Malia Ann Haberman’s CHASE TINKER AND THE HOUSE OF MAGIC is a delightfully fun story of magical adventure that is sure to enchant young readers. Almost like a mash-up of the HARRY POTTER books, L’Engle’s WRINKLE IN TIME, and C. S. Lewis’s NARNIA stories, Haberman’s novel follows the adventures of 13-year-old Chase Tinker and his 10-year-old brother Andy as they discover the magical heritage of the Tinker family. It seems Chase’s father, Benjamin, had long ago decided to deny his family heritage, so neither Chase nor Andy knew about their powers or their history. When Benjamin is kidnapped by a shadowy group called the Dark Enemy, Chase’s grandfather shows up to take his grandchildren home to their ancestral roots. At an amazing magical mansion on the beach, Chase and Andy meet their cousin Janie and her friend Persephone, and the four of them set out to rescue Benjamin and save the magical world.
Haberman’s story is filled with clever and funny magical details which will definitely capture the imaginations of middle grade readers. The “House of Magic” is an amazing place, with magical rooms, floating staircases, and endless spaces to explore . . . and seemingly endless ways four kids can get into trouble! At the house, Chase and Andy learn to perfect their own magical powers (Chase’s is telekinesis and Andy has the ability to freeze time). They also learn the history of their family, the Tinkers, who have battled the Dark Enemy for generations, always fighting to preserve the mysterious “Relic” that holds the key to their magic. Should the Dark Enemy get their hands on the Relic, all the goodness and light in the world could be destroyed.
This is the first of a planned series of novels all revolving around Chase Tinker and his magical family. While I’m not a fan of serialized novels, this one easily lends itself to future stories. As in the Harry Potter books, Chase’s battle against evil won’t be quickly won. That said, HOUSE OF MAGIC does have a satisfying conclusion, meaning readers won’t be left disappointed with how this volume of the story is resolved.
Parents, this novel is appropriate for readers aged 10-14. There is no inappropriate language, and while there is an element of violence and heavy doses of suspense, I found nothing objectionable. There is a hint of romance between Chase and Persephone, but no overt sexuality. I see this as the kind of novel that both boys and girls will embrace, which is rare for children’s literature. It’s well-written, professionally edited, and tightly plotted. I recommend it highly.
[Please note: I was provided a copy of this book for review; the opinions expressed here are my own.]
