Author: Garth Nix
Plot:
On his first day at yet another new high school, Arthur Penhaligon isn't having the best time. Today is the "mile run" in gym class, and Arthur's new gym teacher couldn't care less about Arthur's severe asthma. Not far into the run, with the rest of the class far out of sight, Arthur collapses. As he lays, nearly dying, two men step out of thin air, an old butler pushing a young man in wheel chair. After a brief dispute, the young man gives Arthur a large minute hand from a clock, calling it the "key", under the butlers advice that Arthur is destined to die there on the sports field, and the "keys" power will then be returned to the young man, named Mr. Monday. But Arthur does not die. The Key gives him strength, and the men vanish.
Life only get stranger when Arthur wakes up in the hospital- still in possession of the mysterious "key", he is chased by servile monsters into the House, a fantastic floating building that encompasses an entire world, where the laws of reality no longer apply. Meeting new allies, Arthur learns it is his destiny to claim the second half of the key from the negligent but all powerful Mr. Monday, restoring peace to the lower realm of the house, and freeing a piece of the Will, a physical embodiment of the Architect of the universe's last command to his creation. And that is just the first day of the week.
Alex's Opinion:
I realize that there are hundreds of "young man is chosen to save mystical realm and the universe fantasy" type novels out there, but I very much enjoyed this one. The realm of the "House" is very creative, in its places, people, and magic. These books are fast pace, and never dull. Did I mention that there are seven books to the series? If you like the first one, than there is another six to read, and I love reading a long series, which allows for tremendous buildup and intricate plot. This book, and series, has many lovable and interesting characters that are always popping up and keeping the plot fun and energized.
Who would like it:
Fantasy lovers that particularly enjoy creative, in depth, and well designed worlds to immerse themselves in will particularly enjoy this book. This book was written for teens, but for me, reading this series was brain candy- not a whole lot of substance, but easy to devour.
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