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happy_reader_15's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
happytreereads's review against another edition
3.0
fun and heartwarming. also dark and creepy in unexpected ways. ?? I dunno, the half-dead floating lady was kinda fun in her own creepy way? if you're not into ghosts and talk of dark magic etc maybe not for you.
not sure it was for me, actually. ghosty was fine but I found the book overall a little boring 🤷🏻♀️ and some of the talk around the magic/ghosts/magical abilities&powers was weird, and not just weird but under explained and confusing, which is something that annoys me. and it felt odd when they kept saying "keep the faith"...like in what?? in who? what are we talking about??
characters were good but not electric. ⚡ the concept of the hotel was grand and it was rather fun to chum around with Elizabeth and Freddy as they solved puzzles and tried to figure out the mystery.
overall fun book, good ending, satisfying mystery conclusion (or half conclusion really, much business was left unfinished but not in an annoying way) but for my part I was just a bit too uninterested most of the time. I rate this "fair-to-middlin".
---
-sus meter-
⛔ half-dead woman who has a soul that floats around waiting for it to be put back in her body by someone who has the power to do so. in the mean time her daughter cart hers body around in a weird crate/coffin thing and it's uncomfy to think about
⛔ talk of magic/dark magic/good vs evil/powers/spirits etc etc
⛔ mean & disinteresteded guardians
not sure it was for me, actually. ghosty was fine but I found the book overall a little boring 🤷🏻♀️ and some of the talk around the magic/ghosts/magical abilities&powers was weird, and not just weird but under explained and confusing, which is something that annoys me. and it felt odd when they kept saying "keep the faith"...like in what?? in who? what are we talking about??
characters were good but not electric. ⚡ the concept of the hotel was grand and it was rather fun to chum around with Elizabeth and Freddy as they solved puzzles and tried to figure out the mystery.
overall fun book, good ending, satisfying mystery conclusion (or half conclusion really, much business was left unfinished but not in an annoying way) but for my part I was just a bit too uninterested most of the time. I rate this "fair-to-middlin".
---
-sus meter-
⛔ half-dead woman who has a soul that floats around waiting for it to be put back in her body by someone who has the power to do so. in the mean time her daughter cart hers body around in a weird crate/coffin thing and it's uncomfy to think about
⛔ talk of magic/dark magic/good vs evil/powers/spirits etc etc
⛔ mean & disinteresteded guardians
tazladyok's review against another edition
4.0
A very enjoyable middle grade mystery! It is set in an old hotel that is fun and magical and full of interesting characters. Elizabeth is determined to figure out the mystery of the hotel, with her new friend, they set out on the adventure.
hannasunshine's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
theplantsalivesed's review against another edition
2.0
Even the younger me would probably have found this book to be "just okay."
I think the main thing that stuck out to me was how little characters grew throughout. Go in expecting to be told there was character progress, but then see through actions that they're all stuck on their same little loops. There's also a somewhat frustrating shallowness that will probably be addressed in a sequel...
That being said, I don't regret reading it. Flurschen sounds delicious and the author is good at creating atmosphere.
I think the main thing that stuck out to me was how little characters grew throughout. Go in expecting to be told there was character progress, but then see through actions that they're all stuck on their same little loops. There's also a somewhat frustrating shallowness that will probably be addressed in a sequel...
That being said, I don't regret reading it. Flurschen sounds delicious and the author is good at creating atmosphere.
librarydancer's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 stars
I am always looking for a book similar to Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library or Mysterious Benedict Society, and thought this might be one..
It's not bad, definitely for kids who likes puzzles, but isn't as engaging or approachable as those stories.
I am always looking for a book similar to Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library or Mysterious Benedict Society, and thought this might be one..
It's not bad, definitely for kids who likes puzzles, but isn't as engaging or approachable as those stories.
mehsi's review against another edition
5.0
Welcome to Winterhouse, a magical hotel filled with tons of puzzles, snow, stories, and more.
I am kind of fuzzy in my head, because of me being sick, but I do want to write a review for this one now.
Elizabeth isn't having the best of lives as she lives with her aunt and uncle who don't really seem to be happy she is around, but then she gets the chance to spend the holidays at a very special hotel, Winterhouse. At first she is worried, but quite soon she falls in love with the place, with the people, and as the magic and mystery grows she gets more and more excited about it. And quite soon she just doesn't want to go.
Of course, I had a good idea why she was invited, what connected her to Winterhouse, and as the story continued I knew it with more and more certainty. Come on, there are hints everywhere, starting with her name.
I just adored Winterhouse, and I want to go there instantly. Stay there with my fiance. Ski, swim, read all the books in the library (maybe I find a magical book myself), puzzle, sleep, get cosy at the fireplaces. And then there is Christmas and New Years, both events that seemed so so magical. I want to be there for those events. See the magical snow, see fireworks. Ah *dreams*.
The special candy everyone was raving about? Eh, it did sound OK, if there weren't any nuts in it. For now, avoid. Definitely. Don't want to die on my vacation.
The mystery was just a delight, the puzzles were so much fun to solve and figure out.
Freddy was one of the least favourite characters of mine. How would I say it.. um, I just didn't like how he was eh about Elizabeth's reading. He kept making comments, or telling her that it wasn't a story when she was telling him about magical things happening. I hate people who do that. I really do. I have heard my share of crap from people who think I read too much, or whatever. Just leave us readers alone. We aren't making comments about the fact you are working on gluing together some walnuts to make logs and that you prefer that over anything else. :| Plus he just lacked so much enthusiasm. If I was Freddy, and someone told me about all the stuff happening? Hell, I would be so enthusiastic I would bounce 24/7. I would be in for everything. And sure, I would also work on my project. I understand that Freddy is not me, but yeah, he was a disappointment. He did have some nice qualities, but in overall eh.
What was going on with the dark-haired couple, eh, I had my suspicions, but dang I hadn't expected what actually was going on, or I should say, I hadn't expected what was in the crate. Creeeeeeeeeeeppppyyyyy. Soooo creepy!
The book is also delightfully illustrated. I was looking forward to seeing them pop up, wondering what would be shown on them this time. What scene would we see? What item? Who would we see?
The ending was just exciting, exciting, and super exciting! I am so happy with how everything ended, congrats Elizabeth. Her life suddenly got a ton more fun, or well, she got something to look forward to now.
All in all, I definitely need the second book, now it is just waiting for it to come out in paperback. Next year, hopefully.
I would also recommend this book to everyone in look for a great book perfect for the winter/Christmas season which is filled with fun puzzles en magic.
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
I am kind of fuzzy in my head, because of me being sick, but I do want to write a review for this one now.
Elizabeth isn't having the best of lives as she lives with her aunt and uncle who don't really seem to be happy she is around, but then she gets the chance to spend the holidays at a very special hotel, Winterhouse. At first she is worried, but quite soon she falls in love with the place, with the people, and as the magic and mystery grows she gets more and more excited about it. And quite soon she just doesn't want to go.
Of course, I had a good idea why she was invited, what connected her to Winterhouse, and as the story continued I knew it with more and more certainty. Come on, there are hints everywhere, starting with her name.
I just adored Winterhouse, and I want to go there instantly. Stay there with my fiance. Ski, swim, read all the books in the library (maybe I find a magical book myself), puzzle, sleep, get cosy at the fireplaces. And then there is Christmas and New Years, both events that seemed so so magical. I want to be there for those events. See the magical snow, see fireworks. Ah *dreams*.
The special candy everyone was raving about? Eh, it did sound OK, if there weren't any nuts in it. For now, avoid. Definitely. Don't want to die on my vacation.
The mystery was just a delight, the puzzles were so much fun to solve and figure out.
Freddy was one of the least favourite characters of mine. How would I say it.. um, I just didn't like how he was eh about Elizabeth's reading. He kept making comments, or telling her that it wasn't a story when she was telling him about magical things happening. I hate people who do that. I really do. I have heard my share of crap from people who think I read too much, or whatever. Just leave us readers alone. We aren't making comments about the fact you are working on gluing together some walnuts to make logs and that you prefer that over anything else. :| Plus he just lacked so much enthusiasm. If I was Freddy, and someone told me about all the stuff happening? Hell, I would be so enthusiastic I would bounce 24/7. I would be in for everything. And sure, I would also work on my project. I understand that Freddy is not me, but yeah, he was a disappointment. He did have some nice qualities, but in overall eh.
What was going on with the dark-haired couple, eh, I had my suspicions, but dang I hadn't expected what actually was going on, or I should say, I hadn't expected what was in the crate. Creeeeeeeeeeeppppyyyyy. Soooo creepy!
The book is also delightfully illustrated. I was looking forward to seeing them pop up, wondering what would be shown on them this time. What scene would we see? What item? Who would we see?
The ending was just exciting, exciting, and super exciting! I am so happy with how everything ended, congrats Elizabeth. Her life suddenly got a ton more fun, or well, she got something to look forward to now.
All in all, I definitely need the second book, now it is just waiting for it to come out in paperback. Next year, hopefully.
I would also recommend this book to everyone in look for a great book perfect for the winter/Christmas season which is filled with fun puzzles en magic.
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
hannasunshine's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Strong character development? No
4.0