Amber House (Amber House, #1)

Aug 24, 2012 ♥Rachel♥ rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: arc

Sarah Parsons’ Grandmother Ida has just passed away. She wasn’t very close to her growing up due to some falling out between her Grandmother and her mother, Anne. In fact, Sarah had never seen the famous family estate, Amber House, before coming out for the funereal. Amber House is a beautiful famous house that’s been in the family for three centuries. It’s one of those wonderful mansions complete with ballroom, conservatory, grand halls, hidden staircases, and secret rooms. Sarah immediately ma...more
Sarah Parsons’ Grandmother Ida has just passed away. She wasn’t very close to her growing up due to some falling out between her Grandmother and her mother, Anne. In fact, Sarah had never seen the famous family estate, Amber House, before coming out for the funereal. Amber House is a beautiful famous house that’s been in the family for three centuries. It’s one of those wonderful mansions complete with ballroom, conservatory, grand halls, hidden staircases, and secret rooms. Sarah immediately makes friends with Jackson who seems to know a lot about her. Jackson tells her stories of diamonds hidden somewhere in Amber House, so they team up to find these diamonds. In the process, Sarah realizes she can see echoes from the past; echoes that glimpse a family history much darker than she ever thought possible.

Sarah won’t have much time to hunt for diamonds or uncover the mysteries of her family, because her mother has decided to sell the house and everything in it. Her mother wants nothing more than to be rid of it. To aid in that, Sarah’s mother enlisted an old high school friend and his good-looking son, Richard to help. Richard immediately shows an interest in her but Sarah is suspicious of his motives.

It was easy to connect to Sarah as the story was told in her POV. Sarah is a typical teenage girl currently dealing with a strained family dynamic. Her parents are currently estranged and she’s feels a lot of frustration towards her cold mother. You can’t help but feel anger and frustration at her mother right along with Sarah. In so many scenes I wanted to shake that mom because she showed very little love towards Sarah. Sarah was more of a pawn in her manipulations. I loved that in spite of all this Sarah had a determination to keep her five year-old brother, Sammy safe and happy. As for the love interests, there is a mild love-triangle going on but nothing unbearable. It may not even be continued into the next book. We shall see.

It’s been a long time since I read a spooky mystery, complete with “ghosts” and haunted house and I thoroughly enjoyed this one. There are a few delicious mysteries to keep you occupied in this story: you have the search for the diamonds, the mystery behind all the bitterness between Anne and Ida (Sarah’s mom and grandmother). Also, why is Sarah seeing these visions? Are they harmless to her? Why is Jackson not surprised by her abilities? There were some scenes that literally gave me goose bumps. Seriously creepy! I was totally immersed this story. The rich descriptions of Amber House and the different periods of time made you feel like you were right there.

Going in I wasn’t aware that Amber House is a planned trilogy but I found out at the end! This is an ingenious mind-bending plot that certainly did NOT wrap up at the end and I’m left to wonder: what’s going to happen next?! Next book please!

I forgot to mention that the cover fits perfectly with this story. The house is exactly as it is described right down to the maze in the garden. Also, Sarah wears the dress you see pictured for her party. Yay for a pretty cover that fits the story!

You can find this review and more at The Readers Den.(less)

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Jan 01, 2013 Emily May rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: ya-na, mystery-thriller-horror, 2012, paranormal-uf, love-triangle, coverly-love

This was Amber House, after all, where the past was never really over and done with.

I had absolutely zero expectations of Amber House when I decided to pick it up, I'd read no reviews about it and there's been very little hype surrounding the book. So I went into it with a completely blank slate, knowing nothing but the little I was told in the GR description, which is something that I don't do too often. But, this time, the chance I took on a random book I knew next to nothing about really pa...more

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May 19, 2013 Anna (Gatsby's Girl) rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: all-time-favorites

Sarah Parsons is not really excited when she is forced to travel to Maryland with her feuding parents and little brother to attend her estranged Grandmother's funeral. But once she's there, Sarah and her little brother Sammy both feel some sort of intrinsic connection to the family's ancestral home, Amber House, that neither can explain. So they manipulate their Mom into staying for a few weeks until they can sell the house and everything in it. During that time Sarah discovers that there might...more Sarah Parsons is not really excited when she is forced to travel to Maryland with her feuding parents and little brother to attend her estranged Grandmother's funeral. But once she's there, Sarah and her little brother Sammy both feel some sort of intrinsic connection to the family's ancestral home, Amber House, that neither can explain. So they manipulate their Mom into staying for a few weeks until they can sell the house and everything in it. During that time Sarah discovers that there might be a hidden fortune in diamonds and decides to find it with the help of Jackson, who is a distant cousin and the grandson of her Grandma's housekeeper Rose. She also finds herself falling into the world of Richard Hathaway, the son of a Senator (who is her Mom's old boyfriend), as her Mom gets ready to throw her a lavish sixteenth birthday party that will double as an open house. But as the day of the party draws near, more and more family secrets become exposed leaving Sarah to wonder if perhaps there is a sinister presence in the house after all. And if there is, can she save herself and her family from it before it's too late? So I was not really expecting to be drawn into this book as much as I was. Then again, as a reader I can never resist a good family secret. I loved Sarah because she was a very realistic, average teenager. She never knew quite how to feel about either of her parents due to her Mom's cold tactless behavior and her Dad's infidelity. As the constant caretaker of her autistic little brother Sammy, Sarah also feels like it's her responsibility to protect him no matter what, because she has an unexplainable psychic connection to him and always knows where he is. She does find out that there are reasons behind her Mom's seemingly unexplainably mean behavior and that she has suffered a lot in her life. Sarah gets to discover that nothing is black and white in the real world, which fleshes out the side characters very nicely. There is a love triangle that is not quite a love triangle, a search for lost family treasure that turns into something much more dangerous and the possiblity of changing the past. Sarah inherits the ability to see and be part of echos of the past that haunt the house. She is privy to the actual happenings of her ancestors in a way that makes me geek out cause I'm a total history nerd. I loved that the house was almost alive with the energy of the past. The ending was perfect in my opinion and seriously made me want to cry because I found it beautiful. Overall, one of the best books I've read so far this year and I highly recommend it to fans of romance, Gothic novels, ghosts, time travel and history.

VERDICT: 5/5 Stars

*I received an Advanced Reading E-book Copy from the publisher, via NetGalley. No money or favors were exchanged for this review. This book's expected publication date is October 1st, 2012.*(less)

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Oct 01, 2012 Alyssa (Books Take You Places) rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: signed, own, arc

Books Take You Places.

Sarah Parsons returns to her family’s estate after her grandmother’s death in order to assist her mother in selling the old mansion. After spending some time in the house, Sarah begins to find clues regarding her family history and she becomes connected to the house in a very serious way. Sarah begins experiencing echoes left by former “residents” and in time, comes to unravel the mysteries surrounding her mother and grandmother and the very intense legacy of Amber House.

I...more Books Take You Places.

Sarah Parsons returns to her family’s estate after her grandmother’s death in order to assist her mother in selling the old mansion. After spending some time in the house, Sarah begins to find clues regarding her family history and she becomes connected to the house in a very serious way. Sarah begins experiencing echoes left by former “residents” and in time, comes to unravel the mysteries surrounding her mother and grandmother and the very intense legacy of Amber House.

I really enjoyed Sarah as a character because she was easy to relate to as she was a typical teenage girl thrown into an atypical situation. She reacts to certain incidents and characters in a way that shows her shyness, anger or understanding in a wonderful way. Sammy, Sarah’s little brother, plays a very significant role in this novel and as a reader I was very invested in his storyline as his innocence heightened nearly all aspects of the plot. I felt the same frustration and anger over Sarah’s mother as she did and I really appreciated learning more of her story as the novel progressed.

The romance in this novel is an interesting one. There are times when it screamed love triangle but don’t fear, it is so much more complicate than that! Jackson and Richard are polar opposites, both of whom were interesting characters in their own way. I really enjoyed how “real” Richard seemed to me, he was perfectly created to represent that guy in high school. You know, the one all the girls want to date and all the guys want to be even though he is rather douchey? That’s Richard. Jackson, on the other hand, was the best friend who really seemed to understand Sarah and her needs. However, he had a slightly mysterious edge to him that made him more lovable, in my opinion. The best part was that both guys seemed to have their own agenda and as the story progressed, their motives are revealed and emotions become conflicted. I won’t say that it was a slow burn romance between any of the characters, because it is a lot more intricate than that. However, I will tell you that as the story progresses, the romance unfolds slowly and sneakily, and when it finally comes full circle I was left with my emotions spilling over a tiny bit. The best part about Amber House is that though the romance plays a great part in the story, it isn’t the central storyline. Family takes precedence and things play out how they must as important decisions are made.

My main gripe with this novel was that upon finishing it I was enraged and confused because it ended on a note that left so many questions unanswered. I was seriously underprepared for the epilogue and I felt led astray. However, I resorted to Google and after serious searching, I found that Amber House is in fact, part of a trilogy. I breathed a sigh of relief. Bad feelings gone, all is well, and so on. Now my only issue is my impatience in waiting for its sequel!

I found this novel while I was spending time browsing through Netgalley and after reading the blurb (and how gorgeous is this cover?!) I decided to give it a try. Admittedly, I wish I had waited a month or so to read it because it is a perfect read for autumn weather but nonetheless it is a book that has stuck with me months after reading the last page. Amber House is a gothic tale stirring up feelings reminiscent of Bronte’s windy moors and King’s room 237. It is a novel that kept me up way past my bedtime and had me falling asleep with the lights on. For those of you looking for a good “autumn read,” I highly suggest you pick up Amber House. It contains all of the amazing horror elements to keep you looking over your shoulder while also molding in intricate relationships and a deliciously vibrant plot.(less)

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Sep 24, 2012 ABookVacation rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shrouded in mystery and full of eerie adventures, Amber House captivated me from start to finish. I loved following Sarah and Richard through the house, exploring the many passageways in search of treasure. Learning about the deep, sorrowful past of the house through Sarah’s visions and her ancestor’s journal was just as riveting as the search for treasure and, truth be told, I adored everything about this novel.

Sarah’s autistic brother, Sam, is my absolute favorite. His sheer energy and penchan...more Shrouded in mystery and full of eerie adventures, Amber House captivated me from start to finish. I loved following Sarah and Richard through the house, exploring the many passageways in search of treasure. Learning about the deep, sorrowful past of the house through Sarah’s visions and her ancestor’s journal was just as riveting as the search for treasure and, truth be told, I adored everything about this novel.

Sarah’s autistic brother, Sam, is my absolute favorite. His sheer energy and penchant for exploration, as well as his love for his sister, quickly endeared him to my heart. Though he’s just a small child, he added a lot of depth and character to the novel, and I am so glad the authors decided to create him the way they did. It’s hard to explain, but I think you’ll understand when you read the novel; he’s absolutely amazing.

Richard was a dreamy addition to the novel, and I love that, like Sarah, he has special connections to the house, and more importantly, to Sarah. While I picked up that he is tied to the house very early on in the novel, I couldn’t put my finger on his ability until he blatantly stated what it was, and at that point, I nearly died, especially with the revelation it brought. This story is spun very well, and I honestly cannot wait for the sequel (but readers, rest assured, there is no cliffhanger in this novel and it could very well stand alone, but thank God it’s not going to!).

Sarah’s mother, ever the rich snob, drove me absolutely batty, but without her antics and the crossing between rich and poor, I think the story would have fallen flat. The addition of high society characters and a love triangle or sorts made the story all that more interesting and, of course, the fact that the novel takes place in Maryland is another plus. Having visited many of the places described in the novel, I felt an even deeper connection with the characters and plot—I just love when that happens!

I did not like the “Good Mother” spider, though. Not one bit… but I am also under the impression that this spider is a figment of the authors’ imaginations. At least, I hope she is, because if not, I’m in a world of trouble. I did Google the spider to see if she existed after I was creeped out of my mind while reading, but to no avail. I tweeted one of the authors about the spider as well and am wating to hear back... and I'm just dying to know! Especially when Richard says that these spiders are native to the area (meaning MD) and aren’t on the West coast, where Sarah is from… I mean, what a way to give a girl a heart attack as she’s reading the novel in the dead of night… suddenly I felt like a billion little spiders were in my bed with me… (Update--I heard back from the authors and the Good Mother does NOT exist... thank God).

But moving on from all that creepy spider talk, I want to live in Amber House. I don’t necessarily want the abilities that Sarah has, though it is pretty cool, but I’d love to even just visit the place… it sounds so magnificent, with its sheer size, not to mention the maze it totes, or the stables and dock… I really want to live here. Too bad it doesn’t exist (right?).

To see my full review:

http://bookvacations.wordpress.com/20...(less)

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Sep 26, 2012 Kelly rated it 4 of 5 stars

Do you like haunted old houses with tangled histories and lots of secret passages? If so, Amber House is the mother lode. This is the kind of book where the heroine figures out there’s a hidden staircase because, while it’s nowhere to be seen in the house itself, a dollhouse based on the real house does have a staircase in that spot. If this appeals to you — and it definitely appeals to me — you need to read Amber House.

Our heroine is Sarah Parsons, whose family inherits, and temporarily moves i...more Do you like haunted old houses with tangled histories and lots of secret passages? If so, Amber House is the mother lode. This is the kind of book where the heroine figures out there’s a hidden staircase because, while it’s nowhere to be seen in the house itself, a dollhouse based on the real house does have a staircase in that spot. If this appeals to you — and it definitely appeals to me — you need to read Amber House.

Our heroine is Sarah Parsons, whose family inherits, and temporarily moves into, the eponymous Amber House after Sarah’s grandmother dies. Sarah has always had inexplicable abilities, and in her ancestral home, they’re turned up to eleven: she can see echoes of the past as she explores the estate. Meanwhile, her autistic little brother is acting strangely, her mother is cold and obsessed with social climbing, and everyone seems to know more about the house’s painful history than Sarah does.

For the romantic at heart, there’s plenty to swoon over here — a lavish Sweet Sixteen party, a sumptuous dress, and a love triangle. As for me, I was a little annoyed by the love triangle at first, both because love triangles are overdone and because, to my mind, one of Sarah’s suitors is so clearly a better choice than the other, and Sarah doesn’t always treat him well. However, the authors — mother-and-daughters team Kelly Moore, Tucker Reed, and Larkin Reed — tie this plot element in nicely with the book’s other themes in the end, and I ended up pleasantly surprised and glad it was there.

And what Amber House is really about, deep down, is mothers and daughters. As Sarah delves into her family’s past, she finds a long chain of heartbreak — of mothers who failed their daughters, who then failed their own daughters in turn. What Sarah must figure out, before the ominous happenings at Amber House end in a fresh tragedy, is whether it’s possible to change the past and thereby change the present and future…

If you’re a fan of Gothic novels, Amber House is like a double fudge brownie a la mode. It has all the troubled history and spookiness your heart could desire, along with the aforementioned secret passages, and it’s so much fun to read. Fans of ghost stories and time-travel stories should also pick this one up, though it’s not technically about ghosts or time travel in the classic sense.

If I have any complaints, it’s that one favorite character gets no resolution to his problem, but there are strong hints that this is the plot of book two. Amber House is terrific rainy-night reading. Pass the ice cream.

www.fantasyliterature.com (less)

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Feb 04, 2013 Miss Amby rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: wish-list-finished-copy

Amber House is a unique and captivating debut from the mother/daughter trio, Kelly Moore, Tucker Reed, and Larkin Reed. According to their website, Moore was inspired by her own family history and began to write. Once her daughters joined in the venture, Amber House became an actual novel. Considering the story of the house and the women in it, I think it is perfect that this book was written by two generations of women. This is a beautiful story, and I cannot wait for the sequel (I was so happy...more Amber House is a unique and captivating debut from the mother/daughter trio, Kelly Moore, Tucker Reed, and Larkin Reed. According to their website, Moore was inspired by her own family history and began to write. Once her daughters joined in the venture, Amber House became an actual novel. Considering the story of the house and the women in it, I think it is perfect that this book was written by two generations of women. This is a beautiful story, and I cannot wait for the sequel (I was so happy when I learned this is part of a trilogy).

Every character in Amber House is complex and fully developed. I enjoyed learning about all of them, even if I didn't particularly like everyone *coughRichardcough*. I simply adored Sammy, and I love how the authors created an intelligent autistic character who is easy to relate to. With the history of the family's insanity and how people judge Sammy, these writers are opening up a dialogue about autism, and that is very important. I applaud them for taking a stand for autistic people.

Sarah is also a fantastic character. She's not perfect. She's bratty and silly at times, just like any teenage girl, but overall, she is mature, strong, and likable. I enjoyed reading things from her point of view, and even though I wanted to smack her once or twice, she isn't an annoying character.

Her mother, on the other hand, is a piece of work. However, the more I got to know about Anne, the more I understood why she acts the way she does. It doesn't excuse her behaviors, but it does explain them. I would have liked to have seen more of Sarah's dad.

The two love interests are very different, but neither is broody or obnoxious. I didn't like Richard because he just seemed a bit slimy to me. Being a politician's son, he can't be the most honest kid around. Jackson is a dreamboat, though. I really love his character. He's extremely strong and caring, but not whiny and fluffy. I hate fluffy guys. You guys know what I mean by fluffy, right? Edward Cullen like? Crying at the drop of a hat? Yea, I don't like that.

The plot itself is insane! I don't know how the authors kept track of what was going on. This book is fast paced and complicated. However, I was able to follow the events just fine. There is just a lot going on. The writers do an excellent job of explaining the time travely type stuff, though, and I actually understood it. Normally with time travel books, I just ignore the explanations and go with it because physics is not my forte. This story line doesn't have much action, but it has tons of suspense. I couldn't put this book down!I had to figure out the mysteries of Amber House and its inhabitants (both past and present). I was hooked from the beginning, and the ending simply left me wanting more. I cannot wait for the sequel. Yes, I know I already said that, but it needed to be said again.

I would recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a different type of paranormal story. Amber House focuses on a lot of different ideas, but they all come together nicely. I enjoyed the contemporary problems being brought into a paranormal book. The synopsis doesn't do this book justice. You have to give it a try!(less)

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Apr 30, 2013 Nobonita added it

Shelves: arc-paperback, hardback-review-copy, signed-by-author, scholastic, on-hold

While my ARC does not have a cover,it does have a beautiful card along with it which contained a sweet letter from the authors. :)

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Nov 01, 2012 Shelby rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012-library-challenge-books

Review can also be found here: http://imlostinabook.blogspot.com/201...

This book officially marks my 200 book goal in the Goodreads challenge. And what a great book for that! Dark and lyrical, Amber House is a book I'll remember for a long time.

The main character of this story is Sarah, a girl who is visiting her family's home for the first time, because of her Grandmothers sudden death, along with her is her mother, a cold woman who doesn't seem to ever open up, and her younger brother, Sam, an...more

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Dec 23, 2012 Heather rated it 5 of 5 stars

Amber House begins with the funeral of Sarah’s grandmother, a woman she barely knows. Sarah’s life is in shambles for the most part. Her parents are “separated,” her mother is an overgrown child who is vindictive and conniving, her father is mainly absent, and her brother has been diagnosed with autism and Sarah seems to be the only one dealing with any of it in any kind of healthy way. She and her family have come back to Amber House, her grandmother’s estate and a place Sarah has never been be...more

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Feb 11, 2013 Nicole rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: favorites, 2013-read, 5-stars, ya-other

As seen on The Quiet Concert

I have such a huge obsession with old historic houses. I am not quite sure what it is - maybe the thought of living in the past intrigues me, or imaging all of the secrets waiting to be discovered - but the older, the bigger, and the more historic, the more giddy I get. Secret passageways, odd features, hidden treasure, creepy stories - they completely fascinate me. So it's no surprise that I was a sucker for this story. As Sarah begins to explore the house, I couldn'...more As seen on The Quiet Concert

I have such a huge obsession with old historic houses. I am not quite sure what it is - maybe the thought of living in the past intrigues me, or imaging all of the secrets waiting to be discovered - but the older, the bigger, and the more historic, the more giddy I get. Secret passageways, odd features, hidden treasure, creepy stories - they completely fascinate me. So it's no surprise that I was a sucker for this story. As Sarah begins to explore the house, I couldn't read fast enough. I was anxious to turn the next page and uncover another hidden staircase, sealed room, or some piece of abandoned history. Amber House came to life for me; it was in and of itself a character in the story.

But what made this story all the more better - everything in the house had "echoes" of history that Sarah discovered she can tap into. Mind you, not all echoes were pleasant, but we got to witness the good and the bad of Sarah's ancestry and I savoured every glimpse back in time. It was both haunting and wonderful.

There is never a dull moment in this book. There are constant new discoveries and plot twists and creepy moments. The plot was very engaging. BUT I had a minor feeling of disconnect in the direction of the story. It could very well have been me though. I was so absorbed in the details that I expected a somewhat obvious conclusion to the story rather than try to see a bigger picture. Therefore, the ending sort of came out of left field for me. Reflecting back, I see the set up to the ending but I still feel like the shift was somewhat sudden. But regardless, the ending was SO GOOD (and obviously unexpected)!! The entire story was so original and captivating and I honestly cannot wait for the next book.

I have to admit I liked the house more than the characters. But I liked the house so much that the characters probably could have been as dull as dirt and I would still have liked this story. Fortunately, they weren't dull but their personalities weren't particularly memorable either. What I will remember is the way in which Sarah connected with her autistic brother, how her mother was cold and condescending, and how Rose always seemed to know more than she was letting on.

This story was just so enjoyable and unlike any young adult book I've read before. It's not perfect, but if you are like me and will be wrapped up in the house and its story then the imperfections won't matter so much. I loved this book.(less)

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Jan 03, 2013 Tessa *Girl Gamer* rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: books-on-my-real-life-shelf, hey-thats-a-cool-cover, books-tessa-can-t-live-without, dang-didn-t-see-that-coming, more-stars-please, wtf-just-happened, paranormal, why-did-they-have-to-die, not-another-love-triangle, grr-clift-hanger, why-isnt-this-real

Oh man i want to read this so badly!!!! D: Sadly though, it's currently sitting underneath my Christmas tree just waiting to be opened in... 17 days.. ;(

AFTER I READ IT:
Oh Wow. Holy cow. What a book. From the first time I read the part of Sarah visions, I just knew this book was going to be good.

When Richard was introduced, I wasn't sure I was going to like him. I mean he was good looking and all but I sensed something bad about him. And what do you know, I hated him after he pulled off Sarah's...more

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Dec 02, 2012 Addison rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: books-i-own, goodreads-giveaways

This is an intriguing ghost/paranormal YA novel that was very easy to become absorbed in from the beginning. Another of my goodreads giveaways that I was more than pleased to have won. The characters are well done and the writing makes the novel enjoyable for adults and teens alike. I look forward to continuing the adventures and seeing where the authors take the storyline in the next book in the series. I definitely plan on passing on this novel to my younger niece as I believe she will be extr...more

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Jan 25, 2013 Zachary rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: everyone

One day, I was browsing through Wikipedia to find some more books that has a "time-travel" concept and came to a small description next to the recent entry on the science fiction list: "A teen girl uses psychometry to alter events in the past, changing the present and future." A psychometry is an ability to see "things" (in this case, the past) by touching an object. Sure enough, I became curious, especially about the idea of changing the present with a psychometric ability. Admittedly, if I had...more One day, I was browsing through Wikipedia to find some more books that has a "time-travel" concept and came to a small description next to the recent entry on the science fiction list: "A teen girl uses psychometry to alter events in the past, changing the present and future." A psychometry is an ability to see "things" (in this case, the past) by touching an object. Sure enough, I became curious, especially about the idea of changing the present with a psychometric ability. Admittedly, if I had looked at the cover image alone, I would have passed on this as another one of those "paranormal romance young adult" books. But then, I looked on Amazon and noticed the one line being stood out to me from the description: "I was sixteen the first time my grandmother died..." That, in itself, contains such a riveting mystery. So, I recently purchased this book and found myself so utterly absorbed in the story...as if I was "Sarah" herself.

The details in this novel are so engrossing and enchanting. The characters so rich, the visions so lulling, and the house so haunting. It is a beautiful story with many intriguing elements. It's a story of a teenage girl's discovery of the darkest secrets in her family histories in the historic, infamous Amber House. First arriving in Maryland from Seattle with her mother and her brother, Sammy, she attends a funeral of her grandmother and stays in a family house that her mother loathed. There, she discovered many things and even experience the past, watching her distant relatives in different areas of the house. Throughout the book, a love-triangle becomes evident with Richard, a senator's son, and with Jackson, an orphan. And, a relationship between Sarah and Sammy is very sweet and profound...strong enough for Sarah to "sense" him, especially during the games of "hide-and-seek." It's because of her love for Sammy that compels her to discover the truths and finding a way to save him, which will have an unexpected and shocking ending...

It's really an amazing story with such an intense plot - full of suspense and twists. It is not a "science fiction" novel, but it's more like a "paranormal"-like story with a strong sense of normalcy. It's certainly a book that cannot be put down. I have really enjoyed reading it and looking forward to the sequel. (less)

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Jan 24, 2013 Phoebe rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy, horror-aspects, ghost, ya, ya-borderline, romance, family

This book holds great teen appeal because of the down-to-earth main character, Sarah. She anchors this otherwise rather perplexing, unconventional ghost story that feels underdeveloped at moments. Sarah and her family come to Amber House after the death of Sarah's grandmother. Sarah's mother intends to sell the huge, beautiful property and everything on it, despite centuries of family history. Sarah discovers her own peculiar ability to see echoes of her ancestors and the violent history they we...more

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Dec 28, 2012 K. rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 21st-cent, e-book, fantasy-sci-fi-dys, goosebumps, identity-and-psychology, ok-fine-its-ya, slippery-as-waterweed, own

I love a good Gothic novel, so I could not have been more eager to finally be able to sit and crack open this story. Amber House delivers a gothic/horror/scary tale in all its intrinsic glory. It involves a young girl, called Sarah, who returns with her family to the old family estate, Amber House, to bury the matriarch of this strange, strange dynasty. They decide to stay for a couple of weeks and very soon Sarah discovers shadows, echoes, and mysteries in every corner of this ancient place. My...more I love a good Gothic novel, so I could not have been more eager to finally be able to sit and crack open this story. Amber House delivers a gothic/horror/scary tale in all its intrinsic glory. It involves a young girl, called Sarah, who returns with her family to the old family estate, Amber House, to bury the matriarch of this strange, strange dynasty. They decide to stay for a couple of weeks and very soon Sarah discovers shadows, echoes, and mysteries in every corner of this ancient place. Mysteries of her ancestry, of the past lives that walked among the halls and rooms she now occupied; disturbing revelations about her cold, abrupt mother, ones that threaten to loosen the already delicate ties holding the two of them together; and frightening enigmas about the house itself, a house that seems to have a life and purpose of its own.

So let's check the list, shall we? This book includes all the right horror fundamentals: faint laughter of children who aren't there; visions in mirrors, in dreams, and even when awake; that cold, pointed feeling that raises the hair on the back of your neck because you know someone is watching you; characters descending into madness; little girls in white dresses darting from corner to corner always in your peripheral sight; wet footprints on wooden floors as main character gets out of the bath to follow a noise (I mean, goodness gracious on that one!)...and et cetera. In many ways, due to the absolute readablity of this book, it read like a film. Which I don't think diminishes its "writing pedigree". It was just so vividly detailed that the scenes were seamlessly imaginable.

It felt like these characteristics came from a handbook on how to write scary stories -- and yet, the supernatural niche of it is pleasantly original. It suggests the theory that some houses hold memories of the past, where, quite literally, images or imprints of specific moments are seared into objects long-loved by their long-gone owners. And that these "echoes" let you enter into another time, allow you to peek in on the before. I won't lie, it did get a bit confusing, especially near the end when they sort of introduce a semi-new notion which turns out to be a very critical tool in the climax and denouement. It was lightning-bolt fast, intense, and satisfying. And I forgive the confusion -- besides, I blame that largely to my mental inadequacy.

The characters are all pretty wonderful. Sarah is a funny voice to listen to; she isn't anything too special but she's down to earth, soft, shy, harsh, angry, polite, and brazen in all the right places. Her younger brother, Sammy, is a sweet little thing, and as they say, "his enthusiasms are infectious". The mother is effectively distant, and as Sarah discovers more about her childhood, we come to understand why.

Now, the two love interests. I only fell for one. And I fell for the right one. But of course, because this book is near 400 pages, Sarah spends some time being oblivious. Frustrating because, hello, the other guy is totally generic and gross...but oh, just wait. Just wait. Because this particular romance is different, and complicated, and oh so heart twisting. Yes, it twists your heart -- painfully, hopelessly, shockingly. It held me at arm's length for a long time so that when those yearned moments came, my heart exploded the tiniest, tiniest bit. It was like my lungs were deprived of oxygen and the story kept teasing them with the anticipation of a deep breath. However, I do think The Right Guy could've been further developed because while he does feature quite a lot, he is still shrouded in mystery...having said that, I still want one of him. Please and thanks.

And now to the heart of the story...it's about family, and the parts of your ancestors' history that contributes to shaping your identity. Exactly how much is passed down to us, without our knowing? How much of our nature have we inherited? What part of us is us, and what part is them? It's also about belonging to a line of memories, of past achievements and failures and ambitions and our responsibility of keeping these memories alive. It's about the complexities of our choices and the power of will; how endless branches of what-might-have-beens erupt from a single point of contact. And of course, family dysfunctionalities. The bizarre, tense dynamics between members who must co-exist but cannot connect. It is most exemplified in the relationship between mother and daughter...when, as we get older, we learn that our parents too lived a life just for themselves, that they too have demons they must hide -- sometimes, especially from us. This is a story of a broken family, severed by many things: infidelity, running away, alcoholism, lack of communication, mental disability, death, and the unceasing consequence of grief and guilt held for far too long.

This was such a good and satisfying read. I urge anyone who reads this review to please mark this book as to-read. Just leave it there on your shelf. If this isn't your cup of tea, let it sit patiently, until you have a free afternoon, or a quiet evening when you can devote a few moments to the first chapters of Amber House. I couldn't wait to get home to continue reading and when I did (and if there were witnesses), I would've been found gripping my hair, shouting at my Kobo, pinching the bridge of my nose, huffing and puffing and all those spells we readers are susceptible to when in the clutch of terrific storytelling. Despite my enthusiasm, I'll concede that it wasn't technically flawless, as there were loose ends I wished were tied up, little things that weren't explained, and the ending left me with some questions I desperately need answers to. And I don't think the weight of the theme of family was executed as smoothly at the close (as it was rushed and left me winded), but that may just be me still feeling bitter over the too-soon Epilogue. I did not see it coming, and I was not ready.

An advance copy was provided by the publisher.(less)

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Dec 10, 2012 Wan rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: paranormal, 2012-reads, interracial-relationships, diverse-characters, love-triangle-fml

Overall: I enjoyed Amber House! I haven’t read a lot of YA books about haunted houses but the way the authors integrated history and modern day characters was enough for me to keep turning the pages. I was expecting ghosts and ghouls but instead I got something completely different.

Characters: Like everyone else has said, the house is its own character. I thought I would have a hard time envisioning a mansion but the authors did a fabulous job explaining each wing and floor of the house. When S...more

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Nov 03, 2012 Dark Faerie Tales rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: reviewed-by-kayla

Review courtesy of Dark Faerie Tales

Quick & Dirty: An old house holds the key to a gift in Sarah’s family. A type of time travel mixed with ghosts and mystery creates an amazingly complex plot with beautiful writing to boot.

Opening Sentence: I was almost sixteen the first time my grandmother died.

The Review:

Give me a second while my head stops reeling. Ever read the Time Paradox (Artemis Fowl) by Eoin Colfer? Well this book has about the same mind boggling situation of time travel that make...more

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Oct 13, 2012 Jessica Harrison rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: young-adult, reviewed

Full review at Cracking the Cover
Written by the mother-daughters trio of Kelly Moore and Tucker and Larkin Reed, “Amber House” is a complex narrative that builds in tension and depth as the story unfolds. Kelly wrote the beginnings of the novel years ago. Later, her daughters found it and convinced her to complete it with them.

Normally, when I see three authors on a book, I worry about its cohesiveness. It’s not easy to make three voices sound like one. But in “Amber House” it does. In fact, aft...more

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Oct 09, 2012 Annette rated it 4 of 5 stars

I can't think of another book that I've read where a house is the main character. Amber House made me want to visit this lovely old home with the millions of dollars of antiques and furnishings!

But it isn't just the furniture and the decorating that makes Amber House special. It holds secrets, and is only willing to confess them to a few lucky women who have the vision.

Sarah is visiting Amber House for the first time for her grandmother's funeral. Her mother hates the house, and can't wait to se...more I can't think of another book that I've read where a house is the main character. Amber House made me want to visit this lovely old home with the millions of dollars of antiques and furnishings!

But it isn't just the furniture and the decorating that makes Amber House special. It holds secrets, and is only willing to confess them to a few lucky women who have the vision.

Sarah is visiting Amber House for the first time for her grandmother's funeral. Her mother hates the house, and can't wait to sell it. Sarah and her little brother Sam, along with Jackson, begin exploring the house and it's grounds...and it seems like there is much to explore. Jackson is the grandson of Rose, her grandmother's nurse. But Rose and Jackson live on the grounds of Amber House and Jackson helps a lot around the house and grounds. He also seems to know a lot about Sarah, even though they've never met.

Strange things start happening. Sarah starts having dreams about people in the past -- people whose portraits are on the walls of the old house -- and then she begins having visions during the day. It seems she has an ability that many of the women of her past had -- the ability to see "echoes" -- things that happened in Amber House in the past.

Jackson has heard the legend that there are diamonds hidden somewhere in the house or on the grounds, and he wants Sarah to help him find them.

After seeing so much of the past in her visions, and exploring in the present, Sarah becomes attached to the house and wishes her mother wouldn't sell. It's been in their family for over ten generations, and Sarah thinks she and Sam should get to experience Amber House. Her mother, on the other hand, is doing everything to find a buyer.

Good thing she's friends with Senator Robert Hathaway. Good thing he has a handsome son named Richard. Good thing it's Sarah's birthday. Because together, they are going to throw a party at Amber House like no one's ever seen.

There's a love triangle -- both Richard and Jackson are worthy opponents for Sarah's attention. Sam is as cute as can be, and his autism makes him even more special. There are horses, a buried house, a huge maze of hedges, a sailboat, and a tree house. All of them are important elements to this adventure. There are old dusty attics and hidden stairways containing all sorts of meaningful things.

This is a great book for anyone who likes to explore. To find things and figure out what they mean. I was never really sure which direction Amber House was going, but I didn't care because the journey was so much fun. I could relate to Sarah's frustrations. One minute she loves the house, and the next she's ready to get back to her real life and her friends. She's beginning to fall for Richard, and her mother encourages her spending time with him, but cautions Sarah NOT to fall for him. And Jackson is an enigma.

I thought the end was kind of strange. It was certainly unexpected. I guess it fit OK with the path of the story, and after enjoying Amber House so much, I didn't really care how Moore, Reed & Reed decided to wrap it up. But, I guess I was a tad disappointed. It seems a little too convenient.

I won't hesitate to recommend this one to my mystery fans, fans of adventure stories, exploration, and even historical fiction. Amber House is a well told tale, and one that easily sucks you in and won't let you go. Please, can you send me an invitation to that birthday party -- because I REALLY want to attend.(less)

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Oct 09, 2012 Chelsey rated it 5 of 5 stars

Sarah’s grandmother has recently passed away and her, her mother and younger brother have gone back to her mother’s childhood home to help tie up some loose ends. What Sarah does not expect when she goes back to the old Amber House is a house that comes alive! Sarah and her brother, Sammy, start to realize that things are not as they appear at the Amber House. Sammy starts to see things first and shortly after Sarah starts to believe him. I loved Sarah’s willingness to suspend her disbelief. At...more Sarah’s grandmother has recently passed away and her, her mother and younger brother have gone back to her mother’s childhood home to help tie up some loose ends. What Sarah does not expect when she goes back to the old Amber House is a house that comes alive! Sarah and her brother, Sammy, start to realize that things are not as they appear at the Amber House. Sammy starts to see things first and shortly after Sarah starts to believe him. I loved Sarah’s willingness to suspend her disbelief. At one point in the story she was ready and willing to believe anything and that makes her a very fun and spontaneous character.

I loved learning more and more about Sarah’s ancestors and their past at Amber House. I honestly felt scared with Sarah. I was afraid to turn every corner and explore each new room with her. This house was full of haunting memories that Sarah, and all other female relatives, could pick up on. I could picture the house as Sarah treaded down its long corridors and wandered its grounds. I honestly wanted to be there, even though I do not know how I would have gotten to sleep at night. We get bits and pieces from a journal, that Sarah found, that was written by some of her female relatives. This journal lets you take a look at the memories of the past and helps you to stay on track with Sarah and Sammy.

There is a potential love triangle between Sarah, Richard, and Jackson. Personally I loved Jackson and I loved his reclusive manner. He was quiet and kept to himself a lot and this made him all the more interesting. Sarah is a wonderful character and even though she has feelings for these boys she does not become some love struck teenager, but keeps her eyes on the prize and doesn’t stop searching for answers within Amber House. I think that Sarah just needs a place to feel accepted and as crazy as it sounds I believe that she finds that in the ghostly corridors of this manor.

This book left me speechless. I honestly was not expecting to like it as much as I did. I could not put it down. I was so enthralled with Amber House and its characters and many haunting stories. This was the perfect book to get me in the mood for Halloween and I HIGHLY recommend it to others! It is engagingly gothic and perfect for a chilly Fall evening read!

***An e-copy of this book was provided to me by the publishers through NetGalley***
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Sep 02, 2012 Karen Yingling rated it 3 of 5 stars

When Sarah's grandmother dies, she and her mother, along with her four-year-old brother Sam, travel from Oregon to Maryland to prepare the house for sale. Sarah's mother and father are having marital difficulties, her mother doesn't care at all for the multi-generational history and family connections that the house has, and is rude to the family retainers who are trying to help. Sarah's brother is difficult to take care of, since he is on the autism spectrum, and much of his care falls to Sarah...more

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Aug 13, 2012 Laura rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: atw-arc-tour

This is what I get for trying to break out of my reading comfort zone. Amber House by Kelly Moore, Tucker Reed and Larkin Reed, is one thrill ride of a horror story. It's intense, suspenseful and chillbump-inducing.

Sarah, our protagonist, comes to Amber House at the beginning of the story for her grandmother's funeral. Her mother doesn't want to be there, and more importantly, doesn't want to stay long at all. Sarah, though, with the help of her younger brother, convince their mother to let t...more

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Jul 22, 2012 Jessica rated it 4 of 5 stars

I love me a good ghost story! This was a fun ghost story that kept my attention from the beginning. The end threw me for a loop and I am glad to know that there are more to come because if that was it then I would not be a happy camper!

Sarah is at her grandmother's house for her grandmother's funeral. She hardly knew her grandmother and had never visited her at Amber House. Amber House is one of the most talked about houses in Maryland and Sarah is anxious to see what all the fuss is about.

Sarah...more I love me a good ghost story! This was a fun ghost story that kept my attention from the beginning. The end threw me for a loop and I am glad to know that there are more to come because if that was it then I would not be a happy camper!

Sarah is at her grandmother's house for her grandmother's funeral. She hardly knew her grandmother and had never visited her at Amber House. Amber House is one of the most talked about houses in Maryland and Sarah is anxious to see what all the fuss is about.

Sarah meets Jackson while at Amber House. Jackson and his grandma, Rose, live on the property. Rose took care of Sarah's grandma and helps around Amber House. Jackson appears to know quite a bit about Sarah before he even meets her. She is very perplexed by this and a little put off by it. Jackson tells Sarah about a lost treasure and asks her to help him find it though so she gets to know him more and starts to understand how he knows so much about her.

Sarah's mother hates Amber House and does not want to stay there at all. It is only after Sarah and her little brother, Sam, come up with a plan that she gives in and they end up staying for the 10 days that they are in Maryland. She warns Sarah that the house makes funny "noises" but Sarah and Sammy are excited to be able to stay and explore the house.

The next day, Sarah meets Richard who is the son of one of her mother's friends. Sarah's mother decides to throw Sarah a Sweet 16 party at Amber House and Richard is put in charge of helping Sarah meet some friends. Sarah's mom thinks that the party will help her sell Amber House so they can get back to Seattle as soon as possible.

There was a love triangle (of course) but it wasn't too horrible. The relationship between Jackson and Sarah was a little more muted than that of Sarah and Richard. Sarah's mom is also very quick to point out that the boys must want something from her because everyone uses everyone else so you are constantly wondering (as is Sarah) if Sarah is being used or if these boys honestly like her.

The ending was a little confusing for me but it's only because it left me with more questions than when I started the book. Like I said though, there are more books to come so I think that will answer a lot of those questions.

I enjoyed this book and thought there were some really great spooky moments. I liked all the treasure hunts but I wasn't sure about Sarah's "gift". Sometimes it seemed a little cheesy the way she was able to "see" the past and some of the flashbacks were a little pointless but for the most part it was a great read!(less)

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Jul 13, 2012 Kristy Sartain- Whispering Pretty Stories Reviews rated it 5 of 5 stars

Wow.

Wow.

Wow.

I was so caught up in the Amber House I had a hard time retrieving myself when I finished reading it. Now I feel like I should demand a follow up book from the epilogue. :-)

I got this ARC from netgalley.com and was finally able to devote a day to read it. You know how they say people who don't read have only one life, but people who read have tons of lives? This book makes me feel like I've lived another life. The writing is beautiful, perfectly descriptive, and hauntingly accurate....more

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Feb 15, 2013 Candy rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: ya

This book has something for everyone. It has love triangles, history, magic, “haunted” houses, drama and mystery. The main character of our story is Sarah Parson whose family has lived in and owned a house called Amber House for many generations. Sarah and her family stay in the house for a little while after her grandmother dies. While living there Sarah learns that she is no ordinary girl but actually someone special. She comes from a long line of women who can see the past of those who lived...more This book has something for everyone. It has love triangles, history, magic, “haunted” houses, drama and mystery. The main character of our story is Sarah Parson whose family has lived in and owned a house called Amber House for many generations. Sarah and her family stay in the house for a little while after her grandmother dies. While living there Sarah learns that she is no ordinary girl but actually someone special. She comes from a long line of women who can see the past of those who lived in the house just by touching certain artifacts in the house. Sarah uses this gift to find a hidden treasure that is rumored to be on the estate. Everyone thinks the house is haunted because of its long history but the only ghosts in the house are the memories of those who used to live there.

For those who are into love triangles in steps Richard and Jackson. These boys are so different and come from two very different worlds. Richard is the poster boy that most girls drool over. He is blonde, tall, smooth, charming, and rich. I had my issues with him in the beginning. Everything came easy for him. The girls loved him and he had everything money could buy. This made him cocky and he had a dangerous streak that could get him into trouble. As I continued to read it turns out that things are not as perfect for Richard as it seems but if you want to know what is not perfect you will have to read the story. Then you have Jackson who I liked from the beginning and rooted for throughout the whole story. He is the opposite of Richard he is tall and dark. He has scars on him from an accident as a child. He is hard to get to know because in the beginning he kind of is distant but he opens up throughout the book and you get to see his sweet funny side. Turns out he has a secret though. Again if you want to know his secret definitely read this book.

There are other important characters also that I should mention. First there is Sarah’s mom. From the beginning she comes off as cold and unfeeling. It is very hard to like her. She never thinks of anyone else and she doesn’t think before she speaks so sometimes she says the meanest things to or about her children. As the story progresses you think that there is no redeeming quality in this woman. Then Sarah sees something with her gift that sheds a new light on Sarah’s mom and why she is the way she is. A deep tragedy that affects Sarah’s whole family. The other character that was dear to my heart was little Sammy, Sarah’s five year old brother. Sammy is a little autistic. He is a sweetheart though. He is always reminding Sarah to say thank you. Also when they came to Amber House he “gave” Sarah her room. Throughout the book Sammy is acting weird and no one seems to realize it.

I loved this book. The authors Kelly Moore, Tucker Reed, and Larkin Reed do an amazing job getting you interested right from the beginning. The first sentence of this book is, “I was almost sixteen the first time my grandmother died”. Now this could mean anything such as she died and the doctors were able to revive her or it could be something more magical. I had to find out what they meant by this sentence. Also they do such wonderful jobs on the characters. There is Sarah who is at an age where she is trying to figure out who she is and she is thrown into a world where she is more than just an ordinary girl and all these memories keep popping up of her ancestors. You feel for her and want her to succeed. Then there is Sammy who is a dear right from the beginning and is the perfect little brother. Next you have Sarah’s mom and Richard. I just could not like them in the beginning but as the book progressed I started to like them. It takes some very good writing to make you like someone who was just not likable in the beginning. Lastly the way they describe the house and all the rooms in it. I wanted to live in the house even with all its memories of the past whether good or bad. I am looking forward to the next book where hopefully they will tell more about Jackson. It cannot be released fast enough for me. I recommend this book to all girls of all ages. You do not have to be a young adult to read this book and like it.
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Jan 03, 2013 Julia rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: appropriate-for-high-school, appropriate-for-middle-school, death-grief, families, fantasy-urban-modern, romance-dating, teen-drama, mystery

This supernatural mystery is at times both creepy and charming. I look forward to the sequel. Sarah is a character that I can sympathise with and care about. She has family troubles - parents who are splitting up - and a little brother who's just a little different. When her grandmother dies, she visits the family estate (Amber House) that's been around since the 1600s. Sarah starts seeing visions from her family's past in the house. She also spends a lot of time with both a local senator's son...more

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May 21, 2013 Lolipop rated it 5 of 5 stars

I started reading thins book because my younger sister got it from her book fair and I was bored. I finished it in a few hours!! At first I thought it was a stupid girly book, and that the plot was not interesting.. I mean seriously? The plot is the treasure hunt? BOY WAS I WRONG!!!! I AM SORRY AMBER HOUSE! I TAKE BACK ALL THE ThINGS I SAID ABOUT YOU!!!! PLEASE FORGIVE ME!!! you see Amber House is alive. These echos that Sarah (the main character) sees are from the past, and then someone (inster...more

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Mar 29, 2013 Cassie rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: ya-fantasy, ya-fiction, ya-historical-fic

I enjoyed this book. I love historical fiction and this had that plus paranormal, a bit of teen romance, mystery with a dash of eeriness.
Sarah Parsons has an unusual gift that began with the ability to 'sense' her little brother. At the passing of her maternal grandmother, her family stays at the family mansion in Maryland, the oldest plantation in the community named Amber House. Set along the Severn River near The Chesapeake Bay in Maryland, Sarah discovers that Amber House awakens her 'gift'...more

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Feb 25, 2013 Marianne Lee rated it 5 of 5 stars

Recommended to Marianne by: Angelimar Serrano

Shelves: favorites

This book was... incredible.

I cannot believe how much I loved this. I had the pleasure of borrowing this book from my wonderful friend, Angie, and I don't regret it at all.

I had first started reading Amber House as a "relaxing" book to kill time with. WOW WAS I WRONG! Amber House was much more than that.

The story revolves around Sarah Parsons and what happens after her grandmother died. Her grandmother was the owner of long standing, shrouded & mysterious family estate, called Amber H...more

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