Book Review: “Finch House” by Ciera Burch

I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the FINCH HOUSE by Ciera Burch Blog Tour hosted by Rockstar Book Tours. Check out my post and make sure to enter the giveaway!

 

About The Book:

Title: FINCH HOUSE

Author: Ciera Burch

Pub. Date: September 5, 2023

Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books

Formats: Hardcover, eBook, Audiobook

Pages: 208

Find it: Goodreads, https://books2read.com/FINCH-HOUSE

Encanto meets Coraline in this spooky middle grade story that deals with family ties, fear of change, and generational trauma as it follows a girl who must convince an old, haunted house to release its hold on her and her family.

Eleven-year-old Micah has no interest in moving out of her grandfather’s house. She loves living with Poppop and their shared hobby of driving around rich neighborhoods to find treasures in others’ trash. To avoid packing, Micah goes for a bike ride and ends up at Finch House, the decrepit Victorian that Poppop says is Off Limits. Except when she gets there, it’s all fixed up and there’s a boy named Theo in the front yard. Surely that means Finch House isn’t Off Limits anymore? But when Poppop finds her there, Micah is only met with his disappointment.

By the next day, Poppop is nowhere to be found. After searching everywhere, Micah’s instincts lead her back to Finch House. But once Theo invites her inside, Micah realizes she can’t leave. And that, with its strange whispers and deep-dark shadows, Finch House isn’t just a house…it’s alive.

Can Micah find a way to convince the house to let her go? Or will she be forced to stay in Finch House forever?

 

Why Should You Read This?

“Finch House” by Ciera Burch is a spellbinding middle-grade novel that seamlessly blends the eerie allure of “Encanto” with the spine-tingling enchantment of “Coraline.” In this captivating tale, Burch delves into themes of family bonds, the fear of change, and the lasting impact of generational trauma.

Eleven-year-old Micah’s world is perfectly content living with her grandfather and embarking on treasure hunts in upscale neighborhoods. To evade the impending upheaval of moving, she stumbles upon Finch House, a once-forbidden Victorian mansion that defies expectations. Burch masterfully juxtaposes Micah’s initial reluctance with the enthralling mystery of the transformed Finch House and its enigmatic inhabitant, Theo.

As Micah’s Poppop goes missing, the narrative takes a riveting turn, compelling Micah to return to the captivating clutches of Finch House. The author’s vivid storytelling creates a palpable blend of the ordinary and the supernatural, building an immersive atmosphere of uncertainty and intrigue.

The heart of the story lies in its characters. Micah’s determination and Theo’s enigmatic presence add depth to the narrative, making it a compelling exploration of identity and courage in the face of the unknown. Burch’s portrayal of their journey reflects authenticity and emotional resonance.

“Finch House” weaves a unique concept of a living house that resonates with readers’ imagination, transcending it into a character of its own. The blurred line between reality and the supernatural immerses readers in a world of suspense and curiosity.

In this tale of bravery, resilience, and confronting the past, Ciera Burch crafts a middle-grade gem that captivates and resonates. “Finch House” is a must-read for anyone seeking a perfect blend of mystery, magic, and heartwarming triumph. With its gripping narrative and unforgettable characters, Burch’s novel stands as a testament to the power of storytelling in igniting the imagination of readers of all ages.

 

About Ciera Burch:

Ciera Burch is a lifelong writer and ice cream aficionado. She has a B.A from American University and an MFA from Emerson College. Her fiction has appeared in American Literary Magazine, Underground, the art and literary journal of Georgia State University, Stork, and Blackbird. Her work was also chosen as the 2019 One City, One Story read for the Boston Book Festival.

When she’s not reading or baking, she can be found listening to true crime podcasts, eating ice cream, and advocating for diverse kids lit. While she is originally from New Jersey, she currently resides in Washington, D.C with her stuffed animals, plants, and far too many books.

Find her on Twitter @CieraBurch017 and on Instagram @cierasburch. She’d rather you not find her on Tumblr.

 

Website | Instagram | Goodreads

 

Giveaway Details:

1 winner will receive a finished copy of FINCH HOUSE, US Only.

Ends September 5th, midnight EST.

a Rafflecopter giveaway