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Chronicles of the Red King #2
The Stones of Ravenglass
The second book in NEW YORK TIMES and USA TODAY bestselling author Jenny Nimmo's new series chronicling the origin and the adventures of Charlie Bone's magical ancestor, the Red King!
Timoken, a magician king, has found a new home in a castle in Britain. But when an evil steward takes control of the castle, he imprisons Timoken and wreaks havoc on surrounding villages. With the help of Gabar, the talking camel, Timoken escapes and embarks on a quest to find and rescue his friends, and build himself a kingdom to call home for good.
In this brand-new series, bestselling author Jenny Nimmo takes readers on an extraordinary quest with one of her most powerful and mysterious characters, the one who started it all for Charlie Bone.
Timoken, a magician king, has found a new home in a castle in Britain. But when an evil steward takes control of the castle, he imprisons Timoken and wreaks havoc on surrounding villages. With the help of Gabar, the talking camel, Timoken escapes and embarks on a quest to find and rescue his friends, and build himself a kingdom to call home for good.
In this brand-new series, bestselling author Jenny Nimmo takes readers on an extraordinary quest with one of her most powerful and mysterious characters, the one who started it all for Charlie Bone.
272 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2012
35 people are currently reading
884 people want to read
About the author
Jenny Nimmo
135 books963 followersJenny Nimmo was born in Windsor, Berkshire, England and educated at boarding schools in Kent and Surrey from the age of six until the age of sixteen, when she ran away from school to become a drama student/assistant stage manager with Theater South East. She graduated and acted in repertory theater in various towns and cities: Eastbourne, Tunbridge Wells, Brighton, Hastings, and Bexhill.
She left Britain to teach English to three Italian boys in Almafi, Italy. On her return, she joined the BBC, first as a picture researcher, then as an assistant floor manager, studio manager (news) then finally a director/adaptor with Jackanory (a BBC storytelling program for children). She left BBC to marry a Welsh artist David Wynn Millward and went to live in Wales in her husband's family home. They live in a very old converted watermill, and the river is constantly threatening to break in, as it has done several times in the past, most dramatically on her youngest child's first birthday. During the summer they run a residential school of art, and she has to move her office, put down tools (type-writer and pencil, and don an apron and cook! They have three grown-up children, Myfawny, Ianto, and Gwenwyfar.
She left Britain to teach English to three Italian boys in Almafi, Italy. On her return, she joined the BBC, first as a picture researcher, then as an assistant floor manager, studio manager (news) then finally a director/adaptor with Jackanory (a BBC storytelling program for children). She left BBC to marry a Welsh artist David Wynn Millward and went to live in Wales in her husband's family home. They live in a very old converted watermill, and the river is constantly threatening to break in, as it has done several times in the past, most dramatically on her youngest child's first birthday. During the summer they run a residential school of art, and she has to move her office, put down tools (type-writer and pencil, and don an apron and cook! They have three grown-up children, Myfawny, Ianto, and Gwenwyfar.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
September 20, 2013
Review by Shelly - review of the trilogy
Wow Jenny Nimmo knows how to tell a cracking story. The Secret Kingdom books are my first taste of her novels and I have to say won’t be the last. The trilogy follows Timoken, a young boy who is enchanted by a magical moon spider web cloak when he is born and leaves him with one foot in this world and one in the realm of enchantments. When he is just eleven tragedy strikes and his parents are killed by evil viridees who are after the cloak and to survive Timoken and his sister Zobayda have to leave the castle. It is only when his Mother advises him to fly from the Castle that Timoken learns of his magical powers.
The first book then follows their journey as they try to find another home where they can live as a family. Along the way they have some fantastic adventures and meet Gabar, a talking camel who helps them and then becomes part of the family. Timoken can speak to all animals so the reader finds out what Gabar is saying and this brings some very humorous passages within the book. It is within this first book that he learns of most of his magic and how both the elements and animals will help him in times of trouble.
The second book – The Stones of Ravenglass follows Timoken and his ever growing family to medieval Britain where he desperately wants to find his own Kingdom so that he can find a place of his own. Unfortunately he meets Osbern D’Ark and the Damzel of Decay who both want to harm him. He does meet some new friends along the way though, a magician called Eri and his dragon Enid. Can I just say that I loved the relationship between Gabar and Enid with Enid being the flirt and Gabar trying not to fall for her charms.
The last book – Leopards’ Gold jumps ahead to a place where Timoken has his family and Kingdom but all is not well within the magical walls. So follows a plot to overthrow the King and create disharmony between his children. In this book we are told the story by Petrello, one of Timoken’s younger children, who has not yet learnt of what his magical talent might be. I think that out of all the books this is the weakest as we are not hearing Timoken’s voice and so feels a little disjointed compared to the other two.
These are truly magical books that explore the love of family, loss and the need to truly belong somewhere. The books are extremely descriptive and it feels as though you are in the plains of Africa or the deep dark forests of Britain. Jenny Nimmo creates such great characters throughout all the books that by the end you feel as though they are friends and you are deeply committed to find out what is going to happen to them all.
All in all a great trilogy that I think would make any young readers want to dip into Jenny Nimmo’s world again.
Wow Jenny Nimmo knows how to tell a cracking story. The Secret Kingdom books are my first taste of her novels and I have to say won’t be the last. The trilogy follows Timoken, a young boy who is enchanted by a magical moon spider web cloak when he is born and leaves him with one foot in this world and one in the realm of enchantments. When he is just eleven tragedy strikes and his parents are killed by evil viridees who are after the cloak and to survive Timoken and his sister Zobayda have to leave the castle. It is only when his Mother advises him to fly from the Castle that Timoken learns of his magical powers.
The first book then follows their journey as they try to find another home where they can live as a family. Along the way they have some fantastic adventures and meet Gabar, a talking camel who helps them and then becomes part of the family. Timoken can speak to all animals so the reader finds out what Gabar is saying and this brings some very humorous passages within the book. It is within this first book that he learns of most of his magic and how both the elements and animals will help him in times of trouble.
The second book – The Stones of Ravenglass follows Timoken and his ever growing family to medieval Britain where he desperately wants to find his own Kingdom so that he can find a place of his own. Unfortunately he meets Osbern D’Ark and the Damzel of Decay who both want to harm him. He does meet some new friends along the way though, a magician called Eri and his dragon Enid. Can I just say that I loved the relationship between Gabar and Enid with Enid being the flirt and Gabar trying not to fall for her charms.
The last book – Leopards’ Gold jumps ahead to a place where Timoken has his family and Kingdom but all is not well within the magical walls. So follows a plot to overthrow the King and create disharmony between his children. In this book we are told the story by Petrello, one of Timoken’s younger children, who has not yet learnt of what his magical talent might be. I think that out of all the books this is the weakest as we are not hearing Timoken’s voice and so feels a little disjointed compared to the other two.
These are truly magical books that explore the love of family, loss and the need to truly belong somewhere. The books are extremely descriptive and it feels as though you are in the plains of Africa or the deep dark forests of Britain. Jenny Nimmo creates such great characters throughout all the books that by the end you feel as though they are friends and you are deeply committed to find out what is going to happen to them all.
All in all a great trilogy that I think would make any young readers want to dip into Jenny Nimmo’s world again.
June 21, 2018
I *personally* felt like this book suffers from Middle-Book-Syndrome. It didn't make sense a lot of the time, there wasn't really a plot. it's still good for a children's book, but it definitely was a let down. But the wizard was freaking awesome! Him and Gabar are most definitely my favorite characters from this series.
March 16, 2013
This is an awesome series! I couldn't put the book down once I started!! I enjoyed reading more about Timokyo (spelling?) and his adventures to find the right place to make his home. Now, since reading this book, what will happen next w/new friends & old. Anticipating the next book to be even better!!! :) :) :)
September 22, 2012
I generally feel like Nimmo is underrated int he MG fantasy world. The snow spider alone is excellent. Charlie Bone is super charming and enjoyable, and I'm loving this backstory. Her writing is always solid and her characters engaging.
September 25, 2012
This is a continuation of the story of the Red King and how he gets his castle. He finds his sister and makes some new friends with a wizard and some children. His flying camel is still with him.
October 24, 2013
Loved this one and it gave me more or the story for a character during the Charlie Bone story, Give both series' a read!
December 3, 2020
Dženi Nimo, ''Hronike Crvenog kralja''
Ovaj serijal sastoji se od tri knjige: ''Tajno kraljevstvo'', ''Kamenje Rejvenglasa'' i ''Zlato leoparda''.
''Tajno kraljevstvo''
Na afričkom kontinentu nalazi se jedno skriveno i malo kraljevstvo koje njegovi stanovnici zovu Tajnim kraljevstvom. Osim njegovih stanovnika, niko drugi ne zna za njegovo postojanje. Tajno kraljevstvo blagosloveno je mirom. Njegovi stanovnici su čuli da izvan granica Tajnog kraljevstva postoji rat i da se ljudi međusobno bore i ubijaju, tako da su i oni sami napravili zalihe oružja, za svaki slučaj. Međutim, otkako kraljevstvo postoji, rata nikada nije bilo. Kraljevstvo vode mudar kralj i njegova kraljica. Kralj i kraljica imaju malenu ćerku od dve godine. Kraljica je trudna i predoseća da će drugo dete biti sin i naslednik prestola. Međutim, kraljica je veoma uznemirena jer stalno sanja strašne snove u kojima je život njenog budućeg deteta u opasnosti. Kada se probudi, ona se ničega ne seća. Ali, strepnja i strah su i dalje prisutni. Iznenada, jednog dana će kralju i kraljici stići neočekivani gost. To je poslednji šumski duh koji nosi darove. Poslednji šumski je u opasnosti. Njega vrebaju zli viridi, mračna bića šume. Oni tragaju za njegovim darovima. Pošto mu je ukazano gostoprimstvo, poslednji šumski duh rešava da kraljevsku porodicu daruje neobičnim poklonima. Detetu koje tek treba da se rodi ostavlja magičnu mrežu poslednjeg mesečevog pauka koju je on sam nakapao suzama stvorenja koje niko nikad nije video i natopio rosom sa latica cveća koje će uskoro iščeznuti sa lica zemlje. Taj plašt je veoma moćan i štiti onoga koji ga nosi. Devojčici je darovao čarobni prsten tako da će ona imati magiju u svojim prstima. Ostavio im je i bočicu Aliksira, vode života, koja daruje večan život ako se redovno uzima. Tada je otišao. Međutim, duh im nije rekao da će njihov sin zauvek biti jednom nogom u carstvu magije i da će večno živeti. Zato će se suočiti sa mnogim opasnostima jer sva zla stvorenja žele taj magični plašt. Dete se rodilo i dečak je. Timoken, zajedno sa svojom sestrom Zobejdom, srećno i bezbrižno odrasta u zamku, okružen ljubavlju i pažnjom. Timoken poseduje neobične moći jer je na rođenju bio umotan u plašt mesečevog pauka. I tako godine prolaze. A onda, u dečakovoj jedanaestoj godini, njegovo kraljevstvo je napadnuto i roditelji su mu ubijeni. Viridi su napokon ušli u trag plaštu i sve će uraditi kako bi ga se dočepali. Deca su uspela da pobegnu i tada počinju njihove avanture...
''Kamenje Rejvenglasa''
U ovoj knjizi Timoken napokon nalazi mesto koje može da zove domom. Rešava da na tom mestu sagradi zamak kako bi on, njegova porodica i prijatelji mogli zauvek da žive srećni, bezbrižni i zaštićeni. Međutim, zla stvorenja ne prestaju da ga vrebaju iz senki...
''Zlato leoparda''
Timoken je odrastao i ima devetoro dece. Njegov miran, jednoličan i srećan život poremetiće krvavi događaji. Ko je izdajica? Ko preti njegovoj porodici i prijateljima? Sada će njegova deca pokušati da spasu svoj dom i svoju porodicu...
Ova trilogija napisana je nakon čuvenog autorkinog serijala o Čarliju Bounu. U neku ruku, autorka ovom trilogijom osvetljava život Čarlijevog pretka, čuvenog Crvenog kralja Timokena. Serijal o Čarliju Bounu do sada nisam čitala, ali sada svakako hoću.
Knjige su mi se veoma svidele. Stil pisanja je jednostavan i lagan. Prijemčiv je za čitaoca. Iako je ova trilogija obeležena kao štivo za decu, mogu je čitati svi. Ovo nije fantastika u stilu Tolkina ili Martina, radnja je jednostavnija i likovi su ili dobri ili zli. Nema sredine. Radnja je čak pomalo i predvidiva. Međutim, lik Timokena mi se veoma svideo. Dečak kralj bez kraljevstva, kralj-prosjak, koji nakon što izgubi svoj dom, luta od mesta do mesta bežeći od smrtne opasnosti. Viridi su mu stalno za petama. Ali ipak, Timoken uvek pomaže onima u nevolji koje sretne na svom putu. Tako sklapa mnoga prijateljstva. On uvek vidi ono najbolje u ljudima. Veoma je pozitivan i veruje u ljudsku dobrotu. Sve će uraditi kako bi zaštitio svoju porodicu i prijatelje, ali povlači crtu kada se radi o oduzimanju života. Nikada ne ubija, sem ako nije prinuđen na taj odvratni čin. Timoken voli sve životinje i poštuje i njihove živote jer sa svima njima može da razgovara (to je jedan od njegovih magičnih darova). Sa decom je blag i nežan. Čak i kada treba da ih kazni zbog njihovih loših dela, on to čini preko volje. Njegove kazne nikada nisu strašne (možda će to imati nezamislive posledice u budućnosti, u serijalu o Čarliju Bounu). Međutim, on je takav i rešen je da svoje darove uvek koristi kako bi pomogao drugima, a ne na njihovu štetu. Te vrednosti pokušava da usadi i svojoj deci, ali ne žele sva deca da budu poput svojih roditelja...
U svakom slučaju, trilogija mi se veoma svidela i preporučujem je svima. Ako vaša deca vole serijal o Hariju Poteru, zavoleće i ovaj. Što se tiče malo starije dece 🙂 pročitajte ovu toplu priču. Nećete se pokajati.
Ovaj serijal sastoji se od tri knjige: ''Tajno kraljevstvo'', ''Kamenje Rejvenglasa'' i ''Zlato leoparda''.
''Tajno kraljevstvo''
Na afričkom kontinentu nalazi se jedno skriveno i malo kraljevstvo koje njegovi stanovnici zovu Tajnim kraljevstvom. Osim njegovih stanovnika, niko drugi ne zna za njegovo postojanje. Tajno kraljevstvo blagosloveno je mirom. Njegovi stanovnici su čuli da izvan granica Tajnog kraljevstva postoji rat i da se ljudi međusobno bore i ubijaju, tako da su i oni sami napravili zalihe oružja, za svaki slučaj. Međutim, otkako kraljevstvo postoji, rata nikada nije bilo. Kraljevstvo vode mudar kralj i njegova kraljica. Kralj i kraljica imaju malenu ćerku od dve godine. Kraljica je trudna i predoseća da će drugo dete biti sin i naslednik prestola. Međutim, kraljica je veoma uznemirena jer stalno sanja strašne snove u kojima je život njenog budućeg deteta u opasnosti. Kada se probudi, ona se ničega ne seća. Ali, strepnja i strah su i dalje prisutni. Iznenada, jednog dana će kralju i kraljici stići neočekivani gost. To je poslednji šumski duh koji nosi darove. Poslednji šumski je u opasnosti. Njega vrebaju zli viridi, mračna bića šume. Oni tragaju za njegovim darovima. Pošto mu je ukazano gostoprimstvo, poslednji šumski duh rešava da kraljevsku porodicu daruje neobičnim poklonima. Detetu koje tek treba da se rodi ostavlja magičnu mrežu poslednjeg mesečevog pauka koju je on sam nakapao suzama stvorenja koje niko nikad nije video i natopio rosom sa latica cveća koje će uskoro iščeznuti sa lica zemlje. Taj plašt je veoma moćan i štiti onoga koji ga nosi. Devojčici je darovao čarobni prsten tako da će ona imati magiju u svojim prstima. Ostavio im je i bočicu Aliksira, vode života, koja daruje večan život ako se redovno uzima. Tada je otišao. Međutim, duh im nije rekao da će njihov sin zauvek biti jednom nogom u carstvu magije i da će večno živeti. Zato će se suočiti sa mnogim opasnostima jer sva zla stvorenja žele taj magični plašt. Dete se rodilo i dečak je. Timoken, zajedno sa svojom sestrom Zobejdom, srećno i bezbrižno odrasta u zamku, okružen ljubavlju i pažnjom. Timoken poseduje neobične moći jer je na rođenju bio umotan u plašt mesečevog pauka. I tako godine prolaze. A onda, u dečakovoj jedanaestoj godini, njegovo kraljevstvo je napadnuto i roditelji su mu ubijeni. Viridi su napokon ušli u trag plaštu i sve će uraditi kako bi ga se dočepali. Deca su uspela da pobegnu i tada počinju njihove avanture...
''Kamenje Rejvenglasa''
U ovoj knjizi Timoken napokon nalazi mesto koje može da zove domom. Rešava da na tom mestu sagradi zamak kako bi on, njegova porodica i prijatelji mogli zauvek da žive srećni, bezbrižni i zaštićeni. Međutim, zla stvorenja ne prestaju da ga vrebaju iz senki...
''Zlato leoparda''
Timoken je odrastao i ima devetoro dece. Njegov miran, jednoličan i srećan život poremetiće krvavi događaji. Ko je izdajica? Ko preti njegovoj porodici i prijateljima? Sada će njegova deca pokušati da spasu svoj dom i svoju porodicu...
Ova trilogija napisana je nakon čuvenog autorkinog serijala o Čarliju Bounu. U neku ruku, autorka ovom trilogijom osvetljava život Čarlijevog pretka, čuvenog Crvenog kralja Timokena. Serijal o Čarliju Bounu do sada nisam čitala, ali sada svakako hoću.
Knjige su mi se veoma svidele. Stil pisanja je jednostavan i lagan. Prijemčiv je za čitaoca. Iako je ova trilogija obeležena kao štivo za decu, mogu je čitati svi. Ovo nije fantastika u stilu Tolkina ili Martina, radnja je jednostavnija i likovi su ili dobri ili zli. Nema sredine. Radnja je čak pomalo i predvidiva. Međutim, lik Timokena mi se veoma svideo. Dečak kralj bez kraljevstva, kralj-prosjak, koji nakon što izgubi svoj dom, luta od mesta do mesta bežeći od smrtne opasnosti. Viridi su mu stalno za petama. Ali ipak, Timoken uvek pomaže onima u nevolji koje sretne na svom putu. Tako sklapa mnoga prijateljstva. On uvek vidi ono najbolje u ljudima. Veoma je pozitivan i veruje u ljudsku dobrotu. Sve će uraditi kako bi zaštitio svoju porodicu i prijatelje, ali povlači crtu kada se radi o oduzimanju života. Nikada ne ubija, sem ako nije prinuđen na taj odvratni čin. Timoken voli sve životinje i poštuje i njihove živote jer sa svima njima može da razgovara (to je jedan od njegovih magičnih darova). Sa decom je blag i nežan. Čak i kada treba da ih kazni zbog njihovih loših dela, on to čini preko volje. Njegove kazne nikada nisu strašne (možda će to imati nezamislive posledice u budućnosti, u serijalu o Čarliju Bounu). Međutim, on je takav i rešen je da svoje darove uvek koristi kako bi pomogao drugima, a ne na njihovu štetu. Te vrednosti pokušava da usadi i svojoj deci, ali ne žele sva deca da budu poput svojih roditelja...
U svakom slučaju, trilogija mi se veoma svidela i preporučujem je svima. Ako vaša deca vole serijal o Hariju Poteru, zavoleće i ovaj. Što se tiče malo starije dece 🙂 pročitajte ovu toplu priču. Nećete se pokajati.
January 24, 2018
The second sequel/prequel to the main Charlie Bone series this one follows the ending of the first novel closely picking up soon after the events and focuses on the Red King establishing his own kingdom. It wasn't bad, but honestly this trilogy is made for fans of the main series and doesn't really stand much on its own.
I liked reading it because I loved Charlie Bone, but I don't know if I'd have read it without that connection.
I liked reading it because I loved Charlie Bone, but I don't know if I'd have read it without that connection.
August 14, 2020
I miss Charlie Bone. I generally enjoy Jenny Nimmo's other books, but this one felt a little all over the place. It was an interesting story with compelling characters but quite a few dropped plot points. The premise of the history of the Red King is something I'd like to continue reading; I just hope that future books in the series are more flushed out.
April 18, 2019
This book was very confusing and I had a lot of trouble following along what had happened. Everything seemed to happen too fast. What I understood from the story was that Timoken, Gabar, and Eri had to escape and Timoken got his ancestors to help him build a castle but it fell apart.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 2, 2021
At times this book felt hard to follow and I didn’t find the adventure as compelling as the first book. That being said it was enjoyable to read, and I enjoyed seeing connections to the present day series as this book did flesh out more of that.
April 30, 2024
adventure-ish
Another adventure that adds to the cast at the expense of the original children from the prior book. New powers and magicians help uptake the book when it lulls. The best part is that all the pieces are in place for an exciting next book.
Another adventure that adds to the cast at the expense of the original children from the prior book. New powers and magicians help uptake the book when it lulls. The best part is that all the pieces are in place for an exciting next book.
June 26, 2025
This was slightly better than the first, although the plot still seemed kind of all over the place. The main issue I had with it was that anything that could be an interesting plot point and bring some suspense is resolved within a chapter or two.
August 14, 2018
Another YA gem. Lovely story with lots of great fantasy cheese.
August 18, 2019
I liked it very much even though I did not read Jenny Nimmo's previous works. But I am hooked on this series so I will probably read Charlie Boun's adventure next.
November 22, 2019
I enjoyed this next book and seeing how the story progressed and the next step. I love seeing the things he does versus what happens in the Charlie Bone books.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 19, 2021
A lovely continuation of the Red King's background story. I absolutely love the friendships portrayed in this book, and the light in which Jenny Nimmo presents Timoken's friendships.
November 18, 2022
I like the story, suitable for any kid of any age.
April 28, 2023
I liked it better than the first! Magic solves everything haha
October 22, 2023
Nice little back story about the Red King. I'm very interested in the next book, so I can learn more about his children and how life got flipped turned upside down.
May 29, 2024
It was alright. A bit boring, but the ending was wholesome 🤌🏼
The first book is on top tho
The first book is on top tho
March 17, 2017
The magic used in this book is amazing. The characters are greatly done and you learn to love every one of them. I suggest reading these books after Charlie Bone because you get the idea of endowments that the kids hold. Truly a amazing book.
November 24, 2015
These books just get better and better in this series. Timoken and Gabar make more new friends in this one. Two young aged jaguars. They always show up whenever Timoken calls. The book starts with Timoken in Britain. Where Timoken, Gabar, and a strange wizard are all captured. The only reason that both Timoken and Gabar are in prison are because a soldier thought that Timoken killed their most skilled and elite soldier. They manage to escape and flee the city with the strange wizard. My favorite part is when Timoken searches for a place to finally call home. Him and Gabar search through practically the whole book. A place where all his friends could be safe. But Timoken lives in a war torn land. So when he goes back down to Africa where he used to live before He gets a special surprise. The thieves from the first book come back to steal his stuff and they succeed by taking the last spider silk robe made by from the last moon spider. That’s all they really manage to take throughout the book. Later in the book, Timoken, Gabar, and the strange wizard stumble upon some tree people who live in tree houses. They are friendly people but the leader is always cautious so he doesn’t trust them at first but later he finally sees a reason for them to be trusted. Of course when two of the little ones are curious they want to follow. And after hearing the fact that Timoken was searching for a place to call home they wanted to follow. The two of them follow Timoken for as far as they could see him fly after he left. Later they both find each other and everything was fine. These books never seem to leave a doubt in my mind.
July 8, 2016
Jenny Nimmo's stories are raw, spontaneous imagination. The storytelling is not seamless, but that is not a flaw. Rather, the imperfections of story and character allow the reader room to wonder and space to enter a rich and often dangerous world--a world, upon further reflection, not unlike our own.
This is the second in the Chronicles of the Red King. I had to start with it because, for some reason, I missed the first one when I suggested our library purchase Ravenglass! But I think the story stood well on its own. Looking forward to the first and third in the series. Those who have read The Charlie Bone books will love the backstory this supplies. The Chronicles of the Red King grow the overall story even more.
This is the second in the Chronicles of the Red King. I had to start with it because, for some reason, I missed the first one when I suggested our library purchase Ravenglass! But I think the story stood well on its own. Looking forward to the first and third in the series. Those who have read The Charlie Bone books will love the backstory this supplies. The Chronicles of the Red King grow the overall story even more.
August 11, 2012
This quick read takes us a bit farther into how the Red King becomes the Red King. Most of the book dragged a bit for me and I'm still having trouble remembering whose name is whose (particularly when nicknames are involved), but I'm not ready to give up on the series quite yet. I'm hoping once Nimmo gets more established and finds her footing in this series that it will live up to the Charlie Bone books where there was nary a misstep.
This one was really more of a 1 1/2 star than a 2 star for me.
This one was really more of a 1 1/2 star than a 2 star for me.
July 23, 2012
this is a pretty decent second book in the chronicles of the red king series by jenny nimmo. she wrote the charlie bone series which was quite good...but i don't think this series is quite up to the level of the charlie bone series. that being said it is interesting to see how the adventure of the red king come to be. if you are a fan of the charlie bone series then this is a good series to continue with. this one finds the red king and friends looking for a new place to live and finding adventure at every turn. pretty decent read...not great...but not bad either!
December 12, 2012
I want to love this book because I thought the Charlie Bone series was the cat's pajamas with a bit of the dog's knickers mixed in. Unfortunately, this prequel series, while I am enjoying it, just doesn't tickle my fancy to quite the same level as the Charlie Bone books did. It does tickle my toes quite well, but my fancy wants to be tickled! Having said that, I enjoyed this book and would recommend it to Nimmo fans.
August 12, 2012
This series is so much better than the Charlie Bone series, in my opinion. What I like about it is the story starts out with a problem unique to this specific book and it ends with the solution to that problem, unlike Charlie's problems that never seemed to find a solution. This is a great magical adventure book for middle grade readers. It was a fast and entertaining read.
August 30, 2012
The prequel series to Charlie Bone does bring back some fairly fond memories of that series. However, this second book felt a bit too rushed and frankly incomplete. It simply doesn't stand on its own without having read the first book. And with such a distance between each book's publishing, it's hard to keep track of how this part of the Red King's story fits into the whole.
June 5, 2016
I didn't like the way the book opened, throwing you into the action as aggressively as it did, and a couple of the characters we were introduced to didn't really interest me. That said, it was really nice to see the development of Timmoken's powers and the hints of things we'd see in the Children of the Red King series!
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