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booksnorkel's review
5.0
I really enjoyed this book. I love the descriptions and the growth of Henry. I love how he is aware of his odd upbringing and is intelligent enough to make efforts to be more like the people he admires. I think that this book is a great start, though I wish there were more in the series. I would love to know what each cupboard holds, it's story but you can't have everything.
This story starts off with a boy who goes to live with his aunt and uncle. He is awakened one night by plaster coming off the wall that his bed is up against. Curious he starts to peel away the plaster and finds 100 cupboards. A great start to a trilogy a Narnia'esk adventure great for anyone who is trying to find something similar, I would recommend this to people who love adventure stories, and children fifth grade and up.
This story starts off with a boy who goes to live with his aunt and uncle. He is awakened one night by plaster coming off the wall that his bed is up against. Curious he starts to peel away the plaster and finds 100 cupboards. A great start to a trilogy a Narnia'esk adventure great for anyone who is trying to find something similar, I would recommend this to people who love adventure stories, and children fifth grade and up.
schrogoreads's review
5.0
Very compelling story. You feel as if you have lived next to this family and you know them. I was raised in the country to that may have helped. Since there are so many cupboards and only a few were even explored in the first book I have already picked up the second so I can dive in to the next part of Henry's journey to discover who he really is.
bjkatcher's review
4.0
What kid hasn't wished he'd find a secret passage to another world? Very well-written, highly recommended.
margeryb's review
4.0
This middlegrade book has been sitting unread on my bookshelf for a few years and I have finally gotten around to reading it. Whatever instinct lead me to purchase this title has been proven right: 100 Cupboards gave me some genuine creeps, some genuine gasps, and contained some genuine imagination.
100 Cupboards is a portal fantasy of sorts, or more like 100 portal fantasy, although it takes a while before anyone travels through the portals in a subversion of the usual tropes. That subversion of usual tropes, the build of mystery, the way Wilson writes even the mundane world of Kansas as quirky and ominous makes this novel a very favorable read. Henry and Henrietta worked very well as lead and sidekick, instigating and digging their heels in accordance to their different personalities that helped keep the plot moving along.
Some readers might find the slow build-up and the structuring of this being very much the first book of a series with a lot of setups being there to be paid off in later volumes offputting. I didn't. My issues were mostly in the climax, which were a bit 'that escalated quickly' offset with a 'that seemed like an easy solution.' These weren't enough to put me off the read which had a very strong creepy vibe in line with something like Coraline.
100 Cupboards is a portal fantasy of sorts, or more like 100 portal fantasy, although it takes a while before anyone travels through the portals in a subversion of the usual tropes. That subversion of usual tropes, the build of mystery, the way Wilson writes even the mundane world of Kansas as quirky and ominous makes this novel a very favorable read. Henry and Henrietta worked very well as lead and sidekick, instigating and digging their heels in accordance to their different personalities that helped keep the plot moving along.
Some readers might find the slow build-up and the structuring of this being very much the first book of a series with a lot of setups being there to be paid off in later volumes offputting. I didn't. My issues were mostly in the climax, which were a bit 'that escalated quickly' offset with a 'that seemed like an easy solution.' These weren't enough to put me off the read which had a very strong creepy vibe in line with something like Coraline.
sharkfinsquared's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
notesonbookmarks's review
4.0
I really enjoyed my first read of this series and will definitely seek out the others in time. the whole principle is just so interesting and I love the idea of it being an adventure for a couple of kids. I did think this was going to be more geared toward little kids, but it had plenty of "scary" moments so I will hold off on recommending it to my oldest son for a few more years. overall, a solid read.
sydneyjacques's review against another edition
5.0
First read in 2016: This book, guys. This book. It was so good. I nearly had a heart attack while reading it. Also, I want a raggant... hahaha.
Reread May 2017: duh I still love this, but I think I have an appreciation for different aspects of this book now. And I like Henry even more than I did last time.
Reread May 2017: duh I still love this, but I think I have an appreciation for different aspects of this book now. And I like Henry even more than I did last time.
justiceofkalr's review
3.0
This book is mostly set-up to what seems to be a potentially interesting fantasy world. You meet the characters and get just enough of the world and what's happening to leave you waiting for the sequels. By the end you're left with a decent idea of who the players are and how things stand in the world but Henry has only explored a handful of cupboards at the close of the book. Despite being a lot of set-up it's fairly interesting by itself. The characters are amusing and the world leaves you curious about what and who are behind all the doors. This is the type of book I would have really loved when I was younger and still enjoy now.
lissajean7's review
4.0
I really enjoyed reading this story. There is unexpected beauty in his setting that really worked for me. I'm not usually one who enjoys a lot of setting description, but his description added to the beauty of the story and the overall mood. It was a slower journey of quiet discovery with thrilling moments sprinkled in--well paced and vivid. The characters are the kind that settle in and get comfortable inside you and open like a flower. I'm really excited to read the next one.