Hana Tooke (Author), Ayesha L. Rubio (Illustrator) - THE MIDNIGHTERS - Book Review - Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books

 

The best stories feel like dreams... This is the second middle-grade book by Hana Tooke. THE MIDNIGHTERS has the power to transport you in your dreams to one of the best places in the world; the world of fantasy and make-believe. This book really is magnificent - you only need to hold and see the proof copy to know that it is going to be a great read. The book will be published on 23rd June 2022 by Puffin Books; the cover has been illustrated by Ayesha L. Rubio. I'm really looking forward to seeing the final hardback copy once it's been published. 

Streetlamps looked like fallen stars is one of the first lines in the book. As soon as you read these words, the magic and the power instantly transport you into a world of awe and wonder. This is a gothic story full of magic, invention, and intrigue. The dark and unsettling nature is so delicious to read and savour, it really is spellbinding stuff. The reader follows in the footsteps of the leading character happily wandering the streets and alleyways.

Ema Vaškov is the twelfth child to be born into an extraordinary family in extraordinary circumstances. She has the gift to predict events before they happen. However, will the bad omens come TRUE? Set in Prague in December 1877, the story uncovers secret midnight adventures with a mystery girl called Silvie. Unfortunately, she suddenly goes missing providing the opportunity to uncover the secrets of her disappearance and her identity. This story will really take your breath away; it'll steal your heartbeat as you cycle on one of Josef's handmade boneshaker bikes. It's full of places that will make your imagination explode and dazzle whilst the plot is so thick with possibilities you will not what to miss this adventure. 

This book is a true delight and one of the best reads of the year. It's a story full of adventure, friendship, facing fears, and finding out who you really are. It's time for you to find the secret society and go behind the four different doors: The Dreamer, The Illusionist, The Bone Sculptor, and The Astronomer. Each place contains a pinch of magic, a splash of the macabre, a dollop of invention, and a world full of wonder. You will not be disappointed - this is a truly enchanting read that is up there with the very best. 

You can buy the book HERE. 

Joanne Owen - The Alchemist and the Angel - Book Review

                                            

• Pages - 224
• Date - 5 May 2011
• Publisher - Orion Children's Books
• Format - Paperback Edition - 9781444001945
• Age 11+

I've been a big fan of Joanne's work after reading her debut book "Puppet Master" back in 2008. For some reason, this book passed me by when it was published in hardback, and became lost within the many piles of books at that time. However, when this attractive paperback copy arrived I placed it straight at the top of the reading pile, so as not to make the same mistake twice, and I'm so glad that I did.

I read this book in one sitting, which is a great sign of how much I was engrossed in the story as I did not want to put it down - it's that good! The book is thoroughly researched, using 16th century papers and documents, bringing together real-life events and characters of the time of Emperor Rudolf's reign. The author draws upon the culture and explosive lives of people who lived in Prague at that time. She has managed to blend a mixture of facts and real-life accounts into the book, whilst also adapting historical events and characters. This blend gives the book an air of authenticity - it feels like you're re-living an important part of history.

The theme of the book is based on the quest for eternal life. This quest changes orphaned Jan's world when he goes to live with his beloved Uncle Gustav, who is an anatomist, natural scientist and an aspiring alchemist. As they set about making a life-generating serum, Uncle Gustav dies suddenly, and events take a mysterious and dark turn. As a result, Jan and his secretive aunt move from picturesque Vienna to a new life in the hustle and bustle of Prague. 

The story highlights and encompasses a Gothic feel, which is true to the time. The depiction of the plague-ridden ghettos, and the account of mad Emperor Rudolf's reign, are a joy to read. The telling of the wonders inside the Cabinet of Curiosities, particularly at the end of the story, are just brilliant. As well as the thought provoking Chapel of Bones, which everyone should visit, if they dare . . . . .  

The book features a number of folktales, which run parallel to the main storyline, but blend in with the overall effect. They are a delight to read, although each one is quite macabre and dark, but still I deliciously devoured the sinister mood. 

There is so much to this story that I would definitely recommend. It has all of the ingredients that I look for in a book; a dark adventure with massive amounts of imagination and historical detail, themes of alchemy, treachery and greed all written beautifully alongside a back drop of beautiful Prague. I really hope that the next book that Joanne writes is as good as this.

                                               

Paul Dowswell - The Cabinet of Curiosities - Book review

The room was like a vast repository of missing treasure troves. It was impossible to take in what he was seeing. Every one of the thousands of things that assaulted his senses would have made a fabulous ornament and endless talking point for anyone who possessed it.

The story begins with a chilling experience, between the two main characters, Lukas Declercq and Etienne Lambert.  Their circumstances have thrown them together and as a result they end up as travelling companions. However they are robbed at knife point, alongside a number of other travellers, some of whom are killed. They flee for their lives as they travel towards the city of Prague, however this leads them into more danger and deceit. 

This colourful story unfolds into a fantastical adventure. I loved the stunning portrayal of Ancient Bohemia, which the author describes in a memorable way. The great detail and historical facts are skillfully interwoven with fictional events - clever storytelling is achieved in this way.

The story is action packed and takes you on a journey, which shows the twisted underworld of life during the reign of Emperor Rudolph II. The insightful window into his life depicts a most interesting view. 

The dark unrest within the book leaves an underlying current. This absorbs the reader; placing them on the very edge of tension until the end. Torture and killing, without any conscious recognition, is compelling to the core.

 Lukas Declercq is orphaned, his uncle summons him to Prague, a refuge for Europe's greatest alchemists and natural philosophers, offering to take him on as an apprentice. Uncle Anselmus is court physician to Rudolph II, the reclusive and unstable Emperor. He is also curator of Rudolph's bizarre Cabinet of Curiosities, a series of vast rooms stuffed with wonders and scientific marvels such as a nail from Noah's Ark, phoenix feathers and monstrous freaks of nature, which fascinate Lukas. As Rudolph retreats further into his fantasy world, the threat of rebellion hangs in the air. Dorantes, a diplomat from Spain, comes with his daughter, Celestina, on a mission from Philip II to persuade Rudolph to give up his heretical ways. But he discovers the court is full of diplomats who have been waiting months or years for an audience with the Emperor. Dorantes notices how some had wormed their way into the Emperor's favour by presenting him with fantastic gifts for his Cabinet, and sets about creating a device that he says will stop time. But it works only in the presence of the Emperor. Lukas knows the terrible truth behind Dorantes' mission. But sinister forces have plans for Lukas too, and before he can thwart the plot against the Emperor, Lukas must gamble on Celestina's loyalty in order to save his own life.

This is a great read; I hope there is a lot more to come. I feel we need more books like this - the characters deserve at least one more outing! However in my opinion, there's a lot of scope for many more books.

Book published by Bloomsbury 5 July 2010

Other books by author:

• Powder Monkey (2005)
• Prison Ship (2006)
• Battle Fleet (2007)
• Ausländer (2009)