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Time Catchers #1
When Days Tilt
Magic, mystery and darkness – a gripping fantasy adventure for lovers of Philip Pullman’s The Golden Compass. In this page-turning debut, one girl must figure out why she is the key to two worlds, before time itself falls under the control of the powerful and the greedy.
A historical fantasy adventure for teens set between Victorian London and a darker parallel city.
It’s 1858, and there are two queens on the throne. Victoria reigns over London, the biggest city the world has ever known. But London has a secret shadow city, called Donlon, where another queen, the Green Witch, rules her own domain – time.
London is in turmoil. The Thames is at the height of the Great Stink; a blazing comet is searing the sky; technology is moving so fast it seems otherworldly; and the city is exploding with more people than it can hold. Darwin is about to publish his theory of evolution and humanity’s very place in the world is in question. On top of all this, people are disappearing into thin air. If they return, it is with empty eyes and torn souls, never to be the same again. Ava, a fourteen-year-old Londoner, feels trapped by the limited life of a young Victorian woman and by her watchmaking apprenticeship with her father. Her predictable world is turned upside down when she discovers that the body in her mother’s grave is not her mother, but a stranger.
When Ava goes in search of her real mother and her true identity, she is thrust into the dark world of Donlon and must fight a battle to save those she loves and the future of both worlds . . .
A historical fantasy adventure for teens set between Victorian London and a darker parallel city.
It’s 1858, and there are two queens on the throne. Victoria reigns over London, the biggest city the world has ever known. But London has a secret shadow city, called Donlon, where another queen, the Green Witch, rules her own domain – time.
London is in turmoil. The Thames is at the height of the Great Stink; a blazing comet is searing the sky; technology is moving so fast it seems otherworldly; and the city is exploding with more people than it can hold. Darwin is about to publish his theory of evolution and humanity’s very place in the world is in question. On top of all this, people are disappearing into thin air. If they return, it is with empty eyes and torn souls, never to be the same again. Ava, a fourteen-year-old Londoner, feels trapped by the limited life of a young Victorian woman and by her watchmaking apprenticeship with her father. Her predictable world is turned upside down when she discovers that the body in her mother’s grave is not her mother, but a stranger.
When Ava goes in search of her real mother and her true identity, she is thrust into the dark world of Donlon and must fight a battle to save those she loves and the future of both worlds . . .
356 pages, Paperback
First published July 2, 2021
1 person is currently reading
158 people want to read
About the author
Karen Ginnane
8 books16 followers Sign up for my newsletter for sneak peeks and such - I won't spam you, promise. 😊 www.karenginnane.com/sign-up
Karen Ginnane is a Melbourne-based author for middle grade and young adult readers. Penguin Random House Australia published her debut novel, 'When Days Tilt', on July 2nd 2021. The sequel, 'When Souls Tear', is scheduled for May 2022. These historical fantasy adventures, set in Victorian London and a parallel city, are part of the 'Time Catchers' series. Karen writes an occasional newsletter with updates, news, sneak peeks and can sign up to here: https://www.karenginnane.com/sign-up
Karen self-published ahead of the curve at the age of ten in her home town of Perth in Western Australia. Since 'A Horse Named Ginger' was released, Karen has been variously employed as a freelance copywriter, a marketing director for Paramount Pictures in London, a grain weighbridge operator in rural WA, a swimming teacher, a life model, a deckhand in Chile and an English teacher in Japan. She's also taught creative writing and bellydance.
Karen Ginnane is a Melbourne-based author for middle grade and young adult readers. Penguin Random House Australia published her debut novel, 'When Days Tilt', on July 2nd 2021. The sequel, 'When Souls Tear', is scheduled for May 2022. These historical fantasy adventures, set in Victorian London and a parallel city, are part of the 'Time Catchers' series. Karen writes an occasional newsletter with updates, news, sneak peeks and can sign up to here: https://www.karenginnane.com/sign-up
Karen self-published ahead of the curve at the age of ten in her home town of Perth in Western Australia. Since 'A Horse Named Ginger' was released, Karen has been variously employed as a freelance copywriter, a marketing director for Paramount Pictures in London, a grain weighbridge operator in rural WA, a swimming teacher, a life model, a deckhand in Chile and an English teacher in Japan. She's also taught creative writing and bellydance.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
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April 26, 2021The following reviews have been shared by Penguin Random House Australia - publisher of When Days Tilt.
'When Days Tilt invites readers into a vibrant and intricate world, full of imagination and mystery. An absorbing debut for fans of Philip Pullman.' – ANNA MORGAN, AUTHOR OF BEFORE THE BEGINNING AND ALL THAT IMPOSSIBLE SPACE
'An atmospheric, visceral read that casts its otherworldly thrall from the first page. The adventure is always underpinned by the emotional growth of the characters, and the mystery is always grounded in the importance of family and human connection. Perfect for readers who love imaginative historical fantasy with a dash of steampunk.' – SAMANTHA-ELLEN BOUND, AUTHOR OF SEVEN WHEREWITHAL WAY
'Lose yourself in the world of Victorian London, and the world of its sinister twin, as you travel back – and forth – in time. Time Catchers: When Days Tilt will show you London as you’ve never seen it before.' – LUCINDA HAWKSLEY, AUTHOR AND GREAT-GREAT-GREAT-GRANDDAUGHTER OF CHARLES DICKENS
'When Days Tilt invites readers into a vibrant and intricate world, full of imagination and mystery. An absorbing debut for fans of Philip Pullman.' – ANNA MORGAN, AUTHOR OF BEFORE THE BEGINNING AND ALL THAT IMPOSSIBLE SPACE
'An atmospheric, visceral read that casts its otherworldly thrall from the first page. The adventure is always underpinned by the emotional growth of the characters, and the mystery is always grounded in the importance of family and human connection. Perfect for readers who love imaginative historical fantasy with a dash of steampunk.' – SAMANTHA-ELLEN BOUND, AUTHOR OF SEVEN WHEREWITHAL WAY
'Lose yourself in the world of Victorian London, and the world of its sinister twin, as you travel back – and forth – in time. Time Catchers: When Days Tilt will show you London as you’ve never seen it before.' – LUCINDA HAWKSLEY, AUTHOR AND GREAT-GREAT-GREAT-GRANDDAUGHTER OF CHARLES DICKENS
September 24, 2021
✍️ This exciting fantasy debut novel by @ginnanekaren is the first book in a duology set in two different cities in the year 1858. We travel forward and back to Victorian London and the mysterious shadow city of Donlon where people are dissipating out of thin air. We meet fourteen year old Londoner Ava, the daughter of a watchmaker who always felt like she didn't belong and that something was amiss in her life. When she finds out the grave of her mother she has regularly been visiting is not her mother and her family have been keeping secrets from her she goes to Donlon in a hunt to find her real mother and her true existence. Along the way she meets Jack and both their lives become commutated and they are in a fight to protect each other and their community.
This was a very fast paced, high energy story filled with lots of intrigue, illusion and secrecy and soaring with a slew of imagery throughout. The plot was cleverly mastered and deliberated as well as containing a blend of thrilling and enthralling characters. The writing style was impeccable. I was captivated from the start and didn't want it to end. Can't wait to read the next book. Highly urge people to read!
This was a very fast paced, high energy story filled with lots of intrigue, illusion and secrecy and soaring with a slew of imagery throughout. The plot was cleverly mastered and deliberated as well as containing a blend of thrilling and enthralling characters. The writing style was impeccable. I was captivated from the start and didn't want it to end. Can't wait to read the next book. Highly urge people to read!
June 22, 2021
I managed to acquire an advanced reading of this book just two days ago and have already finished it cover to cover.
The numerous ingenious intricacies of this book give a real insight into the social, political and technological advancements of the time.
This book is written in such a way that children as young as 12 could become enthralled into the world the same way adults can.
Would highly recommend to anyone who enjoys the works of Phillip Pullman, Tolkien and Natasha Pulley.
The numerous ingenious intricacies of this book give a real insight into the social, political and technological advancements of the time.
This book is written in such a way that children as young as 12 could become enthralled into the world the same way adults can.
Would highly recommend to anyone who enjoys the works of Phillip Pullman, Tolkien and Natasha Pulley.
July 22, 2021
I thought this was a fantastic read. It is feministy and packed with adventure and magic, providing a really strong foundation for the next book to build on, while still being satisfying on its own. I loved spending time in the world(s) of Ava and Jack and can’t wait to see what is in store for them in the next installment!
*thanks to the publishers for providing me a copy for review*
*thanks to the publishers for providing me a copy for review*
August 31, 2022
Officially; ‘…a gripping fantasy-adventure series for lovers of Philip Pullman’s “Northern Lights.” In the page-turning finale to this enthralling duology, Ava’s developing powers must help her save two worlds.’
But I can tell you that many moons ago when Karen sat before me (at a Writers Victoria speed-dating event!) I read the first words of Book One - 'When Souls Tear' - and they went thus;
PROLOGUE
London, September 1858
It is a time of tilting days.
In the sky a huge comet burns bright, day and night. Below it, a river rots and there are too many bodies to fit in the graveyards.
I was hooked! Talk about landing your opening - I had to know more, and indeed what Karen introduced me to was a kaleidoscopic story of worlds between worlds, steampunk adventures and a friendship forged across time and space.
This duology is such an achievement, and I am so proud to have played a small part in bringing this glorious, adventurous, and gripping tale to young readers.
But I can tell you that many moons ago when Karen sat before me (at a Writers Victoria speed-dating event!) I read the first words of Book One - 'When Souls Tear' - and they went thus;
PROLOGUE
London, September 1858
It is a time of tilting days.
In the sky a huge comet burns bright, day and night. Below it, a river rots and there are too many bodies to fit in the graveyards.
I was hooked! Talk about landing your opening - I had to know more, and indeed what Karen introduced me to was a kaleidoscopic story of worlds between worlds, steampunk adventures and a friendship forged across time and space.
This duology is such an achievement, and I am so proud to have played a small part in bringing this glorious, adventurous, and gripping tale to young readers.
July 2, 2021
A stunning debut from Karen Ginnane. She has woven a tale, told alternately through the eyes of watchmaker's daughter Ava and metalwork apprentice Jack that deftly crafts the existence of the dark twin city of 1858 London, and blends it with mysterious disappearances, stolen time, an evil device, and a captivating new language called angel code.
Ginnane's deep humanity is on show throughout the story as she allows each character their waverings between pure intent and base self interest and leaves the reader to identify their own alliances.
I was completely absorbed by this story and find myself on launch day hankering for Volume 2 of the Time Catchers Series.
Ginnane's deep humanity is on show throughout the story as she allows each character their waverings between pure intent and base self interest and leaves the reader to identify their own alliances.
I was completely absorbed by this story and find myself on launch day hankering for Volume 2 of the Time Catchers Series.
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August 23, 2021Wow what a debut. Time catchers snatches you into another world of adventure and intrigue from the very first pages. At the same time through the development of her characters, Karen skilfully helps the reader to reflect on the value of friendship and loyalty and the meaning of family. She demonstrates how our perceptions and what we believe to be true is not always correct and that if we take the time and have the courage to really see and listen, an alternative view can often be found - one that changes our perceptions and how we feel, giving us a alternative perspective with better understanding, healing and growth.
The scene is set for the next instalment - can’t wait.
The scene is set for the next instalment - can’t wait.
August 28, 2021
An excellent narrative which carries the reader into the world of Ava in the mid 1800’s. The book has strength in the depth of narrative and a remarkable balance held by the structure and entwined stories of the central characters. In what is an elegantly told tale with far greater complexity than the reader at first senses aspects of the emerging world of adulthood are gently unfurled. All this portrayed through imagery that carries the mind and all of the senses. “He hadn’t heard the pulse of the world till he wasn’t in it.” Beautifully written and a pleasure to read. I recommend this for the age group ... and those of us a little older.
July 21, 2021
It was a magnificent ride the worlds were fully realized and sensual, the characters believable. Ginnane's writing shone through with her craft too.
I wouldn’t worry about comparisons to Pullman her creation stands well on its own with its own unique magic and concept with the time catchers.
Looking forward to the second one!
I wouldn’t worry about comparisons to Pullman her creation stands well on its own with its own unique magic and concept with the time catchers.
Looking forward to the second one!
June 5, 2022
3.5 Rounded up
Interesting and quirky - I really enjoyed the exploration of what it means to be family, and time magic is always fun. There were a few abrupt emotional shifts but it was a fun read that set up for a bunch more magical alternate London adventures ^^
Interesting and quirky - I really enjoyed the exploration of what it means to be family, and time magic is always fun. There were a few abrupt emotional shifts but it was a fun read that set up for a bunch more magical alternate London adventures ^^
November 16, 2023
An intriguing take on parallel worlds where we move between Victorian London and the darker and grimmer Donlon.
Some of the story was a little confused and somewhat difficult to clarify, but it all comes together, leaving us with a creepily fascinating epilogue to lead us into the second book.
Some of the story was a little confused and somewhat difficult to clarify, but it all comes together, leaving us with a creepily fascinating epilogue to lead us into the second book.
September 5, 2021
Good all the way through. Good bad guys. And twists. Nifty ideas well developed. Definitely worth it. Thanks Dav!
June 21, 2021
Such a beautiful adventure through intricately crafted worlds within worlds. Full of surprising characters who I want to hear more from.
October 2, 2021
A young adult fantasy set across two London worlds. The story grabs you in the first couple of chapters so that you want to keep turning the page to find out what happens next. A stunning debut novel.
July 31, 2021
I LOVED this story. It did take me a minute to get into it, but within a few chapters I was hooked and could not put it down. Brilliant!
January 30, 2022
- thanks to @penguinbooksaus for my #gifted copy
According to Goodreads, When Days Tilt is classified as a Fantasy Young Adult book, but I believe it veers towards Middle Grade instead. Although the main characters' age could trick the reader into considering this novel as YA, the lack of mature themes and the naive writing style definitely make this book suitable for far younger readers.
I cannot deny that this novel will appeal to many people, especially young readers, but I must admit that it did not appeal to me.
The lack of a solid characterisation was exasperating from beginning to end. Moreover, the absence of background story made it impossible to fully understand the main characters, even though they were attributed a maximum of two personality traits each. The female lead, Ava, felt like a walking cliche: she was definitely not like the other girls -emphasised by continuous reminders of how different she was- because, oh my, caring for what other girls cared about was such an intellectual sin.
Also, this novel is classified as Historical Fiction, yet I would have loved to see more of the genre's conventions. Apart from a few mentions regarding clothing, there weren't many historical elements that contributed to an atmospheric read, let alone lead me to believe I was reading a story about events that would have taken place in London in 1858.
I also struggled greatly with the writing style. I don't know why, but Ginnane is a big fan of concise and abrupt sentences and a significant amount of info-dumping. Although some readers might not have an issue with this type of writing, it was distracting for me, directly affecting my reading experience. In addition, I believe the author battled with writing coherent good-sized paragraphs, which resulted in a disjointed and abrupt narration.
Overall, When Days Tilt was not my cup of tea. I'm not a big fan of Middle Grade/Young Adult per se, so I cannot deny I'm biased whenever I pick up a story written for young readers. However, I hope other readers enjoy this novel way more than I did.
According to Goodreads, When Days Tilt is classified as a Fantasy Young Adult book, but I believe it veers towards Middle Grade instead. Although the main characters' age could trick the reader into considering this novel as YA, the lack of mature themes and the naive writing style definitely make this book suitable for far younger readers.
I cannot deny that this novel will appeal to many people, especially young readers, but I must admit that it did not appeal to me.
The lack of a solid characterisation was exasperating from beginning to end. Moreover, the absence of background story made it impossible to fully understand the main characters, even though they were attributed a maximum of two personality traits each. The female lead, Ava, felt like a walking cliche: she was definitely not like the other girls -emphasised by continuous reminders of how different she was- because, oh my, caring for what other girls cared about was such an intellectual sin.
Also, this novel is classified as Historical Fiction, yet I would have loved to see more of the genre's conventions. Apart from a few mentions regarding clothing, there weren't many historical elements that contributed to an atmospheric read, let alone lead me to believe I was reading a story about events that would have taken place in London in 1858.
I also struggled greatly with the writing style. I don't know why, but Ginnane is a big fan of concise and abrupt sentences and a significant amount of info-dumping. Although some readers might not have an issue with this type of writing, it was distracting for me, directly affecting my reading experience. In addition, I believe the author battled with writing coherent good-sized paragraphs, which resulted in a disjointed and abrupt narration.
Overall, When Days Tilt was not my cup of tea. I'm not a big fan of Middle Grade/Young Adult per se, so I cannot deny I'm biased whenever I pick up a story written for young readers. However, I hope other readers enjoy this novel way more than I did.
August 10, 2021
Incredible story that you completely get immersed in from the first page! Beautifully written with such vivid descriptions. Definitely recommend this book.
August 4, 2021
I really enjoyed this book. It was an easy read with convincing and relatable characters and a gripping story line that developed in complexity as the book went on. There were lots of threads being weaved that didn’t come out till the end. Definitely worth a read. Vivienne
February 25, 2023
Thank you Penguin Teen AUS for sending me a copy to review
The cover is initially what drew me to this book. It has that mysterious vibe about it and then the blurb had needing to get my hands on it.
A fantasy adventure set in 1858 London and a parallel shadow city called Donlon. I don’t usually enjoy historical reads, but this was different from the typical historical book. A brilliant mixture of London and fantasy.
The world building for Donlon while still incorporating a Victorian style London is fantastic. The characters are interesting and well written.
This is a brilliant and unique young adult fantasy read for anyone who loves a little mystery with their adventure. Looking forward to the sequel When Souls Tear in 2022
The cover is initially what drew me to this book. It has that mysterious vibe about it and then the blurb had needing to get my hands on it.
A fantasy adventure set in 1858 London and a parallel shadow city called Donlon. I don’t usually enjoy historical reads, but this was different from the typical historical book. A brilliant mixture of London and fantasy.
The world building for Donlon while still incorporating a Victorian style London is fantastic. The characters are interesting and well written.
This is a brilliant and unique young adult fantasy read for anyone who loves a little mystery with their adventure. Looking forward to the sequel When Souls Tear in 2022
June 15, 2021
Wow! Thoroughly enjoyed getting lost in the two worlds of Donlon and 1858 London. An impressive first release where I disappeared at night into the artfully created settings and characters in this book.
Young adult fiction, ( would recommend 11 up), refreshingly that the whole family can enjoy alongside one another. I have already passed it on to my daughter and very much look forward to the next installment.
Young adult fiction, ( would recommend 11 up), refreshingly that the whole family can enjoy alongside one another. I have already passed it on to my daughter and very much look forward to the next installment.
September 16, 2021
Well, now I need to read the second book! I love historical fiction as well as parallel worlds and this book combined the two beautifully. Wonderful, complex characters and a clever, unusual storyline. The feminist and environmental messages were gently included and slotted in nicely. A really enjoyable story suitable for upper primary to beyond.
November 10, 2021
I absolutely loved this beautifully written story. The book’s fabulously enjoyable characters combined with the fun ideas of time, parallel worlds, geographical wordplay and historical references make this a terrific read. The best thing ever is that my teenage son devoured it - and that is high praise indeed.
August 4, 2021
When Days Tilt is a story about two worlds - our own, circa 1850s, and its darker, stranger mirror image. Unwittingly uniting or at least connecting these two worlds, is teenaged Ava, a watchmaker's daughter who has never really felt as if she fits in or belongs in the London of our world. A chance encounter plunges Ava into Donlon, a city like and completely unlike her own. A strange, frightening and wonderful place. But Donlon has its own dark secrets and Ava is soon pitched into its struggles, along with Jack - a Donlon blacksmith . What if the answer to who she really is and why she doesn't belong, is an answer she doesn't want to hear?
This is an excellent example of children's fiction, straddling the divide between older junior fiction or mid-grade, and the older end of the YA spectrum. By turns whimsical and gritty, the story is a fast paced fantasy adventure which has some very deep emotional themes at its core. As well as exploring what the absence of a parent can mean to a child and charting the turbulent waters between mother and daughter, When Days Tilt takes a long hard look at identity. Without an understanding of who we are and where we've come from, it's impossible to set healthy boundaries with others or know what we want from life. This is a theme that will definitely resonate strongly with children entering adulthood. In addition, 'time' plays an important part in this book. It's the one thing no-one is making any more of (or is it?) and it's the only unit of measurement that has any real value, so what happens when people are selfish and greedy with a resource that belongs to everyone? I don't want to stray into spoiler territory but beneath the engaging prose and fun fantasy story, some genuinely hard questions are being asked.
Overall this book is charming, poignant, funny and gripping. A must read for slipstream fantasy fans, young and old. Looking forward to the release of book 2.
This is an excellent example of children's fiction, straddling the divide between older junior fiction or mid-grade, and the older end of the YA spectrum. By turns whimsical and gritty, the story is a fast paced fantasy adventure which has some very deep emotional themes at its core. As well as exploring what the absence of a parent can mean to a child and charting the turbulent waters between mother and daughter, When Days Tilt takes a long hard look at identity. Without an understanding of who we are and where we've come from, it's impossible to set healthy boundaries with others or know what we want from life. This is a theme that will definitely resonate strongly with children entering adulthood. In addition, 'time' plays an important part in this book. It's the one thing no-one is making any more of (or is it?) and it's the only unit of measurement that has any real value, so what happens when people are selfish and greedy with a resource that belongs to everyone? I don't want to stray into spoiler territory but beneath the engaging prose and fun fantasy story, some genuinely hard questions are being asked.
Overall this book is charming, poignant, funny and gripping. A must read for slipstream fantasy fans, young and old. Looking forward to the release of book 2.
August 8, 2022
I actually made myself take a break when reading this book, because I didn't want to get to the end! But all good things have a final page, and I eventually turned this one's too.
Karen Ginnane has given me something that I hadn't had for a while - there was some kind of magic writing in this book that, while I can't name it, gave me the same thrill as I always experience upon reading C.S. Lewis' 'Narnia' series and Kate Forsyth's 'Puzzle Ring'. As the people that know me can testify, that's high praise indeed.
It's a Victorian fantasy, a fiction concerning teen Ava and the dual realms of London and Donlon. Someone is snatching time, time away from people, and the biggest secrets to Ava's life are being revealed to her after years of living a lie. How can she stop the time snatchers? Who is the Green Witch of Donlon? And what does an orphaned teen, Jack, have to do with her adventures?
Glitterbugs let me tell you, this novel was a thrill of a ride. I truly loved this story. I can't wait to see what happens next for these characters.💕
Karen Ginnane has given me something that I hadn't had for a while - there was some kind of magic writing in this book that, while I can't name it, gave me the same thrill as I always experience upon reading C.S. Lewis' 'Narnia' series and Kate Forsyth's 'Puzzle Ring'. As the people that know me can testify, that's high praise indeed.
It's a Victorian fantasy, a fiction concerning teen Ava and the dual realms of London and Donlon. Someone is snatching time, time away from people, and the biggest secrets to Ava's life are being revealed to her after years of living a lie. How can she stop the time snatchers? Who is the Green Witch of Donlon? And what does an orphaned teen, Jack, have to do with her adventures?
Glitterbugs let me tell you, this novel was a thrill of a ride. I truly loved this story. I can't wait to see what happens next for these characters.💕
December 20, 2022
Our Review…
Set in the heady chaos of 1800’s London, people are disappearing and coming back quite changed. When Ava’s beloved housekeeper and ally Violet vanishes, Ava is also swept into a parallel twin London, the darkly magical city of Donlon, where time itself is being bent. Here she will meet Jack, a plucky blacksmith apprentice, who will guide her and a prove to be her staunchest friend and protector, as they fight tooth and nail to protect the people they love and right time in both worlds.
Facing epic moral dilemmas, Eva and Jack find they must question themselves at every turn in this magnificently crafted world-bending novel. A must read for your daughter or son.
Great for confident readers ages 10-12 years + (I read it as an adult and adored it)
Review by Nicole @ Great Escape Books
Set in the heady chaos of 1800’s London, people are disappearing and coming back quite changed. When Ava’s beloved housekeeper and ally Violet vanishes, Ava is also swept into a parallel twin London, the darkly magical city of Donlon, where time itself is being bent. Here she will meet Jack, a plucky blacksmith apprentice, who will guide her and a prove to be her staunchest friend and protector, as they fight tooth and nail to protect the people they love and right time in both worlds.
Facing epic moral dilemmas, Eva and Jack find they must question themselves at every turn in this magnificently crafted world-bending novel. A must read for your daughter or son.
Great for confident readers ages 10-12 years + (I read it as an adult and adored it)
Review by Nicole @ Great Escape Books
July 8, 2021
Really good fun YA book: exciting and fun
I say "YA" because that is the description but I'm an adult (or so my creaking knees tell me!) and enjoyed it
Alternative London with magic, contrasted to real life Victorian London.
If you liked Neil Gaiman's NEVERWHERE or China Mieville's Un Lun Dun then you will like this.
That sounds a bit mean: but being in same bucket as Gaiman or Mieville is pretty high praise, and this is it's own book - it is not derivative or a clone in any way.
Both London and alternate London have their own intersecting plots, characters and excitements.
Nicely outlined characters, great world-building and backstory, exciting plots
Recommended
I say "YA" because that is the description but I'm an adult (or so my creaking knees tell me!) and enjoyed it
Alternative London with magic, contrasted to real life Victorian London.
If you liked Neil Gaiman's NEVERWHERE or China Mieville's Un Lun Dun then you will like this.
That sounds a bit mean: but being in same bucket as Gaiman or Mieville is pretty high praise, and this is it's own book - it is not derivative or a clone in any way.
Both London and alternate London have their own intersecting plots, characters and excitements.
Nicely outlined characters, great world-building and backstory, exciting plots
Recommended
November 19, 2023
I've been trying to read this for 7 weeks and it's just not enjoyable.
The sheer number of characters without any backstory or character building creates a very dry read and the effect for me is being thrown from plot point to plot point with no real care on my part.
Although the MC is a young adult, this reads more as middle grade and the themes lend themselves to this as well. The number of times she is shocked that people have lied to her is astounding and she really makes very poor decisions consistently with no real forethought.
I really wanted to love this one but the writing style wasn't for me. It's a shame because the premise was exciting!
The sheer number of characters without any backstory or character building creates a very dry read and the effect for me is being thrown from plot point to plot point with no real care on my part.
Although the MC is a young adult, this reads more as middle grade and the themes lend themselves to this as well. The number of times she is shocked that people have lied to her is astounding and she really makes very poor decisions consistently with no real forethought.
I really wanted to love this one but the writing style wasn't for me. It's a shame because the premise was exciting!
October 13, 2021
This is an MG/YA book that anyone of any age will love. It is full of magic and mystery played out with a deft touch in a past London that feels incredibly vivid. It explores family and bonds, loyalty and the struggle to find the right path, and is led by two utterly wonderful characters who grab a hold of your heart and don't let go.
Cannot wait for book 2.
Cannot wait for book 2.
November 20, 2022
Such a well imagined novel. An unrelenting build of tension as the protagonist Ava slips between 1858 Victorian London, and its shadow world, Donlon. The writing is immaculate, and the storytelling first class. Looking forward to the sequel!
August 22, 2021
I loved this book. Full of imagination, with lovable characters and an eco-friendly, sometimes funny parallel universe. (I want to go to the Batter Sea!) I was gripped from page 1 and can't wait for the next book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews