When I read the prologue to House of Dark Shadows by Robert Liparulo, I thought the book was going to be an edge-of-your-seat suspense. I was disappointed; House is less suspense and more a journal of the King family, around whom the story revolves. Rather than an adult book, this should be considered YA.
The King family moves from Los Angles to a rural Northern California town. After moving into an abandoned house, brothers Xander and David find some interesting time travel portals in a secret area of the abandoned house the family buys. Their adventures are harrowing, but not suspenseful.
The biggest disappointment was the lack of resolution. Instead of wrapping up the mystery of the portals, the reader is led to the next book in the series. I felt cheated that I didn’t get answers to the pressing questions of who built the portals and what happen to the kidnapped Mrs. King.
Liparulo’s depiction of the King siblings, which includes little sister Toria, is real enough to be my own children. The detailed description of the abandoned house leads the reader to believe a tale of suspense is coming at some point.
Young people will enjoy the romps, and boys who are reluctant readers may enjoy the story. House of Dark Shadows does not leave me itching for the next book in the Dreamhouse Kings series.
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