House of Secrets: Volume 1

Chris Columbus · Ned Vizzini

Apr 2013 · House of Secrets Book 1 · Sold by Harper Collins

About this eBook

Hailed as “a breakneck, jam-packed roller coaster of an adventure” by J. K. Rowling, this New York Times bestseller is the first installment in the explosive tween fantasy series by famed Hollywood director Chris Columbus (of Harry Potter fame) and bestselling author Ned Vizzini (It’s Kind of a Funny Story).

Siblings Brendan, Eleanor, and Cordelia Walker once had everything they could ever want. But everything changed when Dr. Walker lost his job. Now the family must relocate to an old Victorian house, formerly the home of occult novelist Denver Kristoff—a house that simultaneously feels creepy and too good to be true. By the time the Walkers realize that one of their neighbors has sinister plans for them, they’re banished to a primeval forest way off the grid.

Bloodthirsty medieval warriors patrol the woods around them, supernatural pirates roam the neighboring seas, and a power-hungry queen rules the land. To survive, the siblings will have to be braver than they ever thought possible—and to fight against their darkest impulses. The key may lie in their own connection to the secret Kristoff legacy. But as they unravel that legacy, they’ll discover that it’s not just their family that’s in danger . . . it’s the entire world.

Ratings and reviews

good book,overall good story, definitely got me reading. Very easy read. three great protagonists, but despite all the adventure, it was somewhat of an underwhelming read, could be because this is clearly for younger readers, and I'm an adult, but even then, it just didn't hook me. The reason is probably because there's hardly any suspense in this book, very short chapters with action all over the place, seems silly to say there could be too much action in a book, but I feel that it didn't do this justice.

This book is amazing. If I hadn't seen J.K Rowling write praise about this book on its cover that faithful day in the library , I might never have read it.

Honestly, such a wonderful book. I picked the second book up at the dollar store and read a page or two and bought it on a whim on just filling up my new book shelf but now finishing this first book Im happy I stumbled upon this "gem in the rough".

About the author

Chris Columbus has written, directed, and produced some of the most successful box-office hits in Hollywood history. He first made his name by writing several original scripts produced by Steven Spielberg, including the back-to-back hits Gremlins and The Goonies. As a director, Columbus has been at the helm of such iconic projects as Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, Home Alone, Stepmom, and Mrs. Doubtfire. As a producer, Columbus was also behind the hit films Night at the Museum and The Help.

Ned Vizzini (1981-2013) was the bestselling author of the acclaimed young adult books It’s Kind of a Funny Story (also a major motion picture), Be More Chill, Teen Angst? Naaah..., and The Other Normals. He wrote for the New York Times, Salon, and The New Yorker. He also wrote for TV, including MTV’s hit show Teen Wolf. His work has been translated into twenty-five languages.