House of Secrets (novel) facts for kids
First edition hardcover
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| Author | Chris Columbus Ned Vizzini |
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| Cover artist | Cliff Nielsen |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Series | House of Secrets |
| Genre | adventure, action, fantasy |
| Publisher | Balzer + Bray |
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Publication date
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April 23, 2013 |
| Media type | Print, e-book, audiobook |
| Pages | 490 pages |
| ISBN | 9780062192462 |
| Followed by | House of Secrets: Battle of the Beasts, House of Secrets: Clash of Worlds |
House of Secrets is an exciting adventure and fantasy novel for young readers. It was written by Chris Columbus and Ned Vizzini. The book first came out on April 23, 2013. It is the first book in the House of Secrets series.
The story follows three kids from the Walker family. They go on a big adventure to find a special secret book. They also need to rescue their parents along the way. Many countries around the world have bought the rights to publish this book.
Chris Columbus said he was inspired to write the series after seeing how popular the Harry Potter books were. He wanted to create a new adventure for young readers. Columbus also thinks of this book as a "cousin" to his 1985 movie The Goonies.
Contents
What's the Story About?
The Kristoff House Mystery
The Walker family kids, Cordelia, Brendan, and Eleanor, are not happy. Their parents buy an old, creepy house called the Kristoff House. It's suspiciously cheap but seems perfect. Just a few days later, a strange woman named Dahlia Kristoff shows up. She calls herself the "Wind Witch." She then destroys the house!
The Walker children are shocked. They are no longer in San Francisco. Their parents are also gone. Cordelia is very confused when they meet Will Draper. He is a soldier from World War I. He seems very familiar to her. The kids soon realize something amazing. They are trapped inside a novel! This novel was written by the house's original owner, Denver Kristoff. Will Draper is a character from one of his books.
Trapped in a Story
The kids quickly find out more strange things. They are not just stuck in one book. They are trapped inside three different books! The Wind Witch appears again. She demands that they find The Book of Doom and Desire. This is a secret book that she cannot touch. She tells them they must find it to see their parents again.
The problem is, the three kids are lost in this huge world of stories. They have no idea where the book is hidden. They go on many wild adventures. They face big challenges like danger and even death. They meet all sorts of friends and enemies. All of this happens as they try to find The Book of Doom and Desire.
Meet the Characters
- Jake Walker: He used to be a doctor in San Francisco.
- Bellamy Walker: She is the wife of Dr. Jacob Walker.
- Cordelia: She is the oldest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Walker. She is 15 years old. She also develops feelings for Will Draper.
- Brendan: He is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Walker. He is 12 years old.
- Eleanor: She is the youngest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Walker. She is 8 years old.
- Denver Kristoff: He used to own the Kristoff House. He is also known as the Storm King. He wrote the books The Heart And The Helm, Savage Warriors, and The Fighting Ace.
- Dahlia Kristoff: She is Denver Kristoff's daughter. She is also known as the Wind Witch and Queen Daphne.
- Will Draper: He is an airman from World War One. He helps the Walker children on their journey.
- Slayne: He is a courtier in Queen Daphne's court. He is also Captain Sangray's brother.
- Fat Jagger: He is a giant character called a Colossus from one of Kristoff's books.
- Captain Sangray: He is the cruel captain of the pirate ship called the Moray. He is Slayne's brother.
- Tranquebar: He is the first mate on the pirate ship Moray.
- Penelope Hope: She was a maid in Kristoff's house. Brendan brought her back to life in the attic. Denver Kristoff later killed her because she found The Book Of Doom And Desire.
- Celene: She is a resistance fighter. Brendan has a crush on her.
Movie Plans
There were plans to make the House of Secrets trilogy into movies. Rise Entertainment bought the film rights. Chris Columbus's company, 1492 Pictures, was going to make the series. They planned to start filming in January 2014. However, this movie project never happened.
