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195th out of 910 books
—
1,733 voters
Four Houses
by
Victoria Scott (Goodreads Author)
The door in front of me is the ugliest shade of plum I've ever seen. It's a prune Grandma would eat, a raisin on its last leg, a swollen bruise in the most inconvenient of places.
The waiting is the worst part, wondering who will open the door. But this time the waiting is killing me, tearing me down piece by piece and devouring me with its insatiable jaws.
I bite my lip and...more
The waiting is the worst part, wondering who will open the door. But this time the waiting is killing me, tearing me down piece by piece and devouring me with its insatiable jaws.
I bite my lip and...more
ebook, 20 pages
Published
July 1st 2011
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FOUR HOUSES is a mystifying work of art. Anyone who’s attempted to write a short story knows it’s a daunting if not completely painful process. The writer not only has to work a plot that would take the length of a novel to piece, but also must craft characters that readers feel they know and care about in under five thousand words. This is not an easy feat, but Scott makes it feel effortless.
The writing is lyrical and full of passion. I like to think of this story as Alice in the Looking Glass...more
The writing is lyrical and full of passion. I like to think of this story as Alice in the Looking Glass...more
9 likes · like · see review
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It’s hard to describe Four Houses as a short story; even at 19 pages, it just feels so much… bigger… you know?
Grand, is more like it. You never know what’s real, what’s not real, what’s happening or what’s just happened.
And I believe that’s the author’s intent. There is a world within a world, and a story within each “house.” The writing is mystical and other-worldly; I want to say “poetic” but make no mistake: this is a full-on story, not a story poem. (Although it works as both!)
I don’t want...more
Grand, is more like it. You never know what’s real, what’s not real, what’s happening or what’s just happened.
And I believe that’s the author’s intent. There is a world within a world, and a story within each “house.” The writing is mystical and other-worldly; I want to say “poetic” but make no mistake: this is a full-on story, not a story poem. (Although it works as both!)
I don’t want...more
Four Houses sent chills though me. I kept waiting to discover who was opening the doors of the four houses. I liked the way the doors had different colors to go with what the houses had to offer this young girl. I was enthralled from the start. Tori Scott definitely can write suspense, and for a short story, that's hard to do. Not only is the story intriguing and original, but the writing captures the reader all on its own. It’s haunting and passionate, and the description helped me visualize ev...more
6 likes · like · see review
My thoughts:
Four houses is a short story so I'm not going to do a summary and regular review because you just need to experience this one!
Let me just say that Tori is brilliant in her construction of an incredible story that unfolds in a unique and interesting way.
Our character, and I won't even name her, is presented with a choice between four houses. This choice will have long reaching consequences that she will have to live with. Which will she choose?
It doesn't matter what genre is your th...more
Four houses is a short story so I'm not going to do a summary and regular review because you just need to experience this one!
Let me just say that Tori is brilliant in her construction of an incredible story that unfolds in a unique and interesting way.
Our character, and I won't even name her, is presented with a choice between four houses. This choice will have long reaching consequences that she will have to live with. Which will she choose?
It doesn't matter what genre is your th...more
Unknowing what I was jumping into with this read, I was startled to find myself so emotionally invested with so few words.
Traveling with a young girl who is simply trying to find what she's been missing, for the place that makes her feel whole. Yes, it's a short journey, but there's so much depth and growth behind it.
The story is being told in a slightly different way, you might find yourself questioning what the author was thinking, but don't. Just go with it, truly understand what's trying t...more
Traveling with a young girl who is simply trying to find what she's been missing, for the place that makes her feel whole. Yes, it's a short journey, but there's so much depth and growth behind it.
The story is being told in a slightly different way, you might find yourself questioning what the author was thinking, but don't. Just go with it, truly understand what's trying t...more
Originally posted on Rumor Has It
I decided a while back that I was going to pass on reviewing shorts on the blog because you can’t really say too much without giving away the entire thing. I kind of had to pass on that new policy when I read this book.
First of all, there is a lot of hype surrounding this book
>>>>
<<<<
I have to admit that I liked the synopsis on the above but as some of you might know hype can sometimes be just that and full of empty promises. Naturally...more
I decided a while back that I was going to pass on reviewing shorts on the blog because you can’t really say too much without giving away the entire thing. I kind of had to pass on that new policy when I read this book.
First of all, there is a lot of hype surrounding this book
>>>>
<<<<I have to admit that I liked the synopsis on the above but as some of you might know hype can sometimes be just that and full of empty promises. Naturally...more
An almost poetic charm, Victoria Scott proves to me she is a lyrical master!
Short Stories, you love em, you hate em. They can either pack a punch or bore you to tears. Not so within the pages of Four Houses. Four Houses packs a punch with only 20 short pages. A complete story turned inside out. I'm not going to go into the summary as much as I would love too, I won't spoil the riches of this book, for you. Just know that I'm impressed with the approach, originality, and artistic writing style o...more
2 likes · like · see review
Four Houses was an interesting short story. It made me reflect quite a bit on life, and which house I would choose. I think I would choose the house of content. I would be perfectly happy to sit around and read for the rest of eternity. I thought it was cool that the house Maddy, the main character, chose was the one thing she regretted missing out on in life. This was a great short story. It taught me a little bit about life and myself. I recommend it to anyone looking for a quick read.
WOW!!! This is a short story and the writing is phenomenal. The way Tori described each house was awe-inspiring.
I absolutely loved reading this. Within these pages, I was brought in to the story from the first sentence and so engrossed in what was happening that I couldn't believe it was over...
I love what the houses represent and how our choices each day could look.
I don't think I am giving this the justice she deserves because it was FANTASTIC!!
I absolutely loved reading this. Within these pages, I was brought in to the story from the first sentence and so engrossed in what was happening that I couldn't believe it was over...
I love what the houses represent and how our choices each day could look.
I don't think I am giving this the justice she deserves because it was FANTASTIC!!
This story was backwards. Literally. It started at the end and ended at the beginning. And it was strange, almost creepy. It drew me in and left me wanting more. I loved it! Super interesting considering it was super short (maybe 19 or 20 pages??). I only wish that Ms. Scott would expand on this and turn it into a full length novel...what a great idea to dress our desires up as actual houses. Of the four, I'd choose euphoria, as well!
I loved this story! Certainly one of the best I have read. I've read a few in my lifetime and it's hard to come across Young Adult Short Stories -unless I'm missing something and if I am please let me know. The writing in this story was poetic and lyrical yet still realistic. I could picture what was happening each step of the way. I'm legitimately getting chills up spine now just thinking about it.
The way the story is formatted is also very unique. I will admit when I looked at the first page...more
The way the story is formatted is also very unique. I will admit when I looked at the first page...more
This book left me breathless and wanting more. It is such a engaging story that I was sad to see it end.
In this short story, there is so much description as to what is happening, hooking you at the right moment that you need more. I really like that I was able to step into the characters shoes right away. Everything was right on target and very descriptive.
I'm not sure what else to say but to read it. It's a very creative short story that captures you right away.
Four Houses is stellar, buildin...more
In this short story, there is so much description as to what is happening, hooking you at the right moment that you need more. I really like that I was able to step into the characters shoes right away. Everything was right on target and very descriptive.
I'm not sure what else to say but to read it. It's a very creative short story that captures you right away.
Four Houses is stellar, buildin...more
Wow...there is not much I can really say without giving anything away. Four Houses is a very short story that was definitely worth the read and several rereads. I recently fell out of love with the young adult genre as everything I was reading was just awfully boring and repetitive. I want some more of this. Thank you Victoria Scott for helping me remember why I used to enjoy young adult.
Aug 18, 2012
Hayden Casey
rated it
5 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
anyone looking for something fresh and unique
Recommended to Hayden by:
Victoria Scott
Wow. That was the most unconventional, original and downright confusing thing I've ever read.
Scott's prose is wow-inducing and beautiful. What I find interesting about Four Houses is (view spoiler). I've never read a book like this, and it gave a whole new meaning to the story and made reading it a whole new experience. I learned so much more from this twenty-something page story than I did from many novels I've read.
This short story opened up the...more
Scott's prose is wow-inducing and beautiful. What I find interesting about Four Houses is (view spoiler). I've never read a book like this, and it gave a whole new meaning to the story and made reading it a whole new experience. I learned so much more from this twenty-something page story than I did from many novels I've read.
This short story opened up the...more
An interesting short story about some of our choices in life and how we want some things more than others. The story wasn't spectacular, from my point of view, but there were a few hidden lessons about life and love itself.
3 out of 5 stars, and I recommend it to people who want a quick short read.
3 out of 5 stars, and I recommend it to people who want a quick short read.
Let me get this started...Tori Scott needs to write more! Lots more!
There is so much story packed into this short. There is emotion, detailed imagery, and...I can't say more without just spouting spoilers.
Please consider reading this, you cannot go wrong!
I look forward to more from this amazing author!
There is so much story packed into this short. There is emotion, detailed imagery, and...I can't say more without just spouting spoilers.
Please consider reading this, you cannot go wrong!
I look forward to more from this amazing author!
3 likes · like · see review
4.5 stars
A Great short story that engage the readers 'til the last dot.
If this was a sample of what Victoria Scott can do, I can honestly say that will be hearing her name for a long time!
A Great short story that engage the readers 'til the last dot.
If this was a sample of what Victoria Scott can do, I can honestly say that will be hearing her name for a long time!
A fabulous short story that had me thinking about it for days afterwards. Exquisite writing and very thought-provoking. I highly recommend it! And it's free during the month of July 2011 so why wait!
Feb 03, 2012
Annabelle Marie Veronica
rated it
5 of 5 stars
Recommended to Annabelle Marie Veronica by:
Cillian Beyond Birthday
WOW.
This was worth every penny I spent on it, even though it was expensive for its length. It was so, so good! (Thank you, Cillian! I love you <33)
Actual review to come soon :)
This was worth every penny I spent on it, even though it was expensive for its length. It was so, so good! (Thank you, Cillian! I love you <33)
Actual review to come soon :)
A great short story that pulls you in and doesn't let go until you reach the end. It's about choices and emotion and regret. Written in an unusual style and beautifully descriptive, it will keep your interest until the last page. Take the time and pick this up. You won't be disappointed.
A fantastic exploration of choices, filled with emotion and vivid descriptions powerful enough to make you taste the scenes. This up and coming YA author is one to watch! BRAVO!
4 likes · like · see review
Fabulous short story. Tori Scott has a gift for expression keeping her writing clean and concise. Not an easy feat, but she handles it like a pro. A look at this writer's talent is worth far more than the .99 I paid on Amazon.
For my younger friends, a heads-up--this one has language toward the end.
For my younger friends, a heads-up--this one has language toward the end.
I'm still holding my breath. Amazing ride. I'll read anything this author writes, anytime. Powerfully magical.
I think I'll read it again.
I think I'll read it again.
What a fantastic short story! Absolutely captivating and expressive for only 20 pages. I definitely hope this author will be writing more.
Four Houses was a very complicated and mind bending read. The approach was very unique and intriguing. This is an incredibly short story, and will be over before you know it. While it was a very interesting idea and I can appreciate what the author carefully crafted; this was a bit more confusing than I would have liked. I think maybe if the story was a bit longer than readers will have been able to fully understand the story better. The way that the story sits it inspires an emotion of "What ju...more
What an interesting and gripping short story! I love the way the story unfolds...very clever!! This author creates quite a visual with her vivid descriptions. I really enjoyed it!
FOUR HOUSES was the best short story I've ever read. I can't wait to see what this author writes next. So, so good!
She has to make a choice. Four houses, four colors, four possibilities. She must choose wisely, after all, she will spend eternity in one of them.
This was a really good, haunting and mysterious short story. The writing is beautiful and the story is told in an unconventional way that leads the reader to a shocking finale that will leave you breathless. The idea behind the story is very original, and, despite the constraints of such a small amount of pages, the author managed to suck me in and ac...more
This was a really good, haunting and mysterious short story. The writing is beautiful and the story is told in an unconventional way that leads the reader to a shocking finale that will leave you breathless. The idea behind the story is very original, and, despite the constraints of such a small amount of pages, the author managed to suck me in and ac...more
Magnificent story. I can't wait to see what this author comes out with next!
$0.99 on Nook and got very good reviews, but only 20 pages
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Victoria Scott is a teen fiction writer represented by Sara Crowe. She's the author of THE COLLECTOR trilogy (Entangled Teen) and the FIRE & FLOOD series (Scholastic). Victoria lives in Dallas with her husband and hearts cotton candy something fierce.
More about Victoria Scott...
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