House of Dark Shadows by Robert Liparulo
So, a few weeks ago I received a new book from Thomas Nelson called House of Dark Shadows by Robert Liparulo.
Absolutely loved the story. It was fast-paced and over before I knew it. I couldn’t put it down. There were parts I giggled at and others where I gasped. Although the foreshadowing does give away a lot, the book was suspenseful throughout its entirety. The pop-references were always amusing and the main character (Xander) seemed to have a decent grasp on what real teenage boys might like; in fact, some of his interests and desires were well inline with my teenage thoughts.
Obviously, it was written for adolescents and pre-adolescents, so don’t expect great things from the writing. Likewise, some of the characters who should have had a greater role were not fleshed out enough for my taste; for instance, the father seems weak, ineffectual, and not simply not to my liking.
Also, I would not necessarily consider it to be a Christian book but rather a book that was PG13, due to the thrill factor–still wholesome and fine for a Christian household but is not dominated by a overtly Christian theme. The one mention of church in the book had to do with the King family not going to church. Similarly, the 15 year old boy had a girlfriend he left behind; while this may be common place in most homes, it is certainly not an example I would appreciate my children having, even if the mentions of said girlfriend were merely in passing. As I already mentioned regarding the father, he seemed weak-willed and ineffectual–definitely not the kind of example of a father-figure that the Bible gives as a guideline.
However, the most disappointing aspect of the entire book was that right as the book got off the ground, it ended, leaving a feeling of dissatisfaction since I have yet to pick up the second book.
This is a book that I would pass on to my little brother and his girlfriend with the warning that it may be a little intense for those with a sensitive spirit. In fact, after I told my brother about the book, he said he’d love to read it but was afraid to pass it on to his girlfriend, because she might be spooked. Made me laugh. Though I am not thinking about passing it on until after I grab the second book.
