House of Dark Shadows

By Robert Liparulo

The King family has moved into a strange old house. Could it be a dream come true—or a place of nightmares?

When the Kings move from LA to a secluded small town, fifteen-year-old Xander is beyond disappointed. He and his friends loved to create amateur films, but the tiny town of Pinedale is the last place a movie buff and future filmmaker wants to land.

But he, David, and Toria are captivated by the many rooms in the old Victorian fixer-upper they moved into—as well as the heavy woods surrounding the house.

They soon discover there’s something odd about their new home. Sounds come from the wrong directions. Prints of giant, bare feet appear in the dust. And when David tries to hide in the linen closet, he winds up in locker 119 at his new school.

Then the really weird stuff kicks in: they find a hidden hallway with portals leading to far-off places—in long-ago times. Xander is starting to wonder if this kind of travel is a teen’s dream come true . . . or his worst nightmare.

“A powerhouse storyteller delivers his most fantastic ride yet!” —Ted Dekker, New York Times bestselling author on the Dreamhouse Kings series

• Fast-paced, time travel YA
• Book 1 in the Dreamhouse Kings series
  • Book 1: House of Dark Shadows
  • Book 2: Watcher in the Woods
  • Book 3: Gatekeepers
  • Book 4: Timescape
  • Book 5: Whirlwind
  • Book 6: Frenzy
• Book length: appr. 60,000 words
• Includes reading group guide

• Language: English
• Publisher: Thomas Nelson
• Release date: Sep 28, 2009
• ISBN: 9781418566173

Book preview

Reviews for House of Dark Shadows

[bmorrisallen-1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I thought this was a great young adult horror story. Two brothers and their family move to a weird house in the middle of nowhere, and weird things start to happen. The kids are likeable, and credible in a horror movie sort of way. Frequent horror movie references, on the other hand, are one of the book's weaknesses. I'd have like the story to stand on its own without being propped up by frequent references. A few were fine for flavor, but Liparulo ladled on too many.

On the other hand, the story was engaging and fun. I wanted to see what was happening, and what the source of the mystery was. The ending was both too quick and too sudden. It's one thing to leave readers wanting more. It's another to basically put up a cliffhanger billboard saying "Buy the next book!". (You have to be half over the cliff to see the billboard. By then it may be too late.)

All in all, a fun read, and I may pursue the next in the series, if it's reasonably priced.

[aliciakaren · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Moving from Pasadena, CA to little hick town was not on Xander's list. nd he was not happy about it. He loved the life he had back home; his friends, his school, his hobbies. Yet now his parents are moving him and his siblings to a ramshakle old Victorian home in some town named Pinedale. But there is something different about this house. As Xander and his brother begin exploring their new home they discover secret passageways that are full of rooms and portals that lead to other worlds. They are more dangerous than they could ever possibly imagine. Robert Liparulo introduces another pulse-pounding, page-turning thriller. The House of Dark Shadows is the first in a six book series about the King brothers. With over-arcing themes of family unity and bonding, and a fun story that is full of thrills and chills, it is recommended for mature YA audiences. May prove to much for younger, or easily scared audiences.

[senorag163 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Enjoyable book but it lost me in the middle. The ending was not fair. LOL

[taleofnight · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Xander and his family are moving from LA to a small town for his dads job. They find an old house tucked back in the woods. It's kind of creepy and very old. So old the the Real Estate agent doesn't have it listed anymore. But the family moves in anyways and starts making it home. But Xander, and his brother David, think something is different with this house. Footsteps show up in the dust when no one has walked there, people sound like they're in one part of the house when they're on the complete other side. They even find a trapped door that leads them to the towns public school. But then Xander and David find a hidden door the leads to another part of the house that know one is supposed to know about. There they find many doors that lead to to different adventures of their own.I have had House of Dark Shadows sitting on my bookshelf for about 2 years before I finally got my self to read it. I bought it because it sounded like a scary story. Then the concept never really appealed to me more than the other books I had. But I'm glad I finally got around to it because it was a nice surprise.I really didn't know what I was going into when I began reading. I thought it was going to be a scary story, but it turned into more of a magical one.Though there were times when I was glad that I wasn't reading at night. There's also some time travel involved as well. Definitely didn't expect that.The story line kept me intrigued and the ending was satisfying, though there was a little bit of a cliffhanger, because, another surprise to me, this is the beginning of a series. The prologue really had me wondering what it had to do with the story. I could not figure it out. But it came all together in the end and made complete sense.Xander and David find themselves in some crazy situations. I mean, finding yourself in the middle of a fight in the Roman Colosseum? That's a little terrifying. I also found it a little funny that David and Xander decided to share a room because they were creeped out by the house, but then their little sister, Toria, slept in her own room by herself.Overall, this was a fun, solid good read. It has some action in it that will keep you on your toes, and some creepy moments. I would recommend this to anyone who wants to go on a little adventure, and be a little creeped out.

[krau0098 · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

I have been wanting to read this book for a long time so when I saw it was available for free on Kindle (a while back) I snapped it up. This book is first and foremost an introduction to a series. It has some neat ideas but starts incredibly slow.The King family moves into this creepy old house that's definitely a fixer upper. The oldest son, Xander, is bothered by some of the things that are going on in it. For example when people talk the sound doesn't come from where you think it should, there are other strange sounds around the house, and then there are the gigantic footprints that show up every so often. When Xander and his brother David go exploring they find a set of rooms that takes you to other sinister places.This book definitely has a very scary and creepy horror feeling to it. Strange sounds and strange men showing up in bedrooms, that kind of thing. In general it creeped me out; so I wouldn't recommend it to people who scare easily (like me) or people who aren't fans of suspense/horror type books. There is a fantasy element to it when the boys find the strange rooms that can take them to other times/places. Even with this fantasy element; when the Kings travel to the other places everything is always scary, sinister, and trying to kill them.The book starts incredibly slow. It takes half the book or more, for the family to move into the house and start seeing the strange things. The whole time I was like, come on, come on, let's get to some good stuff here. Once they discover the magic rooms things do get much more interesting; but that part is so small compared to how long it takes to set the story up. Because of this pacing issue, this book is more like an intro to the Kings and their house than an actual complete story.The plot itself is also very predictable. I guessed right at the beginning who the father was and what his past was and was right. I totally agree with Xander about how stupid his dad was about everything that happened; I think it is incredibly unrealistic that a dad would knowingly put his family in that type of position. Which leads me to talking about the characters...they were all okay, but never very interesting. All of the characters do stupid things (as happens in many horror novels) and aren't really that engaging or likable.I think the strong part of this novel was the idea of the magic rooms; there is a lot of potential there for an interesting story and it would be interesting to see how these things all tie together. The book ends on a complete cliffhanger with no resolution (again I am not a fan of those). I really felt like this was just a short intro to this world and not really a complete book at all. The writing style overall is so-so; but nothing to write home about. I also have trouble believing this is targeted for young adults; maybe it might be suspenseful for younger kids...maybe middle grade? I think the YA crowd will find it boring and predictable.Overall it was okay. The idea of the magic rooms is interesting and I think Liparulo could do a lot with that in future books. The story started very slowly, with lots of setup. The plot was predictable and the characters were so-so. This isn't really a complete book; it just sets up the world and leaves the poor reader on a total cliffhanger. Oh, and it is way more of a horror book than a fantasy book. So if you are a wuss about scary stuff, like me, then you will want to look elsewhere. I personally will not continue on with this series and am glad that I got it for free. Definitely not my thing.

[jaie22 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

The book was a big surprise, because it was genuinely scary, the last thing I expected to find! Monsters, moms getting kidnapped, spooky houses that are bigger inside than out, dark woods, kids in peril - you name it, it's in there. This was probably the best book in the series for me; afterwards things got a little too convoluted and too much happened too quickly - which is not at all to say I didn't enjoy it. I'm just saying I would give House of Dark Shadows a 5 out of 5, and I would give the whole series a 4.5 out of 5.

[heptonj · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I thought this was a very good book but a little on the childish side for me. It would suit a teenage audience I would imagine. The plot is original and fast-paced which keeps you interested.As the King family move into their new home in a different part of the country strange things begin to happen. Voices come from one room while their owner is in another and people seem to be in one place and somewhere entirely different within nano-seconds. There is a big stranger who roams the house and weird experiences to be had in the surrounding woods. Inside the house is a corridor with entrances to different and dangerous worlds. Peril is in every chapter.

[books_n_tea · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

When I downloaded the book, I had the wrong impression of it. I thought it was a just horror story. I hate horror movies, but I love horror novels. I thought I’d give it a go since haven’t read one in ages. But, I was wrong about House of Dark Shadows; it’s far from being just a horror story. It’s quite the page turner filled with time travel, adventure, spookiness, and suspense— the kind of suspense that made me subconsciously start reading faster. When Xander and David found themselves traveling through a portal in their linen closet to a locker in their new school, I thought I had everything figured out. I thought I knew exactly who the perpetrator was who left the big, bare footprints in the dust. But, goodness was I wrong! This novel has so many twists and turns that will keep the reader guessing all the way through.I loved the family dynamics in the story. Reading about the interactions between Xander and his younger brother, David, was a joy. The Kings have a healthy and realistic relationship with each other; they’ve just gotten in the habit of keeping some important secrets from each other, but what family doesn’t? I also loved the descriptions; they were so vivid in this novel. I had a movie rolling in my mind the whole time as I read.Sometimes I did have trouble keeping track of the two brothers. I thought more could have been done to develop the two characters. But, perhaps this will come in time during the second book of the series. I also found the father’s logic troubling. Without it, there wouldn’t be much of a story, but it’s kind of unbelievable.The book also makes a number of pop culture references. I mean a lot. A few seemed relevant, even humorous. But, after a while I felt like there were far too many, and I didn’t think they were adding anything to the story. I can’t imagine reading this novel years down the line since I think many of the reference will be lost on readers. Overall, the story was great! It’s perfect for reluctant readers because it’s fast paced, full of action, and a relatively short read. I’m definitely grabbing a copy of the second book of the series, Watcher in the Woods (out now), because I really want to know what happens next!

[fredamans · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

OMG!!!If you want edge of your seat, page flipping, non-stop suspense, you're looking at the perfect book!This story is so good I'm going to bug hubby to get me the next book.I had to know what would happen, and the only bad thing happened, it left me hanging!!! And talk about cliffhanger!!! I'm still gripping the edge of my desk!So yes, get a copy and check it out. I hope it wraps you in its weirdness, like it did for me.

[dgoo_6 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I found this a delightfully spooky tween/YA novel. The author does a splendid job of conveying a creepy house and it's environs. I had the "who/what is that behind me??" feeling reading many passages, the same sensation noted by Xander, the main character, a 15 year old boy who moves into a strange old house with a potentially morbid history in Northern remote California with his two siblings and parents. Now granted, I've always spooked fairly easily if someone sneaks up behind me, but at the same time, horror films are not my thing--I don't find them scary, just gratuitous, gross and silly. None of that in this book, just good old fashioned gothic creepiness and the prickly back-of-the-neck fear of the unknown/unexplained. Have fun with this one.

[beckers_2 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

this is a book about where a family of two teenage boys named xander and david and their parents, they had just moved into a new house because the dad got offered a new job. they have heard stories about the old house about a man killing his wife and child then killing himself, and that their spirits roam the walls. plus they start experiencing some strange things, and continue to get more and more dangerous. how much longer can they live before they become extinct just like the previous owners? this book is 7 points. by Cailynn Schutze

[lcymbalisty · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

The House of Dark Shadows started off with a slow and boring begginning. But picked up the excitement when two of the King's childeren, Xander and David, found the antechamber. Robert Liparulo's book captivated me with his way of using a very descriptive vocabulary to describe the unexpected and thriller action scenes. I recommend this book to readers who like series like The Dream House Kings series, which has a series of three books. Book 1 is this book; The House of Dark Shadows. This book has several unexpected thrills and chills, like when Xander finds his Father bleeding on the floor as he runs through the frame of what used to be his mother and fathers bedroom door, now laying several feet from his father. His father is bleeding from the head, due to a hit from an intruder.The intruder runs grabbing the mother, while Xander is continuesly and unsuccessfully struggling to save his mother, harming himself a little more every time. He gets back up after a nasty fall and runs after the intruder and his mother only to have a door slammed and locked in his face. He takes his bat and beats down the door to an empty room. The book makes a unexpected jump every chapter and sometimes i find even myself gripping the pages and having to slow my heartrate. This book is capturing and i recommend this to readers who are interested in a mystery with many unexpected and exciting thrills and chills.

[beckylynn_1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

This book takes you from being scary to waaaaay out there. I think it jumped just a little too far for my imagination. Juding my the cover (please don't throw stones) it seems to be a scary story, but once you get to reading it puts you on a roller coaster ride of settings and characters. It's not a book I wouldn't recommend (confusing, yes), but I can't say I would go out of my way jumping and screaming say it's a must read either.  

[justablondemoment · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Great book for not only the juvenile audience but for adults as well. I really enjoyed traveling with the King family thru time and experiencing the house and it's quirks with them. I felt the author did a wonderful job setting up the suspence for the next book and look forward to it reading it. The best thing for me about this book was that alot of teen books are generated at girls and this book was one I felt leaned more towards the boys. It's sometimes hard to get boys interested in reading and I feel we need more books that aren't so 'chicky' like this one is. Thumbs up from me!!

[skstiles612 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Three Children, Xander, David, and Toria have moved with their parents to a small hick town where their father is the principal of the junior/senior high school. They move into an old Victorian House that their parents buy. The boys follow an intruder into their house into and old area of the house and then can't find him. They inadvertently go through what they think is a closet into another world. After returning the intruder once again appears and kidnaps their mother taking her into another world. The children find out their father has kept a secret from them about the house that he had known about the house when they moved in. They make plans to try each portal until they find their mother.

[hoosiers80 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

If you have ever read Liparulo before, you will recognize his ability to come up with creative story lines. In this novel by Liparulo, House Of Dark Shadows, he has come up with another interest holding story. The book is the first in the Dreamhouse Kings series. The story follows the King family and their move from Pasadena, California to a small town in Northern California. The attention quickly turns to the two boys in the family, Xander age 15 and David age 12. As the family is house hunting, they come upon a old deserted house that just seems to be a little different. As the boys begin to check out their new house, the adventures begin. They come across hidden passages and dark shadows in the night. To top things off, they find a hidden family secret that was long ago buried. A secret that now affects the whole family.This book starts off with some basic character building, but quickly turns into an action packed book you will want to keep reading. The book keeps you so focused on the main characters that you almost forget about some of the things happening on the fringes. But the things on the fringes will jump up and surprise you when you least expect it. The only bad thing about the book, is that it is the first in the series. The ending leaves you wanting more. The second book is now available also, with the third book planned for release in Jan. 2009.

[24girl_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Fifteen year old Xander King is miserable. His family is moving from Pasadena to the small town of Pinedale. “Still in California, but barely.” When the family arrives they find what his parents consider a dream house but Xander just considers creepy. Full of mysterious sounds, creepy shadows and unexplained footprints, the house just seems too sinister for Xander to feel comfortable. As Xander and his twelve year old brother begin to explore the house they find things are even weirder than they could have ever imagined. For a young adult book I was surprised at how well the storyline and suspense are written. Usually with YA writing the storytelling is a little too cheesy or predictable but this book breaks out of that mold and I was as creeped out as any Dean Koontz or Steven King book makes me feel when reading late at night. House of Dark Shadows is Book 1 in the Dream House Kings series and after reading it you’ll want to immediately pick up Book 2, Watcher in the Woods as the ending clearly warns that it’s “Not The End.” You’re left with some answers and a HUGE cliffhanger. I enjoyed this quick read and recommend it for both YA and adult suspense readers.

[kleiner_2 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

We all know the story. An urban family relocates to a rural town. The teenage protagonist is too cool for Hicksville. They move into a dark, secluded Victorian house that has been empty for decades and was last occupied by a family that disappeared under mysterious circumstances. They see and hear strange things, as the house seems to be alive. Well, this is just the beginning for the King family in House of Dark Shadows. Liparulo builds a fast-paced adventure on this age-old premise. His writing is precise, making the reader care about the characters and wanting to solve the mysteries, and eliciting emotional response at the right time. He effectively uses a tight timetable to keep the story fast moving; the book takes place over a week, with the climactic points occurring over a weekend. There is no good stopping point, because the readers knows the next chapter will pick up moments after the action of the previous chapter.While House of Dark Shadows is an excellent read, especially for adolescent boys, the ending does not satisfy the reader. The book is the first in a series and does not stand on its own. Therefore, prospective readers will have to buy the entire series to have a satisfactory read.

[willowwaw · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

A wonderful book! Very interesting right from the start and a quick read. The story takes place within a mysterious house that the King family has just bought and moved to. They must unlock the mysteries and the rooms to find their adventures within. Fun and easy to relate to the young characters. I would recommend it to others!

[fingerpost_1 · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

Liparulo's adult books, "Comes a Horseman" and "Germ" are among the best thrillers I have ever read, so I had very high expectations for his young readers series. Book one disapointed me. I'll at least give book 2 a chance and see if it improves, since I know the man can write a great book. The King family moves to a new and remote little town and moves into a spooky old house. That pretty much sums up the first half of the book. In the second half, things actually start to happen. The house has a hallway of doors that lead to different times and places. There is one great scene in which Xander, the 15 year old main character steps into the middle of a gladiatorial combat in the Roman Colliseum during its heyday. Liparulo can write action very well. He just didn't have nearly enough of it in this first book.