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13 Secrets (Thirteen Treasures #3)

by Michelle Harrison (Goodreads Author)

4.29 of 5 stars 4.29 · rating details · 541 ratings · 68 reviews

Red is now living at Elvesden Manor under her real name, Rowan, and trying to put the past behind her. But staying on the straight and narrow isn’t as easy as she had hoped . . . Hounded by those who would like her to participate once more in the changeling trade, Rowan is also haunted by dreams of the Hedgewitch’s cottage and the chained-up Eldritch, who swore revenge whe...more

Paperback, 400 pages

Published February 2011 by Simon & Schuster UK (first published January 5th 2009)

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Best Books about Faeries

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The Thirteen Problems by Agatha Christie

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Feb 08, 2011 Teresa rated it 5 of 5 stars

The Thirteen Secrets is the final instalment in Michelle Harrison's wonderful trilogy involving the relationship between faeries and humans. I adored her first two books, The Thirteen Treasures and The Thirteen Curses and I anticipated the latest novel with a mixture of sorrow, excitement and dread - sad because it was the signalling the end of my interaction with well-loved characters, excited to see how these characters would develop and the tiniest hint of dread that I might be disappointed....more The Thirteen Secrets is the final instalment in Michelle Harrison's wonderful trilogy involving the relationship between faeries and humans. I adored her first two books, The Thirteen Treasures and The Thirteen Curses and I anticipated the latest novel with a mixture of sorrow, excitement and dread - sad because it was the signalling the end of my interaction with well-loved characters, excited to see how these characters would develop and the tiniest hint of dread that I might be disappointed. Fear ye not as the author does a fabulous job of bringing events at Elvesden Manor to a close whilst introducing us to some intriguing new characters.

I don't want to give away too much of the plot but suffice to say that you are in for a real treat. Rowan (Red) is living at Elvesden Manor and she is doing her utmost to lead a "normal" life with Tanya, Fabian and co. Of course "normality" is off the menu when you live in a fairy-infested house, fairies in the grandfather clock, a tea caddy brownie in the kitchen complete with walking stick and a drain dweller in the bathrooom whose belches smell like rotten eggs. However, Rowan is haunted by nightmares from the past and it would appear that everyone, human and fairy alike, is harbouring some sort of secret, some of which have dreadful consequences.

This is an even darker tale than the preceding novels, perhaps due to the increasing maturity of the characters who have already experienced the dark and light side of faeries. We have already seen the malevolence of the Unseelie Court, the random removal of human children replaced by changelings, the vindictive nature of Tanya's faerie guardian but things take an even more sinister turn in this volume with the battle between good and evil becoming a fight between life and death. Some scenes are reminiscent of the Chronicles of Narnia, especially the battle between Aslan's followers and those of the White Witch - stirring stuff which doesn't pander to those of an overly sensitive nature so expect tears amidst the smiles and rejoicing!

So, the feeling of dread has vanished but there is still some residual sadness that the 13 series is over. At least I will have the pleasure some day of reading the trilogy aloud to my daughter (who, at 7, is still at the Tinkerbell stage..) I highly recommend this whole series to children of all ages (9-99) who believe in some sort of magic and who don't automatically attribute those odd noises in the bathroom to faulty plumbing!
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Dec 21, 2012 Karen Yingling rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

In this third and final installment to the 13 Treasures trilogy, Rowan is upset when she gives money to a homeless musician only to find that the girl is really meant to deliver a message to her from the Coven. "Show up", Rowan is told. She doesn't want to, because life at Elvesden Manor is finally settling down a bit. She is coming to terms with the fact that her aunt Rose is really her mother, and enjoying not having to be on the street. She's glad to see Tanya, who is visiting her grandmother...more

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Jan 13, 2012 Charlotte Phillips rated it 5 of 5 stars

I have very much enjoyed this series because of its lack of romance, the way that it always has some sort of mystery going on and the fact that its only slightly predictable but not totally. The series has been a rather refreshing write that has allowed me to escape to a world where not everything is black and white, where what you thought was meant to be good kind and gentle is in fact evil and vindictive. After the first book you expect the story to drag on a little, but in fact they only cont...more

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Jul 01, 2011 Lee Pritchett rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: children-s

If your children haven't read this series, then they really should. All of the characters are very well written, intriguing and larger then life. This entire series is really good fun to read. There's plenty of magic, danger, excitement, suspence and plot twists to keep kids interested right the way through. An ancient society of humans and fairies is being hunted down, one by one, by forces unknown. If they aren't stopped soon then there will be none of them left. Red is deeply involded in the...more

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Aug 08, 2012 Adrian rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

WOW! What can I say. I've never been so intrigued by a book before. All the books in this series are just fantastic. At time all I wanted to do was just read more. She has a way of writing so that when you finish one chapter it ends with a HUGE cliff hanger but then the next chapter talks about different people. But then that chapter ends with a cliff hanger. And on and on! There really were a lot of things that actually surprised me in this book.
In this book Rowan is putting her past behind her...more

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Jan 01, 2013 Tamarah rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: jf, ra-new, ra-series

JF Har grades 5-up
Happy with life at Elvesden Manor, Rowan is doing her best to put the past behind her. But it's tough to forget the past when fairy messengers won't leave her be, no matter how many magical boundaries are put in place to keep them away.

When Tanya arrives to spend the summer at the manor, she notices that Rowan is acting strangely and becomes determined to find out what she's hiding. As Rowan sets about a risky secret quest, those she is working with soon begin to vanish one by...more

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Oct 11, 2012 Elevetha Houre rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: Fey lovers

Shelves: adventure, fantasy-adventure, fey, magic-and-other-magical-substances, dark-and-sometimes-creepy, middle-grade, mystery, quite-good, twisty, where-is-the-next-book, the-series-of-awesome-quest, 2011

3.5 stars.

I enjoyed this conclusion to the "13 Treasures" series quite a bit. The characters were well done and I loved Rowan especially. The villain was appropriately creepy once he\she appears hell bent on revenge. The plot twist was thought out and, I must say, I didn't see it coming. I wanted more backstory on many things but, alas, was not given it as much as I hoped. But I did find the ending closed with...closure but not enough of it. I would have really appreciated another 50 pages or so...more

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May 05, 2012 Georgie R rated it 3 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Tweens

Recommended to Georgie by: No-one

Summary: Red is now living at Elvesden Manor under her real name, Rowan, and trying to put the past behind her. But staying on the straight and narrow isn’t as easy as she had hoped... Hounded by those who would like her to participate once more in the changeling trade, Rowan is also haunted by dreams of the Hedgewitch’s cottage and the chained-up Eldritch, who swore revenge when she left him there.

Her past is about to catch up with her, but can she, Tanya and Fabian prevent it consuming her alt...more

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Feb 20, 2012 Kerstin rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: re-2011

Kurzbeschreibung:
Rowan will endlich ein neues Leben beginnen, frei von Angst und Lügen und weitab von allem, was sie an das Elfenreich erinnert. Doch niemand mit dem Zweiten Gesicht kommt so leicht davon. Als sich mysteriöse Todesfälle häufen, bitten Rowans alte Verbündete sie um Hilfe. Bald wird Rowan klar: Jemand aus ihrer Vergangenheit sinnt auf Rache. Schließlich ist Elvesden Manor der letzte Rückzugsort für Rowan und ihre Freunde. Als das Gutshaus von Feen und Kobolden angegriffen wird, mus...more

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Oct 18, 2011 Melissa rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2011-releases, books-i-own, books-i-adored

What can I say? Michelle Harrison is an extremely talented writer and storyteller. Despite the fact that The Thirteen Secrets is a sequel as well as the conclusion to a trilogy, it flows well with the rest of the story. It’s as if Harrison has planned all this out and 3 books were just what it took for the story to be told. Some authors don’t do that. They decide on a story to tell, and when it’s done, because it’s making money or something, they decide to add in a sequel; only it’s written poor...more What can I say? Michelle Harrison is an extremely talented writer and storyteller. Despite the fact that The Thirteen Secrets is a sequel as well as the conclusion to a trilogy, it flows well with the rest of the story. It’s as if Harrison has planned all this out and 3 books were just what it took for the story to be told. Some authors don’t do that. They decide on a story to tell, and when it’s done, because it’s making money or something, they decide to add in a sequel; only it’s written poorly, clumsily and adds nothing to the story.

This is not true for The Thirteen Treasures trilogy. Everything makes sense; everything links. It flows so beautifully, it makes you want to cry. But I digress. The Thirteen Secrets is book 3, in which Red is now living at Elvesden Manor under her real name. But soon, her past starts to catch up with her and everything culminates in an epic battle at the Manor.

I love the action! Action is always constant in the 3 books and it’s written superbly. The characters are true to themselves and you’ll always be rooting for Tanya, Fabian and Red. But the best thing is the faerie lore. I won’t go into that much detail but like I said before, everything links. You don’t necessarily have to read book 1 and 2, but they are highly recommended for the full experience, and really, there’s no point in reading The Thirteen Secrets if you don’t read book 1 and 2. The chapters are also divided in that, sometimes, there’s a great revelation before the end of a chapter. Some of them are surprising, while others are just shocking. They’re all great twists though and really compel you to read further!

Another great thing about this story is the lack of romance. Perhaps it’s because it’s a MG novel, but the lack of romance gives focus to other themes like family, loyalty, bravery, friendship, etc, which is great. I’m not sure if The Thirteen Secrets really is the end end of the series but it feels like it’s a good place. Well done, Michelle Harrison! I can’t wait to read more of your books!(less)

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Apr 22, 2011 Kathryn rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: finished-series, read-2011, books-i-own, middle-grade-lit

I'm enchanted and can't get out!!!!

I never expected to read such a delightful story with such magic and secrets.
It's been a while of wanting to sit tight in front of my computer and think about how to convince people to read a book I loved. But here I am with my cup of tea, hammering my head to think of appropriate words to praise this book.

As a huge fan of "fantasy" genre, sometimes I just need to go back to these magical worlds where there is no romance involved. Pure imaginations where chil...more

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Apr 22, 2011 Becky rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: read-for-review

The Thirteen Secrets in the third and final instalment in Michelle Harrison’s Thirteen series set in the sinister, fantastical world of faeries and in a contemporary English countryside town.

This novel brings together the two stories that were weaved in the first two novels. Tanya is trying to come to a deeper understanding of what it means to have the second sight and a fey guardian. Rowan is trying to lead a normal life and leave the past behind her. But, of course, both girls have unfinished...more The Thirteen Secrets in the third and final instalment in Michelle Harrison’s Thirteen series set in the sinister, fantastical world of faeries and in a contemporary English countryside town.

This novel brings together the two stories that were weaved in the first two novels. Tanya is trying to come to a deeper understanding of what it means to have the second sight and a fey guardian. Rowan is trying to lead a normal life and leave the past behind her. But, of course, both girls have unfinished business with the faery world.

Rowan has been having terrifying nightmares. She is riddled with guilt over her decision to leave a fey man chained in the cellar of the Hedgewitch’s cottage. To compensate for her guilt and manage her fear, she has been using every defence against the faeries that she can think of. Since the events of the previous October, she has been fostered by Florence and has a home at Elvesden Manor. She is even going to school with Fabian and has realised that she wants to be a normal teenager. But through her dreams, she knows her past is about to catch up with her and place the people she cares about in grave danger.

Tanya has returned to Elvesden for the summer holiday. She is pleased to be back even though there have been changes in her absence. I liked that Tanya was happy to have Rowan as a part of the extended family and not resent her for being able to live with people that knew about the fey world. It would have been easy for her to be resentful and obnoxious but she is just glad her friend is no longer alone. Tanya is immensely likable – she is courageous, stubborn and caring.

This novel is full of action – think the drawing of battle lines. There are twists and turns, bluffs and double bluffs. Michelle Harrison kept me guessing about who was worthy of the characters’ trust until the very end. It made for gripping reading. The Thirteen Secrets is about just that: secrets. It explores how keeping the truth to yourself only leads to more lies and more trouble. The circus was a perfect representation of this idea. It made fey magic appear glamorous, made disguises seem desirable and portrayed the idea that seeing isn’t always believing. Talk about clever!

The Thirteen Secrets gives a fast paced, expertly plotted and magical end to the series. Harrison conveys everything troubling about the faery world and all the sinister dealings that the creatures dabble in. It is dark, twisty and unpredictable. I recommend this to readers who love faery stories not fairy stories. Great for girls and boys aged 9+.

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May 07, 2011 Emma rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: own

This is one of those series that I wish desperately had been around when I was in the age range it’s aimed at. I remember seeing the first one, The 13 Treasures, coming out and unsure if I wanted to read it. I love fairies, but I’m all about the good ones. In the end, the cover (so predictable of me) won me over. When I read the first chapter, just to check it out as I was reading something else at the time, that was it, I hunkered down and read- scratch that- devoured the book. Naturally I stal...more This is one of those series that I wish desperately had been around when I was in the age range it’s aimed at. I remember seeing the first one, The 13 Treasures, coming out and unsure if I wanted to read it. I love fairies, but I’m all about the good ones. In the end, the cover (so predictable of me) won me over. When I read the first chapter, just to check it out as I was reading something else at the time, that was it, I hunkered down and read- scratch that- devoured the book. Naturally I stalked the second book, The 13 Curses, and read that in one sitting too. I even started buying the books for any young people who liked reading because they needed to have this series in their reading lives.

When I finally got my mitts on this book, I did my usual and threw all partially read books to one side and got down and dirty with this one. And I wasn’t disappointed. This is definitely my favourite book in the series. It’s darker, edgier and has a whole bunch of new characters to meet and keep things fresh. It had a whole new plotline from the other two, yet answered all my questions from the other two books and tied everything up neatly.

We get to find out more about Rowan’s past and how she came to be part of a gang that helped get human children back. It was interesting meeting the people she worked with and what each one brought to their group, yet there was something dangerous about it all. Every time I learnt something new about one of them, I had my back up. I was part of the dangerous world of fairies and trusted no one.

The small subplots that went on in the background were a nice touch too. I love things like that because I always wonder what’s going on in the smaller characters’ lives, and it was answered for me from time to time. I also have to say that the African Grey got a lot of hate from me, as well as the characters. I have to live with one (hates her with a passion) and nearly everything was spot on about how hateful they can be to live with if you don’t love parrots. The only thing missing was how they like to pick up high-pitched shrieks and use them on you when their beloved has left the room!

Overall, this last book rounded the series off nicely. I saw some things coming, but only when they were about to be revealed. Some things I didn’t and had a few ‘No way!’ moments before rereading what had just happened. This trilogy definitely needs to be enjoyed by children and adults. It’s a series that will stand the test of time, in my opinion.(less)

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Jul 22, 2012 Franzi Bloecher rated it 5 of 5 stars

I loved it. The story is just so wonderful, Michelle Harrison's writing just doesn't let you go. I just had to read this book, just like the first two parts od the story. I hope that there's a fourth book, but if not, this one is a very good ending.
I enjoyed being in Tickey End and walking to the bus stop, I could imagine it all. And I always felt like I was back at a place where I had been a long time ago, when I started the next book. It's a story that took my breath away, a few times actuall...more

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Jul 26, 2011 Sheryl added it

Shelves: fantasy

13 Treasures by Michelle Harrison
Bedeviled by evil fairies that only she can see, thirteen-year-old Tanya is sent to stay with her cold and distant grandmother at Elvesden Manor, where she and the caretaker's son solve a disturbing mystery that leads them to the discovery that Tanya's life is in danger. The sequel, 13 Curses, is coming soon. (Ages 8-13)

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Jun 04, 2012 Annnabel Sadd rated it 4 of 5 stars

I loved Michelle's other books, I couldn't put it down The series is great and hopefully I will get to read some other books from Michelle Harrison. It has a lot of mystery in there, which I like and also the lack of romance. I think its very well written and its good for older children/young adults but also younger people aswell (meaning 12 - 15).
I love the book so far!

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Oct 21, 2012 Camille rated it 4 of 5 stars

I loved this book even more than I did the first two in the series. I really never thought I would feel this way about a "faerie" story. Anyone looking for a light, fast-paced, interesting read would enjoy this series. My only complaint is that it leaves me wanting more.

4.5 stars

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Nov 21, 2012 Nadine rated it 4 of 5 stars

A good "ending" to this trilogy set. I liked this book almost more than the first two. A little gory, and some heavier issues (death, adoption, child abandonment, etc) so definitely geared toward a 13+ audience, but still good for a juvenile fantasy fiction.

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Mar 22, 2013 Sam rated it 4 of 5 stars

An interesting story that puts faeries and the changeling trade in a new light. I like how the author focuses on Red's past and the murder cases are apt and interesting. I like the depth that she gives to the situation and to the characters.

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Oct 25, 2012 Polly rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: childrens-books, fiction, fantasy, middle-grade

A solid conclusion to this trilogy, although I miss the fairies--there aren't a lot of them in this book. Also, don't read this unless you've read 13 Curses, as almost everything that happens in this starts in book 2 of the trilogy.

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Aug 17, 2012 Debbie rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This was an interesting conclusion to the series. Someone is killing off members of the group opposed to the changling trade. It is someone who no one suspects. Rowan, Tanya, Fabian, and the others are in this book also.

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Nov 28, 2012 Lisa rated it 3 of 5 stars

This book was a great way to end the triology. She doesn't disappoint with the suspense in this one. It didn't seem to have as much to do with faeries as the previous two, but it was still a good read.

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Jan 07, 2013 Princess rated it 3 of 5 stars

First i didnt know what it was talking about and when later on in the book i got a little of it but still confusing because of the words and the meaning of it but good book though

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Oct 28, 2012 Amanda rated it 3 of 5 stars

ok - found myself reading it just to finish it
I get the idea for book 3 but personally didn't feel it was necessary to finish the story of book 1 and 2

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May 06, 2012 Genia rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This book I loved because the author gave us a little background (reminder) of what happened in the last book so it was very easy for me to connect.

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Mar 26, 2011 Angela Alcorn marked it as to-read

Shelves: young-adult, fantasy, fiction, second-hand-bookshop-wishlist, 21st-century, 2010-2019

Heard about these books via Romana and this article.

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May 08, 2013 Meredith rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: childrens-lit, fantasy

Seriously, I love these books. They're so exciting and interesting and creepy. They deserve to be super popular. I can't wait to see what Michelle Harrison does next.

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Jul 07, 2012 Charlie rated it 4 of 5 stars

Defintely gets more exciting than the last two books in the end of the trilogy! Eldritch is scary!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :D

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Dec 30, 2011 Christian Marotti rated it 5 of 5 stars

Epic!!!

I loved every bit of this book and I didn't want it to end.
I'm going to miss the characters but I'll always have the books to go back and re-read.
Thank you Michelle for this trilogy and I can't wait to read more from you.

One thing I would've liked to see was a five year or ten year thing
where we find comfort in knowing that the characters are well and
have not had a problem with any fairies. Sort of like a HP type of epilogue
but HP wasn't the first to have a 9 or 10 year jump to let the...more

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Feb 11, 2013 Donna rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: ya-novels

this book is amazing i hae not long since finshed the set and wow totally loved it

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About Michelle Harrison

Michelle Harrison is a former Waterstone's bookseller and assistant editor for Oxford University Press. She now writes full-time. Originally from Grays in Essex, she has a degree in Illustration and lives in Oxfordshire with her partner and two cats. Her first novel, THE 13 TREASURES, won the Waterstone's Children's Book Prize and has sold into seventeen other countries as well as the UK. It is fo...more

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Books by Michelle Harrison

The Thirteen Treasures (Thirteen Treasures, #1)

The Thirteen Curses (Thirteen Treasures, #2)

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13 Secrets (Thirteen Treasures #3)

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