“The house was big, but not enormous, with lots of gables and even a turret. After the wrought-iron gate, Kendra had expected a castle or a mansion. Constructed out of dark wood and stone, the house looked old but in good repair. The grounds were more impressive. A bright flower garden bloomed in front of the house. Manicured hedges and a fishpond added character to the yard. Behind the house loomed an immense brown barn, at least five stories tall, topped by a weathervane.”

This quote serves to introduce the house and the yard, where much of the story will take place. Mull is descriptive and fantastical while still being approachable readable, especially by the younger audience that the novel is aimed at.

“Though he dreaded admitting it, he wished Kendra had come. The porcupine probably would have made her scream, and her fear would have increased his bravery. He could have made fun of her instead of feeling frightened himself.”

Mull characterizes both Seth and Kendra. He references the ideas of fear and bravery, which will evolve over the course of the story. By the end of the novel,Kendra and Seth are united in their bravery, rather than divided by it as Seth wishes they were here.

“Something caught a firm hold on his ankle, sending him tumbling to the ground. Sprawled on his belly, a cut on one hand, dirt in his mouth, he heard something rustling through the foliage behind him, and a strange sound that was either laughter or running water. A dry branch snapped like a gunshot. Not looking back for fear of what he might see, Seth scrambled to his feet and dashed along the path.”

Seth begins to understand the fear and danger that the forest truly holds in this quote. Mull alternates long and short sentences to create a rushed rhythm, mirroring Seth’s frantic run that is punctuated by an abrupt fall. The comparison between natural and manmade noises further confuses the situation.