2015 re-read. Magical, wondrous, crazy series continues to feel magical, wondrous and crazy. Like Warren Ellis in his introduction to this volume, I t 2015 re-read. Magical, wondrous, crazy series continues to feel magical, wondrous and crazy. Like Warren Ellis in his introduction to this volume, I too want to find a key that opens up Joe Hill's head and steal from within all the "clever bits" -- because Mr. Hill is just too clever for his own damn good. Can this series possibly end as Herculean strong as it's begun? Also, a resounding standing ovation for the artwork of Gabriel Rodriguez.
2012 review: If you've yet to begin on the wondrous and amazing journey that is Joe Hill's Locke and Key series, what are you waiting for? An engraved invitation? Life is short and our TBR piles huge, but this one? This one you absolutely, unequivocally do not want to miss.
It's so charming and whimsical, a touch of fairy tale mixed in to a raw and rollicking story about grief and loss, ghosts and monsters, mysterious doors and the magical keys that open them. It's about childhood and family and sibling bonds.
And it all comes back to the keys scattered about the magisterial and aptly named Keyhouse that holds a dark and dangerous secret. ...more
This was an okay enjoyable read with plenty of atmosphere and gothic elements to recommend it, but for me, it was almost “textbook” gothic… what do yoThis was an okay enjoyable read with plenty of atmosphere and gothic elements to recommend it, but for me, it was almost “textbook” gothic… what do you call it – a pastiche? Right down to calling the sprawling Victorian mansion Hill House. There are some genuine eerie moments and I don’t regret spending an afternoon curled up with this one, but unfortunately it’s one of those books that you know you’re going to forget in a day.
As my friends know I don’t read many mysteries, but when I do they generally fall into the “family secrets” sort where the protagonist goes poking around to uncover some dark and demented family past. The reveal and wrapping up of the mystery here can be seen coming a mile away, even if you’re not paying the least bit of attention, so that was disappointing too. If I’m going to invest the time to unravel a mystery, it better keep me guessing right up to the end. I want to be surprised and shaken. Overall this was a well-constructed novel, ably paced and written, but turned out to be more of a reasonable facsimile of a modern gothic tale, rather than the genuine article. ...more
Beautiful, sweet story full of hope and heartache. What an original concept! Zevin's vision of what happens to each of us when we die is staggering inBeautiful, sweet story full of hope and heartache. What an original concept! Zevin's vision of what happens to each of us when we die is staggering in scope and I was humbled by her flawless execution. Dog lovers will find something particularly joyous about Elsewhere. This book is such a positive, life-affirming experience that I finished it in one long sitting and felt uplifted at the end, almost as if I were floating. Truly satisfying story and a great companion novel to Neal Shusterman's Everlost. ...more
First line fever: "The success of a marriage invariably depends on the woman," Mrs. Greenway said.First line fever: "The success of a marriage invariably depends on the woman," Mrs. Greenway said....more
My generation's Love Story. Really enjoyed this one, and despite the fact that more than half of Sheffield's musical references were over my head, theMy generation's Love Story. Really enjoyed this one, and despite the fact that more than half of Sheffield's musical references were over my head, the book still moved me. Sheffield has written a manifesto for all us mix tape geeks and I thank him for it....more
I feel like I might have missed something with this one...definitely enjoyed it, finished it in one sitting (which makes Ghent a great storyteller whoI feel like I might have missed something with this one...definitely enjoyed it, finished it in one sitting (which makes Ghent a great storyteller who can sustain narrative momentum), but the ending kind of lost me. Strange and a little disappointing, leaving too many questions. And the subject material made me too uncomfortable; Ghent contemplates our mortality and death in general extremely well here, and the experience bummed me out. Not to mention her vivid descriptions of palliative care and watching a loved one die right before your eyes. Been there and it brought back too many bad memories. ...more
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