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Chase Tinker #4
Chase Tinker and the House of Mist
Everything is on the line for Chase Tinker: his family, his friends, his house, his magic...his life. Will destiny be on his side at last? Will the Marlowes finally be defeated-and at what cost?
The Final Showdown.
Who survives?
The Final Showdown.
Who survives?
- GenresFantasyMiddle Grade
290 pages, Paperback
Published November 22, 2016
8 people are currently reading
28 people want to read
About the author
Malia Ann Haberman
9 books50 followersI don't have any writing awards or honors or accolades to talk about. I didn't go to college or get any degrees to hang on my walls, but I've always LOVED to read. When I was a kid, my mom always knew where to find me: in my room with my nose in a book. Then in my twenties, I took an extensive creative writing course and I fell in love with writing, too. Making fun things up and writing them down for others to enjoy makes me happy.
Oh, and I also love pizza, chocolate, ballroom dancing, colorful Christmas lights, and watching TV. I live in the Seattle area with my wild and crazy ferrets. :)
Oh, and I also love pizza, chocolate, ballroom dancing, colorful Christmas lights, and watching TV. I live in the Seattle area with my wild and crazy ferrets. :)
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
May 16, 2016
Also posted on Rally the Readers.
* A copy was provided by the author for review.
The Chase Tinker books have all been very enjoyable reads, and Chase Tinker and the House of Mist sees the series close with a strong finish. Our young hero faces his biggest challenges yet, including the theft of his family’s beloved home by the dastardly Marlowes. The Tinkers and the Marlowes have clashed before in the series, but this one, the battle for the house, promises to be the most explosive of all—and it doesn’t disappoint.
While the series has maintained a charming sense of whimsy through, it also hasn’t shied away from going a bit more serious in tone with each successive book. Chase Tinker and the House of Mist starts off on a very somber note, another reflection of the series’ maturity. What’s impressed me the most about these books is how they’ve moved forward in a way that respects Chase and his readers growing up, but not too fast.
Most of the novel focuses on the search for the house, with the majority of the action saved for the finale. Not to worry, though: there’s plenty to engage your interest until the house—and the Marlowes—is found. We learn about Persephone’s backstory, and Chase and Nori take a heart-pounding trip back to 18th century Scotland where Chase hopes to gain some insight from Augusta, one of his ancestors (this Outlander fan fully appreciated this bit of time travel to Scotland). There’s also a return of some magical acquaintances Chase and company have made during the course of their adventures. Although it’s the Marlowes’ insatiable greed for power that has brought faeries, vampires, warlocks, and leprechauns together with the Tinkers, the reunion is still nice to see.
The all-out confrontation between the two magical families is as intense as can be expected from these mortal enemies, and then some. Here again I commend the series for not walking away from a centuries-old feud with a light step. The conclusion to both the book and the series is well-balanced; there are some serious consequences of the Tinker/Marlowe hostilities, but in the end, readers who’ve watched Chase fulfill his destiny should be quite satisfied with this last chapter of his story.
* A copy was provided by the author for review.
The Chase Tinker books have all been very enjoyable reads, and Chase Tinker and the House of Mist sees the series close with a strong finish. Our young hero faces his biggest challenges yet, including the theft of his family’s beloved home by the dastardly Marlowes. The Tinkers and the Marlowes have clashed before in the series, but this one, the battle for the house, promises to be the most explosive of all—and it doesn’t disappoint.
While the series has maintained a charming sense of whimsy through, it also hasn’t shied away from going a bit more serious in tone with each successive book. Chase Tinker and the House of Mist starts off on a very somber note, another reflection of the series’ maturity. What’s impressed me the most about these books is how they’ve moved forward in a way that respects Chase and his readers growing up, but not too fast.
Most of the novel focuses on the search for the house, with the majority of the action saved for the finale. Not to worry, though: there’s plenty to engage your interest until the house—and the Marlowes—is found. We learn about Persephone’s backstory, and Chase and Nori take a heart-pounding trip back to 18th century Scotland where Chase hopes to gain some insight from Augusta, one of his ancestors (this Outlander fan fully appreciated this bit of time travel to Scotland). There’s also a return of some magical acquaintances Chase and company have made during the course of their adventures. Although it’s the Marlowes’ insatiable greed for power that has brought faeries, vampires, warlocks, and leprechauns together with the Tinkers, the reunion is still nice to see.
The all-out confrontation between the two magical families is as intense as can be expected from these mortal enemies, and then some. Here again I commend the series for not walking away from a centuries-old feud with a light step. The conclusion to both the book and the series is well-balanced; there are some serious consequences of the Tinker/Marlowe hostilities, but in the end, readers who’ve watched Chase fulfill his destiny should be quite satisfied with this last chapter of his story.
November 27, 2016
Synopsis- Chase Tinker is back! Sadly, the Tinker House is still in the hands of the evil family the Marlowes. Chase needs to figure out how to master his magic. With his grandfather no longer with them, Chase must take up leading the family. But how is a teenager supposed to lead a ragtag group of magic users against an incredibly powerful family? What I Thought- This was a great conclusion the the Chase Tinker series. I enjoyed it immensely. Chase grows as a character in this book, having little blips, but still growing more than ever. The book is a bit on the darker side, with several character deaths, but Ms. Haberman keeps her intended audience in mind and skillfully writes a compelling story for kids. The story has a completely bleak feel, while building tension for the huge climax at the end. There is a lot that goes on in the story, bringing loose ends together in a satisfying manner. I really enjoyed the book! *NOTE* I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of this book
February 19, 2016
Malia Ann Haberman’s CHASE TINKER series has been a crazy adventurous thrill-ride for middle-grade readers. Teenager Chase Tinker and his magical family have made it their mission to rid the world of the evil Marlowe family (practitioners of “dark magic” intent on stealing magic and free will from all magical beings). I loved the first three books in the series – the characters are wonderful, the plot is addictive, and there’s just enough reality to make fantasy believable. HOUSE OF MIST, the fourth and final installment, is just as fabulous as the first three. And Haberman knows how to end a series without either disappointing her readers or relying on “happily ever after” platitudes.
The best parts of HOUSE OF MIST (and all of the CHASE TINKER books, actually) are the characters. Chase is a true hero, a committed and driven boy determined to avenge the evil done to his family and the world by the insidious Marlowes. But more than that, he’s a real person, a teenager burdened with insecurities, guilt, and anger. He may be the “Keeper of the House” (sort of the head honcho of the Tinker family dynasty), but that doesn’t mean he has the necessary wisdom to lead. So much is at stake in this novel – the Marlowes have managed to get control of the Tinker’s magical house, as well as the Relic from which all magic in the world is derived. Unless Chase can recover the house and the Relic, dark magic will win. Which is something he can’t live with.
Persephone, the girl Chase has been crushing on since the first book, is the catalyst who enables Chase to fulfill his destiny. Where Chase is plagued with self-doubt, Persephone is upbeat and positive. Where he beats himself up over his failures (and there are many), she encourages him to stay focused on the big picture. She’s brave and resourceful and confident, and she believes in Chase more than he does in himself. At the same time, she’s a leader in her own right, risking everything to fight the darkness that has overtaken the magical world. These two make a great pair, fighting together on equal ground against the forces of evil.
Other recurring characters – including Alex Marlowe (a member of the evil family who has joined the Tinkers in fighting them), Nori (Chase’s cousin), Ben (Chase’s dad), and Andy (Chase’s younger brother) – are equally engaging. The bad guys (with one exception) are a bit more one-note – they delight in torturing and killing people, and pretty much just exist to be evil. The exception is Janie, Chase’s cousin who discovered in a previous book that she is really a Marlowe. Her transformation from friend to foe is both terrifying and believable. She and Chase were close until she realized how much had been kept from her over the years; now she’s dead set on destroying the Tinkers in insidious and horrifying ways.
New characters in HOUSE OF MIST include Zane Marler, a world-famous painter who is actually a prominent member of the Marlowe family. Like Sirius Black in the HARRY POTTER books, Zane has separated himself from his dark roots and is trying to lead a good life. His role in the novel’s denouement is critical and shows that good truly can overcome evil, even when evil is part of your heritage.
The plot of this final installment revolves around Chase’s efforts to end the Marlowe family’s grip on the magical world. Before the final battle happens, he and his friends and family gather together many of the magical beings we’ve met before in these novels (including fairies, leprechauns, witches, gnomes, and vampires) to form a coalition strong enough to fight the Marlowes’ darkness. Through it all, we see how difficult it is for anyone – much less a teenager with self-doubts – to lead in a crisis. As Chase puts it, “Sometimes being the one in charge seriously sucks.” He’s right, of course. But the hardest part is leading in spite of how much it sucks. And that’s what Chase ultimately does.
The novel’s ending is definitely gripping. It’s also bittersweet, since things happen that are difficult to accept. But that’s what makes it work. Good does triumph over evil, but not without sacrifice. Part of what makes any war difficult is how much we lose even as we’re winning. Chase’s band of fighters (called “Chase Tinker’s Ragtag Butt-Kickin’ Warriors”) is inspiring in its dedication to risk all in the defeat of evil. It also reinforces the truth that war is, in itself, a form of evil. That can be a hard truth, but it’s a necessary one. And perhaps Chase’s war in HOUSE OF MIST truly is a war to end all wars – at least all magical ones. We can only hope.
I love this series, and I highly recommend it to young readers everywhere. Start with the first one, though, so you won’t miss anything. Just know that when you reach the final page of HOUSE OF MIST you’ll be satisfied. Few series end as well as this one does -- it's a fabulous ending to a fabulous series. Great work, Ms. Haberman!
[Please note: I was provided a copy of this novel for review; the opinions expressed here are my own.]
The best parts of HOUSE OF MIST (and all of the CHASE TINKER books, actually) are the characters. Chase is a true hero, a committed and driven boy determined to avenge the evil done to his family and the world by the insidious Marlowes. But more than that, he’s a real person, a teenager burdened with insecurities, guilt, and anger. He may be the “Keeper of the House” (sort of the head honcho of the Tinker family dynasty), but that doesn’t mean he has the necessary wisdom to lead. So much is at stake in this novel – the Marlowes have managed to get control of the Tinker’s magical house, as well as the Relic from which all magic in the world is derived. Unless Chase can recover the house and the Relic, dark magic will win. Which is something he can’t live with.
Persephone, the girl Chase has been crushing on since the first book, is the catalyst who enables Chase to fulfill his destiny. Where Chase is plagued with self-doubt, Persephone is upbeat and positive. Where he beats himself up over his failures (and there are many), she encourages him to stay focused on the big picture. She’s brave and resourceful and confident, and she believes in Chase more than he does in himself. At the same time, she’s a leader in her own right, risking everything to fight the darkness that has overtaken the magical world. These two make a great pair, fighting together on equal ground against the forces of evil.
Other recurring characters – including Alex Marlowe (a member of the evil family who has joined the Tinkers in fighting them), Nori (Chase’s cousin), Ben (Chase’s dad), and Andy (Chase’s younger brother) – are equally engaging. The bad guys (with one exception) are a bit more one-note – they delight in torturing and killing people, and pretty much just exist to be evil. The exception is Janie, Chase’s cousin who discovered in a previous book that she is really a Marlowe. Her transformation from friend to foe is both terrifying and believable. She and Chase were close until she realized how much had been kept from her over the years; now she’s dead set on destroying the Tinkers in insidious and horrifying ways.
New characters in HOUSE OF MIST include Zane Marler, a world-famous painter who is actually a prominent member of the Marlowe family. Like Sirius Black in the HARRY POTTER books, Zane has separated himself from his dark roots and is trying to lead a good life. His role in the novel’s denouement is critical and shows that good truly can overcome evil, even when evil is part of your heritage.
The plot of this final installment revolves around Chase’s efforts to end the Marlowe family’s grip on the magical world. Before the final battle happens, he and his friends and family gather together many of the magical beings we’ve met before in these novels (including fairies, leprechauns, witches, gnomes, and vampires) to form a coalition strong enough to fight the Marlowes’ darkness. Through it all, we see how difficult it is for anyone – much less a teenager with self-doubts – to lead in a crisis. As Chase puts it, “Sometimes being the one in charge seriously sucks.” He’s right, of course. But the hardest part is leading in spite of how much it sucks. And that’s what Chase ultimately does.
The novel’s ending is definitely gripping. It’s also bittersweet, since things happen that are difficult to accept. But that’s what makes it work. Good does triumph over evil, but not without sacrifice. Part of what makes any war difficult is how much we lose even as we’re winning. Chase’s band of fighters (called “Chase Tinker’s Ragtag Butt-Kickin’ Warriors”) is inspiring in its dedication to risk all in the defeat of evil. It also reinforces the truth that war is, in itself, a form of evil. That can be a hard truth, but it’s a necessary one. And perhaps Chase’s war in HOUSE OF MIST truly is a war to end all wars – at least all magical ones. We can only hope.
I love this series, and I highly recommend it to young readers everywhere. Start with the first one, though, so you won’t miss anything. Just know that when you reach the final page of HOUSE OF MIST you’ll be satisfied. Few series end as well as this one does -- it's a fabulous ending to a fabulous series. Great work, Ms. Haberman!
[Please note: I was provided a copy of this novel for review; the opinions expressed here are my own.]
August 16, 2016
Synopsis- Chase Tinker is back! Sadly, the Tinker House is still in the hands of the evil family the Marlowes. Chase needs to figure out how to master his magic. With his grandfather no longer with them, Chase must take up leading the family. But how is a teenager supposed to lead a ragtag group of magic users against an incredibly powerful family?
What I Thought- This was a great conclusion the the Chase Tinker series. I enjoyed it immensely. Chase grows as a character in this book, having little blips, but still growing more than ever. The book is a bit on the darker side, with several character deaths, but Ms. Haberman keeps her intended audience in mind and skillfully writes a compelling story for kids. The story has a completely bleak feel, while building tension for the huge climax at the end. There is a lot that goes on in the story, bringing loose ends together in a satisfying manner. I really enjoyed the book!
*NOTE* I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
What I Thought- This was a great conclusion the the Chase Tinker series. I enjoyed it immensely. Chase grows as a character in this book, having little blips, but still growing more than ever. The book is a bit on the darker side, with several character deaths, but Ms. Haberman keeps her intended audience in mind and skillfully writes a compelling story for kids. The story has a completely bleak feel, while building tension for the huge climax at the end. There is a lot that goes on in the story, bringing loose ends together in a satisfying manner. I really enjoyed the book!
*NOTE* I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
January 28, 2016
I loved this book. I had the privilege to read all four books. Chase and the rest of the characters are such great, fun characters. I have enjoyed reading how Chase discovered magic and how he has grown through each book. In this book I was sad when Chase's grandfather died, but Chase became the keeper of the Tinker house which gave him more magical powers. Would that magical power be enough to defeat the Marlowes and find the Tinker's magical house? Magic. Adventure. Danger. I can't say enough good things about this series. Thanks, Malia, for an awesome read. I really enjoyed this series.
I received this book free for an honest review.
I received this book free for an honest review.
September 14, 2019
The end is coming.
Chase has managed to get a few more supernatural characters to help him in the fight against the Marlowes. Some of them are fairies, witches, vampires and leprechauns. Chase is able to enchant a few items to give them so magical help in their battles with the Marlowes. The author, Malia Ann Haberman, added a few twists and turns here, which could give us a lesson...don't always rely on other people's help.
After Chase and friends finally locate their house they hide out as parrots and make their plans. Finally they are ready to free Chase's Mom and start the battle for their home. I can't tell you anymore, I don't want to spoil the ending for anyone. I'm hoping there will be another story to this series and if you read this book I'm sure you'll also want one too.
Chase has managed to get a few more supernatural characters to help him in the fight against the Marlowes. Some of them are fairies, witches, vampires and leprechauns. Chase is able to enchant a few items to give them so magical help in their battles with the Marlowes. The author, Malia Ann Haberman, added a few twists and turns here, which could give us a lesson...don't always rely on other people's help.
After Chase and friends finally locate their house they hide out as parrots and make their plans. Finally they are ready to free Chase's Mom and start the battle for their home. I can't tell you anymore, I don't want to spoil the ending for anyone. I'm hoping there will be another story to this series and if you read this book I'm sure you'll also want one too.
December 24, 2017
The whole series up until now has been an action-packed magical adventure, filled with excitement and mystery, as well as an excellent cast of believable characters. I'm pleased to be able to say that this book was no exception, and was an excellent ending to the series.
May 21, 2021
Chase Tinker series of books
I loved this 4th book. It was so good, and even tho there was lots of silly things there was even better plot line. The author really knew how to capture my attention amd keep me holding on till the last word.
Excellent series to read!
I loved this 4th book. It was so good, and even tho there was lots of silly things there was even better plot line. The author really knew how to capture my attention amd keep me holding on till the last word.
Excellent series to read!
January 6, 2017
Review to come.
December 30, 2015
I read the first three books in this series and loved every one. So, when the author approached me with the offer of a free copy of this book, I naturally jumped at the chance. But, I just want to emphasize that the offer in no way influenced my rating of it.
The books became increasingly darker as the Tinkers sped toward the ultimate showdown with the Marlowes, and this one was the bleakest of them all. Chase's cousin Janie's complete acceptance of the dark, evil magic of her relatives was surprising and sad as Chase realized he could never sway her back over to the good side. I must admit I did find Chase's description of the unrelenting evilness of the Marlowes to be a bit repetitive and annoying after awhile, almost as though the author felt she had to keep saying it to convince the reader of their wickedness. And, Chase himself was not very likeable at times with his obnoxious behaviour. But, for the most part, I still liked the characters, especially the kids and Maxwell the ferret.
As with the other books, this one was well-written and filled with non-stop magic and adventure. And, while the premise was a little more serious and depressing, there were still moments of humour and fun.
I would highly recommend this series to readers who, like me, are still kids at heart wishing they could teleport anywhere in the world or shoot fireballs from their fingertips or make themselves invisible.
The books became increasingly darker as the Tinkers sped toward the ultimate showdown with the Marlowes, and this one was the bleakest of them all. Chase's cousin Janie's complete acceptance of the dark, evil magic of her relatives was surprising and sad as Chase realized he could never sway her back over to the good side. I must admit I did find Chase's description of the unrelenting evilness of the Marlowes to be a bit repetitive and annoying after awhile, almost as though the author felt she had to keep saying it to convince the reader of their wickedness. And, Chase himself was not very likeable at times with his obnoxious behaviour. But, for the most part, I still liked the characters, especially the kids and Maxwell the ferret.
As with the other books, this one was well-written and filled with non-stop magic and adventure. And, while the premise was a little more serious and depressing, there were still moments of humour and fun.
I would highly recommend this series to readers who, like me, are still kids at heart wishing they could teleport anywhere in the world or shoot fireballs from their fingertips or make themselves invisible.
March 21, 2016
Having read and enjoyed the previous three books of this series, I was looking forward to seeing how things end up in this final book.
The Marlowes are getting increasingly evil and strong, while Chase and his Clan of Tinkers are getting increasingly despondent.
After searching around looking for their beloved Home (and missing members of the Clan), the Tinkers find some more unlikely allies to help them - only one small snag - apart from one, their new allies have had all their magic stolen by the Marlowes...
Lots of looking inwards, more time travelling and lots of magical conflicts, as well as surprises, await the reader.
See my review also at:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0...
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B019...
http://www.amazon.com.au/Chase-Tinker...
http://www.amazon.ca/Chase-Tinker-Hou...
The Marlowes are getting increasingly evil and strong, while Chase and his Clan of Tinkers are getting increasingly despondent.
After searching around looking for their beloved Home (and missing members of the Clan), the Tinkers find some more unlikely allies to help them - only one small snag - apart from one, their new allies have had all their magic stolen by the Marlowes...
Lots of looking inwards, more time travelling and lots of magical conflicts, as well as surprises, await the reader.
See my review also at:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0...
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B019...
http://www.amazon.com.au/Chase-Tinker...
http://www.amazon.ca/Chase-Tinker-Hou...
Read
April 21, 2016CHASE TINKER AND THE HOUSE OF MIST is the fourth and final book in the series. It’s time for the Tinkers to stand up, take back what belongs to them, and finally stop the Marlowe family. It is sometimes hard to divorce Chase the teenager from Chase the Tinker Keeper-in-training, so his complaining and angry outbursts seem over the top at times. However, he is only a teenager and is under a lot of stress. CHASE TINKER AND THE HOUSE OF MIST is a wild combination of magical power, corruption, lies, secrets, and redemption. I was glad to see there was a realistic ending as not everyone comes back home from war. The Tinkers need all the help they can get in order to defeat the Marlowe family and reunite the Relic. Thankfully, they have some unexpected allies. CHASE TINKER AND THE HOUSE OF MIST is a solid conclusion to the series.
August 24, 2018
Awesome! Chase Tinker and the House of Mist is a fun and exciting end to an amazing series. I hated it to be over. Everyone should put this series at the top of their must-read list. And then read it! You'll be happy you did.
December 11, 2016
More magical than Disneyland. And loads cheaper. :)
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews