Reviews

Olivia e le ombre by Jacqueline West

poojhap's review against another edition

5.0

this book is really good! It is about the protagonist, Olive, wants to live a normal life but is always moving everywhere. Always the new kid. But that all changes when she finds three talking cats and a pair of enchanted spectacles that allow her to walk through paintings... at least the enchanted paintings in the house. Find out more in the first Book of Elsewhere!

exlibrislynne's review against another edition

4.0

One of my book club students recommended this one and I excitedly read it. I understand why she loves it. This first book sets up the series well, and the protagonist is likeable. A mysterious old house with odd paintings you can climb inside of, talking cats, and a strange mystery that only a plucky heroine (who is awful at math) can solve. Fun, and I plan on recommending to middle readers wanting a like fantansy, but I probably won't pick up any more of the series.

hnnh16's review against another edition

4.0

3.5 stars. A well-written mystery with some good creepy supernatural elements. Reminded me of the John Bellairs books I used to love.

charlietheninth's review against another edition

2.0

Meh.

aprilbooksandwine's review against another edition

4.0

Olive Dunwoody is about to discover the secrets that her house has been keeping in Jacqueline West’s The Shadows, the book which kicks off her The Books Of Elsewhere series. If you enjoy middle grade books or want a series to hand your child, I think that The Shadows would be an awesome place to start. West’s book has a lot to recommend itself: a brave heroine who is just not that into math, magic paintings, talking cats, nosy neighbors, and interesting illustrations by Poly Bernatene.
Read the rest of my review here
Note: Review goes live June 3, 2014

feeyuh's review against another edition

4.0

Again, this is a book I probably never would have picked up had I not seen the cover. It was so intriguing hahah. It was shimmery and almost holographic-like and I'm so glad I started reading it! It was a cute little mystery about a young girl living in a creepy old house. The author slowly and creatively revealed secrets about the house, keeping the reader in suspense. I enjoyed it so much, I'm going to the library tomorrow to get book #2!

foreveryoungadult's review against another edition

Graded By: Meghan
BFF Charm: Yay!
Swoonworthy Scale: 0
Talky Talk: Roald, Dahhhling
Bonus Factors: Talking Cats, Creepy Old House
Relationship Status: Guilty Crush

Read the full book report here.

kevinhendricks's review against another edition

2.0

A young girl moves into an ancient old house and discovers some incredible mysteries, including talking cats and the ability to walk into the paintings. I read this one to the kids and they loved it ("Awesome!"), while I wasn't as impressed. Felt like it took a while to get going and get around to explaining what was going on.

libraryjen's review against another edition

4.0

Read this aloud to my 10 year old daughter. I loved that it kept her engaged and guessing all the way to the end. We laughed and worried and guessed together. So fun!
Recommended for late elementary school readers and as a read aloud, plenty to discuss and enjoy.

swirlnswing's review against another edition

4.0

What a fun middle grade book! I loves Olive and the cats and this twisty little tale.