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The Children of the Red King #3
ชาร์ลี โบน ตอน เด็กชายผู้สาบสูญ
Charlie Bone is one of the many descendants of the Red King and an inheritor of part of his magical powers. Charlie is determined to find his lost father, Lyell, who was horribly punished for his courage. Together with his friends, Charlie endeavours to overcome the evil that threatens them. Their struggles, sometimes scary and sometimes humorous, take place at Bloor's Academy, an ancient school where the endowed descendants of the Red King can be watched and controlled. Werewolves, hypnotists, mind-readers and witches do their best to defeat Charlie, not to mention his sinister grandmother and her three grim sisters . . .
A dark secret is emerging from Bloor's Academy. A boy was once lost in the attics and never seen again. Charlie Bone is intrigued, but he has problems of his own. Uncle Paton has disappeared . . .
Following the very successful "Midnight For Charlie Bone" and "The Time Twister", "The Blue Boa" is the exciting third book in the spectacular "Children of the Red King" series.
A dark secret is emerging from Bloor's Academy. A boy was once lost in the attics and never seen again. Charlie Bone is intrigued, but he has problems of his own. Uncle Paton has disappeared . . .
Following the very successful "Midnight For Charlie Bone" and "The Time Twister", "The Blue Boa" is the exciting third book in the spectacular "Children of the Red King" series.
287 pages, Paperback
First published July 1, 2004
About the author
Jenny Nimmo
138 books976 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 565 reviews
July 3, 2021
While I am literally drowning in books, the Charlie Bone series are books I could never get rid off.
They simply meant too much to me as a kid.
Not surprisingly though, it is also a great series to read as an adult.
(what can I say? 8 year old me already had an impeccable book taste.)
This is book 3 of the series and honestly it’s one of the best.
A new semester at the Bloor Academy begins for Charlie and his friends and of course things are not going well already as a new student with strange powers shows up.
Then there is also Ollie Sparks, a boy who disappeared a year ago, captured by the evil Bloor family and turned invisible.
Charlie finds the poor boy and makes the promise to rescue him, a task that turns out to be way more difficult than anticipated with half the school against him but of course Charlie has his friends who he can always count on with him.
Nearly all the Charlie Bone books are following the same formula. You know exactly who the good guys and who the bad ones are and that basically doesn't change throughout the whole series so there shouldn’t be anything surprising about this book, no?
Well, wrong.
It always manages to amaze me just how entertaining and different each of the stories is. There is just something so unique about every single book that immediately pulls you into it.
I mean in the last book we got a time traveler and in here we get a magical snake that can turn people invisible? You can’t tell me that is not cool.
But of course a good story is worth nothing without also having great characters, which luckily there are plenty - which honestly, there are so many characters in there that it should be confusing but somehow it’s not.
Turns out Jenny Nimmo doesn’t just have a gift for writing great stories but also for creating tons of interesting characters and making me care for every single one of them.
Honestly, the thing I love most about her books is how in the end everyone plays an important role, no matter their magical ability or if they have any at all.
I can’t wait to re-read the next one!
They simply meant too much to me as a kid.
Not surprisingly though, it is also a great series to read as an adult.
(what can I say? 8 year old me already had an impeccable book taste.)
This is book 3 of the series and honestly it’s one of the best.
A new semester at the Bloor Academy begins for Charlie and his friends and of course things are not going well already as a new student with strange powers shows up.
Then there is also Ollie Sparks, a boy who disappeared a year ago, captured by the evil Bloor family and turned invisible.
Charlie finds the poor boy and makes the promise to rescue him, a task that turns out to be way more difficult than anticipated with half the school against him but of course Charlie has his friends who he can always count on with him.
Nearly all the Charlie Bone books are following the same formula. You know exactly who the good guys and who the bad ones are and that basically doesn't change throughout the whole series so there shouldn’t be anything surprising about this book, no?
Well, wrong.
It always manages to amaze me just how entertaining and different each of the stories is. There is just something so unique about every single book that immediately pulls you into it.
I mean in the last book we got a time traveler and in here we get a magical snake that can turn people invisible? You can’t tell me that is not cool.
But of course a good story is worth nothing without also having great characters, which luckily there are plenty - which honestly, there are so many characters in there that it should be confusing but somehow it’s not.
Turns out Jenny Nimmo doesn’t just have a gift for writing great stories but also for creating tons of interesting characters and making me care for every single one of them.
Honestly, the thing I love most about her books is how in the end everyone plays an important role, no matter their magical ability or if they have any at all.
I can’t wait to re-read the next one!
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April 25, 2015I wonder how cook is doing these days.
October 19, 2019
I read all of the books in this wonderful series a couple of years ago! And found out that I hadn't rated them so here it is!
August 21, 2025
Re reading this again🙃
June 27, 2024
It's the beginning of the new semester, and Charlie's powers are changing while his uncle is away. Then they discover an invisible boy. Bad timing.
I've read far worse, but can't really recommend this.
I've read far worse, but can't really recommend this.
January 29, 2019
5/5 (keeping all the Charlie Bone series at five stars since thats how I rated it as a child; however, if I had read for the first time recently it definitely would be lower due to certain issues)
Overall, this is a really good book. I do think this book takes a vastly different approach and development of the plot and characters compared to the previous books. One of the stand out things was that there was more development between each of the characters. Charlie gets a better understanding of his own power and I think gets more brave to do the right thing. Lysander also learns more about his power and what it means to be communicating with his ancestors. I also really adored the scenes of the children with adults who encouraged and helped them rather than putting them down. I also think the plot was a fun ride all the way through.
My one gripe is the same as the past two books. The author definitely doesn’t know how to describe POC characters. for example, Bindi is completely gone in this book, and we don’t really get a good explanation for it. Sometimes, Lysander is just referred to as “the African” as if there isn’t more to his own personal style and look. This bothers me because she does a good job developing their character but doesn’t seem to have put the same thought into describing them as the white characters.
Overall, I’m still enjoying this childhood book, but also noticing all the flaws I missed as a child as well.
Overall, this is a really good book. I do think this book takes a vastly different approach and development of the plot and characters compared to the previous books. One of the stand out things was that there was more development between each of the characters. Charlie gets a better understanding of his own power and I think gets more brave to do the right thing. Lysander also learns more about his power and what it means to be communicating with his ancestors. I also really adored the scenes of the children with adults who encouraged and helped them rather than putting them down. I also think the plot was a fun ride all the way through.
My one gripe is the same as the past two books. The author definitely doesn’t know how to describe POC characters. for example, Bindi is completely gone in this book, and we don’t really get a good explanation for it. Sometimes, Lysander is just referred to as “the African” as if there isn’t more to his own personal style and look. This bothers me because she does a good job developing their character but doesn’t seem to have put the same thought into describing them as the white characters.
Overall, I’m still enjoying this childhood book, but also noticing all the flaws I missed as a child as well.
September 15, 2018
Another wonderful return to the world of Charlie Bone and the Children of the Red King series. <3 While overall I still really enjoyed this book and gave it four stars, I have to say this wasn't my favorite in the series thus far. There were quite a few beloved characters from the series whose presence was noticeably absent or lacking in this book as well as moments where it just felt a bit... off. This mostly had to do with the writing either being choppy at times or reading a bit juvenile. Since this is a children's book, obviously, I can allow that to an extent, but in the span of the series so far, this book was mostly just middle of the road.
October 14, 2025
Considerably better than the 2nd one. Charlie and the gang are back with a nice adventure. I just love the simplicity of these books written for young minds. Appreciation and gratitude from a worn out brain.
June 27, 2026
The way they’d all be dead without Payton, Lysander, & Tankred. Love how much each one builds and flows off the last.
November 4, 2022
An sich recht düstere Kinder-Fantasy, die aber ebenso lichterfrohe warmherzige Orte und Charaktere bereithält, so dass man diese turbulenten, oft schmerzhaft gemeinen Verstrickungen letztendlich verdauen kann. Charlies Tanten, nebst Oma Bone sind eine Zumutung. Hier innerlich ruhig zu bleiben, ist gewiss ein gutes Training für die eigene Mitte! 😅 Die Bone-Reihe hat eine ganz eigene Atmosphäre, die sich bislang von Anfang bis Ende durch jedes Buch zieht. Durch die Ideenvielfalt der Autorin steht Jedes aber auch für sich allein.
July 20, 2011
Charlie encounters an invisible boy, Ollie, and gets his friends to help figure out a way to rescue him from the dark attics of Bloor Academy. Ollie was made invisible by a magic blue boa snake, and imprisoned in the attics by the evil headmaster of the school. Meanwhile, Belle, a mysterious and beautiful new girl, has arrived at school. She seems to be very chummy with Charlie's mean aunts, so Charlie knows she must be up to something evil. Charlie's Uncle Paton leaves on a mysterious journey to "stop someone from coming", but Charlie thinks that perhaps that someone is already among them.
I just love this series so much! Every book has magic and adventure and compelling characters that keep me enchanted through the entire book. I just love Charlie more and more, and this book was particularly interesting because now he has a better understanding of his own magic powers and how far he can push himself with his abilities.
The plot is really suspenseful and mysterious, because there are several different plot threads happening at once, and we see how different characters are working for different ends.
I really loved that Billy gets more character development in this book, and we see Tancred controlling his powers more calmly. Just so many great characters who continue to develop and grow! And of course, I always love the romantic subplot with Uncle Paton and Julia Ingledew. They are so adorable!
I just love this series so much! Every book has magic and adventure and compelling characters that keep me enchanted through the entire book. I just love Charlie more and more, and this book was particularly interesting because now he has a better understanding of his own magic powers and how far he can push himself with his abilities.
The plot is really suspenseful and mysterious, because there are several different plot threads happening at once, and we see how different characters are working for different ends.
I really loved that Billy gets more character development in this book, and we see Tancred controlling his powers more calmly. Just so many great characters who continue to develop and grow! And of course, I always love the romantic subplot with Uncle Paton and Julia Ingledew. They are so adorable!
November 18, 2008
Charlie Bone and his friends discover an invisible boy living up in the music tower at Bloor's Academy. His name is Ollie Sparks, and they soon discover that Mr. Baldova, tier art teacher, is Ollie's father.
Ollie tells them that he had gotten turned invisible by a blue boa. Only his big toe remained visible.
The Bloors like to own people, so naturally they try to stop Charlie from making Ollie visible again.
Can Charlie and friends succeed in their quest?
I am already a fan of Jenny Nimmo's books, but I think I liked this one especially. It was filled with hilarious comments, and she did a fantastic job of describing the settings and people. I think, in this book, Billy was my favorite character; he played a huge role.
Billy can talk to animals. With some persuasion, the eight-year-old talks to the blue boa, convincing him to turn Ollie visible again: without Billy, the entire rescue would have been a disaster! Little, cute, helpful; Billy is my favorite character, even though, in previous books, he's made some dark choices. I also like this book because it reminded me of when I helped save some one from disaster..and succeed.
Ollie tells them that he had gotten turned invisible by a blue boa. Only his big toe remained visible.
The Bloors like to own people, so naturally they try to stop Charlie from making Ollie visible again.
Can Charlie and friends succeed in their quest?
I am already a fan of Jenny Nimmo's books, but I think I liked this one especially. It was filled with hilarious comments, and she did a fantastic job of describing the settings and people. I think, in this book, Billy was my favorite character; he played a huge role.
Billy can talk to animals. With some persuasion, the eight-year-old talks to the blue boa, convincing him to turn Ollie visible again: without Billy, the entire rescue would have been a disaster! Little, cute, helpful; Billy is my favorite character, even though, in previous books, he's made some dark choices. I also like this book because it reminded me of when I helped save some one from disaster..and succeed.
March 31, 2019
This book Charlie Bone and the Invisible Boy is really good and interesting and adds on to the great series of Charlie Bone. It’s a good addition to the series and adds lots of details and depth to tiny parts of the story. I like it because it’s also mysterious and adventurous. If you like mysteries or adventures then I suggest you read the Charlie Bones series by order.
August 14, 2016
Charlie Bone and the Invisible Boy is book 3 of The Children of the Red King series. In this installment, Charlie and his friends must rescue and restore Ollie, who was made invisible by the blue boa, all while defeating Belle (who is really Yolanda) and the rest of the Yewbeam aunts.
July 13, 2019
I didn’t like this one as much as the first two, but it was entertaining. It felt like a stand alone book, and not quite part of a series. The plot just wasn’t as interesting - boy is invisible, need to find a way to help. That’s fine, but it just didn’t grab my attention very much.
January 6, 2021
The writing is getting better, in my opinion. To sum up this book, I’ll just use one line from the book, “there’s a lot of puzzles”. Lots of puzzles throughout this book, but it was all very interesting and kept my focus the entire time.
November 16, 2017
I have a lot to say about this book. I just don't have time right now to type it.
March 30, 2018
I do wish the "bad guys" in this series were just a bit badder... the stakes need to be risen! Everyone seems to be mean, but then they end up cooking breakfast for each other anyway.
December 27, 2017
I really enjoyed this book. It may be my favorite in the series so far. I like how so much of Charlie’s support network is taken away and he has to do things himself for most of the book, and I like how there are so many pieces of this book which all come together. Looking forward to the next installment in Charlie and his friends’ adventures.
February 7, 2019
I remember being OBSESSED with this one as a kid and now I remember why! Really good mix of scary, heartwarming, and mysterious. Here is where the books get darker, but in an excellent and not excessive manner.
October 1, 2021
This one was way better than the second one, way more interesting and attention-grabbing. It was way better than I remember it being, this was one that I was the least excited to reread but it went better than I hoped. But still not as good as the first one.
February 26, 2023
A fun adventure story. Some issues (the way POC characters are described being the big one). I read the first two as a kid, and it was nice to return to the world of Charlie Bone, but there are better kids fantasy books out there now.
July 17, 2023
Points off this one for one of the characters using fat as an insult. There were actually a few body image things in this book. Product of its time blah blah, it still was a negative for me.
I did notice, however, how overall comforting these books are. Things never get too bad because adults always just show up when needed. I don't care if it seems unrealistic or formulaic, I love knowing that nothing is ever too serious. Everything always just works out. Reading should be fun and comforting, not stressful.
I did notice, however, how overall comforting these books are. Things never get too bad because adults always just show up when needed. I don't care if it seems unrealistic or formulaic, I love knowing that nothing is ever too serious. Everything always just works out. Reading should be fun and comforting, not stressful.
February 10, 2024
love the lore
Charlie Bone and the magical world that keeps on giving. The world is expanded on from sorcery, magical animals, to ancient evils. All in a school year Paton rides like a phoenix, invisible boys are found, and two ancient sorcerers come out to play.
Charlie Bone and the magical world that keeps on giving. The world is expanded on from sorcery, magical animals, to ancient evils. All in a school year Paton rides like a phoenix, invisible boys are found, and two ancient sorcerers come out to play.
May 13, 2018
This is a good series for young readers. Similar to Harry Potter, but less complex.
August 23, 2020
Qué saga más infravalorada... La paso tan bien con estos libros!
July 29, 2024
The new characters (both good and bad) were refreshing. I enjoyed the little tidbits that allowed us to learn more about the overarching mystery.
November 24, 2023
I'm looking the series more as I continue through it.
December 4, 2024
A lovely read. I had to grow into the story a little but the end was rather captivating.
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July 23, 2026My rating: 3.1
I couldn’t for the life of me find the audio version, so I had to read with my own eyes, and it definitely took away from the experience. It’s easier to be distracted by plot holes and rushed storytelling when you’re reading as opposed to listening. Ah well, still a fun time
I couldn’t for the life of me find the audio version, so I had to read with my own eyes, and it definitely took away from the experience. It’s easier to be distracted by plot holes and rushed storytelling when you’re reading as opposed to listening. Ah well, still a fun time
Displaying 1 - 30 of 565 reviews