Hello all, for this second week I will be reviewing two delightful books I found on our shelves. One of the reasons I enjoyed these were because of their gorgeous covers, and the other was the fantastical story each had!! If you enjoy fantasy mixed with some history, then these are for you!!
Title: Greenglass House
Author: Kate Milford
Genre: Fiction – contemporary/mystery
Publication details: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt; NY, 2014
What this book is about: It’s wintertime at Greenglass House. The creaky smugglers’ inn is always quiet during this season, and Milo, the innkeeper’s adopted son, plans to spend his holidays relaxing. But on the first icy night of vacation, out of nowhere, the guest bell rings. Then rings again. And again. Soon Milo’s home is bursting with odd, secretive guests, each one bearing a strange story that is somehow connected to the rambling old house. As objects go missing and tempers flare, Milo and Meddy, the cook’s daughter, must decipher clues and untangle the web of deepening mysteries to discover the truth about Greenglass House – and themselves.
My review: What a delightful story!! Filled with hidden clues and secret maps, old ghost stories and smugglers, this story reads more like an old-fashioned version of Cluedo!! Although there is a large cast of characters to keep track of this is a highly enjoyable read!! Milo and his friend Meddy are funny, witty, and quite brave to forge ahead as they untangle the mysteries they discover.
My rating: 4 ⭐
Additional notes: This title was awarded the Edgar Award for Best Juvenile Fiction in 2015, and was nominated for the National Book Award or Young People’s Literature in 2014 and the Agatha award for Best Children’s/Young Adult Novel in 2014.
Title: Ghosts of Greenglass House
Author: Kate Milford
Genre: Fiction – contemporary
Publication details: Clarion Books; NY, 2017
What this book is about: Milo is waiting for the beginning of his winter vacation, but isn’t having much luck. For one thing, there’s no snow, and it’s hard to get into the spirit when all you have to wake up with is a crust of frost. For another, it’s been a tough couple of weeks at school, thanks to a teacher who doesn’t get how much Milo hates having attention called to him, and to his adoption. Then there’s the lone guest staying at his family’s inn, an art student who seems determined not to leave until he’s sketched every single stained-glass window in the place. Worst of all, Milo’s friend Meddy has been conspicuously absent for a long, long time. It’s almost enough to make him wish for a winter break like last year, when his house was full of secretive guests and unexpected mysteries and Meddy had helped him unravel it all. There’s no chance of that happening again, though: Milo is certain of it. Until the bell rings.
My review: The sequel to Greenglass House. Set in the cold Canadian mountains, with an eclectic cast of hilarious and eccentric characters, this fantastical story takes you on a wild ride of adventure and mystery. It took all of my strength to not read the last few pages and find out what happened. But when I did, boy was I surprised!! Such an exceptionally written story. I truly loved meeting Milo and his friends and learning about his life in Nagspeake. Some elements of both stories give it a fantasy sort of vibe but the overall story is very enjoyable.
My rating: 4½⭐
Additional notes: Kate Milford has quite a few titles under her belt other than these two stunning books set in the same world. Bluecrowne and Thief Knot take you into the story of the first inhabitants of Greenglass House and the adventures they get up to. I haven’t read these yet, but if anyone has please let me know what you think.
Miss Mahee's Library of Reads 