Author: Tania del Rio
Publisher: Quirk Books
Genre: Fantasy / Middle Grade
Series: Warren the 13th #2
Format: Hardback
Pages: 224
This sequel to Warren the 13th and the All-Seeing Eye begins soon after the first book's conclusion.Twelve-year-old Warren has learned that his beloved hotel can walk, and now it's ferrying guests around the countryside, transporting tourists to strange and foreign destinations. But when an unexpected detour brings everyone into the dark and sinister Malwoods, Warren finds himself separated from his hotel and his friends and racing after them on foot through a forest teeming with witches, snakes, talking trees, and mind-boggling riddles. Once again, you can expect stunning illustrations and gorgeous design from Will Staehle on every page along with plenty of nonstop action and adventure!
First I need to say thank you to Quirk Books for giving me a copy of Warren the 13th and The Whispering Woods in exchange for my honest review.
I have to admit I've been super excited for this since I read the first book, Warren the 13th and the All-Seeing Eye, and there was a mention of a sequel. My excitement was only doubled after I finally got to see the cover. Honestly, I can't decide which cover is my favorite. It was even better when I was given a chance to support the release back in January, and dedicated my first free afternoon to reading The Whispering Woods. I didn't want anything to get in the way.
The story takes place just short while after The All-Seeing Eye ends, and all of the characters return for the next adventure at the Warren. Sketchy is my absolute favorite of all the cast! I was excited to see him have a decent roll in the second book, instead of pushed aside. He's so cute and precious! There are also a handful of new characters joining the Warren, and a new enemy looking to make the famous walking hotel her own.
While this series is clearly aimed for a younger reader, I fully enjoyed it! Sometimes I want a story that entertains me. A book that is light and fun. For me I feel like this book does that. The story is full of adventure, puzzles, and mystery. It's about being afraid, only to be brave and to keep going anyway. Warren the 13th is about family.
As for the story itself I felt like it moved at a steady pace and never once really backed tracked, or slowed to a crawl. Our main characters are forced to split up and for a while the point of view jumps between them, but it wasn't hard to keep track of the story as it went along.
The world that Tania del Rio created in the first books has been expanded to see more of the country side as the Warren is finally up and walking with it's guests. Which means we get a few new characters and a wider look at the world of Fauntleroy. It was nice to see an expansion and get a taste of how far Warren could take his hotel.
Of course I have to mention Will Staehle's artwork. I love that each book has a theme color, green for this book. Will Staehle's art brings a visualization to the story that I love. I don't think it takes away from the story. In fact I think it adds a little something getting to see the posters, the maps, and even the character as the story evolves.
I really can't thank Quirk Books enough for sending me this to read. It was a wonderful afternoon curled up in my blanket nest with the Little Monster (my cat). I've already talked a friend into buying these for her daughter! I've geeked out over the last few days with my other friends who read. Honestly I can't stop recommending this to people.
Just remember: BEWARE THE SAP-SQUATCH!
Buy, Borrow, or Skip: Seriously, buy both of them! Buy one for a friend! DO IT!
No comments:
Post a Comment