Mimi's Bookcase

Synopsis: "The devil walks... But the devil can make no headway if he has no help. We must invite him in..."
Raised in secrecy by a mother everyone thinks has gone mad, Daniel's only link to his past is the intricately built model of the family home -- High Gates. The dolls' house is perfect in every detail. As Daniel is reunited with the last remaining member of his family -- his 'uncle' Severin, who bears an uncanny resemblance to a sinister wooden doll he has found hidden in the house, he begins to suspect that this vicious, haunted puppet of a figure has a chilling influence, bringing cruelty and spite in its wake. Now Daniel's very life is at risk as his uncle is determined to get his hands on the figure. The menace builds throughout in this deliciously creepy Gothic tale.


My Opinion: I liked it!

The Devil Walks tells the story of Daniel, a young man raised by his single mother to believe he is gravely sick and should never get out by himself. Spending his days in his room, he entertains himself with books and a dolls' house never seeing anyone other than his mother until the day a doctor comes to see him after rumors spread around the little town. While his mother ends up in the hospital, Daniel ends up living with this kind, patient and loving man and his family. Smart and mature, the young boy quickly learns to live in society while getting stronger. Everything is going well for him until he discovers he has an uncle that wishes to meet him. Going to his mother's family home, Daniel will discover the truth about his family and the reason her mother lied to him during his whole childhood.

I've found this novel quite interesting. The writing style was impeccable to me as I really like those historical fictions. The "old" british english gave it quite a character.
While the first part was a bit slow, the second half of the book was truly exciting and fascinating, I couldn't stop turning the pages, wanting to know more about this family and their past.

There is a fantasy aspect to this book but it's definitely not the main point. I was actually quite surprised by it and even went to check the Goodreads page for the novel to make sure it was indeed a fantasy read. So those who are only interesting in that, may want to read something else or be prepared to be disappointed.
Though the supernatural aspect was actually interesting, it wasn't much developed.

It isn't the best fantasy historical fiction I've read but I enjoyed this novel nonetheless.


To summarize: An interesting but a bit boring read.