The House of Sherbet by Simon Dale

Published synopsis:

Thirteen year old Jake spends Christmas with his parents at the Oakhouse, the once grand, now decrepit home to his grandfather. Jake quickly begins to realize that the Oakhouse and Granddad Sherbet are not all they seem. On Christmas Eve, Jake's parents disappear, only to reappear six inches tall and having been turned to wood. 

Granddad Sherbet, together with his octogenarian friends, prepares to steal Jake's youth and nascent magical powers.

Review:

Jake is a soon to be thirteen year old boy who has the idea in the back of his mind that he may not be normal. Flashes of power sometimes surface when he feels threatened or angry. It’s not until forced to spend his Christmas holiday, and birthday, at his grandfather’s, that he realizes there may be some truth to his having magical abilities. Unfortunately, not until after his grandfather has changed his parents into six inch wooden statues and threatens to use Jake for his own evil ends.

Simon Dale can weave an excellent tale of young adult horror and the supernatural. With strange wooden people brought to life, a dilapidated old house that radiates power, an ancient tree that holds secrets, and creepy old men bent on taking over the country, the main character’s world as he knows it explodes around him and he is caught up in a fight for his life. As the story unfolds, The House of Sherbet grows into a nail-biting tale that makes you want to keep turning the page to see what happens next.

The House of Sherbet is a great read. The characters come alive in your mind and the scenes created are detailed and vivid, bringing the reader to an eerie world of dark magic. And amongst all that, Simon Dale also manages to capture the feelings of a thirteen year old boy experiencing love for the first time - and the wide range of emotions that go with it. There are a few scenes that might be too much for very young readers, but teenage and adult fans of the horror and paranormal genres will enjoy this book. It did get off to a slow start, and, I must admit, I did expect more at the end than delivered, but the story still managed to reel me in and keep me hooked. I am happy that the door is left open for a sequel. Other than the minor issues mentioned, The House of Sherbet is an excellent novel and deserves four stars.

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