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Frenzy (Dreamhouse Kings #6)

by Robert Liparulo (Goodreads Author)

4.35 of 5 stars 4.35 · rating details · 752 ratings · 81 reviews

Their destiny is to fix history. Their dream is to get home.

When you live in a house that's really a gateway between past and present, you have to be ready for "anything." It's a painful fact the Kings have faced since moving to Pinedale eight days ago. Desperately trying to rescue their mother from an unknown time and place, brothers Xander and David have lunged headlong...more

Hardcover, 340 pages

Published May 18th 2010 by Thomas Nelson Publishers

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Dec 31, 2012 Kelli rated it 5 of 5 stars

Final Rating: 4.7 stars
Series Average: 3.8, rounding up to a 4.

Okay, why did I not feel this feeling of freedom when I finished this book, but instead a tinge of sadness? This series that I didn't think I'd like so much, this series that I didn't expect much from, this series that I only wanted to get finished a couple of days ago? I'll tell you why, THIS BOOK. Wow. Not many of my books get a (rounded up) 5 star rating, but this book did it! In my opinion, it was just the perfect conclusio...more

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Jan 07, 2012 Heather rated it 4 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Christians who don't mind violence and other people who don't mind Christians

Shelves: children, faith, fantasy, novels, thrillers, young-adult

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. I was happy with this ending to the series--the Kings find Mom, kick Taksidian and Phemus back into the portals where they belonged, and accept their destiny as gatekeepers of Time.

Not sure what kind of theory about time travel Liparulo was operating under... I can understand going back to fix the past and then having the present change because of what you've done, but in this book past-Jesse meets a future Xander who tells him David has been stabbed and killed by Taksidian. The Kings spend the...more I was happy with this ending to the series--the Kings find Mom, kick Taksidian and Phemus back into the portals where they belonged, and accept their destiny as gatekeepers of Time.

Not sure what kind of theory about time travel Liparulo was operating under... I can understand going back to fix the past and then having the present change because of what you've done, but in this book past-Jesse meets a future Xander who tells him David has been stabbed and killed by Taksidian. The Kings spend the rest of the book, more or less, trying to make sure that doesn't happen. It makes for a better plotted, much more engaging book than the last one, but I wasn't sure how that would work. If Xander in the "David Dies Timeline" went back to warn Jesse, then David would never have died in any of the timelines, creating a paradox. David never would have died, which means Xander never would have gone back to warn Jesse, which means David actually would have died, and so on. A feedback loop in time. Similarly, if the series continues and the Kings eventually change the far future so that human civilization isn't destroyed, then why were they able to see the bad future at all in the first place? Liparulo must be working off of some kind of theory that as far as the present is concerned, the future hasn't happened yet and can still be changed--but that only makes sense in a linear timeline, not one in which any event at any point affects any other event, like the ring described in the book When You Reach Me (very cool book, btw--time travel totally made sense in that one to me).

Also, the characters journey to the time of Christ and meet Jesus, who heals them of all their injuries... convenient for the plot, but pretty cool, and some of the most moving writing the author has been able to put together. The Dad had one of the most coherent explanations of what Jesus did that I'd ever read, as to why he would allow himself to be killed so horribly: "Because he loves you ... And this is the price he's willing to pay to make sure you know that." The doctrine of penal substitutionary atonement has never really made sense to me, but that does. Love is really pretty simple.

I finally got the action I wanted out of this series with the women kicking ass and taking names. Once Mom is rescued, she proves to be quite adept at protecting her children. You don't mess with a Mom. Now I forgive you, Mr. Liparulo.

But I don't forgive you for all of the nonsense in the last book. In the back of this final volume is an interview in which the author explains that even though Dad and Toria didn't find out anything about Atlantis that Xander and David weren't already learning, he justifies it by saying basically, "but they didn't know that and so it makes sense for them to have taken the trip to see the linguist, because that's what their characters would do." That may be true, but most authors don't write scenes of characters gardening, watching TV, or sitting on the crapper either if it has no ultimate impact on the characters' growth or the book's plot. It's a waste of the reader's time to include redundant information. At least admit that it was a plot device to get Dad and Toria out of the house.

Overall, good series. It probably could have been compressed into fewer books, but then the author couldn't have had that contest for kids to send in new locations for the Kings to go to. It's all about the marketing. I have to say, though, that the man can write a thriller. As soon as I read that first scene of Xander covered in David's blood screaming about how he was dead, I stayed up late and went at least a hundred pages further just to find out how it happened and if they could stop it.

It's a very fun read, just don't expect it to be too realistic. Invest a week in it if you need a mental break.(less)

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Oct 31, 2012 Sarah Whisted rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: books-i-own

Reasons why the Dreamhouse Kings series is PERFECT:

1. Family - The bond between the kids and parents is huge. While Mom (Gee) and Dad (Ed) both hold reasonable parental roles, they at times seem to have a good grip on their own youth when it comes to adventuring with their kids. And those kids, Xander (15), David (12), and Toria (9) are siblings the way kids should be. Sure they can get on each others nerves at times, but they stick together through thick and more thick (because there is no 'thi...more Reasons why the Dreamhouse Kings series is PERFECT:

1. Family - The bond between the kids and parents is huge. While Mom (Gee) and Dad (Ed) both hold reasonable parental roles, they at times seem to have a good grip on their own youth when it comes to adventuring with their kids. And those kids, Xander (15), David (12), and Toria (9) are siblings the way kids should be. Sure they can get on each others nerves at times, but they stick together through thick and more thick (because there is no 'thin' in the Kings lives). Additional characters like Jessie, Nana, and Keal (some of which aren't even related by blood) easily become a part of the King family once introduced into the story. This is a loving family, welcoming with open arms. Even though you sense this awesome bond early on, by the end of the series it couldn't be more evident. This clan are not just family, they're best friends too.

2. The Villain - Is truly evil. From start to finish. There's no moment of pity for this villain, no redeeming quality like is sadly so common with villains these days. This villain is sinister and dark and you want nothing more than the worst demise for them. It was refreshing to truly hate a character and hope for them to fail. There aren't enough real villains in stories anymore.

3. History - If you're someone who's intrigued by the past, the time travel and walking into the past will be enough to entertain you. While most of the steps in time the Kings travel are dangerous and intense, the historical aspect of these trips makes the story hold a more intelligent plot, weaved around actual events in a magical way.

4. Religion - If you're not a religious person, don't let this deter you from reading the series. I promise it's not overwhelming. But for me, I really enjoyed the subtle mentions of going to church, or the kids praying for strength. The Kings believe they're doing something good in God's eyes and by the last book their purpose had me shedding happy, surprised tears.

5. Perseverance - You know what it feels like when you're sicker than you've ever been, miserable beyond belief, but then you stumble into the children's cancer ward and see all these kids very aware that they may die, enduring the torture that is cancer treatment, with all the hope in the world and still have a smile on their face? Suddenly your problems mean nothing and it empowers you against your own pity party. That's what it feels like watching the Kings face near death experiences over and over again with hardly or sometimes no rest at all. If a 12 year old can look fear in the face and start swinging, you need to re-assess how you handle your own fear.

6. Pacing - These six books span across such a short period of time, something like 8 days. The chapters are marked by the date and time to really drive home how much can happen in such a short period of time. Sometimes it felt like I held my breath for an entire chapter completely in shock over all that happened in just 15 minutes time. I'm certain the speedy nature of the story itself is partly why I was able to read it so fast.

This series has easily climbed the ranks as one of my favorites. I'm so baffled by how difficult it was to find some of the books in hardback so quickly after it was released. I highly recommend these books for anyone (MG, YA, Adults like me). It won't be an adventure you regret or forget. (less)

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Feb 18, 2013 Meredith W. rated it 5 of 5 stars

This book is about David and Xander, who are trying to find their mother after she was taken by Phemus 8 days ago. Takisidian, the one who is trying to kill them so he can take control of the house, is sneakily showing up everywhere. When Xander and David time-travel, they find out that Takisidian is planning to do something horrible! Can David and Xander change the future before it is too late? Will they find their Mom? Read the first five books of the thrilling series first, and then read thi...more

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Feb 24, 2011 Jennifer rated it 4 of 5 stars

I loved this series and was almost sad to have it end...or is it the end? The frantic pace of the series is exciting and exhausting. The series, written for young adults, is very easy to read making it impossible to put it down. The author really allows you to know the characters to the extent that you feel you are there with them, experiencing it all. I would utter noises at some points in sheer horror at what was happening causing looks of alarm to unknowing bystanders. I know that some reader...more

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Apr 01, 2013 Steven Espinosa rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: sci-fi, finished

***SMALL SPOILER ALERT***

The final book in The Dreamhouse Series. I had given the rest of the series 4 stars and this particular book only 3. Then as the book started winding down, I was a bit dismayed that God entered the picture. 5 books and not mention of God and now all of the sudden God. I did expect the time traveling family to send up some where back in the a biblical time (what author could have resisted that). I was disappointed in the ending, I was expecting more.

I do hope that Mr. Li...more

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Apr 21, 2012 Mika rated it 5 of 5 stars

These take absolutely not time at all for me to read for some reason. One second I'm on page sixty, the next I'm on page 200. Seriously, it takes me a half hour to read over 100 pages.

I hate the idea of Jesus being in books and religious aspects and I do not believe in Him or really even a Higher Power, but some reason I accept it well in this book. Somehow it just...fits. And I like the idea of David being right, because he's such an awesome kid.

Oh, and I am in love with Edward King, no joke. H...more

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Oct 25, 2012 Kasey rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: omg-my-fav, could-not-put-it-down

I love this book with my whole heart, I don't want to spoil the ending for anyone, but not reading this is like a crime! Not even kidding, he know show to tug at your heartstrings! It certianly tugged at mine, he shows so much emotion, the description of everything that they see and the charaters are so developed at this oint that you feel like you know them! Like you're right there beside them, cheering them on! I can't rave enough about what a tremendous book this is! The series is a definite...more

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Nov 28, 2012 Gretchen Nesbit rated it 5 of 5 stars

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

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May 15, 2011 Annie rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: christian, fantasy, awesome-covers, owned-books, awesome-titles, 2010-release, male-pov, 6th-in-series, time-travel, series-finale

First Look: 5/5 I love the cover! And the title is just plain cool. I also like the how the mom is the only light figure.

Setting: 5/5 Well, hmmm, let's see... Creepy old house? Check. Atlantis? Check. Ancient Rome? Check. Random, viciously morbid settings throughout history all stuff into one book? Check! Like the Pendragon series, this book does a great job of bouncing around to countless different settings. Though it's based on Earth, the history-jumping is a wild ride all on its own.

Character...more First Look: 5/5 I love the cover! And the title is just plain cool. I also like the how the mom is the only light figure.

Setting: 5/5 Well, hmmm, let's see... Creepy old house? Check. Atlantis? Check. Ancient Rome? Check. Random, viciously morbid settings throughout history all stuff into one book? Check! Like the Pendragon series, this book does a great job of bouncing around to countless different settings. Though it's based on Earth, the history-jumping is a wild ride all on its own.

Characters: 3/5 Xander has remained my favorite since the beginning. He seems like the most three-dimensional one in the series. (Yes, that's right, I like the character who tends to have anger-spazz moments.) David was sort of getting to that point and I liked him and felt for him, but all the others fell a bit flat for me. Dad, as he was simply known throughout the series, was too...typical. So was the mom, but she wasn't really in much of the series anyway. Taksidian, the villain, would be really creeping me out one minute, but the next he'd do or say something that would just downright make me laugh. Don't get me wrong; he was scary, but he seemed awkwardly written at times. I hoped this book would prove that Toria deserved to be in the story, but...guess not. I felt like her only point was to add cuteness to otherwise freaky situations.

Plot: 4/5 This book is paced a bit slower than Whirlwind, which is good. Whirlwind really was...a whirlwind. That being said, this entire series moves insanely fast. The whole six books take place over, what, ten days? Whew! It was a little jarring, which was good. I like that in this kind of series. I thought the ending was fitting, too, but...my predictions were incorrect. I thought...erm, that certain people would die, but nope, they didn't. Now I'm just wondering why that disappoints me so much.

Uniqueness: 4/5 This series is unlike any other, combining Christian fiction with haunted houses with time travel. However, the plot arc of each book was very, very similar to the one before it.

Writing: 4/5 Oh, Liparulo never fails to make me smile in some way or other with his writing. Only he would have half his characters battling certain death in Atlantis while the other half sits at a drive-through, wondering why the first characters won't pick up their phones. And he does like to put a lot of emphasis on food, of all things. It's a bit weird, how he puts very mundane things into the spotlight when they don't need to be there at all. Other than those weird little things, I mostly like his writing.

Likes: The word bicep only appeared once in this book! Yahoo! It was used dozens and dozens of times in the previous books. And for goodness' sake, that's Jesus! Loved that twist.

Not-so-great: Okay, really? That beginning was almost a bit...cruel. Yes, I was freaking out. And then to leave us hanging through a whole 330-something pages? Harsh. And I'm sorry, but...the guy bit David. That is so gross.

Total Score: 4/5 And so the Dreamhouse series concludes. Despite my nitpicks, this was by all means a good ending to the series. This entire book is a bit of a frenzy, but then again, that's how I like my books. Like the other books, it was a somewhat jarring read. Be warned, these books are not without their morbidness. Revisit all of the most terrible scenes in history? Sure, why not? But I love time travel books, and I like history, and I love the concept of messing it up. A high fours stars for Frenzy. Recommended, but make sure you read House of Dark Shadows, Watcher in the Woods*, and so on, first!

*Creepiest cover/title combo ever, by the way. I love it. The title is stalkerish and then there's this vague outline of a guy, just standing there, watching you...

Read even more reviews at http://anniesepicblog.blogspot.com!(less)

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Jul 14, 2010 Mitchel Broussard rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy, series, thriller-suspense, ya-fiction, paranormal-and-supernatural, summer-2010, time-travel, parallel-universes

Despite an at first really awkward and heavy handed religious overtone about three fourths into the book, it was probably the best of the series. I don't wanna spoil stuff since anything I say this far into the series would be doing just that, but it sticks to everything the series excels at. Being: crazy ass time traveling adventures, a strong familial bond between characters, and scrapes with death about, oh, every 10 pages.

The book ends with the message "The end...?" and i really hope it isn'...more

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May 15, 2013 Kate rated it 5 of 5 stars

When I first saw this book series it wasn’t the first in my list. In fact I found it in my school and bought it only because I had the money for only that first book and I have to say I’m thankful that I got it. It gives you an amazing adventure in which you traveled with Xander, David, Toria and Dad in searched of mom. Of course with help from some family like Jesse and friend Kael. In this book’s you will meet some of the must hair ripping, vicious and vile men in history. Going from door’s in...more

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Jan 30, 2011 Renee rated it 4 of 5 stars

So... the final one in the series (for now). It was really good and I really enjoyed the spiritual elements in this one and it wasn't obviously spirtiual but I did appreciate it. I was hoping that in the last book that they would do more time hopping and end up in some other periods of history, but maybe that is why the series is only partially done at this point. The idea of time travel has always seemed to mess with my brain, but I think because this was a book written for kids that I was star...more

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Feb 02, 2011 Jackie rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: on-kindle

This was a wonderful series! I would recommend it to anyone who wants a series they can get really involved with and loves action. This is full of action and adventure!! I kept forgetting but this whole series takes place in a little over a week. So you can imagine what happens in 6 books if the whole series only takes place in little over a week!! It was an great read and highly addictive so I warn you - once you start, be sure to set aside time to read all of them. Enjoy!! :-)

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Dec 30, 2011 Melanie rated it 4 of 5 stars

This is the 6th (and last) book of the Dreamhouse Kings series.

This last book did not disappoint. The action continued up to the end, and it was very emotional at several points. I was surprised at some of the turns the story took. The whole series was a great, easy read.

And now, there could possibly be more books about the King family and their adventures! I can't wait! :)

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Nov 07, 2012 April Erwin rated it 5 of 5 stars

Neither my 15 yr old nephew or I can decide if Frenzy being the final book in the Dreamhouse Kings series is good or bad. We've both waited with baited breath for each book to release, only to scream in frustration and wait on pins and needles for the NEXT book. (By the way, getting the books early made me a VERY popular aunt...)

Frenzy closes a fantastic series with as big a bang as it started. They're the kind of book you sit down and devour, not read. Frenzy answers some questions long left un...more

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Sep 07, 2011 Margaret McGregor rated it 5 of 5 stars

Wow! This book was incredible! I loved how the family was able to accomplish their goals and save their Mom and Jessee! But the very best part was when David was able to talk to Jesus during his long walk to Calvary and the realization that God was the director of the portals! I loved this series and look forward to reading more books by this fantastic author.

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Jan 09, 2013 Beth A. rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: sci-fi, time-travel, young-adult, paranormal, audio-book

This series really kept my attention. It was a light, easy read, but it was also pretty suspenseful and adventurous. For me, it would have been better edited and squished into one book, but for younger people, I can see that more manageable lengths would be preferable.

I see now why this series is labeled Christian Fiction.

Cleanreaders: mild violence

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Dec 02, 2011 Erin rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2011, young-adult, series

Meh....disappointed by the ending of this series. Besides the corny situation of the movie set, I didn't really like the religious aspect of it. I don't mind religious books, I've even read a few. But I like to know that's what I am reading, not just get thrown into at the end of a series.

And maybe I shouldn't have rushed to finish the series. I found the last book to be a bit preachy, and much too corny and sappy. I'm glad I liked the other books so much, it's the only reason this one got 3 st...more

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Mar 25, 2012 Mary rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: favorites

My favorite book in the series by far! It never fails to move me, and it's wonderful to finally get a respite from all those tense scenes that have been slamming you since book one! If you enjoy action this is the series for you because you never get a break.

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Jun 03, 2011 Katie rated it 5 of 5 stars

The Kings have to save thier mother AND mankind! How much worse could life get. Struggling through portal and trying to defeat Taksidian is a struggle. Read this series by the great author Richard Liparulo. I recommend this series!

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Aug 29, 2012 Vickie rated it 4 of 5 stars

Despite the fact that I skipped 3,4, and 5, I was still able to follow pretty well (thanks in part to Liv, who answered some of my questions). This last book was exciting and had a surprising spiritual part thrown in.

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Oct 14, 2011 Reeva rated it 2 of 5 stars

Contains Spoilers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!---

I don’t really care much for this series. It’s kind of boring and pointless. I never felt a strong connection to the story or its characters. I just wanted to know what happened in the end, but nothing to surprising came about. They got rid of Taksidian without killing him, they found their mother, and now they plan on saving the future together. I thought it was interesting that they met Jesus in this book. It made a sappy, yet happy ending because Jes...more

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Apr 27, 2011 Angela rated it 3 of 5 stars

finished all 6!! it was a good series and i think tween boys would like it the best! it was very intersting the time travel and the places they went etc. ending was great, not everything ends perfectly but thats life!!

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Oct 03, 2010 *~Sammy~* rated it 5 of 5 stars

I hope there is another book, but if there isn't, this was a great ending. I had no problems with the whole Christianity part, but I am a Christian too, which may be why. It did drag a little, but it was over soon enough, so it wasn't something for people to complian about. I loved the begining with the map of Atlantis, and the chase through Atlantis, that was pretty cool. This book got me really into it from the first page, and I could not put it down, I finished it within a day. This was a re...more

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Apr 09, 2013 Josh rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: page-turners, scary

*****Spoiler alert***** I really liked how they added the mystery of Atlantis and why it sank. The way they described the characters there was just not what I was expecting.

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Aug 28, 2012 Dawn rated it 5 of 5 stars

Loved this final book of the Dreamhouse Kings series. Hoping there will be more to the story someday. I think this series would make an awesome TV series!

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Feb 06, 2013 Brandee Terry rated it 4 of 5 stars

This book was kind of a let down unfortunately. The story was great and the pace moved quickly but the ending felt unfinished. I wanted more!

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Nov 10, 2011 Deb rated it 4 of 5 stars

The conclusion was a strange fit for me. There had been good vs evil but the obvious religious overtone of this book took me by surprise.

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Apr 03, 2013 Susan rated it 5 of 5 stars

So sad that this is the last of the Dreamhouse Kings series. This is a great series & Frenzy did not disappoint. Took a direction I didn't see coming.

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About Robert Liparulo

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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Books by Robert Liparulo

House of Dark Shadows (Dreamhouse Kings, #1)

Watcher in the Woods (Dreamhouse Kings, #2)

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Frenzy (Dreamhouse Kings #6)

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