Early Review – Tuesdays at the Castle by Jessica Day George (4.5/5 stars)

Tuesdays at the Castle

Reading level: Middle Grade
Genre: Fantasy
Size: 240 pages
Publisher: Bloomsbury USA Childrens
Release Date: October 11, 2011
ISBN-13:  978-1599906447
Stand Alone or Series: Stand Alone
Source: ARC from BEA
Rating: 4.5/5 stars

I got an advanced reading copy of this book at Book Expo America from Bloomsbury.  Previously I have read Sun and Moon, Ice and Snow and Princess of the Midnight Ball by Jessica Day George and enjoyed them both.  This was a very fun read focused on the very nifty idea of a castle being able to change itself whenever it wants.  I thoroughly enjoyed this book, it was a quick read and was entertaining and fun.  It is aimed more at the middle grade age set than young adult; but I think even adults who are young at heart with enjoy this book.

Princess Celie loves Tuesday because that is the day Castle Glower changes itself.  Sometimes it adds a room with bouncy floors, something it connects the pasture to the bedrooms…you just never know what is going to happen.  When Princess Celie’s parents go missing it is up to Celie, her sister (Lilah) and her brother (Roth) to save the throne from the grasping hands of neighboring kingdoms.  The big question is what does Castle Glower want?  Will it help them or has it decided to pick a new king?

I absolutely loved the idea of a sentient castle that can change itself based on its mood and who it likes or doesn’t like.  All of the characters are great; you really love Celie and want her and her siblings to defeat the evil Khelsh who is trying to take the throne.  Khelsh is a wonderful villain, just absolutely hate-able.
It is great to see how Celie, Roth, and Lilah band together and really work well as a family even in the absence of their mother and father.  They make very mature decisions despite their young ages and I loved that the author allows that younger kids can be smart and do what’s right.  It’s not only a good example but acknowledges that kids are smarter than us adults usually give them credit for 🙂
There is a lot of intrigue and mystery as Khelsh plots to take over the castle and the siblings not only fight to keep control of the castle but also try to solve the mystery of their disappearing parents.  The book was very engaging, well-written, fun to read, and hard to put down.  It also leaves smile on your face at the end; which makes it a perfect feel-good read.
Overall this was just such a fun book to read.  The idea of a moody Castle is fantastic and very nicely executed.  The writing is wonderful, the characters likable and interesting, and the intrigue and mystery well done.  I really enjoyed this book and will definitely pick up more books by Jessica Day George to read.  It’s appropriate for all ages.
This book goes towards the following reading challenges:
Tuesdays at the Castle

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