The Figure in the Shadows

I was meant to read this book during October, because I thought that it was going to have the same Halloween vibes as the House with the Clock in its Walls, but I'm really glad that I had to put off reading it because it's got a much more Christmas-y feeling! The cover of the edition that I read is covered in a rich tapestry of red and gold designs, but the major climax of the story happens in a very snowy settings, which serves to heighten the mild thrill for the reader. Will Lewis be able to escape the clutches of the magic amulet that is controlling him? As Lewis makes another foolhardy decision in an effort to gain power and control over the people who are bullying him at school Bellairs uses his gothic premise to explore themes show more around childhood, jealousy, and friendship, making this book an excellent example of how a fantasy genre can be exploited to be more than just a good adventure. We do get plenty of adventure as well, though, as we hear about the Barnavelt family's contribution (or lack there of) during the American Civil War, and how magic amulets are created and destroyed. Compared to the previous book, the story here is a bit simpler, but it is still strong overall as we see Lewis embark on another learning experience about magic and see his friendship with Rose Rita grow. show less

I actually liked this much better than [b:The House with a Clock in Its Walls|295801|The House with a Clock in Its Walls (Lewis Barnavelt, #1)|John Bellairs|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1388467935l/295801._SY75_.jpg|1098801]. Just the right amount of creepiness for MG and a protagonist with very relatable MG problems (and a new best friend that I absolutely love).

I gobbled up The Figure in the Shadows in one sitting. This could lead you to believe that I thoroughly enjoyed it but really it was super short coming in at 160 pages with quite a few of Mercer Mayer's illustrations sprinkled throughout adding to that number. The plot of this installment revolves around an amulet which Lewis acquires and which seems to hold a 'spirit' of some kind which he has awakened and which turns out to be rather malevolent. (If you think this sounds similar to the first book you're not alone.) Once again, he keeps this a secret from his uncle and the witchy neighbor, Mrs. Zimmerman, next door. Instead he shares his discovery with his new friend, Rose Rita, who is virtually Lewis's opposite in every conceivable show more way. I will say that Lewis is a unique character in that he's not brave, overly intelligent (although a voracious reader), good looking, talented (described as quite fat), or particularly good-natured (in fact he's rather whiny and prone to childish fits of anger). He doesn't fit the prescribed parameters of a typical protagonist. He's bullied and anxious about the possibility of even being bullied or 'bawled out' by adults. (I was nervous about the latter through my adolescence as well so in that regard I can relate.) Magic + mystery + misadventure = the plot 5/10 show less

From the series featuring young misfit Lewis, his magician uncle and guardian Jonathan and the witch next door, Mrs. Zimmerman.
Lewis finds an old coin on a chain that his great grandfather had worn for years, one that he believed brought him luck. Lewis finds that when he wears the coin, he's suddenly allowed to play ball with the other boys and he can beat up the class bully. Lewis' friend Rita Rose thinks the coin is bad luck, and Lewis eventually agrees, because now he's receiving anonymous threatening letters and a shadowy figure is following him.

Fast-moving and with just enough darkness to it that it's on the edge of being a supernatural mystery.

Lewis conveniently forgets what he learned in the first book, so that he can unleash an evil spirit. This time he has a new friend though, Rose Rita, to save his ass.

This is the second book in the Lewis Barnavelt series by John Bellairs. I greatly enjoyed the first one and thought I'd give at least a few of the others a try.

This one was not illustrated by Edward Gorey, so it has a slightly softer/cartoony feel to it. The plot was incredibly suspenseful and fairly creepy (mostly you find this out at the end), but not too scary for kids probably 6-8+.

I definitely want to read more in this series.

Sooo soothing. Also, it introduces the female hero, Rosa Rita Pottinger. I enjoyed it and can barely remember it already.