A review by spookysoto
The House with a Clock in Its Walls by John Bellairs

3.0

Rating: 3.5/5 Very good I liked it, 😁.

This is a Gothic middle grade book. It’s about Lewis, an orphan that goes to live with his uncle Jonathan. The house they live in has a loud ticking within its walls, there’s a clock somewhere in there, but they can’t find it.
This novel was a surprise, it is dark and spooky without being gory or inappropriate for its target audience. It was atmospheric, scary, the characters were likable and felt real, as did the danger. I was surprised, because at one point I was feeling anxious and on edge.
I liked Lewis, he was a shy boy, flawed, he acted like any boy his age. His uncle and Ms Zimmermann were interesting too, they were nice, kind and cool.

Spoiler

Both Johnathan and Florence are a warlock and a witch. Johnathan bought his house when the previous owner, Mr. Izard died. They think the clock in the house is meant to do something bad, and they’re right. It’s a doomsday countdown clock.
Lewis wanted to impress his friend Talby, so he took one of Jonathan’s magic book and performed a ritual that brought to life Mrs. Izard. She wanted to start the doomsday clock.
At the end, Lewis broke it and Mrs. Izard turn to dust.

I think this book is great for kids, they would be very scared reading this, so I’d say is for 10 and above.

If you want to read a magical book, with a touch of suspense, mystery and spookiness, I recommended it.