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Robyn Silver #1
The Midnight Chimes
Life was very ordinary for ten-year-old Robyn Silver. The often-ignored middle child in a big family, the most excitement she had was the dash to the dinner table to reach the last slice of pizza. Until... she begins to see creepy creatures around her town - creatures that are invisible to everyone else. And when her school is forced to decamp to mysterious Grimdean House and she meets its equally mysterious owner, Mr Cryptorum, Robyn finds herself catapulted headfirst into an extraordinary adventure - with more excitement than she could possibly have imagined. Be careful what you wish for...
240 pages, Paperback
Published September 1, 2016
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
January 14, 2018
Ding dong ding dong, the time of midnight is here, and so are Robyn's new powers!
So I bought this book at Boekenfestijn, and apparently I bought an ARC? So, I am missing several illustrations, and maybe some things have been fixed in the retail copy. Next time I will keep a closer eye on what I buy.
But back to this book, I didn't have a clue if I would love the book, the blurb sounded really fun, but the MC sounded a bit so-so. This was a really blind buy, but boy I am happy I bought it, because I can tell you that I am going to be buying book 2 very soon.
One night Robyn wakes up due to the clock at Grimdean House ringing 12 o' clock. And from that point Robyn can see all sorts of creepycrawly critters running around her house, in her house. Worst thing? No one else can see them in her house.
Thankfully as she will find out... she is not alone! Her best friend Aidan is also a Chime (as those people with powers are called in this book, which I quite liked), and she will also meet someone else named Nora who also has powers.
I have to say that the measures to get those three together in Grimdean was a bit over-the-top, but hey, whatever works, right? :P
Seeing the school reside in Grimdean was quite a fun one, I wouldn't mind my school (when I was still at school) be at some grand mansion full of mystery and creepy going-ons.
The training was a lot of fun, as was finding out what Chimes were, what monsters lurked around the world and how dangerous they were, and then there was the vampire threat, which made me squeal in happiness. I just love a good scary vampire, and I definitely got that one in this one. Also can I please have companion books with information about the monsters? Just like the ones Nora keeps reading? *puppy eyes*
At first I wasn't sure what to think of how Aidan and Robyn treated Nora, but I was happy to see they gained respect for her. Not everyone is super in fighting, some, like Nora, are awesome with information and searching things, making sure everyone knows all about x monster. She really helped them out tons with all the stuff she just soaked up in her. And in the end she could also defend herself pretty OK-ish.
I disliked Robyn's family. Not Annie, she was a sweetie, but the parents, the sister. Especially the mom. There is even one instance in the book in which the mom just forgot about Robyn and thus doesn't have food for her. Then there are the numerous times Robyn has to just shove everything she has aside to babysit/care for her younger siblings. I get that one has to babysit, but to just force your kid to not go to a club/or anything else.. no. Not to mention that she almost didn't get to join the "Bat club" because of her mom. Bah.
Mr Cryptorum? Mm, I am not too sure about him, on the one hand he shows that he quite cares about these kids, but I also found him a bit too grumpy and harsh on them. Especially his attitude towards Robyn. Yes, I get the girl is a bit nosy, and at times she blunders through life, but to be so mean towards her, and at one point disbelief her? No. I also can understand that it mustn't be fun to have to find new Chimes because you are getting too old, but still that is not their fault. Plus they decided on participating on their own.
We also meet other Chimes, and boy what a bunch of stuck-up snobs those guys were. :| But if that is your boss, I guess it comes with the training. :P
The ending was absolutely awesome. I knew when x and y happened we would have an amazing ending to come, and I was right! Poor Robyn, but wow she sure is amazing, kicking butt for her little baby sister. And not only Robyn, but Aidan and Nora also showed that they are great Chimes and will be even greater with more training.
The book supposedly has illustrations, I have seen 3 of them before I got the Artwork to come thing. :P I quite liked the illustrations, their style is really fun, and I love how the characters (well, OK, I only saw Robyn) looks. Can't wait for book 2 which will be a normal book and thus filled with these illustrations.
Also I love the humour. There quite a few parts that had me laughing out loud.
So, I think I have said enough what I wanted to say. This was a really fun, exciting, wonderful book, and I would recommend it to all.
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
So I bought this book at Boekenfestijn, and apparently I bought an ARC? So, I am missing several illustrations, and maybe some things have been fixed in the retail copy. Next time I will keep a closer eye on what I buy.
But back to this book, I didn't have a clue if I would love the book, the blurb sounded really fun, but the MC sounded a bit so-so. This was a really blind buy, but boy I am happy I bought it, because I can tell you that I am going to be buying book 2 very soon.
One night Robyn wakes up due to the clock at Grimdean House ringing 12 o' clock. And from that point Robyn can see all sorts of creepycrawly critters running around her house, in her house. Worst thing? No one else can see them in her house.
Thankfully as she will find out... she is not alone! Her best friend Aidan is also a Chime (as those people with powers are called in this book, which I quite liked), and she will also meet someone else named Nora who also has powers.
I have to say that the measures to get those three together in Grimdean was a bit over-the-top, but hey, whatever works, right? :P
Seeing the school reside in Grimdean was quite a fun one, I wouldn't mind my school (when I was still at school) be at some grand mansion full of mystery and creepy going-ons.
The training was a lot of fun, as was finding out what Chimes were, what monsters lurked around the world and how dangerous they were, and then there was the vampire threat, which made me squeal in happiness. I just love a good scary vampire, and I definitely got that one in this one. Also can I please have companion books with information about the monsters? Just like the ones Nora keeps reading? *puppy eyes*
At first I wasn't sure what to think of how Aidan and Robyn treated Nora, but I was happy to see they gained respect for her. Not everyone is super in fighting, some, like Nora, are awesome with information and searching things, making sure everyone knows all about x monster. She really helped them out tons with all the stuff she just soaked up in her. And in the end she could also defend herself pretty OK-ish.
I disliked Robyn's family. Not Annie, she was a sweetie, but the parents, the sister. Especially the mom. There is even one instance in the book in which the mom just forgot about Robyn and thus doesn't have food for her. Then there are the numerous times Robyn has to just shove everything she has aside to babysit/care for her younger siblings. I get that one has to babysit, but to just force your kid to not go to a club/or anything else.. no. Not to mention that she almost didn't get to join the "Bat club" because of her mom. Bah.
Mr Cryptorum? Mm, I am not too sure about him, on the one hand he shows that he quite cares about these kids, but I also found him a bit too grumpy and harsh on them. Especially his attitude towards Robyn. Yes, I get the girl is a bit nosy, and at times she blunders through life, but to be so mean towards her, and at one point disbelief her? No. I also can understand that it mustn't be fun to have to find new Chimes because you are getting too old, but still that is not their fault. Plus they decided on participating on their own.
We also meet other Chimes, and boy what a bunch of stuck-up snobs those guys were. :| But if that is your boss, I guess it comes with the training. :P
The ending was absolutely awesome. I knew when x and y happened we would have an amazing ending to come, and I was right! Poor Robyn, but wow she sure is amazing, kicking butt for her little baby sister. And not only Robyn, but Aidan and Nora also showed that they are great Chimes and will be even greater with more training.
The book supposedly has illustrations, I have seen 3 of them before I got the Artwork to come thing. :P I quite liked the illustrations, their style is really fun, and I love how the characters (well, OK, I only saw Robyn) looks. Can't wait for book 2 which will be a normal book and thus filled with these illustrations.
Also I love the humour. There quite a few parts that had me laughing out loud.
So, I think I have said enough what I wanted to say. This was a really fun, exciting, wonderful book, and I would recommend it to all.
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
March 25, 2019
Es muy entretenido y muy gracioso además tiene muchas cosas que son muy originales
October 16, 2024
Novela infantil de fantasía con monstruos y criaturas + 10 años
Es una novela que transcurre durante el curso escolar, pero no dentro del colegio, ya que está en reparaciones, todos los alumnos se han trasladado a una mansión del barrio cuyos dueños reunirán a los niños nacidos a medianoche y que son quienes pueden ver las criaturas que habitan entre nosotros y luchar contra ellas.
Es una novela que se siente rara al inicio, ya que presenta demasiado rápido a los protagonistas, se conocen rápido y hacen lazos inmediatos, se siente incómodo, aprenden a luchar contra monstruos en seguida con armas y saben de todos los monstruos solo leyendo libros, se ve todo un poco forzado, aún así de la mitad al final de la novela se siente como el cuento de la casita de chocolate y se disfruta.
Contiene muchas ilustraciones en blanco y negro, algunas de página entera, otras a mitad de hoja y otras pequeñas ilustraciones.
Es una novela que transcurre durante el curso escolar, pero no dentro del colegio, ya que está en reparaciones, todos los alumnos se han trasladado a una mansión del barrio cuyos dueños reunirán a los niños nacidos a medianoche y que son quienes pueden ver las criaturas que habitan entre nosotros y luchar contra ellas.
Es una novela que se siente rara al inicio, ya que presenta demasiado rápido a los protagonistas, se conocen rápido y hacen lazos inmediatos, se siente incómodo, aprenden a luchar contra monstruos en seguida con armas y saben de todos los monstruos solo leyendo libros, se ve todo un poco forzado, aún así de la mitad al final de la novela se siente como el cuento de la casita de chocolate y se disfruta.
Contiene muchas ilustraciones en blanco y negro, algunas de página entera, otras a mitad de hoja y otras pequeñas ilustraciones.
September 30, 2016
A fun, children v the monsters kind of story. My boys (aged 7 and 9 yrs) enjoyed it.
November 19, 2018
Review for “Robyn Silver: The Midnight Chimes” by Paula Harrison:
It’s the first book from the Robyn Silver series and it’s written by one of the most appreciated British authors in children’s literature, Paula Harrison. The story follows eleven-year-old Robyn Silver whose wish for more excitement in her life comes true when she begins to see strange creatures which only she can see. Due to some events, her school is forced to move to the mysterious Grimdean House in which she meets Mr. Cryptorum, the strange and mysterious owner. Later on, she will discover that there is more to the story than meets the eye. She will also understand the meaning of the saying “Be careful what you wish for.”
Mrs. Harrison displays a remarkable talent in storytelling and manages to capture the readers’ attention through her unique writing style which is also straightforward even for older readers. The author introduces us into a world full of mystery, suspense, adventure and excitement in which the readers will find themselves into the characters’ shoes and “live” the tale. Friendship, bravery, loyalty, the importance of making decisions, growing up and much more can be found in every page one reads.
Robyn Silver is the character with whom every little girl identifies herself with. Adventurous, full of spunk, stubborn, curious, relies on her instinct and prefers to do things instead of learning about them first. Mr. Cryptorum represents the wise elder, who not only knows more about the unseen things and world which are invisible to mortals, but he’ll become Robyn and her friends’ mentor much to his chagrin. Later on, he’ll learn to accept the youths’ help. Like Robyn, he’s also stubborn. He proves to be more experienced, mature and stern.
Through her story, Mrs. Harrison brought folklore and mythology to life. The story is like a reminder of childhood and it has a pinch of horror too. Along with C. S. Lewis (The Chronicles of Narnia), J. R. R. Tolkien (The Lord of the Rings series), J. K. Rowling (the Harry Potter series), Tony DiTerlizzi and Holly Black (The Spiderwick Chronicles), Mrs. Harrison revolutionized literature through the world that she created.
I recommend this book to readers 12+ because there are some scenes which are scary for younger readers.
It’s the first book from the Robyn Silver series and it’s written by one of the most appreciated British authors in children’s literature, Paula Harrison. The story follows eleven-year-old Robyn Silver whose wish for more excitement in her life comes true when she begins to see strange creatures which only she can see. Due to some events, her school is forced to move to the mysterious Grimdean House in which she meets Mr. Cryptorum, the strange and mysterious owner. Later on, she will discover that there is more to the story than meets the eye. She will also understand the meaning of the saying “Be careful what you wish for.”
Mrs. Harrison displays a remarkable talent in storytelling and manages to capture the readers’ attention through her unique writing style which is also straightforward even for older readers. The author introduces us into a world full of mystery, suspense, adventure and excitement in which the readers will find themselves into the characters’ shoes and “live” the tale. Friendship, bravery, loyalty, the importance of making decisions, growing up and much more can be found in every page one reads.
Robyn Silver is the character with whom every little girl identifies herself with. Adventurous, full of spunk, stubborn, curious, relies on her instinct and prefers to do things instead of learning about them first. Mr. Cryptorum represents the wise elder, who not only knows more about the unseen things and world which are invisible to mortals, but he’ll become Robyn and her friends’ mentor much to his chagrin. Later on, he’ll learn to accept the youths’ help. Like Robyn, he’s also stubborn. He proves to be more experienced, mature and stern.
Through her story, Mrs. Harrison brought folklore and mythology to life. The story is like a reminder of childhood and it has a pinch of horror too. Along with C. S. Lewis (The Chronicles of Narnia), J. R. R. Tolkien (The Lord of the Rings series), J. K. Rowling (the Harry Potter series), Tony DiTerlizzi and Holly Black (The Spiderwick Chronicles), Mrs. Harrison revolutionized literature through the world that she created.
I recommend this book to readers 12+ because there are some scenes which are scary for younger readers.
August 19, 2020
MUHTEŞEM bir kitaptı." Robyn Silver'da tıpkı sizin gibi biriydi, sonra aniden her yerde tuhaf yaratıklar görmeye başladı. Gece yarısı doğmuştu ve özel bir saatin çalışmaya başlamasıyla yetenekleri ortaya çıktı. Heyecan yüklü, olağanüstü bir maceraya balıklama dalmak ister misiniz? Ne dilediğinize dikkat edin...". ÇOK TAVSİYE EDERİM.👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
March 25, 2019
Hemos leído el libro en el club de lectura infantil #LosCazalibros y les ha encantado. Una historia entretenida con monstruos, misterio y una buena dosis de acción.
Pronto la reseña en #LasLecturasDelGato.
Pronto la reseña en #LasLecturasDelGato.
May 15, 2023
This book mightbe a little scary for below seven years old, but believe me, there is no blood at all.
I don't reccomend this book if you are scared from monsters and creatures, but it is still an epic book.
I don't reccomend this book if you are scared from monsters and creatures, but it is still an epic book.
July 1, 2022
Very mysterious plot and the book was like a world never seen before with such a plot.
January 11, 2024
BEST CHILDHOOD BOOK EVERRRRR I WAS OBSESSED
September 13, 2016
Originally posted here: https://heatherreviews.com/2016/09/04...
_____________________
I’ve really gotten into my middle grade fiction recently. There’s been some excellent new releases this year and I wish I had the chance to read all of them, but sadly there’s just not enough time in the day. I did get the opportunity to read Robyn Silver and it was one of those books that just makes you wish you were a child again.
Robyn is the middle child in her family. With two brothers and two sisters, she often feels lost in the shadows of the others. Only noticed by her family when she has one of her typical Robyn-shaped disasters, she finds herself wishing there was something special about her, something to make her stand out. Well, her wish comes true. But it’s also true what they say about being careful what you wish for. Robyn can’t share her new power with her family, so she must battle the new creatures that only she can see without their help.
There was just so much to love about this story, starting with the beautiful illustrations that started every chapter. Robyn’s family are a chaotic bunch and full of life, with their own personalities even if they don’t feature too much in the story itself.
When a mysterious accident at their school forces the children to study at Grimdean Manor – where the owner is less than happy with the situation – Robyn discovers that her best friend can also see the strange creatures that have been plaguing her. I loved that they had this connection, even if it was a little convenient.
As the children discover that they are actually special because of the time of their birth, they begin their training to defeat the monsters and keep their town safe. I felt like a lot was packed into such a short story and I was barely keeping up! We had the kids heading off to a marsh to fight monsters after a few lessons, being introduced to all kinds of creatures, there was the obviously richer counterparts to their team that had all the latest gadgets and liked to flaunt it, and then suddenly there was that mysterious shadow that could move on its own.
With so much going on, this is a breakneck adventure that doesn’t let up! Robyn and her friends each have something special to bring to the team and I’m excited to see where this series goes. With such an explosive introduction to Robyn and her new ability, I can only imagine even bigger and better adventures ahead.
An exciting ride for children of all ages, Robyn Silver: The Midnight Chimes is an adventure not to be missed this spooky season!
_____________________
I’ve really gotten into my middle grade fiction recently. There’s been some excellent new releases this year and I wish I had the chance to read all of them, but sadly there’s just not enough time in the day. I did get the opportunity to read Robyn Silver and it was one of those books that just makes you wish you were a child again.
Robyn is the middle child in her family. With two brothers and two sisters, she often feels lost in the shadows of the others. Only noticed by her family when she has one of her typical Robyn-shaped disasters, she finds herself wishing there was something special about her, something to make her stand out. Well, her wish comes true. But it’s also true what they say about being careful what you wish for. Robyn can’t share her new power with her family, so she must battle the new creatures that only she can see without their help.
There was just so much to love about this story, starting with the beautiful illustrations that started every chapter. Robyn’s family are a chaotic bunch and full of life, with their own personalities even if they don’t feature too much in the story itself.
When a mysterious accident at their school forces the children to study at Grimdean Manor – where the owner is less than happy with the situation – Robyn discovers that her best friend can also see the strange creatures that have been plaguing her. I loved that they had this connection, even if it was a little convenient.
As the children discover that they are actually special because of the time of their birth, they begin their training to defeat the monsters and keep their town safe. I felt like a lot was packed into such a short story and I was barely keeping up! We had the kids heading off to a marsh to fight monsters after a few lessons, being introduced to all kinds of creatures, there was the obviously richer counterparts to their team that had all the latest gadgets and liked to flaunt it, and then suddenly there was that mysterious shadow that could move on its own.
With so much going on, this is a breakneck adventure that doesn’t let up! Robyn and her friends each have something special to bring to the team and I’m excited to see where this series goes. With such an explosive introduction to Robyn and her new ability, I can only imagine even bigger and better adventures ahead.
An exciting ride for children of all ages, Robyn Silver: The Midnight Chimes is an adventure not to be missed this spooky season!
August 30, 2016
So what did I think?
This action-packed story whizzes along in the first person, starting with Robyn remembering how she used to wish that her life could be more exciting. But her life soon takes a much more unpredictable path when she starts seeing strange creatures. She discovers it’s quite a problem, defending yourself from a wild, stinky, spiky creature in the kitchen when no one else can see the thing! (I did feel a little unsettled that Robyn’s family life was a little like my own household) Eventually she gets a sign that the creature is real…then more strange things start happening!
The chapters have very cool titles e.g “Tree-maggedon Strikes our School” and “Our New Club Has the Dumbest Name Ever” which made me chuckle. There’s so much to keep you turning the pages here: bogguns, kobolds, scree sags to be dealt with and mysteries to be solved. But with a trusty bunch of allies, and impressive sword and archery skills, Robyn defies the strange turn of events. Robyn is a great heroine: determined and ready for a challenge!
Paula has an eviable talent in telling a non-stop action adventure, and quickly portrays the world Robyn is living in. With the strange creatures and mysterious events, I think this book would appeal to fans of Harry Potter and The Spiderwick Chronicles.
It’s a great book for those readers venturing into longer stories, with plenty to reward them! I’d say it’s perfect for 8-12 year olds, and a lovely one for adults to read aloud at bedtime too.
I’m pretty sure this book is going to be a BIG hit, and please, please, please can someone turn this into a film?
Happy Reading!
Pippa Wilson hellopipski.wordpress.com
This action-packed story whizzes along in the first person, starting with Robyn remembering how she used to wish that her life could be more exciting. But her life soon takes a much more unpredictable path when she starts seeing strange creatures. She discovers it’s quite a problem, defending yourself from a wild, stinky, spiky creature in the kitchen when no one else can see the thing! (I did feel a little unsettled that Robyn’s family life was a little like my own household) Eventually she gets a sign that the creature is real…then more strange things start happening!
The chapters have very cool titles e.g “Tree-maggedon Strikes our School” and “Our New Club Has the Dumbest Name Ever” which made me chuckle. There’s so much to keep you turning the pages here: bogguns, kobolds, scree sags to be dealt with and mysteries to be solved. But with a trusty bunch of allies, and impressive sword and archery skills, Robyn defies the strange turn of events. Robyn is a great heroine: determined and ready for a challenge!
Paula has an eviable talent in telling a non-stop action adventure, and quickly portrays the world Robyn is living in. With the strange creatures and mysterious events, I think this book would appeal to fans of Harry Potter and The Spiderwick Chronicles.
It’s a great book for those readers venturing into longer stories, with plenty to reward them! I’d say it’s perfect for 8-12 year olds, and a lovely one for adults to read aloud at bedtime too.
I’m pretty sure this book is going to be a BIG hit, and please, please, please can someone turn this into a film?
Happy Reading!
Pippa Wilson hellopipski.wordpress.com
November 28, 2016
Every ten year old wishes their life was more exciting, not many of them has that wish granted. Ten-year-old Robin is just like every other ten-year-old until one day she sees something outside her house that shouldn't really be there.
The Midnight Chimes are people, people that were born as the clock struck midnight and within hearing distance of a Mortal Clock. Luckily Robyn is not alone, along with her best friend Aiden and another girl from their school called Nora they start training under the watchful eye of Miss Smiting (who is not exactly what she appears to be either) and the incredibly grumpy Mr. Cryptorum.
What follows is a hair-raising adventure for all involved, with weird and wonderful creatures (scree sags and grodders, bogguns and kobolds), competition from a fellow group of Chimes known as B.U.T.T. and learning to fight for your life at the grand old age of ten!. The Midnight Chimes has something for everyone, mystery and humor, fantasy and friendship. If you'd like to learn how to fight vampires using garlic butter and a baguette then this is the book for you. The Midnight Chimes is the first book in a brand new series and I for one cannot wait to plunge into more adventures with the Bat Club and hopefully see more of the stunning illustrations by Renee Kurilla.
The Midnight Chimes are people, people that were born as the clock struck midnight and within hearing distance of a Mortal Clock. Luckily Robyn is not alone, along with her best friend Aiden and another girl from their school called Nora they start training under the watchful eye of Miss Smiting (who is not exactly what she appears to be either) and the incredibly grumpy Mr. Cryptorum.
What follows is a hair-raising adventure for all involved, with weird and wonderful creatures (scree sags and grodders, bogguns and kobolds), competition from a fellow group of Chimes known as B.U.T.T. and learning to fight for your life at the grand old age of ten!. The Midnight Chimes has something for everyone, mystery and humor, fantasy and friendship. If you'd like to learn how to fight vampires using garlic butter and a baguette then this is the book for you. The Midnight Chimes is the first book in a brand new series and I for one cannot wait to plunge into more adventures with the Bat Club and hopefully see more of the stunning illustrations by Renee Kurilla.
February 9, 2017
Best book Eva
This book was so gud !!!!!!!!!!
Get this book u will not regret
This book was so gud !!!!!!!!!!
Get this book u will not regret
August 30, 2016
3.5 stars
September 30, 2017
That was ace! Action, adventure, mystery, humour, and thwacking vampires. What more could I ask? It's well-balanced - lots of middle-grade books try to pack way too much action and silliness into too short a book. This has just enough downtime for a thinking reader to start putting the mystery together without making it too long a read, but it's challenging enough for a Y5 to feel they're making the step up to more grown-up books.
I'm hoping this goes down well with my FBA judges, it deserves to!
I'm hoping this goes down well with my FBA judges, it deserves to!
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews