✰✰✰✰✰ The Warren Hotel has seen better days. After twelve generations of Warrens taking care of it, Warren the 13th is eager to assume the responsibility as caretaker. Although he already serves as the hotel's long bellhop, waiter, groundskeeper, and all-around gofer, Warren the 13th is too young to take over. After all, he is only twelve.
So when his uncle's new wife, Annaconda, tears up the hotel by searching for something, Warren the 13th sets out to put things back together. Unfortunately, Aunt Annaconda won't give up. She's determined to find the mythical and legendary All-Seeing Eye and have it all for herself. When Aunt Annaconda brings in reinforcements in the form of her two witch sisters and an evil little apprentice, things really start to heat up. Suddenly the once very empty hotel is full of people searching for the All-Seeing Eye. It's up to Warren the 13th and his new friends to find the eye before the others. Can they discover the hotel's secrets before Aunt Annaconda, her witch sisters, and the other guests destroy it? Pick up this engaging book to find out.
The Bottom Line: This quick read for middle grade readers is wonderfully Gothic in style. The book includes fun puzzles and gorgeous illustrations. The book uses a Victorian style layout with two columns combined with the limited color palette of red, black, and white. It has an almost Steampunk feel to it. Warren the 13th is a sweet young boy who posses a sparkling optimism and good work ethic. This charming tale of friendship and family with eccentric characters will appeal to kids who enjoy something a little different. Enthusiastically recommended for kids in grades 5 - 9. Fans of Edward Gorey may also want to check this out. I'm looking forward to the next installment; I hope it includes more puzzles and cleverness.
Details: Warren the 13th and The All-Seeing Eye: A Novel written by Tania Del Rio & illustrated by Will Staehle. Published by Quirk Books in 2015. 224 p. ISBN: 978-1-59474-803-5 NOTE: I received a free advance reading copy from Quirk Books in exchange for an honest review. This was made possible via the Early Reviewers program at LibraryThing.
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