Community Reviews

Rating(4.1 / 5.0, 100 votes)
5 stars
37(37%)
4 stars
32(32%)
3 stars
31(31%)
2 stars
0(0%)
1 stars
0(0%)
100 reviews
July 15,2025
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I would have adored this combination of realistic fiction and fairy creatures during my childhood.

Even though its publication date is not recent, I discovered that it was only minimally outdated.

It offers a subtly menacing perspective on what occurs when a being from the old country finds itself in the new.

The story unfolds with an air of mystery and a touch of the supernatural, keeping the reader engaged from start to finish.

The characters are well-developed, and the setting is vividly described, allowing the reader to easily imagine the world in which the story takes place.

However, it is important to note that the word "bitchy" appears at the end, which some readers may find off-putting or inappropriate.

Overall, despite this small flaw, the book is an enjoyable read that offers a unique take on the intersection of reality and fantasy.
July 15,2025
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"We're going to take over our castle in Scotland!"

This bold statement was made with great excitement and determination. The idea of claiming their ancestral castle was like a dream come true for them.

However, the response they received was rather unexpected. "Are you now? Well, just remember that if you take it home, you'll need an export license." Hehehe.

This humorous reply added a touch of lightheartedness to the situation. It made them realize that there might be some practical considerations to take into account before they could truly take over the castle.

Nevertheless, their enthusiasm remained undeterred. They were ready to face any challenges that came their way in order to make their dream a reality.

Whether it was obtaining an export license or dealing with other legalities, they were determined to do whatever it took to claim their rightful place in their Scottish castle.

July 15,2025
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I am far too advanced in age to find interest in reading this particular book.

Nevertheless, I firmly believe that a child in the third through fifth grade would thoroughly enjoy it.

The story involves a Boggart, an ancient magical being that resides in an old Scottish castle. By some strange twist of fate, the Boggart accidentally gets transported to Toronto.

Once there, it proceeds to cause chaos and mayhem for a Canadian family.

The unique combination of the magical Boggart and the modern setting of Toronto creates an engaging and exciting narrative that I think a young reader would find captivating.

It offers a world of adventure and mystery that is sure to spark the imagination of a child in that age group.

Overall, while it may not be suitable for me, I have no doubt that it would be a hit among younger readers.

July 15,2025
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Great book - just as it was in third grade.

This is a truly remarkable book that has managed to maintain its charm and appeal over the years.

Even though it has been a long time since third grade, the moment I picked up this book again, it felt like I was transported back to that time.

The story is engaging, the characters are vivid, and the writing is excellent.

It has all the elements that make a great book - adventure, mystery, and a touch of magic.

Whether you are a child or an adult, this book is sure to capture your imagination and keep you entertained from start to finish.

I highly recommend it to anyone who loves a good read.
July 15,2025
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This is a good story indeed.

However, it seems that it is aimed at an audience that is perhaps slightly younger than the young adult group.

It might have a certain charm and appeal that would resonate well with those who are not quite in the full-fledged young adult stage yet.

The narrative might be presented in a way that is more accessible and engaging for this particular age range.

Perhaps the themes and characters are developed in a manner that is more relatable to the experiences and perspectives of younger individuals.

Overall, while it is a good story, its intended audience might be a bit more on the younger side of the young adult spectrum.

This could potentially limit its reach to some extent, but it also means that it has the potential to make a significant impact on those within its targeted age group.

It would be interesting to see how this story is received and whether it manages to capture the hearts and minds of its intended audience.

July 15,2025
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A quick and fun story unfolds about a boggart who, by some strange accident, finds himself transported to Canada. There, a group of kids come across him and decide to help him get back home. It's important to note that this story is not nearly on par with the brilliance of anything from Cooper's The Dark Is Rising sequence. In fact, the more atmospheric elements in this particular tale are mainly confined to the Scottish setting at the very beginning and end of the book. However, despite these shortcomings, it still manages to be an enjoyable read. I must admit that I'm not overly thrilled by the intrusion of computers into a fantasy story. It seems a bit out of place to me. But on the other hand, the theatre parts were more to my liking. They added a touch of charm and excitement to the narrative. And let's not forget the throughline of Labradors! It was a unique and endearing aspect that kept me engaged throughout the story.

July 15,2025
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A great book is like a magical portal that transports you to a world filled with wonder and excitement.

It is a treasure trove of captivating stories and unforgettable characters that stay with you long after you've turned the final page.

The magic within its pages has the power to inspire, educate, and entertain.

Each character in the book is unique, with their own personalities, dreams, and flaws. They come alive on the pages, making you feel as if you are right there with them, sharing their adventures.

Whether it's a thrilling adventure, a heartwarming romance, or a thought-provoking mystery, a great book has the ability to touch your heart and soul.

It is a source of joy and inspiration, and a companion that you can turn to again and again.

So, pick up a great book today and let the magic begin!
July 15,2025
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Man, I truly adored this story.

It was really great to have some scenes presented from the Boggart's perspective. It added a unique and interesting dimension to the narrative.

The story advanced at a brisk pace, which kept me engaged throughout. There was never a dull moment.

Honestly speaking, the entire story was far more substantial than I initially anticipated. It had depth and complexity that I wasn't expecting.

I was pleasantly surprised by how much I got invested in the characters and the plot.

Overall, it was a really enjoyable read that I would highly recommend to others.
July 15,2025
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Cute read!

I was truly delighted when I discovered Susan Cooper's name on this book in my school's library. For a long time, I've been eager to read The Dark is Rising Sequence, but unfortunately, I haven't been able to locate a physical copy anywhere. So, I was extremely happy to have at least this opportunity to sample her writing. And I have to say, I really enjoyed it!

Apart from the fact that the characters who were supposed to be Canadian sometimes sounded a bit too British, the prose was truly lovely. The characters, with the exception of the boggart, didn't particularly stand out, but they were still likable. What's more, there were some surprisingly mature ideas in this middle grade book. I especially liked the part about the mother not trusting her son's older school drop-out friend.

However, I did feel that there could have been a bit more exploration of the kids' interactions with the boggart. It seemed a little sudden that they came to care about him, especially considering all the trouble he had caused. Also, the explanation of all the 90's computer tech to the reader was a bit strange. Ironically, it's now helpful since it's been long enough that a modern kid actually wouldn't know what a floppy disc is. Overall, though, the story was simple, fast-paced, and fun, which is exactly what I was looking for. Now, I'm a bit curious about what the rest of the books in this series might be like.
July 15,2025
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A fun read, yet surprisingly creepy and bittersweet at times! It was truly hard to fathom that the kids had to handle so many things on their own. Their parents were shockingly absent and disbelieving, which made the situation even more difficult for the children. I, for one, would definitely find a boggart to be an annoying creature, not something to be laughed at. The idea of having such a thing around, constantly causing mischief and playing tricks, is far from amusing. It would likely cause a great deal of stress and frustration. The story really makes you think about the challenges that kids can face and how important it is for parents to be there for them. Overall, it's a unique and engaging read that leaves you with a lot to ponder.

July 15,2025
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When a distant relative passes away in Scotland, twelve-year-old Emily and her younger brother Jessup are overjoyed to find out that their family has inherited a castle on an island in the Inner Hebrides. A trans-Atlantic flight from their home in Toronto to the British Isles brings them to their newfound inheritance. As their parents look over their medieval property, they quickly realize that they cannot afford to maintain it. Their mother tells them to select just one thing to ship back to Canada. Emily chooses a rolltop desk and fills it with old books. What she fails to realize is that above the books, an invisible spirit is taking a nap. It's a boggart.

When the mischievous spirit arrives in Toronto, he discovers a host of marvelous new things that he never encountered while living in a stone castle overlooking Loch Linnhe. Television, computers, traffic congestion, and an electric grid powered by Niagara Falls present him with the opportunity to play pranks on a magnificently huge scale.

The superlative narration by Aberdeen born actor Rintoul, with his masterful command of Canadian, Scots, and even Cockney accents, as well as a few lines in Gaelic, makes Cooper's comic fantasy a magical delight. It truly brings the story to life and engages the listeners or readers in a captivating way.
July 15,2025
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I have an unwavering love for Susan Cooper.

As a child, I adored this book with all my heart.

Recently, it was an absolute delight to read it with my own kids.

It was quite a challenge trying to explain to them the computer terminology and the functioning of floppy discs and such from the late 1980s.

The character of the Boggart is truly timeless.

It has the ability to capture the imagination of readers across generations.

Even in today's digital age, the charm and mystery of the Boggart remain intact.

Susan Cooper's writing is so vivid and engaging that it brings the story to life on the pages.

Reading this book with my kids has not only rekindled my own love for it but has also introduced them to a wonderful world of adventure and magic.

It is a book that I will cherish and continue to share with future generations.

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