Grim Tuesday is the second book in a series of seven known as the Keys to the Kingdom series each book named after a day of the week. The first book Mister Monday was a book I reviewed a long while ago. I had a desire to go through and finish the series but needed to re-read the first two and a half books in order to do so. In my review of Mister Monday I expressed that I was bored and kept tying to remember the events of this book as the events of that book. Coming to this book I knew there was less to get confused and there was only one event that I wasn’t sure it if was this book or the next that I remember reading it but I was certain it was the next book – but overall it wasn’t a major event and didn’t disturb my reading.Going through this book a second time wasn’t bad – the book held my attention and it was vaguely amusing. Having a familiarity with the book I began to wonder how the main character Arthur got out of one situation that I didn’t remember at all to the next situation which I remembered. Over all I did not remember much of the book but one main event which made things a whole lot easier to read.The general plot of this book picks up where Mister Monday left off. Arthur awakes to a new day (Tuesday) glad that the events of Monday are well taken care of and happy to live his normal mortal life for the next several years to discovered that Grim Tuesday has set out to collect a past debt left behind by Mister Monday that Arthur now owes. Arthur finds that everyone is in financial ruin and there are Denizens (the people/creatures of the house where Mister Monday and Grim Tuesday reside) causing problems as well.Despite the fact of not wanting to go back into the House and fight another trustee (as Mister Monday and Grim Tuesday are known) he goes in and is faced with various challenges to try to get what he needs to fight off Grim Tuesday and take ownership of yet another region of the house just like he had done in the first book only with new challenges. Which also included an issue with creatures based out of nothing called nithlings which are hell bent on destroying the House structure something that Arthur cannot allow as said destruction would destroy the entire universe considering that the house is also known as the center of the universe. It is a bit of a whirlwind of a tale and there are hits of something more nefarious going on than just the present issues at hand.Overall I think I would give the book a 4 out of 5 pages as it was rather good and kept my attention. I will also say that this book is very much a children’s middle grade book, but still something that an adult can enjoy as well.
Grim Tuesday by Garth Nix is a captivating science fiction work. After just a day (on Earth) of Arthur leaving the First Key in Dame Primus’ trust, the telephone he was given rings and he is notified that six months have passed in the House. Arthur now must return to the House and acquire the Second Part of the Will and the Second Key. He sets off as an indentured worker, and even with the help of his friends: Japeth, Suzy, Leaf, and the Mariner, it proves to be an extremely difficult task. “Will” he be able to do it? Garth Nix did an amazing job with this book. He really made the characters come to life and crafted his story in a realistic way, or as realistic as you can get with all the magic of the House. He had an interesting twist to this book that just might foreshadow one of Arthur’s struggles later on. In this book, Suzy was my favorite character because it must have been difficult to develop Suzy's character. Another character I also found pretty amazing was Arthur. He acted a lot like I observe humans do, and even though regular people may not be in as extreme circumstances, Garth Nix made Arthur act like people when they are under a lot of stress and they just have to keep pushing. Definitely make sure to read Mister Monday before reading this book, and if you liked it, you’re sure to like this one. If you’re interested in Mister Monday, and you liked Harry Potter or another science fiction series, this series is definitely 5 out of 5 stars.
Do You like book Grim Tuesday (2005)?
This is book two in the Keys to the Kingdom series. Arthur Penhaligon has barely returned back to his own world in the Second realms, when he receives word that Grim Tuesday is coming after him and challenging his right to the first Key by way of calling in all of the previous Monday’s debts. While 6 months have passed in the House, only hours have gone by in Arthur’s world. He doesn’t get the rest he wants or deserves, and with things going immediately from bad to worse for him in his own world
—Arminzerella
This series is really cute and especially designed for boys under the teen level. It just has so many creative elements and events that would appeal to the younger set. That being said, I loved it as it's rather different from what I usually read and great for listening in the car.Arthur Penhaligan, a normal person in the 7th grade, was somehow selected to become the rightful heir to the Keys to the Kingdom (a universe adjacent to Earth that can be accessed through a monstrous house that only Arthur can see). And this is book two of his adventures outsmarting the Morrow days (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, etc), each one has control on the day of his name. For example on Monday, Arthur had to deal with and defeat Mister Monday. On Tuesday it is Grim Tuesday and on Wednesday it will be Lady Wednesday. This is a cleverly written tongue in cheek kind of story that actually teaches morality to some degree. Arthur is set by The Will to correct the wrongs done by the Morrow days. The Morrow days aren't really evil but they have been corrupted by greed and the powers they have acquired. Grim Tuesday is a treasure hoarder and has become a slaver in the hopes of gaining more treasures. Arthur is appalled and vows to set the slaves free once he becomes keeper of the second key. Arthur and his ally Suzy Turquoise Blue spend their time in the house trying to get to the treasure tower and find the snippet of The Will that will bestow ownership of the Key to Arthur. You must keep in mind that Arthur doesn't want to be keeper of the keys to the kingdom, he just wants to return to his normal life but the House and it's denizens just won't allow that since he is already Lord Monday and the responsibility of the Lower House falls squarely on his shoulders. The other Morrow days sense disaster in the making and want to wrest control from Arthur's rather human hands. I find this really entertaining and it's fun to read about Arthur (and Suzy's) adventures and the defeat of the arrogant Morrow days.
—Barbara ★
Another great book in the Series. I like how Garth Nix introduces new characters as each day proceeds and yet there aren't to many characters to keep track of. The stories finish themselves and yet you know that Arthur is going to have to go back to the House to help put it back in order. Each book builds upon the previous building to a climax that will end with Sunday. The story uses allies, friends and cunning to get the will that has been misused. Can't wait to get into the next book. I am glad there are only 7 days of the week as I am hooked!!!
—Karen
