House of Secrets: Battle of the Beasts

The sequel to the New York Times bestselling House of Secrets—hailed by J. K. Rowling as "a breakneck, jam-packed roller coaster of an adventure"—this second installment by Hollywood director Chris Columbus (of Harry Potter fame) and bestselling author Ned Vizzini (It's Kind of a Funny Story) is full of even more explosive twists and turns.

Since the siblings' last adventure, life in the Walker household is much improved—the family is rich and the Wind Witch is banished. But no Walker will be safe until she is found. Summoning her to San Francisco brings all the danger that comes with her, and puts the Walkers in the crosshairs of a mysterious journey through Denver Kristoff's books. As the Walkers travel from ancient Rome to World War II to Tibet, they are tested in ways that cut deeper than before—by Denver Kristoff, the Wind Witch, and one another.

Fantasy fiction fans who enjoy Rick Riordan will find much to love in this thrilling and action-packed novel.

Chris Columbus has written, directed, and produced some of the most successful box-office hits in Hollywood history. He first made his name by writing several original scripts produced by Steven Spielberg, including the back-to-back hits Gremlins and The Goonies. As a director, Columbus has been at the helm of such iconic projects as Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, Home Alone, Stepmom, and Mrs. Doubtfire. As a producer, Columbus was also behind the hit films Night at the Museum and The Help.

Ned Vizzini (1981-2013) was the bestselling author of the acclaimed young adult books It’s Kind of a Funny Story (also a major motion picture), Be More Chill, Teen Angst? Naaah . . . , and The Other Normals. He wrote for the New York Times, Salon, and The New Yorker. He also wrote for TV, including MTV’s hit show Teen Wolf. His work has been translated into twenty-five languages.