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The Chain of Charms #1
The Gypsy Crown
Note: This edition includes five of the six books that were originally published as The Chain of Charms series in Australia. The missing book is The Cat's Eye Shell (The Chain of Charms #4)
Emilia Finch and her cousin Luka are gypsies. For them, that means they live a strongly traditional life, rich with story, music, dance, and magic, governed by the laws of the clan and the ways of the road. To the repressive Puritanical government of 17th century England, however, the gypsies are thieving, fortune-telling vagrants who are most likely allies of the devil.
While the Finches have managed to steer clear of trouble, it finds them when they decide to raise dowry money for one of their daughters, by performing in Kingston square one ill-fated market day. A series of terrible events lands the family in jail, charged with murder. Only Emilia and Luka manage to escape, promising to bring back help and free them.
The only problem is -- how? Emilia believes in the legend of the charms: it is said that the luck of the Rom has turned sour ever since a long-ago gypsy matriarch broke her chain of charms, giving one charm to each of her five children. Since then, the gypsies have been persecuted and the families have dispersed. If they can gather the charms from the families, Emilia thinks, the strong magic of the Rom will somehow bring her family freedom. Luka, on the other hand, is more practical � he wants to enlist the help of the other clans to help the Finches escape.
Emilia and Luka must race through the countryside, navigating a hornets' nest of Rom-hating Puritans, Royalist spies, and traitors, if they are to complete their quest before the magistrate delivers a death sentence�
Emilia Finch and her cousin Luka are gypsies. For them, that means they live a strongly traditional life, rich with story, music, dance, and magic, governed by the laws of the clan and the ways of the road. To the repressive Puritanical government of 17th century England, however, the gypsies are thieving, fortune-telling vagrants who are most likely allies of the devil.
While the Finches have managed to steer clear of trouble, it finds them when they decide to raise dowry money for one of their daughters, by performing in Kingston square one ill-fated market day. A series of terrible events lands the family in jail, charged with murder. Only Emilia and Luka manage to escape, promising to bring back help and free them.
The only problem is -- how? Emilia believes in the legend of the charms: it is said that the luck of the Rom has turned sour ever since a long-ago gypsy matriarch broke her chain of charms, giving one charm to each of her five children. Since then, the gypsies have been persecuted and the families have dispersed. If they can gather the charms from the families, Emilia thinks, the strong magic of the Rom will somehow bring her family freedom. Luka, on the other hand, is more practical � he wants to enlist the help of the other clans to help the Finches escape.
Emilia and Luka must race through the countryside, navigating a hornets' nest of Rom-hating Puritans, Royalist spies, and traitors, if they are to complete their quest before the magistrate delivers a death sentence�
400 pages, Hardcover
First published November 10, 2007
25 people are currently reading
1114 people want to read
About the author
Kate Forsyth
86 books2,563 followersKate Forsyth wrote her first novel at the age of seven, and is now the internationally bestselling author of 40 books for both adults and children.
Her books for adults include 'Beauty in Thorns', the true love story behind a famous painting of 'Sleeping Beauty'; 'The Beast's Garden', a retelling of the Grimm version of 'Beauty & the Beast', set in the German underground resistance to Hitler in WWII; 'The Wild Girl', the love story of Wilhelm Grimm and Dortchen Wild, the young woman who told him many of the world's most famous fairy tales; 'Bitter Greens', a retelling of the Rapunzel fairytale; and the bestselling fantasy series 'Witches of Eileanan' Her books for children include 'The Impossible Quest', 'The Gypsy Crown', 'The Puzzle Ring', and 'The Starkin Crown'
Kate has a doctorate in fairytale studies, a Masters of Creative Writing, a Bachelor of Arts in Literature, and is an accredited master storyteller.
Her books for adults include 'Beauty in Thorns', the true love story behind a famous painting of 'Sleeping Beauty'; 'The Beast's Garden', a retelling of the Grimm version of 'Beauty & the Beast', set in the German underground resistance to Hitler in WWII; 'The Wild Girl', the love story of Wilhelm Grimm and Dortchen Wild, the young woman who told him many of the world's most famous fairy tales; 'Bitter Greens', a retelling of the Rapunzel fairytale; and the bestselling fantasy series 'Witches of Eileanan' Her books for children include 'The Impossible Quest', 'The Gypsy Crown', 'The Puzzle Ring', and 'The Starkin Crown'
Kate has a doctorate in fairytale studies, a Masters of Creative Writing, a Bachelor of Arts in Literature, and is an accredited master storyteller.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
April 28, 2013
I often rate the kids' lit I read based on my enjoyment of it as my present day self, that is as a forty something, burgeoning children's author and fan of children's writing. Books that fascinate, educate and thrill this current self are not necessarily the same ones that would have enthralled me as a 9 yo girl with an insatiable appetite for stories. Kate Forsyth's first instalment of The Chain of Charms series, The Gypsy Crown, wins five stars from me; not the author me, not the mother who wants her child to read fine books me, not the adult me, but the child me, because I could actually feel my 9 yo self being utterly and completely captivated by the quest Emilia and her cousin Luka suddenly find themselves embroiled in. It's precisely the type of read that would have kept me from my chores and homework as a child; a kind of Enid Blyton romp through the English countryside mixed with the heady adventure of a Trixie Beldon mystery with a delicious dose of history thrown in for good measure. I loved it and can't wait to continue the quest.
April 7, 2018
For a middle grade book, it took a while for the story to kick in. I was presently surprised to be transported into England under Cromwell's rule.
After their family is arrested, Emilia and Luka are set on a quest by their grandma to collect the five charms that have been divided between the main gypsy families.
There's a lot of hiding from bad guys, running from bad guys, and righting the bad guys' wrongs.
After their family is arrested, Emilia and Luka are set on a quest by their grandma to collect the five charms that have been divided between the main gypsy families.
There's a lot of hiding from bad guys, running from bad guys, and righting the bad guys' wrongs.
May 9, 2013
My Thoughts:
The Gypsy Crown is an excellently written book by Kate Forsyth. I was benefitted in several ways by reading it. I was able to learn new words because of the slightly historic language. The enlargement of my vocabulary is always a plus for me. Secondly, I enjoyed learning about a new culture. I'd never really been able to learn about Gypsies and their beliefs, and I found most of the facts about them interesting, such as most of them do not have one home due to their travels. The plot of this story was another positive aspect. I felt that Forsyth did take time to plan out when events were to happen next and how to describe it.
Events:
This book tells a story of two young children in their early teens who are trying to overcome persecution. They suffer while on the run and in many instances are nearly caught. The children know what they will face if they are captured. I was confident in them because of their wits. In some places in the book you'll laugh. In others you will cry. My favorite memory of this book is when the children are hidden in an oven. Their uncomfort was expressed very well by Forsyth. I know I would feel uneasy if I were placed in an oven! But that action was what they were willing to do to save their family.
Recommendations:
I do highly recommend this book to children and young adults. They will learn a lot by reading this. I find the book to be such high quality that you can feel as if you are on the journey with the characters. Have fun reading!
The Gypsy Crown is an excellently written book by Kate Forsyth. I was benefitted in several ways by reading it. I was able to learn new words because of the slightly historic language. The enlargement of my vocabulary is always a plus for me. Secondly, I enjoyed learning about a new culture. I'd never really been able to learn about Gypsies and their beliefs, and I found most of the facts about them interesting, such as most of them do not have one home due to their travels. The plot of this story was another positive aspect. I felt that Forsyth did take time to plan out when events were to happen next and how to describe it.
Events:
This book tells a story of two young children in their early teens who are trying to overcome persecution. They suffer while on the run and in many instances are nearly caught. The children know what they will face if they are captured. I was confident in them because of their wits. In some places in the book you'll laugh. In others you will cry. My favorite memory of this book is when the children are hidden in an oven. Their uncomfort was expressed very well by Forsyth. I know I would feel uneasy if I were placed in an oven! But that action was what they were willing to do to save their family.
Recommendations:
I do highly recommend this book to children and young adults. They will learn a lot by reading this. I find the book to be such high quality that you can feel as if you are on the journey with the characters. Have fun reading!
August 21, 2009
This book draws the reader from the beautiful cover art into a story full of adventure, danger, and history, as the two main protagonists, Luka and Emilia, members of a Rom family in Cromwell’s Puritan England, seek out the members of four other Rom families for assistance in getting their family out of jail before they come to trial and are all executed. Traveling with them are Emilia’s horse, Alida, their performing bear, Sweetheart, their dog, Rollo, and Luka’s monkey, Zizi.
Emilia has been instructed by their grandmother to reunite the family’s five magical charms, whose separation many years past has brought bad luck on the Rom. Each family is supposed to have one charm, but finding each family, and then convincing them to part with their charms even temporarily is a struggle. Emilia has to leave her horse with one family in surety for their charm, and Luka ends up leaving his violin with another.
On their trail are a group of henchmen led by a man called the thief-taker who is under orders to capture and imprison them with the rest of their family. There are many near misses and their travels are exhausting and nerve-wracking.
A subplot involving Royalist spies and secret meetings about restoring Charles the Second to the throne add to the suspense and danger. Various historical figures play a role in the story and the author provides detailed notes about the history of the time, and about the Rom culture.
Emilia has been instructed by their grandmother to reunite the family’s five magical charms, whose separation many years past has brought bad luck on the Rom. Each family is supposed to have one charm, but finding each family, and then convincing them to part with their charms even temporarily is a struggle. Emilia has to leave her horse with one family in surety for their charm, and Luka ends up leaving his violin with another.
On their trail are a group of henchmen led by a man called the thief-taker who is under orders to capture and imprison them with the rest of their family. There are many near misses and their travels are exhausting and nerve-wracking.
A subplot involving Royalist spies and secret meetings about restoring Charles the Second to the throne add to the suspense and danger. Various historical figures play a role in the story and the author provides detailed notes about the history of the time, and about the Rom culture.
February 13, 2012
I really enjoyed this story about Gypsys in England during the time of Oliver Cromwell. Even though the series is for YA I liked it and look forward to listening to the rest of series as Amelia and Lukor look for the missing charms.
I read this for the Aussie Readers Challenge, that is the interesting thing about challenges you are sometimes set to read book that you would not normally read because they fit into the challenge, as does this one.
I read this for the Aussie Readers Challenge, that is the interesting thing about challenges you are sometimes set to read book that you would not normally read because they fit into the challenge, as does this one.
March 24, 2025
A good story filled with historical fact and fun fiction. I was a bit wary of starting this book due to its title, but the author does explain in her notes that this is what the Rom were called in England at the time this book was set (1600s). The characters are likeable, and by far the best part is these stories are gathered into one volume, because we are very much at the end of this book just at the beginning of the adventure.
April 13, 2012
Things begin a tiny bit slowly at first, but despite that I did enjoy this story quite a bit. Emilia and Luka are both intelligent, strong, and courageous young kids, and despite Luka's unbelief in the charms, he humors Emilia rather than quarreling with her, which of course ends up saving them in the end. My biggest complaint is that the characters drag along way too many animals in the beginning. I love animal characters, but in a fast-paced adventure like this one, where Emilia and Luka are constantly having to hide and find shelter and food, the animals bog things down, because of course the children won't abandon their pets, and of course the animals are taken captive more than once. And after a while, it got a little frustrating how many times they had to put themselves in danger to save their bear, or the monkey, or the dog, or the horse. As the adventure wears on, however, they find safe places to leave some of the animals, and that is when things really start to pick up and become more interesting.
I also rather wish that the plotline with the Royalists had been a lot more intertwined with Luka and Emilia's story, but that might have sidetracked the major storyline a bit too much. As it is, the Author does a good job with weaving the political turmoil in with the quest for the charms, and the rescuing of Emilia and Luka's family from a death sentence. All in all, it's a good story.
I also rather wish that the plotline with the Royalists had been a lot more intertwined with Luka and Emilia's story, but that might have sidetracked the major storyline a bit too much. As it is, the Author does a good job with weaving the political turmoil in with the quest for the charms, and the rescuing of Emilia and Luka's family from a death sentence. All in all, it's a good story.
November 10, 2008
Book 1 (of six) about two Gypsy children, Emilia and Luka, trying to restore the Chain of Charms and free their family from prison, or rather, from the gallows.
Set in Oliver Cromwell's time - 17th century England - this story is entertaining while also providing some historical background on the time period more generally, but also on the lives of Gypsies. There's quite a cast of characters, and it is a bit confusing in the beginning to keep them all separate, different and large Gypsy families, animals, evil English Puritans ;) (especially when you listen to the audiobook and you can't just quickly flick back a few pages to check who's who again). The historical aspect also makes it a slightly more complex young adult book than others, and some interest in history might not go astray. But I think it's an enjoyable series regardless! As in other books where there are animals, I especially love the animals who accompany Emilia and Luka on their journey, in particular the football playing bear Sweetheart.
A note on the audiobook: the reader does a great job giving the different characters very distinct voices, putting on some English accents and rolling her "r's" left, right and centre!
Set in Oliver Cromwell's time - 17th century England - this story is entertaining while also providing some historical background on the time period more generally, but also on the lives of Gypsies. There's quite a cast of characters, and it is a bit confusing in the beginning to keep them all separate, different and large Gypsy families, animals, evil English Puritans ;) (especially when you listen to the audiobook and you can't just quickly flick back a few pages to check who's who again). The historical aspect also makes it a slightly more complex young adult book than others, and some interest in history might not go astray. But I think it's an enjoyable series regardless! As in other books where there are animals, I especially love the animals who accompany Emilia and Luka on their journey, in particular the football playing bear Sweetheart.
A note on the audiobook: the reader does a great job giving the different characters very distinct voices, putting on some English accents and rolling her "r's" left, right and centre!
April 7, 2009
Even though this book was found in my local library's YA section, I think it's a better fit for middle grade. The main character, Emilia, is only 10 or 11, and this book was originally published as a 6-book series - meaning the original books were probably pretty thin.
I enjoyed the story. I was surprised to find so much historical fiction in it (the story takes place during Cromwell's reign in England). After their family is arrested, two gypsy children, Emilia and her brother Luka, go on a quest to collect five charms from the divided branches of their family and to ask for help to rescue their family from prison. Each charm had its own section and seemed to be wrapped up easily, with a lot of luck (or magic). I think younger readers wouldn't necessarily pick up on this and would enjoy the adventure.
I enjoyed the story. I was surprised to find so much historical fiction in it (the story takes place during Cromwell's reign in England). After their family is arrested, two gypsy children, Emilia and her brother Luka, go on a quest to collect five charms from the divided branches of their family and to ask for help to rescue their family from prison. Each charm had its own section and seemed to be wrapped up easily, with a lot of luck (or magic). I think younger readers wouldn't necessarily pick up on this and would enjoy the adventure.
February 18, 2012
This is the first book in a series of six.
It is the story of two gypsy families meeting to come to a marriage agreement for two of their teenagers. After the deal is made, one family heads off to a nearby town to sing and dance to help raise the dowry and are charged with a number of things including murder! All except two youngsters are imprisoned (two cousins who are 13 year olds and manage to escape). Their names are Luka and Emilia. It's up to these two to find help and free the rest of the family before they are sent to the gallows.
An enjoyable book for younger readers, with a bit of historical value as well. There’s plenty of action and adventure. The reader will learn about life in the 1600s too. It’s a well written first book in the series. I’ll be reading the rest of the series.
It is the story of two gypsy families meeting to come to a marriage agreement for two of their teenagers. After the deal is made, one family heads off to a nearby town to sing and dance to help raise the dowry and are charged with a number of things including murder! All except two youngsters are imprisoned (two cousins who are 13 year olds and manage to escape). Their names are Luka and Emilia. It's up to these two to find help and free the rest of the family before they are sent to the gallows.
An enjoyable book for younger readers, with a bit of historical value as well. There’s plenty of action and adventure. The reader will learn about life in the 1600s too. It’s a well written first book in the series. I’ll be reading the rest of the series.
September 3, 2012
Very interesting historical novel with just the right touch of fantasy elements. I also liked how this story had a boy/girl team working together, but didn't bring romance into the story. (Although I thought there might have been a spark between Emilia and Tom...oh well, squires' sons and gypsies' daughters don't exactly mix.)
Apparently, in Australia, this was published as a series of six books, which were compiled and edited together into the book that I read. Evidently, one entire book (The Cats Eye Shell) was removed, and I have no idea whether the books that were kept were edited down. The sections that deal with the quest for each charm are distinct, but they are also much shorter than I would expect a book to be. The change definitely helps explain the hurried pace of the books. I sort of wish I could have read the original series.
Apparently, in Australia, this was published as a series of six books, which were compiled and edited together into the book that I read. Evidently, one entire book (The Cats Eye Shell) was removed, and I have no idea whether the books that were kept were edited down. The sections that deal with the quest for each charm are distinct, but they are also much shorter than I would expect a book to be. The change definitely helps explain the hurried pace of the books. I sort of wish I could have read the original series.
July 18, 2013
I picked up this book because I really enjoyed Kate Forsyth's witch books.
"The Gypsy Crown" is a children's tale, so it lost a lot of the grit and flavor of the adult witch books. It was a good story, and it is one I plan to read to my 7-year-old son in about a year. I also appreciate its focus on right and wrong. There isn't a lot of that around anymore these days.
As an adult, however, it didn't carry over as some other children's books have. Of course, those "children's" books that I have enjoyed are stories I wouldn't allow my kid to read yet — Philip Pullman's His Dark Materials, for example.
__UPDATED__
I did later read this book with my son, and he was completely into it.
"The Gypsy Crown" is a children's tale, so it lost a lot of the grit and flavor of the adult witch books. It was a good story, and it is one I plan to read to my 7-year-old son in about a year. I also appreciate its focus on right and wrong. There isn't a lot of that around anymore these days.
As an adult, however, it didn't carry over as some other children's books have. Of course, those "children's" books that I have enjoyed are stories I wouldn't allow my kid to read yet — Philip Pullman's His Dark Materials, for example.
__UPDATED__
I did later read this book with my son, and he was completely into it.
January 1, 2009
Recommended for gr. 5-9. Historical fiction which takes place in England during the time of Oliver Cromwell (1658). Thirteen-year-old Emilia is Rom, otherwise known as a Gypsy. After her family is thrown in jail, she and her cousin, accompanied by their dancing bear named Sweetheart, trained monkey, and faithful dog, make their way around the London area. They are trying to bring together five charms which used to hang together on a chain. Their grandmother, a wise woman, has told Emilia that bringing them together will help solve their problems. In tracking down the families that hold the separate charms, Emilia and her cousin have to give up things that they love. In the end, though, they bring the separated families together in a satisfying ending.
October 13, 2013
This book is amazing! All Kate Forsyth lovers must read it! This book started when Emilia's stepmother accidentally murdered a policeman ( I hate saying ;killed;) and the whole family was put in prison! Only Emilia &Luka managed to escape.They had to find five charms &in 10 days,before their whole family was beheaded!Even as they faced terrible dangers,they managed to free their family! I just hope that you will enjoy as much as I did!
January 13, 2009
Gypsies in Europe during the time of Cromwell. Most of the family gets jailed for singing, dancing, and entertaining in the town. Two kids escape and have to find 4 more charms to a good luck bracelet so the gypsies will have good luck again. So there is a little bit of magic, lots of running and hiding (bad guys chasing them of course, and in the end triumph. A pretty good read. I learned some history as well.
December 16, 2012
I know this is basically a teenage book but it was well written and sort of fun to read. It managed to have a good story line and even though it was just one of those relaxing books that you can read in a couple of days it was worth it. A lot of it was based on actual history so of course I always like a good historical fiction. This was more like all fiction but a nice little sort of fairy story.
July 31, 2011
During Cromwell’s rebellion against the English royalty, gypsies (or Rom as they are known in this book) are persecuted by the members of Cromwell’s court. Emilia’s and Luka’s family are into prison and it is up to the two children to protect the family’s animals, recover their magical charms, and rescue their siblings and parents.
November 6, 2012
An enjoyable book. Its strongest points are setting and plot: there is great historical detail and an interesting plot premise. I liked how this book helped me to imagine what it was like for the Rom people during Cromwell's reign. Also I liked finding out things about Rom culture.
Weak points: some shallow characters and a bit of predictability in plot.
Weak points: some shallow characters and a bit of predictability in plot.
December 18, 2012
This book is adolescent fiction so a kid could read it. It helped me understand more about the Gypsy or Roma way of life. That, of course, makes it easier for me to understand my Roma Hungarian students. They are not just having a hard time because Hungarian is so different from English but because their entire way of life is different.
May 25, 2013
This is a fast paced adventure story for younger readers starring, for a breath of fresh air, some Romany gypsies facing persecution in Cromwellian England. Enjoyable and fun, this story reminds me an awful lot of more 'old fashioned' storytellers tales like those by Enid Blyton. Minus the problematic classist/sexist/racist overtones of course. GET IN, KIDS!
October 29, 2009
The historical background of 17th century England was rather fascinating in this book. The hatred the Puritans had for anything different than themselves.
December 29, 2010
Great for younger readers.
September 9, 2012
I loved the history, the imagery and the adventure in this story. I am so pleased that it is a series and I can read more!
March 15, 2011
I've read this book multiple times and I love it.
September 18, 2017
There’s something fun and special about a well-written story that is based in history. I’ve never been one to actually study history (mainly because I found it boring in high school), so reading a book that is so beautifully crafted around a historical moment is thoroughly enjoyable. Plus, it’s a great way to learn about English history, alongside the tolerance of others. Forsyth drives home the importance of accepting those who are different to us, even if we don’t quite understand them.
I love the focus on the Rom (gypsies) – it’s a culture that is quite fascinating in all of the movies and books that I’ve read (a bit romanticised, but still…). And it is the epitome of those who are ostracised by the greater public. The law and the church begin this epic journey by imprisoning Emilia and Luka’s family for effectively being Rom and sending the two teenagers on a whirlwind adventure to save their family. Although, there is also the feeling of ‘coming-of-age’ to the tale. Say goodbye to childhood and hello to responsibility.
This is a great, fun, easy reading about two young children starting the adventure that will (hopefully) save their family and teach them to be adults in their changing world. It is placed at the turning point in English history and I love the factual threads which run through this story. Plus, the animal companions that accompany Emilia and Luka on their journey is just adorable (albeit a little hard for them to disguise).
I love the focus on the Rom (gypsies) – it’s a culture that is quite fascinating in all of the movies and books that I’ve read (a bit romanticised, but still…). And it is the epitome of those who are ostracised by the greater public. The law and the church begin this epic journey by imprisoning Emilia and Luka’s family for effectively being Rom and sending the two teenagers on a whirlwind adventure to save their family. Although, there is also the feeling of ‘coming-of-age’ to the tale. Say goodbye to childhood and hello to responsibility.
This is a great, fun, easy reading about two young children starting the adventure that will (hopefully) save their family and teach them to be adults in their changing world. It is placed at the turning point in English history and I love the factual threads which run through this story. Plus, the animal companions that accompany Emilia and Luka on their journey is just adorable (albeit a little hard for them to disguise).
August 4, 2018
This was a quick and engaging read. I haven't read a lot (any?) historical fiction written for a middle grade audience before, and I think Kate Forsyth (unsurprisingly) does a pretty great job. I feel like this doesn't pull any punches about the persecution of certain communities during Cromwell's rule, and also the reality of this - there is a lot of talk about hanging etc in here. I loved the facts in the back about who the people in the book really were, as well as the introduction that gives some context to the time - who were the Puritans and Cromwell and how had he replaced the king.
I think I'll probably read the rest of this series.
I think I'll probably read the rest of this series.
March 17, 2018
Fascinating blend of history and fantasy in the first of the six book series. This is my second series from Forsyth after reading The Impossible Quest.
This book was a really good read, entertaining as well as you felt like you were reading history come alive. It had a similar feel of a long chase sequence to the other book, I wonder if that will be through the whole series.
Anyway a great start to the series.
This book was a really good read, entertaining as well as you felt like you were reading history come alive. It had a similar feel of a long chase sequence to the other book, I wonder if that will be through the whole series.
Anyway a great start to the series.
November 6, 2023
Teenagers on an adventure through Cromwell's England, with a nuanced portrayal of Roma people (I'm not qualified to say if it's accurate, but it struck me as sympathetic and not simplified) and some sensible insights into the politics and challenges of the situation. (For my own research purposes - one character converts to Quakerism but Quakers don't otherwise appear.)
March 25, 2018
Great children's series ........
March 31, 2019
Took me a while to get going but then I was gripped by this story of gypsies and charms. I really like that it is cemented in historical details of Cromwell. Well drawn characters and action packed.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews