Gustav Gloom and the Four Terrors

Gustav Gloom #3

by Adam-Troy Castro, Kristen Margiotta (Illustrator)

In Gustav Gloom and the Four Terrors, things are not always what they seem in the Gloom Mansion. Gustav decides that he needs to rescue his father from the Dark Country, but he can’t do that without Fernie’s help. After Gustav convinces Fernie’s safety-conscious father to enter the Gloom Mansion with Fernie and Pearlie, there is a prison break from the Hall of Shadow Criminals and it’s up to Fernie to save her family and Gustav before it’s too late. Featuring a unique paper-over-board cover, a die-cut window with printed acetate, and beautifully dark full-page illustrations by Kristen Margiotta.

Genres: Fantasy, Middle Grade, Mystery, Fiction, Childrens, Paranormal, Horror

241 pages, Hardcover

First published August 15, 2013

About the author

Adam-Troy Castro made his first professional sale to Spy magazine in 1987. Since then, he's published 12 books and almost 80 short stories. Among those stories are "Baby Girl Diamond" (nominated for the Bram Stoker Award) and "The Funeral March of the Marionettes" (nominated for the Hugo and Nebula Awards in 1998). "The Astronaut from Wyoming," a collaboration with Jerry Oltion, appeared in Analog and was nominated for the Hugo and Nebula Awards in 2000, before winning the Seiun (Japanese Hugo) for best translation in 2008.

His "Of A Sweet Slow Dance in the Wake of Temporary Dogs" was nominated for the 2003 Nebula. His original short story collections include Lost in Booth Nine (published by Silver Salamander Press in 1993), An Alien Darkness and A Desperate Decaying Darkness (published by Wildside Press in 2000), Vossoff and Nimmitz (2002), and Tangled Strings (2003). He is also the author of the Spider-Man novels—Time's Arrow: The Present (written in collaboration with Tom DeFalco), The Gathering of the Sinister Six, Revenge of the Sinister Six, and Secret of the Sinister Six—as well as the nonfiction My Ox Is Broken! The Andrea Cort novels include, Emissaries from the Dead, The Third Claw of God, and a third installment currently in progress, tentatively titled The Fall of the Marionettes.

Castro, who married the divine Judi on 25 December 2002, lives in Florida with his wife and four cats: Maggie, Uma Furman, Meow Farrow, and the latest acquisition, Ralphie, an orphan of 2005's hellacious hurricane season.

Reviews

[Melissa Chung · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the 3rd book in the Gustav Gloom series. I am still currently reading these books to my two boys before bed and they are still enjoying them. 3 stars for continuing to bring in the baby creep factor and including a varied vocabulary to help with budding word warriors.

In this book Mr What, Fernie and Pearlie's father has put the house up on the market and is determined to move. The Gloom House across the street, although houses a very nice boy (Gustav Gloom) that Mr. What would adopt in a heart beat, is too dangerous for his two daughters. The girls have on more than one occasion have had to deal with real life or death situations in the strange shadow house. Mr. What loves his girls and only wants whats best for them...like reliability and safety rails.

Gustav has asked Mr. What for a "quick" favor, to borrow Fernie, so she can speak to a shadow criminal so that Gustav can find his dad in the Dark Country. The whole What family decides to go and of course, like every excursion into the Gloom House, things go awry. The family is in danger and it's up to Gustav and Fernie to save the day.

I love the love between father and sisters. I am happy that Gustav has Fernie his first time best friend and that it's so important to him. I also like how even though Gustav is a halfsie in a world of shadows he has friends that will come to his aide among the household.

Tomorrow book 4!

[Sue Moro]

Somehow I forgot to add this to Goodreads when I read it, and now I'm not sure the exact date I read it. I just chose a random date in 2016. Loved it! Moving on to book #4!

[~Bellegirl91~ · Rating 5 out of 5]

WHAT THE FRICK JUST HAPPENED? SERIOUSLY? OH MY FREAKING HECK!!



I feel like I just relived the end of THE MARK OF ATHENA by Rick Riordan (third book to the Heroes of Olympus series) but only in little kids elementary style version of sorts. I'm honestly glad I somehow made some great audiobook discovery on the Libby App although it doesn't have the last book on audio atm but at least they have the first 5 of the 6 books on audio. I'm surprisingly enjoying the narrator for these books so far and makes the voices way too adorable but also as a story in general and the character developments is just amazing. One day I would seriously love these books in the future and read them to my future kids as well. But as an adult, I say I'd still recommend Gustav Gloom because EVERYONE in my opinion needs to meet Gustav Gloom period. Truly a unique and special and adorable little boy who I'd adopt in a heartbeat if I could and have as my own little boy. Now I can't wait even more to read the next book! :D :D

[Khai · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Maybe, she thought, the ability to find light even when terrible dark things were coming was the strongest weapon of all. Maybe that made winning possible."

I love this series. This third book includes the best, most elegant dad-burn* I've ever read.

I highly recommend the Gustav Gloom book series!

*set up on pg. 32, elegantly concluded 150 pages later

[Carina Olsen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third book in the awesome middle grade books about Gustav Gloom. Just saw that it's been a whole year since I read the first book. Yet I remembered just about everything from it. I will probably re-read these three books when the fourth one comes out, maybe. They are pretty awesome.

These books are quick reads. Which I love. Yet I hate that they are so short. I wanted more and more and more. Never wished for it to end. And then it does end, on an evil cliffhanger. But not too evil, I can deal with it. Just know that I really truly need the fourth book as soon as possible. I need to know :)

We see a lot more of Gustav and Fernie in this book. I adore them both so much. Felt like Fernie was a bit mean to Gustav a few times, but I couldn't really blame her. I just want Gustav to be loved, because he is such a sad little boy. Sniffs. We also get more of Pearlie and Mr. What. Loved reading about them all. Sad that there weren't much of the cat in this book. But there is a dinosaur instead. Which was pretty amazing.

I won't be saying all that much in this review of mine. Just that I enjoyed the book. It's fun and full of adventures, like the first two books. And like them it all happens in a day. And there is a lot of things happening. I loved it all. I just had a few issues with this book, and they weren't really a big deal. For the most part I enjoyed the writing. And I just loved the characters so much. They are special. Adore Gustav the most, though. He's adorable and sad and perfect. He and Fernie are perfect as friends.

Loved reading about the shadows as well. Although I got creeped out by the evil ones. There is a lot of evil shadows in this book. They were pretty amazing but also a bit scary which I loved. Cannot wait to read more about them. This was a fun book. A bit sweet and full of love. Fernie is ten year olds and I can't remember how old Gustav is, but I think maybe the same age. They are just so adorable to read about. I love the things they do and the things that happened in this book. You need to read the series.

I haven't really decided yet how I wish to rate this book. I'm giving it a four star. But it might have been a four point five at times. I didn't love it as much as the second book, but I found it sweet and entertaining and scary. Gustav Gloom and the Four Terrors was an amazing book. A great sequel to the first two books. I just need to know what happens next now :) There will be a forth book. There must be. Because this is a very evil cliffhanger. So I'm really excited for the next one; I need it :)

I just about forgot the most perfect part of these books. The illustrations. They are so perfect. They fit so well with the book and how I imagine the characters to look while reading. They are also really pretty, and I just wish there had been even more of the drawings. Because they truly are gorgeous. Cannot wait to see more of them in the next books. I'm sure they will be even prettier. <3 Need some news now.

[Meltem Y.K · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gustav Gloom and the Four Terrors (Gustav Gloom series, book #3) by Adam-Troy Castro is a children’s book of the paranormal kind. Gustav is a unique boy (offspring of a human father and a Shadow mother) who lives in a bizarre house inhabited by a race of Shadows some of whom are quite dangerous. Gustav is on a mission to save his father. He recruits his human neighbors to help him. Gustav is a loyal friend, but being his friend has its own set of dangers when the Four Terrors – Shadow criminals – are let loose in the Gloom house. There is a list of interesting characters including a dinosaur and a lot of action. Being a series, the adventure is not over in Book #3 and continues into the next book.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really want to read

[John Loyd · Rating 4 out of 5]

The opening question is how are the Whats still here on Sunnyside Terrace? OK, it's because because the house won't sell. The girls with the help of their shadows are scaring away the potential buyers. Gustav has a request for Fernie, Heironymus Spector will only talk to Fernie, but Mr. What has forbidden her to go inside the gate. He does agree to talk with Gustav to see if it's safe, the girls tag along. Gustav is in the process of showing the dad the newly installed railings and other safety measures when Lord Obsidian engineers a breakout of four shadow criminals. The immediately go after Gustav and the Whats.

Gustav needs information from Spector, because he wants to rescue his father. Before they see that shadow they get side tracked with the four terrors. Speaking with that Spector must be in the next book.

Fast read. Same fun characters. If you liked the previous books you'll like this one, unless you don't like the fact that it ends with a cliff hanger. I'm going to give it the same four stars.

[Astoria (Jax) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Still so cute!
I'm enjoying these stories so much and the little adventures Gustav and Fernie end up having to go on to save her family or solve his situation.

[Alysa H. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked, my daughter loved. Seems like that will be the consensus for the rest of the series.

[Angel]

It was a good interesting book.

[Joan Stradling · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a reminder of my new scoring system, I’m using emoticons. Here’s what they mean:

Open-mouthed smile--WOW—I loved this book and will talk/have talked about/shared it with others.

Smile--Not totally in love, but this was a great book and I may talk about/share it with others.

Thinking smile--This was okay. I enjoyed reading it, but it’s not my favorite.

Sad smile--This wasn’t for me. I stopped reading and couldn’t bring myself to finish.

Steaming mad--How did this get published?

If you happen to be the author of one of the books I review, please remember this is my honest opinion. Don’t hate me if I don’t give your book a great big happy grin. I am only one reader in the whole wide readership and I’m sure there are those who’ll love your work—it just wasn’t me.

Gustav Gloom and The Four Terrors by Adam Troy-Castro and Illustrated by Kristen Margiotta

Rating—Open-mouthed smile

I first learned about this series when I went to a writing conference last year and attended a session where the lovely editor, Jordan Hamessley, spoke about it during her presentation. I went to the bookstore immediately after the session and picked up a copy of Gustav Gloom and the People Taker (book one). And I was hooked! There aren’t enough words to describe how much I love this series! It’s spooky and quirky and incredibly amusing in places. The voice sucks me right in and keeps me reading—well, the voice is helped by the masterful way the author ramps up the tension.

The Story—After having been through two incredible adventures with her half shadow best friend, Gustav Gloom, Fernie What is forbidden to enter Gloom Mansion. In fact, if her safety obsessed father has his way, they’ll be moving. But before they can go, Gustav Gloom asks Mr. What for a favor—nothing dangerous, he promises. He just needs help rescuing his father from the Dark Country.

There’s a certain shadow inside Gloom Mansion who has information that will help Gustav rescue his father, but the shadow will only talk to Fernie. Reluctant to allow his daughter to enter a house he considers extremely dangerous, but feeling sorry for Gustav, Mr. What strikes a bargain. He will allow Fernie to enter the house as long as he comes with her and as long as they can turn back if Mr. What decides it’s too dangerous.

Gustav agrees and the family enters the mansion (Fernie’s sister insists on coming, too). On their way to speak with the shadow, things go horribly wrong. Fernie’s father and sister are captured by escaped convict shadows—known as the Four Terrors (and “terrors” is putting it mildly). It’s up to Fernie and Gustav to rescue the captives—but they soon discover the Four Terrors aren’t working alone. And the “boss” is a formidable opponent they may not be able to defeat.

The combination of Adam Troy-Castro’s words and Kristen Margiotta’s illustrations guide the reader on another amazing adventure through the Gloom Mansion. I can’t wait for the next book!!

[Gwen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series just makes me so happy, which is strange, since the title contains the word, “Gloom”. But you know what? There’s nothing wrong with being a little gloomy. In fact, I tend to enjoy being gloomy.

In Gustav and Fernie’s third adventure, Gustav decides to journey into the Dark Country to rescue his father, Hans. But he cannot achieve this task without the help of Fernie What, his best friend. Mr. What, concerned about the safety -or lack thereof- in the Gloom House, ventures inside with them, along with Pearlie, but only with Gustav’s promise that it’s perfectly safe and nothing will go wrong. But, what do you know, it’s not safe and everything goes wrong, beginning with the release of the Four Terrors, some of the most notorious shadow criminals to roam the Earth. After they kidnap Fernie’s father and sister, she is the only one left who can save them. Oh, except for Gustav, of course.

This book introduces some thoroughly amusing new characters, such as Hives and Fluffy the Dinosaur. Old foes return to the Gloom mansion, working alongside the new ones. Some shocking twists, I tell you.

As always, Gustav was the most charming little hero ever, and as always, I find myself wishing he was real. He’s the most polite and civilized child you’ll probably ever meet, and he often teaches us valuable lessons that sound like something a famous person might say.

“It’s not about hurrying. It’s about not wasting any time.”

Wise words for a ten-year-old. Or an any-year-old, really.

This series never fails to impress, and the cliff hangers just keep getting better. Or worse, depending on how you look at it. Beautiful illustrations strengthen the visuals of the story, and unlike many illustrations in books, are incredibly accurate to the story. It’s impossible not to have fun reading this, and impossible not to be desperate for the next one. I’m in love!

[Tami · Rating 5 out of 5]

A continuation of the fascinatingly quirky world of Gustav Gloom. Literally shrouded in mystery (and shadow mist) the Gloom mansion continues to be the focal point of the series' action. The characters of Fernie What, her father and sister Pearlie are further developed and overwhelming in their kindness without being at all sugary. I am absolutely in love with this series and its characters. I love the depth of plot and character development as well as the quirky--often hilarious--humor AND the actual presence of true evil which interweaves Fenie and Gustav's adventures.

This the first of the series to end in a cliffhanger! I can't believe I have to wait until August 14th to read #4!!!!!!! (Although I will reserve it the second it becomes available at the library!)

[Drucilla · Rating 3 out of 5]

Actual rating: 3.5 stars. I feel like this was kind of the same story as the previous books, hence the lower rating. The art was still cute but the story didn't quite have the same amount of cuteness. I was hoping since Pearlie and the dad were in the house, it'd be a little different. Considering the ending, though, the next book should be.

[Liwayway · Rating 5 out of 5]

Somehow these books become more epic and more heroic with each installment. More than food for the imagination. I think I even learned a few lessons. On to the next one!

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

My daughter LOVED all three of the books in this series. They are well-written, clever, and unique. I think they are great fun for children with big imaginations.

[Andrea Trenary · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a super cute book. I came in mid series because I found this one at the Dollar Tree and loved the art work of it. I would read the others in the series because it's cute and amusing.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the first Gustav Gloom book, didn't care for the second, but I'm now back on track with the third. The story was fun, the characters are spunky and the illustrations are excellent!

[Ren · Rating 5 out of 5]

A flawless addition to a beautifully captivating series.