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House of Dark Shadows
Book 1 of the Dreamhouse Kings series

by Robert Liparulo



      Robert Liparulo, a journalist turned novelist, has broadened his writing portfolio recently. Known as an author of thrillers for adults, he launched an exciting new series of dark adventures for young people. The Dreamhouse Kings series begins with this book, House of Dark Shadows. Released as a small hardcover, this book is sure to become a favorite for young readers.

House of Dark Shadows begins with the King family moving from Pasadena to a small town in northern California. Pinedale could be any small town in the US, and as far as the three King children are concerned it might as well be in Siberia! Fifteen-year-old Alexander (Xander), a budding movie maker, misses his friends, especially his first girl friend Danielle. David (12), a rising soccer star, is convinced that the Pinedale school doesn't have a winning team. But Victoria (9) thinks the move is a grand adventure. None of the children realize just how much moving to Pinedale will change their lives—and it all begins with the mysterious, Victorian fixer-upper that they move into.

The house is full of contradictions. As they begin to explore and clean the monstrous house, they discover that sounds often seem to be coming from different parts of the house than they’re supposed to. Family members, who are seen going upstairs, end up in the first floor hall. Then, there are the secret passageways that don't just lead to another part of the house, but to other parts of Pinedale, and beyond. And, scaring all of them, are the mysterious footprints found in the house and the bulky appearances in the shadows of the night.

House of Dark Shadows is full of adventure and fresh new ideas of what can be chilling. This first book ends as a nail-biting cliff hanger, with much unresolved.

Liparulo has crafted a very tightly written book that appeals not only to its targeted youth audience but to adults as well. Though this book has been catalogued as a young adult book, like the Harry Potter series, there are some scary moments, but there isn't anything in House of Dark Shadows that would mark this book particularly for readers 15-23. The language and content are suitable for older elementary students as well.

There are two more books in this series so far: Watcher in the Woods and Gatekeepers. Luckily, I have my hands on Book 2 and will be reviewing it next month. I have to find out what happens next!

The Book

Thomas Nelson
May 6, 2008
Hardcover
1595544941 / 978-1595544940
YA Fiction
More at Amazon.com
Excerpt
NOTE:

The Reviewer

Janie Franz
Reviewed 2008
NOTE: Reviewer Janie Franz is the author of Freelance Writing: It’s a Business, Stupid!and co-author of The Ultimate Wedding Reception Book and The Ultimate Wedding Ceremony Book.
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