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Shadow House #1
احضار
خانهی سایه ها شما را فرا می خواند. بعضی خانه ها فقط تسخیر شده نیستند...آنها گرسنه اند. دش،دیلان،پابی،مارکوس و آزومی اول کار این را نمی دانستند. هرکدام از آنها اول فکر می کردند به دلیل خیر خواهانه ای به خانه سایه ها دعوت شده اند. ولی هیچ چیز خانه سایه ها خیرخواهانه نیست. پشت دیوارهای این خانه،مشکلات وحشتناکی وجود دارد. هیچ کس در آنجا قابل اعتماد نیست. راهروها جابه جا می شوند. درها غیب می شوند. ارواح، ظاهر می شوند. بچه ها ناپدید می شوند. راه خروج چطور؟ آن هم ناپدید می شود
216 pages, Paperback
First published August 30, 2016
261 people are currently reading
2876 people want to read
About the author
Dan Poblocki
26 books647 followersAuthor of The Stone Child, The Nightmarys, The Ghost of Graylock, and the Mysterious Four series,The Haunting of Gabriel Ashe, and The Book of Bad Things.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 525 reviews
September 18, 2016
Eerie story about five kids (aged 12 to 13) who go to a mansion called Larkspur and find it isn't what they thought it was going to be:
***Orphaned Poppy thinks she's meeting her Great-Aunt at her grand estate called Larkspur.
***Marcus thinks he's going to Larkspur Academy of the Performing Arts to study music.
***Actor twins Dash and Dylan think they are being offered a new script to a horror movie at Larkspur.
***Azumi thinks she's going to Larkspur Boarding School.
The kids never met each other before (except for the twins) but they all end up at the house at the same time. They have all either been invited or drawn towards this house. When they arrive they get to know each other and start to discover all is not right with this house. It's big, run down, dark and scary. Hallways stretch, and rooms and walls seem to move. Sinister and strange children appear and disappear with masks on, and the five kids themselves have their own secrets. And they can't leave...windows won't break, and doors won't open!
This was a fun and surprisingly spooky story for a book made for middle-grade readers. It was pretty captivating, adults can enjoy it too. Unfortunately the story doesn't completely end...there is another upcoming book in which the story is continued---"You Can't Hide" (Shadow House - book 2). It is out at the end of December.
This hardcover book has a nice fancy cover---the mirror on the cover is semi-clear/see through and when you lift the book cover there is a picture of a girl underneath. There are also illustrations/pictures throughout the book. A great story for kids to read around Halloween but it may be better to wait till Shadow House - book 2 is out so they can quickly resume the story since it's left unfinished.
***Orphaned Poppy thinks she's meeting her Great-Aunt at her grand estate called Larkspur.
***Marcus thinks he's going to Larkspur Academy of the Performing Arts to study music.
***Actor twins Dash and Dylan think they are being offered a new script to a horror movie at Larkspur.
***Azumi thinks she's going to Larkspur Boarding School.
The kids never met each other before (except for the twins) but they all end up at the house at the same time. They have all either been invited or drawn towards this house. When they arrive they get to know each other and start to discover all is not right with this house. It's big, run down, dark and scary. Hallways stretch, and rooms and walls seem to move. Sinister and strange children appear and disappear with masks on, and the five kids themselves have their own secrets. And they can't leave...windows won't break, and doors won't open!
This was a fun and surprisingly spooky story for a book made for middle-grade readers. It was pretty captivating, adults can enjoy it too. Unfortunately the story doesn't completely end...there is another upcoming book in which the story is continued---"You Can't Hide" (Shadow House - book 2). It is out at the end of December.
This hardcover book has a nice fancy cover---the mirror on the cover is semi-clear/see through and when you lift the book cover there is a picture of a girl underneath. There are also illustrations/pictures throughout the book. A great story for kids to read around Halloween but it may be better to wait till Shadow House - book 2 is out so they can quickly resume the story since it's left unfinished.
October 16, 2017
5 FREAKING STARS!!!
"The Shining" meets "Are You Afraid of the Dark"!
I will be talking about this so much better in my Book Thoughts video for it on my channel on August 30th but oh my freaking god, if you're a horror fan and love awesome creepy books, you need to check this out ASAP!!! It's got creepy children, a puzzle of a house, five mysterious pre-teens with spooky secrets of their own, an awesome APP to go along with the book, and it is full of action, suspense, and straight up horror. :)
- Richard
November 20, 2019
This was a loooovely creepy middle grade. I read a lot of horror, so when I started this book it kind of reminded me of 'Welcome to the Dark House' by Laurie Faria Stolarz. It isn't the same, but their are similarities which I loved. I'm so excited to read the sequel which comes out this December 2016.
The Gathering, book 1 of the 'Shadow House' (series, trilogy?) is about 5 kids. I'm assuming they are all around the same age, about 13.
We have Poppy an orphan who lives in a Group Home called Thursday's Hope. She can see a ghost girl in the mirror. She has seen this girl for as long as she can remember and for that long the girls at the group home have teased her about it.
Next is Marcus, a musical prodigy who has just recently started playing, only after his uncle (mother's brother) passes away. Marcus lives in a loving home for the most part, but no one believes him when he says he can hear music. The music he plays on his cello (his dead uncle's preferred instrument) is not something he has composed, but exactly what he is hearing in his head.
Then there is Dash and Dylan, they are identical twins that are semi famous for playing a boy named Scoots on a kids show called 'Dad's so Clueless'. There personalities are pretty different. Dash is a "better" actor and quiet, while Dylan is a prankster. He steals from the cast and everyone is fed up by his antics.
Lastly, there is Azumi a Japanese American who lives in Washington state with her parents. She is depressed because her sister was lost in the suicide forest in Japan. Azumi feels responsible for her sister's disappearance. Azumi didn't make Moriko go into the forest, but when her sister decides to leave the path, Azumi heads back out of the woods.
All 5 of the kids are invited to a place called Larkspur. Their invitations are all different, but one thing the kids have in common is that they won't be leaving the house any time soon.
The Gathering was pretty creepy. I was surprised by the little bit of violence that was in the book (choking and hair pulling). This book also has creepy pictures which I absolutely loved. There is also an app that can be used while reading the book. The app is called Shadow House and you can read scary stories in between reading the main scary story. There are strange shapes on the scary pictures. With the app, you draw the shape you see and that shape then brings up a scary story. I haven't gotten the app to work past the first shape. I need to fiddle with it more, but just the inclusion of an app for the book, makes the book a lot more entertaining.
If you like creepy pictures in your books, horror and middle grade, I'd definitely pick this book up! A one sitting read. Fantastic!
Update: I can't remember what I gave this book the first time around. I re-read this one to my children and my 14 year old rated the book as a 3. He said although the book was creepy at certain points if was poorly written at times and cliche. I had to explain to him that it was a children's book and he said that's not an excuse. Raising my kid right.
The Gathering, book 1 of the 'Shadow House' (series, trilogy?) is about 5 kids. I'm assuming they are all around the same age, about 13.
We have Poppy an orphan who lives in a Group Home called Thursday's Hope. She can see a ghost girl in the mirror. She has seen this girl for as long as she can remember and for that long the girls at the group home have teased her about it.
Next is Marcus, a musical prodigy who has just recently started playing, only after his uncle (mother's brother) passes away. Marcus lives in a loving home for the most part, but no one believes him when he says he can hear music. The music he plays on his cello (his dead uncle's preferred instrument) is not something he has composed, but exactly what he is hearing in his head.
Then there is Dash and Dylan, they are identical twins that are semi famous for playing a boy named Scoots on a kids show called 'Dad's so Clueless'. There personalities are pretty different. Dash is a "better" actor and quiet, while Dylan is a prankster. He steals from the cast and everyone is fed up by his antics.
Lastly, there is Azumi a Japanese American who lives in Washington state with her parents. She is depressed because her sister was lost in the suicide forest in Japan. Azumi feels responsible for her sister's disappearance. Azumi didn't make Moriko go into the forest, but when her sister decides to leave the path, Azumi heads back out of the woods.
All 5 of the kids are invited to a place called Larkspur. Their invitations are all different, but one thing the kids have in common is that they won't be leaving the house any time soon.
The Gathering was pretty creepy. I was surprised by the little bit of violence that was in the book (choking and hair pulling). This book also has creepy pictures which I absolutely loved. There is also an app that can be used while reading the book. The app is called Shadow House and you can read scary stories in between reading the main scary story. There are strange shapes on the scary pictures. With the app, you draw the shape you see and that shape then brings up a scary story. I haven't gotten the app to work past the first shape. I need to fiddle with it more, but just the inclusion of an app for the book, makes the book a lot more entertaining.
If you like creepy pictures in your books, horror and middle grade, I'd definitely pick this book up! A one sitting read. Fantastic!
Update: I can't remember what I gave this book the first time around. I re-read this one to my children and my 14 year old rated the book as a 3. He said although the book was creepy at certain points if was poorly written at times and cliche. I had to explain to him that it was a children's book and he said that's not an excuse. Raising my kid right.
September 29, 2025
The cast: Poppy Caldwell, a resident of Thursday's Hope group home for children without parents; Marcus Geller, a young phenom musician whose talent derives from a secret paranormal source; Azumi Endo, a troubled girl from the state of Washington who wants a fresh start at a school on the U.S. East Coast; and Dash and Dylan Wright, twin child actors who grew up on the set of a popular television sitcom. For each of these kids, just when their future seems murkiest, a message arrives offering an attractive path forward. Whether it's a letter from a distant relative promising a loving home, or a scholarship tendered by a premier boarding school, or an acting gig in a groundbreaking production, the message from Delphinia Larkspur/Larkspur Academy/Larkspur School/Larkspur Productions suggests what Poppy, Marcus, Azumi, Dash, and Dylan need most: hope for tomorrow. Hurried arrangements are made and the kids jet off to their dates with destiny.
Alternating among the perspectives of our five main characters, the narrative quickly shows that the Larkspur residence isn't what the messages made it out to be. Poppy was haunted by a ghost in a mirror back at her group home, but the spirit behaved erratically when Poppy decided to sneak away to her great-aunt Delphinia Larkspur's mansion. When Poppy looks into a compact mirror on the road close to her final destination, the mirror girl attacks, a violation Poppy never feared before. Poppy, Marcus, Azumi, and Dash and Dylan first meet inside the magnificent Larkspur mansion, a sprawling building that could easily be a wealthy aunt's home, an old-fashioned boarding school, or the site for an edgy television project. But the house seems deserted, and as the kids swap their stories, a sense of unease grows that perhaps their invitations were not legitimate. Have they been scammed?
Splitting into groups, the five of them search Larkspur for answers, and each come upon a different kid their age wearing an animal mask. The masked kids don't speak, but turn and run off into the house's shadows...until one of them reacts differently. He hurls himself at Marcus with a broken violin, demonstrating alarming strength as he tries to strangle Marcus with the instrument's detached strings. Now all the kids wearing masks emerge simultaneously, and Poppy is barely able to herd Marcus, Azumi, Dash, and Dylan into a cage elevator and slam the door before the deranged children can tear them apart. In her search around the mansion, Poppy found files about the masked kids, written by a man named Cyrus Caldwell who appears to be Poppy's ancestor. The kids, orphaned residents of The Larkspur Home for Children, were labeled "Specials", sufferers of psychological trauma whom Caldwell took extreme measures to treat. But that was decades ago; does this mean the mask-wearing kids are ghosts? Staving off the Specials until Poppy can find a way to escape will be an enormous challenge, but Poppy, Marcus, Azumi, Dash, and Dylan have secrets of their own, revelations that explain why they were lured to Larkspur in the first place. There is greater unpleasantness ahead than a house haunted by tormented spirits.
My reaction to The Gathering is mixed. The writing isn't bad, and the book's one big bombshell is cleverly disguised; the reveal could have been incredibly powerful, but the overarching mystery is so vague at this point in the series that there isn't enough context to elicit an emotional response. The Gathering is what the title says, a way to get the five kids inside Larkspur so the real horror can commence in the sequel, and that utilitarian intent inhibits this book from rising above average. I might rate it two and a half stars, though; the house is atmospheric, and the big twist proves that Dan Poblocki is a capable crafter of story. You won't want to wait to read the next episode, You Can't Hide, after finishing this one.
Alternating among the perspectives of our five main characters, the narrative quickly shows that the Larkspur residence isn't what the messages made it out to be. Poppy was haunted by a ghost in a mirror back at her group home, but the spirit behaved erratically when Poppy decided to sneak away to her great-aunt Delphinia Larkspur's mansion. When Poppy looks into a compact mirror on the road close to her final destination, the mirror girl attacks, a violation Poppy never feared before. Poppy, Marcus, Azumi, and Dash and Dylan first meet inside the magnificent Larkspur mansion, a sprawling building that could easily be a wealthy aunt's home, an old-fashioned boarding school, or the site for an edgy television project. But the house seems deserted, and as the kids swap their stories, a sense of unease grows that perhaps their invitations were not legitimate. Have they been scammed?
Splitting into groups, the five of them search Larkspur for answers, and each come upon a different kid their age wearing an animal mask. The masked kids don't speak, but turn and run off into the house's shadows...until one of them reacts differently. He hurls himself at Marcus with a broken violin, demonstrating alarming strength as he tries to strangle Marcus with the instrument's detached strings. Now all the kids wearing masks emerge simultaneously, and Poppy is barely able to herd Marcus, Azumi, Dash, and Dylan into a cage elevator and slam the door before the deranged children can tear them apart. In her search around the mansion, Poppy found files about the masked kids, written by a man named Cyrus Caldwell who appears to be Poppy's ancestor. The kids, orphaned residents of The Larkspur Home for Children, were labeled "Specials", sufferers of psychological trauma whom Caldwell took extreme measures to treat. But that was decades ago; does this mean the mask-wearing kids are ghosts? Staving off the Specials until Poppy can find a way to escape will be an enormous challenge, but Poppy, Marcus, Azumi, Dash, and Dylan have secrets of their own, revelations that explain why they were lured to Larkspur in the first place. There is greater unpleasantness ahead than a house haunted by tormented spirits.
My reaction to The Gathering is mixed. The writing isn't bad, and the book's one big bombshell is cleverly disguised; the reveal could have been incredibly powerful, but the overarching mystery is so vague at this point in the series that there isn't enough context to elicit an emotional response. The Gathering is what the title says, a way to get the five kids inside Larkspur so the real horror can commence in the sequel, and that utilitarian intent inhibits this book from rising above average. I might rate it two and a half stars, though; the house is atmospheric, and the big twist proves that Dan Poblocki is a capable crafter of story. You won't want to wait to read the next episode, You Can't Hide, after finishing this one.
September 22, 2016
A clunky start that was probably much clearer in the author's imagination than it came across on the page. It does present an interesting premise though. Like a hyperactive tv pilot trying to explain a lot quickly, it could just be a rocky start to something great. Unfortunately I wasn't intrigued enough to want to read book 2
September 22, 2016
The Gathering is the first book in a new series called Shadow House. This is a horror/thriller series aimed at middle graders. I'm not a huge reader of horror but this felt like a nice stepping stone between the youthful Goosebumps series and more mature horror like the works of King, Hill, Koontz or others. The story would likely be too creepy for younger readers but I'm sure some die-hard horror readers would call it tame. To me, it felt like a good balance for younger readers and I wouldn't recommend it to anybody under age ~12. Unlike "mature" horror books, this book isn't filled with profanity, sex, gore or other overly graphic shock thrills. Frankly, I was relieved that the author didn't try to push the teenage envelope into those areas and rather presents a very spooky horror book that's suitable for a younger audience.
The book starts out with an interesting setup. We are introduced one at a time to 5 very different children/tweens. Each character is in a unique situation that gives them distinct motivations in their life. Mysteriously, each of them receives an invitation of some sort to visit a home/estate/school/etc. with promises that are suited to their unique characteristics. For example, the orphan girl Poppy is drawn in by the prospect of a distant relative wanting to bring her into the family. Music virtuoso Marcus thinks he is going to a special music school. Each character finds out about the "Shadow House" in different ways and they each make their way there.
Once they arrive, the house seems abandoned and the kids start looking around. Before long, evidence of some supernatural force is discovered and the kids not only find that they cannot leave the house but there are beings in the house that want to hunt them down, presumably to kill them. As a parent, I found it a little bit of a stretch that these 5 young kids traveled across the country to a mysterious place they barely knew anything about...but I think that's the wary parent in me. Aside from their impulsive journey to the house, I felt like the kids' actions, language and behaviors felt very believable and realistic for the situation.
The plot builds nicely and exposes the reader to hints and teases of mysteries to come while keeping many things hidden in shadow. As the story progresses I found a nice balance between quiet, creepy suspense and adrenaline pumping action. There are moments of violence due to the situation but as mentioned above there wasn't anything overly graphic or gory. There were moments where I kept thinking back to the 2006 movie Monster House. In some ways the comparison is apt, for example the way the house seems to transform and react to the kids' actions. But as the story continued I found the book to take on its own life and be a story unto itself rather than a clone of previous ideas. I was able to guess/predict some of the revelations but I don't think that's due to simplistic or duplicated plot but rather due to good writing and foreshadowing and keeping the story at a good level for younger readers.
For those looking for even more immersion, Scholastic has released a free mobile app for Android and iOS. The app not only includes a brief book trailer and audio/text samples but it also has an interactive story that you can play through. It's set up like a "Choose Your Own Adventure" with small snippets of story followed by a choice for you to make that will take the story down different paths. The story includes audio and visual elements as well. It's not as extensive as another full book but it is a fun addition to the book and gives more of the taste and feel of the story.
Overall I had fun with this book. It's a fun and creepy horror story that I'd feel comfortable handing to young readers. The book is part of a series and it definitely leaves you hanging in the middle of the story, so if you're not one for waiting on cliffhangers, you might want to wait for the other 2 books in the series (which are supposed to both be out within the next year). I enjoyed the writing and am intrigued to find out what happened next.
****
3.5 out of 5 stars
The book starts out with an interesting setup. We are introduced one at a time to 5 very different children/tweens. Each character is in a unique situation that gives them distinct motivations in their life. Mysteriously, each of them receives an invitation of some sort to visit a home/estate/school/etc. with promises that are suited to their unique characteristics. For example, the orphan girl Poppy is drawn in by the prospect of a distant relative wanting to bring her into the family. Music virtuoso Marcus thinks he is going to a special music school. Each character finds out about the "Shadow House" in different ways and they each make their way there.
Once they arrive, the house seems abandoned and the kids start looking around. Before long, evidence of some supernatural force is discovered and the kids not only find that they cannot leave the house but there are beings in the house that want to hunt them down, presumably to kill them. As a parent, I found it a little bit of a stretch that these 5 young kids traveled across the country to a mysterious place they barely knew anything about...but I think that's the wary parent in me. Aside from their impulsive journey to the house, I felt like the kids' actions, language and behaviors felt very believable and realistic for the situation.
The plot builds nicely and exposes the reader to hints and teases of mysteries to come while keeping many things hidden in shadow. As the story progresses I found a nice balance between quiet, creepy suspense and adrenaline pumping action. There are moments of violence due to the situation but as mentioned above there wasn't anything overly graphic or gory. There were moments where I kept thinking back to the 2006 movie Monster House. In some ways the comparison is apt, for example the way the house seems to transform and react to the kids' actions. But as the story continued I found the book to take on its own life and be a story unto itself rather than a clone of previous ideas. I was able to guess/predict some of the revelations but I don't think that's due to simplistic or duplicated plot but rather due to good writing and foreshadowing and keeping the story at a good level for younger readers.
For those looking for even more immersion, Scholastic has released a free mobile app for Android and iOS. The app not only includes a brief book trailer and audio/text samples but it also has an interactive story that you can play through. It's set up like a "Choose Your Own Adventure" with small snippets of story followed by a choice for you to make that will take the story down different paths. The story includes audio and visual elements as well. It's not as extensive as another full book but it is a fun addition to the book and gives more of the taste and feel of the story.
Overall I had fun with this book. It's a fun and creepy horror story that I'd feel comfortable handing to young readers. The book is part of a series and it definitely leaves you hanging in the middle of the story, so if you're not one for waiting on cliffhangers, you might want to wait for the other 2 books in the series (which are supposed to both be out within the next year). I enjoyed the writing and am intrigued to find out what happened next.
****
3.5 out of 5 stars
October 5, 2016
The cover of this book is super creepy and I couldn't wait to get to this book. I wasn't sure what I expected when I started but what I didn't expect was how creepy it would be. I realize this book is set for MG but I would think that kids that aren't scared easy would really enjoy the scares in this book. I don't scare easily but this book had me wanting to keep the lights on and read during the day.
The story follows 5 kids Dash, Dylan, Poppy, Marcus and Azumi, each gets a letter asking to come to this house for different reasons. When each kid arrives they realize something isn't right. This book is a world wind of action. It is one scary moment after the next and it seems to go right up until the end. Lots of mystery and super creepy moments. The book has a really interesting twist that I think kids will be shocked about. I sort of figured it out and just had it confirmed at the end.
I really enjoyed this and am looking forward to reading the next one to see what happens next. The book also has an app that I strongly suggest downloading when you are finished with the book. It adds to the creepy and is totally creepy by itself. It's a choose your own adventure type of read but it's so much great to read a bit of the backstory of thing that go on in the book but download it after you finish the book.
Highly recommend, you will really enjoy this!
The story follows 5 kids Dash, Dylan, Poppy, Marcus and Azumi, each gets a letter asking to come to this house for different reasons. When each kid arrives they realize something isn't right. This book is a world wind of action. It is one scary moment after the next and it seems to go right up until the end. Lots of mystery and super creepy moments. The book has a really interesting twist that I think kids will be shocked about. I sort of figured it out and just had it confirmed at the end.
I really enjoyed this and am looking forward to reading the next one to see what happens next. The book also has an app that I strongly suggest downloading when you are finished with the book. It adds to the creepy and is totally creepy by itself. It's a choose your own adventure type of read but it's so much great to read a bit of the backstory of thing that go on in the book but download it after you finish the book.
Highly recommend, you will really enjoy this!
Thanks for stopping by to check out my review.
Have a great day and Happy Reading!
This review was originally posted on Because reading is better than real life
September 19, 2016
This was already one of my most anticipated book of 2016, but after reading it... it has become my favourite series. I just want to know what is going to happen to the children, I want to know what is wrong with the house.
The book also comes with an app which will tell you more about the house. I still have to complete the app's story, but I am still stuck on the first story as I just want to get the options perfectly right. :P The app is just as creepy as the book is, with music and animations that suddenly pop up. o.0
Now back to the book. The book, is, seriously, creepy as hell. Really. I was reading it and I just had to switch to another book because it was nighttime and I couldn't sleep, and well, after reading this one I definitely felt like I couldn't sleep any more. The book's twists and turns are already awesome, but add to that the awesome power of photography. Really, you would be reading, flip page and come eye to eye with a scary thing. Nope, nope, nope!
We have 5 different characters (Azumi, Marcus, Poppy, and the twins Dash and Dylan). Each chapter will be about one of them. I am always a bit worried about how it will turn out, but I have to say that the author did a perfect job on them. Each character feels different, yet also a bit of the same (they do have a connection after all), and I just loved how the chapters were done. I was invested in each of these characters. Sure, I had my favourites (Poppy and Azumi), but I liked all of them in the end.
Each of them have a tragic story to go with their life. Poppy doesn't have family (+ sees a girl in the mirror no matter where she goes), Azumi lost her sister, Marcus life also isn't the easiest considering his music brings back bad memories for his mother, the twins? Well you will have to find that one out yourself. I won't say anything about that, as that is a huge spoiler (though if you are like me you will have a feeling about it from the moment we see them, the moment the first hint is dropped).
They all come together in the Shadow House, and quickly find out the house isn't friendly. They find out they can't leave. They find out that stuff is going oh so wrong in this place. It is a creepy house, and it wants them.
I loved the house, even if it was creepy as hell. I loved the fact it changed rooms, changed shape, changed everything when you think you might know what is happening. It was a creepy delight.
Then we have the 5 antagonists (or are they?) and I was really interested in those 5. They have a connection with the 5 protagonists, but they are way more deadly, and they are super-creepy. Really, every time one popped up out of the shadows I just wanted to run away. :P
Even though this book is a book 1, and even though it does end open-ended, I do have to say that it did feel like a whole book (maybe this doesn't make sense, but I have read some first books that felt like someone wrote 1 big book and randomly cut 3 books from it). It was a great introduction to a series.
All in all, this book is a creepy rollercoaster and it was definitely wow. I would highly recommend this book to those in need for a creepy read (it is almost Halloween, and this book would fit perfectly for that season). Be sure to also check out the app!
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
The book also comes with an app which will tell you more about the house. I still have to complete the app's story, but I am still stuck on the first story as I just want to get the options perfectly right. :P The app is just as creepy as the book is, with music and animations that suddenly pop up. o.0
Now back to the book. The book, is, seriously, creepy as hell. Really. I was reading it and I just had to switch to another book because it was nighttime and I couldn't sleep, and well, after reading this one I definitely felt like I couldn't sleep any more. The book's twists and turns are already awesome, but add to that the awesome power of photography. Really, you would be reading, flip page and come eye to eye with a scary thing. Nope, nope, nope!
We have 5 different characters (Azumi, Marcus, Poppy, and the twins Dash and Dylan). Each chapter will be about one of them. I am always a bit worried about how it will turn out, but I have to say that the author did a perfect job on them. Each character feels different, yet also a bit of the same (they do have a connection after all), and I just loved how the chapters were done. I was invested in each of these characters. Sure, I had my favourites (Poppy and Azumi), but I liked all of them in the end.
Each of them have a tragic story to go with their life. Poppy doesn't have family (+ sees a girl in the mirror no matter where she goes), Azumi lost her sister, Marcus life also isn't the easiest considering his music brings back bad memories for his mother, the twins? Well you will have to find that one out yourself. I won't say anything about that, as that is a huge spoiler (though if you are like me you will have a feeling about it from the moment we see them, the moment the first hint is dropped).
They all come together in the Shadow House, and quickly find out the house isn't friendly. They find out they can't leave. They find out that stuff is going oh so wrong in this place. It is a creepy house, and it wants them.
I loved the house, even if it was creepy as hell. I loved the fact it changed rooms, changed shape, changed everything when you think you might know what is happening. It was a creepy delight.
Then we have the 5 antagonists (or are they?) and I was really interested in those 5. They have a connection with the 5 protagonists, but they are way more deadly, and they are super-creepy. Really, every time one popped up out of the shadows I just wanted to run away. :P
Even though this book is a book 1, and even though it does end open-ended, I do have to say that it did feel like a whole book (maybe this doesn't make sense, but I have read some first books that felt like someone wrote 1 big book and randomly cut 3 books from it). It was a great introduction to a series.
All in all, this book is a creepy rollercoaster and it was definitely wow. I would highly recommend this book to those in need for a creepy read (it is almost Halloween, and this book would fit perfectly for that season). Be sure to also check out the app!
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
November 4, 2016
2.5 stars Some nicely creepy moments, and along the lines of what I'd hoped for from Welcome to the Dark House--sort of a mad funhouse type of caper.
But the four kids' stories start running into each other and don't really go anywhere (I think it would have been better to cut down on the number of kids or to explore the stories more deeply), and the creep/tension aren't pushed far enough. The style of the black and white photographs and the set-up make it feel a bit like a very facile, slick middle grade version of Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children.
Nearly downrated the star rating because it was also annoying that the book ends abruptly, and apparently there's a sequel. No need for either. With more development, this could have been a perfectly good horror book on its own.
But the four kids' stories start running into each other and don't really go anywhere (I think it would have been better to cut down on the number of kids or to explore the stories more deeply), and the creep/tension aren't pushed far enough. The style of the black and white photographs and the set-up make it feel a bit like a very facile, slick middle grade version of Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children.
Nearly downrated the star rating because it was also annoying that the book ends abruptly, and apparently there's a sequel. No need for either. With more development, this could have been a perfectly good horror book on its own.
August 5, 2017
I received a copy of the audiobook version of this book through Audiobook Sync's summer reading program for teenagers with absolutely zero strings attached. This is my honest review.
This story was absolutely creepy. There's an underlying mystery that I still don't have fully figured out yet. The book had a bit of a House on Haunted Hill vibe to it. A part of me feels like the children that were lured to the house were chosen because of a genetic connection like in House on Haunted Hill. I have no real reason for that feeling though (except in Poppy's case), it's just a hunch that I have. Even though this is just a middle grade book, it kept me on the edge of my seat, wondering what was going to happen next, and trying to figure out why any of it was happening in the first place.
Read the full review on my blog. --> http://justanothergirlandherbooks.blo...
This story was absolutely creepy. There's an underlying mystery that I still don't have fully figured out yet. The book had a bit of a House on Haunted Hill vibe to it. A part of me feels like the children that were lured to the house were chosen because of a genetic connection like in House on Haunted Hill. I have no real reason for that feeling though (except in Poppy's case), it's just a hunch that I have. Even though this is just a middle grade book, it kept me on the edge of my seat, wondering what was going to happen next, and trying to figure out why any of it was happening in the first place.
Read the full review on my blog. --> http://justanothergirlandherbooks.blo...
February 2, 2024
:))))))))))))
شروع خفنی بود.
شروع خفنی بود.
February 22, 2023
Not the book I thought I was borrowing from the library, but fun none the less.
September 8, 2016
I was not expecting this to scare me as much as it did! As a middle grade book, it really surprised me. I don't know if I would recommend this to any 10 or 11 year olds I know.
Nothing juvenile about the writing: it was descriptive without being overly verbose or cringy, and had some truly excellent - and chilling - similes I wish I could remember word for word to share here. The quickly shifting perspectives were handled adeptly (with all the characters having very distinct voices). Its short length and fast pace had me racing to the end to find some sort of relief (to no avail, unfortunately - major cliffhanger.) I felt like I was the one running for my life down a dark, strange corridor - breathless, disoriented, terrified.
All in all, I loved it. I just wish I hadn't read it at night...now I have to try and sleep.
Nothing juvenile about the writing: it was descriptive without being overly verbose or cringy, and had some truly excellent - and chilling - similes I wish I could remember word for word to share here. The quickly shifting perspectives were handled adeptly (with all the characters having very distinct voices). Its short length and fast pace had me racing to the end to find some sort of relief (to no avail, unfortunately - major cliffhanger.) I felt like I was the one running for my life down a dark, strange corridor - breathless, disoriented, terrified.
All in all, I loved it. I just wish I hadn't read it at night...now I have to try and sleep.
September 7, 2023
I was browsing the library, as I do usually each week, and the cover of this book caught my eye. And then I noticed books 2 and 3 were also available, so I grabbed all three. This is a spooky tale that I think is a perfect fit for its intended YA audience. I enjoyed it for the concept, the artwork, and the story. It's spooky, chilling, but also a fun read.
The book follows 5 teenagers who turn up at a remote house, all for different reasons. Some received an invitation, some were looking for an escape. But each reason is different, and so starts the confusion and the suspense. Then when the house essentially locks them in, the scares hit high gear, and the give are often on the run for their lives in a house that shifts and changes at a whim.
But there is an underlying mystery that must be solved if ever they are going to escape the horrors of the house, and that's also part of the fun. I've always loved mysteries, and I just wish this type of book was available for me when I was a YA reader. We didn't have anything like this.
A really clever story and the cover art with the changing image is fantastic.
The book follows 5 teenagers who turn up at a remote house, all for different reasons. Some received an invitation, some were looking for an escape. But each reason is different, and so starts the confusion and the suspense. Then when the house essentially locks them in, the scares hit high gear, and the give are often on the run for their lives in a house that shifts and changes at a whim.
But there is an underlying mystery that must be solved if ever they are going to escape the horrors of the house, and that's also part of the fun. I've always loved mysteries, and I just wish this type of book was available for me when I was a YA reader. We didn't have anything like this.
A really clever story and the cover art with the changing image is fantastic.
March 15, 2021
When reading middle grade books, I try to look at it and see it the way a child would, and this would definitely creep me out if I was a child reading it. So that's why I gave it a high rating. Plus, it has an app where you get to see bonus stories for each sigil. It was fun and entertaining.
October 31, 2017
I can't review this one since it was my first full audiobook, and I couldn't pay much attention/missed a lot of the story. I don't think audiobooks and I are destined to be good friends.
November 28, 2018
PERFECT horror/ghost story for middle school kids. Poblocki doesn't hold back on the truly terrifying and complex plot events; it's everything that one would want from a horror movie when you're 11-13. As a librarian, I typically read award winners and other books beloved by adults and children alike, and frankly, my kids aren't usually looking for that. They want really, truly scary stories and still gravitate toward Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark (which amazes me, really, as they are so stinkin' old!) after I tell them that I don't have Stephen King books in our middle school library. They think they want to read It by Stephen King, but they really don't (in my opinion). I don't have enough of this genre in my collection, as I'm mostly reading reviews by adults when I'm selecting. This author is the Stephen King for those too young for Stephen King. Fast-paced horror, and even though I'm an adult, I actually have to read the sequel! This is a guilty pleasure.... (I know...I should be reading grown-up books! But if I did, I'd not be making this available in my library for the kids who are going to love it!)
P.S. In order to appreciate this, the reader has to assume that parents don't exist. A better backstory would make the story better, but I don't think all readers need everything to make complete sense. :)
P.S. In order to appreciate this, the reader has to assume that parents don't exist. A better backstory would make the story better, but I don't think all readers need everything to make complete sense. :)
June 10, 2016
This book was really creepy. The cover is a winner, for sure, and the few pictures in the book were eerie (most pictures weren't finished for advanced reader's copy). I think this book will have huge appeal to middle grade kids who love horror - although, to be honest, I think it might be a bit much for the kids who think they love scary books but really mean books like Goosebumps.
The story itself was pretty good for me, and I did not like how the story did not really end, but set itself up for a sequel. Sequels are great and all, but I always feel cheated when the particular story arc does not have a conclusion in book.
I let a sixth grade girl who loves horror books read this and she said she "loved" it, and that's what's important :)
The story itself was pretty good for me, and I did not like how the story did not really end, but set itself up for a sequel. Sequels are great and all, but I always feel cheated when the particular story arc does not have a conclusion in book.
I let a sixth grade girl who loves horror books read this and she said she "loved" it, and that's what's important :)
February 5, 2023
Fun and creepy ghost story set in the haunted mansion called Shadow House....but is it good?
Author Dan Poblocki is evidently a horror fan; and an author who knows his horror. However with this book being labeled a YA horror novel, I just thought it was a good book, and I would not label it anything. Just read it if you like a good ghost story.
The mansion called Shadow House is owned/operated by a mysterious man by the name of Del Larkspur. He lures 5 teenagers to the house, and all for different reasons. Twin boy actors Dash and Dylan are on a successful teen comedy tv show, and they think they are coming to the mansion to make and be the stars of a new Horror movie being made. Poppy thinks she has family somehow involved with the mansion's past. Azumi is a very smart girl thinking she is coming to attend a new school, and Marcus is a music prodigy and has no idea why he is here.
The house has ghosts.....many of them living within its walls. These ghosts are of children who run wild (no pun intended here....) with very creepy masks on. The masks are of different wild animals, and what is behind the masks, are terrifying faces that have no eyes!
The Gathering takes a while to get going and I had no idea what to expect from the author. As I got more and more intrigued by the writing, i did end up enjoying it, and knowing that it is the first book in a series....what I was NOT expecting was a great twist towards the last chapters; and THEN that ABRUPT and sudden EnD!! What the hell?
3.5 😶🌫️👻🩸
Author Dan Poblocki is evidently a horror fan; and an author who knows his horror. However with this book being labeled a YA horror novel, I just thought it was a good book, and I would not label it anything. Just read it if you like a good ghost story.
The mansion called Shadow House is owned/operated by a mysterious man by the name of Del Larkspur. He lures 5 teenagers to the house, and all for different reasons. Twin boy actors Dash and Dylan are on a successful teen comedy tv show, and they think they are coming to the mansion to make and be the stars of a new Horror movie being made. Poppy thinks she has family somehow involved with the mansion's past. Azumi is a very smart girl thinking she is coming to attend a new school, and Marcus is a music prodigy and has no idea why he is here.
The house has ghosts.....many of them living within its walls. These ghosts are of children who run wild (no pun intended here....) with very creepy masks on. The masks are of different wild animals, and what is behind the masks, are terrifying faces that have no eyes!
The Gathering takes a while to get going and I had no idea what to expect from the author. As I got more and more intrigued by the writing, i did end up enjoying it, and knowing that it is the first book in a series....what I was NOT expecting was a great twist towards the last chapters; and THEN that ABRUPT and sudden EnD!! What the hell?
3.5 😶🌫️👻🩸
October 5, 2020
I've never anything like this before.
First, LOOK AT THAT COVER. LIKE.... I am trying so hard to not stare at it because I know it would give me a nightmare.
Secondly, this book, from the very beginning to end, it just tense.
It kept me at the edge of my seat, it made my feet cold while reading this even though I have thick socks on. It made my heartbeat not steady. I felt like I need to be ready at all time just in case something happened.
And I exhaled a long breath when I'm done. Read it in one seating.
Thirdly, it is a special book because you can download an app to accompany you reading this book. It's a game of choice in the app, that is connected to the story that you're reading. You get to know the book better with the app. The game is an additional (it's just for fun), but the story in the game will really help you to understand the book better. I love the app and it is SO MUCH FUN!
Inside the book you would find different picture and I recommend to stop and open the app to see the story behind that picture in the book.
*Please check if you have the app available on your store, because I live in Norway and it is not available on my app store, so I asked my husband to help me and he fixed it on his android so that I can have it. App store? Hopeless.
I don't know if I want to read the next book in the stories as I kind of spoiled myself and I hated that happened and I just kind of wanted to leave it this way. I don't know. I feel like my heart could not take it anymore. But it was so good though, so I might change my mind :)
PERFECT AUTUMN READ!
First, LOOK AT THAT COVER. LIKE.... I am trying so hard to not stare at it because I know it would give me a nightmare.
Secondly, this book, from the very beginning to end, it just tense.
It kept me at the edge of my seat, it made my feet cold while reading this even though I have thick socks on. It made my heartbeat not steady. I felt like I need to be ready at all time just in case something happened.
And I exhaled a long breath when I'm done. Read it in one seating.
Thirdly, it is a special book because you can download an app to accompany you reading this book. It's a game of choice in the app, that is connected to the story that you're reading. You get to know the book better with the app. The game is an additional (it's just for fun), but the story in the game will really help you to understand the book better. I love the app and it is SO MUCH FUN!
Inside the book you would find different picture and I recommend to stop and open the app to see the story behind that picture in the book.
*Please check if you have the app available on your store, because I live in Norway and it is not available on my app store, so I asked my husband to help me and he fixed it on his android so that I can have it. App store? Hopeless.
I don't know if I want to read the next book in the stories as I kind of spoiled myself and I hated that happened and I just kind of wanted to leave it this way. I don't know. I feel like my heart could not take it anymore. But it was so good though, so I might change my mind :)
PERFECT AUTUMN READ!
September 6, 2018
Last night I was looking for a short audiobook to listen to as I nursed Maddie to sleep out of the free summer audiobooks from SYNC. This wasn’t the best choice, seeing as it’s creepy and I’m very affected by creepy!
It was an interesting enough story, though a bit too YA for me. And I’m not too fond of Books in a series that end with so little sorted out. This is definitely not a “series but can be standalone” book. I’m not sure I will continue with it though, because it was just an okay read for me.
It was an interesting enough story, though a bit too YA for me. And I’m not too fond of Books in a series that end with so little sorted out. This is definitely not a “series but can be standalone” book. I’m not sure I will continue with it though, because it was just an okay read for me.
October 19, 2018
Really enjoyed this!
June 11, 2017
This was pretty spooky, definitely fulfilling if you're looking for a campfire ghost story type feel. If I would have read it at night, I would have had that prickly back feeling.
September 13, 2018
This completely creeped me out and the ending was a complete shock! Proof that middle grade reads can be horrific!
January 17, 2019
Spooked. Shocked. Scared.
After tricked to come to haunted house Poppy, Azumi, Dash, Dylan, Marcus. Try to fight demons of the house at the same time inside them.
I was spooked to core, I don't know how much middle grade me would have reacted.
And plot twist, never would have guessed also didn't want it to be true.
Can't wait to read sequel.
After tricked to come to haunted house Poppy, Azumi, Dash, Dylan, Marcus. Try to fight demons of the house at the same time inside them.
I was spooked to core, I don't know how much middle grade me would have reacted.
And plot twist, never would have guessed also didn't want it to be true.
Can't wait to read sequel.
March 15, 2017
Creepy and fun, loved it! Highly recommend downloading the app that comes with this
October 7, 2016
This book is a really quick read and I read it entirely within a few hours. Not my favourite, even though I couldn't put it down. It had some scary images within it, and had me a bit spooked throughout the day but now that its over, the fear hasn't lingered. Which, for me, is good, but the book seemed too shallow. I didn't like the way it ended at all, and especially the little surprise towards the end wasn't received happily by me.
I had expected more than I was getting. It did keep me interested and kept me asking questions. But these questions did not get answered... which has lead to frustration. I want to know just what is happening in that house... but you don't find out.
This book reminds me of those films where one question gets replaced with another and another and another; you are constantly kept on the edge of your seat, holding your breath, until you realise that, THAT is the excitement... not what's coming at the end! A bit like the series Lost. Rather, the excitement is about the journey, not the destination. And the final destination, once you get there, you find you have to board another train and look off into the distance over yet another horizon - anticipating the end but never actually getting there and feeling satisfied.
To put simply, I was riveted, kept on the edge of my seat. I couldn't put it down! It's a good job I didn't hold my breath! I'd be dead! There's no relaxing when u reach the cut off point. Being cut off just when you think you're going to get answers, is exactly what it feels like - being cut off at the knees, as my dad would say. Needless to say the ending left me very disappointed indeed.
I had expected more than I was getting. It did keep me interested and kept me asking questions. But these questions did not get answered... which has lead to frustration. I want to know just what is happening in that house... but you don't find out.
This book reminds me of those films where one question gets replaced with another and another and another; you are constantly kept on the edge of your seat, holding your breath, until you realise that, THAT is the excitement... not what's coming at the end! A bit like the series Lost. Rather, the excitement is about the journey, not the destination. And the final destination, once you get there, you find you have to board another train and look off into the distance over yet another horizon - anticipating the end but never actually getting there and feeling satisfied.
To put simply, I was riveted, kept on the edge of my seat. I couldn't put it down! It's a good job I didn't hold my breath! I'd be dead! There's no relaxing when u reach the cut off point. Being cut off just when you think you're going to get answers, is exactly what it feels like - being cut off at the knees, as my dad would say. Needless to say the ending left me very disappointed indeed.
July 30, 2017
5 children are being lured to the Larkspur estate under false pretenses.
Poppy, Marcus, Azumi & twins Dash and Dylan don't know each other.
- Poppy thinks she's being adoptd by great a aunt & live at the Larkspur estate.
- Marcus believes he's attending Larkspur Acdemy for the Performing Arts.
- Azumi thinks she will be going to a borading school called Larkspur.
- Twins Dylan & Dash, 2 kid actors think they're going to shoot a horror movie at Larkspur.
All of them end up at Larkspur, but what will they find?...
I enjoyed ''The Gathering'' but i did wish there was a real ending, now things are left a bit loose & it's very clear that there will be another book!
There is an app available from Scholstic press that goes with this book!
While reading you come across pictures with a sigil above it, that sigil is needed to use the app & it unlocks some nice treats to keep you entertained!
November 26, 2017
"Whenever Poppy Caldwell glanced in a mirror, she saw another girl standing behind her."
With the book's chilling first line, you know you're in for a scary ride! I'll have to admit, I was a little skeptical at how this would play out since it's middle grade. Would I even be scared?
I shouldn't have doubted this book, because I wasn't just scared, I was terrified! It was a very creepy and interesting read, with some nice twists too!
It presented several mysteries, all of which I was dying to find out the answer to, and a cliffhanger-ending to get you to continue on. I was pleasantly surprised with this book and I can't wait to see where this series goes!
P.S. It even comes along with a free app that gives you bonus material of the house's secrets. If this doesn't get you to want to read it, then what else could you possibly want?
With the book's chilling first line, you know you're in for a scary ride! I'll have to admit, I was a little skeptical at how this would play out since it's middle grade. Would I even be scared?
I shouldn't have doubted this book, because I wasn't just scared, I was terrified! It was a very creepy and interesting read, with some nice twists too!
It presented several mysteries, all of which I was dying to find out the answer to, and a cliffhanger-ending to get you to continue on. I was pleasantly surprised with this book and I can't wait to see where this series goes!
P.S. It even comes along with a free app that gives you bonus material of the house's secrets. If this doesn't get you to want to read it, then what else could you possibly want?
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