By the powers vested in me a haunted house

Top reviews from other countries

4.0 out of 5 stars Very enjoyable and my nephew likes it so much he's using it to improve his English.

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 8, 2017

I bought this book for my 14-year-old nephew, so he could practice his English. I thought having an interesting story would make up for the fact that he had to look lots of words in his English-Spanish dictionary. Before he read it though, I read it myself, just to make sure it would be fascinating enough to keep his interest, as using books for a younger audience had not worked. I found the story interesting enough to keep me reading. I also liked that it had characters who looked like real-life 13-year-olds, with genuine issues and situations that a teenager may be challenged by. The main characters face a very much "real" world with school, exams, bullying, and so on, and all of that doesn't go away just because they happen to have super-powers and have access to another fantasy world. Overall, I liked the story so I gave it as a present to my nephew along with the second book in the series! My nephew reports he's making slow progress but, as I had guessed, the story is not "too childish" so he has an interest in reading more and improving his English!

5.0 out of 5 stars A thoroughly good read! Good for older readers too.

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 4, 2020

Although I am well above the targeted age I have really enjoyed these books and am waiting (im)patiently for the next one. The characters are believable, their personalities developing as they experience different situations. The "real" world is current, political and recognizable and the lessons learned by the characters as they progress through both worlds are great messages for the targeted audience.

5.0 out of 5 stars I was hooked after reading the first few pages and was greatly disappointed when I reached the final chapter

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 28, 2016

What a book. I have been an avid Harry Potter fan and would wait eagerly for the next instalment. The same can be said about this book. I was hooked after reading the first few pages and was greatly disappointed when I reached the final chapter. The historical research carried out by AJ King to achieve, I believe, her first novel is second to none. This book is both educational and an encouragement to children of all age to read and in so doing escape to another world. Well done AJ King. My only disappointment was that I could not go and get the second book in the series straight away. Please do not keep us waiting too long for the next instalment.

5.0 out of 5 stars Move over JK Rowling :)

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on July 1, 2017

What an excellent book. It's the new Harry Potter, can't wait for book two part two. This should and could be made into a film. It's so accessible and an utter delight to read. The words jump off the page and make me feel like I'm a teenager again. Innocent, clever and scintillating.

5.0 out of 5 stars Pure Stardust!

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 1, 2016

The end of this book left me disappointed - because I wanted more immediately.
It is clear that the research carried out by the author as each quest unfolded was meticulous and accurate. As an introduction to the children and their particular skills it was spot on. The concept of time travel came across as believable, whether you believe it or not, and with the story having a modern setting with realistic teenager language throughout, it will be immediately appealing to them.
I didn't get a feeling of similarity between this book and Harry Potter. If you like Harry Potter then you will enjoy "The Power Vested In Me" but in its own right. Please don't make us wait too long for the next one.