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4.0 AVERAGE
4.0 AVERAGE
My grandchildren, ages 10.5 and 8, would enjoy this story, as did I. This is juvenile fiction complete with a big, old house in a magical setting (not that it is magic, but being snowed in amongst the hills and trees, with some interesting access routes between the town below and the house above, all feel magical).
It took me a few chapters to settle into comfort, but once the various unexpected guests started to arrive at Greenglass House I was hooked! This was intentionally my bedtime reading, which is always chosen by one criteria - whether or not I can sleep soundly after reading. As the chapters seemed to get longer, and I liked to read a full chapter at a time, my bedtime inched slightly later. Sometimes, as the story progressed, I wanted to go beyond a chapter at a time, but my eyes wouldn't permit such an excursion!
Most of the story is spent getting to know something about each of the unexpected guests at Greenglass House, the inn run by Milo's parents, Mr and Mrs Pine, where smugglers were often hosted as guests. In the process Milo begins to learn more about himself, having been adopted by the Pines and looking nothing like them. Through author Kate Milford's clever use of a role playing game Milo has numerous occasions to self-reflect, and gradually he starts to see himself through a different set of eyes. He is aided and abetted by a new friend, Meddy, as they uncover secrets about Greenglass House and about the guests.
The denouement comes in the last few chapters and it is quite exciting! I wasn't initially sure about some of the ending plot devices, seeing them as just that - plot devices. But, having finished the book last night, this morning I have a different take on the tale. There were subtle hints throughout the story and ultimately those plot devices are perfect for this story. And, as noted at the start of this review, my grandchildren would surely enjoy this story!
It took me a few chapters to settle into comfort, but once the various unexpected guests started to arrive at Greenglass House I was hooked! This was intentionally my bedtime reading, which is always chosen by one criteria - whether or not I can sleep soundly after reading. As the chapters seemed to get longer, and I liked to read a full chapter at a time, my bedtime inched slightly later. Sometimes, as the story progressed, I wanted to go beyond a chapter at a time, but my eyes wouldn't permit such an excursion!
Most of the story is spent getting to know something about each of the unexpected guests at Greenglass House, the inn run by Milo's parents, Mr and Mrs Pine, where smugglers were often hosted as guests. In the process Milo begins to learn more about himself, having been adopted by the Pines and looking nothing like them. Through author Kate Milford's clever use of a role playing game Milo has numerous occasions to self-reflect, and gradually he starts to see himself through a different set of eyes. He is aided and abetted by a new friend, Meddy, as they uncover secrets about Greenglass House and about the guests.
The denouement comes in the last few chapters and it is quite exciting! I wasn't initially sure about some of the ending plot devices, seeing them as just that - plot devices. But, having finished the book last night, this morning I have a different take on the tale. There were subtle hints throughout the story and ultimately those plot devices are perfect for this story. And, as noted at the start of this review, my grandchildren would surely enjoy this story!
adventurous
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Still one of my absolute favorites. I don’t know why I haven’t read the complete series by now!
This was a perfect cold weather, holiday read.
Our main character is looking forward to spending his holiday school break alone in his home with his parents. Then a whole cast of mysterious characters shows up. They give us several mysteries to uncover, all connected to his house.
Some visitors are criminals, others become friends. There is a touch of the supernatural thrown in; just enough to keep us guessing. Overall, very enjoyable read.
Our main character is looking forward to spending his holiday school break alone in his home with his parents. Then a whole cast of mysterious characters shows up. They give us several mysteries to uncover, all connected to his house.
Some visitors are criminals, others become friends. There is a touch of the supernatural thrown in; just enough to keep us guessing. Overall, very enjoyable read.
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
adventurous
emotional
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
N/A
I loved the premise of this, but it was so slow! It didn't hold my attention at all.
This was one of the most captivating middle grade books I've read! I loved the mystery, the atmosphere, and there is quite a twist!