Susan Cooper is one of my favorite authors.

I was extremely delighted when I read her richly imaginative tale of The Boggart.

The story is filled with vivid and realistic descriptions of Scotland and Castle Keep.

A few years ago, I myself traveled up to the Western Highlands, and the scenery of the misty mountains, lonely fjords, and slightly crumbling castles truly came to life in my mind as I read the book.

The tricky Boggart poses a great challenge to the siblings Emily and Jessup, who initially come to Castle Keep for a visit.

This adventurous tale is highly suspenseful, as the magical Boggart just can't resist playing clever tricks again and again.

The independence of the siblings is truly superb. No matter how dangerous the tricks become, they always rely on themselves and keep it a secret from their parents.

Overall, it is a truly delightful read that I would highly recommend to anyone who loves a good adventure story with a touch of magic.

Super fun book for kids!

My 10-year-old absolutely adored the mischief that was depicted in the book. It was truly a delight to see how engaged he was while reading it.

This happens to be my very first book from Susan Cooper, and I must say, it has made a lasting impression on me. As a result, I will be adding a few more of her books to my reading list without a doubt.

I'm constantly on the lookout for great authors whose works kids can fall in love with. Susan Cooper seems to be one such author who has the ability to capture the imagination of young readers with her engaging stories and well-developed characters. I'm excited to explore more of her books and see what other wonderful adventures and mischief await within their pages.

This book truly shines in the remarkable depth and full realization of each and every character.

Each one has their own distinct set of interests and desires, which is no small accomplishment considering the relatively slim volume.

The author has managed to create a cast of characters that feel real and alive, with their own hopes, dreams, and flaws.

However, despite this strength, the story as a whole never quite came together for me.

There were moments when the narrative seemed disjointed, and the adventures within the computer game at the end felt particularly out of place.

It was as if the author was trying to cram too many ideas into one story, and as a result, the overall flow and coherence suffered.

Nonetheless, the book does have its merits, and the well-developed characters are definitely a highlight.

It's just a shame that the story didn't quite live up to its potential.

I read this years ago but, to be honest, I couldn't remember what I thought of it.

It was probably quite similar to my feeling right now. Meh. I don't dislike it, but it falls sort of flat in comparison to The Dark is Rising Sequence.

It is heavily dated by the technology used. I mean, I read the description of the computer the nerds drool over to my boyfriend and we both laughed out loud.

Black and white monitors and floppy disks are something more alien than time travel to today's kids. A modern kid would tell you to email the boggart.

You spend a lot of time watching the boggart's tricks but because he quickly forgets things, even his own grief, he is hard to relate to.

To use my character terminology, I feel like the kids are round but they are not dynamic. No one changes. There is no lesson learned at the end.

It hardly feels like a resolved conflict even. I did think she did a good job of giving a decently well-rounded view of the people within the theatre world without introducing too many alien concepts for kids.

Though dear world, as an ex-stage manager, why oh why do you always have to portray us in literature and film as either a glorified light board op or the crazy nazi with a megaphone? (Cooper goes with light board op).

I have the 1995 edition, though there is a new one with a less dated cover but we all know any library has the old cover with a computer older than anything kids today have ever seen.

I am a huge Susan Cooper enthusiast, with a particular fondness for The Dark is Rising series. I delved into this book due to my fascination with boggart lore, and there is a substantial amount of it in this tale of a Canadian family. When the father inherits a castle in Scotland, they journey there.

Later, when they decide to sell the castle and return to Toronto, they pack up some of the furniture. Unbeknownst to them, inside a desk, the boggart was slumbering. The late 20th century Canada comes as a great shock to the boggart, a master practical jokester.

Admittedly, a fair portion of the story is foreseeable, starting with the family inheriting a (sort of) haunted castle and the creature of Wild Magic's shock upon encountering the modern world. However, aside from the strong writing and captivating story, what truly struck me was the boggart as a sympathetic character. This is especially so when he finally manages to convey to them that he desires to go home. The incorporation of a computer game was a clever touch.

Middle school children and those slightly younger, in the 4th and 5th grades, who have an interest in the fantastical, will undoubtedly enjoy this book.

I initially had the impression that it was an extremely enjoyable experience, filled with numerous moments that were not only highly entertaining but also quite hilarious in certain aspects.

The various elements within it combined to create a truly engaging and amusing atmosphere. It was as if every turn and twist brought a new source of entertainment.

The humor was cleverly integrated, often catching me off guard and eliciting genuine laughter.

Whether it was through the witty dialogue, the comical situations, or the unique characters, there was always something to keep me entertained and thoroughly enjoying myself.

Overall, I found it to be a highly enjoyable and funny endeavor that left me with a great sense of satisfaction and a smile on my face.

I have a deep affection for The Dark is Rising Sequence. However, this particular book failed to engage me as much as I had hoped.

The choice to set the majority of the action in Canada instead of Scotland struck me as a rather poor decision. (Please note that this is not meant as an insult to Toronto.)

Perhaps it was the change in the familiar backdrop that disrupted the flow and atmosphere that I had come to expect from the series.

Despite my initial enthusiasm, I found myself losing interest around the 50% mark.

DNF @ 50%

***3.5 stars***

This is a cute kid's story that manages to incorporate some surprisingly mature content. It doesn't deal with anything inappropriate, but rather touches on real life issues that add depth to the narrative.

One aspect that stands out is the hilariously dated technology references. They bring a sense of nostalgia and also add a unique charm to the story.

Overall, it's a fun read that can be enjoyed by both kids and adults. The combination of a cute story and mature themes makes it a refreshing and engaging experience.

The dated technology references add an element of humor that keeps the reader entertained throughout. It's a story that manages to balance cuteness and substance in a way that is both enjoyable and thought-provoking.

This is a really cute elementary/middle grade read.

It doesn't possess the same kind of oomph as her Dark Is Rising books. However, it is highly entertaining and I would definitely read it again.

In fact, this was already my second or third time to read it.

The story has its own charm and appeal that keeps young readers engaged.

Although it may not have the same level of intensity and depth as the Dark Is Rising series, it still manages to capture the imagination and provide an enjoyable reading experience.

It's the kind of book that you can pick up and lose yourself in for a while, forgetting about the outside world.

Whether you're a child or an adult looking for a light and fun read, this book is definitely worth checking out.

You might just find yourself falling in love with it, just like I did.

So, go ahead and give it a try. You won't be disappointed.

I was extremely excited to listen to this book during our road trip this summer.

However, upon listening, it didn't turn out to be stupendous.

At the same time, it wasn't terrible either.

Rather, it was just sort of middling.

I vividly remember loving Susan Cooper when I read her works as a child.

But now, as an adult, I'm not entirely sure if I'm as enamored with her as I used to be.

Such is the way things often go in life.

Sometimes our expectations aren't met precisely as we had hoped, and our feelings towards certain things can change over time.

Nonetheless, the experience of listening to the book during the road trip was still somewhat enjoyable, despite not being as outstanding as I initially anticipated.

It served as a form of entertainment during the long journey and allowed me to reflect on my past love for Susan Cooper's writing.

Perhaps in the future, I'll give her works another chance and see if my perspective changes once again.

Susan Cooper is an incredibly wonderful author!

Her works have captivated readers of all ages with their rich and engaging stories. She has a unique ability to create vivid worlds and characters that come to life on the pages.

Whether it's through her fantasy novels or her historical fiction, Susan Cooper's writing transports readers to different times and places, allowing them to experience a wide range of emotions.

Her attention to detail and her masterful storytelling make her books a joy to read.

Many readers have fallen in love with her works and have eagerly awaited each new release.

Susan Cooper's contributions to the world of literature are truly remarkable, and she will continue to be an inspiration to generations of readers to come.

The boggart has dwelled in a deteriorated Scottish castle for countless centuries. It has amused itself by causing harmless mischief and constantly shapeshifting into various forms.

However, when the elderly caretaker passes away, the castle is inherited by the Volnik family, modern Canadians who are completely unaware of the boggart's existence. They journey to Scotland to inspect their rather rundown property. Coincidentally, the boggart decides to take a nap inside a desk, right before that very desk is shipped back to Canada.

There are a few mentions of The Loch Ness Monster in the story. Although it may not be on par with the Archie Wilson Loch Ness books, it is still quite engaging. The age target seems a bit odd as at certain points it appears to be aimed at 8-year-olds, yet there are also some complex chapters. I'm 14 years old and found it a bit challenging to follow. Nevertheless, it is still a good read that offers an interesting blend of mystery and adventure.