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The Undrowned Child #0.5
Talina in the Tower
Savage hyena-like creatures threaten Venice - the Ravageurs are on the prowl and seizing men, women and children. On the night of 30 June 1846 Talina's parents disappear and she and her cat, Drusilla, are forced to go and live with her Guardian and his three savage dogs in his lonely tower in the northernmost edge of the city. Here she discovers that she has the ability to change herself into a cat, but changing herself back into a girl isn't quite so easy. As a cat she learns about the Ravageurs and how over the centuries they have become semi magical creatures, visible only to children in the human world, and that they are intent on destroying Venice. She is determined to save the city - it's time for desperate measures - and her adventures are about to begin.
320 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 2, 2012
1 person is currently reading
100 people want to read
About the author
Michelle Lovric
112 books169 followersMichelle Lovric is a novelist, writer and anthologist.
Her third novel, The Remedy, was long-listed for the 2005 Orange Prize for Fiction. The Remedy is a literary murder-mystery set against the background of the quack medicine industry in the eighteenth century.
Her first novel, Carnevale, is the story of the painter Cecilia Cornaro, described by The Times as the possessor of ‘the most covetable life’ in fiction in 2001.
In Lovric’s second novel, The Floating Book, a chorus of characters relates the perilous beginning of the print industry in Venice. The book explores the translation of raw emotion into saleable merchandise from the points of view of poets, editors, publishers – and their lovers. The Floating Book, a London Arts award winner, was also selected as a WH Smith ‘Read of the Week’.
Her first novel for young adult readers, The Undrowned Child, is published by Orion. The sequel is due in summer 2010.
Her fourth adult novel, The Book of Human Skin, is published by Bloomsbury in Spring 2010.
Lovric reviews for publications including The Times and writes travel articles about Venice. She has featured in several BBC radio documentaries about Venice.
She combines her fiction work with editing, designing and producing literary anthologies including her own translations of Latin and Italian poetry. Her book Love Letters was a New York Times best-seller.
Lovric divides her time between London and Venice. She holds a workshop in her home in London with published writers of poetry and prose, fiction and memoir.
Her third novel, The Remedy, was long-listed for the 2005 Orange Prize for Fiction. The Remedy is a literary murder-mystery set against the background of the quack medicine industry in the eighteenth century.
Her first novel, Carnevale, is the story of the painter Cecilia Cornaro, described by The Times as the possessor of ‘the most covetable life’ in fiction in 2001.
In Lovric’s second novel, The Floating Book, a chorus of characters relates the perilous beginning of the print industry in Venice. The book explores the translation of raw emotion into saleable merchandise from the points of view of poets, editors, publishers – and their lovers. The Floating Book, a London Arts award winner, was also selected as a WH Smith ‘Read of the Week’.
Her first novel for young adult readers, The Undrowned Child, is published by Orion. The sequel is due in summer 2010.
Her fourth adult novel, The Book of Human Skin, is published by Bloomsbury in Spring 2010.
Lovric reviews for publications including The Times and writes travel articles about Venice. She has featured in several BBC radio documentaries about Venice.
She combines her fiction work with editing, designing and producing literary anthologies including her own translations of Latin and Italian poetry. Her book Love Letters was a New York Times best-seller.
Lovric divides her time between London and Venice. She holds a workshop in her home in London with published writers of poetry and prose, fiction and memoir.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
April 21, 2020
I read this a few years ago and it was amazing!! I have read it multiple times since, and still enjoy it. I love everything about it, and can't wait until libraries reopen so I can borrow it again. After that, I will buy it.
February 26, 2012
I enjoyed this book a lot. Reading it, I was enveloped in a cocoon of magic, taking me to a nineteenth century Venice where magic openly exists. The Ravageurs were the first example of this magic, being rowed about by rats and stealing away people for some horrible purpose.
The cover is gorgeous - all purple and gold, while the image of the Ravageur on the back cover is suitably hideous (my 8yo referred to this book as 'the one with the scary thing on the back'). I do wonder, though, whether the pretty cover would deter boy readers who are likely to enjoy the story. Talina is no girly-girl and the story is essentially a quest-type adventure.
I really liked Talina as a character. I do have a soft spot for bold girls and Talina is certainly that. Famous for her impudence and temper, she has the nerve to go against adult characters (who can be in the wrong) and to fight to save her parents and Venice as a whole. She also does develop through the course of the story and isn't quite the same Talina at the end as at the beginning.
The narration is third person, allowing some comment on and description of Talina from the outside and there are some wonderful touches in the dialogue. I appreciated the way some of the male cats spoke, showing their masculinity and roughness (like "dat's da troof"), and the fake French accents used by the Ravageurs to hide their true origins.
I haven't read Lovric's earlier Venice novels, so I can't comment on their connection, but I believe that this story does stand alone, with no need to read the others first. The story certainly felt complete to me, with no sense that I was missing something.
Once of the things I loved most about this book was the addition at the back of a section entitled "What is real and what is made up". These few pages precisely outline which elements of the story are factual and which are invented (unsurprisingly!). I would have loved this kind of detail as a child, and I'm sure my daughter will lap this up too. I was surprised at some of the small details which had come from historical fact; this section definitely added to my enjoyment of the book.
Overall, this is a classic children's fantasy with magical creatures, well-rounded characters and plenty of twists and setbacks.
The cover is gorgeous - all purple and gold, while the image of the Ravageur on the back cover is suitably hideous (my 8yo referred to this book as 'the one with the scary thing on the back'). I do wonder, though, whether the pretty cover would deter boy readers who are likely to enjoy the story. Talina is no girly-girl and the story is essentially a quest-type adventure.
I really liked Talina as a character. I do have a soft spot for bold girls and Talina is certainly that. Famous for her impudence and temper, she has the nerve to go against adult characters (who can be in the wrong) and to fight to save her parents and Venice as a whole. She also does develop through the course of the story and isn't quite the same Talina at the end as at the beginning.
The narration is third person, allowing some comment on and description of Talina from the outside and there are some wonderful touches in the dialogue. I appreciated the way some of the male cats spoke, showing their masculinity and roughness (like "dat's da troof"), and the fake French accents used by the Ravageurs to hide their true origins.
I haven't read Lovric's earlier Venice novels, so I can't comment on their connection, but I believe that this story does stand alone, with no need to read the others first. The story certainly felt complete to me, with no sense that I was missing something.
Once of the things I loved most about this book was the addition at the back of a section entitled "What is real and what is made up". These few pages precisely outline which elements of the story are factual and which are invented (unsurprisingly!). I would have loved this kind of detail as a child, and I'm sure my daughter will lap this up too. I was surprised at some of the small details which had come from historical fact; this section definitely added to my enjoyment of the book.
Overall, this is a classic children's fantasy with magical creatures, well-rounded characters and plenty of twists and setbacks.
February 3, 2012
Michelle Lovric has once again created a rollicking adventure full of history, awesome imagination and fantastic characters of all sorts. I've been a huge fan since the day I first read The Undrowned Child, and she does not disappoint with this new Venetian tale, set some 30 odd years before The Undrowned Child.
Talina is a force to be reckoned with, smart, with a voracious appetite for reading (she can read one book with each eye, though this can cause some calamities like faulty spells), and a trouble maker with a temper when backed into a corner. She's renowned as the terror of the neighbourhood and it's all these qualities that make her funny and charming to the reader- though likely nobody you'd want to have to babysit in real life.
As is her style, Lovrics latest story has twice the cast of animals and magical creatures then humans. Everything from vicious hyena/wolf hybrids to ghosts, rats and cats, fill the pages. Many of them are so much fun they steal the scene every time they crop up. I was especially fond of the bully stray cats Bestard-Belou and Albicocco. Lovrics use of language always lends a special quality to her stories, and the cats are certainly no exception.
Through his full mouth, he mumbled, 'I likes a rat, ye know. I likes a little bit o bone to crunch. I doan hold wid that soft pap da missis gives us. I am fond of a pigeon too, if 'tis fat and bony both.'
Albicocco cuffed the rat out of his friend's mouth. 'Yer mistaking me for someone who cares 'bout what yew puts down yer ugly froat, Bestardo.'
Her writing is witty and full of fabulous vocabulary, giving any reader the added bonus of brushing up on their intelligent banter by extension. Without a doubt this will leave younger readers with a fair amount of questions about what certain words mean and it's jokes like this one that makes me wish I could be a fly on the wall for the first parent answering what a Enema is.
Somewhat more reluctantly, she resorted to a fat syringe labelled 'Elf Enemas' to baste her spicy sausages, and only after scrubbing it out first.
The story is good fun from start to end, with a great tie into The Undrowned Child. If you haven't had the pleasure of reading the first two parts to that series yet, you'll want to by the end of Talina in the Tower.
Talina is a force to be reckoned with, smart, with a voracious appetite for reading (she can read one book with each eye, though this can cause some calamities like faulty spells), and a trouble maker with a temper when backed into a corner. She's renowned as the terror of the neighbourhood and it's all these qualities that make her funny and charming to the reader- though likely nobody you'd want to have to babysit in real life.
As is her style, Lovrics latest story has twice the cast of animals and magical creatures then humans. Everything from vicious hyena/wolf hybrids to ghosts, rats and cats, fill the pages. Many of them are so much fun they steal the scene every time they crop up. I was especially fond of the bully stray cats Bestard-Belou and Albicocco. Lovrics use of language always lends a special quality to her stories, and the cats are certainly no exception.
Through his full mouth, he mumbled, 'I likes a rat, ye know. I likes a little bit o bone to crunch. I doan hold wid that soft pap da missis gives us. I am fond of a pigeon too, if 'tis fat and bony both.'
Albicocco cuffed the rat out of his friend's mouth. 'Yer mistaking me for someone who cares 'bout what yew puts down yer ugly froat, Bestardo.'
Her writing is witty and full of fabulous vocabulary, giving any reader the added bonus of brushing up on their intelligent banter by extension. Without a doubt this will leave younger readers with a fair amount of questions about what certain words mean and it's jokes like this one that makes me wish I could be a fly on the wall for the first parent answering what a Enema is.
Somewhat more reluctantly, she resorted to a fat syringe labelled 'Elf Enemas' to baste her spicy sausages, and only after scrubbing it out first.
The story is good fun from start to end, with a great tie into The Undrowned Child. If you haven't had the pleasure of reading the first two parts to that series yet, you'll want to by the end of Talina in the Tower.
June 5, 2020
Quality Rating: Three Stars
Enjoyment Rating: Two Stars
I adored Michelle Lovric's first children's novel, The Undrowned Child, when I was a kid - and it held up pretty well when I reread it. But sadly Talina in the Tower didn't have the same magic to it for me.
I'm aware that The Undrowned Child was quite fancily written for a children's book, but I don't remember having any trouble understanding it. Talina felt a lot more convoluted and quirky without actually feeling magical. It matches the grim darkness I was expecting from Lovric's previous books, but it loses the whimsy and spark that The Undrowned Child thrived on.
Of course, reading this book as an adult is bound to muddle up some of the enjoyment. I didn't feel much peril, but I suppose that's my age. The fact that nothing really happens, though, I think is more of a problem. There's no sense of momentum or cause an effect; lots of things just happen and I couldn't really keep track of them or how we were progressing at all. Maybe I'm overthinking it, but it might be a bit of an issue in a kid's book.
I imagine there's probably a crossover to The Undrowned Child at some point (pretty sure Gasperin was the protagonist's surname from that) and a lot of the reason I kept reading was to try and reach a point where Teo or another familiar face turned up. But I read 38% of the way through, and my enthusiasm wasn't quite enough to keep going anymore.
Enjoyment Rating: Two Stars
I adored Michelle Lovric's first children's novel, The Undrowned Child, when I was a kid - and it held up pretty well when I reread it. But sadly Talina in the Tower didn't have the same magic to it for me.
I'm aware that The Undrowned Child was quite fancily written for a children's book, but I don't remember having any trouble understanding it. Talina felt a lot more convoluted and quirky without actually feeling magical. It matches the grim darkness I was expecting from Lovric's previous books, but it loses the whimsy and spark that The Undrowned Child thrived on.
Of course, reading this book as an adult is bound to muddle up some of the enjoyment. I didn't feel much peril, but I suppose that's my age. The fact that nothing really happens, though, I think is more of a problem. There's no sense of momentum or cause an effect; lots of things just happen and I couldn't really keep track of them or how we were progressing at all. Maybe I'm overthinking it, but it might be a bit of an issue in a kid's book.
I imagine there's probably a crossover to The Undrowned Child at some point (pretty sure Gasperin was the protagonist's surname from that) and a lot of the reason I kept reading was to try and reach a point where Teo or another familiar face turned up. But I read 38% of the way through, and my enthusiasm wasn't quite enough to keep going anymore.
November 23, 2020
Venice 1866. Young Talina's neighbour's and cats are going missing in the dead of night after hearing disembodied french voices shouting "give eet back!". When Talina's parents fail to return home she is taken by her cruel uncle to his tower and told to behave herself. But Talina has never been one to follow rules. So with the help of a variety of quirky Venetians she sets out to unmask the scary creatures terrorising Venice and suffers a few magic mishaps along the way.
I loved the story and the bizarre jumble of magic. The main character and the villains were well established but the pacing was a little off at times; some scenes were so fleshed out but others were glossed over in a single sentence. Overall i thoroughly enjoyed the story and it kept my attention the whole time.
I loved the story and the bizarre jumble of magic. The main character and the villains were well established but the pacing was a little off at times; some scenes were so fleshed out but others were glossed over in a single sentence. Overall i thoroughly enjoyed the story and it kept my attention the whole time.
January 21, 2020
3.7/5
Magical. Funny. Adventurous! Happy to round it up as there’s nothing I dislike about this book. I just fail to fall in love with it. I really want to - because once you’re hooked, you really wanna know how it all ends and hope for the best for Talina. Imagine there’s a line between Harry P.’s movie (Azkaban onwards) and one of Tim Burton’s, and i think Michelle Lovric is flirting with it.
Positives: I really enjoy reading the author’s story-writing & creativity. There’s moral to it, for the hasty ones. Her take on the Venice history got me thinking that this could really be a ‘true’ myth. Also, good endings!
Perplexing moment: There’s darkness to this magical, funny read. Made me unsure of the age group for it - my safe bet is 9 years and above? May be I’m just not imaginative enough (too logical) to read kids’ books.
Magical. Funny. Adventurous! Happy to round it up as there’s nothing I dislike about this book. I just fail to fall in love with it. I really want to - because once you’re hooked, you really wanna know how it all ends and hope for the best for Talina. Imagine there’s a line between Harry P.’s movie (Azkaban onwards) and one of Tim Burton’s, and i think Michelle Lovric is flirting with it.
Positives: I really enjoy reading the author’s story-writing & creativity. There’s moral to it, for the hasty ones. Her take on the Venice history got me thinking that this could really be a ‘true’ myth. Also, good endings!
Perplexing moment: There’s darkness to this magical, funny read. Made me unsure of the age group for it - my safe bet is 9 years and above? May be I’m just not imaginative enough (too logical) to read kids’ books.
January 25, 2020
Interesting setting and story, with lots of descriptive detail, and some fun characterisation. At first I wasn't sure if I was going to like the tone (it's one of those stories that teeters on the line between quirky and ridiculous, between having fun with the story and setting and making it into a farce). I think she got the balance right and it was a good read.
March 26, 2021
The last third is the best part of the book. Interestingly, in this story magic is more of a household hobby than a serious discipline. Professor Marin cooks potions and develops magical items in his kitchen.
September 19, 2021
I read this when I was a kid and i loved it - i read it three times iirc, and i hardly ever re-read books. i read it again recently and i still agree with my younger self, even if im not quite as obsessed with it as i was back then.
August 5, 2012
Michelle Lovric has once again created a rollicking adventure full of history, awesome imagination and fantastic characters of all sorts. I've been a huge fan since the day I first read The Undrowned Child, and she does not disappoint with this new Venetian tale, set some 30 odd years before The Undrowned Child.
Talina is a force to be reckoned with, smart, with a voracious appetite for reading (she can read one book with each eye, though this can cause some calamities like faulty spells), and a trouble maker with a temper when backed into a corner. She's renowned as the terror of the neighbourhood and it's all these qualities that make her funny and charming to the reader- though likely nobody you'd want to have to babysit in real life.
As is her style, Lovrics latest story has twice the cast of animals and magical creatures then humans. Everything from vicious hyena/wolf hybrids to ghosts, rats and cats, fill the pages. Many of them are so much fun they steal the scene every time they crop up. I was especially fond of the bully stray cats Bestard-Belou and Albicocco. Lovrics use of language always lends a special quality to her stories, and the cats are certainly no exception.
Through his full mouth, he mumbled, 'I likes a rat, ye know. I likes a little bit o bone to crunch. I doan hold wid that soft pap da missis gives us. I am fond of a pigeon too, if 'tis fat and bony both.'
Albicocco cuffed the rat out of his friend's mouth. 'Yer mistaking me for someone who cares 'bout what yew puts down yer ugly froat, Bestardo.'
Her writing is witty and full of fabulous vocabulary, giving any reader the added bonus of brushing up on their intelligent banter by extension. Without a doubt this will leave younger readers with a fair amount of questions about what certain words mean and it's jokes like this one that makes me wish I could be a fly on the wall for the first parent answering what a Enema is.
Somewhat more reluctantly, she resorted to a fat syringe labelled 'Elf Enemas' to baste her spicy sausages, and only after scrubbing it out first.
The story is good fun from start to end, with a great tie into The Undrowned Child. If you haven't had the pleasure of reading the first two parts to that series yet, you'll want to by the end of Talina in the Tower.
Coming out today in the UK from Orion books, you can buy your copy of Talina in the Tower at the Book Depository.
Talina is a force to be reckoned with, smart, with a voracious appetite for reading (she can read one book with each eye, though this can cause some calamities like faulty spells), and a trouble maker with a temper when backed into a corner. She's renowned as the terror of the neighbourhood and it's all these qualities that make her funny and charming to the reader- though likely nobody you'd want to have to babysit in real life.
As is her style, Lovrics latest story has twice the cast of animals and magical creatures then humans. Everything from vicious hyena/wolf hybrids to ghosts, rats and cats, fill the pages. Many of them are so much fun they steal the scene every time they crop up. I was especially fond of the bully stray cats Bestard-Belou and Albicocco. Lovrics use of language always lends a special quality to her stories, and the cats are certainly no exception.
Through his full mouth, he mumbled, 'I likes a rat, ye know. I likes a little bit o bone to crunch. I doan hold wid that soft pap da missis gives us. I am fond of a pigeon too, if 'tis fat and bony both.'
Albicocco cuffed the rat out of his friend's mouth. 'Yer mistaking me for someone who cares 'bout what yew puts down yer ugly froat, Bestardo.'
Her writing is witty and full of fabulous vocabulary, giving any reader the added bonus of brushing up on their intelligent banter by extension. Without a doubt this will leave younger readers with a fair amount of questions about what certain words mean and it's jokes like this one that makes me wish I could be a fly on the wall for the first parent answering what a Enema is.
Somewhat more reluctantly, she resorted to a fat syringe labelled 'Elf Enemas' to baste her spicy sausages, and only after scrubbing it out first.
The story is good fun from start to end, with a great tie into The Undrowned Child. If you haven't had the pleasure of reading the first two parts to that series yet, you'll want to by the end of Talina in the Tower.
Coming out today in the UK from Orion books, you can buy your copy of Talina in the Tower at the Book Depository.
February 16, 2016
I was especially pleased to learn about this book, not only because I adore Italian historical fiction, but because it is aimed towards the youth market. The beautiful cover art drew me to it even more and made reading it a true pleasure.
Reading Talina in the Tower was a lovely experience that took me back to those summer days when I was a kid, devouring one book after another. With a touch of history and a sprinkling of magic set in a spectacular backdrop, this was a lovely book to read and enjoy. It is the tale of a bold girl whose parents are missing. She is forced to live with an evil guardian who writes books about children who meet tragic ends, but she is determined to persevere and sets out in search for her parents. Born with the ability to read two books simultaneously, Talina accidently turns herself into a cat while reading a magic book and recipe at the same time. And then a magical adventure begins filled with fascinating characters, terrible creatures, and a very nasty villain.
To say this story is wonderfully creative would be an understatement. It is more than that 13 vivid, believable, well written, and heart-wrenching. Despite the eclectic collection of creatures and people, it makes sense and is believable. They seem real and leaped off the pages as I read along. The adventure quest took me from one set of troubles to the next, always keeping those pages turning.
This novel is aimed at the young adult market, but can be enjoyed by adults as well because the prose and story is rich and not overly simplified. From the beauty of its breath-taking cover to the wonderfully emotional tale told with spell-binding prose, this is a treasure of a book I 19ve placed lovingly on my collector 19s shelf 13 one to keep and pass on to the next generation of children in my family.
Reading Talina in the Tower was a lovely experience that took me back to those summer days when I was a kid, devouring one book after another. With a touch of history and a sprinkling of magic set in a spectacular backdrop, this was a lovely book to read and enjoy. It is the tale of a bold girl whose parents are missing. She is forced to live with an evil guardian who writes books about children who meet tragic ends, but she is determined to persevere and sets out in search for her parents. Born with the ability to read two books simultaneously, Talina accidently turns herself into a cat while reading a magic book and recipe at the same time. And then a magical adventure begins filled with fascinating characters, terrible creatures, and a very nasty villain.
To say this story is wonderfully creative would be an understatement. It is more than that 13 vivid, believable, well written, and heart-wrenching. Despite the eclectic collection of creatures and people, it makes sense and is believable. They seem real and leaped off the pages as I read along. The adventure quest took me from one set of troubles to the next, always keeping those pages turning.
This novel is aimed at the young adult market, but can be enjoyed by adults as well because the prose and story is rich and not overly simplified. From the beauty of its breath-taking cover to the wonderfully emotional tale told with spell-binding prose, this is a treasure of a book I 19ve placed lovingly on my collector 19s shelf 13 one to keep and pass on to the next generation of children in my family.
March 5, 2012
What a delightful book this was!
I haven't read any books by Michelle Lovric before, but I quickly went out to purchase the other two books in her children's series - The Undrowned Child and The Mourning Emporium.
I loved the characters in the book. They were full of quirks that made them so real and extremely funny. Talina is a very strong character - no one messes with her. She is like a tornado as she jumps in head first to sort the whole of Venice out almost single handedly. I think she is one of the strongest female characters I have read since finishing meeting Katniss in The Hunger Games. Her love for her family spurs her into action and she will stop at nothing until she finds her parents.
The writing is beautiful and descriptive allowing you to sample life in Venice just by turning the page. The imagery is stunning and I found myself desperately wanting to visit Venice, but with Michelle as my tour guide. With each description of Venice, you can tell how much the author loves the city; her words breathe out enthusiasm and affection. The dialogue is hilarious. I loved the accents of the cats in it, it truly brought them to life.
I love the way the author has intermingled fantasy with reality. A cast of fantasy and mythical creatures intermingling with humans as they wander through the real streets of Venice.
The plot had me hooked from the first page, as I wondered what on earth was happening to all the people of the town. Michelle Lovric has created an enchanting novel that has left me wanting more.
I haven't read any books by Michelle Lovric before, but I quickly went out to purchase the other two books in her children's series - The Undrowned Child and The Mourning Emporium.
I loved the characters in the book. They were full of quirks that made them so real and extremely funny. Talina is a very strong character - no one messes with her. She is like a tornado as she jumps in head first to sort the whole of Venice out almost single handedly. I think she is one of the strongest female characters I have read since finishing meeting Katniss in The Hunger Games. Her love for her family spurs her into action and she will stop at nothing until she finds her parents.
The writing is beautiful and descriptive allowing you to sample life in Venice just by turning the page. The imagery is stunning and I found myself desperately wanting to visit Venice, but with Michelle as my tour guide. With each description of Venice, you can tell how much the author loves the city; her words breathe out enthusiasm and affection. The dialogue is hilarious. I loved the accents of the cats in it, it truly brought them to life.
I love the way the author has intermingled fantasy with reality. A cast of fantasy and mythical creatures intermingling with humans as they wander through the real streets of Venice.
The plot had me hooked from the first page, as I wondered what on earth was happening to all the people of the town. Michelle Lovric has created an enchanting novel that has left me wanting more.
January 29, 2013
Read full review here: http://escapingrealitybookreviews.wor...
Talina in the Tower has a slow and slightly confusing start as the author struggles to build the world. However, this phase didn’t last long, and I was soon caught up in the fast-paced action of 19th century Venice. I really enjoyed this book – especially the plot! I can honestly say, that, though some of the morals were quite blatant and slap-you-in-the-face (it IS a MG book, after all), there were many twists and turns that I never saw coming.
Fans of books such as Gregor the Overlander and Igraine the Brave, will love this stunning adventure novel.
I'm 15, and I recommend this book.
Talina in the Tower has a slow and slightly confusing start as the author struggles to build the world. However, this phase didn’t last long, and I was soon caught up in the fast-paced action of 19th century Venice. I really enjoyed this book – especially the plot! I can honestly say, that, though some of the morals were quite blatant and slap-you-in-the-face (it IS a MG book, after all), there were many twists and turns that I never saw coming.
Fans of books such as Gregor the Overlander and Igraine the Brave, will love this stunning adventure novel.
I'm 15, and I recommend this book.
December 18, 2012
Michelle Lovric is one of my favourite children’s authors working today. I have been a big fan since I read her first children’s novel The Undrowned Child – her story-telling skills are top notch. Talina in the Tower, like Lovric’s two books before it, is written with imagination, intelligence, humour that snaps and loving attention to Venice and its history. If you truly want to escape, her books are your means to.
Full review at:
http://bookgrotto.blogspot.com.au/201...
Full review at:
http://bookgrotto.blogspot.com.au/201...
September 11, 2012
Great story, loved all the characters, I think I might need that hanky in my life though .
August 10, 2013
I loved reading this thrilling adventure book. I found the cover really striking.
It's a must read book!
It's a must read book!
Read
October 25, 2014This was one heck of a surprise to wake up to. Now I really can tell people that I'm in a book. I need to read this one soon!
June 25, 2014
Overall, an enjoyable children's fantasy, but weakened by some awkward transitions between scenes.
July 31, 2014
Cute, in the vein of Catherynne Valente, but with a very rushed-feeling ending.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews