The Gathering (Shadow House, #1)

by Dan Poblocki

[Beth C.]

Five different children from very different lives. One house with five different ghosts. Once the children get in, can they get back out again?

Shadow House is fairly standard fare. Innocent victims lured to a scary house with ghosts, must figure out a way to save themselves to get free. I don't want to give any spoilers for those who might want to read this, so I'll just leave it at that. It's not a great story, nor is it completely terrible. There was one moment where I was taken by surprise (again, no spoilers), so...there's that. But in general, it's just an ok sort of book. It's not terribly original or creative, but...for some kids...it might be right up their alley. It is a bit creepy without being outright terrifying, letting the younger reader bridge that gap between Goosebumps and hard-core horror. My recommendation? Get this first book from the library first. If it's liked, then you will know that purchasing the following books in the series (and it *is* a series - with a not-very-satisfying cliffhanger) will be the best move for you.