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joshgauthier's review against another edition
4.0
The plot here felt a little simplistic and over-explained in places, though I think that might have more to do with the style of a middle-grade novel than anything. Otherwise, it was an intriguing read with a fair dose of mystery, suspense, and creepy atmosphere.
carstensena's review against another edition
4.0
The middle went on too long, but this is an intriguing novel. I would definitely recommend this to a middle school reader looking for something scary. It had hallmarks of classic reads for that age group along with unique features, especially the use of the chatelaine. The villain was genuinely different and just frightening enough for the young reader.
sharonskinner's review against another edition
3.0
Excellent premise and an overall good execution. There were moments I got lost in the narrative and I had a little trouble with the some of the main character's behavior, but still a solid read.
ne0the0ne's review against another edition
3.0
I love the idea of this book, but it didn't live up to my expectations. What mostly ruined it for me was the fact that the villain gave away her entire plan and all her evil motivations from the beginning. I kept thinking "no, let me figure the mystery out with the kids!" I think if it would have unfolded bit by bit I could have loved it. I did relish the creepy labyrinth of a castle and the good and evil magic battling for domination, but the plot and characters fell flat.
djlanatron's review against another edition
4.0
This book combined a lot of things kids like (creepy ghost story + WWII + quotes + ...) and I felt like it shouldn't work as well as it did, but DANG it was good, it was actually pretty creepy, and I ended up staying up FAR past my bedtime to finish the book in one sitting.
lazygal's review against another edition
4.0
Creepy (perhaps a bit too creepy for younger readers) and a little more about why the children were sent away (American readers won't know about the Blitz and child evacuations). Beyond that, what happens to the children - all of them - at Rookskill, and how they react is a great blend of realism (rebelling against an older sibling) and fantasy (Lady Eleanor's plans for them).
ARC provided by publisher.
ARC provided by publisher.
amandabock's review against another edition
2.0
Ultimately disappointing. Interesting premise and genre mashup (fantasy and historical fiction), but the middle drags and the ending was unsatisfying.
ajworkman77's review against another edition
3.0
Middle grade spine tingling story. A bit long, but creepy with solid characters.