Parents' Guide to

House of Furies, Book 1

By Michael Berry, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 14+

Devilish doings drive suspenseful Victorian tale of terror.

Book Madeleine Roux Horror 2017
House of Furies, Book 1 Poster Image

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What you will—and won't—find in this book.

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What's the Story?

At the start of HOUSE OF FURIES, young Louisa Ditton is happy to be employed as a maid at remote Coldthistle House. She gradually learns, however, that not all of Coldthistle's guests leave. Those who are judged guilty of unpunished capital crimes receive deadly justice at the hands of the staff and the house's master, the Devil himself. Louisa soon wants to escape, but she's held back by the fear that her friend, the handsome Lee, will be unjustly executed for a crime he did not commit.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say Not yet rated
Kids say (2 ):

Deals with the devil can make for diabolical plot twists, and this novel in the Gothic tradition provides some satanic reversals. The premise of House of Furies is spelled out right in the introduction. This is a shame, because it's a secret worth holding onto for a chapter or three. Nevertheless, author Madeleine Roux does a fine job of generating creepy suspense while her feisty protagonist, Louisa, seeks a way to escape Coldthistle House and its murderous residents. There''s humor and horror, with a light dusting of romance. There's also a satisfying twist that hints at more occult shenanigans to come.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about House of Furies and how it uses the trappings of the Gothic tradition of literature. Why are tales of the supernatural popular with teens?

  • How is violence used in House of Furies? Does it solve any problems or create more?

  • Is there such a thing as true evil? Can people identify it when they see it?

Book Details

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