What do you think?
Rate this book
Thirteen Treasures #3
13 Secrets
Harrison, Michelle
400 pages, Paperback
First published February 3, 2011
102 people are currently reading
3540 people want to read
About the author
Michelle Harrison
49 books1,214 followersMy first children's novel, THE 13 TREASURES, won the Waterstone's Children's Book Prize. THE OTHER ALICE won the Calderdale Book of the Year Award. A PINCH OF MAGIC won a Dutch Bronze Pen Award. My books have been translated and sold in 25 territories worldwide.
My latest novel is a sequel to TWICE UPON A TIME, publishing in Spring 2026 in the UK. My second picture book, THERE'S A SHARK IN MY PANTS! publishes in the UK in July 2025 and is illustrated by the incredible David Tazzyman.
Before becoming a full-time writer I worked in publishing as an editor, and before that, as a bookseller. Prior to that, I worked in bars, a bakery, and a second-hand record shop to make ends meet while trying to get my first book deal. I live in Essex and have a son, Jack, and two cats, Widdershins and Lucky.
The best place to get in touch with me is via my website or Instagram (@michelleharrisonauthor).
My latest novel is a sequel to TWICE UPON A TIME, publishing in Spring 2026 in the UK. My second picture book, THERE'S A SHARK IN MY PANTS! publishes in the UK in July 2025 and is illustrated by the incredible David Tazzyman.
Before becoming a full-time writer I worked in publishing as an editor, and before that, as a bookseller. Prior to that, I worked in bars, a bakery, and a second-hand record shop to make ends meet while trying to get my first book deal. I live in Essex and have a son, Jack, and two cats, Widdershins and Lucky.
The best place to get in touch with me is via my website or Instagram (@michelleharrisonauthor).
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 295 reviews
March 12, 2020
A fantastic finale to a thrilling trilogy!
I really cannot spoil anything that happens in this one if you haven’t read the first two, but it’s fantastic to see character choices have consequences from the first two books. Atmospherically it is just as good as the first two with how dark this can be. Fantastically written and the 13 Treasures series is definitely one of my favourite middle grade series now. I am so in love!
I really cannot spoil anything that happens in this one if you haven’t read the first two, but it’s fantastic to see character choices have consequences from the first two books. Atmospherically it is just as good as the first two with how dark this can be. Fantastically written and the 13 Treasures series is definitely one of my favourite middle grade series now. I am so in love!
July 31, 2021
Red lives at the Elvesden manor now with Tanya and Fabian and after the end of the second book, one would think that things are better now but this isn't the case as Red gets swept up in the dark world of the faeries once again and what's even worse is that someone is out there . Red also starts to go by her real name Rowan.
I loved the first two books in the series. They were dark, well thought out, fast paced and had me caring and rooting for the characters throughout. This book is definitely the darkest in the series but for some reason this read like a completely different book. The story didn't properly align with the first two books even though the first two books were from different characters' POVs they sort of aligned with one another but this felt completely different.
I felt like the story had ended after the first two books may be that's why or may be because the writer didn't have a lot to go on after the first two books. It would have been better as a novella just to tie these loose ends. It was not a bad book by any means but I couldn't enjoy it as much as the previous books.
3 stars
I loved the first two books in the series. They were dark, well thought out, fast paced and had me caring and rooting for the characters throughout. This book is definitely the darkest in the series but for some reason this read like a completely different book. The story didn't properly align with the first two books even though the first two books were from different characters' POVs they sort of aligned with one another but this felt completely different.
I felt like the story had ended after the first two books may be that's why or may be because the writer didn't have a lot to go on after the first two books. It would have been better as a novella just to tie these loose ends. It was not a bad book by any means but I couldn't enjoy it as much as the previous books.
3 stars
January 14, 2018
I didn't find myself getting along with this book as fast as I thought I would, maybe because I read the first two books like three years ago and now I got to read the third, so there's long distance between them. But I do remember that I liked the first two books more than this one and there were more interesting events happening.
That doesn't mean that this book isn't good, because it is and I quite enjoyed it.
And the cover of this book is pretty and adorable and breathtaking... just PERFECT!
October 22, 2011
fantastic books! wondering if there'll be a fourth?
would highly recommend to any adult even tho its a kids book, I really enjoyed this whole series! and will get my kids to read them when they're a tad older.
would highly recommend to any adult even tho its a kids book, I really enjoyed this whole series! and will get my kids to read them when they're a tad older.
February 8, 2011
The Thirteen Secrets is the final instalment in Michelle Harrison's wonderful trilogy involving the relationship between faeries and humans. I adored her first two books, The Thirteen Treasures and The Thirteen Curses and I anticipated the latest novel with a mixture of sorrow, excitement and dread - sad because it was the signalling the end of my interaction with well-loved characters, excited to see how these characters would develop and the tiniest hint of dread that I might be disappointed. Fear ye not as the author does a fabulous job of bringing events at Elvesden Manor to a close whilst introducing us to some intriguing new characters.
I don't want to give away too much of the plot but suffice to say that you are in for a real treat. Rowan (Red) is living at Elvesden Manor and she is doing her utmost to lead a "normal" life with Tanya, Fabian and co. Of course "normality" is off the menu when you live in a fairy-infested house, fairies in the grandfather clock, a tea caddy brownie in the kitchen complete with walking stick and a drain dweller in the bathrooom whose belches smell like rotten eggs. However, Rowan is haunted by nightmares from the past and it would appear that everyone, human and fairy alike, is harbouring some sort of secret, some of which have dreadful consequences.
This is an even darker tale than the preceding novels, perhaps due to the increasing maturity of the characters who have already experienced the dark and light side of faeries. We have already seen the malevolence of the Unseelie Court, the random removal of human children replaced by changelings, the vindictive nature of Tanya's faerie guardian but things take an even more sinister turn in this volume with the battle between good and evil becoming a fight between life and death. Some scenes are reminiscent of the Chronicles of Narnia, especially the battle between Aslan's followers and those of the White Witch - stirring stuff which doesn't pander to those of an overly sensitive nature so expect tears amidst the smiles and rejoicing!
So, the feeling of dread has vanished but there is still some residual sadness that the 13 series is over. At least I will have the pleasure some day of reading the trilogy aloud to my daughter (who, at 7, is still at the Tinkerbell stage..) I highly recommend this whole series to children of all ages (9-99) who believe in some sort of magic and who don't automatically attribute those odd noises in the bathroom to faulty plumbing!
I don't want to give away too much of the plot but suffice to say that you are in for a real treat. Rowan (Red) is living at Elvesden Manor and she is doing her utmost to lead a "normal" life with Tanya, Fabian and co. Of course "normality" is off the menu when you live in a fairy-infested house, fairies in the grandfather clock, a tea caddy brownie in the kitchen complete with walking stick and a drain dweller in the bathrooom whose belches smell like rotten eggs. However, Rowan is haunted by nightmares from the past and it would appear that everyone, human and fairy alike, is harbouring some sort of secret, some of which have dreadful consequences.
This is an even darker tale than the preceding novels, perhaps due to the increasing maturity of the characters who have already experienced the dark and light side of faeries. We have already seen the malevolence of the Unseelie Court, the random removal of human children replaced by changelings, the vindictive nature of Tanya's faerie guardian but things take an even more sinister turn in this volume with the battle between good and evil becoming a fight between life and death. Some scenes are reminiscent of the Chronicles of Narnia, especially the battle between Aslan's followers and those of the White Witch - stirring stuff which doesn't pander to those of an overly sensitive nature so expect tears amidst the smiles and rejoicing!
So, the feeling of dread has vanished but there is still some residual sadness that the 13 series is over. At least I will have the pleasure some day of reading the trilogy aloud to my daughter (who, at 7, is still at the Tinkerbell stage..) I highly recommend this whole series to children of all ages (9-99) who believe in some sort of magic and who don't automatically attribute those odd noises in the bathroom to faulty plumbing!
June 8, 2018
What a disappointment. Usually I can read a book in 48 hours - this one dragged by.
The plot was amazing but was executed terribly.
It’s a children’s book so everyone saves the day - but it was so bland and no excitement.
The plot continues on from the second book, which was fantastic - but the magic vanished. I’m just glad the trilogy is finished now.
The plot was amazing but was executed terribly.
It’s a children’s book so everyone saves the day - but it was so bland and no excitement.
The plot continues on from the second book, which was fantastic - but the magic vanished. I’m just glad the trilogy is finished now.
January 7, 2015
Ένα ενήλικο βιβλίο με παιδιά για ήρωες! Μυστικά, δολοπλοκίες και πολλοί σκοτεινοί φόνοι! Κάποιος έχει αποφασίσει να «ξεπαστρέψει» ένα- ένα τα μέλη μιας κρυφής Σύναξης, της Σύναξης της Ρόουαν. Κάποιος βοηθάει τον δολοφόνο από μέσα… ποιος; Για άλλη μια φορά όπως και στα δύο προηγούμενα βιβλία, τα «13 μυστικά» διαβάζονται μονορούφι.
December 28, 2010
For anyone who reads this series, I can tell you now: you won't be disappointed. My Michelle Harrison worship is going nowhere!
November 23, 2020
4.5 I just couldn’t bring it up to 5. I thought it was a great finale to the trilogy. But the villain’s last speech dropped it downed for me. It was just too much hatred for too many people for me. I can say this though, Michelle Harrison is now an auto buy author for me.
December 13, 2018
3.5 stars.
I enjoyed this conclusion to the "13 Treasures" series quite a bit. The characters were well done and I loved Rowan especially. The villain was appropriately creepy once he\she appears in full. The plot twist was thought out and, I must say, I didn't see it coming. I wanted more backstory on many things but, alas, was not given it as much as I hoped. I did find the ending did have closure mostly but not enough of it. I would have really appreciated another 50 pages or so but 20-25 would have done the job and been entirely satisfying.
Rowan and Sparrow's friendship was very sweet.
Overall, a very solid and enjoyable series.
I enjoyed this conclusion to the "13 Treasures" series quite a bit. The characters were well done and I loved Rowan especially. The villain was appropriately creepy once he\she appears in full. The plot twist was thought out and, I must say, I didn't see it coming. I wanted more backstory on many things but, alas, was not given it as much as I hoped. I did find the ending did have closure mostly but not enough of it. I would have really appreciated another 50 pages or so but 20-25 would have done the job and been entirely satisfying.
Rowan and Sparrow's friendship was very sweet.
Overall, a very solid and enjoyable series.
October 14, 2016
Rowan is trying to put her past behind her, but it soon becomes clear that she is not finished yet. An organization that she was involved with when she lived on the streets that helps switch changelings back to their original homes, has come back and asked for her help on an unusually difficult case. She try's to keep Tanya and Fabian out of it, but they soon discover it on their own. They are all in danger, and an old enemy of Rowan that has been haunting her has possibly returned, and someone ha seen leaking their most heavily guarded secrets to an outsider.
This action packed book is full of surprises.
This action packed book is full of surprises.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 29, 2018
I have enjoyed this series - they are easy to read. Although this book did end up just as good as the rest, I found it quite hard to get into it. I think the series could have ended with the second book, because that seemed to be the end of the main story line. This seemed to be an extra.
I thought the twist was good, the story was strong, and the characters were all believable. It was not my favourite book, but it was good.
I thought the twist was good, the story was strong, and the characters were all believable. It was not my favourite book, but it was good.
December 8, 2016
3.5 stars
December 23, 2024
so good i love the whole bringing the fight to the house thing i always thought that was so DRAMATIC and COOL
Read
May 11, 2016Have you ever read 13 Secrets? If you haven´t you really should read it. This book's genre is fantasy because I really don't think any of this would happen in real life. I think the book was really great.
The setting of this book is at the Elvesden Manor and its relevance to the story is that that's where almost all the action happened. Rowan was dismissed from school so she started walking and she met this girl on the street who gave her a message. The next day, Tanya came back to the Elvesden Manor and was suspicious that Rowan was hiding something so she followed her to where she was going. Rowan, Sparrow, and Crooks found Dawn dead in the roof. While Tanya and Fabian were in the woods, they saw that someone tried to kill Morag but they got there in time and they also had a clue on who it was. It was a black piece of cloth. Back at the Elvesden Manor, Rowan found a similar black cloth in Sparrow's clothes. Tino locked Sparrow in the secret door of the bookcase and Tino said he would leave him there until they knew that Sparrow was telling the truth that it wasn't him that wanted to kill Morag. Rowan followed Sparrow out of the tunnel but when they get out, it turns out that it was Eldritch that was disguised as Sparrow. Eldritch took Rowan cavern and kept her there until Tanya and Fabian saved Rowan. Gredin let Eldritch fall down the hole and they left. When the four of them got back to the Elvesden Manor, Rowan went in the tunnel looking for Sparrow. They found him and carried him to the fire place to warm up. Rowan told everyone that Suki was lying about the whole thing and that Suki was the one that killed Dawn, Victor and Fix. Suki was going to leave with Rowan until Rose interfered and made her a deal. While Suki and Rose were making the deal, Rowan was able to slip out of Suki's grip and take off her fox skin. Suki tried escaping but she cut herself and she was taken back to the fairy tale court. In the end, Raven was killed and Rowan stayed at the Elvesden Manor. Sparrow also stayed there because he wanted to be there with Rowan. The type of conflict is person vs self because Rowan is debating whether she should still be involved with the coven or not. The theme of this book is braveness because all of the characters are brave enough to go against who ever was hurting them. Like how Tanya was brave enough to go against Eldritch when he had Rowan captured.
The third person point of view affects the story because it doesn't just focus on one person. It focuses on other peoples point of views. A major event that changed Rowan was when she figured out that Warwick and Rose were together but she still felt okay with it because she thought that they deserved happiness. Another theme that recurs throughout the book is love. This theme can be seen when Rowan becomes worried about Sparrow missing.
I was surprised when I found out that Warwick was with Rose because they seemed so different and how Warwick said that he would never feel happy again without Elizabeth. I was angry about when Suki was the one that was betraying the coven and how she killed Dawn and Fix. My favorite part was when Warwick and Rose got together because I also thought they deserved happiness after all that happened to them. I thought the ending of the book was great because I liked how Tino had sent Tanya a letter that she was about to rip apart but something stopped her from doing so.
Overall, I would give this book 5 stars because I thought this book was better than the last one. I would recommend this book to someone who likes a good fantasy book. Would you like to be in Rowan's place?
The setting of this book is at the Elvesden Manor and its relevance to the story is that that's where almost all the action happened. Rowan was dismissed from school so she started walking and she met this girl on the street who gave her a message. The next day, Tanya came back to the Elvesden Manor and was suspicious that Rowan was hiding something so she followed her to where she was going. Rowan, Sparrow, and Crooks found Dawn dead in the roof. While Tanya and Fabian were in the woods, they saw that someone tried to kill Morag but they got there in time and they also had a clue on who it was. It was a black piece of cloth. Back at the Elvesden Manor, Rowan found a similar black cloth in Sparrow's clothes. Tino locked Sparrow in the secret door of the bookcase and Tino said he would leave him there until they knew that Sparrow was telling the truth that it wasn't him that wanted to kill Morag. Rowan followed Sparrow out of the tunnel but when they get out, it turns out that it was Eldritch that was disguised as Sparrow. Eldritch took Rowan cavern and kept her there until Tanya and Fabian saved Rowan. Gredin let Eldritch fall down the hole and they left. When the four of them got back to the Elvesden Manor, Rowan went in the tunnel looking for Sparrow. They found him and carried him to the fire place to warm up. Rowan told everyone that Suki was lying about the whole thing and that Suki was the one that killed Dawn, Victor and Fix. Suki was going to leave with Rowan until Rose interfered and made her a deal. While Suki and Rose were making the deal, Rowan was able to slip out of Suki's grip and take off her fox skin. Suki tried escaping but she cut herself and she was taken back to the fairy tale court. In the end, Raven was killed and Rowan stayed at the Elvesden Manor. Sparrow also stayed there because he wanted to be there with Rowan. The type of conflict is person vs self because Rowan is debating whether she should still be involved with the coven or not. The theme of this book is braveness because all of the characters are brave enough to go against who ever was hurting them. Like how Tanya was brave enough to go against Eldritch when he had Rowan captured.
The third person point of view affects the story because it doesn't just focus on one person. It focuses on other peoples point of views. A major event that changed Rowan was when she figured out that Warwick and Rose were together but she still felt okay with it because she thought that they deserved happiness. Another theme that recurs throughout the book is love. This theme can be seen when Rowan becomes worried about Sparrow missing.
I was surprised when I found out that Warwick was with Rose because they seemed so different and how Warwick said that he would never feel happy again without Elizabeth. I was angry about when Suki was the one that was betraying the coven and how she killed Dawn and Fix. My favorite part was when Warwick and Rose got together because I also thought they deserved happiness after all that happened to them. I thought the ending of the book was great because I liked how Tino had sent Tanya a letter that she was about to rip apart but something stopped her from doing so.
Overall, I would give this book 5 stars because I thought this book was better than the last one. I would recommend this book to someone who likes a good fantasy book. Would you like to be in Rowan's place?
May 7, 2011
This is one of those series that I wish desperately had been around when I was in the age range it’s aimed at. I remember seeing the first one, The 13 Treasures, coming out and unsure if I wanted to read it. I love fairies, but I’m all about the good ones. In the end, the cover (so predictable of me) won me over. When I read the first chapter, just to check it out as I was reading something else at the time, that was it, I hunkered down and read- scratch that- devoured the book. Naturally I stalked the second book, The 13 Curses, and read that in one sitting too. I even started buying the books for any young people who liked reading because they needed to have this series in their reading lives.
When I finally got my mitts on this book, I did my usual and threw all partially read books to one side and got down and dirty with this one. And I wasn’t disappointed. This is definitely my favourite book in the series. It’s darker, edgier and has a whole bunch of new characters to meet and keep things fresh. It had a whole new plotline from the other two, yet answered all my questions from the other two books and tied everything up neatly.
We get to find out more about Rowan’s past and how she came to be part of a gang that helped get human children back. It was interesting meeting the people she worked with and what each one brought to their group, yet there was something dangerous about it all. Every time I learnt something new about one of them, I had my back up. I was part of the dangerous world of fairies and trusted no one.
The small subplots that went on in the background were a nice touch too. I love things like that because I always wonder what’s going on in the smaller characters’ lives, and it was answered for me from time to time. I also have to say that the African Grey got a lot of hate from me, as well as the characters. I have to live with one (hates her with a passion) and nearly everything was spot on about how hateful they can be to live with if you don’t love parrots. The only thing missing was how they like to pick up high-pitched shrieks and use them on you when their beloved has left the room!
Overall, this last book rounded the series off nicely. I saw some things coming, but only when they were about to be revealed. Some things I didn’t and had a few ‘No way!’ moments before rereading what had just happened. This trilogy definitely needs to be enjoyed by children and adults. It’s a series that will stand the test of time, in my opinion.
When I finally got my mitts on this book, I did my usual and threw all partially read books to one side and got down and dirty with this one. And I wasn’t disappointed. This is definitely my favourite book in the series. It’s darker, edgier and has a whole bunch of new characters to meet and keep things fresh. It had a whole new plotline from the other two, yet answered all my questions from the other two books and tied everything up neatly.
We get to find out more about Rowan’s past and how she came to be part of a gang that helped get human children back. It was interesting meeting the people she worked with and what each one brought to their group, yet there was something dangerous about it all. Every time I learnt something new about one of them, I had my back up. I was part of the dangerous world of fairies and trusted no one.
The small subplots that went on in the background were a nice touch too. I love things like that because I always wonder what’s going on in the smaller characters’ lives, and it was answered for me from time to time. I also have to say that the African Grey got a lot of hate from me, as well as the characters. I have to live with one (hates her with a passion) and nearly everything was spot on about how hateful they can be to live with if you don’t love parrots. The only thing missing was how they like to pick up high-pitched shrieks and use them on you when their beloved has left the room!
Overall, this last book rounded the series off nicely. I saw some things coming, but only when they were about to be revealed. Some things I didn’t and had a few ‘No way!’ moments before rereading what had just happened. This trilogy definitely needs to be enjoyed by children and adults. It’s a series that will stand the test of time, in my opinion.
January 3, 2015
3.5 stars
Overall, a really well done conclusion to what has been one of the best fey/faery stories I have read published in the last ten years. A lovely British trilogy (although there is a prequel that is being published), with a classic feel (in the very best sense) amidst its modern setting.
Red/Rowan really gets to see the end of her quest, set to rest her worries and burdens, find her family and look to the future with happiness and safety. What more could I ask for?
We get to see all the important friends and supporting characters from prior books and see what becomes of them.
Sparrow! So much better than I had hoped.
I will be very glad to see what Michelle Harrison writes next!
Overall, a really well done conclusion to what has been one of the best fey/faery stories I have read published in the last ten years. A lovely British trilogy (although there is a prequel that is being published), with a classic feel (in the very best sense) amidst its modern setting.
Red/Rowan really gets to see the end of her quest, set to rest her worries and burdens, find her family and look to the future with happiness and safety. What more could I ask for?
We get to see all the important friends and supporting characters from prior books and see what becomes of them.
Sparrow! So much better than I had hoped.
I will be very glad to see what Michelle Harrison writes next!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Read
April 20, 2015Feathers are flying whenever you get involved with changelings, but I'm glad it was resolved for all that.
June 25, 2016
Hi there this is such an awesome book yes I am only 10 but to me this book is amazing I am not gonna spoil it if u wanna read it but if u like books with twists read this
June 16, 2019
The end of the 13 treasures series, on a sad note.
July 29, 2018
Objectively, 13 Curses is probably the best written of the trilogy. Subjectively, it was my least favourite.
I can appreciate that Harrison engaged a number of loose ends—Red's history with the changeling trade, Eldritch, the truth of Fabian's mother's death—but I really didn't care for any of those storylines. Moreover, I didn't care for the abundance of new characters introduced. In the previous novels I enjoyed the small cast, the focus on the three kids. Here, the series just lost a chunk of its charm for me with a bigger cast and far less engagement with the fey realm.
Don't get me wrong, the story is well-written (even if it is fairly predictable) and Harrison did a good job. It was just very different from its predecessors, so I didn't quite get what I had expected or wanted. Still a solid end to the trilogy, though, even if a little less magical.
I can appreciate that Harrison engaged a number of loose ends—Red's history with the changeling trade, Eldritch, the truth of Fabian's mother's death—but I really didn't care for any of those storylines. Moreover, I didn't care for the abundance of new characters introduced. In the previous novels I enjoyed the small cast, the focus on the three kids. Here, the series just lost a chunk of its charm for me with a bigger cast and far less engagement with the fey realm.
Don't get me wrong, the story is well-written (even if it is fairly predictable) and Harrison did a good job. It was just very different from its predecessors, so I didn't quite get what I had expected or wanted. Still a solid end to the trilogy, though, even if a little less magical.
September 29, 2022
Gonna be honest dont like this one as much as the others because i feel like the vibe changed a bit but i was still wacked in the head with nostalgia
February 20, 2012
Kurzbeschreibung:
Rowan will endlich ein neues Leben beginnen, frei von Angst und Lügen und weitab von allem, was sie an das Elfenreich erinnert. Doch niemand mit dem Zweiten Gesicht kommt so leicht davon. Als sich mysteriöse Todesfälle häufen, bitten Rowans alte Verbündete sie um Hilfe. Bald wird Rowan klar: Jemand aus ihrer Vergangenheit sinnt auf Rache. Schließlich ist Elvesden Manor der letzte Rückzugsort für Rowan und ihre Freunde. Als das Gutshaus von Feen und Kobolden angegriffen wird, muss Rowan allen Mut aufbringen, um zu schützen, was ihr lieb geworden ist. Mit Fabian und Tanya schmiedet sie einen Plan - doch auf Elvesden Manor befindet sich ein Verräter...
Zur Autorin:
Michelle Harrison wurde 1979 in Grays, Essex geboren und verbrachte dort ihre Kindheit. Auf die Idee zu "Elfenseele" kam sie vor allem durch ihre Leidenschaft illustrierte Kinderbücher und jedes Buch, das etwas mit Märchen, Folklore, Aberglaube und Mythologie zu tun hat, zu sammeln. Sie lebt in Oxford mit ihrem Lebensgefährten Darren und ihrer Katze Pepper.
Rezension:
Rowan lebt nun seit einiger Zeit auf Elvesden Manor bei ihren Freunden Tanya und Fabian und hofft, hier ihre bewegte Vergangenheit hinter sich lassen zu können. Auch ihre Mutter Rose hat sich hier eingefunden und ein Tierasyl ganz in der Nähe gegründet.
Doch schon bald wird Rowan von ihrer Vergangenheit eingeholt: Der Coven, eine Vereinigung, die sich dem Wechselbalgaustausch verschrieben hat, taucht in der Stadt auf und bittet Rowan um Hilfe und Unterstützung. Dies soll auf jeden Fall das letzte Mal werden, danach möchte Rowan ihr neues Leben beginnen. Doch die Ereignisse überschlagen sich und schon bald finden sich Rowan und ihre Freunde in einem Kampf gegen das Böse wieder...
"Jenseits der Ferne" ist der würdige Abschluss der "Elfenseele"-Trilogie. Erneut, wie im Band zuvor, hat Rowan Fox die Rolle der Protagonistin inne. Fabian und Tanya, denen noch im ersten Band die Hauptrolle zugedacht war, treten wiederum mehr als schmückendes Beiwerk auf, was ich als bedauerlich empfand, denn ich hätte mir mehr Gleichgewicht im Auftreten dieser drei Charaktere gewünscht.
Insgesamt ist "Jenseits der Ferne" erwachsener als die Vorgängerbände. Die Spannung beginnt bereits am Anfang und hält sich bis zum finalen Showdown konstant. Auch die Stimmung bleibt während der kompletten Geschichte recht düster und bedrohlich.
Durch das Auftauchen des Covens in Tickey End kommen eine Menge neue Figuren hinzu, von denen die meisten allerdings im Hintergrund bleiben. Andere bekommen einen größeren Auftritt, bleiben aber eher blass und werden nicht weiter vertieft. Der im Klappentext genannte Verräter ist relativ schnell ausgemacht, was die Spannung etwas mindert. Da "Jenseits der Ferne" komplett im Hier und Jetzt spielt und die Elfenwelt nur erwähnt wird, bleibt die Magie der Vorgängerbände leider auf der Strecke.
Trotzdem ist "Jenseits der Ferne" ein würdiger Abschluss der "Elfenseele"-Trilogie, die durch Spannung, Kämpfe gegen unheimliche Gegner und vor allem näheres Hintergrundwissen über Rowans Vergangenheit im Coven punkten kann.
Zur Gestaltung des Buchs: Der Schutzumschlag des Hardcovers reiht sich wunderbar in die Gestaltung der beiden Vorgängerbände ein. Komplett in Spotlackoptik gehalten, ist die dominierende Farbe diesmal ein kräftiges Rot. Jedes Kapitel beginnt, wie schon gewohnt, mit einem auffälligen Großbuchstaben, den Michelle Harrison mit schönen Illustrationen verziert hat. Ein cremefarbenes Lesebändchen wurde ebenso beigefügt.
Fazit: "Jenseits der Ferne" birgt einen runden Abschluss der "Elfenseele"-Trilogie, auch wenn einige der vielen neuen Personen meiner Meinung nach überflüssig waren. Punkten kann der Roman aber dennoch durch seine Spannung und die altbekannten Charaktere der Reihe.
Rowan will endlich ein neues Leben beginnen, frei von Angst und Lügen und weitab von allem, was sie an das Elfenreich erinnert. Doch niemand mit dem Zweiten Gesicht kommt so leicht davon. Als sich mysteriöse Todesfälle häufen, bitten Rowans alte Verbündete sie um Hilfe. Bald wird Rowan klar: Jemand aus ihrer Vergangenheit sinnt auf Rache. Schließlich ist Elvesden Manor der letzte Rückzugsort für Rowan und ihre Freunde. Als das Gutshaus von Feen und Kobolden angegriffen wird, muss Rowan allen Mut aufbringen, um zu schützen, was ihr lieb geworden ist. Mit Fabian und Tanya schmiedet sie einen Plan - doch auf Elvesden Manor befindet sich ein Verräter...
Zur Autorin:
Michelle Harrison wurde 1979 in Grays, Essex geboren und verbrachte dort ihre Kindheit. Auf die Idee zu "Elfenseele" kam sie vor allem durch ihre Leidenschaft illustrierte Kinderbücher und jedes Buch, das etwas mit Märchen, Folklore, Aberglaube und Mythologie zu tun hat, zu sammeln. Sie lebt in Oxford mit ihrem Lebensgefährten Darren und ihrer Katze Pepper.
Rezension:
Rowan lebt nun seit einiger Zeit auf Elvesden Manor bei ihren Freunden Tanya und Fabian und hofft, hier ihre bewegte Vergangenheit hinter sich lassen zu können. Auch ihre Mutter Rose hat sich hier eingefunden und ein Tierasyl ganz in der Nähe gegründet.
Doch schon bald wird Rowan von ihrer Vergangenheit eingeholt: Der Coven, eine Vereinigung, die sich dem Wechselbalgaustausch verschrieben hat, taucht in der Stadt auf und bittet Rowan um Hilfe und Unterstützung. Dies soll auf jeden Fall das letzte Mal werden, danach möchte Rowan ihr neues Leben beginnen. Doch die Ereignisse überschlagen sich und schon bald finden sich Rowan und ihre Freunde in einem Kampf gegen das Böse wieder...
"Jenseits der Ferne" ist der würdige Abschluss der "Elfenseele"-Trilogie. Erneut, wie im Band zuvor, hat Rowan Fox die Rolle der Protagonistin inne. Fabian und Tanya, denen noch im ersten Band die Hauptrolle zugedacht war, treten wiederum mehr als schmückendes Beiwerk auf, was ich als bedauerlich empfand, denn ich hätte mir mehr Gleichgewicht im Auftreten dieser drei Charaktere gewünscht.
Insgesamt ist "Jenseits der Ferne" erwachsener als die Vorgängerbände. Die Spannung beginnt bereits am Anfang und hält sich bis zum finalen Showdown konstant. Auch die Stimmung bleibt während der kompletten Geschichte recht düster und bedrohlich.
Durch das Auftauchen des Covens in Tickey End kommen eine Menge neue Figuren hinzu, von denen die meisten allerdings im Hintergrund bleiben. Andere bekommen einen größeren Auftritt, bleiben aber eher blass und werden nicht weiter vertieft. Der im Klappentext genannte Verräter ist relativ schnell ausgemacht, was die Spannung etwas mindert. Da "Jenseits der Ferne" komplett im Hier und Jetzt spielt und die Elfenwelt nur erwähnt wird, bleibt die Magie der Vorgängerbände leider auf der Strecke.
Trotzdem ist "Jenseits der Ferne" ein würdiger Abschluss der "Elfenseele"-Trilogie, die durch Spannung, Kämpfe gegen unheimliche Gegner und vor allem näheres Hintergrundwissen über Rowans Vergangenheit im Coven punkten kann.
Zur Gestaltung des Buchs: Der Schutzumschlag des Hardcovers reiht sich wunderbar in die Gestaltung der beiden Vorgängerbände ein. Komplett in Spotlackoptik gehalten, ist die dominierende Farbe diesmal ein kräftiges Rot. Jedes Kapitel beginnt, wie schon gewohnt, mit einem auffälligen Großbuchstaben, den Michelle Harrison mit schönen Illustrationen verziert hat. Ein cremefarbenes Lesebändchen wurde ebenso beigefügt.
Fazit: "Jenseits der Ferne" birgt einen runden Abschluss der "Elfenseele"-Trilogie, auch wenn einige der vielen neuen Personen meiner Meinung nach überflüssig waren. Punkten kann der Roman aber dennoch durch seine Spannung und die altbekannten Charaktere der Reihe.
March 27, 2025
I started this series when I was a child. This third book wasn’t published yet. I’ve reread the first two books again and again, and now have finally finished this story. Pretty sure I read the first two books in one go too.
October 18, 2011
What can I say? Michelle Harrison is an extremely talented writer and storyteller. Despite the fact that The Thirteen Secrets is a sequel as well as the conclusion to a trilogy, it flows well with the rest of the story. It’s as if Harrison has planned all this out and 3 books were just what it took for the story to be told. Some authors don’t do that. They decide on a story to tell, and when it’s done, because it’s making money or something, they decide to add in a sequel; only it’s written poorly, clumsily and adds nothing to the story.
This is not true for The Thirteen Treasures trilogy. Everything makes sense; everything links. It flows so beautifully, it makes you want to cry. But I digress. The Thirteen Secrets is book 3, in which Red is now living at Elvesden Manor under her real name. But soon, her past starts to catch up with her and everything culminates in an epic battle at the Manor.
I love the action! Action is always constant in the 3 books and it’s written superbly. The characters are true to themselves and you’ll always be rooting for Tanya, Fabian and Red. But the best thing is the faerie lore. I won’t go into that much detail but like I said before, everything links. You don’t necessarily have to read book 1 and 2, but they are highly recommended for the full experience, and really, there’s no point in reading The Thirteen Secrets if you don’t read book 1 and 2. The chapters are also divided in that, sometimes, there’s a great revelation before the end of a chapter. Some of them are surprising, while others are just shocking. They’re all great twists though and really compel you to read further!
Another great thing about this story is the lack of romance. Perhaps it’s because it’s a MG novel, but the lack of romance gives focus to other themes like family, loyalty, bravery, friendship, etc, which is great. I’m not sure if The Thirteen Secrets really is the end end of the series but it feels like it’s a good place. Well done, Michelle Harrison! I can’t wait to read more of your books!
This is not true for The Thirteen Treasures trilogy. Everything makes sense; everything links. It flows so beautifully, it makes you want to cry. But I digress. The Thirteen Secrets is book 3, in which Red is now living at Elvesden Manor under her real name. But soon, her past starts to catch up with her and everything culminates in an epic battle at the Manor.
I love the action! Action is always constant in the 3 books and it’s written superbly. The characters are true to themselves and you’ll always be rooting for Tanya, Fabian and Red. But the best thing is the faerie lore. I won’t go into that much detail but like I said before, everything links. You don’t necessarily have to read book 1 and 2, but they are highly recommended for the full experience, and really, there’s no point in reading The Thirteen Secrets if you don’t read book 1 and 2. The chapters are also divided in that, sometimes, there’s a great revelation before the end of a chapter. Some of them are surprising, while others are just shocking. They’re all great twists though and really compel you to read further!
Another great thing about this story is the lack of romance. Perhaps it’s because it’s a MG novel, but the lack of romance gives focus to other themes like family, loyalty, bravery, friendship, etc, which is great. I’m not sure if The Thirteen Secrets really is the end end of the series but it feels like it’s a good place. Well done, Michelle Harrison! I can’t wait to read more of your books!
October 14, 2021
This book was a really great sequel to the thirteen treasures series. I personally haven't read the first book, but I had read the second one so I was familiar with all of the characters. This book carries on from the events of Thirteen secrets, where Red gets captured by the Hedgewitch, then kills her leaving Eldritch to rot in his cell. It turns out however that Eldritch has escaped and was out to seek revenge on Red for leaving him to die. Throughout the story I really began to sympathise with Red and I got to know her character more and the guilt she felt about what she did. The ending in my opinion was the best as it had a surprising twist that I wasn't expecting. The only thing that I would have changed is for the aftermath to have been longer as what happened to Suki isn't really explained and I would have liked to got to know more about each of the characters as there were quite a lot more than in the previous book. Due to this I wasnt t quite satisfied with this book as the first one hence why I gave it four stars, but I still think it was a good finale to the series and I would definitely recommend it!
October 14, 2016
It was good, nothing extraordinary. Like i said in my review about thirteen curses, I could not see the importance of the witch's character as she was too undeveloped. Eldritch is out to kill Rowan, and I cant blame him, but in the pervious book I never found him interesting and I still dont find him interesting in this one. This book focuses too much on Rowan and we get to see very little of the other characters. Rowan was perhaps the only developed character in this book, and the others were put there just for the sake of it. I never found any importance of the clove in the last books, so their sudden appearance did surprise me, but did not amuse me. Saki? Well, I have no idea what Saki is like. She's been keeping up a show for the entire book (not a good one that it. The plot twist was still predictable) and right when we're told that she's evil we're also told that she's misunderstood? That's just a cheap tactic right there. At least give HER some character development.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 18, 2013
If your children haven't read this series, then they really should. All of the characters are very well written, intriguing and larger then life. This entire series is really good fun to read. There's plenty of magic, danger, excitement, suspense and plot twists to keep kids interested right the way through. An ancient society of humans and fairies is being hunted down, one by one, by forces unknown. If they aren't stopped soon then there will be none of them left. Red is deeply involved in the danger. Tanya, Fabian and the others are drawn in along with her. I think that this whole series is fantastic, but this is the best book yet. I liked the way that the book was left open at the end, to suggest that one day the author may come back to elvesden manor and its inhabitants to begin yet another story...
July 25, 2013
Really good series! Loved the characters and the unique settings. (can be misleading though...written for JUV readers w/ cute sparkly fairies on the covers but while the storyline fits that age group, the somewhat gruesome visuals at times would be more fit for older kids. (dead bodies w their eyes getting picked out by crows, etc.) The fairies in these books are more of the old time folklore evil type fairies...nothing glittery about them. Sadly, the covers also lead you to believe that this book is for girls when a boy would enjoy it just as much. A bit like Spiderwick....
March 15, 2016
With other trilogies I have read I was a little afraid this last book was going to end poorly, but I was extremely surprised when it had just as many twists and turns and excitement as the first two books. I thought the second one was my favorite, but I don't know, this one may tie it for first place! I still have a couple of chapters left before I'm completely finished, but I wanted to go ahead and add it as being read today.
I love these and will be reading them many times in the future!
I love these and will be reading them many times in the future!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 295 reviews