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190 reviews for:

House Of Secrets

Darcy Coates

3.84 AVERAGE

adventurous challenging dark emotional sad tense fast-paced
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: No
Loveable characters: No
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: No

This is the sequel to “House of Shadows” and in my opinion- this was way better than the first! The beginning was kind of slow but it definitely picked up. There was a huge difference in character development in this book! It seemed like I actually got to know the characters and their personality a lot more. And also seem to be a lot more of a thriller than the first book was! I will be doing a monthly reading wrap up on my YouTube if you would like to hear more of my thoughts! Kwellsbooks
adventurous dark hopeful mysterious tense fast-paced

This book, and thus the duology of Ghosts and Shadows, was just...fine. It was nothing incredible, nothing to write home about. The first book was the better of the two, but it all comes to a fine conclusion that is satisfying in its own way. My issue is that I just wanted it to be more than it was.

This is my 5th book by Darcy and they were all 3-4 stars with only 1 book earning a 5 star rating (Craven Manor). Since I have read enough books by this Author I feel I can pass judgement on them. I like Darcy. I think her books are stories that I want to read, they are well written, most of the characters are ok, and the settings are atmospheric and creepy. The writing is easy-to-read and well written for the content level and the plotlines are intriguing but not overly unique (Which is fine). My major drawback is that I think she puts out too much content too quickly and thus her books can suffer. They just lack that special quality.

The one exception to that, I feel, is Craven Manor. I felt like there was more substance to that book. It had a fantastic premise and I feel like it dug deeper than some of the other selections. As for this book specifically, I think this was Gothic horror lite. It tried to capitalize on the original story, but the elements that it included in the second book just didn't feel like they added any substance and depth to the story. It had the feeling of being a continuation more than a proper sequel.

In the end, I enjoyed it, and like I said, I will continue to pick up her books because they are quick comfort reads in the horror genre. Now, I will say that the books I am reading of hers are some of her earlier writings, and the newer content does rate higher for me. So if anything, I can see her growth as a writer and I am happy to be along for the journey. I actually picked up her newest book, From Below, and I have a good feeling about this one.

Sophie and Joseph head to Kensington Mansion to face off with the grimlock.

Kensington has been in Joseph’s family for over a century. Within its walls are secrets. The original owner kept a library full of books that may help destroy the grimlock once and for all. Upon their arrival they realize all the secrets hidden within those walls.
dark emotional mysterious
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Diverse cast of characters: No
dark hopeful mysterious tense fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Plot
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: N/A

It was very good. This second book was just as good if not better than the first one. I love darcy coates books so much. The first one felt rushed but because we knew the characters from the first book the second book didn't have that. Go read it.
adventurous dark mysterious tense fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Plot
Strong character development: No
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: No
challenging dark emotional hopeful mysterious sad tense medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Plot
Strong character development: No
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: No