Book Review - The Black Book of Secrets

Here's another Middle Grade Book Review.

It's called "The Black Book of Secrets" by F. E. Higgins

Dawn's Recommendation: 4 out of 5 Stars

Click to go to Amazon

Overview:

A boy arrives at a remote village in the dead of night. His name is Ludlow Fitch, and he is running from a most terrible past. In this village is the life he has dreamed of: a safe place to live and a job, as the assistant to a mysterious pawnbroker who buys people’s deepest, darkest secrets. Ludlow transcribes the confessions in an ancient leather-bound tome: the Black Book of Secrets. He yearns to trust his mentor, who refuses to disclose any information on his past experiences or future intentions. But what the pawnbroker does not know is, in a town brimming with secrets, the most troubling may be held by his new apprentice. (from Amazon)

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What I liked – I thought the book might be a little dark, but I was pleasantly surprised to find goodness in the Secret Pawnbroker. He helped people in a strange way, unburdening them and helping them financially. I liked his assistant, Ludlow Fitch who escaped from abusive parents, all of the townspeople, quirks and all, and Saluki, the tree frog. The bad guy, Jeremiah Rachet, was great too. A great little book! A nice bonus at the back of the book included real-life blurbs that told of life back then in England (1800’s) like coffins with air tubes and bells in case you were buried alive.

What I didn’t like – The ending (when they travel to a cave) was far-fetched and seemed “stuck on”, almost like a different story. The book could have ended after climax and story of town/townspeople’s problems were resolved.  Even so, I would still recommend this book! Up until that point, it was great and the resolution for the town/townspeople was very satisfying.

I was excited to see there are more books in the series: The Bone Magician, The Eyeball Collector, The Lunatic’s Curse. I am looking forward to reading them! F. E. Higgins also has a new book called The Phenomenals (new series). Here’s the author’s website:

http://www.panmacmillan.com/gobstoppers/fehiggins

Book Review: The Clockwork Three

Here's another review of a Middle Grade Fiction. It's called "The Clockwork Three" by Matthew J. Kirby.

click to go to Amazon.com

Dawn’s Recommendation: 4 out of 5 Stars

Overview (taken from Amazon):

An enchanted green violin, an automaton that comes to life, and a hidden treasure . . . THE CLOCKWORK THREE is a richly woven adventure story that is sure to become a classic!

Giuseppe is an orphaned street musician from Italy, who was sold by his uncle to work as a slave for an evil padrone in the U.S. But when a mysterious green violin enters his life he begins to imagine a life of freedom. 

Hannah is a soft-hearted, strong-willed girl from the tenements, who supports her family as a hotel maid when tragedy strikes and her father can no longer work. She learns about a hidden treasure, which she knows will save her family -- if she can find it. 

And Frederick, the talented and intense clockmaker's apprentice, seeks to learn the truth about his mother while trying to forget the nightmares of the orphanage where she left him. He is determined to build an automaton and enter the clockmakers' guild -- if only he can create a working head.

Why I liked it: I loved how the three separate stories were woven together. I enjoyed Frederick, Hannah, and Guiseppe and all the characters (good and evil). They were nicely developed and their lives were believable. The story was set in early 1900's in possibly New York City and it had the feel of life for immigrants, child workers, tenement living, and the struggle to survive. Each child had a goal and they moved through the story trying to reach their goal. Their jobs were also very interesting (clockmaker, hotel maid, and busker - street corner musician).

What I Didn't Like:  
1. The overuse of similes and metaphors. There seemed to be at least one per page and it got old, like a worn out newspaper (yeah, that bad). Luckily, after a bit, I was able to tune them out.

2. Believability was really good until 3/4 of the way through. Then, Hannah did something I thought her character wouldn't do and then something else happened that wasn't believable at all (but I won't spoil it for you). 

3. The ending was okay. It's biggest problem was with so many story lines, the author tried to tie up every loose end, and some of it seem forced.

All in all, though, I was glad I read the book. It was refreshing and fun, a fantastic first book for the author. I also read "Icefall", his second book and it was FANTASTIC!  It had none of the problems I found with this book and I think the author learned a lot from writing "The Clockwork Three".  

Book Review: Splendors and Glooms

I just love Middle Grade books! Here’s one that I read recently.

Splendors and Glooms by Laura Amy Schlitz

Dawn’s Recommendation: 5 out of 5 Stars

Click for Amazon.com

Overview (taken from Amazon): WINNER OF A 2013 NEWBERY HONOR!
The master puppeteer, Grisini, is so expert at manipulating his stringed puppets that they appear alive. Clara Wintermute, the only child of a wealthy doctor, is spellbound by Grisini’s act and invites him to entertain at her birthday party. Seeing his chance to make a fortune, Grisini accepts and makes a splendidly gaudy entrance with caravan, puppets, and his two orphaned assistants. Lizzie Rose and Parsefall are dazzled by the Wintermute home. Clara seems to have everything they lack — adoring parents, warmth, and plenty to eat. In fact, Clara’s life is shadowed by grief, guilt, and secrets. When Clara vanishes that night, suspicion of kidnapping falls upon the puppeteer and, by association, Lizzie Rose and Parsefall. 

As they seek to puzzle out Clara’s whereabouts, Lizzie and Parse uncover Grisini’s criminal past and wake up to his evil intentions. Fleeing London, they find themselves caught in a trap set by Grisini’s ancient rival, a witch. Newbery Medal winner Laura Amy Schlitz’s Victorian gothic is a rich banquet of dark comedy, scorching magic, and the brilliant and bewitching storytelling that is her trademark.

Why I liked it: I like books set in Victorian England, but it was the characters and intrigue that drew me in. Sorrow and secrets weave through out the story. You grow to love and feel for Lizzie, Parsefal and Clara. Ms. Schlitz describes the puppets and the running of the puppet show so well that you feel you are watching it in person and perhaps even working the puppet strings. 

I couldn't put the book down! I don’t want to give any of the story away, but know that you’ll be on the edge of your seat waiting to see what happens next. Great ending too! Perfectly tied together.

This book was so good, I checked out another one of her books, "A Drowned Maiden’s Hair". I’ll review that one in a couple of weeks.