Gregory Funaro

When I started reading this, I thought it was a stand-alone novel; the description mentioned nothing about it being the start of a series and it clocks in at some 400 pages. But, alas, it is the start of a series, and therefore few answers are provided despite its 400 page length.

It's an interesting concept and a fast-paced story, but I'm frustrated so little was explained in this introduction to the series. There's not much of a conclusion to the book, and the future book(s) will be necessary to fully answer all the questions introduced in this book's plot.

Note: I received a digital galley of this book through NetGalley.… (mehr)

The Tinker children are back and...more distant than ever? Yeah...despite having pulled together to defeat the darkness in their first adventure, time, loneliness, and growing up in general, has them at odds once again. Good thing blood runs thicker than most other things because the love they have for each other, that desire to protect those they hold dear, is what's going to get them through the new evil that's reared (quite literally) it's ugly horned head in Blackford House...maybe...possibly....or at least, you should hope so because if not, more than our previously wooden friends are in danger. The very soul of Blackford House stands on the brink of the abyss and trust me, you don't want it falling into these evil little hands.

Getting reacquainted with Lucy and Oliver was like greeting old friends, so the sadness seen in them was that much more moving. When the twins came, the unknown that followed was palpable and became even more so when the house started revolting...though, as we quickly discover, it's actually trying to protect its own! Uncovering the new evil that's descended (or unearthed itself?) is challenging, especially when the ground keeps literally moving out from under them. The friendships they discover, the capacity for love, compassion, and understanding they come to find, warms the heart.

In short, it's the sequel we didn't know we were waiting for with a darkness we couldn't have anticipated, but a heart of gold at its core that can't be denied. Step back into the world of Watch Hollow with all your friends (and unfortunately enemies!) for an adventure you won't forget!


**ecopy received for review; opinions are my own… (mehr)