Marvelous Middle Grade Monday
Shannon Whitney Messenger decided it was time to give middle grade stories the attention they deserve, and "Marvelous Middle Grade Mondays" was born.
House of Secrets
by Chris Columbus, Ned Vizzini and Greg Call
Blurb:
From legendary Hollywood director Chris Columbus (Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone and Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets) and bestselling author Ned Vizzini (It's Kind of a Funny Story) comes this first book in an epic new fantasy series.
Brendan, Eleanor, and Cordelia Walker once had everything: two loving parents, a beautiful house in San Francisco, and all the portable electronic devices they could want. But everything changed when Dr. Walker lost his job in the wake of a mysterious incident. Now in dire straits, the family must relocate to an old Victorian house that used to be the home of occult novelist Denver Kristoff—a house that feels simultaneously creepy and too good to be true.
By the time the Walkers realize that one of their neighbors has sinister plans for them, they're banished to a primeval forest way off the grid. Their parents? Gone. Their friends? A world away. And they aren't alone. Bloodthirsty medieval warriors patrol the woods around them, supernatural pirates roam the neighboring seas, and a power-hungry queen rules the land. To survive, the siblings will have to be braver than they ever thought possible—and fight against their darkest impulses. The key may lie in their own connection to the secret Kristoff legacy. But as they unravel that legacy, they'll discover it's not just their family that's in danger . . . it's the entire world.
This book felt like it was written by a Hollywood producer and director. It flies from one nail-biting scene to another, building upon the layers and characters of the story as we go. It reminded me a bit of JUMANJI--the craziness and unexpectedness that comes with new and strange surprises. I enjoyed the complexity of the plot and the likability of the characters and will happily read other stories by these authors in the future.
10 comments:
Sounds like one my daughter will love! Thanks for word about it.
Must.
Get.
This.
Book.
Oh my oh my....and that cover is amazing!
Thanks for this.
I just love MG covers and this one is awesome.
Great cover and great premise. Thanks for the review.
It does read epic-like doesn't it!?!? A creepy house, creepier neighbours, a mysterious Dr and supernatural forces of warriors and pirates! Epic!! Take care
x
We had Chris Columbus on the other day at work, and he talked about his book. Curious to check it out!
I've seen this and really want to read it. I have it on reserve at the library. Can't wait for it to come in.
Yes, that is one cool cover.
Your line "this book felt like it was written by a Hollywood producer and director," made me laugh out loud. I was exhausted merely reading the synopsis!
Love the cover too. Can't wait to read this.
Sounds thrilling! Once again, thanks for sharing it!
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