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channywax's review against another edition
I've been on a middle-grade kick lately and this book was so much fun! Olive was a great main character with her shy personality and different quirks. I loved how brave she was. Also, LOVED the cats! I think my kids will love this book. Starting the sequel ASAP! :)
nssutton's review against another edition
4.0
This book reminded me strongly of Coraline, with Olive distanced from other children her age and the child of pre-occupied parents, but the tales quickly diverge there. The Shadows is less of a morality tale and more the story of a girl coming into her bravery. The central mystery of the house is well-plotted and wrapped neatly, although the promise of a series is evident from the book title right on through to the last sentence. As I've said before, I'm not the biggest proponent of talking animals, but the three protective cats were an interesting element to the story. I liked the character Morton, a boy trapped inside a painting so long he has become part of it, the best. His storyline reminded me a lot of Michael Buckley's latest installment in The Sisters Grimm series, as they were traveling through storybooks, trying not to alter too much of the tales, lest they attract the attention of the Editor.
At the end of the day, there's nothing like a good ole-fashioned haunted house story, is there? Inspired by this read, I suggested my boyfriend and I listen to This American Life's House on Loon Lake while returning from a holiday party late last night. If you ever wanted the chance to explore a fully stocked abandoned house -- even if the repercussions are as scary as you imagine they could be -- I highly recommend this as a double combo.
At the end of the day, there's nothing like a good ole-fashioned haunted house story, is there? Inspired by this read, I suggested my boyfriend and I listen to This American Life's House on Loon Lake while returning from a holiday party late last night. If you ever wanted the chance to explore a fully stocked abandoned house -- even if the repercussions are as scary as you imagine they could be -- I highly recommend this as a double combo.
alefebvre8's review against another edition
5.0
4,5/5⭐️
I remember reading this when I was around 12 years old and wow it’s just as great today.
Fun characters you feel for or can relate to, thrown into this mystical atmosphere in a wonderful writing. I wish they made a movie out of this book, it’d be so good.
Definitely more of a light read since it is sort of a children’s novel but still worth the read!
I remember reading this when I was around 12 years old and wow it’s just as great today.
Fun characters you feel for or can relate to, thrown into this mystical atmosphere in a wonderful writing. I wish they made a movie out of this book, it’d be so good.
Definitely more of a light read since it is sort of a children’s novel but still worth the read!
mangocookie124's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
valerieelseswhere's review against another edition
3.0
Love the voice of the author; clever and witty in her use of language. A few plot holes that bothered me, but the characters are wonderful.
pianorunner421's review against another edition
3.0
I really felt like I had read this before, but there were large chunks I did not remember. Definitely would recommend to readers of all ages.
anitabookmark's review against another edition
2.0
Story was predictable and anticlimactic. I'm not into talking cats.