Mister Monday (Keys to the Kingdom #1) (The Keys to the Kingdom)

My relationship with Australian author Garth Nix is an odd one. My first introduction to Nix was in middle school when I attempted to read his famous Sabriel novel after being relentlessly urged to do so by friends. I couldn't get further than one hundred pages. It was so excruciatingly boring that I had to stop -and I rarely give up on books that after I've begun them. Considering my taste in literature, Nix's books should fit perfectly with my preferences, but something about them just falls short.

I thought I'd try again with the first book in Nix's The Keys to the Kingdom series, Mister Monday. The book is very similar to the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series, and is even being touted as the next Harry Potter. I can definitely see the connects between Mister Monday and these other series, but there is little else there besides the fact that Mister Monday is a somewhat dark, young adult fantasy novel.

Mister Monday follows the story of Arthur Penhaligon who, during an asthma attack, is entrusted with a magical key by the mysterious Mister Monday. Not long after, Arthur's hometown is ravaged by an unexplainable plague. In order to fight the plague, Arthur decides to enter the House (which only he can see) to find a cure. He ends up meeting an odd collection of characters that have some connection to time, setting the House back on its course, and of course, finding a cure for the plague.

The book is about as confusing and boring as it sounds. It took me a considerable amount of time to get into it, only to find that the plot makes little to no sense. This confusion is only helped by the fact that Nix tends to rely on extremely vague descriptions of characters and environments that leave the reader wondering where the characters are and what they look like.

The characters themselves are paper thin. While Nix creates some unique characters and a fairly interesting hierarchy within the House, it falls flat on its face because the characters are underutilized and not given enough time and attention to mature. I personally disliked the lack of a group of constant supporting characters in the novel. While there were a few, they appeared so little that they didn't have time to make an impact on the reader. That's the biggest difference between The Keys to the Kingdom and Percy Jackson and Harry Potter. The two latter (and more successful) series have wonderful collections of supporting characters, while Kingdom spends so much time trying to explain the plot and the world that their is little time for anything else.

I think that there are some wonderful ideas here, but I Nix simply didn't take the time to adequately develop them for the novel.

The book starts when Arthur Penhaligon’s dreaded first day of school arrives and is met with an asthma attack that changes his life. As Arthur lies helplessly in the middle of a park after running, the gorgeous Mister Monday- accompanied by another man named Sneezer- suddenly hands the young boy a minute-hand resembling key with the expectation that the boy would meet his demise. However, these hopes are short-lived as he realizes the key saves the boy’s life. Before he could do anything about it he suddenly disappears with his assistant, a notebook falling out of a whirlwind of type replacing them. As a week passes, Monday arrives once again, bringing with it a handful of key-hunting-Fetchers that bestow a sleepy plague onto the citizens of Arthur’s new home town. To save his family and the rest of the town, he uses the information he gets from the mysterious notebook to go into a house only seen by him. Once in the house, he encounters two allies- a portion of the Architect’s will and Suzy Turquoise Blue. Together, the three go on a quest to proclaim Arthur the rightful heir of the Lower House and to find a cure for the plague back home, causing a conflict of character vs. character and character vs. nature.

As a reader, I liked the book enough, but like any other thing in life, there’s always room for improvement. I really loved the creativity of incorporating the days of the week into an adventurous series. Garth Nix’s imagination is amazingly expressed when he describes the wonders and secrets of the Lower House. I also liked the fact that it took such simplicity to imagine the scenes, even if they were elaborately explained. However, I felt the novel was slightly quick-paced and a bit predictable. Nix is truly a good writer, although a few unexpected twists couldn’t hurt. If I had to recommend the novel, I’d recommend it to easy-going fantasy readers. If you’re more of an action-fantasy type- like myself- I wouldn’t. All in all, though, it was a fairly good book and I look forward to reading about Arthur’s next adventure.

I was curious to see whether "Mister Monday" (first novel in a fantasy series that has since worked its way up to Thursday) was published before or after James Stoddard's "High House" as the two books have similar settings.

Stoddard came first, but Garth Nix has put his unique stamp on the 'Universe manifested as a queer old House' theme. That said, this "Keys to the Kingdom" series is more disjointed and less appealing than Garth Nix's Abhorsen trilogy. "Mister Monday" reminds me more of "The Ragwitch" in that a young boy with absolutely no training learns that he is the Rightful Heir to some improbable kingdom (the Universe) and is also the only person on Earth who can stop/cure the newest, deadliest plague.

Naturally Arthur wants to concentrate on curing the plague, since his own family is involved. Then he is saved from a lethal asthma attack by a man in a bath chair wielding the minute hand off of a gigantic clock. The man in the bath chair is Mr. Monday and he is being pushed about by his butler, Sneezer.

These two men spend the rest of the book chasing Arthur through a sort of Victorian workers' hell, trying to get him to return the Key (the minute hand) to Mr. Monday. The book has lots of interesting magic, blue-and-yellow-striped dinosaurs, an angry old man who is chained to a gigantic clock, and a pair of truly macabre creatures who gouge out the old man's eyes every day at 12 o'clock. (His eyes grow back. Does this man remind you of Prometheus, kiddies?)

Arthur must get through some horrifying trials to save his Earth from the plague, and to prove that he is the Rightful Heir. He shows that he has the Right Stuff--after all, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday have already been written--but this first book suffers from a multiplicity of themes. The author seems to have tried out several different settings (Victorian policemen and a sort of Bob Cratchit universe, along with dinosaurs, good and bad angels, and a really stinky and terrifying Roman bathhouse), then didn't want to discard anything. So, here it all is in "Mister Monday."

I'm still debating as to whether I want to advance on to "Grim Tuesday." Arthur has already saved my world from the Sleepy Plague and I'm not particularly taken with the rest of Nix's mixed-up Universe.

I was curious to see whether "Mister Monday" (first novel in a fantasy series that has since worked its way up to Thursday) was published before or after James Stoddard's "High House" as the two books have similar settings.

Stoddard came first, but Garth Nix has put his unique stamp on the 'Universe manifested as a queer old House' theme. That said, this "Keys to the Kingdom" series is more disjointed and less appealing than Garth Nix's Abhorsen trilogy. "Mister Monday" reminds me more of "The Ragwitch" in that a young boy with absolutely no training learns that he is the Rightful Heir to some improbable kingdom (the Universe) and is also the only person on Earth who can stop/cure the newest, deadliest plague.

Naturally Arthur wants to concentrate on curing the plague, since his own family is involved. Then he is saved from a lethal asthma attack by a man in a bath chair wielding the minute hand off of a gigantic clock. The man in the bath chair is Mr. Monday and he is being pushed about by his butler, Sneezer.

These two men spend the rest of the book chasing Arthur through a sort of Victorian workers' hell, trying to get him to return the Key (the minute hand) to Mr. Monday. The book has lots of interesting magic, blue-and-yellow-striped dinosaurs, an angry old man who is chained to a gigantic clock, and a pair of truly macabre creatures who gouge out the old man's eyes every day at 12 o'clock. (His eyes grow back. Does this man remind you of Prometheus, kiddies?)

Arthur must get through some horrifying trials to save his Earth from the plague, and to prove that he is the Rightful Heir. He shows that he has the Right Stuff--after all, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday have already been written--but this first book suffers from a multiplicity of themes. The author seems to have tried out several different settings (Victorian policemen and a sort of Bob Cratchit universe, along with dinosaurs, good and bad angels, and a really stinky and terrifying Roman bathhouse), then didn't want to discard anything. So, here it all is in "Mister Monday."

I'm still debating as to whether I want to advance on to "Grim Tuesday." Arthur has already saved my world from the Sleepy Plague and I'm not particularly taken with the rest of Nix's mixed-up Universe.

Mister Monday is the first in a seven book series. Written for young adults this is a book that can be enjoyed by anyone who loves a good fantasy story. Arthur Penhaligon is about to die - only to be saved by the unlikely duo of Mr Monday and his butler Sneezer. An action they both will soon regret as Arthur finds the key they have given him leads to an otherworldly house that is both the source of a plague in his town and the only place he can find a cure.
This is an original book, well written with interesting characters. Recommended for all ages. I'm already looking forward to GRIM TUESDAY and I'm happy the good news I heard on the grapevine turned out to be true about MISTER MONDAY.

It was a very dark and mysterious book, but it kept me gripped all the way through. It has a realistic sort of character, because everyone is expecting him to save the world, but he has no idea what to do or where to go. He just wants to be a normal kid with a normal life, but is sucked into this world of magic and mystery, which he cannot escape. Garth Nix is a very good author, and he seems to have found his nook with this series. I enjoyed this book, but I think it was a bit confusing to follow. I recommend this for fans of fantasy, or other books by Garth Nix. I have read the three books in this series currently out, and am eagerly awaiting to read "Sir Thursday," the fourth book.

I came upon this book while browsing my local Barnes and Nobles. I was hesitant to purchase it thinking just what the world needs is another take off of Harry Potter. After reading several pages I relented and purchased Mister Monday. I could not put the book down. Garth Nix does an excellant job of intertwining the real world with that of the big house. His characters are believable and descriptions vivid. I found myself staying up late to finish so that I could pass it on to my students. They have enjoyed it too. I just purchased the second book (Tuesday) and I see that Wednesday (the third)is out in hardback. This is a great series of books! One that I highly recommend.

Garth Nix has become my new favorite writer, and my discovery started with Mister Monday, the first in the Keys to the Kingdom series. This opening episode introduces us to Arthur, a displaced but sharp young boy in his first days at a new school. When a distanced run in gym class brings on a devastating asthma attack, Arthur is supposed to die. Because he doesn't, he is thrust into a world he never knew existed, with the fate of all worlds in his hands.

Having now read Sabriel, the first in Nix's earlier young adult series, The Abhorsen Trilogy, I can see how far he's come as a writer. Keys to the Kingdom is superbly paced, and with each new book, we learn a little more about the bigger picture. The arc of the stories is huge, but strongly anchored in the characters and Nix's attention to details.

Just a note about editions: I collect books, and while paperbacks are available and cost a little less than the hardcovers, the hardcover editions of these books are very sharp looking on the shelf. They're colorful and really stand out in a larger collection.

I have to say, I haven't read anything yet by Garth Nix that I didn't enjoy, but Mister Monday is by far my favorite. The opening few pages hooked me, and I'm now three books in, anxiously awaiting number four, Sir Thursday, coming out around March!

Garth Nix built a story like no other. Using the old theme of parallel universes and kingdoms he transformed a normal 13 year old boy into a hero that holds the primary key to the universe. Using the seven deadly sins, the seven days of the week and seven different values, we are taken into a House where everything came from.
Arthur Penhaligon and Suzy Blue are two amazing characters, Arthur: a normal boy, asthmatic, not too confident about himself, intelligent and thoughtful. Suzy: a young girl, sensitive, impulsive, strong and brave. Both make the story seem real and really adventurous.
There are other great secondary characters as well, Monday's Noon: the bad guy, loyal servant, strong and fierce. Monday's Dusk: A dark character, a rebel, helps Arthur through some complicated stuff. And finally, Mister Monday and The Will.
Overall the story is amazing, Garth Nix is really an incredibly imaginative author and everything he writes is always a great story. I'd recommend this book to any fantasy fan or any fan of a really good story.
Also read: Grim Tuesday, Drowned Wednesday, Sir Thursday and Lady Friday.

I will be perfectly honest, Mister Monday is amazing. I have read many fantasy books in my life, but this one really wowed me. Garth Nix creates a vast array of imaginative creatures with incredible talents. Take the Fetchers for instance. They are man like creatures with a dog's face and teeth. I would not want to run into a fetcher in a dark alley. Nix also uses a fantasy theme that we have all seen in the movies: interdimensional travel. Though I enjoyed fantasy theme, I do think that Nix went slightly overboard. Even fantasy books have to be a little bit realistic. All and all, the book was great, and I recommend it to fantasy readers everywhere.

Another book by Garth Nix that changes the name of reading entirely! I've read the entire Seventh Tower series which was one big thriller, but Mister Monday is so compelling you can't put it down. I loved this book probably because I love every book I read but mostly because Garth Nix is an awesome author. Mister Monday is about a young boy named Arthur Penhaligon who must save his world from a plague but must go through the biggest dangers that he must overcome in another realm. The question is can he do it. I suggest this book for about every bookworm, people who like Garth Nix's books, and Fantasy lover out there. You won't be disapointed, and I mean it!

Garth Nix's 'Mister Monday' was a highly clever, creative, and entertaining read that had me up into the wee hours of the morning following Arthur's adventures in the House. Arthur Penhaligon was a believable hero who after strange creatures called Fetchers bring a sleeply plague to his town, with his newly acquired key, Arthur must venture into the mysterious House that only he can see to save his town. Obviously, Nix wrote this book for a younger audience so his writing wasn't as ... mature as it was in his brilliant Abhorsen trilogy. But the sheer imagination Nix brings to this book more than makes up for it. The intricate world of the House was highly entertaing and origional and Nix stuns me every time he writes a new story. 'Mister Monday' has everything a hugely popular series needs, loveable characters, a complex plot, and buckets loads of creativity. 'Grim Tuesday' is certainly going on my wish list!

this is one of the best books i have ever read! garth nix is amazing at making Arthur, Suzy, Monday, the Will, Dawn, Noon, and Dusk all come to life. it is the best horror/action/adventure book i haver ever read. Arthur is saved by a key, that chages his fate entirely. he has Asmatha and the minute hand looking key saves him. but the key made a strange house appear. and at school, some dog faced men come in to kill him along with Noon for the key, so Arthur couldn't be master of the Lower House if he could get the hour hand key from Monday inside the strange house.
this book is EXTREAMLY good, but very confusing at times. Garth Nix rules!

this is a really great fantasy book. its very exciting and garth ends it so it makes you read more.

this book is about a twelve year old boy named Aurther Penheligon who lost his parents in the outbreak of the flu. it starts out when hes at school and is about to do a croos country run, but he has asthma. during the run he comes to have this thing known as the lesser key, it looks sorta like the minute hand of a clock. but when these dog-faced creatures come to reclaim it they also bring this plague to the world and aurther is the only one who can get the cure

I liked the story, but it lacked the detail and depth that can be found in Tolkien and Rowling. A bit more story and it could reach their level easily. As it is, it will take the series as a whole to compete the depth if it goes on as is. A story should leave you wanting more, but this left me knowing I wasn't going to get any more from the first segment only the story as a whole would grow. It's a shame cause I think the author has created in this story a work that could have become a classic epic within the genre. Now, it's simply a good read that could have been great.

I wish I could give a summary! This book, hyped to be the first in the "next Harry Potter" was so confusing that I can't figure out what was happening or why it was supposed to be important. Ok, that's a slight exaggeration. I managed to figure out what was happening, more or less. But this is definitely not the next Harry Potter. The main character, a young asthmatic with greatness thrust upon him is not fleshed out very well, nor do we see much growth in him from the beginning of the book until the end. His supposed motivation for jumping through all the hoops that Nix puts him through is to find a cure for the plague that's sweeping his hometown, but it really seems like he's just going through the motions because he has to. Perhaps his motivations become clearer in the next 6 books, or perhaps we see some growth in the character, but I'm not sure I care enough to go through 6 more books.

For this new series of book, Garth Nix obviously had a younger public in mind than for his best selling Abhorsen trilogy. The plot is simpler, the protagonist is younger and the language is easier. Difficult words are being explained. Having said that, this must be an absolute thrill to read when you're nine or ten. It puts an ordinary boy in charge of the Center of the Universe, if just for the Monday, and which ordinary boy wouldn't think that a very attractive idea?

It's a story about adventure, but also about responsibility, and courage, and overall I could recommend it to any boy or girl, and their parents, to read it!

I think Keys to the Kingdom is my new favorite series by Mr. Nix. Once again, he has created a deep, detailed and believable world that leaves readers hungry for the next book. The story of Mister Monday begins in the normal world, where Arthur is starting his first term at his new private school. During a PE endurance run, his asthma leaves him gasping for breath, and he collapses. Just when he's about to pass out, he meets two strange men, who give him a small book and a key shaped like the minute hand of a clock. Once Arthur touches the key, his asthma attack suddenly stops as if it had never started. The two men begin to fight, and then they vanish, leaving a confused Arthur with the book and key, wondering if he had been seeing things. Things escalate from there, and as Arthur realizes the extent of the key's powers, he finds that lots of intruders from the House, another world, would be willing to kill to get it. Left with no other options after a mysterious plague sweeps his town following an attack by intruders, Arthur travels to the House to unravel the mystery of the key and the book. It's really amazing how, over and over again, Nix can imagine new, perfectly functional, interesting societies, with suspenseful and enthralling plots to match. I think Mister Monday is a great book for people of all ages, not just for teens and young adults.

This is a totally Obscure novel - the beginning had me excited and totally involved - that is until this became Return of Alice in Wonderland - Fantasy does NOT mean create an entire world where nothing makes sense - this crux of this story delves into a completely unrealistic world - not a fantasy world of cool, I would like to see this, but wow, what the flak jacket just happened here? - i don't get the point, and i got sick of this by page 100, which is how far i will go with an unsuccessful story - some people love this, but I am not some people - I like more meat on the bones, and not a psychedelic mushroom induced fantasy novel - this may be for you, but not me ...

Mr. Monday is interesting enough but to really enjoy you have to continue the series. I love Garth Nix's books but I did find Mr. Monday a little less interesting than the rest of his books. I finished the book and didn't really feel inclined to start the next one but when I did I couldn't stop reading. I went from book to book until I finished Lady Friday which had just been released that week. I spent the full $17 at Borders because I couldn't wait for the paper back or for the cheaper version to ship from the store.

The reason Mr. Monday is kinda of slow compared to the others in the series is because it is setting up the series and characters. It's a lot of information that informs and confuses at the same time. Like most of Nix's book series if you don't read the entire series you don't get all the questions answered.

My advice to those interested in this series is A) read further after finishing this book and B) For those of you who prefer to ready fantasy that is based in this reality but has a twist to it (like Vampires, Werewolves, Harry Potter, etc.) then stay away from this series because it beyond your imagination.

The book is about this kid whose name is authur. He gets caught in all this mess about trying to get a key from this guy whose name is Mister Monday. but before he can do that he has to dodge fechters, run from enemys like Noon and Dawn, run from dinosaurs, try not to get killed, and try to prevent himself from having a asthma atackk!! But, thankfully he has some help from a girl named suzy, a guy named Dusk, and a talking toad. So now, he shoulden't have nothing to worry about, right?

The Keys to the Kingdom is an excellent new series by Garth Nix - a series I cannot wait for the sequel too! To get the concept of the book, you kind of have to read it, really. When Arthur is suffering from a asthma attack, two men appear to him, and one gives him a key shaped like the minute hand of an old clock. After that day, he starts seeing a large house. He is followed by creatures called Fetchers. Also, a book appears to him that is very useful. When a disease breaks out, he finds that it is spread by the Fetchers. Arthur sets off into the house to find a way to save his world.

After finishing the Abhorsen trilogy, I felt incomplete, as it should be with a good series, it leaves you hanging with anticipation. You hope to hear about what they're going to do next, but you realize "... it's over?" That was how I felt until I stumbled upon this series.

These books have Garth Nix's classic prosaic style of writing, with interestingly new concepts woven in, the Morrow Days; Dawn, Noon and Dusk; and the Will. I was hooked from the very first page. That's what Garth Nix's books did for me.

This concept of using time as a base for fantasy is not a new one, but I like the way it was done with this series. I read the books without the nagging feeling of "...hey, this reminds me of Lord of the Rings..." which gave me great hope for further reading of the series (well, if there is some anyways, don't tell me, I like living in my little world...). But yeah, this idea about using keys for weapons, and Nothing... It makes me happy to see new material on the market.

This book fully merits 5 stars. I hope you read this book and enjoy it as immensely as I have...

Mark R Guthrie

Arthur a new student at school, has to run a mile in the first day there. Arthur an asthmatic that ment he can't breathe well. He has to do his mile run but at the very end he fell to the ground because of his asthma. Then these two kids Leaf and Ed helps Arthur by running to the office and running to the P.E. teacher. Then when Arthur was about to die Mister Monday and Sneezer ame out of nowhere and gave Arthur a key that looks like the hand of a clock and an atlas. Then they disappeared and Ed and Leaf came running back. Arthur got taken to the hospital and in a few days he got back up and went to school. He went into the library and tuoched the key with the atlas and the atlas turned huge and had a picture of a house.Then that day he started seeing things a whole army of dog-faced Fetchers were standing outside the library window. then there was a guy named Noon came in the library and looked for Arthur then Arthur ran for it and started throwing salt, but some of the dogs got him on his chest,leg, and arm. Then he looked at his watch and saw it was one minute to 1 o' clock. Noon was about to fight Arthur with his Flame Sword. Arthur faked the give and threw the key and when the minute hand struk one o' clock all of the dogs and Noon disappeared. Then they appeared outside laughing, they holded the Atlas up in the air. Then Arthur got a backpack full of salt and melted all the dogs, but no atlas was to be found. Then there was a big fire that Noon started trying to get the key. After Arthur had to go on a bus but made him self have an asthma attack and then was taken to the bus to be taken to the hospital. Arthur then got better and ran out of the hospital heading for the House. Once he went in the house he went to Mondays portal and ended up in this weird land. Arthur had to go threw this big adventure but to get to the point he went to fight Monday with his minute and hour hand key that became a GIGANTIC sword that distroyed Monday and helped Will the protector or lord of the keys that guided Arthur all the way. Then after he went back to his word the illness stoped and everything went back to normal except it was on a TUESDAY...

My favorite part was when Arthur and NOon both had swords. Noon with his big flame sword and Arthur with his clock sword. Also it's cool that a tiny key can turn a yiny atlas into a gigantic one.
THIS BOOK WAS THE BEST NUMBER ONE 1. THIS A BOOK THAT YOU DONT NEED TO THINK AS MUCH TO KNOW WHATS GOING ON AND IT MAKES A VERY CLEAR PICTURE WITH ALL THE DETAILS THAT WAS GIVEN.

I am Katie and I'm seven years old.

This is one of the books that my dad read out loud to me at bedtime, but whenever he had to put it down, I begged him to read more. It was so exciting!

The story is about a little boy who was saved by one little key. He ventures into a very strange house that leads to a new world.

Recommended for all people young and old who love adventure stories. Read the sequel, Grim Tuesday if you like this. I cannot wait till Drowned Wednesday comes out.

I'll be honest with you all. I would have never picked this book up in a store, and wanted to read it. I hadn't even heard of Garth Nix before I looked at the cover of this book. My mother got it for me, and the moment I opened the paperback covers, I was immersed in a rich, and deeply unique story-line. At first, it didn't make much sense to me, for I seemed to be reading it too fast, half-aware. As I got half-way through the prologue, I set down the book, and went off to do something else; clearly, I wasn't interested. Later, I willingly picked up the piece of writing again, and began to read. Then, I saw the reason why Garth Nix is such a highly-regarded author. The way he describes the plights of a young boy, possibly around my age, is so realistic that you can easily picture the scenery, events, and characters in your mind. The way he makes a clearly impossible act visible. All-in-all, reading the story of a boy who is destined to rule the universe may seem ridiculous, but will give you a thirst for Nix's next book (for Keys to the Kingdom): Grim Tuesday.

As a 7th grade teacher I have discovered that Garth Nix's Keys to the Kingdom series is a fabulous read aloud for my students. The suspense and amazing imagination that Nix uses draws the students in and keeps them hooked from page one. I noticed that my students often began reading book two before I was done reading book one because they were so anxious to find out what happened to Arthur! I would recommend this book for anyone who values the amazing capabilities of the imagination. Mr. Monday allows you to get wrapped up in a world that is both strange and familiar and is a wonderful reading experience.

If you are looking for a thrilling mystery, this is the book for you! This book is about an asmatic boy who has moved to a new school and the first day has a asma attack. In having this attach Arthur Penhaligon meets two new friends (Leaf and Ed twin brother and sister) and also gets a suprise, Mister Monday and his buttler, Sneezer, appear with a flash of light and give Arthur a gift,(Arthur thinks Sneezer is up to something but does not know) a minute hand of a clock (the clock that was guarding the will) and a book (An Atlas he can't yet open). Arhtur does not know this but a will guarded by a clock face glass box and other odd things has been released which is the reason he got the key (clock hand) in the first place. During this book Arthur meets some odd people like some dog-faced men in bowler hats. At the beginning of the book he thought it was all a dream (from his asma attack) but he finds out that everything was very real. Arthur does not know the danger ahead of him untill the night somebody shows up at his window. This book is a wonderful choice. Garth Nix really outdid hiself when he wrote this one. This book reminds me of Ravens Gate in a way so if you read and liked it you will love this! One of the best books I have ever read. This is a dark side of the moon kind of book it is full of suspense and you never what will happen next. You will find yourself captivated by each letter in this book, you will see that you are swept away in the pages but don't want to come out! Mister Monday will do anything to get the key back (you will have to read to see if Arthur makes it through the book alive)!

ok maybe not soo much, but a couple of pages and.. I was hooked!!
Garth Nix is a awesome writer and though the book is a little babyish - its definetly worth a read!
I thought the whole minute - hand - is - a - key part was a real good idea plus the names are so fun!
The only thing I didn't like was that Arthur doesen't take his rightful place as "Monday". He chose to go home which, no offense to anyone, is a little wimpy!

On Athur Phenaligon's first day at his new school, things don't go quite as he had expected. His gym teacher forces him to run a cross country race even though he explains that he had just recovered from a serious bout of Asthama.
Arthur runs the race and (Big Surprise) suffers an asthama attack. He was about to die when he was handed a minute shaped key from Mister Monday. Er hello? where did THAT come in?
Assuming it to be a hallucination Arthur tries to forget about it as he is rushed into the hospital. When he recovers, the "key" and " A Compleat Atlas of The House" are still there.
Thats when Arthur awakens to the reality of his dream.
Along with the key comes these.. creatures who bring a plague scientist simply can't find a cure for. Arthur is desperate and so ventures into "The House" where the answers seems to lie. Did I mention he was the only one who could see it?
Within the house Arthur meets the "Piper's Children" (You heard me!)Actually one of them in particular - Suzy Turquoise Blue and along with her they face many.. um "perils" as well as the complications of the house and it's creator, The Architect
Anyway read this book, its way cool.

This is a great first book of the series. I really loved the fast pace, the vivid descriptions, and the characters. Arthur is whisked away into another world, where he must face the ultimate challenge: to defeat Mr. Monday. With the help of his new interesting friends, Suzy and the Will, he will face his destiny to become the rightful heir(s).

Everyone is sure to luv this book!

P.S. Mr. Monday rox my sox!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Mister Monday, takes us on a familiar journey of a young outcast boy struggling to survive in a new town when suddenly faced with unimagined dangers and unsolvable problems and adventures that naturally follow such. While the outline is familiar, Nix has found a truly imaginative way to transporting the reader to a new world filled with amazing places (The House, dead Suns, a Future vision, the Past), things (Robots, Written Words that talk and act, Unbreakable Chains) and people (with Wings, Magic, Faults, and Secrets). Perhaps the fact that Nix is an Aussie allows him to invoke a Victorian English matrix over this fresh new world with should wit, humor and charm.
Nix's new realm allows the reader to gain an understanding of the use of language that is flexible and that interpretation of ones' worldview is within their control. The power of working together to solve problems, trusting others and forgiving are also expressed within this book. Any parent would be surprised by the underlying message of hope in this book (and a fair amount of conflict to keep your attention too). While the elements of conflict, risk and danger where in the book, I think a bit more character development would be to the benefit of both reader and author.

This book ROCKS.Let me tell u a little about it. Athur Penhaligon is supossed to die an early death ,but he gets this weird key thing from a person named Mister Monday.After this strage thinds start to occur strage beings begin to happen and a sickness comes from Fetchers ( i dont want to give u the whole story so read the book:) if u want u can ask me stuff about the book e mail me at [email protected] and yes Dusk RULES

I loved this book! I read the whole thing in less than a week (which is really good time because of my hectic college schedual). Anyone who has read Nix before, or anyone who hasn't, read this! Be prepared for a journey of a lifetime crammed into one day.
I can't wait for the next book, Grim Tuesday, which will come out December 2003. Believe me when I say I'll be standing in line!

A 1001 Children's book. Audio. Arthur sets out on a quest to unite the two hands of a clock in an attempt to stop a plague from destroying the people of Earth. The characters and intriguing plot are what kept me reading along.

I read these through last year, but I decided it was time to reread. I would recommend this series to anyone looking for an adventure! To me, this is almost more Science Fiction than fantasy... Nothing too incredibly fantastical. Either way, it's definitely worth the price!

Garth Nix has done it again, he has again come up with a new and creative plot in a magical world even more real than that of his Old Kingdom. The book follows the adventures of a young, asthmatic boy, who inherits a strange clockhand. It is not long after before things start going amuk, and strange forces threaten his world.

The boy, Arthur Penhaligon, drawn into complete despair, ventures into a house only he can see, and into a world he where he should not be.

This book is sort of a cross between Harry Potter and the Matrix, but with clear invention and an all together fun story. Hold on tight, and don't be left behind!

I thought this book was interesting, and original, but I didn't really enjoy it that much. I guess it's just not really my type of book, and although I like childrens books, this one just seemed a little too much a 'children only' one. I love Garth Nix's Abhorsen trilogy though - it's absolutely brilliant.

Garth Nix is usually the first author that I recommend when kids and teens ask me what to read once they've finished all the available Harry Potter books. Nix's prose is by no means a thing of wonder on its own, but his characters, his humor and his whimscal worldbuilding make up for this fact. Highly recommended, especially for the younger set, and any adults who enjoy a little Through The Looking Glass style whimsey.

I first started this series a year ago while traveling to New Jersey. This book was so good it took me 5 hours to read it. I still had 6 hours before we made it to New Jersey. The whole series is very fasinating and creative. This can be confusing sometimes but it brings you right back. My only disappointment is that I have to wait a year for Superior Saturday

This started as a promising story. I couldn't put it down in the beginning. It was a real story about a real boy in an exciting, intriguing situation. Then, somewhere in the middle, it just got weirder and odder and more confusing. And the stranger it got, the less interested I felt. It was difficult to visualize a world where every single thing (everything!) is unfamiliar. People don't look like people. Buildings don't look like buildings. It was hard to care about the side characters, because they were so bizarre. I love fantasy and science fiction, but this storyteller forgot something very important. The reader needs something familiar to help them relate to the story and characters. I definitely won't read the rest of this series. Blah! Way too strange and confusing!

Mister Monday tells the story of young Arthur Penhaligon's attempt to save the world, or at least his community and family, from a deadly virus. It certainly sounds simple enough, but this novel is anything but simple. Once again Nix takes the reader to unimaginable places where danger is always at hand and the rules aren't what they seem.

THis series isn't as good as the Abhorson series, but then it is aimed at a younger audience. Even so, this series is well worth reading. The characters are likeable, the plot is complicated yet compelling and the writing superb. This fantasy will certainly hit the mark for anyone who enjoys the genre.

Mister Monday is a fantasy novel to the extreme, with many of the cliches that go along with the distinction. It often gets muddled with overwhelming imagery, perhaps to make up for a lack of plot from time to time. Although it is the literary equivalent of a cluttered desk, Mister Monday's images are rich, and will leave you wanting more. The characters do their job, i.e. you like the heroes and hate the villains, but I wish there were more to them. I was interested enough in the strange and original concept to read on to the next book, so I would venture to say that Mister Monday is definitely worth reading at least once.

Yet again, Garth Nixes' words hit the mark.
By far one of my favorite authors, I delighted in yet another instalment of his writings.
So what they're for younger readers? At thirteen, I loved his _Shade's Children_ (even while it scared the daylights out of me at the time. The Big Dig was just starting, and the pillors they were building reminded me of things from the book...), and now at 16, I love this brand new series.
I hope he has many more books in him like the beautiful works he's already published!

The author really had good ideas when he wrote this one. Although hard to follow in places, this book is a good thriller for kids around the age of 10. I would get this book from your library, and if you like it, buy the rest in the series.

I liked this book because it had a lot of action and although the hero had asthma he kept on going. I also liked the strange, deformed "people" and the wooden robot-creatures that wielded axes and drills. This book was really, really good and I would recommend that alot of people buy it.

It got me hooked on the first pages, but toward the end it seemed to leave most of it's speciality behind. Don't get me wrong, the book had storyline like no other, it's characters ( or bad guys ) were discribed in a way you just couldn't miss em and ...
Somehow I was just left wanting to hear more about Leaf and Ed ( two classmates, who could have been good friends to Arthur ). Why couldn't they have helped Arthur more? Maybe that happens in next, coming books.

This book had some wonderfully absurd moments along with brief flashes of pure genius. The bibliophages at the end were brilliant along with the way they were defeated. Unfortunately the rest of the story just felt like a bunch events related one after another, not unlike the bible. The main character was only moderately likable with a barely intact sense of humor. The rest of the characters were a bit like paper dolls.

I picked up Mister Monday with many preconceived notions. It seemed a little young for me, but since I like Garth Nix so much, I decided to give it a try. I'm very glad I did, because this book turned out to be much more than I expected. It was full of action and twists and turns, very satisfying. I gave it 4 stars only because it doesn't top my favorite Garth Nix book, "Shade's Children." I recommend this and "Shade's Children" to everyone who likes an action packed book.

In an effort to do whatever he can to save his family, his friends, and his world, Arthur Penhaligon enters the strange House that only he can see. What he finds inside will change him forever. This is a suspenseful story packed with adventure.

I LOVE THIS BOOK!
This is one of the best books ever. I have also read Garth Nix's "The Seventh Tower" series. I love his writing style.
The title of this review says it all- I CAN'T WAIT until he releases his next book, Grim Tuesday.
Regards from California and Hold On to your KEY TO THE KINGDOM

I was glad to read that there were others that didn't like this book. I've really enjoyed the Abhorsen trilogy but couldn't even get through this book. I'm not a fan of the Alice-In-Wonderland/hallucination worlds where there are no rules and nothing familiar to give a point of reference.

I would have liked to find out more about Arthur's father, the retired rocker/homemaker--he could have been an intriguing character--but everything else in "the house" was too bizarre.

Jewel-who's been reading fantasy since...well, a FEW years ago...

WOW! thats all I can say is WOW garth nix has always writen great novels and this one promises to be just as good cant wait for the second book to come out! Its about a boy who gets a weird key and then gose through an adventure and meets some cool friends and all such. dont want to say to much because the ending is sooo cool dont wana give it away :) by the way to the people who have read the book you have to agree DUSK RULES! hehe ok e-mail me if you guys want to ask some questions will be happy to answer them l8er!

Mister Monday is one of the best books I have read in a long time. You immediately connect with Arthur-- he has his weaknesses (asthma and being too curious for his own good) and he has his strengths (his sense of duty, compassion, and courage). This book is jam-packed with many fantastical inventions that is purely Nix at his best. Dog-faced men, the Will, the Nightsweeper, and thousands more. I repeat: this is an extremely compelling read and you'll be hard-fixed to find anything as wonderfully written as this. Thank you and good night!

I bought this book for my nine year old. I took a look at it later at home and started reading the prologue. That made me want to read just some of the first chapter, and I ended up reading the entire book. It was a wonderful book, that will capture you from the beginning. Highly impressed and throughly enjoyed it, and I know my son will too. Grown ups and kids will be hooked from the get go.

Exploding onto the Childrens' Literature scene is Garth Nix and his Keys to the Kingdom series. Mister Monday commences the series, with Arthur inhereting a strange key in the shape of a minute hand from a clock. With this strange weapon, he enters into a house only he can see to save his world from a pandemic. He must confont the sloth Mister Monday in order to gain mastery of the lower house and save his world

I bought this book for my nine year old. I took a look at it later at home and started reading the prologue. That made me want to read just some of the first chapter, and I ended up reading the entire book. It was a wonderful book, that will capture you from the beginning. Highly impressed and throughly enjoyed it, and I know my son will too. Grown ups and kids will be hooked from the get go.

Exploding onto the Childrens' Literature scene is Garth Nix and his Keys to the Kingdom series. Mister Monday commences the series, with Arthur inhereting a strange key in the shape of a minute hand from a clock. With this strange weapon, he enters into a house only he can see to save his world from a pandemic. He must confont the sloth Mister Monday in order to gain mastery of the lower house and save his world

And lots of fun for the adult who refuses to grow up. Garth Nix has created a surprising world of fascinating characters and ideas. The plot moves right along and the young hero is likeable and delightfully normal. The book only occasionally does more telling than showing (mostly related to character emotions) but you'll hardly notice. It's one of the most inventive, Wonderland-adventures I've read in a long time. Counting the days until Grim Tuesday is released...

I stumbled upon this book in a Scholastic (or some such) catalog from my mother who is a middle school teacher. She's been buying me whatever kids' books I've wanted from the catalogs and it's been rather hit and miss. In any case, I wasn't expecting much but I was overwhelmed by the complexity yet clearness of Garth Nix's writing. I noticed there were no reviews on the cover and was surprised, continually, that I'd not heard of him before. This is a new favorite! By the way, I'm 30.

I read this book awhile ago when we had spring brack. At the age of 11 this book was a easy book to read. I read this book for mabey 1 and a half days. I love reading and soar though books I like, but when I sit down and read I go though books like mad.
I suggest this book to people who love mysterys and adventure.

This book is about a boy named, Arthur, who recieves a key and an atlas from a mysterious man named Mister Monday. Later that week a plague hits the town, Arthur has to unravel the mysteries of the key to save his family and friends. This is a great book, I can't wait to read the second book in this series, Grim Tuesday.

This book started off very good, but as it progressed it was incredibly boring i was basically falling asleep to it. The story has no story line, it isn't planned out well, the characters aren't described well and its mostly a narator telling the story. I would not suggest this book to anyone it was terrible! I should be more careful when I pick up a book. I started it like 2 months ago and i haven't liked reading it, there are few events and it's as boring as heck, there's no good concept to it.

If you are a parent and want your kid to get into reading, this book is perfect. It is such a fun read, your child will read it seamlessly. It is even a great read for adults, as I found out while reading.

This book was pretty good. I would suggest that you be under the age of 1726.Being the old hag of an elf that I am, 14 is pretty old you know,I wanted the pleasure of reading youngster material.So I did.