Michelle Harrison The Thirteen Treasures

Review
Michelle Harrison's debut book flows with energy from page to page; with a magical enchanting story which kept me gripped. This book holds everything for me. Faeries causing mischief, goblin beatings, witches living in caravans and a big old house with secret passages. It has all the ingredients to do very well; I devoured each page. I enjoyed following Tanya and Fabian through their adventure and all the highs and lows which came with this journey. All in all it's a little treasure and the first of many I hope. I can't wait for the next installment!! So get writing Michelle!!

I give this book five out five; it should do really well next year. One to watch out for.


Prologue

Even as a small child Tanya had known her grandmother's manor to be
home to many secrets. Like everyone, she had heard of the disused escape tunnels rumoured to run beneath the house. And like most children, she spent many a rainy afternoon hunting for their concealed entrances, only to meet with disappointment. Upon reaching her teens Tanya had long given up hope of stumbling upon one of these secret passages, and had begun to question whether they existed at all.
So when the bookcase had revolved in the wall before her to reveal a narrow stone staircase leading down into musty darkness, it hadn't altogether come as a shock. Nor though, did it bring the delicious thrill she had so long anticipated, for the circumstances leading to its discovery were quite different from what she had imagined.

About the Author
Michelle Harrison is 28 years old, and an editorial assistant in children's publishing. She is a former bookseller at Ottakars/Waterstones in Stafford. Originally from Grays in Essex, she is a keen illustrator as well as writer and now lives in Oxfordshire with her partner. The Thirteen Treasures is her first novel and a sequel is to be published in 2010.



Published by Simon & Schuster Children's Books 5 Jan 2009