This was an action packed, thrilling end to the fantasy saga.

My review at Epinions.

In preparation for the upcoming movie (released February 14), I decided to read the Spiderwick Chronicles. For one thing, they were an incredibly fun and easy read. You can read each book in about 45 minutes to an hour.

The tale revolves around twin boys and their older sister whose parents have recently split. They find themselves living with their mom in an abandoned mansion, once lived in by their great aunt.

Mysterious things begin to happen, and for a while only one of the twins is aware of the source of the drama. He finds a hidden book, secreted away, and it reveals the reality of what they now face.

Each book builds on the other, and as far as fantasy-adventure, the chronicles are more like a motorboat, skimming quickly across the surface of previously charted waters.

For true enjoyment and a significant depth, I’d recommend the Chronicles of Narnia as a priority before chewing on the lighter and more candy-coated Spiderwick series.

They’re a fun read, and kids will most assuredly enjoy them. I do suspect, however, that the movie will be much more enchanting than the books have been.