The High House (Aspect Fantasy) [Mass Market Paperback]

James Stoddard (Author)

Book Description

Series: Aspect Fantasy | Publication Date: December 1, 1998

Carter Anderson's father is the Master of the High House, a mystical dwelling filled with twisting corridors, magical books, and secret passageways. As Master, his father maintains not only the High House, but the world, keeping it safe from evil. Mr. Anderson sends Carter away for his own safety; but when Carter returns, he finds that the House's worst enemies have invaded -- and his father is nowhere to be found.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

Once upon a time, the term high fantasy did not refer to interchangeable novels about motley crews of sword-swinging, spell-slinging adventurers on interminable quests to defeat evil wizards. In olden days, J.R.R. Tolkien's Lord of the Rings was unique--yet part of an established literary tradition with the works of Lord Dunsany, C.S. Lewis, William Morris, and many others. The modern armies of Tolkien clones have vanquished the diversity of high fantasy, with few exceptions: Little, Big by John Crowley, The Golden Compass by Philip Pullman, Clouds End by Sean Stewart--and now The High House, an astonishingly imaginative, individual, and assured first novel by James Stoddard. It's no surprise that this is only the second novel chosen in two years for Warner's New Aspect program for extraordinary new novelists.

The High House, Evenmere, is an unusual place. There are monsters in the cellar and a dragon in the attic; many of the rooms are entire worlds, strange, wondrous, often nightmarish; and the High House's existence may ensure the survival of Creation itself. But a powerful enemy has risen against Evenmere, and the Master of the High House has disappeared in an unknown world. Carter Anderson, his long-exiled son, must return to defend the manor and the universe from destruction. But Carter has lost the keys to the doors of other worlds. One of his few allies may be a traitor. And the enemy who assails Evenmere from every world, and even from within dreams, knows the High House better than Carter and may hold all the keys. --Cynthia Ward

From Publishers Weekly

In this fantastic adventure, Carter Anderson returns to Evenmere, the High House, after years of exile, only to find Ashton, his father and the master of the house, missing and the Society of Anarchists launching a massive assault to take possession of the house and the power it holds in keeping the universe running smoothly. Carter blames himself for the predicament, as it was his own childhood deed that gave the evil society the keys to gain control of the High House. Knowing that it's his responsibility to restore the master of High House, Carter braves a terrifying journey, with the assistance of his half brother Duskin, to find his father. In his first novel, Stoddard tells a thrilling story that features not only a unique and powerful family but a magnificent edifice filled with mysterious doors and passageways that link kingdoms and unite the universe.
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 336 pages
• Publisher: Aspect; Warner Books Ed edition (December 1, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0446606790
• ISBN-13: 978-0446606790
• Product Dimensions: 6.7 x 4.3 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (46 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #872,784 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wow!, November 26, 1999

By 

Howard D. Fisher "kahohito" (Pennsylvania, United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The High House (Aspect Fantasy) (Mass Market Paperback)

I'm not an avid fantasy fan, but I had a chance to meet Mr. Stoddard and get an autographed copy so I read the book. Wow! I was very impressed! HIGH HOUSE is written with an older style, emphasizing the characters and the description more than the action--although there is still plenty of action!

The bad guy, the Bobby, was an excellent character--even though, yes, he was <gasp!> an anarchist! (Look it up, guys, and you'll find that Webster defines the term just like James Stoddard uses it with his characters--lawlessness and disorder.)

I highly recommend this book, and I'm really looking forward to the sequel.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A delight, January 3, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The High House (Aspect Fantasy) (Mass Market Paperback)

Stoddard's account of the High House Evenmere and young Carter Anderson's maturation into power as its master is a superb and original first novel. This book features a house which is the mechanism that runs the universe, the Biblical character Enoch on the household staff, suitably scary villains, and ethical dilemmas (gasp!) which complement rather than drown the story.

Above all, Stoddard can write. His prose is skillful and never excessive. Mood and atmosphere are wonderfully maintained throughout, and Stoddard's story never flags or disappoints. I read the book in one single late-night page-turning frenzy, and it was worth every yawn the next day.

This is not a tired rehash of worn-out fantasy cliches, although Stoddard has obviously read the classics in the field and pays witty in-joke homage to MacDonald, Peake, Morrison, and others; instead it is a refreshingly unique, deceptively simple, and powerful tale. The book is a delight, and Stoddard is a name to watch for.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A worthy successor to Narnia!, October 3, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The High House (Aspect Fantasy) (Mass Market Paperback)

I have not been so taken by a book since I first read C.S. Lewis's "Narnia" books (a comparison that Mr. Stoddard makes mention of in his introduction). I was amazed by his invention and storytelling abilities, especially since this is his first novel.

My wife and I spent several evenings reading chapters of this tale to one another, never wanting to put the book down until it was much too late in evening and our eyes simply wouldn't stay open.

If you enjoy a fantastic tale with a spiritual twist this is the book for you. From the fantastic house itself to the many worlds that it contains you will be spellbound by this story. If your tastes allow for the occasional oddity of man-eating furniture or faceless villain then you are in for a treat.

I look forward anxiously to James Stoddard's next novel.