Monica G. (24girl) reviewed on 12/31/2008 + 42 more book reviews

Helpful Score: 1

Fifteen year old Xander King is miserable. His family is moving from Pasadena to the small town of Pinedale. "Still in California, but barely." When the family arrives they find what his parents consider a dream house but Xander just considers creepy.

Full of mysterious sounds, creepy shadows and unexplained footprints, the house just seems too sinister for Xander to feel comfortable. As Xander and his twelve year old brother begin to explore the house they find things are even weirder than they could have ever imagined.

For a young adult book I was surprised at how well the storyline and suspense are written. Usually with YA writing the storytelling is a little too cheesy or predictable but this book breaks out of that mold and I was as creeped out as any Dean Koontz or Steven King book makes me feel when reading late at night.

House of Dark Shadows is Book 1 in the Dream House Kings series and after reading it you'll want to immediately pick up Book 2, Watcher in the Woods as the ending clearly warns that it's "Not The End." You're left with some answers and a HUGE cliffhanger. I enjoyed this quick read and recommend it for both YA and adult suspense readers.

Back to all reviews by this member
Back to all reviews of this book
Back to Book Reviews
Back to Book Details