Title: House of Secrets: Battle of the Beasts
Author: Chris Columbus
First published January 1, 2014
480 pages, ebook
ISBN: 9780062192523 (ISBN10: 0062192523)
Rating: 4.01
Overview
Life in the Walker household has improved since their last adventure. They are now wealthy and the Wind Witch has been banished.
However, danger still lurks as the Walkers must find and defeat the Wind Witch once and for all. In House of Secrets: Battle of the Beasts by Chris Columbus, the Walkers embark on a treacherous journey through Denver Kristoff’s books, traveling through time and facing challenges that test their strength and unity.
From ancient Rome to World War II and Tibet, the Walkers must work together to overcome the Wind Witch and their own inner demons. Will they emerge victorious or will the past consume them?
Find out in this thrilling sequel.
About the Author
Meet Chris Joseph Columbus, a talented American filmmaker who wears many hats as a director, producer and screenwriter. Columbus has an impressive track record of creating cinematic masterpieces such as Gremlins, The Goonies, Mrs.
Doubtfire, and Home Alone. In fact, Home Alone was so well-received that it earned him a prestigious British Comedy Award for Best Comedy Film.
Editoral Review
House of Secrets: Battle of the Beasts by Chris Columbus is a thrilling adventure novel set in the fantastical world of the Walker family. Columbus, a renowned filmmaker and producer, makes his mark in children’s literature with this book.
The novel, first published on January 1, 2014, fits snugly into the genre of fantasy. In House of Secrets: Battle of the Beasts, the Walker children – Cordelia, Brendan, and Eleanor – are sucked into a magical book, The Book of Doom, and transported to a mystical world full of beasts, where they face challenges that test their wit and courage.
The children must navigate treacherous landscapes and overcome magical obstacles to save their family and the world from the evil wizard Orpheus, who seeks to unleash chaos on the world. The book boasts of an impressive set of protagonists.
The three Walker children each have distinct personalities, and the reader sees the world through their unique perspectives. Cordelia, the eldest, is brave and resourceful; Brendan, the middle child, is bright but struggles with cowardice; and Eleanor, the youngest, is the clever one who figures out how to escape from tricky situations.
The plot moves at a brisk pace, and the story is full of twists and turns, which keeps the reader hooked to the end. Columbus skillfully weaves together elements of mythology and folklore in his plot, making the book significant in its cultural significance.
The author makes a subtle commentary on the fragility of the human condition by painting the protection of one’s loved ones as a fundamental human impulse. As such, it connects with modern readers grappling with societal issues and familial dynamics.
However, the book has its limits. The villainous Orpheus is one-dimensional and fails to leave any lasting impression.
The children also undergo several close calls with death, which may unsettle sensitive readers. House of Secrets: Battle of the Beasts is a well-written adventure novel that suits its intended audience well.
Columbus’s writing offers a vivid description of the fantastic settings and vivid characters that embeds itself in readers’ minds. While not perfect, it succeeds in providing readers with a magical escape from their mundane lives.
House of Secrets: Battle of the Beasts would be an ideal choice for readers looking for a thrilling adventure story with a heart. The book’s themes strongly resonate with those around familial ties, making it a valuable read for readers of all ages.
On a scale of 1 – 10, I would give this book an 8.
