Matt Monroe and the Haunted House Blog Tour: Review + Giveaway

Matt Monroe and the Haunted House
Author: Edward Torba
Release Date: October 15, 2019
Publisher: All Points Press, Inc.
Ages: 9-12

Description:

A haunted mansion. 
A community at risk. 
A group of teens with mysterious abilities. 

Strange sightings at the Payne mansion and baffling incidents in the countryside place the community of Kingston on edge. Did opening the portal to Paragon draw evil entitites to Kingston? In facing this new threat, Matt Monroe soon realizes he is not the only one who has secret talents. Many of his companions have hidden abilities which are exposed as Matt and his friends confront a terrifying, ethereal foe. 

 Amazon

Matt Monroe and the Haunted House is a thrilling middle grade fantasy that fans of the genre are sure to enjoy. I don't normally read this genre, so I was out of my comfort zone. There were several aspects of the book that I liked and some that I didn't. The major characters, including our main character Matt, were well rounded and realistic. They had positive traits and flaws that made them easier for the reader to identify with. Matt is smart, gifted, brave, and willing to do what he has to in order for things to go back to normal. I liked seeing his character figure out problems and overcome obstacles. The plot was definitely interesting and had a pretty quick pace. Although the story itself wasn't wholly original, the author puts his own touches in order to give it his own twist. 

There were two things that bugged me about this book, but they both come back to writing style. First of all, the story is told in the third person from Matt's perspective. I personally am not a fan of this style and almost always prefer the first person point of view. I felt like I didn't get to connect with Matt enough for the story to really draw me in. Another thing that I didn't like was how the story is told in a really weird way. I'm not sure how to explain it, but the writing just felt off to me. Like the writing didn't fit with a middle grade fantasy novel, but something much heavier - like an adult drama or something. Between these two issues, I personally wasn't able to get into the story like I normally do. I also couldn't really relate to the main character either, which I think is an important part of the reading experience. Please remember that these are my own personal opinions and not everyone is going to feel the same way. For me, it was a solid novel that fans of the genre should give a try.

Edward Torba is a life-long resident of Latrobe, PA. Ed enrolled at the University of Pittsburgh after graduating from Derry Area High School in 1969. He graduated from Pitt, majoring in Biology in 1973. It was at this time in his life that he had to decide between dentistry or a career in marine biological research. He chose dentistry. Also attending Pitt, he received his Doctorate in Dental Medicine in 1977.

https://edwardtorba.com

Enter For A Chance To Win A Matt Monroe Series Gift Basket!

One (1) grand prize winner receives

• A copy of Matt Monroe and the Secret Society of Odontology (Book 1)
• An advanced reader copy of Matt Monroe and the Haunted House (Book 2)
• Dental supplies!

Two (2) winners receive:

• A copy of Matt Monroe and the Haunted House (Book 2)

Two (2) winners receive:

• A digital copy of Matt Monroe and the Haunted House (Book 2)

This digital prize is open to worldwide entrants.

Giveaway begins October 1, 2019, at 12:01 A.M. MT and ends October 31, 2019, at 11:59 P.M. MT.

Open to international addresses and the legal residents of the 50 United States and the District of Columbia, who are eighteen years of age or older in their state or territory of residence at the time of entry. Void where prohibited by law.
New Shelves Books is responsible for prize fulfillment.

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 *Disclosure: I partnered with The Children's Book Review and New Shelves Books to bring you this post and giveaway.*