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katykelly's review against another edition
4.0
Mix-up in identity leads to a fantastical after-life adventure that has a fresh feel to it.
It's a little different, a younger read to Derek Landy's Skulduggery Pleasant series that create a world of the dead. It gets off the ground quickly and scoops up the main character in a fast-paced exploit with a fair backstory of characters, plotlines and terms.
Jake unwittingly enters a rather dark and scary world when he signs for a box that's not intended for him. Now the Dead are after him and if he doesn't want to spend eternity in an unpleasant afterlife and get home to his parents (who think he's on a school trip) he's going to need to return the contents of the box to a certain Embassy while avoiding some intent pursuers, and learns along the way a few things about life after death, loyalty and friendship.
Despite being quite short, there are some amusing minor characters (though none get much chance to develop), and Jake is a pretty smart little protagonist. The author tries to fit in a lot, making it a little episodic, but it's an enjoyable world to explore, with highlights being one character who reminded me of Moaning Myrtle and a rather funny Embassy and staff.
If you have a reader that likes fantasy and magic, this could be for them. For ages 9-12.
With thanks to Netgalley for providing the sample e-copy.
It's a little different, a younger read to Derek Landy's Skulduggery Pleasant series that create a world of the dead. It gets off the ground quickly and scoops up the main character in a fast-paced exploit with a fair backstory of characters, plotlines and terms.
Jake unwittingly enters a rather dark and scary world when he signs for a box that's not intended for him. Now the Dead are after him and if he doesn't want to spend eternity in an unpleasant afterlife and get home to his parents (who think he's on a school trip) he's going to need to return the contents of the box to a certain Embassy while avoiding some intent pursuers, and learns along the way a few things about life after death, loyalty and friendship.
Despite being quite short, there are some amusing minor characters (though none get much chance to develop), and Jake is a pretty smart little protagonist. The author tries to fit in a lot, making it a little episodic, but it's an enjoyable world to explore, with highlights being one character who reminded me of Moaning Myrtle and a rather funny Embassy and staff.
If you have a reader that likes fantasy and magic, this could be for them. For ages 9-12.
With thanks to Netgalley for providing the sample e-copy.
biswajit2907's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
3.5
nicolemhewitt's review against another edition
5.0
This review and many more can be found on my blog: Feed Your Fiction Addiction
I have to agree with the blurb for this book---it truly is equal parts supernatural chills and humor. Jake finds himself in a bit of trouble when a ghost mistakes him for an agent of the Embassy of the Dead. He's given a mysterious package that turns out to be an ancient magical artifact (a finger!) that has the potential to destroy the world. And the Embassy is after him because of it---they don't care that he broke the rules entirely by mistake. He ends up on a quirky quest to "unbreak" those rules (after the fact---the underworld lawyer he consults insists it's possible) and return the finger before they have a chance to send him to the Eternal Void. The whole thing ends up being a madcap ghostly adventure, complete with goofy sidekicks. I listened to the audiobook and enjoyed the whole story immensely, right down to the twists and turns at the end! Kids who like supernatural stories that make them laugh will surely be drawn to this one.
I have to agree with the blurb for this book---it truly is equal parts supernatural chills and humor. Jake finds himself in a bit of trouble when a ghost mistakes him for an agent of the Embassy of the Dead. He's given a mysterious package that turns out to be an ancient magical artifact (a finger!) that has the potential to destroy the world. And the Embassy is after him because of it---they don't care that he broke the rules entirely by mistake. He ends up on a quirky quest to "unbreak" those rules (after the fact---the underworld lawyer he consults insists it's possible) and return the finger before they have a chance to send him to the Eternal Void. The whole thing ends up being a madcap ghostly adventure, complete with goofy sidekicks. I listened to the audiobook and enjoyed the whole story immensely, right down to the twists and turns at the end! Kids who like supernatural stories that make them laugh will surely be drawn to this one.
rkiladitis's review against another edition
4.0
Jake Green is a pretty ordinary kid who becomes pretty extraordinary when he accepts a box from a mysterious stranger. The box contains a severed finger, and if that's not freaky enough on its own, the act of opening the box - hey, it didn't come with instructions - has put Jake on a very dangerous radar: a grim reaper is after him, intent on sending him into the Eternal Void. But it's not entirely Jake's fault: Stiffkey, a ghostly undertaker, gave Jake the box! But he can't be entirely at fault, right? Jake used the secret phrase: "Good morning". But Stiffkey's in danger of getting thrown into the Void, too, so he appears to help Jake get the Reaper off his trail - which is how Jake discovers he has a talent for ghosts, and may be of some help to the mysterious Embassy, who has enough problems of their own. Jake has a habit of collecting ghosts, and his retinue expands to include a ghostly girl trapped by her trophy and a sweet pet fox, all of whom stand ready to help save the day.
Embassy of the Dead is the first in a new series, and it's got adventure, laugh-out-loud moments, and some thoughtful, moving moments that readers will love. There are some creepy moments, but they're fun, with chills and giggles, rather than outright fear or terror. The characters are each extraordinary in their remarkably ordinary-ness, which is the appeal of a good adventure. Graveyard Book fans will love this one. Black and white illustrations throughout add to the gothic, quirky mood of the story. I can't wait to see what Jake gets himself into next. This is just the type of spooky story my library kids love. I can't wait to get it to them when we open back up... but in the meantime, I'll crow about it here, and to the kids in the community I'm subbing at for now.
Embassy of the Dead is the first in a new series, and it's got adventure, laugh-out-loud moments, and some thoughtful, moving moments that readers will love. There are some creepy moments, but they're fun, with chills and giggles, rather than outright fear or terror. The characters are each extraordinary in their remarkably ordinary-ness, which is the appeal of a good adventure. Graveyard Book fans will love this one. Black and white illustrations throughout add to the gothic, quirky mood of the story. I can't wait to see what Jake gets himself into next. This is just the type of spooky story my library kids love. I can't wait to get it to them when we open back up... but in the meantime, I'll crow about it here, and to the kids in the community I'm subbing at for now.
jaipal's review against another edition
4.0
This is a book aimed at children but can be enjoyed by all ages. It's about a boy, Jake Green, who can see and talk to ghosts. He receives a package from a ghost and finds himself on the run from a grim reaper.
He then finds some companions, of the supernatural sort, who accompany him to the Embassy of the Dead. He discovers the package will be used to bring back a great evil and must not fall into the wrong hands.
However, what can a young boy do? Read on to find out.
While the supernatural theme is similar to other more popular children series, it's very different. It reminds me more of Enid Blyton than J.K Rowling. It brought back memories of all those books I read when I was younger. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and will be looking for the second novel in the series.
He then finds some companions, of the supernatural sort, who accompany him to the Embassy of the Dead. He discovers the package will be used to bring back a great evil and must not fall into the wrong hands.
However, what can a young boy do? Read on to find out.
While the supernatural theme is similar to other more popular children series, it's very different. It reminds me more of Enid Blyton than J.K Rowling. It brought back memories of all those books I read when I was younger. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and will be looking for the second novel in the series.
bigbeardedbookseller's review against another edition
4.0
A story of a misunderstanding, but a misunderstanding that drags Jake Green into the Embassy of the Dead in a race against time and could cost him his life.
From the start this is a fast-paced adventure with a lot of humour and spookiness, with a great central character who seems constantly confused at the start but really shines by the end of the story.
Jake is assisted by a couple of great supporting, but ghostly, characters.
Will Mabbitt’s world beyond the veil is a well thought out and executed alternative and it gels together throughout, the bureaucracy of the afterlife is so British and harks back to things like Monty Python and other classic comedies.
I’m really looking forward to other books in this world, as things may have been defeated, but…
From the start this is a fast-paced adventure with a lot of humour and spookiness, with a great central character who seems constantly confused at the start but really shines by the end of the story.
Jake is assisted by a couple of great supporting, but ghostly, characters.
Will Mabbitt’s world beyond the veil is a well thought out and executed alternative and it gels together throughout, the bureaucracy of the afterlife is so British and harks back to things like Monty Python and other classic comedies.
I’m really looking forward to other books in this world, as things may have been defeated, but…
katrinadalythompson's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
A big hit with my 6-year-old
puddledunk's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
funny
fast-paced
3.5
Perfect middle grade book for the fall if you enjoy spooky, but not scary books. While there are some darker elements, they are mixed with humor, adventure and wonderful ghostly sidekicks. This is the first in a series and I look forward to reading others.
sab_rose's review against another edition
3.0
(copied from my storygraph)
adventurous dark funny mysterious sad tense medium-paced
Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
There were parts where I thought it was a bit too dark but overall I enjoyed reading this book. I was surprised at how quickly I went through it. I blinked before I knew it, the book was over.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder and Gore
Moderate: Death
Minor: Alcohol
adventurous dark funny mysterious sad tense medium-paced
Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
There were parts where I thought it was a bit too dark but overall I enjoyed reading this book. I was surprised at how quickly I went through it. I blinked before I knew it, the book was over.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder and Gore
Moderate: Death
Minor: Alcohol