book data
227 ratings, 3.49 average rating, 19 reviews
(more data...)
edit
published
March 2004
(first published 1982)
by Carlsen
binding
Gebundene Ausgabe, 230 pages
setting
Unknown
isbn
3551552304
(isbn13: 9783551552303)
Sign in to Goodreads to see your friends' reviews of this book.
There are no discussion topics on this book yet. Be the first to start one »
friend reviews
To see what your friends thought of this book, please sign up.
This book is currently not featured on any Listopia lists.
Add this book to your favorite list »
other reviews (showing 1-20 of 292)
On the one hand, I liked this book. It is set in Switzerland, two hundred (or so) years ago, and I found myself quickly drawn into the world of the characters. On the other hand, it was very light-weight, and just as easy to tumble back out of the story upon its ending. The story was not very memorable or exciting to me... I enjoyed it while reading it, but do not expect it to really stay with me the way a more complex or engaging book might.
The main plot is that a maid in the castle of the ...more
The main plot is that a maid in the castle of the ...more
Like this review?
yes
add a comment
I can't think of a better way to spend a winter evening than reading this book. Count Karlstein is an evil old man who has a sinister plan for his two nieces, who have only a maid to look to for help. That sounds sort of dirty, but it's a young adult novel, so obviously it isn't. My very favorite things were the small black and white illustrations of the characters on one of the first few pages, and the way the two little girls, obsessed with Gothic novels, wrote their portion of the story. ...more
Like this review?
yes
add a comment
Read in January, 2002
This seems like a "younger read," perhaps than some of his more famous books. Still, my memory of this book revolves around trying to read it out loud with my mother and younger sister (age range), but having to stop because we were all laughing so hard. Our housemate later told her husband that she didn't know what was going on downstairs that night, but that it sounded like we had exploded.
Pullman is good. He has found a way to articulate what he feels is the purpose of writing and...more
Pullman is good. He has found a way to articulate what he feels is the purpose of writing and...more
Like this review?
yes
add a comment
Soon or late, all who bargain with Zamiel the Demon Huntsman must pay the price! But wicked Count Karlstein hopes to save his own hide on All Soul's Eve by sacrificing his innocent nieces, Charlotte and Lucy! Can brave Hildi the maidservant foil his scheme in time? Will she be stopped by the oily Herr Snivelwurst? And who--really--is Doctor Cadaverezzi, and what is his Cabinet of Wonders? This funny and shivery thriller comes from Phillip Pullman, author of the bestselling fantasy novel, "T...more
Like this review?
yes
add a comment
Read in January, 2006
recommends it for:
My Mom
This book was about 2 girls and their Uncle took them to his hunting lodge on All Souls Eve, when the Demon Huntsman Zamiel is said to rise from the dead to claim his prey.
He had a bargain with the uncle to have his soul... the uncle provided his 2 young neices instead.
The serving maid Hildi tries to help them out of the scheme.
A very good and mysterious read.
He had a bargain with the uncle to have his soul... the uncle provided his 2 young neices instead.
The serving maid Hildi tries to help them out of the scheme.
A very good and mysterious read.
Like this review?
yes
add a comment
Read in August, 2007
Another thrilling read from Pullman, sort of intermediate between Clockwork and His Dark Materials in terms of complexity. Featuring a number of smart, brave women and girl characters, which I have to call a Pullman trademark since I encounter it from so few other authors.
Like this review?
yes
add a comment
Read in August, 2008
I'd recommend this for Lemony Snicket fans, or others who enjoy an "orphans in peril" yarn. Good old-fashioned fun that wraps up as neatly as a package with a bow. But the paper's all, y'know, demon hunters and stuff.
Like this review?
yes
add a comment
Read in January, 2005
recommends it for:
Anyone in the mood for a good, gripping story!
At first it seems like a regular, fantasy, horror story. But of course, with Philip Pullman, it won't be so. I really love the twist, it makes the story so interesting and fun to read.
Like this review?
yes
add a comment
Read in June, 2001
A lighthearted foray by the famous author of the Dark Materials fantasy series. It has fairy tale elements to the story of the evil Count who holds his two wards captive.
Like this review?
yes
add a comment
Read in April, 2002
recommends it for:
kids
Another Pullman classic. Another one of his shorter, fairy-tale like stories. Reminded me of Clockwork in places.
Like this review?
yes
add a comment
Has a copy to sell/swap
—
Read in October, 2005
This was more fun than I thought. It is probably more apt for a 11 or 12 year old, but it was fun.
Like this review?
yes
add a comment
Eh, my mind kept wandering. Too many books to waste to keep plugging away on this one.
Like this review?
yes
add a comment
so unlike his dark materials series (from wat i remember), but v. amusing
Read in January, 2006
This book had the feel of an old Grimm's fairy tale.
Like this review?
yes
add a comment
to-read
(on 38 people's shelves)
fantasy (on 8 people's shelves)
currently-reading (on 6 people's shelves)
fiction (on 6 people's shelves)
young-adult (on 5 people's shelves)
ya (on 3 people's shelves)
childrens-ya (on 3 people's shelves)
children (on 3 people's shelves)
mystery (on 1 person's shelf)
novels (on 1 person's shelf)
More shelves...
fantasy (on 8 people's shelves)
currently-reading (on 6 people's shelves)
fiction (on 6 people's shelves)
young-adult (on 5 people's shelves)
ya (on 3 people's shelves)
childrens-ya (on 3 people's shelves)
children (on 3 people's shelves)
mystery (on 1 person's shelf)
novels (on 1 person's shelf)
More shelves...
