I’m not a fan of adult horror or even YA horror – I just don’t have the stomach for the gore and nastiness. But this is pitched at just the right level for kids and people like me – gothic chills and supernatural creepiness but without anything truly disturbing and a happy ending (at least for the main characters). I guessed the twist towards the end but was never completely sure of where the plot would take me and found it a satisfying, fun read. The main narrative is interspersed with chilling stories from Shiverton Hall’s past, and these fit in better than I’d expected, creating atmosphere without slowing the plot down too much. The main characters are appealing despite being extremely similar to their counterparts in the Harry Potter series; villainous bullies are little stereotypical but an enjoyable contrast to the more subtly drawn heroes. The writer really hits the mark by featuring fourteen-year-old heroes, acknowledging emerging adolescent sexuality with its crushes and angst but avoiding the focus on romance so prevalent in YA fiction aimed at older teens. This gives the book a broad appeal to a range of readers from mature primary school kids to adults. My eight-year-old daughter loved the book, but I would hesitate to recommend this to younger children because of some extremely dark content towards the end. Arthur discovers that he is descended from the sinister Shivertons, the implication being that his previous murderous inclinations are genetically inherited, and not just the result of being bullied to breaking point. There are a truckload of issues about the nature of good and evil, choice and predestination and violent behaviour that are raised by this and never discussed. Great food for thought for older readers but maybe a lot to take in for younger ones. The story of how the Australian Shiverton line was started is even more disturbing. A destitute girl agrees to go home with the evil Lord Shiverton, because he promises her food and shelter; she is held captive for days and eventually emerges pregnant and traumatised. Nothing is explicitly spelled out, so younger, more innocent readers could assume (as my daughter did) that she was drawn to his wealth, they had a consensual sexual relationship and then maybe a fight when she found out he was evil; but prostitution out of desperation and rape are definitely implied and very obvious to mature readers.This dark content isn’t necessarily a problem – in fact, it gives the book an edge that elevates it above similar genre fiction. It dares to feature an anti-hero of ambiguous morality and malevolent spirits and humans who are truly scary without resorting to horrific gore for the sake of it. All this with humour and fast-paced readability – I can’t wait for the next book in the series. After school today (yes I finished the book in an hour) I went to the library to pick up some books for my weedend read. Now I take a lot of time to choose my books and this time it was unfortunatly interrupted by my big sister. She was made I was wasting my time and should have donw this and recess of lunch... blah blah blah. But I had to pick out a book in less that 5 minutes. That is and incredibly short amount of time to pick out a book if you ask me. Anyway, with my sister breathing down my neck, I picked up this and Iwas bustled out of the library. I started readig as soon as I could and it turns out, I have to thank my sister for rushing me. This book is fantastic! Phantoms and ghost stories with mystery and an old curse ran thick in this book.It was short, and although I felt like it could have extended to another book, I was glad it could read it all in one sitting. With the book's fast pace and exciting new mystery around each corner and the history at he start of every chapter, it was a joy to read. It is fun and quick read I would definitely recommend to anyone who isn't afraid to get a little spooked out. I myself felt shivers down my back. Oh, rule of thumb, DON'T read this and night, unless you plan to stay up all night.
What do You think about Shiverton Hall (2013)?
Good steady story for middle grade students who like a bit of mystery in a spooky setting.
—mat612
Really enjoyed this. It was a quick creepy book.
—Mirndy
