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katsmiao's review against another edition
5.0
This is one of my favourite books this year, and since I've read 132 books YTD, that means something. Yeah, I know....last year I read a lot more, and this year I'm slacking.
Now about the book. I seriously loved it. It's the perfect blend of coming-of-age, suspense and mystery. Throw in some spookiness, magical creatures and excellent writing, and it sure looks to me like Jonathan Ferrara has a winning combo.
I thought this book is perfect for the intended age group. It's spooky, but not scary. There's suspense, but kids won't get nightmares. The story is entirely unique, unlike anything I've ever read. I was already very impressed by Jonathan and Aaron, but after reading this and seeing the illustrations, I am in awe of their creativity, positivity and zest for life.
Hats off, this is a winner and I highly recommend it.
Now about the book. I seriously loved it. It's the perfect blend of coming-of-age, suspense and mystery. Throw in some spookiness, magical creatures and excellent writing, and it sure looks to me like Jonathan Ferrara has a winning combo.
I thought this book is perfect for the intended age group. It's spooky, but not scary. There's suspense, but kids won't get nightmares. The story is entirely unique, unlike anything I've ever read. I was already very impressed by Jonathan and Aaron, but after reading this and seeing the illustrations, I am in awe of their creativity, positivity and zest for life.
Hats off, this is a winner and I highly recommend it.
umbreen's review against another edition
3.0
I received an electronic copy of the novel in exchange for an honest review.
Excerpt from my full review: Overall, I feel that the novel has a wealth of potential, but it still needs to be cleaned up. While reading it, I couldn’t think of it as a finished novel; I kept reading it as a work in progress, and that kept me from fully enjoying it. Having said that, I think the storyline is great, and I can see it going places after a bit of fixing up.
Full review can be found here.
Excerpt from my full review: Overall, I feel that the novel has a wealth of potential, but it still needs to be cleaned up. While reading it, I couldn’t think of it as a finished novel; I kept reading it as a work in progress, and that kept me from fully enjoying it. Having said that, I think the storyline is great, and I can see it going places after a bit of fixing up.
Full review can be found here.
beckmank's review
4.0
When we meet Elijah Dart, he is celebrating his 14th birthday, which also happens to be Halloween. Throughout the day strange things begin to happen to Elijah, and he starts to realize that his family may not just be your typical “normal” California clan. (Especially when you realize you’ve got a talking dog and find that your father isn’t who you thought he was.)
This was a nice entry to a new series. There are lovely illustrations at the beginning of each chapter, which just add to the story. While the majority of this first installment is Elijah discovering who he truly is, there is also the set-up going on for a big good-versus-evil battle. At the beginning of the book, Elijah and his cousin Hayden are playing a game of chess. It felt to me throughout the book like the evil side was setting up their own chess game against Elijah, moving their pieces into position for battle.
From an adult perspective, I enjoyed the story and Elijah’s coming of age and learning of his family responsibilities, of which up to this point, he had been completely in the dark. I found the father-son moments to be especially touching.
For my full review, please visit Hidden Staircase.
Many thanks to the author for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This was a nice entry to a new series. There are lovely illustrations at the beginning of each chapter, which just add to the story. While the majority of this first installment is Elijah discovering who he truly is, there is also the set-up going on for a big good-versus-evil battle. At the beginning of the book, Elijah and his cousin Hayden are playing a game of chess. It felt to me throughout the book like the evil side was setting up their own chess game against Elijah, moving their pieces into position for battle.
From an adult perspective, I enjoyed the story and Elijah’s coming of age and learning of his family responsibilities, of which up to this point, he had been completely in the dark. I found the father-son moments to be especially touching.
For my full review, please visit Hidden Staircase.
Many thanks to the author for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
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