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A long undisturbed bedroom. A startling likeness. A mysterious friend.
When twelve-year-old Prince Lev Lvov goes to live with his aunt at Falcon House, he takes his rightful place as heir to the Lvov family estate. Prince Lev dreams of becoming a hero of Russia like his great ancestors. But he'll discover that dark secrets haunt this house. Prince Lev is the only one who can set them free-will he be the hero his family needs?
My Thoughts:
I read this book through in one sitting, took me (an adult) about one hour to finish. I could imagine my son taking about a week to finish it, potentially less.
I have to admit though, I'm not sure what I think of this book.
It intrigued me enough to keep reading it.
The chapters are short and sweet.
It's interesting, but its... odd.
I know.. I don't normally call books odd... but I found this book odd. It had interesting pictures scattered through the book. An interesting character that seemed a bit detached from himself, a rather um.... almost horrible aunt, servants that ran scared and a wee boy with interesting abilities.
Would I read it again?
Perhaps that's the standard by which I should judge this book.
And you know what? I think I would. I think I would like to read this book with my lad just so I could see his response to it. I think he'd be surprised at the ending, I think he'd be intrigued by the events that happen throughout the book. He's more level-headed than his mother is and less apt to be alarmed by what he reads.
I think that's part of what makes me call this book odd... I'm easily alarmed and I spent time internally telling myself there must be an good explanation for what's going on...and I was happy that my suspicions in one area were correct but was surprised in another.
My recommendation: If you have level-headed children, who like mildly spooky books, this short chapter book might be the book that they are wanting.
It's an interesting read, and I was curious as to how it would turn out in the end. I had this thought, the aunt has an end purpose in mind... what is it???
I'm glad I found out! :)
Eugene Yelchin is both the author and the illustrator. It runs around 320 pages and is geared for ages 9-12. I reviewed The Haunting of Falcon House for Raincoast books.
