Customer Reviews

Frenzy (Dreamhouse Kings)

5 star:		(27)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

**First paragraph contains SPOILERS for the previous books**

When Whirlwind ended, the King family had finally learned from where and when in history Taksidian lived. Unfortunately it turned out to be the legendary Atlantis, well known for its brutality and they happened to be visiting that nightmare of a place. Xander was chained to a group of slave children, destined to be used as a decoy in battle and David was trapped between soldiers intent on enslaving him and a group of kids planning to beat him to a pulp. Needless to say, the boys were once again trapped in a cruel world with only their quick minds and determination to find a way back to relative safety. The city of Atlantis, is only the beginning though. In the final book of the Dreamhouse King series, the King family once again faces harrowing adventures in the quest to find their mom and fix the future.

Wow....I only thought Whirlwind was as good as the series could get. Frenzy makes the previous books look like episodes of Barney. Ok, so not really, but it is spectacular, with its heart pounding adventures and non-stop action. Then again, this whole series has excelled at high-octane, intense, action sequences with barely enough time for the reader to catch their breath. Believe it or not though, Frenzy kicked the action up another notch,

Throughout the series, Liparulo has graced us with some imaginative scenes and adventures from the past. Not only has it brought history alive for the readers, it's also given them a chance to contemplate the past relating to the future. In this book, Liparulo finally pulls all those threads together and gives the reader a view of the picture he's been painting. All those brutal settings and harrowing adventures the King family has endured, does in fact have a point and a purpose. I love how all these various pieces were finally put together. It made a great series, even better.

I don't think Liparulo could have picked a better setting for the King's last journey through the portals. I'd love to discuss it, with all the beauty the event represents, but unfortunately, that would spoil one of the best scenes in the series. Let's just say that the best is saved for last, and the delivery is really beyond words.

When I picked up House of Dark Shadows two years ago, I knew Liparulo had started a great series, that's perfect for readers of all ages. However, I could never have predicted how good this series would be, or how well he could continue to extend and heighten the drama. It's been a privilege to read these books and I'm glad it's around for my kids to read. Throughout, the reader is reminded of their place in history--their destiny. It's an important concept, regardless of age. As I've said a hundred times since this series started, this is an awesome series. To not read it is missing out on a wonderful adventure. It's an excellent story, with excellent writing, and excellent themes--all around outstanding. I can't wait for what Liparulo has lined up for the future.

The first thing I can think of to say is that these books must be read. Having spent much of my childhood reading YA fiction, I can honestly say that this is some of the best on the market. If YA is not your style, it's not a problem; if you're familiar with Liparulo's work at all (and if you're not, you need to fix that), he doesn't dumb it down or edit it. Basically, what makes it young adult is the age of the characters, and some of the more gruesome violence takes place "off-screen." However, there are enough bumps, scrapes, bruises, broken bones, blood, scary situations, and dead bodies to rival his adult fiction, and the writing style is largely equivalent. So don't shy away from the "Young Adult" label.

The premise is that the King family has just moved into a creepy new house. They haven't spent one night in it before the mother gets kidnapped and taken through one of the portals in the secret third floor; portals that take you back in time. The series chronicles the adventures of David and Xander, their sister Toria, and their Dad, as they attempt to find her and bring her back. But there is an evil force at work, and it will do anything to uncover the house's secrets...

Liparulo is at his finest in this series. Even before the action kicked off into high gear (and once it does, don't expect it to let up until the series ends), I was amazed at how quickly I was drawn to the characters. The dynamic between 15- and 12-year-olds Xander and David captures the "brother" quality so well that I couldn't help but be reminded of my own relationship to my brothers. And when they explore the house for the first time, he sets the mood so well, creepy and foreboding, that I was hooked.

Added to that, the premise, which seems so simple at first, quickly becomes a plot so twisting and full of surprises that it is sure to leave you breathless. I was pleasantly surprised at the way he handles the "problems" of time travel, because I wasn't sure he would go into the paradox issue, but he pulls it off in a convincing and thought-provoking way. However, it's the places he sends the Kings, and the people they meet, that really blow your mind and ratchet up the excitement.

In short, the Dreamhouse Kings is a wild roller coaster ride of an adventure, and it's one you don't want to miss. Each book ends with a pretty strong cliffhanger, but now that the final book is released, that isn't as much of a problem. Speaking of final books, Frenzy is one of the best series closers that I have read in ages...and series openers. Because, although the story ended, not every end was tied up, and the author has already made plans for another Dreamhouse series. And that is some exciting news, to be sure.

I was disappointed in the ending. I honestly can't say what I expected but the ending left a "blah" feeling. I thoroughly loved the rest of the books and enjoyed Frenzy too until it neared the end. They kept you wondering. I have no idea as to how I thought the ending could have been better but found it to be very predictable. I find this to be true with many of the series books.

This book was disappointing & disturbing in that it was a book that was written for young readers & it portrayed continuous violence toward children by adults from the beginning to the end. The boys were beaten, stabbed,& poisoned & left for dead. The father was portrayed as weak & wimpy & unable to remove the kids from danger. I was under the impression that this was Christian fiction. This book was so violent that it negated any spiritual content that the author wove in at the midpoint to the end. He wanted to share that things happened for a purpose, that God was in control & that God had a plan for the Kings.

I was so tired of a repeat of similar events that occured from book 1-6 that I rejoiced at the ending of this book. I shudder to think that the author plans to write a series of short stories about the Kings fixing time. I just cannot take anymore.

Excellent, creative, mind-boggling reading. This book is the last of the Dreamhouse Kings series. These books were books that you actually felt that you were part of them. They were "at the edge of your seat" captivating. They are the kind of books that make you want to read more and more and never want the book to end. I would DEFINITELY RECOMMEND this/these series of books to anyone. Although the book(s) are about children and their parents, as an adult reader, I was totally captivated. Robert Liparulo outdid himself with these series of books. A+++++++

I have loved this entire series and found myself anticipating getting to read more the way I do with TV series I love and the movies of favorite actors and directors. I love the family in theDreamhouse Kings, and feel like I know them personally, that's how rich they are with personality. Because of that, man, I felt for them--especially David and Xander--as they went through a roller coaster ride of physical pain and emotional anguish. But how they rose to each new challenge (which were masterfully ratcheted up in action and danger as the story progressed), showing them becoming stronger and smarter, the men they would someday be--that just endeared me to them and had me truly concerned for their well being.

Which is also something to commend Liparulo about: I never felt that the characters were NOT in danger and that "well of course they'll figure this out too and nothing is going to happen to them." Because bad things DO happen, really bad things, while at the same time, the characters' own courage and resolve keeps hope alive and the story never felt stuck in dark, depressing places (though they definitely went through dark, depressing places).

Plus, there is so much strength and love in the King family, I kept thinking, "That's the way families ought to be, watching out for each other no matter what." That doesn't mean they were perfect or overly sweet. It was very realistically portrayed, with squabbles and disagreements; but you know through it all, they loved one another. And the humor was great, just flowing out of the characters as it would out of 12- and 15-year-olds (and the adults, too). It relieved the tension at times when it really needed it and if there wasn't some relief, everyone, readers included, would have heart attacks.

I LOVE the ending. It solves most of the series' mysteries without being all tied up with a bow, which would have been unrealistic. I totally buy what happened and how they got there. I don't think I've ever turned pages as fast as I did reading both Whirlwind (the book before this one) and Frenzy. And I enjoyed every minute. This is truly a series that should become a classic. It teaches wonderful lessons, but never in a teaching/obvious tone and all the while keeping the action and suspense going full-blast. I can't wait for what Liparulo puts out next...my only fear: Can it possibly be as good as this one?

This was an AWESOME conclusion to the Dreamhouse Kings series. I couldn't put it down until I finnished it, and when I did finish reading it, I couldn't stop thinking about it. It was so touching, and the writing draws you in. Be prepared for surprises along the way, and don't miss the chance to buy this! Robert Liparulo is an excellent writer, and I hope he continues to write more books. I'm working on reading all of his stories, but I haven't quite finished yet...Anyway, just make sure you buy this book! It's one of my absolute favorites!

I like how the author makes you think the book has reached a climax, only to snatch you away and send you on another adventure. This series has been a great introduction to the author's work and I am now an avid Liparulo fan!

Robert Liparulo has written the perfect ending to one of the best series' ever created. What else is there to say?

If the last five Dreamhouse books were suspenseful and creepy, Frenzy is oh-my-goodness-I-can't-put-this-book-down suspenseful and creepy. Plus it's super emotional. If you've read the previous books, you probably think you know why, but let me tell you. You don't know the half of it. Frenzy resolves everything perfectly, but leaves just enough out to add "...?" to "the end".

Having just reread books one through five this April in preparation of Frenzy, I feel like I've just gotten off the thrill ride of my life. I can't wait to get back on.

Review by Jill Williamson

We last left our heroes stranded in Atlantis, of all places! And that is exactly where book six of the DreamHouse Kings series picks up. And really, what more can I say? It's a non-stop adventure to the very end, which I enjoyed immensely. Mr. Liparulo did an excellent job of tying up the series in a satisfying way. If you love these books, you will be satisfied. You will smile when you turn that last page. Well done. A highly recommended series. If you haven't read them...what are you waiting for! Support clean teen fiction and go buy some books, already! :-)