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Embassy of the Dead #1
Embassy of the Dead
Jake Green is dead. Or he might as well be when he mistakenly accepts a package from the Embassy of the Dead in this hilarious adventure of the afterlife, the first in a series.
When Jake Green opens a mysterious box containing a severed finger, he accidentally summons a grim reaper intent on dragging him to the Eternal Void (yes, it's as fatal as it sounds). Now Jake is running for his life. Luckily, he has a knack for talking to ghosts, which just might help him survive long enough to reach the Embassy of the Dead and plead his case. With the help of a prankster poltergeist and a dead undertaker, Jake dodges fearsome undead creatures, discovers his own ghostly abilities, and gets excused from the school field trip due to a terrible (and made-up) bout of diarrhea. But the Embassy has its own problems, and Jake must be very careful where he places his trust--in both the living and the dead. With a plot that zips and a colorful cast of characters, this delightful new series delivers laughs and shivers in equal measure.
When Jake Green opens a mysterious box containing a severed finger, he accidentally summons a grim reaper intent on dragging him to the Eternal Void (yes, it's as fatal as it sounds). Now Jake is running for his life. Luckily, he has a knack for talking to ghosts, which just might help him survive long enough to reach the Embassy of the Dead and plead his case. With the help of a prankster poltergeist and a dead undertaker, Jake dodges fearsome undead creatures, discovers his own ghostly abilities, and gets excused from the school field trip due to a terrible (and made-up) bout of diarrhea. But the Embassy has its own problems, and Jake must be very careful where he places his trust--in both the living and the dead. With a plot that zips and a colorful cast of characters, this delightful new series delivers laughs and shivers in equal measure.
272 pages, Hardcover
First published June 14, 2018
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457 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 130 reviews
June 4, 2024
First time (read e-copy) 5 Stars
Second time (listen to the audiobook) 5 stars
This is a middle fantasy/horror, but I would not say it was scary. This book made me think of the movie Beetlejuice at several points in this book. All the characters where very developed, and I loved so many of them. I have to say to ending left so many thing up in the air, so I wonder if there's going to be a follow up book. The are ghost, ghost animals, adventure, and so much more. I really love the adventure this book took me on. I would say this book is good for anyone 9 years old and older. I even adults will love it because I really loved it. I did not love the pictures in the book. I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher (Walker Books Us) or author (Will Mabbitt) via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review about how I feel about this book, and I want to send a big Thank you to them for that.
Second time (listen to the audiobook) 5 stars
This is a middle fantasy/horror, but I would not say it was scary. This book made me think of the movie Beetlejuice at several points in this book. All the characters where very developed, and I loved so many of them. I have to say to ending left so many thing up in the air, so I wonder if there's going to be a follow up book. The are ghost, ghost animals, adventure, and so much more. I really love the adventure this book took me on. I would say this book is good for anyone 9 years old and older. I even adults will love it because I really loved it. I did not love the pictures in the book. I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher (Walker Books Us) or author (Will Mabbitt) via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review about how I feel about this book, and I want to send a big Thank you to them for that.
September 1, 2020
Embassy of the Dead is the kind of book I would have loved to read as a child. It’s spooky and ghostly, but in a fun way. Definitely never truly scary.
It all starts out when Jake accepts a package from a ghost who mistakes him for someone else. When Jake gets home he opens the package to discover it’s part of a finger. That’s yucky enough, but in the Afterworld this violation sets off alarm bells and they immediately assign someone to send Jake to the Eternal Void. Jake needs to find a way out of this fast. With the help of Stiffkey (the ghost who accidentally gave him the package) and Penny they discover that if he can get an Undoer’s license it will invalidate the law that he supposedly broke. Now all he has to do is find a ghost to ‘undo’.
In general the story has a simple and straightforward plot that will be easy for kids to follow. The book also includes a few illustrations that helps young readers visualize certain situations or characters. This is a big plus for me because I remember how much I loved when middle grade books included pictures. Then, between some of the chapters are facts about different types of ghosts, their characteristics and how to handle them.
The only issue I have is that it used a word a few times that in America may be considered a mild cuss word. The way it was used within the book put it into a grey area so it’s definitely not straight-out cussing. But generally it’s word that parents try to steer their kids away from and don’t want them to repeat.
All in all a fun story that gives young readers a hauntingly good time.
Rating: 4 stars
It all starts out when Jake accepts a package from a ghost who mistakes him for someone else. When Jake gets home he opens the package to discover it’s part of a finger. That’s yucky enough, but in the Afterworld this violation sets off alarm bells and they immediately assign someone to send Jake to the Eternal Void. Jake needs to find a way out of this fast. With the help of Stiffkey (the ghost who accidentally gave him the package) and Penny they discover that if he can get an Undoer’s license it will invalidate the law that he supposedly broke. Now all he has to do is find a ghost to ‘undo’.
In general the story has a simple and straightforward plot that will be easy for kids to follow. The book also includes a few illustrations that helps young readers visualize certain situations or characters. This is a big plus for me because I remember how much I loved when middle grade books included pictures. Then, between some of the chapters are facts about different types of ghosts, their characteristics and how to handle them.
The only issue I have is that it used a word a few times that in America may be considered a mild cuss word. The way it was used within the book put it into a grey area so it’s definitely not straight-out cussing. But generally it’s word that parents try to steer their kids away from and don’t want them to repeat.
All in all a fun story that gives young readers a hauntingly good time.
Rating: 4 stars
October 21, 2020
For kids: 4 stars
For older MG readers: 3 stars
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For older MG readers: 3 stars
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May 27, 2018
This is an excellent book, aimed at children who are approximately 9+. Author, Will Mabbitt, wrote the wonderful, “The Unlikely Adventures of Mabel Jones,” which my daughter adored and so she was keen to read this. Now, it is a bit creepy, so you do need to bear that in mind – it is often funny, rather than scary, but, if you have a particularly nervous child then this might not be for them. However, it will be absolutely fine for most children and is great fun to read aloud.
Jake Green is a perfectly normal boy, who finds staying alive perfectly easy, thank you very much. However, he suddenly finds himself needing to protect a box containing a severed finger and, quite literally, running for his life. Can he get help from the Embassy of the Dead, or will he find himself cast into the Eternal Void? Along with some ghostly companions, this is an excellent, fast paced adventure, which is, thankfully, the first in what promises to be a very popular series.
Jake Green is a perfectly normal boy, who finds staying alive perfectly easy, thank you very much. However, he suddenly finds himself needing to protect a box containing a severed finger and, quite literally, running for his life. Can he get help from the Embassy of the Dead, or will he find himself cast into the Eternal Void? Along with some ghostly companions, this is an excellent, fast paced adventure, which is, thankfully, the first in what promises to be a very popular series.
June 23, 2020
Look at the cover of this book. What sort of story do you think it will be?
You are right. Scary. But not grownup-horror-scary. Kid-scary.
And that is just what kids want. Ask a group of kids, any kids, anywhere, any time, what kind of stories they want to read and they will say scary.
There are not very many scary stories for kids. I don't know why. And there are very few good scary stories for kids. But this is one of them.
You are right. Scary. But not grownup-horror-scary. Kid-scary.
And that is just what kids want. Ask a group of kids, any kids, anywhere, any time, what kind of stories they want to read and they will say scary.
There are not very many scary stories for kids. I don't know why. And there are very few good scary stories for kids. But this is one of them.
June 20, 2020
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A BIG thank you to Netgalley and Walker Books US for providing an advanced copy of this book for my review.
This is my kind of middle grade book! Spooky characters and settings? Check. Whimsical storytelling? Check. A confused main character with delightful sidekicks? Check. In short, I loved this book!
Jake is adorable as the main character. He accidentally finds himself pulled into the World of the Dead and goes through an exciting adventure to come back. Cora is my favorite character! She is fearless, crass and hilarious. I loved her energy and how peppy she was, even though she is a Possessor. Stiffkey and Zorro are amazing too. Stiffkey is a wonderful mentor and friend to Jake, where he wants to help Jake, even if it means putting himself in trouble.
The entire story is so unique and wonderful. The author has done an amazing job in the storytelling! He has written the world of the dead in such a creepy, yet cozy manner. In any other circumstances, I would be terrified about reading about Reapers (like Mawkins), severed fingers, ghosts and mausoleums. But after reading this book, I also wanted a pet ghost fox like Zorro by my side. He made the entire story so mesmerizing to read.
The illustrations are a bit rusty but compliment well to the dark story. However, there might some revisions as I am reading the ARC of the story. Perhaps the only thing I wished we had seen more of was Penny. I really enjoyed Penny’s character, but felt she just disappeared from the story in the second half.
Overall, I loved everything about Embassy of the Dead, and can’t wait to read the continuation!
February 21, 2024
This review and many more can be found on my blog: Feed Your Fiction Addiction
I have to agree with the blurb for this book---it truly is equal parts supernatural chills and humor. Jake finds himself in a bit of trouble when a ghost mistakes him for an agent of the Embassy of the Dead. He's given a mysterious package that turns out to be an ancient magical artifact (a finger!) that has the potential to destroy the world. And the Embassy is after him because of it---they don't care that he broke the rules entirely by mistake. He ends up on a quirky quest to "unbreak" those rules (after the fact---the underworld lawyer he consults insists it's possible) and return the finger before they have a chance to send him to the Eternal Void. The whole thing ends up being a madcap ghostly adventure, complete with goofy sidekicks. I listened to the audiobook and enjoyed the whole story immensely, right down to the twists and turns at the end! Kids who like supernatural stories that make them laugh will surely be drawn to this one.
I have to agree with the blurb for this book---it truly is equal parts supernatural chills and humor. Jake finds himself in a bit of trouble when a ghost mistakes him for an agent of the Embassy of the Dead. He's given a mysterious package that turns out to be an ancient magical artifact (a finger!) that has the potential to destroy the world. And the Embassy is after him because of it---they don't care that he broke the rules entirely by mistake. He ends up on a quirky quest to "unbreak" those rules (after the fact---the underworld lawyer he consults insists it's possible) and return the finger before they have a chance to send him to the Eternal Void. The whole thing ends up being a madcap ghostly adventure, complete with goofy sidekicks. I listened to the audiobook and enjoyed the whole story immensely, right down to the twists and turns at the end! Kids who like supernatural stories that make them laugh will surely be drawn to this one.
June 25, 2020
Oh my goodness, this book is so well done I could weep.
Also special thanks to Candlewick for getting an ARC in my hands pre-publication.
Jake Green is just trying to stay alive. The problem is after accepting a mysterious package from a stranger - and opening it to find a dismembered finger! - the Embassy of the Dead has placed a warrant on his head for instant banishment to the Eternal Void. With the help of some ghostly friends, he goes on an adventure to make amends. This fast-paced, action-packed, and spooky middle grade novel is a wonderful tale of friendship, family, and doing the right thing. It's a book that both kids and adults will love!
Also special thanks to Candlewick for getting an ARC in my hands pre-publication.
Jake Green is just trying to stay alive. The problem is after accepting a mysterious package from a stranger - and opening it to find a dismembered finger! - the Embassy of the Dead has placed a warrant on his head for instant banishment to the Eternal Void. With the help of some ghostly friends, he goes on an adventure to make amends. This fast-paced, action-packed, and spooky middle grade novel is a wonderful tale of friendship, family, and doing the right thing. It's a book that both kids and adults will love!
September 6, 2020
This was a great read! The perfect mix between spooky, adventure and humour, making it all just a Lot of fun.
The writing sucked me in, and made it all feel very real. I could see everything in my head. Actually, I think this would make for a brilliant (animated) movie. The pacing is fast, and the plot straightforward, which made it a perfect single sitting (snuggled up on the couch with a blanket, a big mug of tea, candles and a rainy ASMR video) read.
This book has all the elements to be really creepy… a severed finger in a box, a grim reaper, lots of ghosts, skeleton dogs… Jake actually dies at some point. But all of it is done with a great spoonful of fun making it very enjoyable for readers of all ages.
The writing sucked me in, and made it all feel very real. I could see everything in my head. Actually, I think this would make for a brilliant (animated) movie. The pacing is fast, and the plot straightforward, which made it a perfect single sitting (snuggled up on the couch with a blanket, a big mug of tea, candles and a rainy ASMR video) read.
This book has all the elements to be really creepy… a severed finger in a box, a grim reaper, lots of ghosts, skeleton dogs… Jake actually dies at some point. But all of it is done with a great spoonful of fun making it very enjoyable for readers of all ages.
July 13, 2020
Thank you Candlewick Press for accepting my request to read this book as an E-ARC. All opinions are my own.
Feels like a great summer vacation book. You know that feel you always had as a child during summer holiday, like some fantastical thing could just turn up and transport you from the normal to some place else. That is the feeling I get from this book, and the beautiful illustrations by Taryn Knight only enhance the story.
Jake, a normal boy, meets a ghost called Stiffkey who hands Jake a box. Inside the box sits an artefact that the Embassy of the Dead wants back. Turns out, it’s a whole misunderstanding, and this takes Jake on a mission to make things right again.
It's a fun story and you notice straight away that Mabbitt has a fully realised world and lore that makes the story, and its fantasy-elements more real, because you, as a reader, know that the author has created something with a weight to it.
Feels like a great summer vacation book. You know that feel you always had as a child during summer holiday, like some fantastical thing could just turn up and transport you from the normal to some place else. That is the feeling I get from this book, and the beautiful illustrations by Taryn Knight only enhance the story.
Jake, a normal boy, meets a ghost called Stiffkey who hands Jake a box. Inside the box sits an artefact that the Embassy of the Dead wants back. Turns out, it’s a whole misunderstanding, and this takes Jake on a mission to make things right again.
It's a fun story and you notice straight away that Mabbitt has a fully realised world and lore that makes the story, and its fantasy-elements more real, because you, as a reader, know that the author has created something with a weight to it.
September 1, 2021
4.5 stars!
A case of mistaken identity lands twelve-year-old Jake Green in possession of a mysterious and dangerous box containing a frighteningly severed finger. The messenger, a ghostly man named Stiffkey, returns for the box when he realizes his mistake but it is too late for Jake who quickly becomes the target of the Embassy of the Dead and their reaper. Jake's only chance at escaping the Eternal Void is to help a troubled ghost pass on and become an Undoer.
This was a lot of fun and I couldn't help but think it would make a wonderful Tim Burton or Laika stop-motion film while reading! The characters are interesting and the plot is fast-paced and spooky and adventurous at the same time.
This is the first in a fun and spooky middle-grade trilogy and I'm excited to see what Jake and his rag-tag group of ghostie friends are up to next!
This review was originally shared at Lazy Day Literature.
A case of mistaken identity lands twelve-year-old Jake Green in possession of a mysterious and dangerous box containing a frighteningly severed finger. The messenger, a ghostly man named Stiffkey, returns for the box when he realizes his mistake but it is too late for Jake who quickly becomes the target of the Embassy of the Dead and their reaper. Jake's only chance at escaping the Eternal Void is to help a troubled ghost pass on and become an Undoer.
This was a lot of fun and I couldn't help but think it would make a wonderful Tim Burton or Laika stop-motion film while reading! The characters are interesting and the plot is fast-paced and spooky and adventurous at the same time.
This is the first in a fun and spooky middle-grade trilogy and I'm excited to see what Jake and his rag-tag group of ghostie friends are up to next!
This review was originally shared at Lazy Day Literature.
June 3, 2018
After reading such a serious and brilliant book last week, I was looking forward to getting stuck into something lighter and fun, but still somewhat spooky.
That's when this book caught my eye. I mean, look at the cover! It's very cool.
Jake is twelve and isn't very happy about his home life situation. His parents have split up and live in different places, but he wishes they were still together. At least he's got a school trip coming up, and will get to hang out with his friend Sab.
But when a strange man wearing a top hat appears in an alley and gives him a strange box, he takes it. First chance he gets, Jake opens it and finds a severed finger. Only, opening was the worst thing he could've done.
Now he has to team up with Stiffkey the undertaker, skip the school trip, and instead run from the Reaper determined to send him to the Eternal Void. Unless he can get to the Embassy of the Dead (very) soon, his life could be over. Well, that's if his parents don't find out what he's up to first...
OMG. This book was a LOT of fun. It was just what I needed. The perfect weekend read.
As soon as I started, I was totally hooked. Jake's morbid adventure is full of colourful characters, interesting worldbuilding, and danger at every turn.
I liked Jake's POV and how he tries really hard to do the right thing, even if it's mostly to save his own skin. Stiffkey is such a cool mentor willing to help a live boy, even if it's because he's the one who got him into this mess. Cora is feisty and wants to be free, but finds more than she bargained for. And Zorro, well a ghost fox sounds super awesome to me.
Oh, and Penny was such an intriguing character. I enjoyed meeting her and only wish she'd stuck around longer. And Mawkins? Shudder.
Besides, I'm a sucker for stories featuring ghosts. Plus I liked how whether young, old or in-between, it's so easy to get lost in this tale as deeply as the characters did.
Yeah, there's a lot to love about this book. And another awesome feature are the illustrations. They're SO cool. Not to mention the cheeky crow at the beginning of each chapter, the amusing skull at the end, or the spider who randomly popped on to the pages.
Embassy of the Dead is an engrossing, fast-paced read with plenty of hilarious action. A road trip full of ghostly situations and awesome characters that kept me glued to the pages all the way through. It's also well written and spooky and so funny. I LOLd quite a bit.
Everything about this book made me smile, and caught my attention so much I couldn't put it down.
I'm definitely interested in finding out what happens next to Jake and Cora.
That's when this book caught my eye. I mean, look at the cover! It's very cool.
Jake is twelve and isn't very happy about his home life situation. His parents have split up and live in different places, but he wishes they were still together. At least he's got a school trip coming up, and will get to hang out with his friend Sab.
But when a strange man wearing a top hat appears in an alley and gives him a strange box, he takes it. First chance he gets, Jake opens it and finds a severed finger. Only, opening was the worst thing he could've done.
Now he has to team up with Stiffkey the undertaker, skip the school trip, and instead run from the Reaper determined to send him to the Eternal Void. Unless he can get to the Embassy of the Dead (very) soon, his life could be over. Well, that's if his parents don't find out what he's up to first...
OMG. This book was a LOT of fun. It was just what I needed. The perfect weekend read.
As soon as I started, I was totally hooked. Jake's morbid adventure is full of colourful characters, interesting worldbuilding, and danger at every turn.
I liked Jake's POV and how he tries really hard to do the right thing, even if it's mostly to save his own skin. Stiffkey is such a cool mentor willing to help a live boy, even if it's because he's the one who got him into this mess. Cora is feisty and wants to be free, but finds more than she bargained for. And Zorro, well a ghost fox sounds super awesome to me.
Oh, and Penny was such an intriguing character. I enjoyed meeting her and only wish she'd stuck around longer. And Mawkins? Shudder.
Besides, I'm a sucker for stories featuring ghosts. Plus I liked how whether young, old or in-between, it's so easy to get lost in this tale as deeply as the characters did.
Yeah, there's a lot to love about this book. And another awesome feature are the illustrations. They're SO cool. Not to mention the cheeky crow at the beginning of each chapter, the amusing skull at the end, or the spider who randomly popped on to the pages.
Embassy of the Dead is an engrossing, fast-paced read with plenty of hilarious action. A road trip full of ghostly situations and awesome characters that kept me glued to the pages all the way through. It's also well written and spooky and so funny. I LOLd quite a bit.
Everything about this book made me smile, and caught my attention so much I couldn't put it down.
I'm definitely interested in finding out what happens next to Jake and Cora.
June 22, 2020
A really good book for anyone who likes adventure and friendship.
June 15, 2018
Mix-up in identity leads to a fantastical after-life adventure that has a fresh feel to it.
It's a little different, a younger read to Derek Landy's Skulduggery Pleasant series that create a world of the dead. It gets off the ground quickly and scoops up the main character in a fast-paced exploit with a fair backstory of characters, plotlines and terms.
Jake unwittingly enters a rather dark and scary world when he signs for a box that's not intended for him. Now the Dead are after him and if he doesn't want to spend eternity in an unpleasant afterlife and get home to his parents (who think he's on a school trip) he's going to need to return the contents of the box to a certain Embassy while avoiding some intent pursuers, and learns along the way a few things about life after death, loyalty and friendship.
Despite being quite short, there are some amusing minor characters (though none get much chance to develop), and Jake is a pretty smart little protagonist. The author tries to fit in a lot, making it a little episodic, but it's an enjoyable world to explore, with highlights being one character who reminded me of Moaning Myrtle and a rather funny Embassy and staff.
If you have a reader that likes fantasy and magic, this could be for them. For ages 9-12.
With thanks to Netgalley for providing the sample e-copy.
It's a little different, a younger read to Derek Landy's Skulduggery Pleasant series that create a world of the dead. It gets off the ground quickly and scoops up the main character in a fast-paced exploit with a fair backstory of characters, plotlines and terms.
Jake unwittingly enters a rather dark and scary world when he signs for a box that's not intended for him. Now the Dead are after him and if he doesn't want to spend eternity in an unpleasant afterlife and get home to his parents (who think he's on a school trip) he's going to need to return the contents of the box to a certain Embassy while avoiding some intent pursuers, and learns along the way a few things about life after death, loyalty and friendship.
Despite being quite short, there are some amusing minor characters (though none get much chance to develop), and Jake is a pretty smart little protagonist. The author tries to fit in a lot, making it a little episodic, but it's an enjoyable world to explore, with highlights being one character who reminded me of Moaning Myrtle and a rather funny Embassy and staff.
If you have a reader that likes fantasy and magic, this could be for them. For ages 9-12.
With thanks to Netgalley for providing the sample e-copy.
July 14, 2020
I received an electronic ARC from Candlewick Press through NetGalley.
Just enough eerie to appeal to middle grade readers and not tip too far into scariness. Plenty of humor interwoven as well.
Jake receives a package from a ghost and launches an adventure to return the contents and save the worlds - living and dead. He pairs with the ghost who gave him the box and meets several more ghosts who help along the way. In the end, his ghost fox saves the day and then Jake saves his ghost friend and sends him on to the afterlife. His ghost pal, Cora stays on with him and so does his dead fox pet, Zorro.
Terrific first book in this series by Mabbitt. Looking forward to the next book.
Just enough eerie to appeal to middle grade readers and not tip too far into scariness. Plenty of humor interwoven as well.
Jake receives a package from a ghost and launches an adventure to return the contents and save the worlds - living and dead. He pairs with the ghost who gave him the box and meets several more ghosts who help along the way. In the end, his ghost fox saves the day and then Jake saves his ghost friend and sends him on to the afterlife. His ghost pal, Cora stays on with him and so does his dead fox pet, Zorro.
Terrific first book in this series by Mabbitt. Looking forward to the next book.
February 14, 2019
یه کتاب یه کم ترسناک، درباره پسر بچه ای که اشتباها درگیر اتفاقات دنیای مردگان می شه...
جیک همراه یک شبح تلاش می کنه با آزاد کردن دو شبح دیگه، دنیای زنده ها رو نجات بده.
ویرایش کتاب ضعیف بود، اما ترجمه خوب بود.
جیک همراه یک شبح تلاش می کنه با آزاد کردن دو شبح دیگه، دنیای زنده ها رو نجات بده.
ویرایش کتاب ضعیف بود، اما ترجمه خوب بود.
March 31, 2019
Interesting, cute, a little gross, definitely funny
April 30, 2024
If you have kids who like spooky books, then this one is a great one for the maybe fifth through seventh grade age range. It has a simple storyline and is well written without annoying plot holes. I recommend it to that age group.
Excerpts
There are some things in life and death that are certain. One of those things is that a man digging a hole in the dead of night is definitely up to no good.
---
If Jake was honest, the job of being his best friend wasn't a highly sought-after one, but they'd found a common interest in playing computer games and a common disinterest in studying. They had a mutual respect for each other, too. Sometimes that was all you needed.
---
The headlights of Pickle the camper van punctured the night, illuminating the thick hedgerows as they rushed into view before disappearing into the darkness behind. Jake had no idea how long he'd been driving, but the events of the last few hours were starting to feel rather unreal. He glanced across at the angry-looking ghost glowering at him from the passenger seat. If it weren't for the indisputable fact that Jake felt more awake than he'd ever been, he might've believed he was dreaming—the bonewulf were more definitely the stuff of nightmares. And that figure on the hillside . . .
Still, at least he was alive. And this time, he wasn't taking it for granted. Jake took a deep breath, composed himself . . . then remembered he was currently in a stolen camper van fleeing a pack of murderous animal corpses controlled by an all-powerful hooded death-bringer.
"I don't want to die!" he suddenly shrieked. "It's not fair, I'm only twelve! How has this happened?"
Perhaps staying calm was too much to ask just now.
---
"I be a Specter—and a special sort of Specter at that—but there's plenty more different types besides. The Wraiths, the Wights, the Poltergeists, to name but a few. Anyway, the only thing we ghosts all have in common is that we were once in living bodies, but now the body is dead and gone, and somehow, for one reason or another, what you might call your spirit be staying here, on the Earthly Plane."
Jake nodded. "OK, that makes sense," he said. Actually, he wasn't sure it did make sense, but then lots of the things he understood to be true he didn't really understand. Especially science stuff. Like how electricity worked?
---
That's when he heard the knock.
It was the kind of noise that you might have mistaken for the clanking of an old radiator or something. That's what a grown-up would've said, or someone who wasn't "sensitive," perhaps. Maybe that's what sensitive meant. Just being open. Open to accepting that not everything had a logical or mundane explanation. Open to being curious. Open to questioning what a sound really was.
Excerpts
There are some things in life and death that are certain. One of those things is that a man digging a hole in the dead of night is definitely up to no good.
---
If Jake was honest, the job of being his best friend wasn't a highly sought-after one, but they'd found a common interest in playing computer games and a common disinterest in studying. They had a mutual respect for each other, too. Sometimes that was all you needed.
---
The headlights of Pickle the camper van punctured the night, illuminating the thick hedgerows as they rushed into view before disappearing into the darkness behind. Jake had no idea how long he'd been driving, but the events of the last few hours were starting to feel rather unreal. He glanced across at the angry-looking ghost glowering at him from the passenger seat. If it weren't for the indisputable fact that Jake felt more awake than he'd ever been, he might've believed he was dreaming—the bonewulf were more definitely the stuff of nightmares. And that figure on the hillside . . .
Still, at least he was alive. And this time, he wasn't taking it for granted. Jake took a deep breath, composed himself . . . then remembered he was currently in a stolen camper van fleeing a pack of murderous animal corpses controlled by an all-powerful hooded death-bringer.
"I don't want to die!" he suddenly shrieked. "It's not fair, I'm only twelve! How has this happened?"
Perhaps staying calm was too much to ask just now.
---
"I be a Specter—and a special sort of Specter at that—but there's plenty more different types besides. The Wraiths, the Wights, the Poltergeists, to name but a few. Anyway, the only thing we ghosts all have in common is that we were once in living bodies, but now the body is dead and gone, and somehow, for one reason or another, what you might call your spirit be staying here, on the Earthly Plane."
Jake nodded. "OK, that makes sense," he said. Actually, he wasn't sure it did make sense, but then lots of the things he understood to be true he didn't really understand. Especially science stuff. Like how electricity worked?
---
That's when he heard the knock.
It was the kind of noise that you might have mistaken for the clanking of an old radiator or something. That's what a grown-up would've said, or someone who wasn't "sensitive," perhaps. Maybe that's what sensitive meant. Just being open. Open to accepting that not everything had a logical or mundane explanation. Open to being curious. Open to questioning what a sound really was.
July 1, 2019
3,5 stelle
Un’avventura frizzante e dai toni grotteschi.
Jake è un bambino di dodici anni che vive una situazione molto delicata perché i genitori sono separati. Il ragazzino sta con al madre, la quale lo riempie di attenzioni e premure, mentre con il padre ha un rapporto problematico. Un giorno Jake incontra un individuo dall’aspetto lugubre di nome Stiffkey, il quale gli consegna per sbaglio una scatola con all’interno un dito mozzato. Per questo errore Jake verrà perseguitato dalla Congregazione dei Fantasmi che vuole portarlo al Vuoto Eterno perché ormai conosce troppe cose del mondo dei morti. Stiffkey si scoprirà essere un fantasma e cercherà di aiutare il povero Jake a risolvere la situazione.
La Congregazione dei Fantasmi è un romanzo per ragazzi dai toni cupi che tratta della morte e degli spiriti in una chiave leggera e avventurosa, adatto soprattutto a un pubblico giovane, ma anche a persone più grandi che vogliono una lettura leggera e veloce. Lo stile di Mabbitt è fresco e frizzante come la storia.
Jake inizia un viaggio con Stiffkey e in questo percorso il ragazzino incontrerà nuovi personaggi che hanno un legame con il mondo dei morti e che lo aiuteranno a crescere e a comprendere le sue capacità. Più che la caratterizzazione del protagonista ho apprezzato molto lo studio e la descrizione del mondo degli spiriti e delle sue personalità. Si parla di sedute spiritiche, di Sbrogliatori che sono persone che aiutano i fantasmi a risolvere le questioni in sospeso per poi passare nell’Aldilà.
Il romanzo non si sofferma solo sull’avventura fantastica dai toni cupi, ma affronta anche la crescita di Jake, il quale si trova ad affrontare un mondo tanto diverso, ma per certi versi simile al nostro e ciò lo aiuterà a comprendere dell’immenso affetto che prova per i genitori.
In un turbino di magia, fughe e scene divertenti si aggiunge anche Cora, un fantasma che legherà molto con il protagonista e che ho subito amato. Ci tengo a dire che il libro è anche molto curato graficamente, con illustrazioni in bianco e nero e impaginazione accattivante.
Una storia leggera che parla di coraggio e della vita, ed è solo il primo capitolo di un’avventura che si prospetta molto interessante.
Un’avventura frizzante e dai toni grotteschi.
Jake è un bambino di dodici anni che vive una situazione molto delicata perché i genitori sono separati. Il ragazzino sta con al madre, la quale lo riempie di attenzioni e premure, mentre con il padre ha un rapporto problematico. Un giorno Jake incontra un individuo dall’aspetto lugubre di nome Stiffkey, il quale gli consegna per sbaglio una scatola con all’interno un dito mozzato. Per questo errore Jake verrà perseguitato dalla Congregazione dei Fantasmi che vuole portarlo al Vuoto Eterno perché ormai conosce troppe cose del mondo dei morti. Stiffkey si scoprirà essere un fantasma e cercherà di aiutare il povero Jake a risolvere la situazione.
La Congregazione dei Fantasmi è un romanzo per ragazzi dai toni cupi che tratta della morte e degli spiriti in una chiave leggera e avventurosa, adatto soprattutto a un pubblico giovane, ma anche a persone più grandi che vogliono una lettura leggera e veloce. Lo stile di Mabbitt è fresco e frizzante come la storia.
Jake inizia un viaggio con Stiffkey e in questo percorso il ragazzino incontrerà nuovi personaggi che hanno un legame con il mondo dei morti e che lo aiuteranno a crescere e a comprendere le sue capacità. Più che la caratterizzazione del protagonista ho apprezzato molto lo studio e la descrizione del mondo degli spiriti e delle sue personalità. Si parla di sedute spiritiche, di Sbrogliatori che sono persone che aiutano i fantasmi a risolvere le questioni in sospeso per poi passare nell’Aldilà.
Il romanzo non si sofferma solo sull’avventura fantastica dai toni cupi, ma affronta anche la crescita di Jake, il quale si trova ad affrontare un mondo tanto diverso, ma per certi versi simile al nostro e ciò lo aiuterà a comprendere dell’immenso affetto che prova per i genitori.
In un turbino di magia, fughe e scene divertenti si aggiunge anche Cora, un fantasma che legherà molto con il protagonista e che ho subito amato. Ci tengo a dire che il libro è anche molto curato graficamente, con illustrazioni in bianco e nero e impaginazione accattivante.
Una storia leggera che parla di coraggio e della vita, ed è solo il primo capitolo di un’avventura che si prospetta molto interessante.
June 29, 2020
Best. Middle Grade. Ghost Adventure. Ever.
Here's why:
First, the author is Will Mabbit, who wrote the Mabel Jones books. Mabel Jones is one of the outstanding middle grade adventure heroines, and the Jones books are wonderful. I tried this new book, (first in a series of at least three), mainly because I recognized Mabbit as the author.
Second, crispest plot. I've read a lot of middle grade and I'm sometimes really shocked by how convoluted and awkward plots can be. They can take huge amounts of monologuing and info dumping just to keep the narrative vaguely on track. I'm occasionally amazed that a kid reader can follow certain tales. Not so here. The plot is ripping, and twisty, and loaded with event, but it is well marked and crystal clear. You always know what just happened, what's happening, and what's coming up next, (allowing for surprises). And the ending is remarkably clever, but still unfolds with a satisfying snap.
Third, great supporting characters. As we traipse through the Earthly Plane, the Inbetween, and the Afterworld we meet a stunning array of characters - some good, some bad, some kind and helpful, some devious. None are quirky or odd just for shock value. Each character makes sense in context and adds to the ripping pace and energetic atmosphere of the tale. And a good many of them are very funny.
Fourth, this book has the clearest and most logical and sensible ghost/Afterworld system I've encountered in a middle grade story. Early on our hero and the Specter who's helping him have a calm conversation, (admittedly while fleeing in a stolen van from a Grim Reaper). Our hero asks reasonable questions and, get this, he gets clear and reasonable answers. None of that "I'd tell you everything but I don't have time right now". We actually learn how all the worlds are set up, (without an awkward info dump feel), and then we can dive right into the adventure, thrills, twists and fun.
Fifth, and Most Important, our hero, Jake, is terrific, and his companions, (Stiffkey, Zorro the ghost fox, and Cora), round out a great team. Jake is our first person narrator. Opinions vary, but I like a hero narrator who is a bit restrained, even to the point of being dry and deadpan. Wacka wacka and/or hysterical don't wear that well. But Jake feels authentic while still taking the most outrageous developments in stride. He is calm, smart, resourceful, and no stranger to irony. There are very clever throwaway lines and passing observations that make Jake an engaging and entertaining narrator, without Jake ever becoming precocious or smart-alecky. And it's all stiff-upper-lip, with no whinging. There are a lot of one or two page mini-bits that add color and depth to the tale without being technically essential to the story. But they are amusing or touching or simply entertainingly diverting, which is good enough reason for them.
The upshot is that I liked the characters, the story, the writing, the humor, and the ripping energy of this book. Just a terrific find.
(Please note that I received a free ecopy of this book without a review requirement, or any influence regarding review content should I choose to post a review. Apart from that I have no connection at all to either the author or the publisher of this book.)
Here's why:
First, the author is Will Mabbit, who wrote the Mabel Jones books. Mabel Jones is one of the outstanding middle grade adventure heroines, and the Jones books are wonderful. I tried this new book, (first in a series of at least three), mainly because I recognized Mabbit as the author.
Second, crispest plot. I've read a lot of middle grade and I'm sometimes really shocked by how convoluted and awkward plots can be. They can take huge amounts of monologuing and info dumping just to keep the narrative vaguely on track. I'm occasionally amazed that a kid reader can follow certain tales. Not so here. The plot is ripping, and twisty, and loaded with event, but it is well marked and crystal clear. You always know what just happened, what's happening, and what's coming up next, (allowing for surprises). And the ending is remarkably clever, but still unfolds with a satisfying snap.
Third, great supporting characters. As we traipse through the Earthly Plane, the Inbetween, and the Afterworld we meet a stunning array of characters - some good, some bad, some kind and helpful, some devious. None are quirky or odd just for shock value. Each character makes sense in context and adds to the ripping pace and energetic atmosphere of the tale. And a good many of them are very funny.
Fourth, this book has the clearest and most logical and sensible ghost/Afterworld system I've encountered in a middle grade story. Early on our hero and the Specter who's helping him have a calm conversation, (admittedly while fleeing in a stolen van from a Grim Reaper). Our hero asks reasonable questions and, get this, he gets clear and reasonable answers. None of that "I'd tell you everything but I don't have time right now". We actually learn how all the worlds are set up, (without an awkward info dump feel), and then we can dive right into the adventure, thrills, twists and fun.
Fifth, and Most Important, our hero, Jake, is terrific, and his companions, (Stiffkey, Zorro the ghost fox, and Cora), round out a great team. Jake is our first person narrator. Opinions vary, but I like a hero narrator who is a bit restrained, even to the point of being dry and deadpan. Wacka wacka and/or hysterical don't wear that well. But Jake feels authentic while still taking the most outrageous developments in stride. He is calm, smart, resourceful, and no stranger to irony. There are very clever throwaway lines and passing observations that make Jake an engaging and entertaining narrator, without Jake ever becoming precocious or smart-alecky. And it's all stiff-upper-lip, with no whinging. There are a lot of one or two page mini-bits that add color and depth to the tale without being technically essential to the story. But they are amusing or touching or simply entertainingly diverting, which is good enough reason for them.
The upshot is that I liked the characters, the story, the writing, the humor, and the ripping energy of this book. Just a terrific find.
(Please note that I received a free ecopy of this book without a review requirement, or any influence regarding review content should I choose to post a review. Apart from that I have no connection at all to either the author or the publisher of this book.)
August 26, 2020
Embassy of the Dead's relatable and distinctive characters (human, non-human, and those lying somewhere in between), dry humour, and fast-paced plot make for an exciting story young fans of Neil Gaiman's The Graveyard Book and Derek Landy's Skulduggery Pleasant will enjoy.
Will Mabbitt's morbidly eccentric world is colourful and creative, and the additional profile pages detailing the different types of ghosts featured in the book (with instructions on how to recognise and handle them) serve as informative and entertaining intermissions. (Taryn Knight's charming illustrations also add an air of dark whimsy to the story.) Our protagonist Jake Green makes many friends and foes throughout the course of the book, but the story never loses its focus on Jake's relationship with his parents. Though I enjoyed following his scrapes and narrow escapes, and more so the friendships that developed during those shared experiences, I enjoyed most its surprisingly heartwarming end.
*Thank you to Walker Books US for providing an ARC!
Will Mabbitt's morbidly eccentric world is colourful and creative, and the additional profile pages detailing the different types of ghosts featured in the book (with instructions on how to recognise and handle them) serve as informative and entertaining intermissions. (Taryn Knight's charming illustrations also add an air of dark whimsy to the story.) Our protagonist Jake Green makes many friends and foes throughout the course of the book, but the story never loses its focus on Jake's relationship with his parents. Though I enjoyed following his scrapes and narrow escapes, and more so the friendships that developed during those shared experiences, I enjoyed most its surprisingly heartwarming end.
*Thank you to Walker Books US for providing an ARC!
October 29, 2020
Will Mabbitt's new book caught me off guard. I wasn't expecting to enjoy this as much as I did. It's clever and charming with just the right amount of horror. The story is tied up perfectly with a surprisingly heartwarming conclusion, and readers will be eager to read about Jake's further adventures with his new ghost friend, Cora. Highly recommended!
Read more at Bookish Adventures.
Read more at Bookish Adventures.
February 11, 2021
A fun series for students that love spooky books!
nope-dnf
October 10, 2023DNF
I'm in a spooky middle grade obsession right now and this cover totally pulled me in. But as soon as the main character went into a passage about pooping I was out. Sorry this one just feels a bit too young for me like it is geared towards 8 yr old boys or something.
I'm in a spooky middle grade obsession right now and this cover totally pulled me in. But as soon as the main character went into a passage about pooping I was out. Sorry this one just feels a bit too young for me like it is geared towards 8 yr old boys or something.
July 16, 2020
While I've read other middle grades that I enjoyed more than this one, this was a cute little book. A little spooky given the subject matter, but the story is still fun and quirky.
This story offers perfectly spooky characters and setting and is well and whimsically written.
I really enjoyed Jake as the main character. He is a brave, adventurous kid who finds himself among the World of the Dead. He meets some new fun friends along the way and changes the trajectory of his life.
While I think this book may have been a little "young" for my tastes, I imagine that any child would love and thoroughly enjoy it. This is precisely the type of book I would have loved at that age.
This story offers perfectly spooky characters and setting and is well and whimsically written.
I really enjoyed Jake as the main character. He is a brave, adventurous kid who finds himself among the World of the Dead. He meets some new fun friends along the way and changes the trajectory of his life.
While I think this book may have been a little "young" for my tastes, I imagine that any child would love and thoroughly enjoy it. This is precisely the type of book I would have loved at that age.
June 26, 2020
trigger warning
As a random person who might be a ghost says "Good Morning", Jake answers with "Yes" and is given a strange box. Inside the box is a severed human finger, he looked. He doesn't know what to do with it. Then, the ghost comes back.
This is a case of a simple misunderstanding setting the plot in motion, which works fine. It's a trope I happen to enjoy, especially if it means we have no chosen one plot, which I have read too much of, to be honest.
So, Jake is in trouble. He doesn't know why exactly, only that it's tied to the mysterious box, and he doesn't have the slightest clue about what to do with it.
Though the plot finishes at the end of the book, the epilogue hints that there may be more to come, and I'd welcome it. This was fast and easy to read, with very fitting illustrations accompanying the text, and I am curious about which shenanigans Jake may get into in the future. Because once this particular rocks has been set in motion, I imagine it'll roll on for quite a while.
Embassy of the Dead can be fun both for young readers and adults who like creepy topics but aren't in the mood for the gore or sexism that oftentimes accompanies the genre.
I recieved a copy of this book in exchange for a honest review.
As a random person who might be a ghost says "Good Morning", Jake answers with "Yes" and is given a strange box. Inside the box is a severed human finger, he looked. He doesn't know what to do with it. Then, the ghost comes back.
This is a case of a simple misunderstanding setting the plot in motion, which works fine. It's a trope I happen to enjoy, especially if it means we have no chosen one plot, which I have read too much of, to be honest.
So, Jake is in trouble. He doesn't know why exactly, only that it's tied to the mysterious box, and he doesn't have the slightest clue about what to do with it.
Though the plot finishes at the end of the book, the epilogue hints that there may be more to come, and I'd welcome it. This was fast and easy to read, with very fitting illustrations accompanying the text, and I am curious about which shenanigans Jake may get into in the future. Because once this particular rocks has been set in motion, I imagine it'll roll on for quite a while.
Embassy of the Dead can be fun both for young readers and adults who like creepy topics but aren't in the mood for the gore or sexism that oftentimes accompanies the genre.
I recieved a copy of this book in exchange for a honest review.
unreadable
July 2, 2020I’m skipping the rating since I’m skipping the ending. I realize, based on the reviews, that this is an unpopular opinion, but I found the writing to be clunky, plodding. Reading it felt like being mired in molasses - each word wrung out of the page. There’s no rhythm. It did not capture my attention or hold my interest, and I found it very difficult to care what happened to Jake. This is a book that I would have picked up with great enthusiasm as a child and then tossed aside in disgust after less than 50 pages.
Thanks, though, to the publisher and LibraryThing for the ARC.
Thanks, though, to the publisher and LibraryThing for the ARC.
Read
June 25, 2020A misunderstanding lands Jake Green in possession of a box that contains a severed finger. To make matters, worse, he opens it.
Now, he and the ghost of a retired undertaker are on the run from a Grim Reaper who wants to send them to the Eternal Void. Jake's only chance to avoid this fate, is to qualify to be an "Undoer," that is, a living person who helps ghosts resolve the unfinished business that prevents them from moving on to the afterlife.
The finger, meanwhile, has its own agenda: to be reunited with its body, which had been inhabited by a reaper gone bad.
Keeping the finger separate from the body is the only thing that prevents that evil spirit from regaining its strength and tearing down a barrier between the worlds of the living and the dead.
I found the story fast-paced and humorous, a lot of fun to read. It's an interesting juxtposition of supernatural stories, paired with all the bureaucracy that can be imagined with an "Embassy of the Dead."
First published in the U.K., this new edition marks the story's U.S. debut. It pairs author Will Mabbitt's text with illustrations by illustrations by Taryn Knight.
I received a copy of this book through LibraryThing's Early Reviewers
Now, he and the ghost of a retired undertaker are on the run from a Grim Reaper who wants to send them to the Eternal Void. Jake's only chance to avoid this fate, is to qualify to be an "Undoer," that is, a living person who helps ghosts resolve the unfinished business that prevents them from moving on to the afterlife.
The finger, meanwhile, has its own agenda: to be reunited with its body, which had been inhabited by a reaper gone bad.
Keeping the finger separate from the body is the only thing that prevents that evil spirit from regaining its strength and tearing down a barrier between the worlds of the living and the dead.
I found the story fast-paced and humorous, a lot of fun to read. It's an interesting juxtposition of supernatural stories, paired with all the bureaucracy that can be imagined with an "Embassy of the Dead."
First published in the U.K., this new edition marks the story's U.S. debut. It pairs author Will Mabbitt's text with illustrations by illustrations by Taryn Knight.
I received a copy of this book through LibraryThing's Early Reviewers
June 25, 2020
I enjoyed this book quite a bit! It was a quick read with an adventurous plot, and a spookier tone. The illustrations had a creepy ‘scratched on the paper out of necessity‘ kind of feel and i thought it fit the tone of the story really well. I’m interested in seeing how the Embassy as a governing entity will be worked through in the coming books. I thought that’s this was an entertaining ride and I want to see what Jake and Co get up to next!
*I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
*I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
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