Frenzy [Hardcover]

**First paragraph contains SPOILERS for the previous books**
When Whirlwind ended, the King family had finally learned from where and when in history Taksidian lived. Unfortunately it turned out to be the legendary Atlantis, well known for its brutality and they happened to be visiting that nightmare of a place. Xander was chained to a group of slave children, destined to be used as a decoy in battle and David was trapped between soldiers intent on enslaving him and a group of kids planning to beat him to a pulp. Needless to say, the boys were once again trapped in a cruel world with only their quick minds and determination to find a way back to relative safety. The city of Atlantis, is only the beginning though. In the final book of the Dreamhouse King series, the King family once again faces harrowing adventures in the quest to find their mom and fix the future.

Wow....I only thought Whirlwind was as good as the series could get. Frenzy makes the previous books look like episodes of Barney. Ok, so not really, but it is spectacular, with its heart pounding adventures and non-stop action. Then again, this whole series has excelled at high-octane, intense, action sequences with barely enough time for the reader to catch their breath. Believe it or not though, Frenzy kicked the action up another notch,

Throughout the series, Liparulo has graced us with some imaginative scenes and adventures from the past. Not only has it brought history alive for the readers, it's also given them a chance to contemplate the past relating to the future. In this book, Liparulo finally pulls all those threads together and gives the reader a view of the picture he's been painting. All those brutal settings and harrowing adventures the King family has endured, does in fact have a point and a purpose. I love how all these various pieces were finally put together. It made a great series, even better.

I don't think Liparulo could have picked a better setting for the King's last journey through the portals. I'd love to discuss it, with all the beauty the event represents, but unfortunately, that would spoil one of the best scenes in the series. Let's just say that the best is saved for last, and the delivery is really beyond words.

When I picked up House of Dark Shadows two years ago, I knew Liparulo had started a great series, that's perfect for readers of all ages. However, I could never have predicted how good this series would be, or how well he could continue to extend and heighten the drama. It's been a privilege to read these books and I'm glad it's around for my kids to read. Throughout, the reader is reminded of their place in history--their destiny. It's an important concept, regardless of age. As I've said a hundred times since this series started, this is an awesome series. To not read it is missing out on a wonderful adventure. It's an excellent story, with excellent writing, and excellent themes--all around outstanding. I can't wait for what Liparulo has lined up for the future.

The first thing I can think of to say is that these books must be read. Having spent much of my childhood reading YA fiction, I can honestly say that this is some of the best on the market. If YA is not your style, it's not a problem; if you're familiar with Liparulo's work at all (and if you're not, you need to fix that), he doesn't dumb it down or edit it. Basically, what makes it young adult is the age of the characters, and some of the more gruesome violence takes place "off-screen." However, there are enough bumps, scrapes, bruises, broken bones, blood, scary situations, and dead bodies to rival his adult fiction, and the writing style is largely equivalent. So don't shy away from the "Young Adult" label.

The premise is that the King family has just moved into a creepy new house. They haven't spent one night in it before the mother gets kidnapped and taken through one of the portals in the secret third floor; portals that take you back in time. The series chronicles the adventures of David and Xander, their sister Toria, and their Dad, as they attempt to find her and bring her back. But there is an evil force at work, and it will do anything to uncover the house's secrets...

Liparulo is at his finest in this series. Even before the action kicked off into high gear (and once it does, don't expect it to let up until the series ends), I was amazed at how quickly I was drawn to the characters. The dynamic between 15- and 12-year-olds Xander and David captures the "brother" quality so well that I couldn't help but be reminded of my own relationship to my brothers. And when they explore the house for the first time, he sets the mood so well, creepy and foreboding, that I was hooked.

Added to that, the premise, which seems so simple at first, quickly becomes a plot so twisting and full of surprises that it is sure to leave you breathless. I was pleasantly surprised at the way he handles the "problems" of time travel, because I wasn't sure he would go into the paradox issue, but he pulls it off in a convincing and thought-provoking way. However, it's the places he sends the Kings, and the people they meet, that really blow your mind and ratchet up the excitement.

In short, the Dreamhouse Kings is a wild roller coaster ride of an adventure, and it's one you don't want to miss. Each book ends with a pretty strong cliffhanger, but now that the final book is released, that isn't as much of a problem. Speaking of final books, Frenzy is one of the best series closers that I have read in ages...and series openers. Because, although the story ended, not every end was tied up, and the author has already made plans for another Dreamhouse series. And that is some exciting news, to be sure.

I was disappointed in the ending. I honestly can't say what I expected but the ending left a "blah" feeling. I thoroughly loved the rest of the books and enjoyed Frenzy too until it neared the end. They kept you wondering. I have no idea as to how I thought the ending could have been better but found it to be very predictable. I find this to be true with many of the series books.

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