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The Children of the Red King #7
Charlie Bone and the Shadow
When Charlie is trapped in a magical painting he must battle an evil count thirsty for revenge. Will he be able to save himself and his friends? Find out in Book 7 of Jenny Nimmo's bestselling series!
The enchanter Count Harken is back to take his revenge on the Red King's heirs, starting with Charlie Bone's family! Charlie's ancestor has been kidnapped and imprisoned in the dark, forbidding land of Badlock, and it's up to Charlie to save him. Traveling through a painting to the terrifying countryside, Charlie and his best friend's dog, Runner Bean, take up the quest. But when Runner Bean gets trapped, Charlie needs the help of his friends. Can they get past an army of trolls, rescue Runner Bean and Charlie's ancestor, and get out before it's too late?
The enchanter Count Harken is back to take his revenge on the Red King's heirs, starting with Charlie Bone's family! Charlie's ancestor has been kidnapped and imprisoned in the dark, forbidding land of Badlock, and it's up to Charlie to save him. Traveling through a painting to the terrifying countryside, Charlie and his best friend's dog, Runner Bean, take up the quest. But when Runner Bean gets trapped, Charlie needs the help of his friends. Can they get past an army of trolls, rescue Runner Bean and Charlie's ancestor, and get out before it's too late?
429 pages, Hardcover
First published September 1, 2008
110 people are currently reading
4374 people want to read
About the author
Jenny Nimmo
136 books962 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 369 reviews
December 22, 2025
I can’t believe that I almost finished my yearly re-read of my favorite childhood series to keep me sane and happy.
Anyway, book seven is probably the most unique one.
While all the other books mainly take place in the Bloor academy (a school for magically gifted children and other talented kids), this time the school isn’t the main stage of the story.
Don’t worry, the characters all pretty much stay the same but we also get introduced to Badlock a whole different world, a world that one can only enter by going through an old picture that Charlie's evil grandmother is keeping in the basement
… and which causes a lot of chaos as you can imagine.
Badlock is an interesting world for sure, but ultimately I do prefer the books that only take place in the school. It just seems a bit odd to introduce such a big change in the seventh book of a series.
Due to that, Charlie Bone and the Shadow of Badlock has always been my least favorite and the one one out of the bunch that I didn't give 5 stars to.
I guess it also has a lot to do with what I love most about the series and that is how there are so many characters but that they all play their own unique part in the end.
Here it wasn’t working as well as it had in the other books, as only a few of the characters are able to go to Badlock while the rest of them are still staying at the school.
There was so much going on but it almost felt like two different books at once.
But, as you can probably tell from my rating, I still had a good time reading it.
And how could I not? After all, the characters, that after all these books and years are so dear to me and the great writing are still the same. (It also gives us a few twists that will be very interesting for the next and final book!) It is just maybe not as 100% flawless and perfect as the previous books.
Anyway, book seven is probably the most unique one.
While all the other books mainly take place in the Bloor academy (a school for magically gifted children and other talented kids), this time the school isn’t the main stage of the story.
Don’t worry, the characters all pretty much stay the same but we also get introduced to Badlock a whole different world, a world that one can only enter by going through an old picture that Charlie's evil grandmother is keeping in the basement
… and which causes a lot of chaos as you can imagine.
Badlock is an interesting world for sure, but ultimately I do prefer the books that only take place in the school. It just seems a bit odd to introduce such a big change in the seventh book of a series.
Due to that, Charlie Bone and the Shadow of Badlock has always been my least favorite and the one one out of the bunch that I didn't give 5 stars to.
I guess it also has a lot to do with what I love most about the series and that is how there are so many characters but that they all play their own unique part in the end.
Here it wasn’t working as well as it had in the other books, as only a few of the characters are able to go to Badlock while the rest of them are still staying at the school.
There was so much going on but it almost felt like two different books at once.
But, as you can probably tell from my rating, I still had a good time reading it.
And how could I not? After all, the characters, that after all these books and years are so dear to me and the great writing are still the same. (It also gives us a few twists that will be very interesting for the next and final book!) It is just maybe not as 100% flawless and perfect as the previous books.
October 3, 2016
I feel like I could copy and paste one of my reviews from any of the last several books in the series and it would still detail how I feel about this particular book completely. Despite this being the seventh book in the series, the writing and characterization have failed to develop. I'm not saying that its horrible or the worst series I've ever read or anything, but the issues that I do have with it haven't improved in the slightest. I believe this particular book actually may have even gone on to highlight some of the main issues I have with the book in further detail... mainly characterization.
However, I do feel like I should note some of the book's good qualities. I really enjoyed the new development of picture traveling and meeting the new characters inside. I find certain details described about the universe inside the painting fascinating and I hope the final book will return to touch base on it further. I also really loved "the giant." I actually don't know why, but I found him the most authentic character thus far.
Overall, I would give this book 2.75 stars. While I keep waiting for this series to blow me away, I keep getting let down. Hopefully the last book will do something that will leave a memorable impression on me.
However, I do feel like I should note some of the book's good qualities. I really enjoyed the new development of picture traveling and meeting the new characters inside. I find certain details described about the universe inside the painting fascinating and I hope the final book will return to touch base on it further. I also really loved "the giant." I actually don't know why, but I found him the most authentic character thus far.
Overall, I would give this book 2.75 stars. While I keep waiting for this series to blow me away, I keep getting let down. Hopefully the last book will do something that will leave a memorable impression on me.
November 22, 2008
A great addition to the series.
November 15, 2010
Can you imagine somewhere where certain people had extraordinary powers? In the book Charlie Bone and the Shadow, where this story takes place, some people do have special powers. I read the book Charlie Bone and the Shadow and it is a great story. This story is written by Jenny Nimmo and is the seventh book in a series.
In this story an evil enchanter comes back after being defeated and banished once. Throughout most of the story is in a painting. Any body he wants he lures them down and sucks them into the painting he is in. The setting in this story seems to be the late 1900s in Britain. There is a very old part of town with cobble stone streets, a town square, small shops, and a cathedral in the town square. The rest of the town is new because a while ago a fire went through the town and the only reason one part of the town was saved was because of the enchanters that lived there.
There are many characters in the story. The main character is Charlie
Bone. Charlie Bone has an extraordinary power, or as the book calls it “endowed”, in which he is able to travel into pictures. Also, he never thinks before he does stuff – which gets him into trouble. In addition he has thick bushy brown hair. Also, in this book there is an evil enchanter. His name is Count Harken or, as he is also called, the shadow. He is very powerful and evil. He can enchant people to do whatever he wants.
The book I read also has great descriptions. The author takes an entire paragraph to describe how someone looks. Also, as you go through the book a picture of the town really builds up in your head. You feel like you are actually there.
In conclusion, Charlie Bone and the Shadow is a great book. It has great descriptions, moves quickly and has a great plot. I highly recommend you read this book.
In this story an evil enchanter comes back after being defeated and banished once. Throughout most of the story is in a painting. Any body he wants he lures them down and sucks them into the painting he is in. The setting in this story seems to be the late 1900s in Britain. There is a very old part of town with cobble stone streets, a town square, small shops, and a cathedral in the town square. The rest of the town is new because a while ago a fire went through the town and the only reason one part of the town was saved was because of the enchanters that lived there.
There are many characters in the story. The main character is Charlie
Bone. Charlie Bone has an extraordinary power, or as the book calls it “endowed”, in which he is able to travel into pictures. Also, he never thinks before he does stuff – which gets him into trouble. In addition he has thick bushy brown hair. Also, in this book there is an evil enchanter. His name is Count Harken or, as he is also called, the shadow. He is very powerful and evil. He can enchant people to do whatever he wants.
The book I read also has great descriptions. The author takes an entire paragraph to describe how someone looks. Also, as you go through the book a picture of the town really builds up in your head. You feel like you are actually there.
In conclusion, Charlie Bone and the Shadow is a great book. It has great descriptions, moves quickly and has a great plot. I highly recommend you read this book.
December 1, 2014
As this book fits perfectly into the series it is very satisfying. Since the book is about Charlie being as curious as ever, stumbling into a huge problem when he has a power to go through paintings. Where as this time he traveled to an unknown destination through a picture that his aunt recently put in the basement. Unknowingly, his aunt and other people of a force are grouping together to get ride of Charlie and his friends. I truly enjoyed this book since throughout the entire book it is action filled. Since the book is very different in the concept of a fictional book with human powers, it is why I like the book. With the book being part of a series it leaves the reader unaware of what is to happen next, even with small details that could lead to giving something away in next book, the whole book is. Ery suspenseful. So overall I really liked book.
April 23, 2018
I liked the magic in this one - fell more into the realm of magical realism that I think should be (at least partially) in every YA book! My opinion of the full series is coming to realization, too... prepare for a longer, more scrutinizing review in the upcoming, final installment.
October 12, 2009
I must say, of all of the books, this was not my favorite but I did give it 4 stars because it was still good and a must read for any Charlie Bone lover!
Count Harken Badlock is back and this time, he trys to trap Charlie and Ben's dog Runner Bean in a painting. However, Charlie escapes but Runner is trapped. Charlie must rescue Runner and brings Billy into the painting making Billy want to stay inside. Will Runner get out and will Billy stay or leave.
If you don't want to read any spoilers, read no further I warn you because I'm about to let the cat out of the bag! The part that made me want to deduct one star was that Billy does stay put in the painting. Billy is an important character, or so I feel, and I think that leaving him in the painting was a horrible choice unless of course he decides to come out in the 8th and final installment. This is the 7th installment in the Children of the Red King series. Advice would be, for anyone who loves the Harry Potter series, this would be a good choice for a next series. This is for ages 12 and up.
Count Harken Badlock is back and this time, he trys to trap Charlie and Ben's dog Runner Bean in a painting. However, Charlie escapes but Runner is trapped. Charlie must rescue Runner and brings Billy into the painting making Billy want to stay inside. Will Runner get out and will Billy stay or leave.
If you don't want to read any spoilers, read no further I warn you because I'm about to let the cat out of the bag! The part that made me want to deduct one star was that Billy does stay put in the painting. Billy is an important character, or so I feel, and I think that leaving him in the painting was a horrible choice unless of course he decides to come out in the 8th and final installment. This is the 7th installment in the Children of the Red King series. Advice would be, for anyone who loves the Harry Potter series, this would be a good choice for a next series. This is for ages 12 and up.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 2, 2020
Full of potential but fell short. This one does end on a big cliffhanger - so now i feel compelled to read the next one - which is a new experience in this series! So that’s better I guess?
None of the characters are developing and the plot is full of too many inconveniences that force Charlie to make incongruous decisions. i.e. Family member X , Y and Z aren’t there to help and protect Charlie so it becomes a survivalist story to see how far he can be pushed before breaking. All without positive elements to balance it out.
None of the characters are developing and the plot is full of too many inconveniences that force Charlie to make incongruous decisions. i.e. Family member X , Y and Z aren’t there to help and protect Charlie so it becomes a survivalist story to see how far he can be pushed before breaking. All without positive elements to balance it out.
October 2, 2008
So I really loved this book. It only takes place during one maybe two weeks of school for Charlie. Charlie is lured into a painting with the Shadow. Runner Bean is also lured for a different reason. Charlie gets out but Runner doesn't. He has to rescure Runner and Billy who also gets lured into the painting. It was so fun to read I did it in one day. If you love to read fun this book is it.
March 21, 2016
This book was okay but not as good as the other books in the series and the only reason I stuck with this book is because I just wanted to finish the series.
April 29, 2022
I had to listen to this as an audiobook since they don’t have a hard copy at the library. I liked the narrator’s voice, Simon Jones, especially when he does the voice for cranky old Grandma Bone hahaha! It’s been a while since I read the previous books so I don’t remember much of what happened before.
All I know, is I liked the creativity Jenny Nimmo put into magical people seeing as we already had Harry Potter. She put her own spin on the children and how the private school they went to taught magical things. Such as them having their capes be different colors based on their magical talents and that they had a special room for the kids who were descendants of the main magical people. I also like the Flames, I’d want a trio of cats like that.
This story was all right, not really had me captivated but enough to want me to keep listening. I hope I get to learn more about who the red knight is in the next book, it has me interested in learning who it is. Either way, this was a good leisurely book to read, don’t really need to think too hard about hidden meanings, metaphors, or symbolism.
All I know, is I liked the creativity Jenny Nimmo put into magical people seeing as we already had Harry Potter. She put her own spin on the children and how the private school they went to taught magical things. Such as them having their capes be different colors based on their magical talents and that they had a special room for the kids who were descendants of the main magical people. I also like the Flames, I’d want a trio of cats like that.
This story was all right, not really had me captivated but enough to want me to keep listening. I hope I get to learn more about who the red knight is in the next book, it has me interested in learning who it is. Either way, this was a good leisurely book to read, don’t really need to think too hard about hidden meanings, metaphors, or symbolism.
January 21, 2025
Sad to say, but I'm completely checked out of this series at this point. The first four books were fun but had some issues, but every book after that just kept going downhill. It really feels like Nimmo just wanted the series to keep going and started to really reach for things to keep up the momentum, but unfortunately the series ran out of steam three books ago. The biggest feeling I have with this is boredom. I don't care about the plot and I don't care about the characters, so why am I reading this? I won't be continuing on to the last book. A disappointing end to a promising series.
April 8, 2023
In book 7 of the Children of the Red King series, Charlie and company must figure out why a strange painting has come into the Bones’ house, and what’s happening at the meetings in the Old Chapel.
Poppy wished he could rate this one 5.5 stars because he loved it so much. Each chapter, and even the end left on a cliffhanger, and we can’t wait to read the last book!
Poppy wished he could rate this one 5.5 stars because he loved it so much. Each chapter, and even the end left on a cliffhanger, and we can’t wait to read the last book!
July 29, 2024
This was a great continuation of Charlie's story. I enjoy anytime the group has interactions with the past. Additionally, it was interesting to see how Charlie's non-magical friend was included through Runner Bean's involvement.
October 29, 2024
Nostalgia is making me rate this higher than I would have. This one didn’t feel like anything happened to actually further the overall plot. There’s a shocking twist but nothing that couldn’t have happened in the final book. Not a bad installment, just unnecessary.
February 14, 2025
Even if it is somewhat predictable, I really like Charlie and his friends. Ready for the last book!
July 27, 2017
Count Harkin is back. This time, he is in a painting of Badlock. The Great-aunts hide the painting in the basement of Charlie's house. They want to trap Billy Raven in the painting and they eventually succeed.
But first, Charlie goes into the painting and visits his ancestor, emprisoned there. He gets out, but Runner Bean is trapped and Benjamin, along with his parents, are angry with Charlie for that. Runner Bean is how Billy was lured to the painting,and then dragged in.
Meanwhile, Dagbert plans on getting his sea-gold creature back from Tancred. Along with Dorcas, he traps Charlie's moth-wand and Manfred tried to kill it. This did not succeed, but Dagbert was able to trick Tancred into returning the sea-gold before Tancred was nearly drowned.
Charlie had been locked up for defacing a painting (he shoved Dagbert who lost his balance and feel into the painting),so he missed the fight. He was also suspended.
Charlie uses Solomon, the blue boa, and Mrs. Kettle's help, to get back into Badlock. While Billy refused to return, Charlie brought his ancestor and reunited him with Amoret, his wife and the Red King's daughter. Uncle Paton reveals that he believes Billy should have inherited instead of the Bloors.
This sets up the last book in the series.
But first, Charlie goes into the painting and visits his ancestor, emprisoned there. He gets out, but Runner Bean is trapped and Benjamin, along with his parents, are angry with Charlie for that. Runner Bean is how Billy was lured to the painting,and then dragged in.
Meanwhile, Dagbert plans on getting his sea-gold creature back from Tancred. Along with Dorcas, he traps Charlie's moth-wand and Manfred tried to kill it. This did not succeed, but Dagbert was able to trick Tancred into returning the sea-gold before Tancred was nearly drowned.
Charlie had been locked up for defacing a painting (he shoved Dagbert who lost his balance and feel into the painting),so he missed the fight. He was also suspended.
Charlie uses Solomon, the blue boa, and Mrs. Kettle's help, to get back into Badlock. While Billy refused to return, Charlie brought his ancestor and reunited him with Amoret, his wife and the Red King's daughter. Uncle Paton reveals that he believes Billy should have inherited instead of the Bloors.
This sets up the last book in the series.
December 14, 2019
After a few books it just gets a bit ridiculous that one side tried to murder, kidnap, and enslave the other while the other side doesn't shift the status quo. I really loved these books as a kid and tried to get through them recently to finally finish the series but it's just a bit stale. It's like if Harry Potter stated at the Dursleys the whole time and the Dursleys were actually deatheaters. It worse than that it's like if he went from the Dursleys Hogwarts which is run by Voldemort and they never even try to change the status quo.
I'm gonna push through and hope that the last few books get better.
I'm gonna push through and hope that the last few books get better.
November 16, 2009
Book seven in the Charlie Bone series.
The evil enchanter Count Harken is back, and his power is drawing more and more of his allies to the city. As the balance of power shifts in favor of the Red King's not-so-nice descendents, Charlie fights to save one of his ancestors, as well as Runner Bean and Billy Raven from a painting unlike anything Charlie has ever seen before.
The evil enchanter Count Harken is back, and his power is drawing more and more of his allies to the city. As the balance of power shifts in favor of the Red King's not-so-nice descendents, Charlie fights to save one of his ancestors, as well as Runner Bean and Billy Raven from a painting unlike anything Charlie has ever seen before.
April 9, 2017
In 1996 JK Rowling started a world wide fascination for Wizards, magic, muggles and the eternal fight against good and Evil. Jenny Nimmo has created a world similar to Hogworts and characters that are an intriguing mix. Everybody has individual powers, so you never quite know what to expect. I would recommend this series to children added 7-12
February 7, 2017
Just as good as the previous six in the series. Can't wait for #8. Another year?!?
February 24, 2009
This one is great, you can sense that the end of the series is coming, and it'll be crazy to see how she ends it.
Read
July 7, 2009good book i can't wait for the next one to come out!!!!!!! haha there's a girl named olivia in it :) she dyes her hair alot
November 28, 2010
one word:....UNBELIEVEABLE!!
July 29, 2016
BILLY STAYED IN BADLOCK!!!!! BAD BILLY!!!!!
Read
April 25, 2015Sometimes I get teary eyed when I see dogs in paintings, and wonder if they might be trapped as well.
October 2, 2008
it was a scary sad and enjoyable book. i cant wait for the next one!
December 30, 2020
Serijal se sastoji od osam knjiga: ''Ponoć za Čarlija Bouna'', ''Čarli Boun i vremenski tvister'', ''Čarli Boun i plava boa'', ''Čarli Boun i zamak ogledala'', ''Čarli Boun i skriveni kralj'', ''Čarli Boun i vuk iz divljine'', ''Čarli Boun i senka Bedloka'' i ''Čarli Boun i Crveni vitez''.
Radnja serijala odvija se u izmišljenom gradiću u Engleskoj koji je nastao na ruševinama zamka čuvenog Crvenog kralja. Priča prati jednog sasvim običnog dečaka koji se zove Čarli Boun. Čarli Boun živi sa majkom, svoje dve babe i svojim deda-ujakom. Otac mu je nestao nakon saobraćajne nesreće i veruje se da je umro. Tada je Čarli imao samo dve godine. Čarlijev običan život menja se iz korena u njegovoj jedanaestoj godini. Tada se budi njegov neobičan talenat. Čarli može da čuje glasove ljudi sa slika ili fotografija. Njegov talenat će se razvijati pa će na kraju moći i da putuje u slike / fotografije. Sa majčine strane, Čarli vodi poreklo od moćnog velškog čarobnjaka Matonvija od koga je nasledio Klirven, veoma neobičan čarobni štapić koji ima svoju sopstvenu volju. Tako da je Čarli i čarobnjak u nastajanju. (Inače Klirven znači Snežana na velškom jeziku ❤).
Čarli poseduje ovaj neobičan dar putovanja u slike jer je on jedan od potomaka Crvenog kralja (Timokena, pisala sam o njemu za prošli maraton - ''Hronike Crvenog kralja''). Pored Čarlija, postoji još obdarene dece i sva ta deca pohađaju zlokobnu Blurovu akademiju. To je akademija/internat za obdarene i ima tri odeljenja: muzičko, likovno i dramsko. Pored obdarene dece, to jest potomaka Crvenog kralja kod kojih se ispoljio neki neobičan talenat, Blurovu akademiju pohađaju i sva ostala nadarena deca - za muziku, za umetnost, za glumu, za nauke...
Akademiju čeličnom pesnicom vodi gnusna porodica Blur koja želi da drži na oku sve obdarene kako bi njihove talente mogla da kontroliše i isključivo koristi u svoju korist. Svi obdareni potiču od desetoro dece Crvenog kralja i njegove kraljice Berenise. Nakon smrti voljene majke i kraljice, petoro dece je ostalo na putu dobra, dok se drugih petoro okrenulo zlu (potpomognuti zlim čarobnjakom grofom Harkenom). Zato su dobra deca pobegla iz zamka u kojem su rođena i odrasla.
Videvši razdor u svojoj porodici i svestan činjenice da nikada ne bi mogao da povredi ijedno od svoje mnogobrojne dece (iako su ona činila gnusna dela), Timoken Crveni kralj rešava da se povuče iz sveta...
I tako je prošlo devet stotina godina. E, onda se desio Čarli 🙃 Kada Čarli krene u Akademiju, stvari će napokon početi da se menjaju jer je on lepak koji drži dobru decu na okupu. Napokon će dobri pružiti otpor zlima i prestati da samo posmatraju šta se sve događa u njihovom gradu i ljudima. I tako će Čarli da doživi razne pustolovine pokušavajući da ispravi nepravde i zlodela. Čarli će sa svojim prijateljima prkositi porodici Blur i osujetiće njihove mračne zavere čiji je krajnji cilj povratak i vaskrsnuće vekovnog zla...
Međutim, Blurovi su moćni i imaju brojne saveznike. Među njihovim saveznicima nalazi se i jedna Čarlijeva baba, majka njegovog oca, i njene tri zle sestre... Čarli neće imati mira ni u sopstvenoj kući... Čak će se suočiti i sa arhineprijateljem Crvenog kralja, čarobnjakom grofom Harkenom lično!
Ko će izaći kao pobednik? Da li će dobro napokon izvojevati pobedu? Da li će se mir i blagostanje vratiti u napaćeni gradić nakon toliko vekova? Taj zadatak će pasti u ruke Čarliju i njegovim brojnim prijateljima...
Serijal je izuzetno zabavan i zanimljiv. Priča brzo teče, stil je lagan i otkačen. Ono što mi se sviđa je činjenica da svaka knjiga pokriva jednu pustolovinu (sa izuzetkom poslednje dve jer pretposlednja knjiga predstavlja uvod neophodan za konačni rasplet priče). U svakoj knjizi Čarli je suočen sa jednim problemom koji treba da reši. Nema praznog hoda.
Knjiga obiluje neobičnim i ekscentričnim likovima i svi su beskrajno zanimljivi i urnebesni. Ipak, moj omiljeni lik je Čarlijev deda-ujak Paton (Čarli ga zove ujakom jer je dvadeset godina mlađi od svoje sestre, zle Grizelde Boun, Čarlijeve babe po ocu, i zato je po godinama veoma bliži Čarlijevom nestalom ocu). Paton ima veoma nesrećan talenat (po njegovim sopstvenim rečima 😂🤣 ). On može da pojačava protok i jačinu struje. Dovoljan je samo jedan njegov pogled i svaka sijalica u njegovoj blizini će pući. Čak i njegova raspoloženja i osećanja utiču na jačinu struje (jedna od urnebesnijih scena je kada Paton prepričava Čarliju svoj prvi dejt sa prelepom gospođicom Julijom Inglidju).
Paton je nesrećan i duboko nesiguran zbog svog dara. Sebe smatra nakazom. Stoga on preko dana uopšte ne izlazi iz kuće. Ceo svoj život je posvetio pisanju istorijata svoje porodice i proučavanju života i dela Crvenog kralja i njegovih potomaka. Međutim, zbog Čarlija će se Paton konačno probuditi i aktivirati. Više neće biti samo nemi posmatrač. Boriće se protiv zla. Kvariće planove Blurovima, njihovim saveznicima i svojim zlim sestrama. Njegova transformacija, u neku ruku ''odrastanje'', je fascinantna. Samotni vuk se uključuje u društvo. Na početku je prikazan kao neki jezivi i mračan lik za koga se ne zna na čijoj je strani, duboko ćaknut i ekcentričan čovek koji ne izlazi iz svoje zone komfora, a u stvari je prava dušica i borac za pravdu. Neodoljivo je smotan i šarmantan. Njegovi komentari i primedbe su urnebesni jer je on veoma učen čovek po čiji savet, sugestiju i pomoć Čarli uvek dolazi.
Radnja serijala odvija se u izmišljenom gradiću u Engleskoj koji je nastao na ruševinama zamka čuvenog Crvenog kralja. Priča prati jednog sasvim običnog dečaka koji se zove Čarli Boun. Čarli Boun živi sa majkom, svoje dve babe i svojim deda-ujakom. Otac mu je nestao nakon saobraćajne nesreće i veruje se da je umro. Tada je Čarli imao samo dve godine. Čarlijev običan život menja se iz korena u njegovoj jedanaestoj godini. Tada se budi njegov neobičan talenat. Čarli može da čuje glasove ljudi sa slika ili fotografija. Njegov talenat će se razvijati pa će na kraju moći i da putuje u slike / fotografije. Sa majčine strane, Čarli vodi poreklo od moćnog velškog čarobnjaka Matonvija od koga je nasledio Klirven, veoma neobičan čarobni štapić koji ima svoju sopstvenu volju. Tako da je Čarli i čarobnjak u nastajanju. (Inače Klirven znači Snežana na velškom jeziku ❤).
Čarli poseduje ovaj neobičan dar putovanja u slike jer je on jedan od potomaka Crvenog kralja (Timokena, pisala sam o njemu za prošli maraton - ''Hronike Crvenog kralja''). Pored Čarlija, postoji još obdarene dece i sva ta deca pohađaju zlokobnu Blurovu akademiju. To je akademija/internat za obdarene i ima tri odeljenja: muzičko, likovno i dramsko. Pored obdarene dece, to jest potomaka Crvenog kralja kod kojih se ispoljio neki neobičan talenat, Blurovu akademiju pohađaju i sva ostala nadarena deca - za muziku, za umetnost, za glumu, za nauke...
Akademiju čeličnom pesnicom vodi gnusna porodica Blur koja želi da drži na oku sve obdarene kako bi njihove talente mogla da kontroliše i isključivo koristi u svoju korist. Svi obdareni potiču od desetoro dece Crvenog kralja i njegove kraljice Berenise. Nakon smrti voljene majke i kraljice, petoro dece je ostalo na putu dobra, dok se drugih petoro okrenulo zlu (potpomognuti zlim čarobnjakom grofom Harkenom). Zato su dobra deca pobegla iz zamka u kojem su rođena i odrasla.
Videvši razdor u svojoj porodici i svestan činjenice da nikada ne bi mogao da povredi ijedno od svoje mnogobrojne dece (iako su ona činila gnusna dela), Timoken Crveni kralj rešava da se povuče iz sveta...
I tako je prošlo devet stotina godina. E, onda se desio Čarli 🙃 Kada Čarli krene u Akademiju, stvari će napokon početi da se menjaju jer je on lepak koji drži dobru decu na okupu. Napokon će dobri pružiti otpor zlima i prestati da samo posmatraju šta se sve događa u njihovom gradu i ljudima. I tako će Čarli da doživi razne pustolovine pokušavajući da ispravi nepravde i zlodela. Čarli će sa svojim prijateljima prkositi porodici Blur i osujetiće njihove mračne zavere čiji je krajnji cilj povratak i vaskrsnuće vekovnog zla...
Međutim, Blurovi su moćni i imaju brojne saveznike. Među njihovim saveznicima nalazi se i jedna Čarlijeva baba, majka njegovog oca, i njene tri zle sestre... Čarli neće imati mira ni u sopstvenoj kući... Čak će se suočiti i sa arhineprijateljem Crvenog kralja, čarobnjakom grofom Harkenom lično!
Ko će izaći kao pobednik? Da li će dobro napokon izvojevati pobedu? Da li će se mir i blagostanje vratiti u napaćeni gradić nakon toliko vekova? Taj zadatak će pasti u ruke Čarliju i njegovim brojnim prijateljima...
Serijal je izuzetno zabavan i zanimljiv. Priča brzo teče, stil je lagan i otkačen. Ono što mi se sviđa je činjenica da svaka knjiga pokriva jednu pustolovinu (sa izuzetkom poslednje dve jer pretposlednja knjiga predstavlja uvod neophodan za konačni rasplet priče). U svakoj knjizi Čarli je suočen sa jednim problemom koji treba da reši. Nema praznog hoda.
Knjiga obiluje neobičnim i ekscentričnim likovima i svi su beskrajno zanimljivi i urnebesni. Ipak, moj omiljeni lik je Čarlijev deda-ujak Paton (Čarli ga zove ujakom jer je dvadeset godina mlađi od svoje sestre, zle Grizelde Boun, Čarlijeve babe po ocu, i zato je po godinama veoma bliži Čarlijevom nestalom ocu). Paton ima veoma nesrećan talenat (po njegovim sopstvenim rečima 😂🤣 ). On može da pojačava protok i jačinu struje. Dovoljan je samo jedan njegov pogled i svaka sijalica u njegovoj blizini će pući. Čak i njegova raspoloženja i osećanja utiču na jačinu struje (jedna od urnebesnijih scena je kada Paton prepričava Čarliju svoj prvi dejt sa prelepom gospođicom Julijom Inglidju).
Paton je nesrećan i duboko nesiguran zbog svog dara. Sebe smatra nakazom. Stoga on preko dana uopšte ne izlazi iz kuće. Ceo svoj život je posvetio pisanju istorijata svoje porodice i proučavanju života i dela Crvenog kralja i njegovih potomaka. Međutim, zbog Čarlija će se Paton konačno probuditi i aktivirati. Više neće biti samo nemi posmatrač. Boriće se protiv zla. Kvariće planove Blurovima, njihovim saveznicima i svojim zlim sestrama. Njegova transformacija, u neku ruku ''odrastanje'', je fascinantna. Samotni vuk se uključuje u društvo. Na početku je prikazan kao neki jezivi i mračan lik za koga se ne zna na čijoj je strani, duboko ćaknut i ekcentričan čovek koji ne izlazi iz svoje zone komfora, a u stvari je prava dušica i borac za pravdu. Neodoljivo je smotan i šarmantan. Njegovi komentari i primedbe su urnebesni jer je on veoma učen čovek po čiji savet, sugestiju i pomoć Čarli uvek dolazi.
April 10, 2024
Most of this book felt quite dull for it being the second last book. Up until about the very last 1/3rd which picked up thankfully and had me speed reading through it. Excited to read how it all wraps up in the next and final book!
***SPOILERS***
- Well... maybe not too much of a spoiler, but damn Charlie's thick in the beginning haha Goes into the basement knowing it's a trap from Grandma Bone... after ALL the previous books of that family trying to KILL THEM. I wanted to shake him. A more unique way for Charlie to stumble upon the painting would have been more interesting. But it's been established he doesn't care to think before he acts so I guess there's that. Just seemed extra dumb at this point as if he hasn't learned anything from his previous experiences.
- perhaps it's cauz it's a children's book... but I had no doubt Tancred wasn't dead
- Patton: Billy is the rightful heir to the entire fortune and castle from the people that orphaned him and have killed many others and gone to extreme lengths to keep what they have stolen for generations! This is why I've been gone for the ENTIRE book! Charlie: 'Then I'll have to bring him back'... Is the MOST underwhelming thing Charlie could have EVER said to that statement haha holy cow xD
***SPOILERS***
- Well... maybe not too much of a spoiler, but damn Charlie's thick in the beginning haha Goes into the basement knowing it's a trap from Grandma Bone... after ALL the previous books of that family trying to KILL THEM. I wanted to shake him. A more unique way for Charlie to stumble upon the painting would have been more interesting. But it's been established he doesn't care to think before he acts so I guess there's that. Just seemed extra dumb at this point as if he hasn't learned anything from his previous experiences.
- perhaps it's cauz it's a children's book... but I had no doubt Tancred wasn't dead
- Patton: Billy is the rightful heir to the entire fortune and castle from the people that orphaned him and have killed many others and gone to extreme lengths to keep what they have stolen for generations! This is why I've been gone for the ENTIRE book! Charlie: 'Then I'll have to bring him back'... Is the MOST underwhelming thing Charlie could have EVER said to that statement haha holy cow xD
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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