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Claus #3
Flury (Large Print Edition): Journey of a Snowman
Life hasn’t been kind to Oliver Toye.
As if juvenile diabetes isn’t enough, he’s forced to live with his tyrannical grandmother in a snow-bound house. He spends his days doing chores and the nights listening to the forest rumble.
But when he discovers the first leather-bound journal, the family secrets begin to surface. The mystery of his great-grandfather’s voyage to the North Pole is revealed. That’s when the snowman appears.
Magical and mysterious, the snowman will save Oliver more than once. But when the time comes for Oliver to discover the truth, will he have the courage? When Flury needs him, will he have the strength? When believing isn’t enough, will he save the snowman from melting away?
Because sometimes even magic needs a little help.
As if juvenile diabetes isn’t enough, he’s forced to live with his tyrannical grandmother in a snow-bound house. He spends his days doing chores and the nights listening to the forest rumble.
But when he discovers the first leather-bound journal, the family secrets begin to surface. The mystery of his great-grandfather’s voyage to the North Pole is revealed. That’s when the snowman appears.
Magical and mysterious, the snowman will save Oliver more than once. But when the time comes for Oliver to discover the truth, will he have the courage? When Flury needs him, will he have the strength? When believing isn’t enough, will he save the snowman from melting away?
Because sometimes even magic needs a little help.
454 pages, Paperback
First published October 21, 2014
197 people are currently reading
545 people want to read
About the author
Tony Bertauski
72 books762 followersGet my books FREE. Tell me where to send them at http://bertauski.com
He grew up in the Midwest where the land is flat and the corn is tall. The winters are bleak and cold. He hated winters.
He always wanted to write. But writing was hard. And he wasn’t very disciplined. The cold had nothing to do with that, but it didn’t help. That changed in grad school.
After several attempts at a proposal, his major advisor was losing money on red ink and advised him to figure it out. Somehow, he did.
After grad school, he and his wife and two very little children moved to the South in Charleston, South Carolina where the winters are spring and the summers are a sauna (cliche but dead on accurate). That’s when he started teaching and writing articles for trade magazines. He eventually published two textbooks on landscape design. He then transitioned to writing a column for the Post and Courier. They were all great gigs, but they weren’t fiction.
That was a few years later.
His daughter started reading before she could read, pretending she knew the words in books she propped on her lap. His son was a different story. In an attempt to change that, he began writing a story with him. They made up a character, gave him a name, and something to do. As with much of parenting, it did not go as planned. But the character got stuck in his head.
He wanted out.
A few years later, Socket Greeny was born. It was a science fiction trilogy that was gritty and thoughtful. That was 2005.
He has been practicing Zen since he was 23 years old. A daily meditator, he wants to instill something meaningful in his stories that appeals to a young adult crowd as well as adult. Think Hunger Games. He hadn’t planned to write fiction, didn’t even know if he had anymore stories in him after Socket Greeny.
Turns out he did.
He grew up in the Midwest where the land is flat and the corn is tall. The winters are bleak and cold. He hated winters.
He always wanted to write. But writing was hard. And he wasn’t very disciplined. The cold had nothing to do with that, but it didn’t help. That changed in grad school.
After several attempts at a proposal, his major advisor was losing money on red ink and advised him to figure it out. Somehow, he did.
After grad school, he and his wife and two very little children moved to the South in Charleston, South Carolina where the winters are spring and the summers are a sauna (cliche but dead on accurate). That’s when he started teaching and writing articles for trade magazines. He eventually published two textbooks on landscape design. He then transitioned to writing a column for the Post and Courier. They were all great gigs, but they weren’t fiction.
That was a few years later.
His daughter started reading before she could read, pretending she knew the words in books she propped on her lap. His son was a different story. In an attempt to change that, he began writing a story with him. They made up a character, gave him a name, and something to do. As with much of parenting, it did not go as planned. But the character got stuck in his head.
He wanted out.
A few years later, Socket Greeny was born. It was a science fiction trilogy that was gritty and thoughtful. That was 2005.
He has been practicing Zen since he was 23 years old. A daily meditator, he wants to instill something meaningful in his stories that appeals to a young adult crowd as well as adult. Think Hunger Games. He hadn’t planned to write fiction, didn’t even know if he had anymore stories in him after Socket Greeny.
Turns out he did.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
November 24, 2022
Fantastic!
I can’t describe in words how much I love this book! I don’t want to give any spoilers, so I’ll just say this book was incredibly awesome! As much as I thought I loved the first two, this was better! All the feels! All the stars! Highest possible recommendation!
I can’t describe in words how much I love this book! I don’t want to give any spoilers, so I’ll just say this book was incredibly awesome! As much as I thought I loved the first two, this was better! All the feels! All the stars! Highest possible recommendation!
December 21, 2014
Once again, through the generosity of the author, I received a copy of Flury in exchange for an unbiased review. I happened on Tony Bertauski's work when I bought Claus: The Legend of the Fat Man. I admit I am a Christmas story addict and I hope to never recover. Mr. Bertauski's annual foray into Christmas legends should keep that hope alive.
Even though Oliver's move to his Grandmother's home in Colorado started out in a dark and foreboding manner, it was written in a much more light-hearted manner than last year's Jack: The Tale of Frost. Oliver relationship with his mother sets the mood for the entire story, their conversations were real and quite believable. Oliver struggles to cope with his diabetes, his grandmother's strict rules, the lack of Wi-Fi or cell service, and his blossoming friendship with a young lady he meets at the town library.
Unlike the song, there is no magic in an old top hat. However, there is "magic" everywhere else on Grandmother's estate; there are snowmen and other strange items from the elven living in the northern reaches of the Arctic ice. This story should appeal to readers of all ages and will delight everyone who still believes in things you can only "feel".
Mr. Bertauski is a master story-teller, his characters are well developed and the story flows smoothly from the opening through the resolution. There is no "cliffhanger", however if you have read all of this series, it will leave you anxious for next year's offering. Thank you, Tony Bertauski, not only for a wonderful book, but another marvelous trip to a world we can only dream of.
Even though Oliver's move to his Grandmother's home in Colorado started out in a dark and foreboding manner, it was written in a much more light-hearted manner than last year's Jack: The Tale of Frost. Oliver relationship with his mother sets the mood for the entire story, their conversations were real and quite believable. Oliver struggles to cope with his diabetes, his grandmother's strict rules, the lack of Wi-Fi or cell service, and his blossoming friendship with a young lady he meets at the town library.
Unlike the song, there is no magic in an old top hat. However, there is "magic" everywhere else on Grandmother's estate; there are snowmen and other strange items from the elven living in the northern reaches of the Arctic ice. This story should appeal to readers of all ages and will delight everyone who still believes in things you can only "feel".
Mr. Bertauski is a master story-teller, his characters are well developed and the story flows smoothly from the opening through the resolution. There is no "cliffhanger", however if you have read all of this series, it will leave you anxious for next year's offering. Thank you, Tony Bertauski, not only for a wonderful book, but another marvelous trip to a world we can only dream of.
October 24, 2014
Tony Bertauski’s Flury is surely one of those novels that’s just too good to be true. Totally absorbing, thoroughly enthralling, it draws the reader in until you’ll believe in walking snowmen, short fat elves, and even Nicolaus Santa (who really has very little to do with the tale, but lives at the North Pole).
Fifteen-year-old Oliver has diabetes and likes to read zombie novels. His mom’s a failed hippie. His dad’s disappeared. And now the family’s off to stay with his grandmother in her creepy mansion. When Oliver finds a car in the garage, he imagines his strict, unsmiling grandmother could never drive it. She’d surely go for something more sensible. "Like a tank” perhaps.
The story’s told with a pleasing sense of humor and great dialog. The characters are believable and fun, from Grandmother in her “pearls and dead animal fur” to the girl with green and red hair. But there’s something very strange going on at this mansion, nighttime threats and noises, magically cleared drives as the snows of Colorado fall, and a mysterious collection of journals that never quite seem to reveal all.
Flury is a tale of mystery and adventure, with magic that’s almost science, “boy-girl” magic that’s more related to coffee, true love with all its power and promise, and a sense of Christmas just around the corner. It’s pleasing, fun, and seriously, just too good to be true. I loved it!
Disclosure: I was offered a free ecopy and said I’d read it eventually. I offer my honest review after reading it much sooner than that. I got hooked; I couldn’t stop.
Fifteen-year-old Oliver has diabetes and likes to read zombie novels. His mom’s a failed hippie. His dad’s disappeared. And now the family’s off to stay with his grandmother in her creepy mansion. When Oliver finds a car in the garage, he imagines his strict, unsmiling grandmother could never drive it. She’d surely go for something more sensible. "Like a tank” perhaps.
The story’s told with a pleasing sense of humor and great dialog. The characters are believable and fun, from Grandmother in her “pearls and dead animal fur” to the girl with green and red hair. But there’s something very strange going on at this mansion, nighttime threats and noises, magically cleared drives as the snows of Colorado fall, and a mysterious collection of journals that never quite seem to reveal all.
Flury is a tale of mystery and adventure, with magic that’s almost science, “boy-girl” magic that’s more related to coffee, true love with all its power and promise, and a sense of Christmas just around the corner. It’s pleasing, fun, and seriously, just too good to be true. I loved it!
Disclosure: I was offered a free ecopy and said I’d read it eventually. I offer my honest review after reading it much sooner than that. I got hooked; I couldn’t stop.
March 3, 2017
Wow! I have to say, Tony Bertauski outdid himself with this sequel. The sense of humor, mystery, and the love moving along the pages are simply wonderful. It was thoroughly absorbing; I didn't let go until I am done. The story, like the two books before it, can turn a reader into a believer of the impossible. I mean, I am not a huge fan of Scifi Fantasy, but I am totally dumbfounded by this one.
If you’re still wondering why people build snowmen in front of their houses…
…read this book!
Read full review from The Page Walker .
December 8, 2014
This was my favorite book of the series. Oliver is an extremely likable character, and I found myself rooting him on as he found ways to circumvent his grandmother's rules and begin to learn the truth about "the property." Once he finds out the secrets, the reader is off on another wild ride to the conclusion.
There is a great deal of humor in the story, and some really fun dialogue. I fell in love with Oliver's friend, Molly, from the moment we were introduced to her and learned she was wearing a Doctor Who t-shirt. :)
**I was given a copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review.**
There is a great deal of humor in the story, and some really fun dialogue. I fell in love with Oliver's friend, Molly, from the moment we were introduced to her and learned she was wearing a Doctor Who t-shirt. :)
**I was given a copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review.**
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February 17, 2016BERTAUSKI STARTER LIBRARY is FREE!
Get 3 full-length novels and 1 novella…Just tell me where to send them.
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Get 3 full-length novels and 1 novella…Just tell me where to send them.
http://bertauski.com/
August 29, 2024
Fantastic Fun!
What a fantastic journey this book was. I am absolutely looking forward to the next book in this series. I appreciate the fact that they are both a series, somewhat connected to each other, yet stand alone as well. Also thankful that they are free of foul language and clean of unnecessary sexual content and/or gore. This one has such a beautiful love story. Actually more than just one. If we could only love like a snowman, the world would much less abominable.
What a fantastic journey this book was. I am absolutely looking forward to the next book in this series. I appreciate the fact that they are both a series, somewhat connected to each other, yet stand alone as well. Also thankful that they are free of foul language and clean of unnecessary sexual content and/or gore. This one has such a beautiful love story. Actually more than just one. If we could only love like a snowman, the world would much less abominable.
December 27, 2024
Entertaining, suspenseful twist on Frosty the snowman. I enjoyed this one.
January 9, 2015
Flurry: Journey of a Snowman
By: Tony Bertauski
Flury is a wonderful love story. I do not normally read love stories and many would not call this book such. But after reading it I realize that it was indeed a love story. The love of an elven for a man. the love of a boy for a girl. the love of a mother for her child. and the love of a abominable snowman for a race of people not yet ready to understand all that he is.
Right from the beginning you are drawn into the story as a mystery begins to develop. Aa the chapters flow, more of the mystery is revealed but not until the end is the real twist revealed.
I have yet to red the book. my first time through wsa as an audio book and I listened to the story in one sitting. I will own the ebook as well since I have the 1st 2 already.
By: Tony Bertauski
Flury is a wonderful love story. I do not normally read love stories and many would not call this book such. But after reading it I realize that it was indeed a love story. The love of an elven for a man. the love of a boy for a girl. the love of a mother for her child. and the love of a abominable snowman for a race of people not yet ready to understand all that he is.
Right from the beginning you are drawn into the story as a mystery begins to develop. Aa the chapters flow, more of the mystery is revealed but not until the end is the real twist revealed.
I have yet to red the book. my first time through wsa as an audio book and I listened to the story in one sitting. I will own the ebook as well since I have the 1st 2 already.
January 5, 2015
I absolutely loved this book! It was so so good. I love snowmen and I found this different view on them totally spellbinding! I would encourage everyone to read this! It can be read at any time but right now in the middle of Winter is perfect. We follow Oliver as he tries to get to grips with life at the cold and eerie house his grandmother lives in. Slowly he finds that things aren't all that they seem. He discovers a carved wooden orb and life gets exciting from there on! He finds things easier to deal with when he meets his girlfriend and they share his strange and thrilling journey together. A must read! I didn't want it to end.
December 31, 2014
Flury: Journey of a Snowman is the third book I have read by Tony Bertauski. I loved the others and this one did not disappoint. It tells the story of Oliver Toye and his adventures while learning life isn't always as it seems. The story brought back a few of the characters from the previous stories in small snippets (just enough to make you nostalgic for the previous books but not so much that it distracted from this one). I was excited to see that there are three other books planned in this series and can't wait to be able to read them.
October 2, 2014
Flury was truly a treat. The author is a born story teller, and Flury just flowed. Sometimes when you just need a change from over the top sex scenes to too many dead bodies to count, this story is a refreshing pause. While there may be other books in this series, I had not read them when I started Flury so the book is easily a stand alone - although there are a few hints that made going back to earlier stories something I look forward to doing. Really worth the time to read!
October 22, 2014
Another hit from Tony Bertauski!!
I just love how he takes classic fairy-tale subjects and reworks them, because it adds a whole new dimension to the stories.
All of Tony's books have been interesting to read, and this one is no exception. I look forward to reading the next installments in this series, and I am also looking forward to Bricks - in the Clay trilogy.
I just love how he takes classic fairy-tale subjects and reworks them, because it adds a whole new dimension to the stories.
All of Tony's books have been interesting to read, and this one is no exception. I look forward to reading the next installments in this series, and I am also looking forward to Bricks - in the Clay trilogy.
December 28, 2014
This book was a little harder to read than the previous book in the series, but I was joyful nonetheless. I sunk into the book and felt like I was there. I was anxious when something was happening, and sad when other things happened. I still think this is one of my favorite series and I look forward to the next book.
December 12, 2014
It is amazing to me that three books by the same author, in the same series, with some of the same recurring characters could be so wildly different as Claus, Jack, and now Flury. You just can't get bored reading these books. They are my newest Christmas season tradition. Can't wait for the next one, and the next, and the next....
December 18, 2022
This is the third book in this series, I read the first two and thought they were brilliant, but guess what? They get even better. This one was the best yet, can't wait to carry on and read the rest of them. I am reading a different author at the moment because my "to be read" list grows every day but when I have read this I am straight onto book Four.
Flury is a abominable that appeared in the previous books, the technology the Elven have in these books is far superior to anything we as humans have, and Flury is one of these. Basically is a metal orb, which is his heart, but when there is snow around the orb will rotate and gather in the snow around him to form a huge snowman, an abdominal as the Elven call them.
This book is not set in the North Pole like the previous one but in a small town in the USA where Oliver and his mother turn up to move in with his Grandmother. His mother doesn't really get on with her mother, but due to circumstances they had to run from their previous home and bailiffs and this is the only place they can go. It is a big, gothic style house, far too big for one little old lady. This little old lady though is no push over, she is very dogmatic, and unfeeling. She allows them to stay but has a list of rules that Oliver must obey or they have to leave. Each morning on a chalk board there is a list of chores that Oliver must do, then he has to do 2 hours or outdoor exercise even in the snow, he is allowed to go anywhere in the house but if there is a locked door then he can't try to get in, and finally he has to be in the house before the sun sets behind the mountains.
Obviously being a teenage boy he resents these and also breaks a few of the rules, including one night being out in the dark, where there are mysterious creatures in the forest around the property that seem to be out to get him, but he is rescued by a massive snowman, but thinks he dreams that last bit.
I am not going to give away any more of the plot or characters as you really need to read this, I promise you won't be disappointed especially if you have the two previous books.
Flury is a abominable that appeared in the previous books, the technology the Elven have in these books is far superior to anything we as humans have, and Flury is one of these. Basically is a metal orb, which is his heart, but when there is snow around the orb will rotate and gather in the snow around him to form a huge snowman, an abdominal as the Elven call them.
This book is not set in the North Pole like the previous one but in a small town in the USA where Oliver and his mother turn up to move in with his Grandmother. His mother doesn't really get on with her mother, but due to circumstances they had to run from their previous home and bailiffs and this is the only place they can go. It is a big, gothic style house, far too big for one little old lady. This little old lady though is no push over, she is very dogmatic, and unfeeling. She allows them to stay but has a list of rules that Oliver must obey or they have to leave. Each morning on a chalk board there is a list of chores that Oliver must do, then he has to do 2 hours or outdoor exercise even in the snow, he is allowed to go anywhere in the house but if there is a locked door then he can't try to get in, and finally he has to be in the house before the sun sets behind the mountains.
Obviously being a teenage boy he resents these and also breaks a few of the rules, including one night being out in the dark, where there are mysterious creatures in the forest around the property that seem to be out to get him, but he is rescued by a massive snowman, but thinks he dreams that last bit.
I am not going to give away any more of the plot or characters as you really need to read this, I promise you won't be disappointed especially if you have the two previous books.
May 27, 2017
First off, I love the concept of how this book is written. The story once again introduces a brand new set of characters, starting out with a young man discovering some journals that his great-grandfather had written in the 1880s, after he survived a tragic accident that left him stranded in the Arctic. The story combines the two time periods via a retelling of the words written on the ancient pages, through a teenager's outlook. I would have loved to find something unique like that, and have the opportunity to get to know a relative in that way, that most people don't ever get to meet, 'seeing' their world through their own experiences.
This was, by far, my favorite book of the series. I love the way it explores the full range of human emotions, experienced through the complex character of Malcom Toye. It was interesting to see how things panned out in the end, not to mention the surprises along the way. And how he chose to deal with the events that he couldn't control.
This was, by far, my favorite book of the series. I love the way it explores the full range of human emotions, experienced through the complex character of Malcom Toye. It was interesting to see how things panned out in the end, not to mention the surprises along the way. And how he chose to deal with the events that he couldn't control.
December 24, 2017
The last book of the Claus series is also the best of the three, in my opinion. While there's plenty of unexpected twists and surprises in the story, it's the characters that make the book excellent. The main characters, Oliver and Molly, are the best developed, but Oliver's mother and grandmother are also portrayed well. I particularly liked Oliver's mom. The book is a crazy mix of stark reality (Oliver's diabetes) and futuristic fiction ( elves with technology!) with the occasional tidbit of real history tossed in. It's a very entertaining read.
Buy this book, if only to contribute to Tony's annual donation to the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation. His portrayal of Oliver's diabetes in the story is stark reality, without any exaggeration. Having bought the book, read it and enjoy. It's a lot of fun.
Buy this book, if only to contribute to Tony's annual donation to the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation. His portrayal of Oliver's diabetes in the story is stark reality, without any exaggeration. Having bought the book, read it and enjoy. It's a lot of fun.
March 27, 2020
Having enjoyed Claus, Legend of the Fat Man and Jack, The Tale of Frost I was looking forward to reading this addition to the series. Although there are some familiar characters this book had a slightly different feel to it than the others. That’s not a bad thing at all and I loved it. There’s a tense atmosphere to the whole story and a tension to the scenes where Oliver is searching for answers that had me hooked from the start. Another great sci-fi reimagining of mythical characters we all think we know so well. Maybe this is ‘the truth’ that led to the legends? Hmm….
Seriously though, this is great writing that entertains and thrills while asking the reader to think. Great book, recommended.
Seriously though, this is great writing that entertains and thrills while asking the reader to think. Great book, recommended.
June 22, 2022
If you’ve read the previous books, you’ll remember Tinsel’s friend Flury, one of the snowmen guardians: an A-bomb that the Elven make using one of their spheres. This is his story.
Due to financial problems, Oliver and his mom have to move in with his eccentric and very strict grandmother on her remote estate somewhere in the northern states. In spite of Grandmother’s rules, Oliver slowly discovers the secrets hidden there and realizes why the guardian chose him to help.
Fave scenes: Grandmother abruptly leaving Oliver’s bedroom, the black figure in the driveway, the hobbit house and the bucket.
Due to financial problems, Oliver and his mom have to move in with his eccentric and very strict grandmother on her remote estate somewhere in the northern states. In spite of Grandmother’s rules, Oliver slowly discovers the secrets hidden there and realizes why the guardian chose him to help.
Fave scenes: Grandmother abruptly leaving Oliver’s bedroom, the black figure in the driveway, the hobbit house and the bucket.
May 8, 2023
A rambling multigenerational story. The story centers around Oliver Toye learning about the sins of his ancestors. When the story starts, Oliver is introduced to his grandmother: an exacting disciplinarian. As he and Molly read his grandfather's journals, they learn about the elven. Ultimately, the story comes down to Oliver making decisions that affect his entire family and Molly. There is a good ending.
Easy-to-read. Entertaining. Haunting. Romantic. Tragic. Twisted. Unpredictable. Whimsical. Wonderful characters.
I received a review copy of this book from a third party. This is my honest review.
Easy-to-read. Entertaining. Haunting. Romantic. Tragic. Twisted. Unpredictable. Whimsical. Wonderful characters.
I received a review copy of this book from a third party. This is my honest review.
December 26, 2023
Flury's story is almost sad. Well, it IS sad; but that's okay. Flury's story is currently my favorite. Taking place around 150 years after the events of book 1, we get to see the second human to stumble upon the elven and their home, 70 years after Nicholas, Jessica, and Jon do. The really is really about the family of that man, and the mystery surrounding the family home.
This one was a little slow at points, but I'm still glad I read it. I've been a fan of Flury's since the first book after all.
I give this book 4 of 5 Paws and look forward to my last book of 2023; book 4 of the Claus Universe: Humbug.
This one was a little slow at points, but I'm still glad I read it. I've been a fan of Flury's since the first book after all.
I give this book 4 of 5 Paws and look forward to my last book of 2023; book 4 of the Claus Universe: Humbug.
June 15, 2020
Cute story
But it's not all sweetness and light. There's a dark vein running deep in this book. Oliver and his mother are down on their luck and go to live with her mother. Ol' grandma is a serious buzzkill but the house is interesting, especially the "off-limits" areas. Oliver finds his great grandfather's journals a d begins to learn some family history that grandmother would rather he didn't.
Thus was a fun story with some tense moments. It's a good Y/A book with nothing too "adult themed."
But it's not all sweetness and light. There's a dark vein running deep in this book. Oliver and his mother are down on their luck and go to live with her mother. Ol' grandma is a serious buzzkill but the house is interesting, especially the "off-limits" areas. Oliver finds his great grandfather's journals a d begins to learn some family history that grandmother would rather he didn't.
Thus was a fun story with some tense moments. It's a good Y/A book with nothing too "adult themed."
November 20, 2024
Haunted house
Returning to the family home with his mother as youngest cousin and home schooled on top of that. His grand mother was very strict and secretive about odd things going on around the house, even though the cousins seemed to be in on the secrets. Finding out what is going on and getting to the bottom of the rumor about the house being haunted becomes his focus outside the chores assigned him. Interesting take on north pole involvement with problems there. Good read.
Returning to the family home with his mother as youngest cousin and home schooled on top of that. His grand mother was very strict and secretive about odd things going on around the house, even though the cousins seemed to be in on the secrets. Finding out what is going on and getting to the bottom of the rumor about the house being haunted becomes his focus outside the chores assigned him. Interesting take on north pole involvement with problems there. Good read.
January 18, 2025
AMAZING!!! BEST BOOK!!!!
Okay, so I realize this is just the third volume of the twelve book set of "The Claus Universe" collection, but it is my favorite so far!!! Furthermore, one of the best books I've read in... well... one of the BEST books I've read!!! This story is so amazing, so multifaceted, so intriguing and mysterious, and with such a surprise and endearing ending that I would rank this book alongside "The Princess Bride" as a book everyone should read!! Yeah, its that good!!!
Read it; and thank me later!
Okay, so I realize this is just the third volume of the twelve book set of "The Claus Universe" collection, but it is my favorite so far!!! Furthermore, one of the best books I've read in... well... one of the BEST books I've read!!! This story is so amazing, so multifaceted, so intriguing and mysterious, and with such a surprise and endearing ending that I would rank this book alongside "The Princess Bride" as a book everyone should read!! Yeah, its that good!!!
Read it; and thank me later!
August 5, 2017
Mister Bertauski is one heck of an original writer! I'm telling you, folks, you need to be on the lookout for this fella. So far, all three of his Claus books have supremely impressed me. I'm gearing up to read the new one (Humbug) shortly, so let's hope he can keep it going. Anyone who's interesting in Christmas at all will fall in love with Mister Bertauski's highly unique concepts and just darn good story telling.
December 22, 2017
Weird.
Weird was a common feeling for the main character in this book - a 15ish diabetic ("the needle kind") who experiences the supernatural - and weird for the reader too.
It was a fun winter/snow/Colorado book but, man, was it weird!
This is a decent YA book for a kid who reads a lot and is willing to ride out the weird to get the point.
I wouldn't recommend the audio version - This was my least favorite narrated book / narrator.
Weird was a common feeling for the main character in this book - a 15ish diabetic ("the needle kind") who experiences the supernatural - and weird for the reader too.
It was a fun winter/snow/Colorado book but, man, was it weird!
This is a decent YA book for a kid who reads a lot and is willing to ride out the weird to get the point.
I wouldn't recommend the audio version - This was my least favorite narrated book / narrator.
January 22, 2024
This begins as a "kid moves into old relative's big house and weird things happen" troupe. However, it becomes so much more. This was such an enjoyable story. One of the things that I appreciated most was that even though I was already familiar with the Claus universe, I was still surprised throughout the book.
I highly recommend this. If you have read the first book in the Claus universe, then you already know who / what Flury is. He is just as wonderful in this story as he was in his debut.
I highly recommend this. If you have read the first book in the Claus universe, then you already know who / what Flury is. He is just as wonderful in this story as he was in his debut.
December 26, 2019
3.5 Stars (Audio version)
Third in Tony Bertauski’s “Claus” series; a good stand-alone story.
Oliver Toye is forced to live with his overbearing grandmother in a remote, snowbound house, doing chores and living without wi-fi and electronics. When he discovers old journals, family secrets surface.
Enjoyed the story and the links back to the first book in the series. The technical explanations in the second half were a bit too technical for me, but I still enjoyed the story and this series.
Third in Tony Bertauski’s “Claus” series; a good stand-alone story.
Oliver Toye is forced to live with his overbearing grandmother in a remote, snowbound house, doing chores and living without wi-fi and electronics. When he discovers old journals, family secrets surface.
Enjoyed the story and the links back to the first book in the series. The technical explanations in the second half were a bit too technical for me, but I still enjoyed the story and this series.
January 13, 2020
Tony Bertauski, once again shares his great wordsmithing talents and vivid imagination. I love the entire Claus universe! I truly enjoyed Flury and the emotional roller coaster it throws you on, er, I mean provides, lol. I highly recommend it and hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
Read via Kindle Unlimited
Read via Kindle Unlimited
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