The Shadows (The Books of Elsewhere, Vol. 1)

I really enjoyed "The Book of Elsewhere" series. It's one that made me sad when I reached book 5, but thought it left off with a nice ending.

Last night I finished up THE BOOKS OF ELSEWHERE: THE SHADOWS, and ohmigosh it was good. It's one of those books where the adult in me thinks, (cue high-pitched nasally adult voice) "Oh, I really like this story. What nice atmosphere. How unique," and the kid in me is like, (cue my real voice) "Ahhh! That's scary. Wow--cool. I want to do that! She did what? The end? Where's the next book!?!?" I was lucky enough to interview the author, Jacqueline West, here: [...]. THE SHADOWS is a fast paced read set in Olive Dunwoody's new home--a crumbling Victorian house brimming with rooms to explore and curiosities to discover. Her slightly absent minded, but brilliantly (and hilariously) mathematical parents have no clue what kinds of secrets their home holds. Olive, however, finds herself unraveling a dark and deadly mystery, aided only by three cats and a bratty boy. Atmosphere: Really old house with hidden rooms, paintings you can travel through, cool old spectacles, creepy basements, that prickle at the back of your neck when you know something's not right, overgrown backyards, nosey neighbors, and cats with attitude. In a word: awesome. Language: Jacqueline West is also an award winning poet, and she has this beautiful knack for clear, concise, and completely unique description. There's also lots of witty dialogue that kept me smiling and laughing throughout the book. If you're looking for a fun Middle Grade read, you should seriously check this book out. There's also a pretty cool website for the book that includes sample chapters and clips from the audiobook:[...].

Came damaged

Right now there are a LOT of middle-reader through young adult books being published. Many of them read like clones of each other, published only because the publishing companies know they will sell rather than for their overall quality. Jacqeline West is able to bring this book to life. Her writing is concise and poetical, and her pacing is perfect. The characters jump off the page, and The Books of Elsewhere just FEEL magical. After reading this book, you'll wonder how she could have possibly gotten so much greatness across in such a short book. Can't wait for the subsequent novels in the series. I'd recommend this to anyone with children, or anyone who just likes a good book. It's one of those rare few middle readers that transcends age and makes children of us all.

Wonderful! Every book in this series is absolutely fantastic! I purchased them for my nine year old son and started reading the first one while my son was reading a different book. Honestly, I couldn't put it down. My husband and son are thoroughly enjoying them as well. The storys are full of adventure with a bit of suspense and a lot of humor thrown in. A house built by a powerful wizard, paintings you can climb into, one very curious girl and three talking cats! What's not to love?

Creative and curious Olive moves into a huge old house with her mathematician mom and dad. While her parents love her, they don’t really understand her, and she’s often left to her own devices. She explores her new home and is fascinated by all the things left behind when the previous owner died. One item that she finds when she’s rummaging through the closets and dresser drawers is a pair of old glasses. When she puts them on, she sees things move in the many paintings lining the walls of the old house. But that’s not the strangest thing she learns. She finds out that when she wears the glasses, she can actually enter the paintings. With help from the three talking cats who lived there with the previous owner, Olive explores the creepy basement, scary attic, and the worlds painted in the pictures. She makes friends and enemies and tries to ignore the resentful vibes given off by the house itself. Her journey of exploration and discovery lead her not only conquer the evil she encounters but also helps her find her courage. West creates an exciting world and some wonderful and realistic characters. I highly recommend this book.

Bought this book for my 11 & 12 year old daughters to read and recently read it myself. The storytelling was engaging and imaginative. My daughters loved it and I have to admit that even as an adult it made for a fun quick read. I really liked that the story didn't ever resort to bodily functions or gross out humor to get a laugh. There are references to witchcraft but no written spells or overly scary content. Will likely buy the other books in this series as well.

Just wonderful! I found book 2 in a discount store and before then had never heard of the 'books of elsewhere'. Boy am I glad I picked it up! When I realized I needed to read book one, i came here to search and found them! After reading all three I was surprised (and a bit let down/anxious) that there wasn't a book four until i came back to the author's page. Book four is nearly here!!! Hooray! These stories are unique, clever, fun and just plain-ol-fashioned good reading. It will delight young readers for years to come!