Book Review - Watch Hollow: The Alchemist's Shadow by Gregory Funaro

Photo Credit - Amazon

After defeating the evil Garr, Lucy and Oliver have inherited the home of their dreams. The Blackford House is at peace now that the vicious tree monster is dead and the enchanted woods have returned to its original size. The Blackford home is still filled with new adventures especially when the Tinkers receive new visitors. 

A governess arrives from England with twins in her care. Algernon and Agatha are supposedly heirs to the house and have a rightful claim to the house. Upon the arrival of the Kojimas twins and their governess, a new force of evil enter the house and places a curse. The house trying to defend itself becomes a labyrinth. The two sets of siblings will need to join forces along with their magical clock animal friends to defeat their new evil foe before it destroys their home.

The second book in the series was just as fun to read as the first one. It was packed with humor, suspense, and thrills. Some of the mystery portions were predictable but, still exciting to read. If you liked this first book in the series, this second book will not disappoint.

**Disclosure - I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion. This post may contain affiliate links which means I earn advertising and/or referral fees if you purchase an item through my link. Please note, there will be no extra charges to you. Thank you for your support.**

Book Review - Watch Hollow by Gregory Funaro + Giveaway

Photo Credit - Amazon

In the town of Watch Hollow lies an enchanted woods that surround a now neglected Blackford House. The once-grand house holds many secrets, including magical ones such as, a giant cuckoo clock that powers the entire house. However, when the clock's gears stop turning, an evil presence from the woods starts to emerge and descends on the house.

Lucy and Oliver Tinker arrive with their father to help fix the broken clock. A stranger with a bundle of gold coins made an offer to their father that he couldn't refuse. Mr. Tinker will need to fix the clock at Blackford House and he will be able to keep the gold coins. It didn't take long before Lucy and Oliver to realize there is more to the Blackford House than meets the eye. Together with a few magical animals, the siblings must join forces to defeat the evil presence.

The novel was a fun and engaging read. I love how the author spun a tale of magical creatures and devotion to family. I enjoyed the smooth writing style that kept me hooked and wanted me to read more about the siblings. The magical story about the house had enough details to make the readers interested but, still wanting to know more. I can't wait to read the next book in the series.

**Disclosure - I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion. This post may contain affiliate links which means I earn advertising and/or referral fees if you purchase an item through my link. Please note, there will be no extra charges to you. Thank you for your support.**

Series: Watch Hollow (Book 2)
Hardcover: 240 pages
Publisher: HarperCollins (February 18, 2020)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0062643487
ISBN-13: 978-0062643483

Praise for WATCH HOLLOW Series

“Filled with clever, magical, and instantly likable characters, Funaro’s excellent, fast-paced, and twisty mystery—packed with suspense, facts, magic, and an incredible, deeply thought-out world—will leave readers eagerly awaiting the next chapter.” ―Booklist (starred review)

“A well-wound tale of good versus evil.” ―Kirkus Reviews

“The magically sentient house, creeping woods, and resident monster establish the story’s shivery Gothic feel, which will more than satisfy readers in search of a pleasantly scary read.” ―Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books

“There is magic, there is good and evil, and there is love all woven into a suspenseful and entertaining mystery. A well-crafted story that should be a hit with readers who enjoy a a good scare.” ―School Library Journal (starred review)

New York Times bestselling author Gregory Funaro brings us the second installment of the thrilling Watch Hollow series, where magic exists, monsters roam, and wooden animals come to life.

Having defeated the Garr, a vicious tree monster who lived within the enchanted woods of Watch Hollow, Lucy and Oliver Tinker now have the home they’ve always dreamed of: Blackford House. Powered by a magical clock and full of curious rooms and improbable knickknacks, Blackford House brims with the promise of new adventures.

 
Yet when a strange governess arrives from England—bringing with her the Kojima twins, Agatha and Algernon—the Tinker children’s once bright future quickly begins to dim. The Kojimas claim to be the rightful heirs to Blackford House, and soon after their arrival, a great evil enters the Tinkers’ new home, cursing it and turning it into an ever-changing labyrinth.

As a result, Lucy and Oliver, along with their clock animal friends, must now join forces with the twins to escape this labyrinth and save Blackford House, all while a new monster lurks around the corner.

You can purchase Watch Hollow: The Alchemist's Shadow at the following Retailers:

        

Photo Content from Gregory Funaro

Gregory Funaro grew up in Cranston, Rhode Island, and wrote his first story, The Ghost in the Window, in the fourth grade. He considers this to be his finest work, but unfortunately it has been lost to time. His first book for Disney-Hyperion, ALISTAIR GRIM'S ODDITORIUM (2015), was a New York Times best seller and an Amazon Best Book of the Month. His other works for children have received starred reviews from Kirkus, School Library Journal, and ALA Booklist. Check out WATCH HOLLOW, the first book in his series for HarperCollins, as well as its sequel, THE ALCHEMIST'S SHADOW, coming in 2020. Greg also teaches drama at East Carolina University, and is busy working on his next novel.

        

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