I just spotted this free little book being promoted by the author on Twitter. I was instantly attracted to it. Mystery? Magic? A cute cover? Um, count me in!

And I do have to say that I liked the book, but I do have to pull 0.5 star of the book as it was a sequel/part of a series, though there was no mention it was that. I was quite utterly confused at the beginning. How did they discover the room? Does anyone else know about it, and if yes, do they also go on adventures? What determines the adventures? Since they were quite used to it, I wonder how many adventures they already had. I felt as if I missed a big portion of the book, and that is just a shame. :(

But as the story really begins, I have to say I lost my confusion and just enjoyed the trip. It mixes Hans and Gretel's story, makes it new, and also adds Van Helsing. :P As you can imagine it makes for an interesting story, and I love how the author turned it into his own blend, his own story. He did a great job at that.

I did feel sorry for the witch though, the poor thing just wants to party with the villagers (and later it turns out she wants a bit more than that), but no one understands her. She also lost something precious to her and thus can't do magic. Well, she can, but she makes glitches. Thus being named the Witch with the Glitch. :P
She also changed our 3 children. In 3 monsters, and I just had a laugh at what they got changed in, Nina seemed to most comfortable with it all, making full use of her new powers.
Of course they want to change back, but with a witch glitching around that won't be easy, so they have to find the witch's precious and bring it back. Before midnight, or they will be stuck forever.

And thus their funny, hilarious journey begins, and I can tell you that I really liked it.

The addition of the storyteller was fun. It is always something I love in books, a storyteller who talks to the reader.

The ending was cute, and I was happy for everyone. However, as they went back to their own world, I was wondering, how much time did pass? Didn't the adults notice the kids missing? Yes, more questions.

But all in all, I did enjoy this short story, and it was quite well executed. Would I recommend it? Yes. Though I guess one first needs to find what the first book is in this series.

Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/

This is... alright.

It tried to be atmospheric but there was nothing spooky about it.
The dialogue was a bit cringeworthy at times and I think I enjoyed Oswald as a silent dog better than a child.
For some reason, I’m not a huge fan of narrators addressing the reader and there was a surprising amount of that in this story.

page 100: "Is that ... an owl?" (family joke)

I like the name of the book, but that's it. The wardrobe from Narnia meets the Grimm Fairytales for Halloween. The character's actions seem staged and forced by the narrator, who at times tries to be funny, but not really.
I know it's a children's book, but so is Harry Potter, or Chronicles of Narnia for that matter. Many I've set my expectations too high. Oh well, not everyone can be Clive Staples.

Endearing story about three friends transported to a magical forest where they set up to help a witch who's suffering with the glitch. Sweet and charming with a dash of humour it's a great read.

Delightful mix of The Lion The Witch and The Wardrobe (the secret room reminding me of the wardrobe), and Hansel and Gretel. Good introduction to vampire lore (they can't enter a house without being invited in by the owner) and a bit of remedial Van Helsing. An easy read that would keep children interested. My only slight criticism is that the ending was very quick, and a bit blunt. But overally, a fun, fairy tale twist.

This is a very entertaining read. I loved the premise of the Lost Bookshop. It is similar to the Magic Treehouse books, but is more humorous than educational.
A great book for young readers. The language is simple, but the adventures are funny. The events are often silly and humorous. I loved the scene where we first meet the mob.
The author often interjects and speaks directly to the reader, giving the narration a fun and casual tone.
I really enjoyed this book. Also, that cover. Simply adorable.

Not well written in my opinion. One example from the couple chapters I read; "The room that had remained undiscovered until Uncle Bill had found it behind an ancient bookshelf." Which could have simply been, "The hidden room found by Uncle Bill behind the ancient bookshelf." A lot of lines like this felt like they were trying to add words without adding meaning or content. Furthermore the dialogue was silted as well. There are better YA books out there, I wouldn't bother with this.

Fairy Tales!

This was a great read as it's a mash between fairy tales being told in a AU from the bookshop (think The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe). Great read along with little one or if they're chapter book ready, on their own.

We'll definitely pick up the rest of the series soon.

Great book for book loving kids

This was a random free eBook I thought sounded interesting, and funny, just based on the title. And it was indeed fun and very clever.

The conceit is that 3 kids find a secret room in a bookshop (owned by one of the girls' uncle) in which they are whisked off onto an adventure according to the book they first pick up.

This story integrates Hansel and Gretel but with a twist!