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Mask of Aribella
On the eve of her birthday, Aribella discovers she has a secret power – when angered, flames shoot from her fingertips.
Frightened, she runs away, only to be rescued by a magical organization of masked heroes with their own special skills. Aribella and her new friends have sworn to defend Venice, but can they defeat the evil rising from the Island of the Dead?
A captivating middle-grade fantasy in the entrancing setting of historical Venice.
Frightened, she runs away, only to be rescued by a magical organization of masked heroes with their own special skills. Aribella and her new friends have sworn to defend Venice, but can they defeat the evil rising from the Island of the Dead?
A captivating middle-grade fantasy in the entrancing setting of historical Venice.
203 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 2, 2020
8 people are currently reading
536 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews
November 28, 2021
Einen Tag vor ihrem 13. Geburtstag bekommen Aribella und ihr Freund Theo streit mit Gian. Als dieser auf Theo losgeht, versucht Aribella ihn zu verteidigen, als Flammen aus ihren Fingerspitzen kommen. Plötzlich nennt man sie eine Hexe und soll von der Stadtwache eingefangen werden. In der Nacht rettet Theo jetzt Aribella vor den Wachen und rudert mit ihr hinaus. Sie treffen auf einen Mann mit einer Sternenmaske, doch etwas Böses treibt sich in den Lagunen Venedigs herum und Aribellas Leben verändert sich für immer.
Der Schreibstil ist richtig schön atmosphärisch und es wird manchmal gruselig. Es steckt richtig viel Venedig in dem Buch, ein mysteriöser Maskenmacher, zauberhafte Gondeln, Lagunen, ein Löwe und das wundervolle Halb-hier-und-halb-da Hotel, das man leider nicht im offiziellen Hotelführer Venedigs finden kann. Die Geschichte ist magisch, hat einen schönen Spannungsaufbau und interessante Charaktere. Es geht auch darum, dass es nicht schlecht ist, anders zu sein und dass es noch andere Menschen gibt, die auch anders sind. Wichtige Themen sind Selbstakzeptanz, Freundschaft und Individualität.
Ein spannendes magisches Abenteuer für Leser ab 10 Jahre.
Das eBook wurde mir kostenfrei als Rezensionsexemplar zur Verfügung gestellt.
Der Schreibstil ist richtig schön atmosphärisch und es wird manchmal gruselig. Es steckt richtig viel Venedig in dem Buch, ein mysteriöser Maskenmacher, zauberhafte Gondeln, Lagunen, ein Löwe und das wundervolle Halb-hier-und-halb-da Hotel, das man leider nicht im offiziellen Hotelführer Venedigs finden kann. Die Geschichte ist magisch, hat einen schönen Spannungsaufbau und interessante Charaktere. Es geht auch darum, dass es nicht schlecht ist, anders zu sein und dass es noch andere Menschen gibt, die auch anders sind. Wichtige Themen sind Selbstakzeptanz, Freundschaft und Individualität.
Ein spannendes magisches Abenteuer für Leser ab 10 Jahre.
Das eBook wurde mir kostenfrei als Rezensionsexemplar zur Verfügung gestellt.
March 27, 2020
What a complete victory this book is. It’s magic and friendship; dark and light; good and evil. It’s believing in yourself and surrounding yourself with goodness. It’s dark stories of murder and magic. It’s beautiful Venice and not judging by appearances. BLOODY YES. I absolutely adored Rodolfo - he’s my fave. I would LOVE to know more about him!
June 2, 2022
نقاب آریبلا - نشر ایرانبان
ازین به بعد کتابهای بیشتری با این رده سنی خواهم خوند.
دنیاهای جالبی دارن. دعوا و بحث کمتری توشون هست.نویسندهها کمتر سعی میکنن برای آدم تعیین تکلیف کنن که باید چیو دوست داشته باشی و چیو دوست نداشته باشی. در اصل میشه گفت نویسندهها سعی نمیکنن با کتابشون جهان رو نجات بدن،برا همین معمولا تحکم کمتری توشون هست. و خب حس میکنم هرچند وقت یه بار از دست کتابهای بزرگسال که نصفشون شعاره نیاز دارم به این مدل کتابها پناه ببرم.
حالا بخوام درمورد خود کتاب بگم ،اول از همه اینکه قطعا باید ازش درحد یه کتاب نوجوان ۲۵۰ صفحهای انتظار داشته باشید و نظر منم بر اساس همینه:)
مدل جادوش برای من واقعا جدید و خاص بود.خیلی خوب هم توی داستان از قدرت هرکدوم از شخصیتها استفاده کرد و داستان رو پیش برد. به نظرم حتی جادوش قابلیت اینکه توی یه کتاب حجیمتر استفاده بشه هم داشت.
با اینکه حجم کتاب کمه به معماهاش خیلی خوب پرداخته بود و نشونههاشو توی کل کتاب پخش کرده بود.من آخرهاش برای اینکه بفهمم قضیه از چه قراره خیلی هیجان داشتم.
فقط به نظرم جنگ آخرش رو میتونست بهتر بنویسه...یکم زیادی سریع همه چیز جمع شد.
ازین به بعد کتابهای بیشتری با این رده سنی خواهم خوند.
دنیاهای جالبی دارن. دعوا و بحث کمتری توشون هست.نویسندهها کمتر سعی میکنن برای آدم تعیین تکلیف کنن که باید چیو دوست داشته باشی و چیو دوست نداشته باشی. در اصل میشه گفت نویسندهها سعی نمیکنن با کتابشون جهان رو نجات بدن،برا همین معمولا تحکم کمتری توشون هست. و خب حس میکنم هرچند وقت یه بار از دست کتابهای بزرگسال که نصفشون شعاره نیاز دارم به این مدل کتابها پناه ببرم.
حالا بخوام درمورد خود کتاب بگم ،اول از همه اینکه قطعا باید ازش درحد یه کتاب نوجوان ۲۵۰ صفحهای انتظار داشته باشید و نظر منم بر اساس همینه:)
مدل جادوش برای من واقعا جدید و خاص بود.خیلی خوب هم توی داستان از قدرت هرکدوم از شخصیتها استفاده کرد و داستان رو پیش برد. به نظرم حتی جادوش قابلیت اینکه توی یه کتاب حجیمتر استفاده بشه هم داشت.
با اینکه حجم کتاب کمه به معماهاش خیلی خوب پرداخته بود و نشونههاشو توی کل کتاب پخش کرده بود.من آخرهاش برای اینکه بفهمم قضیه از چه قراره خیلی هیجان داشتم.
فقط به نظرم جنگ آخرش رو میتونست بهتر بنویسه...یکم زیادی سریع همه چیز جمع شد.
October 31, 2021
Ein süßes, historisch-magisches Kinderbuch!
Super als Weihnachtsgeschenk für 10-jährige zu empfehlen. Ob noch mehr Bände folgen werden, steht in den Sternen, vorerst ist es glaube ich als Einzelband konzipiert, gibt aber Anstoß für den Auftakt für ein Mehrteiler. Im historischen Venedig, ein Setting, das man nicht häufig in Kinderbüchern wiederfindet, begleiten wir Aribella auf ihre magische Reise, denn sie erkennt, dass sie geheimnisvolle Kräfte besitzt und kommt in eine Art Hotel für magisch Begabte, um mit Gleichgesinnten in eine neue Welt einzutauschen. Für mich ein Buch, das es bereits x-mal im Kinderbuch-Bereich gibt und da ich bereits so viele Kinderbücher gelesen habe, war die Handlung auch nichts herausragendes oder neues. Manchmal war ich auch ein wenig gelangweilt, aber ich glaube es liegt an meiner KiBu-Flaute als eher an dem Buch.
Super als Weihnachtsgeschenk für 10-jährige zu empfehlen. Ob noch mehr Bände folgen werden, steht in den Sternen, vorerst ist es glaube ich als Einzelband konzipiert, gibt aber Anstoß für den Auftakt für ein Mehrteiler. Im historischen Venedig, ein Setting, das man nicht häufig in Kinderbüchern wiederfindet, begleiten wir Aribella auf ihre magische Reise, denn sie erkennt, dass sie geheimnisvolle Kräfte besitzt und kommt in eine Art Hotel für magisch Begabte, um mit Gleichgesinnten in eine neue Welt einzutauschen. Für mich ein Buch, das es bereits x-mal im Kinderbuch-Bereich gibt und da ich bereits so viele Kinderbücher gelesen habe, war die Handlung auch nichts herausragendes oder neues. Manchmal war ich auch ein wenig gelangweilt, aber ich glaube es liegt an meiner KiBu-Flaute als eher an dem Buch.
April 18, 2020
This was a truly magical read. It had adventure, intrigue, humour and heart. I loved all of the characters especially Aribella and the storyline had me hooked. The twists were great and I think anybody reading this would have a wonderful time.
Solid 4.5 stars
Solid 4.5 stars
October 27, 2020
I enjoyed the story! It was full of magic and adventure.
March 9, 2021
Rating: 3.5
Did I buy this book from Book Depository because of the cover? Why yes, yes I did!
I was on there to buy a version of Dracula and stumbled upon this beauty. MG books are always a nice break from YA or Adult titles and this one in particular had an interesting blurb. The more I look at this cover, the more I see of all the details included like the mask. It took me long enough to see it, haha.
This was a fun read and it had a few important lessons that we can all take something from.
Aribella is like any other child her age, except on the day that everything changes. There are many books out there that has a kid come into their powers on a certain birthday. Although that is nothing new, I still liked her story and where her powers took her. She is also very brave, kind, and knows that friendship/family is very important.
One cool aspects about the powers found within the pages of this book is that they use masks to help control their powers. The masks can also shadow them from others as well. I seriously need one of those for when I am reading!
There are also cool companions like a cat and a bat. Both are animals that I like so it made it even better. Gondolas were given to certain mask wearers and when they are done using them and docked, they slip under the water to sleep. Never heard of that before, ha.
When it came to the plot, I thought it was really interesting. There is magic, friendship, plot twists, and its all within a cool setting. I don’t think I have read a book that takes place in Venice. As the plot went on some plot twists weren’t as surprising because everything started to come together in my head but I still liked them nonetheless.
Obviously this book has a lot to do with friendship and finding a place where you belong. I think that many kids struggle with this and this book does a good job with the topic at hand. There is also a moment where Aribella gets her mask but it isn’t what she imagined. It is ugly and not as beautiful as the others she had seen. This is a good metaphor for how we see ourselves and others. She does learn to finally accept who she is and it was a great moment.
Overall, I’m glad I didn’t wait too long to pick this one up after purchasing it. It definitely was a satisfying MG fantasy.
Did I buy this book from Book Depository because of the cover? Why yes, yes I did!
I was on there to buy a version of Dracula and stumbled upon this beauty. MG books are always a nice break from YA or Adult titles and this one in particular had an interesting blurb. The more I look at this cover, the more I see of all the details included like the mask. It took me long enough to see it, haha.
This was a fun read and it had a few important lessons that we can all take something from.
Aribella is like any other child her age, except on the day that everything changes. There are many books out there that has a kid come into their powers on a certain birthday. Although that is nothing new, I still liked her story and where her powers took her. She is also very brave, kind, and knows that friendship/family is very important.
One cool aspects about the powers found within the pages of this book is that they use masks to help control their powers. The masks can also shadow them from others as well. I seriously need one of those for when I am reading!
There are also cool companions like a cat and a bat. Both are animals that I like so it made it even better. Gondolas were given to certain mask wearers and when they are done using them and docked, they slip under the water to sleep. Never heard of that before, ha.
When it came to the plot, I thought it was really interesting. There is magic, friendship, plot twists, and its all within a cool setting. I don’t think I have read a book that takes place in Venice. As the plot went on some plot twists weren’t as surprising because everything started to come together in my head but I still liked them nonetheless.
Obviously this book has a lot to do with friendship and finding a place where you belong. I think that many kids struggle with this and this book does a good job with the topic at hand. There is also a moment where Aribella gets her mask but it isn’t what she imagined. It is ugly and not as beautiful as the others she had seen. This is a good metaphor for how we see ourselves and others. She does learn to finally accept who she is and it was a great moment.
Overall, I’m glad I didn’t wait too long to pick this one up after purchasing it. It definitely was a satisfying MG fantasy.
April 6, 2020
A very wholesome fantasy, with a strong female lead and an unforgettable crew of lovable friends.
There is a mystery/thriller element in the book which made it even more captivating. Also, since this novel is set in Italy, the atmosphere is beautifully captured throughout Aribella's journey.
The story is very intriguing right from the beginning. There are quite a few similarities with The Harry Potter books so, you are in for a treat if you love that series!
The only issue I had with the book was that due to the lack of proof-reading, there were quite a few grammatical and punctuation errors which really annoyed me, other than that, everything was great.
🌟🌟🌟🌟.5
There is a mystery/thriller element in the book which made it even more captivating. Also, since this novel is set in Italy, the atmosphere is beautifully captured throughout Aribella's journey.
The story is very intriguing right from the beginning. There are quite a few similarities with The Harry Potter books so, you are in for a treat if you love that series!
The only issue I had with the book was that due to the lack of proof-reading, there were quite a few grammatical and punctuation errors which really annoyed me, other than that, everything was great.
🌟🌟🌟🌟.5
March 25, 2021
3.5 stars - lots of fun and very enjoyable Venetian adventure with some imaginative magic, but quite a few issues with weak & predictable plotting, cliches, confusing transitions, and a boring, depthless villain who is easily defeated.
October 25, 2021
Danke an den dtv Junior Verlag und Vorablesen, die mir ein Rezensionsexemplar zur Verfügung gestellt haben. Meine Meinung ist davon unabhängig.
„Aribella und die Feuermaske“ hat mich direkt vom Cover und vom Klappentext angesprochen, obwohl ich sonst nie wirklich auf Vorablesen Junior unterwegs bin. Aber ich habe mir die Leseprobe angelesen und es einfach mal in der Verlosung versucht… und hatte direkt Glück!
Wie das Cover andeutet, geht es nach Venedig, in eine Stadt voller Gondeln, Brücken und kleiner Häuser. Das schwarzhaarige Mädchen ist unsere Protagonistin Aribella und sie wirkt auf mich sehr sympathisch. Die roten Flammen und hellblauen Totenköpfe am Himmel sind Hinweise auf die fantastischen Elemente, die im Laufe des Buches noch vorkommen werden.
Aribella lebt seit dem Tod ihrer Mutter nur mit ihrem Vater in Burano, eine Insel in Venedig. Als sie mit ihrem besten Freund eines Tages von anderen Kindern belästigt wird, passiert etwas Seltsames: Feuer schießt aus ihren Händen! Ist sie etwa eine Hexe?
Ihr Vater wird daraufhin verhaftet, und sie muss flüchten. Ein Fremder rettet sie mit einer Gondel, und nimmt sie mit in die Welt einer Geheimgesellschaft, voller Magie. Und dann greifen noch Geister Venedig an. Können Aribella und die anderen Novizen ihre Stadt retten?
Es ist ein wirklich spannendes, lustiges und teilweise gruseliges Buch, mit einer sehr interessanten Magie. Durch magische Masken können die Noviz*innen der Cannovacci ihre Magie kontrolliert nutzen. Über Feuer erzeugen, mit Tieren sprechen und die Zeit verändern ist fast alles möglich.
Der Schreibstil ist flüssig und voller Bilder; ich konnte mir die Gondeln, Kanäle und individualisierten Zimmer im Halb-hier-halb-da Hotel wirklich sehr gut vorstellen.
Der Bösewicht und seine Magie war tatsächlich gruseliger als gedacht. Das Buch ist ja für 10-Jährige gedacht und es geht um Geister und Tod, und das fand ich persönlich doch eher gruselig für die Altersgruppe.
Der Showdown am Ende ging mir dann aber doch etwas zu schnell, und es war mir auch zu viel Happy End… wirklich alles wird wieder grade gebogen und gelöst. Klar, es ist ein Kinderbuch und da braucht es meiner Meinung nach ein Happy End. Aber so perfekt muss nicht alles laufen.
Insgesamt gebe ich dem Buch 4 von 5 Sternen und finde, dass es definitiv ein Kinderbuch ist, dass auch Erwachsene begeistern kann! Und es ist ein echter Traum im Regal.
„Aribella und die Feuermaske“ hat mich direkt vom Cover und vom Klappentext angesprochen, obwohl ich sonst nie wirklich auf Vorablesen Junior unterwegs bin. Aber ich habe mir die Leseprobe angelesen und es einfach mal in der Verlosung versucht… und hatte direkt Glück!
Wie das Cover andeutet, geht es nach Venedig, in eine Stadt voller Gondeln, Brücken und kleiner Häuser. Das schwarzhaarige Mädchen ist unsere Protagonistin Aribella und sie wirkt auf mich sehr sympathisch. Die roten Flammen und hellblauen Totenköpfe am Himmel sind Hinweise auf die fantastischen Elemente, die im Laufe des Buches noch vorkommen werden.
Aribella lebt seit dem Tod ihrer Mutter nur mit ihrem Vater in Burano, eine Insel in Venedig. Als sie mit ihrem besten Freund eines Tages von anderen Kindern belästigt wird, passiert etwas Seltsames: Feuer schießt aus ihren Händen! Ist sie etwa eine Hexe?
Ihr Vater wird daraufhin verhaftet, und sie muss flüchten. Ein Fremder rettet sie mit einer Gondel, und nimmt sie mit in die Welt einer Geheimgesellschaft, voller Magie. Und dann greifen noch Geister Venedig an. Können Aribella und die anderen Novizen ihre Stadt retten?
Es ist ein wirklich spannendes, lustiges und teilweise gruseliges Buch, mit einer sehr interessanten Magie. Durch magische Masken können die Noviz*innen der Cannovacci ihre Magie kontrolliert nutzen. Über Feuer erzeugen, mit Tieren sprechen und die Zeit verändern ist fast alles möglich.
Der Schreibstil ist flüssig und voller Bilder; ich konnte mir die Gondeln, Kanäle und individualisierten Zimmer im Halb-hier-halb-da Hotel wirklich sehr gut vorstellen.
Der Bösewicht und seine Magie war tatsächlich gruseliger als gedacht. Das Buch ist ja für 10-Jährige gedacht und es geht um Geister und Tod, und das fand ich persönlich doch eher gruselig für die Altersgruppe.
Der Showdown am Ende ging mir dann aber doch etwas zu schnell, und es war mir auch zu viel Happy End… wirklich alles wird wieder grade gebogen und gelöst. Klar, es ist ein Kinderbuch und da braucht es meiner Meinung nach ein Happy End. Aber so perfekt muss nicht alles laufen.
Insgesamt gebe ich dem Buch 4 von 5 Sternen und finde, dass es definitiv ein Kinderbuch ist, dass auch Erwachsene begeistern kann! Und es ist ein echter Traum im Regal.
December 4, 2021
Was ich mir erhofft habe: Das Cover hat mich sofort fasziniert und die Geschichte klang interessant.
Fazit: Ein nettes Buch, aber nichts Neues oder Ausgefallenes. Alle Elemente sind bekannt (die Unterscheidung zwischen Menschen mit Magie und ohne, der doppelte Betrug, das Rätsel um die eigenen Herkunft, …) und ich finde Geschichten, in denen der Hauptcharakter unter ganz besonderen Personen nochmal selbst total einzigartig mit unbekannten und unvergleichlichen Fähigkeiten ist meistens langweilig. Venedig als Schauplatz ist mal etwas anderes und die Idee mit den Masken fand ich auch gut. Die Geschichte hat mich nicht mitgerissen und ich würde erst einige andere Bücher empfehlen bevor ich dieses erwähne.
Danke an Netgalley und den Verlag für das kostenlose Leseexemplar.
Fazit: Ein nettes Buch, aber nichts Neues oder Ausgefallenes. Alle Elemente sind bekannt (die Unterscheidung zwischen Menschen mit Magie und ohne, der doppelte Betrug, das Rätsel um die eigenen Herkunft, …) und ich finde Geschichten, in denen der Hauptcharakter unter ganz besonderen Personen nochmal selbst total einzigartig mit unbekannten und unvergleichlichen Fähigkeiten ist meistens langweilig. Venedig als Schauplatz ist mal etwas anderes und die Idee mit den Masken fand ich auch gut. Die Geschichte hat mich nicht mitgerissen und ich würde erst einige andere Bücher empfehlen bevor ich dieses erwähne.
Danke an Netgalley und den Verlag für das kostenlose Leseexemplar.
June 27, 2022
3 1/2 Sterne 🌟🌟🌟 für junge Leser ist dieses Buch mit Sicherheit ein spannendes Abenteuer. Der Schreibstil ist super und das Venedig als Schauplatz genommen wurde gefiel mir sehr gut. Für mein Erwachsenes Ich war die Handlung jedoch etwas zu vorhersehbar. Aber ich habe das Buch gerne gelesen :)
October 26, 2021
Als sie sich und ihren besten Freund verteidigen will, schießen aus Aribellas Finger Flammen. Gerade in der Nacht zu ihrem 13. Geburtstag muss sie fliehen, da eine Stadtwache mit einer, wie ein sternenhimmel leuchtenden Maske hinter ihr her ist. Jedoch meint er es nicht böse mit ihr. Er nimmt sie mit einer Gondel mit nach Venedig und führt sie in die Welt der Connavacci ein. Die Connavacci ist eine Vereinigung von Magiern, die mit ihren Kräften die Stadt beschützen. Auch Aribella ist mit ihren Feuerfingern nun ein Teil davon und bekommt in dem 'Halb hier halb dort'-Hotel Unterschlupf.
Bei diesem Buch hat mich das Cover sofort angesprochen. Es ist super schön und detailliert, wenn auch etwas düster für ein Buch für Kinder. Aber es passt auf jeden Fall sehr gut zur Geschichte an sich. Auch der Klappentext ist sehr passend. Der Letzte Satz verrät für meinen Geschmack etwas zu viel, aber so schlimm ist es nicht.
Mit dem Schreibstil kam ich super klar, was ich bei einem Kinderbuch auch nicht erwartet hatte. Ich mochte auch das kleine Bild vor jedem Kapitel. Auf jeden Fall eine sehr schöne Aufmachung. Die Länge der Kapitel war für mich auch sehr angenehm.
Für mich als Erwachsene war die ganze Geschichte nicht wirklich detailliert genug. Man hätte etwas mehr über die ganze Vereinigung der Magier erfahren können. Auch hätte ich mir mehr Infos über die Fähigkeiten erhofft. Da wäre das Buch natürlich etwas dicker geworden. Wobei ich es auch verstehen kann, dass es nicht ganz so detailliert ist, da Kinder sich ja meist von der Dicke eines Buches abschrecken lassen.
Auch wenn ich nicht gerade in die Zielgruppe passe, so hat mir die Story sehr gut gefallen und ich kann sie nur weiter empfehlen.
Bei diesem Buch hat mich das Cover sofort angesprochen. Es ist super schön und detailliert, wenn auch etwas düster für ein Buch für Kinder. Aber es passt auf jeden Fall sehr gut zur Geschichte an sich. Auch der Klappentext ist sehr passend. Der Letzte Satz verrät für meinen Geschmack etwas zu viel, aber so schlimm ist es nicht.
Mit dem Schreibstil kam ich super klar, was ich bei einem Kinderbuch auch nicht erwartet hatte. Ich mochte auch das kleine Bild vor jedem Kapitel. Auf jeden Fall eine sehr schöne Aufmachung. Die Länge der Kapitel war für mich auch sehr angenehm.
Für mich als Erwachsene war die ganze Geschichte nicht wirklich detailliert genug. Man hätte etwas mehr über die ganze Vereinigung der Magier erfahren können. Auch hätte ich mir mehr Infos über die Fähigkeiten erhofft. Da wäre das Buch natürlich etwas dicker geworden. Wobei ich es auch verstehen kann, dass es nicht ganz so detailliert ist, da Kinder sich ja meist von der Dicke eines Buches abschrecken lassen.
Auch wenn ich nicht gerade in die Zielgruppe passe, so hat mir die Story sehr gut gefallen und ich kann sie nur weiter empfehlen.
October 11, 2023
The Mask Of Aribella by Anna Hoghton is a beautiful and magical tale from beginning to end! Unlike any other speculative fiction, I’ve read in a while! Upon discovering a secret power near her birthday, our likeable hero, Aribella, discovers a secret society of masked adults and children within the shadows of Venice, Italy. In the land of imagination, wonder and misfits, they must use their powers to annihilate the spectres plaguing their land….But a lot of things aren’t as they seem.
There is so much complexity & originality to this story! It’s full of twists and turns that I wouldn’t have expected & it gracefully interweaves its themes of friendship, courage & imagination within the realms of a beautiful Venice setting! It’s a fantastic debut novel that deserves the praise it needs! Ms Hoghton is not only a talented film director but also a very eloquent author with substantial use of vocabulary to entertain your friends (of all ages)!
The most important take-home message I took from this book is that wearing a mask makes you impenetrable! Wearing a mask helps us survive from this evil presence that lurks our world. The only way we can survive at a time like this is to wear THE mask. You will be invincible and protect others around you. The power is in your hands. The only question is…what will YOUR mask be?
There is so much complexity & originality to this story! It’s full of twists and turns that I wouldn’t have expected & it gracefully interweaves its themes of friendship, courage & imagination within the realms of a beautiful Venice setting! It’s a fantastic debut novel that deserves the praise it needs! Ms Hoghton is not only a talented film director but also a very eloquent author with substantial use of vocabulary to entertain your friends (of all ages)!
The most important take-home message I took from this book is that wearing a mask makes you impenetrable! Wearing a mask helps us survive from this evil presence that lurks our world. The only way we can survive at a time like this is to wear THE mask. You will be invincible and protect others around you. The power is in your hands. The only question is…what will YOUR mask be?
March 27, 2020
The Mask of Aribella is a wonderful book. It is written by Anna Hoghton and is her debut novel. I have read it through twice and it is my favorite book ever. The plot of the book is to save Venice from an evil spectre that came from the Island of the Dead. The main characters are Aribella, Theo and Rodolfo. On the day before Aribella’s 13th birthday she discovers a power - when she gets angry, flames shoot from her fingers! She is discovered by the Canovacci (masked warriors who protect Venice). They take care of her and help her with her powers. Aribella must complete a mission to save Venice with the help of her friends and her stray cat Luna.
The book is special to me because I visited Venice in the February half term. I visited Aribella’s home on the island of Burano and the Doge’s Palace. When we went to Burano, we looked for her house and there is a really good description of her house in the book. We also went in a gondola and Aribella went in one too and even steered one!!!
Anna Hoghton is a lovely author! While I was in Venice I sent her some pictures of me at all the places holding the book and she wrote me a lovely letter back. She has encouraged me to be a writer when I am older.
I think you will enjoy this book if you are a dare devil and if you have an active imagination. This book in three words: Magic, Adventure and Rule-breakers!
If you want to contact Anna this is her twitter account @AnnaHoghton
She is writing letters to fans while they are self isolating to cheer them up.
I hope you enjoy the book!!!
Ruby Jennings, age 9
The book is special to me because I visited Venice in the February half term. I visited Aribella’s home on the island of Burano and the Doge’s Palace. When we went to Burano, we looked for her house and there is a really good description of her house in the book. We also went in a gondola and Aribella went in one too and even steered one!!!
Anna Hoghton is a lovely author! While I was in Venice I sent her some pictures of me at all the places holding the book and she wrote me a lovely letter back. She has encouraged me to be a writer when I am older.
I think you will enjoy this book if you are a dare devil and if you have an active imagination. This book in three words: Magic, Adventure and Rule-breakers!
If you want to contact Anna this is her twitter account @AnnaHoghton
She is writing letters to fans while they are self isolating to cheer them up.
I hope you enjoy the book!!!
Ruby Jennings, age 9
May 19, 2020
I wanted to read this as soon as it got announced, and even though it ended up being a bit different to what I’d expected, I thoroughly enjoyed it. This book plunges pretty much straight into the plot, which sees a girl called Aribella discover she has magical powers and join a society of mask-wearing heroes who have their own unique gifts. I loved the characters in this so much, with Seffie and Rodolpho being particular faves, as well as Aribella herself. I also adored the plot itself and how cleverly constructed it was; I honestly didn’t want to put this down while I was reading it. The world in this is definitely my favourite thing about it though, and I mean that in a few senses. The Venice setting is absolutely gorgeous, and even though it’s quite a dangerous place to be in the narrative, it still made me want to go there and see it for myself! And the worldbuilding in terms of the fantasy was just amazing… it was so detailed and original and interesting; I’d love to know what my mask would be like now, in much the same way I wonder what I’d do if I ever entered the Wizarding World. This is an absolutely brilliant fantasy adventure that I really hope is the first of many books by Anna Hoghton, and I’d be so excited if I heard there were more in this world specifically! 4.5/5
January 17, 2020
The Mask Of Aribella is a groundbreaking and wholesome story of a girl's journey as she navigates a new life through the streets and canals of Venice. This book is really heartwarming and highlights on the beauty of friendship that by being together to fight off evil, it is definitely possible. That you could even use it as the source to bring the enemy down.
Aribella is the daughter of a lacemaker and on a perfectly normal day right before her birthday, all the normality was yanked away as she discovers what she truly is. It then escalates to a journey of
magic, masks and so many more than what normality entailed.
I really like the pace of this story, it seems that there is never a dull moment throughout it all. I just wanted to continue reading from the very first page until the very last as I was immediately hooked. In a way, the way the author weaved together this book plays a huge part to it.
Even though this book was a short read but it was packed with so much action and fun. I genuinely enjoyed my time reading this book and I wished it never ends. I cannot recommend this book enough to anyone looking for an adventure read set in Venice about friendship, loyalty and magic.
Aribella is the daughter of a lacemaker and on a perfectly normal day right before her birthday, all the normality was yanked away as she discovers what she truly is. It then escalates to a journey of
magic, masks and so many more than what normality entailed.
I really like the pace of this story, it seems that there is never a dull moment throughout it all. I just wanted to continue reading from the very first page until the very last as I was immediately hooked. In a way, the way the author weaved together this book plays a huge part to it.
Even though this book was a short read but it was packed with so much action and fun. I genuinely enjoyed my time reading this book and I wished it never ends. I cannot recommend this book enough to anyone looking for an adventure read set in Venice about friendship, loyalty and magic.
January 5, 2020
Aesthetic and accessible fantasy adventure
The Mask of Aribella brings originality to the "young magic" genre in the form of a delicately constructed and compact aesthetic. It appears as if each scentence has been picked up, examined, polished and returned to its place with great care.
The characters are varied and richly drawn, with an emphasis on their emotional makeup as opposed to their physical appearance. Recurring themes of self-belief, trust and compassion make for a healthy fable which bolsters a snappy plot that is engaging from the get go.
The book is beautifully presented, though the spacing and size of the font signal that the novel is undoubtedly aimed at younger readers. Despite this, Hoghton's light and descriptive style offers something for adults as she conjures an accessible fantasy zeitgeist. This is a perfect novel for 8-13yrs, whether reading alone or aloud as a bedtime story.
The Mask of Aribella brings originality to the "young magic" genre in the form of a delicately constructed and compact aesthetic. It appears as if each scentence has been picked up, examined, polished and returned to its place with great care.
The characters are varied and richly drawn, with an emphasis on their emotional makeup as opposed to their physical appearance. Recurring themes of self-belief, trust and compassion make for a healthy fable which bolsters a snappy plot that is engaging from the get go.
The book is beautifully presented, though the spacing and size of the font signal that the novel is undoubtedly aimed at younger readers. Despite this, Hoghton's light and descriptive style offers something for adults as she conjures an accessible fantasy zeitgeist. This is a perfect novel for 8-13yrs, whether reading alone or aloud as a bedtime story.
April 9, 2020
I adored this book! Aribella's journey through her changing powers, her discovery of the mysterious Cannovacci, and her thrilling adventures through Renaissance Venice are so well drawn and utterly compelling for young readers.
There's a breathless pace to the story to keep those pages turning, but it's also coloured with such rich details of Venice, the use of details grounding the story's setting so well.
In addition, Aribella's relationship with the other teenage characters she encounters give great emotional resonance for middle-grade readers, so vital amongst all the action.
There's such visual flair and 'special effects' to this book - at times it reminded me of a Marvel film - like the X-Men in Renaissance Italy, which is a great thing again for the target age group. In fact, if they made 'The Mask of Aribella' into an adventure film I can see it being a resounding success! Someone like Joe Cornish should snap it up!
Sequel please, Ms Hoghton! Pronto, pronto!
There's a breathless pace to the story to keep those pages turning, but it's also coloured with such rich details of Venice, the use of details grounding the story's setting so well.
In addition, Aribella's relationship with the other teenage characters she encounters give great emotional resonance for middle-grade readers, so vital amongst all the action.
There's such visual flair and 'special effects' to this book - at times it reminded me of a Marvel film - like the X-Men in Renaissance Italy, which is a great thing again for the target age group. In fact, if they made 'The Mask of Aribella' into an adventure film I can see it being a resounding success! Someone like Joe Cornish should snap it up!
Sequel please, Ms Hoghton! Pronto, pronto!
March 29, 2020
I tore through this book and would recommend it for any 9-12 year olds looking for a magical world to escape into and characters to become new friends.
A few things I especially loved - the rich setting that takes you right into the islands and canals of Venice, the strong plot that makes it impossible to put down without 'one more chapter', and the main character of Aribella who you can't help cheer on as she searches for her place in the world. There is also a gentle message about how the strangest people are often the best ones - and that if you feel out of place to not worry, your people are out there and you'll find them in the end. The writing is absorbing and full of intricate detail - masquerade masks and gondolas and spooky misty spirits - the perfect story to escape into right now. Great for fans of Nevermoor :) I loved it!
A few things I especially loved - the rich setting that takes you right into the islands and canals of Venice, the strong plot that makes it impossible to put down without 'one more chapter', and the main character of Aribella who you can't help cheer on as she searches for her place in the world. There is also a gentle message about how the strangest people are often the best ones - and that if you feel out of place to not worry, your people are out there and you'll find them in the end. The writing is absorbing and full of intricate detail - masquerade masks and gondolas and spooky misty spirits - the perfect story to escape into right now. Great for fans of Nevermoor :) I loved it!
April 6, 2020
For young book readers, and actually any reader after a good story, this is a real treat. The cover immediately caught my eye but I couldn't have expected such an enchanting, whimsical + FUN coming of age tale. I really appreciated setting the story in Venice, it brought the city to life in a different light than my travels there. There were moments where I was smiling ear to ear as this story unexpectedly shrouded me with bits of nostalgia. It reminded me of reading Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone for the very first time as a youngster. I was fascinated by Aribella's powers as well as the wanderings and mysteries of Venice. Hoghton brought to life a wonderful world indeed. Her story flows together effortlessly and with such eloquence. She is the true talent of this book and I look forward to more tales from her quirky and thoughtful imagination.
June 13, 2020
I devoured this book in two sittings. I’m a fifth grade teacher and I’m looking for some new books to work with for the forthcoming year. I read a review of The Mask of Aribella in The Guardian, and although it was tough to find in the States, I managed to track a copy down. I am so glad I did. Anna Hoghton has done a fantastic job making a believable world that seems to live and breathe on its own, but also with magic woven in to the whole story. The setting of this book especially is vivid, rich, and full of magic. I was reminded of both the Harry Potter series (with themes of friendship, magic, knowledge, and good vs. evil) and also The Night Circus (more magic, but also a very believable, vivid setting). I’d absolutely recommend this book, and I’m excited to see what my students make of it!
May 12, 2020
The setting for this book is just beautiful. The author paints an amazing image of Venice throughout this whole book. It's one of those books that brings the magic alive and you can picture absolutely everything in your mind.
The story itself is great, and I really struggled to put this book down. The characters are just wonderful too, there wasn't a one that wasn't realistic.
I felt like it was building up to be the start of a series, though at the moment it seems to be a standalone book. But there is so much built up in the world that's created, the backstories etc, that I feel like this could definitely make a wonderful series. but as it is, it's an amazing standalone and certainly well worth the read!
The story itself is great, and I really struggled to put this book down. The characters are just wonderful too, there wasn't a one that wasn't realistic.
I felt like it was building up to be the start of a series, though at the moment it seems to be a standalone book. But there is so much built up in the world that's created, the backstories etc, that I feel like this could definitely make a wonderful series. but as it is, it's an amazing standalone and certainly well worth the read!
April 9, 2020
This is a really exciting, enjoyable book. It is perfect for children aged 9-13. There is a really great page turner of a plot with warm, engaging well drawn characters that children will love. The main characters are marginalised from society and treated unfairly which provides an emotional element to the book which children enjoy and can learn from. Settings are described beautifully which also gives the book a very welcome bit of escapism. I felt like I was in beautiful Venice as I read it. As a primary school teacher I know how much my class will enjoy this. Some of my class got hold of their own copy and tore through it. They loved it! I can't wait to read it to the rest of the class once normality resumes!
March 21, 2020
I picked this up after seeing it on twitter and thinking it looked amazing - I was right!
This world is so fun and magical, and you really feel like you are in Venice.
Aribella is really well written - she’s fierce but also scared and trying to look after her dad, which I loved. And I loved her friendships, both old and new.
I really want a mask too - though not sure what powers I’d want. Unless teleportation is an option then always that 😂😂
Some parts really left me guessing, though I got a couple early on, and that really added to my enjoyment. It’s always good when you don’t quite see all the twists and turns!
Definitely a highly recommended middle grade read. 4.5 stars.
This world is so fun and magical, and you really feel like you are in Venice.
Aribella is really well written - she’s fierce but also scared and trying to look after her dad, which I loved. And I loved her friendships, both old and new.
I really want a mask too - though not sure what powers I’d want. Unless teleportation is an option then always that 😂😂
Some parts really left me guessing, though I got a couple early on, and that really added to my enjoyment. It’s always good when you don’t quite see all the twists and turns!
Definitely a highly recommended middle grade read. 4.5 stars.
April 20, 2020
Brilliant would be an offensive understatement.
This book is incredibly creative,
And contains many different types of book all in one, Adventure, mystery, fairy tale,horror and many more fantastical shows of talent!
After the first line of this book that I stumbled across I was hooked like a fish on a rod.
After 7 hours straight of rowing magical gondolas, wearing beautiful masks
and seeing the sights of Venice I finally tripped over the last page of this beautiful creation as
it finished my head wizzing with questions and thoughts this is truly a talented author!!
By Marmaduke plant 10
This book is incredibly creative,
And contains many different types of book all in one, Adventure, mystery, fairy tale,horror and many more fantastical shows of talent!
After the first line of this book that I stumbled across I was hooked like a fish on a rod.
After 7 hours straight of rowing magical gondolas, wearing beautiful masks
and seeing the sights of Venice I finally tripped over the last page of this beautiful creation as
it finished my head wizzing with questions and thoughts this is truly a talented author!!
By Marmaduke plant 10
January 5, 2020
I am so glad that I picked this one up - set in Venice and full of magic, mystical creatures and intrigue, this is definitely one not to miss. Aribella is a brilliant main character because she is flawed and unsure of herself at many points in the story, but begins to believe in herself as she comes into her power and become secure in her knowledge that she can always try, even if the odds seem unsurmountable. This story has so much t recommend it and would be loved by any readers aged 7+ who enjoy a magical, fast-paced adventure full of friendship, family and adventure.
January 18, 2020
While the written style is nothing to write home about, most young readers aren’t that bothered by how pretty and poetic the language is. This is an imaginative, original and sweet story that reminded me thoroughly of Venice. The story was sweet and tense, and the characters were fun and interesting. The pacing was slightly odd and in places the moral edge of the story felt a bit contrived, but again, most kids don’t care much, and the story was good. Who wouldn’t love a story about magic lions and delicious pastries and beating up bullies and rescuing a king?
March 27, 2020
So addictive. Reading The Mask of Aribella on my holiday I had lots of time to just completely immerse into that wonderfully crafted magical Venitian world - and escape! I loved keeping up with Aribella and following the journey of her and her friends and had to stop myself from reading the whole story in one go. You know those books you just want to gulp up, but don't feel so eager for the story to end? Yup - this is that adventure. I would recommend this to anyone enjoying fastpaced magical worlds, fun friendships and wholesome characters. I HOPE this will be a full series!
March 29, 2020
The islands of Venice are in danger: an evil presence and spectres are spreading and taking over. Only a secret society, the Cannovacci, stand to fight this and protect Venice. In the middle of this fight, a young girl, Aribella, discovers her courage, her power, a magical mask, and the meaning of friendship.
This story is beautifully written, enriched by moonlit descriptions of Venice, its canals and famous masks and packed full with mystery, breath-taking adventures and plot twists. I could not put it down!
Highly recommended for readers aged 9 and over.
This story is beautifully written, enriched by moonlit descriptions of Venice, its canals and famous masks and packed full with mystery, breath-taking adventures and plot twists. I could not put it down!
Highly recommended for readers aged 9 and over.
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