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The Unexpected Tale of Bastien Bonlivre
The open door felt like an invitation, or a trap. Bastien wasn't sure which, but with no other choice, he stepped inside...and hoped he'd make it out again alive.
Bastien Bonlivre is a boy with a big imagination, determined to finish the story his parents started, left to him in a red notebook.
On the other side of Paris, bestselling author Olivier Odieux is struggling to complete his latest novel. Along with his villainous brothers, he is masterminding his greatest plot yet...one that will spread fear throughout the city and beyond.
What connects these two stories is a dangerous secret, a hidden mystery and an unexpected race across Paris for the truth. Can Bastien and his friends Alice, Theo and Sami be brave enough to stop Olivier stealing the ending they deserve?
A classic adventure story about friendship, hope, bravery and the power of imagination.
Bastien Bonlivre is a boy with a big imagination, determined to finish the story his parents started, left to him in a red notebook.
On the other side of Paris, bestselling author Olivier Odieux is struggling to complete his latest novel. Along with his villainous brothers, he is masterminding his greatest plot yet...one that will spread fear throughout the city and beyond.
What connects these two stories is a dangerous secret, a hidden mystery and an unexpected race across Paris for the truth. Can Bastien and his friends Alice, Theo and Sami be brave enough to stop Olivier stealing the ending they deserve?
A classic adventure story about friendship, hope, bravery and the power of imagination.
352 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2021
11 people are currently reading
143 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
August 28, 2021
A delightfully compelling adventure showcasing the power of friendship, determination and stories.
The Unexpected Tale of Bastien Bonlivre whisks its readers to 1920’s Paris and into a world of high stakes, action and mystery.
With a brilliant balance of dark and light and heroes and villains, this is definitely one for fans of Robin Stevens and Lemony Snicket.
The Unexpected Tale of Bastien Bonlivre whisks its readers to 1920’s Paris and into a world of high stakes, action and mystery.
With a brilliant balance of dark and light and heroes and villains, this is definitely one for fans of Robin Stevens and Lemony Snicket.
January 1, 2022
So I'll begin this review by saying, I know that this is a children's book and that I am well out of the target age bracket that this book is for, but I am still reviewing it and let me tell you that I had my gripes with it.
I read this because my brother, who is the target age audience, kept asking me to read it, and I can totally see why he enjoyed it. It's described as a 'classic adventure story' and I definitely got that when reading it. I felt like I could predict pretty much every single plot point. For example, it was later revealed that Monsieur Xavier killed the previous orphanage director and I think it was supposed to be a massive plot reveal, yet I literally knew from the first page. Maybe this is because I'm older and outside the target age bracket, but still, it felt very heavy handed at times. I saw another review say that there was nothing unexpected about this book and I agree with that, as I mentioned above, I could tell what was going to happen before it even happened.
My main issue, I think, was the writing. I know what it's like when your sentences and words seem all clunky. I, however, do not have an editor or am part of a publishing house like the author is. I'm sure they could have fixed the clunkiness of the writing with a bit more editing. As well as there were multiple points in the book it felt like they were trying to get to a big emotional moment or a hard-hitting, deep moment, but each time I found that it fell flat.
I did, however like the background setting because, hello, early 1920s Paris is so up my street! Though I don't think this was the right book to fully to explore that setting and worldbuilding as much as I would have liked.
One last thing before I finish is the cover. The fact that they have Theo, Bastien and Alice all on the cover except Alice is only there for like 4 scenes? The actual third protagonist is Sami, who I think was a character with lots of potential, but was also a 16 year old who ended up having to run around with a bunch of 12 year olds.
I read this because my brother, who is the target age audience, kept asking me to read it, and I can totally see why he enjoyed it. It's described as a 'classic adventure story' and I definitely got that when reading it. I felt like I could predict pretty much every single plot point. For example, it was later revealed that Monsieur Xavier killed the previous orphanage director and I think it was supposed to be a massive plot reveal, yet I literally knew from the first page. Maybe this is because I'm older and outside the target age bracket, but still, it felt very heavy handed at times. I saw another review say that there was nothing unexpected about this book and I agree with that, as I mentioned above, I could tell what was going to happen before it even happened.
My main issue, I think, was the writing. I know what it's like when your sentences and words seem all clunky. I, however, do not have an editor or am part of a publishing house like the author is. I'm sure they could have fixed the clunkiness of the writing with a bit more editing. As well as there were multiple points in the book it felt like they were trying to get to a big emotional moment or a hard-hitting, deep moment, but each time I found that it fell flat.
I did, however like the background setting because, hello, early 1920s Paris is so up my street! Though I don't think this was the right book to fully to explore that setting and worldbuilding as much as I would have liked.
One last thing before I finish is the cover. The fact that they have Theo, Bastien and Alice all on the cover except Alice is only there for like 4 scenes? The actual third protagonist is Sami, who I think was a character with lots of potential, but was also a 16 year old who ended up having to run around with a bunch of 12 year olds.
October 30, 2021
This came highly recommended by the bookshop, which possibly set it up for a fail but reading other reviews it really does seem to have split readers.
I read this with my 8 yr old and though he kind of enjoyed it, we both found the very florid descriptions really interrupted the story where I would have to explain what had happened. It all felt very staged e.g.every orphan has an exceptional talent but also some bits that didn't make sense. Why were a group of adult writers not trying to escape? Why are the stories Bastien tells absolutely nothing to do with the story (and how does he seem to know the story of each orphans background without them telling him?)
Just found the story got really disrupted by all the descriptions. It's like the author has researched so much of historic Paris that she's trying to shoe horn that in at every turn. And when it boils down to it nothing really much happens. And don't get me started on the front cover- the illustrator was either not briefed or no interest in reflecting the story
I read this with my 8 yr old and though he kind of enjoyed it, we both found the very florid descriptions really interrupted the story where I would have to explain what had happened. It all felt very staged e.g.every orphan has an exceptional talent but also some bits that didn't make sense. Why were a group of adult writers not trying to escape? Why are the stories Bastien tells absolutely nothing to do with the story (and how does he seem to know the story of each orphans background without them telling him?)
Just found the story got really disrupted by all the descriptions. It's like the author has researched so much of historic Paris that she's trying to shoe horn that in at every turn. And when it boils down to it nothing really much happens. And don't get me started on the front cover- the illustrator was either not briefed or no interest in reflecting the story
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 28, 2021
I have been reading this with my eldest each night for the past few weeks and we have been enjoying this story. I asked eldest what he would rate this book and he said all the stars as he really enjoyed it.
November 17, 2021
Poorly written carelessly edited prose that despite its original premise and short length still drags.
September 4, 2021
The Unexpected Tale of Bastien Bonlivre grabbed my attention from the minute I heard the title. I suspected a mystery, and that was to be honest enough to make me want to read the book.
The first few chapters introduce you to Bastien , who following what appears to the police to be a tragic hotel fire has found himself in an orphanage - run by the particularly dislikable Monsieur Xavier.
They are filled with vivid descriptions that fill your mind with pictures and emotions, I could so clearly see Bastien and Theo - cold, hungry - eager for freedom and adventure. I found myself willing them on with each new line.
When Bastien finds out about a string of missing authors he instantly starts to question the death of his own parents. Convinced there is a connection the mystery is set! We are quickly led to other characters of questionable motives and Theo and Bastien soon start to question someone they are a bit too close to for comfort. What is the link and how can they prove it? The suspense in the book had me reading on - eager to find out and crossing my fingers that they would be safe.
The three main villains in the story are Monsieur Xavier, Olivier - a failed author short on time to meet his deadline and Louis. All three are brothers and all are in on the plot.
You can’t help but feel sorry for Louis - the eldest of the brothers he is more of a servant to them - aware that they are doing something terrible but not told of the details. You can sense form the start that he doesn’t share then ideals of his brothers and the more I read the more I willed him to stand up and do the right thing. Not just for Bastien but for himself - to take charge and say ‘Enough I am more than this - and I won’t let you put me down!’
When Bastien, Theo and Sami (who has added himself to the mission) decide to break in to Monsieur Xavier’s office to uncover clues they find them selves heading down a secret passage way to the underground tunnels of Paris. What they discover is all the evidence they need - but determined to find out the whole truth they venture on. I couldn’t help the overwhelming feeling here that something was going to go terribly wrong. My heart wanted a happy ending to be sentences away but the tension in the writing had my head thinking differently.
The twists and turns in this book kept me glued - I won’t spoil the ending because this book really is one to be enjoyed.
All I will say is that this book had me in tears and smiling and back to tears on a rollercoaster of emotion as I journeyed with Bastien and his band of Musketeers!
The first few chapters introduce you to Bastien , who following what appears to the police to be a tragic hotel fire has found himself in an orphanage - run by the particularly dislikable Monsieur Xavier.
They are filled with vivid descriptions that fill your mind with pictures and emotions, I could so clearly see Bastien and Theo - cold, hungry - eager for freedom and adventure. I found myself willing them on with each new line.
When Bastien finds out about a string of missing authors he instantly starts to question the death of his own parents. Convinced there is a connection the mystery is set! We are quickly led to other characters of questionable motives and Theo and Bastien soon start to question someone they are a bit too close to for comfort. What is the link and how can they prove it? The suspense in the book had me reading on - eager to find out and crossing my fingers that they would be safe.
The three main villains in the story are Monsieur Xavier, Olivier - a failed author short on time to meet his deadline and Louis. All three are brothers and all are in on the plot.
You can’t help but feel sorry for Louis - the eldest of the brothers he is more of a servant to them - aware that they are doing something terrible but not told of the details. You can sense form the start that he doesn’t share then ideals of his brothers and the more I read the more I willed him to stand up and do the right thing. Not just for Bastien but for himself - to take charge and say ‘Enough I am more than this - and I won’t let you put me down!’
When Bastien, Theo and Sami (who has added himself to the mission) decide to break in to Monsieur Xavier’s office to uncover clues they find them selves heading down a secret passage way to the underground tunnels of Paris. What they discover is all the evidence they need - but determined to find out the whole truth they venture on. I couldn’t help the overwhelming feeling here that something was going to go terribly wrong. My heart wanted a happy ending to be sentences away but the tension in the writing had my head thinking differently.
The twists and turns in this book kept me glued - I won’t spoil the ending because this book really is one to be enjoyed.
All I will say is that this book had me in tears and smiling and back to tears on a rollercoaster of emotion as I journeyed with Bastien and his band of Musketeers!
November 3, 2022
TL; DR - A wonderful, richly-detailed setting of 1920s Paris, but dragged down considerably by one-too-many narrative gripes.
I was drawn to Clare Povey's debut novel by its stunning cover art, and the first few pages sold me on the premise right away. It's clear that the author has a deep love for the sights, sounds and culture of Paris, and the few scenes where Bastien and his best friend Theo escape the orphanage to briefly explore what 1920s Paris had to offer clearly show Povey's enjoyment in this regard. However, by the end of the book, I was completely on the fence about the narrative and prose throughout, there's an equal number of aspects I liked, and disliked.
Firstly, as mentioned, I loved how Povey described Paris, and indeed any surroundings the characters found themselves in. The power of stories is a central theme throughout the book, and it's handled very well; Bastien's stories he tells to the other orphan boys in his dorm during some of their darkest hours brought a warm smile to my face each time. I also appreciated how the theme of stories tied up into the Villain's primary motives.
However, to be blunt, the character interactions and descriptions read like a first draft. Povey seemed to have only just discovered a book of metaphors, because she draws upon them extensively (sometimes multiple per paragraph), to the point where it obfuscated my visualisation of the characters at that moment. Although I sympathised for Bastien and was on board with his motives and needs throughout the story, he was quite a two-dimensional character, with no real change. As others have mentioned, Alice appears sparingly during this book, yet is presented on the front cover as a protagonist (although that cannot be blamed on the author, rather the publisher). My biggest narrative gripe, however, was Olivier Odieux's elder brother, Louis. We learn very quickly that he despises his brothers, yet is forced almost against his emotional will to partake in their plans. This plot point is rammed down the reader's throat every single time Louis is in a scene, meaning I grew tired of him rather quickly.
Overall, I would perhaps tentatively recommend this book if you enjoy this aesthetic and era of 1920s Paris, however I definitely think there are recent upper-middle-grade (11-13 years) young detective and mystery novels with considerably better writing. MG Leonard's "Twitch" and "Spark" are two examples I finished recently - I'd recommend those over Bastien.
I was drawn to Clare Povey's debut novel by its stunning cover art, and the first few pages sold me on the premise right away. It's clear that the author has a deep love for the sights, sounds and culture of Paris, and the few scenes where Bastien and his best friend Theo escape the orphanage to briefly explore what 1920s Paris had to offer clearly show Povey's enjoyment in this regard. However, by the end of the book, I was completely on the fence about the narrative and prose throughout, there's an equal number of aspects I liked, and disliked.
Firstly, as mentioned, I loved how Povey described Paris, and indeed any surroundings the characters found themselves in. The power of stories is a central theme throughout the book, and it's handled very well; Bastien's stories he tells to the other orphan boys in his dorm during some of their darkest hours brought a warm smile to my face each time. I also appreciated how the theme of stories tied up into the Villain's primary motives.
However, to be blunt, the character interactions and descriptions read like a first draft. Povey seemed to have only just discovered a book of metaphors, because she draws upon them extensively (sometimes multiple per paragraph), to the point where it obfuscated my visualisation of the characters at that moment. Although I sympathised for Bastien and was on board with his motives and needs throughout the story, he was quite a two-dimensional character, with no real change. As others have mentioned, Alice appears sparingly during this book, yet is presented on the front cover as a protagonist (although that cannot be blamed on the author, rather the publisher). My biggest narrative gripe, however, was Olivier Odieux's elder brother, Louis. We learn very quickly that he despises his brothers, yet is forced almost against his emotional will to partake in their plans. This plot point is rammed down the reader's throat every single time Louis is in a scene, meaning I grew tired of him rather quickly.
Overall, I would perhaps tentatively recommend this book if you enjoy this aesthetic and era of 1920s Paris, however I definitely think there are recent upper-middle-grade (11-13 years) young detective and mystery novels with considerably better writing. MG Leonard's "Twitch" and "Spark" are two examples I finished recently - I'd recommend those over Bastien.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 15, 2021
Not much is unexpected in THE UNEXPECTED TALE OF BASTIEN BONLIVRE, but it is a solid adventure story of friendship and bravery, suffused with love for Paris and its culture.
In 1920s Paris, authors all over the city are disappearing – including Bastien Bonlivre's author parents, who perished in a hotel fire. When his prized notebook is stolen, it's up to Bastien and his friends to uncover the mystery of the vanishing authors before it's too late.
I'll start with something I wouldn't usually address: the cover. What rubs me the wrong way with BASTIEN BONLIVRE is that it's front art features rather prominently Bastien, his friend at the orphanage Theo, and Alice, daughter of the owners of Bastien's favourite bookshop. The blurb on the back gives the impression that these three race around Paris together to recover Bastien's notebook and save the authors – however, it's very much a story with 90% male characters, as Alice has all but three fleeting appearances in the entire book, and another character, immigrant-turned-orphan Sami, takes her place in the sleuthing.
I do have to wonder why the cover couldn't accurately reflect the content of the book, but I think it has little to do with aesthetics and more to do with capturing a female audience to read this book. Which is... entirely disingenuous and a disservice to the story. I expected female characters going on whacky adventures with their male counterparts and got exactly... none of that. Sami is also Moroccan and, I believe, brown-skinned, which only makes the situation more leery.
I might have forgiven my issues with the cover if, most importantly, the story had been worth it. By the sheer love the book evokes for Paris and all its nooks and crooks, it's fair to say that Povey beautifully evokes the atmosphere of adventure in historical France, by taking us from catacombs to bookshops to famous French streets and monuments, showing us the foods and adding a pinch of the language. That is, however, the only thing that feels rich with depth. BASTIEN BONLIVRE's story and characters are watery and mediocre overall. In closing the last page, I didn't particularly care about Bastien, Theo, Sami or any of the other characters. They didn't pop off the page, didn't leap out and shine.
The writing also left a lot to be desired. It's certainly not the worst writing style I've ever read, but the awkward and stiff ordering of words, dialogue and body language made the story off-putting to read. You can tell this is a debut because of it. Some of the ideas didn't pan out brilliantly execution-wise either, although the potential is clearly there. I think this story would've benefited if it leant more into the mystery genre, taking out the cackling, I'm-so-evil antagonists' POVs and allowing Bastien and co. to dive into Paris further to find clues as to his parents and notebook. You know, to make it more, ahem, unexpected for the readers.
But I guess The Mediocre and Forgettable Tale of Bastien Bonlivre doesn't have the same ring to it...
WILL I READ ON? No.
LAST REVIEW
In 1920s Paris, authors all over the city are disappearing – including Bastien Bonlivre's author parents, who perished in a hotel fire. When his prized notebook is stolen, it's up to Bastien and his friends to uncover the mystery of the vanishing authors before it's too late.
I'll start with something I wouldn't usually address: the cover. What rubs me the wrong way with BASTIEN BONLIVRE is that it's front art features rather prominently Bastien, his friend at the orphanage Theo, and Alice, daughter of the owners of Bastien's favourite bookshop. The blurb on the back gives the impression that these three race around Paris together to recover Bastien's notebook and save the authors – however, it's very much a story with 90% male characters, as Alice has all but three fleeting appearances in the entire book, and another character, immigrant-turned-orphan Sami, takes her place in the sleuthing.
I do have to wonder why the cover couldn't accurately reflect the content of the book, but I think it has little to do with aesthetics and more to do with capturing a female audience to read this book. Which is... entirely disingenuous and a disservice to the story. I expected female characters going on whacky adventures with their male counterparts and got exactly... none of that. Sami is also Moroccan and, I believe, brown-skinned, which only makes the situation more leery.
I might have forgiven my issues with the cover if, most importantly, the story had been worth it. By the sheer love the book evokes for Paris and all its nooks and crooks, it's fair to say that Povey beautifully evokes the atmosphere of adventure in historical France, by taking us from catacombs to bookshops to famous French streets and monuments, showing us the foods and adding a pinch of the language. That is, however, the only thing that feels rich with depth. BASTIEN BONLIVRE's story and characters are watery and mediocre overall. In closing the last page, I didn't particularly care about Bastien, Theo, Sami or any of the other characters. They didn't pop off the page, didn't leap out and shine.
The writing also left a lot to be desired. It's certainly not the worst writing style I've ever read, but the awkward and stiff ordering of words, dialogue and body language made the story off-putting to read. You can tell this is a debut because of it. Some of the ideas didn't pan out brilliantly execution-wise either, although the potential is clearly there. I think this story would've benefited if it leant more into the mystery genre, taking out the cackling, I'm-so-evil antagonists' POVs and allowing Bastien and co. to dive into Paris further to find clues as to his parents and notebook. You know, to make it more, ahem, unexpected for the readers.
But I guess The Mediocre and Forgettable Tale of Bastien Bonlivre doesn't have the same ring to it...
WILL I READ ON? No.
LAST REVIEW
August 25, 2021
This is a wonderful book for children 9-12 by Clare Povey. Bastien Bonlivre’s parents are well known writers and die in mysterious circumstances in a hotel fire. Bastien is placed in an orphanage under the evil guardianship of Xavier Odieux. Bastien becomes friends with the other orphans including Thoe and Sami and soon discover that other writers across France are vanishing ; and so begins an adventure that takes our heroes on a journey across Paris and its famous catacombs to outwit the evil Xavier and his brother Olivier.
Paris has been a wonderful backdrop to children’s fiction ( The invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick and Roofttoppers Katherine Rundell) and The Unexpected Tale of Bastien Bonlivre holds its own with them . The use of storytelling within the story as Bastien tries to comfort the other orphans of their fears is fantastic . This is a perfect book for upper Ks 2 who like a good adventure tale . It is fast paced with a good balance of tension building and action. It would make a great class read. A book i will recommend … roll on the next adventure.
Paris has been a wonderful backdrop to children’s fiction ( The invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick and Roofttoppers Katherine Rundell) and The Unexpected Tale of Bastien Bonlivre holds its own with them . The use of storytelling within the story as Bastien tries to comfort the other orphans of their fears is fantastic . This is a perfect book for upper Ks 2 who like a good adventure tale . It is fast paced with a good balance of tension building and action. It would make a great class read. A book i will recommend … roll on the next adventure.
September 24, 2021
A rollicking adventure for 9-12 year olds. Bastien's an orphan after his parents, celebrated authors, died in a mysterious fire, leaving him only a notebook in which to write new adventures. At the orphanage, Bastien is comforted by the stories he creates and the friendships he makes, but the head of the orphanage is ousted to make way for someone who seems to have it in for Bastien. In the meantime, out on the streets of Paris, authors are going missing at an alarming rate. Bastien begins to wonder if his misfortune is linked to theirs. As Bastien and his friends discover a dastardly plot, they are engaged in a race against time to put all the pieces together before it's too late.
May 5, 2022
Paris, 1920s. Bastien is in an orphanage after his parents died in a fire. It is not a happy place: the food is appalling; they are always cold; their clothes are rarely washed; the building is in a state of disrepair. The manager, Xavier Odieux, is really unpleasant and hates the boys, but is particularly nasty to Bastien. What does Bastien have that he wants? Bastien finds out that writers are going missing, and he sets out to discover why.
I have been reading this to my grandchild who is 7. I have been asked to get the next one. Great fun, full of danger and excitement. Never had books like this when I was 7!
I have been reading this to my grandchild who is 7. I have been asked to get the next one. Great fun, full of danger and excitement. Never had books like this when I was 7!
August 25, 2021
It was an absolute pleasure to have received limited proof access as part of a first-year university assignment and to be swept up in this middle grade Parisian adventure.
The plotting of this mystery feels reminiscent of Lemony Snicket's Series of Unfortunate Events with all the charm of a Roald Dahl classic - it was a much needed burst of fun and a wonderful change of pace from all the research projects and presentations!
I'm sure Bastien's next chapter will be just as exciting.
The plotting of this mystery feels reminiscent of Lemony Snicket's Series of Unfortunate Events with all the charm of a Roald Dahl classic - it was a much needed burst of fun and a wonderful change of pace from all the research projects and presentations!
I'm sure Bastien's next chapter will be just as exciting.
November 27, 2021
This book had a great mix of surprise and sadness which kept me on the edge the wanting to know what happens next! The main character of this book, Bastien, is an orphan who always kept his head up; he always gave a sense of hope to the other people in this book. And in my opinion is one of the best protagonists I've seen! There are a few downsides to this book, but they don't compare to the good things about this book. I would recommend it to 10-14 year-olds.
March 16, 2022
This was a great book that was filled to the brim with an exciting mystery and adventure. The characterisation was brilliant and made me really root for Bastien. The villain, Monsieur Xavie,r was crafted really well and makes the reader despise him. The writing was engaging and complemented the plot. The ending was also very satisfying, I would love to read more from this author!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the e-arc!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the e-arc!
January 29, 2023
With dastardly villains and plucky heroes the adventure is afoot.
This is a riotous romp through the Parisian streets and catacombs solving the mystery of disappearing writers and uncovering the truth about Bastien’s deceased parents.
With friendship and adventure galore it’s a fabulous read.
Enjoy!
This is a riotous romp through the Parisian streets and catacombs solving the mystery of disappearing writers and uncovering the truth about Bastien’s deceased parents.
With friendship and adventure galore it’s a fabulous read.
Enjoy!
August 24, 2021
A tale of storytelling and love of stories, mysteries to be solved, dastardly villains, and friendships that warms your heart. Set in 1920s romantic and atmospheric Paris, and yes, you get to explore Paris a little and it's wonderful.
March 26, 2022
4.5* A delightful debut novel filled with mysterious and exciting adventure and courageous characters. Fans of Katherine Rundell and Thomas Taylor’s writing will enjoy this story. It would make a great read aloud for middle or upper primary.
October 13, 2022
I enjoyed reading this book with my Year 4 class. My pupils really liked the interesting characters and the mystery of the fire and the missing writers. The plot developed at a good pace and led up to a nice conclusion. Recommended for fans of Lemony Snicket's 𝘈 𝘚𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘜𝘯𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘶𝘯𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘌𝘷𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘴.
September 16, 2021
This was a charming adventure about the power of the stories we tell and the friendships we hold.
Thank you to the publisher for sending me a reading copy.
Thank you to the publisher for sending me a reading copy.
September 16, 2021
Bello, adatto anche ad adulti con un buon livello di inglese ma che ancora non se la sentono di affrontare testi più complessi
December 4, 2021
I loved this book! Not only had an awesome outcome and the perfect wrap up, but the friendship plays a very important role that young kids will adore!
I also enjoyed the set up in France. Made a very entertaining read for winter!
I also enjoyed the set up in France. Made a very entertaining read for winter!
June 5, 2022
Totally and utterly fell in love with the characters and the story. It was a perfect mix of finding the true meaning of ‘family’ and mystery. Can’t wait for the second book to be released!
July 12, 2022
A really fun and engaging book. Read in almost one sitting this tale of Bastien draws you in - full of adventure and mystery, with friendship at its core.
Highly recommended
Highly recommended
June 1, 2024
The French setting and littering of French vocabulary adds to the atmosphere.
August 15, 2025
Great Yong children’s book
October 20, 2021
Clever and courageous orphans, a dastardly set of brotherly villains, a thrilling, unexpected chase through and under the streets of 1920s Paris and a bookish theme; what more could you want? The pace is deliberate, unraveling its’ secrets bit by bit. There is plenty of tension in the action, but also plenty of time for consideration; to allow the reader to come up with theories of their own. With many hidden delights, a lot of absurdities and characters that will both set your teeth on edge and warm your heart, this is a story of friendship and bravery that sings with the power of stories. A wonderful read for fans of Katherine Rundell (The Good Thieves), Peter Bunzl (Cogheart) and Judith Eagle (The Pear Affair); intriguing, unusual, imaginative, charming.
December 15, 2021
This has been on my radar for a very long time, as it ticks a lot of buzzword boxes for me; it’s set in 1920s Paris, it’s a mystery-adventure and it celebrates the power of storytelling. So I was always predisposed to like it, and I was very glad that I had such a fun time reading it. It follows a boy named Bastien, whose parents recently died in a fire, leaving him in a strict orphanage run by the incredibly cruel Monsieur Xavier, and what happens when he starts investigating the death of his parents and its connection to the disappearance of many other prominent French authors. Bastien was a lovely character and I loved his much emotional support he provides to the other boys in the orphanage through his inspiring and uplifting stories, and it was great to see him become stronger and more sure of himself as the book progressed. I also loved his friends, Theo and Sami and Alice, who allow him to become braver and are also wonderful characters in their own rights. I do kind of wish we’d got to see a little more of Alice though, so I’m crossing my fingers for her being a bigger part of book 2 hopefully. The “Bad Brothers” also deserve a mention for being SUCH nasty villains, and I really want to know more about them. Also, as a French student, I massively appreciated that Clare actually speaks French and it wasn’t full of hideous grammar mistakes, as I’ve seen in a ridiculous number of other books. I’m definitely planning to pick up the next book in the series, as I’m interested to see where the story goes next.
October 29, 2021
A brilliant adventure set in 1920s Paris, this is the perfect story for fans of Robin Stevens or Anna James. A book full of mystery and intrigue, but with a fun bookish edge! It shows the power of great story telling and even greater friendship.
When Bastian finds himself an orphan after his parents suddenly die in a mysterious fire he strives to get to the bottom of what happened. He has to learn who he can and can't trust on the way, developing a new family for himself. The characters are fun (and some also dastardly), the back drop of the streets and catacombs of Paris is magnificent, and the addition of some French words along the way 8s a really nice touch.
This is a brilliant story for anyone looking for an action-packed adventure from the comfort of their home!
When Bastian finds himself an orphan after his parents suddenly die in a mysterious fire he strives to get to the bottom of what happened. He has to learn who he can and can't trust on the way, developing a new family for himself. The characters are fun (and some also dastardly), the back drop of the streets and catacombs of Paris is magnificent, and the addition of some French words along the way 8s a really nice touch.
This is a brilliant story for anyone looking for an action-packed adventure from the comfort of their home!
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