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Three Reasons You Should Read This Middle-Grade Thriller:
- House of Teeth by Dan Jolley is an action-packed adventure that explores family history and the nature of good and evil.
- The Lemarchand family’s legacy was unique, and well-developed, while also leaving some answers to be discovered by the current generation.
- Henry’s adventure through the swamp as he discovers his family’s magic is exciting and will keep you listening through the end.
About House of Teeth by Dan Jolley
Title: House of Teeth
Author: Dan Jolley
Narrator: Josh Hurley
Genre: Middle Grade Paranormal Suspense
There’s more to the swamplands than meets the teeth. In this supernatural tale of magic and mysticism, Henry Lemarchand grew up in Philadelphia knowing very little of his family—his father disappeared when he was young, leaving behind only a strange pouch of animal teeth. When he is sent to the Louisiana bayou to spend the summer with his eccentric uncle and cousin in their decaying ancestral mansion, Henry learns about his family’s supernatural legacy—he is part of a long line of rootcrafters, folks who can absorb the powers and memories of anyone whose teeth they touch. In delving into his family’s strange legends, Henry soon discovers that some secrets bite back, especially in the swamplands. This tale of identity awareness and the need for belonging, is set in a world where everything is not as it seems.
My review of House of Teeth:
I really enjoyed listening to House of Teeth by Dan Jolley. Josh Hurley was a wonderful narrator that expertly gave voice to the characters’ personalities. And there are some really great personalities. Henry and Wren make an amazing team, but you can still see the family disagreements that so often occur between cousins.
The entire concept of rootcrafters and using teeth to work magic was new to me. And I found it fascinating. The author put much into the various aspects of each tooth. The entire magical system was one of the most creative I’ve read. I do not know if it’s based on a real mythos. I’d love to learn more about it if it is.
The action is just about non-stop. There is always something exciting or new happening that will keep not only the interest of middle-graders but any adults listening along as well. The story was left open for more some day, but it also reaches a very satisfying conclusion wrapping up the major loose ends.
