My Book Life

Quirk Books was amazing and sent me a free copy of Warren the 13th and the All Seeing Eye for my honest review.

Meet Warren the 13th, a cursed 12-year-old Victorian bellhop who’s terribly unlucky . . . yet perpetually optimistic, hard-working, and curious. Orphan Warren’s pride and joy is his family’s hotel, but he’s been miserable ever since his evil Aunt Anaconda took over the management. Anaconda believes a mysterious treasure known as the All-Seeing Eye is hidden somewhere on the grounds, and she’ll do anything to find it.

Since I stumbled on this, which I can't honestly remember how, or where, I stumbled across it, I've had high hopes for Warren the 13th and the All Seeing Eye.  I wasn't disappointed.   Tania del Rio and Will Staehle created an adorable Middle Grade mystery very reminiscent of Edward Gorey.  Which is probably what originally pulled me toward the book in the first place.  I do love Edward Gorey.

The illustrations done by Will Staehle are fun and compliment that story well, which isn't surprising since original story was Staehle's.  They are wonderful additions to the story.  In fact the first thing I did when I received my copy was flip through to see all the illustrations.  Never once did I feel like the art pulled away from the story being told, but they were a great addition.  Personally I like the sort of sketchbook, newspaper, fell of the artwork that is in Warren the 13th and the All Seeing Eye. I'm sure there is a proper term for this kind of art, but i felt for the setting of the book.  Almost like Warren had sketched the pieces himself.

As for Tania del Rio's story, loved it!  The story moves pretty quickly, but I never felt confused or that the pieces were rushed.  Warren the 13th is written for a younger crowd, but it appealed to me just fine.  I felt it was a fun afternoon read.  I was rooting for Warren the whole time.  for me the plot felt like one of those plays where the audience cheers every time the see hero and boo's every time they see the villain.  Which makes it a wonderful bed time story.

Sitting here writing this I'm trying to think of something I didn't like, and really there is only one part that comes to mind.  Captain Greyishwhitishbeard.  I understood why the Captain was in the hotel.  He was there the same reason everyone else was there, but there was this moment between him and Warren that kind of confused me.  It was really the only that felt disjointed.  The Captain was was a fun character none-the-less, and it honestly didn't stop him from finishing, and enjoying, the book.

I have already pushed Warren the 13th and the All Seeing Eye on my bookies friends.  Particularly the ones with kids.  So a huge thank you to Quirk Books for giving me this book.  It's a beautiful cover!

The next installment is due sometime this Fall.