Review of House of Ashes

Ruchi Raina · Post by **Ruchi Raina** » 14 Feb 2022, 15:47

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "House of Ashes" by Margaret Blythe.]

2 out of 4 stars

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House of Ashes by Margaret Blythe is a book about twins, Adam and Nora, who want to uncover their aunt’s secrets. Their aunt, Ellene, tried to kill them all by burning their house down, but she was unsuccessful. What secrets will they uncover in that burnt-down house?

Adam and Nora came back to town to uncover the secrets about their aunt and why she tried to kill them. The first day they went to the place where the house stood, there was only a pile of burnt wood. When they revisited the place three days later, in place of the pile of wood, stood a three-story tall house. They knew it was their aunt’s doing. She used to practice witchcraft and had continuously used it to harm their mother. She had done many evil things, and they were not her only victims. On their second visit to the house, they find a necklace that belonged to Ellene. A few days later, they come to know about their half-sister, Donna. The three come together to take down Ellene because now, she wants revenge on the whole town.

The cover of the book was as eerie as the story. I liked Nora and Adam’s twin chemistry. I loved their cute sibling banters. Their dedication and courage to find out the truth was very admirable. The way Nora and Adam instantly accepted Donna was worth praise. The scene in Jack’s Café, where Donna and Nora work together against Ellene, was my favorite one. It was amusing to read about Ellene getting frustrated and angry.

There were many things I didn’t like in the book. The one thing that bothered me the most was how nonchalant and unemotional Adam and Nora’s mother was about them going into the house where her evil and merciless sister could kill them. She acted so weirdly and was totally unbothered, and the twins didn’t even seem concerned about all the things she had hidden from them and that too, without a good reason. Their confrontation about Donna and even Ron, Nora’s boyfriend, severely lacked emotion. It felt like they were talking about the weather, not some very heartbreaking truths. There was no character development in the whole story. Also, there were many things left unexplained, like if Pamela, their other aunt, knew the truth about Ellene, then why did she not tell the police at that time but was now suddenly ready to go to them? There were other things too, but they cannot be revealed without giving spoilers.

Keeping the things I mentioned above in mind, I rate this book two out of four stars. I would have given it three stars if the plot had been a bit more detailed and clear. Also, I couldn’t relate to the characters, so the whole story seemed a little bland. I only found a few minor errors. The book seemed professionally edited. I would recommend it to lovers of magic, paranormal, and mystery.

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House of Ashes
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Mbenma Esther 080 · Post by **Mbenma Esther 080** » 17 Feb 2022, 20:54

I love books that uncover mysteries with a blend of paranormal elements. Thanks for the review.

Hana_Fabro · Post by **Hana_Fabro** » 18 Feb 2022, 19:13

Uncovering secrets will always be a great journey to follow. This type of story is about will always give the readers a lot of plot twists. Thanks for your wonderful review.

Mildred Echesa · Post by **Mildred Echesa** » 21 Feb 2022, 05:29

Mystery isn't my thing so I don't think I will read this, however... It's a great review

Diana 1999 · Post by **Diana 1999** » 21 Feb 2022, 06:01

I like when there is a mystery in a book, because it always gives me urge to know what's next it's a fantastic review

Ellylion · Post by **Ellylion** » 23 Feb 2022, 08:18

Flat characters sound a bit discouraging. Thank you for this honest and insightful review!

City0215 · Post by **City0215** » 23 Feb 2022, 09:24

I love to see the end result of a secret things hiding. Live this book and want to read more of it.

Oyedeji Funmilayo · Post by **Oyedeji Funmilayo** » 30 Jun 2022, 18:17

I enjoyed your review and the writing style of the author. I look forward to reading the book. Welldone!!!

Post by **Mradushi Singhal** » 27 Aug 2024, 02:31

Thank you for your thorough insights. Your attention to the lack of emotional depth and unresolved plot points helps set expectations. I'm curious yet cautious, especially with those unexplained details lingering in the narrative.