House of Secrets (Columbus)

This New York Times bestseller is the first installment in the explosive tween fantasy series by famed Hollywood director Chris Columbus (of Harry Potter fame) and bestselling author Ned Vizzini (It's Kind of a Funny Story). Siblings Brendan, Eleanor, and Cordelia Walker once had everything they could ever want. But everything changed when Dr. Walker lost his job. Now the family must relocate to an old Victorian house, formerly the home of occult novelist Denver Kristoff-a house that simultaneously feels creepy and too good to be true. By the time the Walkers realize that one of their neighbors has sinister plans for them, they're banished to a primeval forest way off the grid. Bloodthirsty medieval warriors patrol the woods around them, supernatural pirates roam the neighboring seas, and a power-hungry queen rules the land. To survive, the siblings will have to be braver than they ever thought possible-and to fight against their darkest impulses. The key may lie in their own connection to the secret Kristoff legacy. But as they unravel that legacy, they'll discover that it's not just their family that's in danger . . . it's the entire world.

The sequel to the New York Times bestselling House of Secrets-hailed by J. K. Rowling as "a breakneck, jam-packed roller coaster of an adventure"-this second installment by Hollywood director Chris Columbus (of Harry Potter fame) and bestselling author Ned Vizzini (It's Kind of a Funny Story) is full of even more explosive twists and turns. Since the siblings' last adventure, life in the Walker household is much improved-the family is rich and the Wind Witch is banished. But no Walker will be safe until she is found. Summoning her to San Francisco brings all the danger that comes with her, and puts the Walkers in the crosshairs of a mysterious journey through Denver Kristoff's books. As the Walkers travel from ancient Rome to World War II to Tibet, they are tested in ways that cut deeper than before-by Denver Kristoff, the Wind Witch, and one another. Fantasy fiction fans who enjoy Rick Riordan will find much to love in this thrilling and action-packed novel.

The final book in the New York Times bestselling House of Secrets series that was called "a breakneck, jam-packed roller coaster of an adventure" by J. K. Rowling. Created by Hollywood director Chris Columbus (of Harry Potter fame) and bestselling author Ned Vizzini (It's Kind of a Funny Story), with the acclaimed author of the Codename Zero series and the Fourth Stall saga, Chris Rylander. With their last adventure just barely over, the Walker kids thought life would finally go back to normal. But things don't remain calm for long . . . especially when the colossus Fat Jagger turns up in San Francisco Bay-and he's in danger! With the police closing in, the Walkers must figure out how to save their giant friend. When a frost beast is spotted in Santa Rosa-and more mystical creatures start appearing all over America-it's soon clear that the characters from Denver Kristoff's works are invading the real world. It's up to Brendan, Eleanor, and Cordelia to reenter the book world one last time to keep the worlds from colliding, causing mass destruction. They will have to track down three Worldkeepers hidden in Kristoff's books-magical items that when used together will seal the worlds off for good. But the Walkers' first move leads them straight into the Wild West, with lethal outlaws and lawless deputies-and that's just the beginning. They'll encounter dinosaurs, aliens, killer robots, and the Wind Witch herself-with new friends and old-and be faced with some of the deadliest choices they'll ever have to make. The scariest thing of all could be deciding who to trust, since everyone is hiding something. . . .