series starter and hopefully the books will get better over time. Recommended for grades 4-6.
It wasn't amazing but it held my interest until the end. I am actually interested in reading more Tess and Max adventures, so I'll try to find book two sometime.
As for things I liked, the characters were fairly well done. I liked Tess and Max and they really acted like siblings so that was nice to read.
There were things I wouldn't clarify as a dislike, but simply needed more thought; pacing and plot. For more than 50% of the book it felt slow. Things that didn't matter were elaborated on, and things that mattered were briefly touched. I wish that the climax was more thought out and longer as I really liked the writing style. It felt rushed since we wasted half the book on boring nonsense.
Anyway, I think this is a decent series starter and hopefully the books will get better over time. Recommended for grades 4-6.
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