Embassy of the Dead Paperback – July 5, 2022

If you had had the fortune of reading any of the Mabel Jones series and loved them like my family then you will definitely not be disappointed with Will's newest novel Embassy of the Dead: Book 1. This book is great for all ages and will keep you on the edge of your seat! Engaging characters and a ghostly fun adventure that you will not want to put down. Cannot wait for book 2.

THIS IS A GREAT READ WITH THE SAME SPOOKY VIBE AS THE LOCKWOOD AND CO. SERIES

This is a First edition hardback in the US. It’s the same as the original EOD book #1 released a few years ago. Daughter thought it was a new installment in the EOD saga- due to new cover art. We will read again but don’t buy if you think it’s a new book in the series or don’t want the hardback version.

Very imaginative book! It is obvious this author really had fun writing this one.

Here's why:First, the author is Will Mabbit, who wrote the Mabel Jones books. Mabel Jones is one of the outstanding middle grade adventure heroines, and the Jones books are wonderful. I tried this new book, (first in a series of at least three), mainly because I recognized Mabbit as the author.Second, crispest plot. I've read a lot of middle grade and I'm sometimes really shocked by how convoluted and awkward plots can be. They can take huge amounts of monologuing and info dumping just to keep the narrative vaguely on track. I'm occasionally amazed that a kid reader can follow certain tales. Not so here. The plot is ripping, and twisty, and loaded with event, but it is well marked and crystal clear. You always know what just happened, what's happening, and what's coming up next, (allowing for surprises). And the ending is remarkably clever, but still unfolds with a satisfying snap.Third, great supporting characters. As we traipse through the Earthly Plane, the Inbetween, and the Afterworld we meet a stunning array of characters - some good, some bad, some kind and helpful, some devious. None are quirky or odd just for shock value. Each character makes sense in context and adds to the ripping pace and energetic atmosphere of the tale. And a good many of them are very funny.Fourth, this book has the clearest and most logical and sensible ghost/Afterworld system I've encountered in a middle grade story. Early on our hero and the Specter who's helping him have a calm conversation, (admittedly while fleeing in a stolen van from a Grim Reaper). Our hero asks reasonable questions and, get this, he gets clear and reasonable answers. None of that "I'd tell you everything but I don't have time right now". We actually learn how all the worlds are set up, (without an awkward info dump feel), and then we can dive right into the adventure, thrills, twists and fun.Fifth, and Most Important, our hero, Jake, is terrific, and his companions, (Stiffkey, Zorro the ghost fox, and Cora), round out a great team. Jake is our first person narrator. Opinions vary, but I like a hero narrator who is a bit restrained, even to the point of being dry and deadpan. Wacka wacka and/or hysterical don't wear that well. But Jake feels authentic while still taking the most outrageous developments in stride. He is calm, smart, resourceful, and no stranger to irony. There are very clever throwaway lines and passing observations that make Jake an engaging and entertaining narrator, without Jake ever becoming precocious or smart-alecky. And it's all stiff-upper-lip, with no whinging. There are a lot of one or two page mini-bits that add color and depth to the tale without being technically essential to the story. But they are amusing or touching or simply entertainingly diverting, which is good enough reason for them.The upshot is that I liked the characters, the story, the writing, the humor, and the ripping energy of this book. Just a terrific find.(Please note that I received a free ecopy of this book without a review requirement, or any influence regarding review content should I choose to post a review. Apart from that I have no connection at all to either the author or the publisher of this book.)

This is a middle fantasy/horror, but I would not say it was scary. This book made me think of the movie Beetlejuice at several points in this book. All the characters where very developed, and I loved so many of them. I have to say to ending left so many thing up in the air, so I wonder if there's going to be a follow up book. The are ghost, ghost animals, adventure, and so much more. I really love the adventure this book took me on. I would say this book is good for anyone 9 years old and older. I even adults will love it because I really loved it. I did not love the pictures in the book. I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher (Walker Books Us) or author (Will Mabbitt) via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review about how I feel about this book, and I want to send a big Thank you to them for that.

Embassy of the Dead, by Will Mabbitt, is a children’s fantasy story about a boy who becomes, quite by accident, entangled in after-life affairs. After receiving a mysterious package by mistake, and later opening it to find what is inside, Jake’s life quickly becomes one harrowing adventure after another. He has to escape from the Grim Reaper as well as those wanting the package he received, and not for the right reasons. If he isn’t quick or clever enough, he will have all of eternity to pay a dear price.I found this to be a fast and easy read, filled with likeable and fleshed out characters that made the story seem like a movie in my head. The story is a clean read, with little bits of juvenile humor thrown in. This edition comes with sketches, helping to elaborate the story. Although this might be the Halloween choice read, it is suitable for year-round enjoyment. Highly recommended.

Embassy of the Dead is a middle grade novel full of danger and adventure. Jake Green, the hero of the story, is accidentally swept up into a whole mess of undead intrigue when he unknowingly takes possession of a very important (and very creepy) package..Jake, along with his new friends Stiffkey, Cora, and Zorro (all ghosts) must make his way to the Embassy of the Dead to return the package, dodging reapers, bonewulfs, practitioners of Old Magic, and energy sucking spirits, and figuring out which friends can be trusted and which cannot..Oh, and if he fails and the package falls into the wrong hands, the world as we know it will end..A fast paced, fun, spooky little adventure that will delight your favorite little ghoul, this British novel will release here in the states on September 8, 2020..I received a free electronic copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Jake is twelve and isn't happy with his life since his mum and dad split up. At least he has a school trip coming up with his best friend Sab.
Then one day a strange man wearing a top hat hands him a box. Curiosity gets the better of him and he opens his box and finds a severed finger.
Now he finds himself teaming up with the strange man who is an undertaker named Stiffkey. Jake now finds himself getting out of the school trip unbeknown to his parents and taking his dads camper van to run from the Reaper before he sends him to the Eternal Void. Unless very soon he can get to the Emabassy of the Dead before his life his over.
Well this book had me hooked from the beginning it was very well written and Will Mabbitt did a fantastic job with this hilarious story line coupled with Chris Moulds illustrations this was the perfect combination.
I'm a sucker for a ghost story and this had those elements tailored to a 9+ children's book. Stiffkey is a great mentor to Jake, even though he's got him into the mess their in. Cora is feisty and wants to be free, Zorro is a ghost fox. 
This book is a rip roaring , fast paced adventure that had me glued to every page. 
Chris Moulds touch to this book makes you smile as a crow appears at the beginning of every chapter and a skull at the end of it plus a spider who pops up every so often.
This book got a well deserved 5 stars.

Bought as a 10th birthday present for a friend's son who is loving this book. Have also previously bought the Mabel Jones books for a slightly younger niece who loves those too. Would highly recommend, Will Mabbitt is a great author.

Amazing book thoroughly enjoyed it from start to finish. Can't wait for book 2.

Not read this yet but I'm sure will go down well...

Brilliant book..... really good read.....fab story.....really liked it