28th out of 368 books
—
258 voters
Gatekeepers (Dreamhouse Kings #3)
by
Robert Liparulo (Goodreads Author)
The house talks. It breathes. And it's hungry.
The Kings have been in the creepy old place, their new home, for only a few days, but they've experienced enough terror to last a lifetime. And the mystery is growing even more baffling. Shadowy and shifting, the big house conceals doors into other worlds that blur the line between memories and dreams--and the slightest misstep...more
The Kings have been in the creepy old place, their new home, for only a few days, but they've experienced enough terror to last a lifetime. And the mystery is growing even more baffling. Shadowy and shifting, the big house conceals doors into other worlds that blur the line between memories and dreams--and the slightest misstep...more
Hardcover, 307 pages
Published
January 6th 2009
by Thomas Nelson Publishers
(first published December 30th 2008)
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Gatekeepers by Robert Liparulo
Book 3 in the Dreamhouse Kings series
Life is a bit fast paced and dramatic for the King family. In the space of a week they have moved from Los Angeles to northern California, found a house that is a bit creepy and strange, discovered things about the house, and had their mother stolen by a giant of a man. That would be Book 1.
Book 2 brings a bully, a strange guy causing problems, visits to other times through rooms of the house, searching for their mother, family...more
Book 3 in the Dreamhouse Kings series
Life is a bit fast paced and dramatic for the King family. In the space of a week they have moved from Los Angeles to northern California, found a house that is a bit creepy and strange, discovered things about the house, and had their mother stolen by a giant of a man. That would be Book 1.
Book 2 brings a bully, a strange guy causing problems, visits to other times through rooms of the house, searching for their mother, family...more
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
click here.
We last left Xander and David King in the Civil War world where they stumbled onto a clue to their mother’s whereabouts. They rush back to tell their father, only to discover Taksidian and some cops at the front door. Taksidian has reported the Kings’ house as unfit to live in. Then another strange old man arrives on their doorstep, claiming to be a long lost relative. Does this Jesse really know stuff about the house? And could he be right? Had the house called the King family back because they...more
Final rating: 3.7 stars.
You know, to be honest, whenever I finish a book in this series and I sit down an hour later and think about it, I groan and just want to get this series over with. I know it sounds terrible, but whenever I start the series I don't think so low about it.
This book was a lot better than the last 2. I'm still hoping that the series will get better, but this book wasn't bad at all, especially compared to the first one.
So, this specific book is about the Kings advancing t...more
You know, to be honest, whenever I finish a book in this series and I sit down an hour later and think about it, I groan and just want to get this series over with. I know it sounds terrible, but whenever I start the series I don't think so low about it.
This book was a lot better than the last 2. I'm still hoping that the series will get better, but this book wasn't bad at all, especially compared to the first one.
So, this specific book is about the Kings advancing t...more
I found it interesting that this, the third book in the Dreamhouse Kings saga, had a warning at the front of the book to read the first two and then return to this one. It's a good warning, because if you haven't read the others, this will not work as a stand-alone book as might with some series novels. Your understanding of the plot, situation, and characters heavily depends on having read the previous two novels.
In many serial novels, one of my biggest pet peeves is having to read pages and pa...more
In many serial novels, one of my biggest pet peeves is having to read pages and pa...more
Wow! Robert Liparulo is a fantastic storyteller! He most definitely has a very polished, skilled way of telling stories which keeps you captivated the entire book.
The first three books of this series are excellent. I actually thought this was a trilogy, so to find out that there are THREE more books was a huge shocker, although I can't wait until I can read the last three books.
The contents of this story are definitely for teenage+ readers since the King family members travel to violent worlds,...more
The first three books of this series are excellent. I actually thought this was a trilogy, so to find out that there are THREE more books was a huge shocker, although I can't wait until I can read the last three books.
The contents of this story are definitely for teenage+ readers since the King family members travel to violent worlds,...more
Contains Spoilers!!!!-----
well this book was much more interesting then the first two. They found Edwards mother! How exciting is that? I totally thought she was dead! Gives me hope for David’s mother. Of course Victoria and the grandmother got sucked back into the worlds so... who knows what will happen there. Wow the future doesn't look very bright for these guys. I know they will eventually stop the evil bad guy and save the future in some book or another though. I would really like to pick J...more
well this book was much more interesting then the first two. They found Edwards mother! How exciting is that? I totally thought she was dead! Gives me hope for David’s mother. Of course Victoria and the grandmother got sucked back into the worlds so... who knows what will happen there. Wow the future doesn't look very bright for these guys. I know they will eventually stop the evil bad guy and save the future in some book or another though. I would really like to pick J...more
If you like adventure and thriller this is the series for you. Action, success, failure, family, risk taking and adventure take a major role in this story/series. The characters-the king family- take on a big responsibility moving into this house, but little do the kids know life will be an off and on roller coaster of success and failure. As the father in the book said “With every success comes a failure or two.” You see the value of family differently in this series I think. In life we seem to...more
“Gatekeepers” – In this story, the action is coming quicker. The kids are still trying to find their mother. They have been chased from their house by big, evil men who have entered their house from portals to other worlds and the old man and his nurse have arrived in the nick of time. Old man Jesse convinces the children he is on their side and manages to get their father released from jail. However, the house has several more surprises in store for the inhabitants and the readers.
I can’t wait...more
I can’t wait...more
This was my first Robert Liparulo novel and my first Dreamhouse Kings novel, and I thought it was great! It IS recommended that you read the first two books in the series, and I'm sure that would have answered a lot of questions for me, but even coming into the series late I was immediately drawn into the story. You're immediately thrown into a world of intensity and excitement without being given a moment to draw breath. I had no chance to get bored with this book, there wasn't a moment that so...more
I don't think I've ever read books as fast as I've blown through these Dreamhouse Kings books. Something about the short length of time that actually passes in each book makes it almost impossible to put down. There's also something really exhausting about them because of this. SO MUCH HAPPENS in a days time in their world. But this exhaustion is not a bad thing. In comparison to what it must feel like for the kids actually enduring these unbelievable life and death adventures it's nothing.
I am...more
I am...more
I'm not normally big on the fantasy genre, but the premise of the first book got my attention, and then it totally sucked me in. It's a neat story, I was often holding my breath at the suspense, and the ending in the very last book was touching. I read this series in the dark in my kids' room while I waited for them to fall asleep (during a challenging sleep phase), listening to Peace Like a River by Chris Rice, and somehow the music perfectly suited the story. The two are now forever linked in...more
The King family continues to discover new and dangerous secrets about their house. The boys, Xander and David, continue to search for their mother but find someone else instead. The strange man, Taksidian, continues to try and get the Kings out of the house in any way he can.
The third book in the Dreamhouse Kings series continues to offer great action. The characters are still a bit stagnant and none of them seem to be anywhere closer to their goals. While there is little resolution, there is st...more
The third book in the Dreamhouse Kings series continues to offer great action. The characters are still a bit stagnant and none of them seem to be anywhere closer to their goals. While there is little resolution, there is st...more
This is the 3rd book in the Dreamhouse Kings series.
Honestly, I didn't have very high hopes for the series after reading through the first book, but I am completely hooked now! This book was just as captivating and surprising as the 2nd book in the series. The story is becoming more complicated and involved, and we are getting to learn about characters that were introduced in book 2. All the books have been emtional, but this was the first book that actually brought me to tears. Amidst all the c...more
Honestly, I didn't have very high hopes for the series after reading through the first book, but I am completely hooked now! This book was just as captivating and surprising as the 2nd book in the series. The story is becoming more complicated and involved, and we are getting to learn about characters that were introduced in book 2. All the books have been emtional, but this was the first book that actually brought me to tears. Amidst all the c...more
The King family's job isn't done yet. They still have to find Mrs. King and avoid the corrupt Taksidian taking their house. The mysteries don't end yet, though, as a senile old man appears and calls himself Jesse. He tells the kids all his knowledge of the house, and it seems to the Kings that Jesse is the missing link to saving their family.
I like this book because it's full of action and suspense. Each chapter is crammed with excitement. The different perspectives of the people changed my view...more
I like this book because it's full of action and suspense. Each chapter is crammed with excitement. The different perspectives of the people changed my view...more
Wow! What a house! The action never stops, it's difficult to grasp that the events are happening within one to two days. I can't stop reading this, I'm already 30% through with the 4th book (Timescape) and I need a breather.
I liked how the characters matured, they philosophize, think of the bright side of things after near-death experiences from one portal to another. Jesse, their grand uncle, was the one who built the house and he is really wise. The concept of hostility towards time-travelers...more
I liked how the characters matured, they philosophize, think of the bright side of things after near-death experiences from one portal to another. Jesse, their grand uncle, was the one who built the house and he is really wise. The concept of hostility towards time-travelers...more
Wow! That's my take on this book - WOW!
I almost feel silly for being this excited about a kids/teens book series, but honestly after reading it I think just about ANYBODY would be psyched. I was lucky enough to read books 1 and 2 (House of Dark Shadows and Watcher in the Woods) back to back. Waiting for Gatekeepers to release was like sitting on pins and needles... for MONTHS. Then, once it's in my hands I've got it read in one afternoon and the wait starts all over. Somehow though, the waiting...more
I almost feel silly for being this excited about a kids/teens book series, but honestly after reading it I think just about ANYBODY would be psyched. I was lucky enough to read books 1 and 2 (House of Dark Shadows and Watcher in the Woods) back to back. Waiting for Gatekeepers to release was like sitting on pins and needles... for MONTHS. Then, once it's in my hands I've got it read in one afternoon and the wait starts all over. Somehow though, the waiting...more
I am addicted....I read the first book in this series on the recommendation of one of my students and as soon as I finished it I was on the library website looking for the next one. Now, I have read this third one and am ticked off that the library doesn't have the remaining books in the series. Guess that means I will just have to buy them. These books are perfect for middle school readers, however there is enough adventure and mystery to get most adults hooked!
I'm enjoying reading this series. Actually, listening. It's not too complex, but still mysterious and suspenseful. It has some fun ideas in the world building, and I'm still curious to find out exactly how everything works. It's a little frustrating that this is book three and they still haven't (view spoiler)
The books don't stand alone well, so I recommend you have the rest of the series available before you start it.
Cleanreaders: occasional mild violence
The books don't stand alone well, so I recommend you have the rest of the series available before you start it.
Cleanreaders: occasional mild violence
The King have only been in this house a couple days yet, the experiences they've had are nightmares. So, when a guy shows up at thier door telling them they are destined to be there and they're gatekeepers the Kings are astonished beyond belief. On top of that a dangerous ancient man wants thier house. Also, the King children have to travel beyond the portals to save thier kidnapped mother. Read the book to find out the ending. I definently recommend!
Another very good book in the series. This is a family I have become fond of and I am eager to dive into the next chapter in their lives. The best part for me is I am reading these books after they all have come out so I am not stuck waiting for the next release. I am totally hooked on how these books end! These are perfect books for ages 12 & up. So many adults that I have chatted with love this series as much as their kids do.
Another suspenseful and exciting story about David and Xander going through portals to other savage worlds where everyone they meet wants to do them harm except for one person. We meet people who want to help the family instead of harm them as well as an evil force trying to ruin the entire world and our future. Cliffhanging ending makes me want to start reading the next book right away!
What an amazing series. If I thought it could not get better than the first two books, I was wrong. As always, the Dreamhouse King books left me wanting more. The suspense, the intrigue were amazing. The plot kept me biting my nails and the courageous King kids impressed and inspired me the whole time with they gut-wrenching bravery. I love the King family relationships and the support therein, despite their mistakes and the spine-chilling danger that is always stalking them. I like the author`s...more
I can't believe they still haven't found their mother yet. I was sure that at the end of this novel, everything would come together. All I'm left with are more questions. What is Dagan trying to do? Will Toria and Nana be lost in time? Will Xander, David, Keal, and Eddie be lost in the future? This is definitely an action-packed book. I couldn't put it down. It was addicting.
Excellent book...but I NEED CLOSURE!!!! I think that this one was the most suspensful one yet...at one point I couldn't put it down (good thing I didn't have to!!) While I love the series, I'm looking forward to the end so that I can get the finality I so desperately need! Great edge of your seat book...finished in less than 24 hours! Thank God for rainy days!
I am really enjoying this series. The books are good, but... I would at least like each book to come to a satisfying conclusion instead of just ending in the middle of major event. I could see doing this if this was a TV show but not a book. I feel disappointed at the end and I have to wait to find out what happens. It is very frustrating.
Again, I got to the end of the book and was on the last page. It was disappointing, but great that I got to get the next one in the series. Lots of happenings in this series and especially this book. New characters were introduced in this book and some great family surprises. Young and not so young readers will enjoy this series.
The characters, although experiencing extraordinary events, are quite ordinary and easy to relate too. You can’t help but be emotionally invested in this family, saddened by their struggles, cheering for their success, concerned for their safety and angered by evil Taksidian. All of which are the result of an exceptionally well written story by a talented writer that understands his target audience and believes in his characters. Interesting historical scenes and heart pounding action combine to...more
So far I've read all of the Dreamhouse King books and absolutely have fallen in love with the family. As I keep reading the books, I keep hoping that everything will end ok. And I hope that the bad guys will get it stuck to them in the end. It's kind of a teen series, but all three will keep you glued to the pages.
Good finale to the trio of books about the King family and their unusual house. I liked having the older boy (Xander) narrate more than the middle kid (David), who takes over for the second and third books. But the third is better than the second. And the action never stops, so maybe there's another book to come?
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Robert Liparulo's novels, Comes a Horseman, Germ, Deadfall and Deadlock have received rave reviews, and his short story "Kill Zone" is included in the anthology Thriller, edited by James Patterson. He is also the author of the best-selling young adult series DREAMHOUSE KINGS: House of Dark Shadows, Watcher in the Woods, Gatekeepers, Timescape, Whirlwind, and Frenzy. Robert lives in Colorado with h...more
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“To you, death does not simply end life. It steals away the sunsets you'll never see, the children you'll never hold, the wife you'll never love. It's frightening to almost lose your future, and it's heartbreaking to witness death snuff out other people's tomorrows.”
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