The Brass Key

The Book of Lowmoor #2

by Richard Poole

In a world shaped by the scattered remains of a giant civilization live communities of six-inch tall human beings. Blackmailed by the sinister Spetch twins, Jewel and Thorn must journey across land and water to retrieve the mysterious brass key. Until they find it and return it to the Spetches, Thorn's sister Haw is at the twins' cruel mercy. Jewel's strength as a Magian grows when she comes across a crystal similar to the one stolen and hidden away by Thorn. It has a strange, dark power—but is there danger in its strength? Encountering unexpected, malevolent forces along the way, but also making new friends, Jewel and Thorn discover a new and even more dangerous opponent lurking in the shadows behind those they already know.

Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult, Adventure

403 pages, Paperback

First published February 6, 2006

About the author

Richard Poole was born and grew up in Bradford, Yorkshire. He studied at the University of North Wales, and was Tutor in English Literature at Coleg Harlech for many years. He has been a freelance writer for several years, and is a published poet and biographer, but the Lowmoor books are his first for children. He is married with one son and lives near Harlech.

Reviews

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars really.

Better than the first book, this one takes off pretty much where book 1 ended. Jewel and Thorn set off on a mission to recover the mysterious Key from Briar in order to exchange it for Thorn's sister. Of course there are a number of perils and enemies in their way.
I liked the dynamic of them together, I didn't like Rainy's story but can see why the author did it.
It felt long and a bit slow in places but had enough to keep me reading and wanting to know what comes next.
It ends on a cliffhanger again, so I'll have to dive into the third book to see how it all ends.
Entertaining enough and definitely better than the first.

[Doris · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'll update more later, but the tone of the book just didn't feel great. It also feels like it needs a proofreader, as there are many structurally incorrect sentences and thought snippets. True, people talk in partial sentences, but the descriptive around the characters should build into full sentences.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great kids story. Lots of adventure. Strong female characters. Wish I could get my hands on the last book.

[Miss Clark · Rating 2 out of 5]

Jewel and Thorne continue their quests and new characters are introduced, while old ones make reappearances. Etc. It was fine and I actually liked it better than the third one.