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Robyn Silver #2
The Darkest Dream
The boldest, brightest new heroine is back: and Robyn Silver's life hasn't got any quieter since defeating the evil vampire Pearl in The Midnight Chimes. She's now a fully fledged Chime Child and monster-hunter-in-training alongside best friends Aiden and Nora. The three suddenly start seeing nightmares - in the form of black beetles - appear around town. Who wants the people of Grimdean to be losing sleep - and why?
320 pages, Paperback
Published July 6, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
February 20, 2018
Nightmares will be coming for you!
I so loved the first book that I had to buy the second book as soon as I could! I just wanted to continue with the story, see what adventures (and monsters) our characters would encounter this time.
Well, if they thought the monster from the previous book was anything scary, then they should be prepared for what is coming in this one. And not only that, but there are other things that are going to get hairy. For instance we meet with the Federation for Chimes and find out that they are just a bunch of grumpy people (or at least that is my impression). They are clearly hiding something and are a bit too eager to lay their rules upon people.
Robyn was pretty great, but at times I was a bit annoyed with her attitude (and how she didn't seem to be able to keep her cool). She should really learn to be a bit more patient and kinder towards people (even if they are annoying).
But she was really brave, and I loved how she kept getting stronger, how she never gave up. I am sure she has a very bright future as a chime. She can already kick butt, but I have a feeling she may just turn out to be one of the best chimes in the world.
Nora? Well, I just love that girl. Sure, she isn't that good in combat (though I do see improvement), but she is an asset to the team given how smart she is and how much she knows about the monsters/chimes/etc..
Aiden, he is a bit hit and miss to me. At times he is quite great (and I love his inventions), but at other times I just found him annoying with how he acted.
I just love our team. How well they match together and how they work together so well. And with that new addition, or should I say two additions, I am sure they will be sure to get more awesome and kick some serious butt.
I am happy that the group got a new friend, I wouldn't mind being a Chime if it meant getting a wolf (or dog/wolf).
The new monster (the boss monster) and all the scary things that are happening were very exciting, especially as it went from OHhh new scary monster to OMG OMG OMG get out of that playground and nope nope nope. :P
I am still laughing at the fact that the Kesterley kids are called BUTT. I do wonder if they know this themselves or if they are happily oblivious to it (I am going for the last option though).
I am not too happy with Robyn's parents. I get that you have a ton of kids, but really? I was just unhappy with how Robyn was treated, how she was often made fun of, and how often she was forgotten (like with the cake). I am sorry, but I thought it was just terrible of the parents. And this is not the first time, the previous book also had some scenes that had me shaking my head.
Mr. Cryptorum? Well, I don't like him that much. He had some good moments, but he would do good to listen to his Chimes for once instead of constantly dismissing them. I get that Robyn is a bit over-excitable and at times may seem to make a drama about things, but still, if only he had listened then maybe things would have gone very much different. I hope that he will be a bit kinder to the children in the next one, as they are doing their best to become better and stronger. And maybe also involve them more in monster hunting, helping them out more with training, will talk to them if needed (and in a kind way).
The book is filled with illustrations, and I just adored them! I didn't have any luck with the previous book (as I apparently bought an ARC at boekenfestijn), so I was delighted to actually see the illustrations in this one. They do make the book even more fun to read. To see the monsters, to see the characters.
Plus points to the monster compendium at the end of the book. More insight in the monsters is always welcome!
The ending? Not only the whole federation thing, but also Robyn's sister? Well, it makes me very excited for the third book!
I would highly recommend this book to everyone.
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
I so loved the first book that I had to buy the second book as soon as I could! I just wanted to continue with the story, see what adventures (and monsters) our characters would encounter this time.
Well, if they thought the monster from the previous book was anything scary, then they should be prepared for what is coming in this one. And not only that, but there are other things that are going to get hairy. For instance we meet with the Federation for Chimes and find out that they are just a bunch of grumpy people (or at least that is my impression). They are clearly hiding something and are a bit too eager to lay their rules upon people.
Robyn was pretty great, but at times I was a bit annoyed with her attitude (and how she didn't seem to be able to keep her cool). She should really learn to be a bit more patient and kinder towards people (even if they are annoying).
But she was really brave, and I loved how she kept getting stronger, how she never gave up. I am sure she has a very bright future as a chime. She can already kick butt, but I have a feeling she may just turn out to be one of the best chimes in the world.
Nora? Well, I just love that girl. Sure, she isn't that good in combat (though I do see improvement), but she is an asset to the team given how smart she is and how much she knows about the monsters/chimes/etc..
Aiden, he is a bit hit and miss to me. At times he is quite great (and I love his inventions), but at other times I just found him annoying with how he acted.
I just love our team. How well they match together and how they work together so well. And with that new addition, or should I say two additions, I am sure they will be sure to get more awesome and kick some serious butt.
I am happy that the group got a new friend, I wouldn't mind being a Chime if it meant getting a wolf (or dog/wolf).
The new monster (the boss monster) and all the scary things that are happening were very exciting, especially as it went from OHhh new scary monster to OMG OMG OMG get out of that playground and nope nope nope. :P
I am still laughing at the fact that the Kesterley kids are called BUTT. I do wonder if they know this themselves or if they are happily oblivious to it (I am going for the last option though).
I am not too happy with Robyn's parents. I get that you have a ton of kids, but really? I was just unhappy with how Robyn was treated, how she was often made fun of, and how often she was forgotten (like with the cake). I am sorry, but I thought it was just terrible of the parents. And this is not the first time, the previous book also had some scenes that had me shaking my head.
Mr. Cryptorum? Well, I don't like him that much. He had some good moments, but he would do good to listen to his Chimes for once instead of constantly dismissing them. I get that Robyn is a bit over-excitable and at times may seem to make a drama about things, but still, if only he had listened then maybe things would have gone very much different. I hope that he will be a bit kinder to the children in the next one, as they are doing their best to become better and stronger. And maybe also involve them more in monster hunting, helping them out more with training, will talk to them if needed (and in a kind way).
The book is filled with illustrations, and I just adored them! I didn't have any luck with the previous book (as I apparently bought an ARC at boekenfestijn), so I was delighted to actually see the illustrations in this one. They do make the book even more fun to read. To see the monsters, to see the characters.
Plus points to the monster compendium at the end of the book. More insight in the monsters is always welcome!
The ending? Not only the whole federation thing, but also Robyn's sister? Well, it makes me very excited for the third book!
I would highly recommend this book to everyone.
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
July 14, 2018
This is a great story, its pretty creepy but i really enjoyed it. Robyn and her friends are great characters, its really cool to see a girl as the hero. This book is part of a series but works well on its own. I would recommend to others.
March 3, 2021
Review for “Robyn Silver: The Darkest Dream” by Paula Harrison:
It’s the second book from the Robyn Silver series and it’s written by one of the most appreciated British authors in children’s literature, Paula Harrison. In this story, Robyn Silver and her friends face a more difficult challenge that threatens not only to reveal their secret lives but the lives of humans too.
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 courage to speak for yourself, family and much more can be found in every page one reads.
The readers will learn more about the creatures of the Unseen World and the Mortal Clock. Like the main characters, we all have nightmares and bad dreams, but if we gather enough courage we can defeat them by facing our fears.
The author revives mythology and folklore and places them in the modern world. The Mara resembles the Boogeyman, a mythical being that appears at night frightening children to make them behave well. In this case, he frightens both children and adults by bringing their worst nightmares to life. Helmfist’s Sword is similar to the Angurvadal, a magical sword inscribed with runic letters that blazes in time of war, but gleams with a dim light in time of peace (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of...).
Like in many literature works, there are some things that have a symbolic meaning such as the number thirteen – bad luck and a bad omen; white – distant, impersonal, cold; black – sophistication, power, mystery, formality, evil; yellow – hope, joy, sickness; blue – trustworthy, tranquil, sadness etc. Unlike the first book, “The Darkest Dream” also contains a few funny scenes that I will let the readers discover them.
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.
Recenzie - „Robyn Silver: Cel mai urât vis” de Paula Harrison:
Este a doua carte din seria Robyn Silver și este scrisă de către unul dintre cei mai apreciați autori britanici ai literaturii pentru copii, Paula Harrison. În această poveste, Robyn și prietenii ei trebuie să înfrunte o încercare mai dificilă care le amenință nu numai destăinuirea vieții lor secrete, dar și viețile oamenilor obișnuiți.
Doamna Harrison dă dovadă de un talent remarcabil în a spune povești și reușește să capteze atenția cititorilor prin stilul ei unicat care este de asemenea ușor de înțeles chiar și pentru cititorii mai mari. Scriitoarea ne introduce într-o lume plină de mister, suspans, aventură și entuziasm în care cititorii se vor trezi în pielea personajelor și vor “trăi” povestea. Prietenie, îndrăzneală, loialitate, curajul de a nu mai vorbi în numele altora, familie și multe altele pot fi găsite în fiecare pagină citită.
Cititorii vor învăța mai multe despre Lumea Nevăzută și Ceasul Magic. Asemeni personajelor principale, cu toții avem coșmaruri și vise urâte, dar dacă adunăm destul curaj, le putem învinge înfruntându-ne propriile temeri.
Autoarea readuce la viață mitologia și folclorul și le plasează în lumea modernă. Mara seamănă cu Baubau, o creatură mitică care apare în timpul nopții speriind copiii pentru a-i face să se poarte frumos. În acest caz, el sperie și copiii și adulții aducând la viață cele mai înfricoșătoare coșmaruri. Sabia lui Helmfist este similară cu Angurvadal, o sabie magică gravată cu inscripții runice, care strălucește puternic în vreme de război, dar strălucește slab în vremuri pașnice.
La fel ca în multe opere literare, există anumite lucruri care au semnificație aparte cum ar fi: cifra treisprezece – ghinion și prevestitor de rele; albul – distant, impersonal, rece; negrul – sofisticare, putere, mister, formalitate, rău; galbenul – speranță, bucurie, îmbolnăvire; albastrul – demn de încredere, liniștit, tristețe etc. Spre deosebire de primul volum, „Cel mai urât vis” conține de asemenea câteva scene amuzante pe care îi voi lăsa pe cititori să le descopere.
Prin povestea ei, doamna Harrison a adus folclorul și mitologia la viață. Povestea este ca o amintire din copilărie și are de asemenea și un strop de spaimă. Alături de C. S. Lewis (seria Croncicile din Narnia), J. R. R. Tolkien (seria Stăpânul Inelelor), J. K. Rowling (seria Harry Potter), Tony DiTerlizzi și Holly Black (seria Cronicile Spiderwick), doamna Harrison a revoluționat literatura prin lumea pe care a creat-o.
Recomand această carte cititorilor 12+ întrucât există scene care sunt mai înfricoșătoare pentru cititorii mai mici.
It’s the second book from the Robyn Silver series and it’s written by one of the most appreciated British authors in children’s literature, Paula Harrison. In this story, Robyn Silver and her friends face a more difficult challenge that threatens not only to reveal their secret lives but the lives of humans too.
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 courage to speak for yourself, family and much more can be found in every page one reads.
The readers will learn more about the creatures of the Unseen World and the Mortal Clock. Like the main characters, we all have nightmares and bad dreams, but if we gather enough courage we can defeat them by facing our fears.
The author revives mythology and folklore and places them in the modern world. The Mara resembles the Boogeyman, a mythical being that appears at night frightening children to make them behave well. In this case, he frightens both children and adults by bringing their worst nightmares to life. Helmfist’s Sword is similar to the Angurvadal, a magical sword inscribed with runic letters that blazes in time of war, but gleams with a dim light in time of peace (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of...).
Like in many literature works, there are some things that have a symbolic meaning such as the number thirteen – bad luck and a bad omen; white – distant, impersonal, cold; black – sophistication, power, mystery, formality, evil; yellow – hope, joy, sickness; blue – trustworthy, tranquil, sadness etc. Unlike the first book, “The Darkest Dream” also contains a few funny scenes that I will let the readers discover them.
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.
Recenzie - „Robyn Silver: Cel mai urât vis” de Paula Harrison:
Este a doua carte din seria Robyn Silver și este scrisă de către unul dintre cei mai apreciați autori britanici ai literaturii pentru copii, Paula Harrison. În această poveste, Robyn și prietenii ei trebuie să înfrunte o încercare mai dificilă care le amenință nu numai destăinuirea vieții lor secrete, dar și viețile oamenilor obișnuiți.
Doamna Harrison dă dovadă de un talent remarcabil în a spune povești și reușește să capteze atenția cititorilor prin stilul ei unicat care este de asemenea ușor de înțeles chiar și pentru cititorii mai mari. Scriitoarea ne introduce într-o lume plină de mister, suspans, aventură și entuziasm în care cititorii se vor trezi în pielea personajelor și vor “trăi” povestea. Prietenie, îndrăzneală, loialitate, curajul de a nu mai vorbi în numele altora, familie și multe altele pot fi găsite în fiecare pagină citită.
Cititorii vor învăța mai multe despre Lumea Nevăzută și Ceasul Magic. Asemeni personajelor principale, cu toții avem coșmaruri și vise urâte, dar dacă adunăm destul curaj, le putem învinge înfruntându-ne propriile temeri.
Autoarea readuce la viață mitologia și folclorul și le plasează în lumea modernă. Mara seamănă cu Baubau, o creatură mitică care apare în timpul nopții speriind copiii pentru a-i face să se poarte frumos. În acest caz, el sperie și copiii și adulții aducând la viață cele mai înfricoșătoare coșmaruri. Sabia lui Helmfist este similară cu Angurvadal, o sabie magică gravată cu inscripții runice, care strălucește puternic în vreme de război, dar strălucește slab în vremuri pașnice.
La fel ca în multe opere literare, există anumite lucruri care au semnificație aparte cum ar fi: cifra treisprezece – ghinion și prevestitor de rele; albul – distant, impersonal, rece; negrul – sofisticare, putere, mister, formalitate, rău; galbenul – speranță, bucurie, îmbolnăvire; albastrul – demn de încredere, liniștit, tristețe etc. Spre deosebire de primul volum, „Cel mai urât vis” conține de asemenea câteva scene amuzante pe care îi voi lăsa pe cititori să le descopere.
Prin povestea ei, doamna Harrison a adus folclorul și mitologia la viață. Povestea este ca o amintire din copilărie și are de asemenea și un strop de spaimă. Alături de C. S. Lewis (seria Croncicile din Narnia), J. R. R. Tolkien (seria Stăpânul Inelelor), J. K. Rowling (seria Harry Potter), Tony DiTerlizzi și Holly Black (seria Cronicile Spiderwick), doamna Harrison a revoluționat literatura prin lumea pe care a creat-o.
Recomand această carte cititorilor 12+ întrucât există scene care sunt mai înfricoșătoare pentru cititorii mai mici.
September 27, 2026
This is book #2 in this series. Robyn Silver is a younger sister, a schoolgirl, a Chime Child, and a Monster Hunter.
She can see monsters. Her family and friends at school can't see them. Only the other Chime Children can see them. They are learning how to fight them.
The monsters are scary, and she fights them to protect her family and friends. The end of the book shows readers what the monsters look like and what they are called. It's the 'Chime Monster Compendium' and is used in the training of Robyn, and the other Chimes at 'Cryptorum's' mansion.
Their school was damaged the year before and still needs repair. When dream beetles start invading their world in larger and larger numbers the nightmares become REAL.
With the 'Mortal clock' not working, and with Cryptorum away, the nightmares The Chime children must face the most frightening monster of all! He is gathering the darkest of nightmares to do his work.
The whole neighbourhood is running scared from a giant Easter Bunny demanding chocolate, and fierce Knombes attacking everyone. Each of the Chime Children has their own nightmare come to life to chase them. And now, so do the adults and children in the town.
Robyn is using a powerful sword to save them all. Will she and her fellow Chimes survive?
She can see monsters. Her family and friends at school can't see them. Only the other Chime Children can see them. They are learning how to fight them.
The monsters are scary, and she fights them to protect her family and friends. The end of the book shows readers what the monsters look like and what they are called. It's the 'Chime Monster Compendium' and is used in the training of Robyn, and the other Chimes at 'Cryptorum's' mansion.
Their school was damaged the year before and still needs repair. When dream beetles start invading their world in larger and larger numbers the nightmares become REAL.
With the 'Mortal clock' not working, and with Cryptorum away, the nightmares The Chime children must face the most frightening monster of all! He is gathering the darkest of nightmares to do his work.
The whole neighbourhood is running scared from a giant Easter Bunny demanding chocolate, and fierce Knombes attacking everyone. Each of the Chime Children has their own nightmare come to life to chase them. And now, so do the adults and children in the town.
Robyn is using a powerful sword to save them all. Will she and her fellow Chimes survive?
February 8, 2023
Robyn, Aiden and Nora can see monsters that most people cannot. They are busy tracking them and killing them. Their distractedness makes people think they’re weird, but Robyn believes that’s a small price to pay for saving the world.
A huge monster rises out of the lake while Robyn and her family are having a picnic. She manages to escape its powerful tentacles but falls into the lake and is in trouble with her mother again.
Robyn and her friends report what happened to their magic teacher, Mr Cryptorum, but he is sceptical until more dark magic erupts in their town. A rival magic school tries to take over sorting the mystery and getting rid of the monster, but that’s not what Robyn wants. How does her decision to go after the mystery monster affect her friends and the survival of the world?
I enjoyed the dilemmas the characters, particularly Robyn, face.
Recommended for readers aged eight years to 10 years.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews