Fantasy Mystery Childrens Fiction Audiobook

Quick Take

A sleepy town with a dark secret--and the three kids brave enough to uncover it.Twelve-year-old Eleanor has just moved to Eden Eld to live with her aunt and uncle after her mother was killed in a fire. Her birthday, which falls on Halloween, is just around the corner, and she hopes that this year will be a fresh start at a new life. But then one morning, an ancient grandfather clock counting down thirteen hours appears outside of her bedroom. And then she spots a large black dog with glowing red eyes prowling the grounds of her school. A book of fairytales she's never heard of almost willingly drops in front of her, as if asking to be read. Something is wrong in the town of Eden Eld.Eleanor and her new classmates, Pip and Otto, are the only ones who see these "wrong things," and they also all happen to share a Halloween birthday. Bonded by these odd similarities, the trio uncovers a centuries-old pact the town has with a mysterious figure known as Mr. January: every thirteen years, three thirteen-year-olds disappear, sacrificed in exchange for the town's unending good fortune. This Halloween, Mr. January is back to collect his payment and Eleanor, Pip, and Otto are to be his next offering...unless they can break the curse before the clock strikes thirteen.

Reader's Review

Book Review Summary: Thirteens (Thirteens, #1)

Introduction

"Thirteens" by Kate Alice Marshall is a thrilling and mysterious novel that takes readers on a journey into a small town with a dark secret. The story revolves around Eleanor, a twelve-year-old girl who moves to Eden Eld after her mother's death. As Halloween approaches, Eleanor and her new friends, Pip and Otto, begin to notice strange events happening in their town. They soon discover a centuries-old pact between the town and a mysterious figure known as Mr. January, who takes three thirteen-year-olds every thirteen years as a sacrifice for the town's unending good fortune. With the clock ticking down to thirteen hours, Eleanor, Pip, and Otto must find a way to break the curse before it's too late.

About Kate Alice Marshall

Kate Alice Marshall is an author known for her thrilling and horror stories for all ages. Her YA and middle-grade books include "I Am Still Alive," "Rules for Vanishing," and "Thirteens." She has also written adult thrillers such as "What Lies in the Woods" and "No One Can Know." Marshall lives outside of Seattle with her husband, two dogs named Vonnegut and Octavia, and two kids. Her writing style is known for its creepiness and suspense, making her a popular author among readers who enjoy thrilling stories.

Analysis of Views

Engaging Characters: Readers praise the characters in "Thirteens," particularly Eleanor, Otto, and Pip. They find them relatable and diverse, with different strengths that complement each other. The authors appreciate how the characters are portrayed, making them stand out in the story.
Presence of Parents: Unlike many middle-grade or young adult fiction, the parents in "Thirteens" are present and play a role in the story. Although some of them are evil, their presence adds depth to the narrative and makes the story more realistic. Readers appreciate the inclusion of parents in the book.
Well-Developed Setting: The descriptions of Eden Eld in "Thirteens" are well-done, creating a vivid image of a suburban town with its unique features. The spooky orchard behind Eleanor's house, the kids' playgrounds at Otto's place, and the brick and ivy school campus all contribute to the atmosphere of the story. Readers find the setting well thought out and hope for a map in the finished edition of the book.
Compelling Plot: The plot of "Thirteens" is praised for its unfolding storyline and how it reveals information to the reader through Eleanor's perspective. The pace of the book never feels rushed or slow, making it a page-turner for readers. The plot keeps readers engaged from start to finish, leaving them eager for the next book in the series.
Balance of Creepiness and Suspense: Readers appreciate the balance between creepiness and suspense in "Thirteens." The book has just the right amount of unsettling elements that kids can understand without being too scary or overwhelming. The incorporation of dark fairy tales adds an extra layer of intrigue to the story.

Reasons for Recommendation

Strong Protagonists: Eleanor, Pip, and Otto are praised for their strong personalities and resourcefulness throughout the story. Their individual strengths complement each other well, making them relatable and easy to root for. Their growth throughout the book is also commended by readers.
Engaging Setting: The setting of Eden Eld is described in such a way that readers can easily visualize it as any suburban town they have visited. The unique features of each character's home contribute to the atmosphere of the story, making it more immersive for readers.
Compelling Storyline: The plot of "Thirteens" is praised for its engaging storyline that keeps readers hooked from start to finish. The revelation of information through Eleanor's perspective adds an extra layer of intrigue to the story, making it difficult to put down. Readers are excited to see where the story goes in future installments.

Conclusion

"Thirteens" by Kate Alice Marshall is a thrilling and mysterious novel that takes readers on a journey into a small town with a dark secret. With engaging characters, a well-developed setting, and a compelling plot, this book has captured the hearts of readers who enjoy thrilling stories with just the right amount of creepiness and suspense. The strong protagonists, resourcefulness, and growth throughout the story make it easy to root for Eleanor, Pip, and Otto as they uncover the truth about Eden Eld. With its immersive setting and compelling storyline, "Thirteens" is highly recommended for middle-grade readers looking for a page-turning adventure filled with mystery and intrigue.