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The Quinton Quads and the Mystery of Malprentice Manor
When the four Quinton girls discover strange events taking place in Malprentice Manor, they immediately link it to recentdisappearances and become determined to solve the puzzle.But to do so they must risk angering their mother, take desperate chances and avoid both Grisly Gus and Evil Edith.What they discover leads the quads into great danger so they gather all their nerve and wits and hope they can unravel the centuries old mystery at the heart of the Manor.
Paperback
Published July 30, 2020
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4 people want to read
About the author
Steve Ince
26 books4 followersSteve Ince is a writer, artist and game designer with many years of experience, working with a variety of global clients and has gained two prestigious award nominations for his work.
His book, Writing for Video Games, was published by A&C Black. This was recently followed by the book, An Introduction to Game Writing then 201 Things for Better Game Writing.
The first of his ventures into novel writing was with the urban fantasy story, Blood and Earth set in the historic town of York.
Steve’s skills have been utilised on a number of children’s books, both with his writing and his illustration. The Magic Snowflake, The Doll’s House, The Quinton Quads and the Mystery of Malprentice Manor and Amanda Alexander and the Very Friendly Panda, to name a few.
He also wrote the short film, Payment.
Although now retired from game writing, Steve continues to write books and create online comic strips.
Steve loves Yorkshire Tea.
His book, Writing for Video Games, was published by A&C Black. This was recently followed by the book, An Introduction to Game Writing then 201 Things for Better Game Writing.
The first of his ventures into novel writing was with the urban fantasy story, Blood and Earth set in the historic town of York.
Steve’s skills have been utilised on a number of children’s books, both with his writing and his illustration. The Magic Snowflake, The Doll’s House, The Quinton Quads and the Mystery of Malprentice Manor and Amanda Alexander and the Very Friendly Panda, to name a few.
He also wrote the short film, Payment.
Although now retired from game writing, Steve continues to write books and create online comic strips.
Steve loves Yorkshire Tea.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
July 19, 2023
IT'S DONE! Thank you so much to Steve Ince and to Booktasters for sending me a digital copy in exchange for an honest review. Spanish review below!/ ¡Reseña en español abajo!
Firstly, I have to say that I couldn't believe it when I reached the final page and read that this is the author's first children's novel. The pace, the plot, and the structure are so natural and flowy that you'd think he already has a couple of books out. So kudos for that!
Ince's background in game design is definitely on full display during the novel. The sets, the action scenes, and the pace feel like a game or straight out of a film. Actually, I could even picture those moments as such! The narration is simple but not dull.
Let's get to business and talk about our protagonists: the Quads! The girls are so great! As a teacher and middle-grade books enjoyers, I often feel like some authors have forgotten how children, especially girls, act. It doesn't happen here. The Quads feel like actual girls, and they are fleshed out amazingly. I enjoyed how Ince took care of giving all the girls the spotlight.
I loved how the four sisters complemented each other, even with their respective personalities. Something I found interesting was how the book labelled Sally as the sisters' leader yet did not get as much protagonism until later. And if I have to pick a favourite quad, it would be Em. I love my little scientific girl. All her scenes were really fun to read!
I also liked how well-constructed the novel was. It's a personal fear that people forget kids deserve high-quality art. This book is a high-quality book.
Someone cared for the little details. You have Chekhov's guns all over the place, a steady pace that keeps you entertained, and YOU HAVE VILLAINS THAT AS EVIL JUST BECAUSE OF THEIR LOOKS. There are well-written, fleshed-out characters, valuable messages that aren't all over your face, and references to other authors! It's a book that feels easy to work within a classroom with the Shakespeare + Enid Blyton mentions, and I loved that a lot.
If I had to find something I “didn't like”, it could be how the first half feels like a completely different novel. Also, the fact that you enter thinking of the mystery treasure that it's practically forgotten until the last chapters may raise a couple of eyebrows. For some kids, the pace of the first half could be boring. But again, I did not mind it because it takes just a couple of chapters, and you start again on this adventurous rollercoaster that completely takes you in! So I cannot say it's a big deal.
Lastly, I'd also like to acknowledge the careful work of the antagonists. Evil Edith, Gus, the Maleprentice kiddos and even Nate on the last pages are real villains, not just caricatures of “bad people”. They are not bad because of the way they look.
I especially liked the way the readers get to understand their emotions. I wrote down “Oh, they have feelings” many times… It was an excellent work.
I wish with all my heart for the Quinton Quads to have more amazing holiday days and for us adults and children alike to be able to read their adventures!
--------------------------------
Primero que todo: la verdadera sorpresa la tuve yo cuando llegué a la última página y me enteré de que esta es la primera novela infantil del autor. No se nota en lo absoluto: el ritmo, la estructura, y la trama son tan naturales como para hacerte creer que Ince tiene ya un par de libros del género publicados. ¡Es genial!
El autor tiene historia trabajando en diseño de videojuegos y esa historia deja su huella durante toda la novela. Los escenarios, las escenas de acción y el ritmo en general son bien de videojuego o de película. Te sentís inmerso en esa imagen. La narración es simple, pero no llega a ser pesada o aburrida.
Acá la gran gema son las protagonistas: las cuatrillizas Quinton, las Quads. Son GENIALES. Como profesora y como una amante de las novelas infantiles, a veces me quedo con la sensación de que muchos escritores olvidaron cómo es ser un niño. ESPECIALMENTE, ser una niña. Acá eso no pasa: las chicas están bien desarrolladas, y el autor se ocupa de darles a todas su espacio para brillar. Es hermoso como se complementan entre sí, ninguna es una caricatura de personalidad.
Encontré interesante que Sally fuera la «líder» de las Quads, pero que no cobrara tanta relevancia hasta el final. Y si tengo que elegir a una favorita, definitivamente el lugar se lo lleva Em. ¡Amo a las nenas científicas, y todas sus escenas fueron superdivertidas!
El trabajo puesto en la construcción de la novela también es digno de admiración. Personalmente, siento que en ocasiones la gente se olvida de que los niños y las niñas merecen arte y cultura de calidad. Esta novela es una novela de calidad. Se nota que alguien revisó esos pequeños detalles que importan: hay pistolas de Chéjov a lo largo del texto, el ritmo logra atraparte, los personajes están desarrollados y bien escritos, HAY VILLANOS QUE NO SON MALVADOS SIMPLEMENTE BASADOS EN SUS APARIENCIAS FÍSICAS. (Looking at you, Dahl). Y algo que me fascinó: hay referencias a otros autores. Es una novela que fácilmente puede ser trabajada en un aula, y personalmente me encanta.
Si tuviera que marcar algo que «no me gustó», sería que el ritmo en la primera mitad del libro se siente como una novela completamente diferente. Llegando a la mitad, yo sentía que la novela estaba por terminar y no había pasado nada. No es una molestia para mí porque al autor le basta solo un capítulo para meterte de nuevo en su montaña rusa, pero siento que al público infantil podría aburrirle.
Por último me gustaría hablar de los antagonistas. A veces son caricaturas de sí mismos en la categoría infantil. Acá, desde Edith hasta Nate, son caracterizados como seres humanos, con sentimientos, miedos y motivaciones, con razones y excusas. Es raro ver eso en ocasiones, es raro ver mensajes bien puestos en una trama que confía en sus lectores. Y es algo que valoro muchísimo.
¡Deseo con todo mi corazón ver a las cuatrillizas en más aventuras de verano, y que tanto adultos como chicos podamos acompañarlas en esas historias!
Firstly, I have to say that I couldn't believe it when I reached the final page and read that this is the author's first children's novel. The pace, the plot, and the structure are so natural and flowy that you'd think he already has a couple of books out. So kudos for that!
Ince's background in game design is definitely on full display during the novel. The sets, the action scenes, and the pace feel like a game or straight out of a film. Actually, I could even picture those moments as such! The narration is simple but not dull.
Let's get to business and talk about our protagonists: the Quads! The girls are so great! As a teacher and middle-grade books enjoyers, I often feel like some authors have forgotten how children, especially girls, act. It doesn't happen here. The Quads feel like actual girls, and they are fleshed out amazingly. I enjoyed how Ince took care of giving all the girls the spotlight.
I loved how the four sisters complemented each other, even with their respective personalities. Something I found interesting was how the book labelled Sally as the sisters' leader yet did not get as much protagonism until later. And if I have to pick a favourite quad, it would be Em. I love my little scientific girl. All her scenes were really fun to read!
I also liked how well-constructed the novel was. It's a personal fear that people forget kids deserve high-quality art. This book is a high-quality book.
Someone cared for the little details. You have Chekhov's guns all over the place, a steady pace that keeps you entertained, and YOU HAVE VILLAINS THAT AS EVIL JUST BECAUSE OF THEIR LOOKS. There are well-written, fleshed-out characters, valuable messages that aren't all over your face, and references to other authors! It's a book that feels easy to work within a classroom with the Shakespeare + Enid Blyton mentions, and I loved that a lot.
If I had to find something I “didn't like”, it could be how the first half feels like a completely different novel. Also, the fact that you enter thinking of the mystery treasure that it's practically forgotten until the last chapters may raise a couple of eyebrows. For some kids, the pace of the first half could be boring. But again, I did not mind it because it takes just a couple of chapters, and you start again on this adventurous rollercoaster that completely takes you in! So I cannot say it's a big deal.
Lastly, I'd also like to acknowledge the careful work of the antagonists. Evil Edith, Gus, the Maleprentice kiddos and even Nate on the last pages are real villains, not just caricatures of “bad people”. They are not bad because of the way they look.
I especially liked the way the readers get to understand their emotions. I wrote down “Oh, they have feelings” many times… It was an excellent work.
I wish with all my heart for the Quinton Quads to have more amazing holiday days and for us adults and children alike to be able to read their adventures!
--------------------------------
Primero que todo: la verdadera sorpresa la tuve yo cuando llegué a la última página y me enteré de que esta es la primera novela infantil del autor. No se nota en lo absoluto: el ritmo, la estructura, y la trama son tan naturales como para hacerte creer que Ince tiene ya un par de libros del género publicados. ¡Es genial!
El autor tiene historia trabajando en diseño de videojuegos y esa historia deja su huella durante toda la novela. Los escenarios, las escenas de acción y el ritmo en general son bien de videojuego o de película. Te sentís inmerso en esa imagen. La narración es simple, pero no llega a ser pesada o aburrida.
Acá la gran gema son las protagonistas: las cuatrillizas Quinton, las Quads. Son GENIALES. Como profesora y como una amante de las novelas infantiles, a veces me quedo con la sensación de que muchos escritores olvidaron cómo es ser un niño. ESPECIALMENTE, ser una niña. Acá eso no pasa: las chicas están bien desarrolladas, y el autor se ocupa de darles a todas su espacio para brillar. Es hermoso como se complementan entre sí, ninguna es una caricatura de personalidad.
Encontré interesante que Sally fuera la «líder» de las Quads, pero que no cobrara tanta relevancia hasta el final. Y si tengo que elegir a una favorita, definitivamente el lugar se lo lleva Em. ¡Amo a las nenas científicas, y todas sus escenas fueron superdivertidas!
El trabajo puesto en la construcción de la novela también es digno de admiración. Personalmente, siento que en ocasiones la gente se olvida de que los niños y las niñas merecen arte y cultura de calidad. Esta novela es una novela de calidad. Se nota que alguien revisó esos pequeños detalles que importan: hay pistolas de Chéjov a lo largo del texto, el ritmo logra atraparte, los personajes están desarrollados y bien escritos, HAY VILLANOS QUE NO SON MALVADOS SIMPLEMENTE BASADOS EN SUS APARIENCIAS FÍSICAS. (Looking at you, Dahl). Y algo que me fascinó: hay referencias a otros autores. Es una novela que fácilmente puede ser trabajada en un aula, y personalmente me encanta.
Si tuviera que marcar algo que «no me gustó», sería que el ritmo en la primera mitad del libro se siente como una novela completamente diferente. Llegando a la mitad, yo sentía que la novela estaba por terminar y no había pasado nada. No es una molestia para mí porque al autor le basta solo un capítulo para meterte de nuevo en su montaña rusa, pero siento que al público infantil podría aburrirle.
Por último me gustaría hablar de los antagonistas. A veces son caricaturas de sí mismos en la categoría infantil. Acá, desde Edith hasta Nate, son caracterizados como seres humanos, con sentimientos, miedos y motivaciones, con razones y excusas. Es raro ver eso en ocasiones, es raro ver mensajes bien puestos en una trama que confía en sus lectores. Y es algo que valoro muchísimo.
¡Deseo con todo mi corazón ver a las cuatrillizas en más aventuras de verano, y que tanto adultos como chicos podamos acompañarlas en esas historias!
May 28, 2023
This was a very fun story with some fun characters. I thought the story had a nice simplicity that I would expect when reading a children's book - there was nothing too elaborate or wordy, but the story itself was entertaining and amusing. The writing also had a sort of gruesome flavour that made me chuckle, and I think young readers would find it entertaining. I liked the illustrations too. I think this is the type of book that would have interested my younger self, probably around the ages of 8 to 10.
June 18, 2023
"The Quinton Quads and the Mystery of Malprentice Manor" by Steve Ince is an extraordinary children's book that promises to captivate young readers from start to finish. Ince's storytelling prowess shines brightly in this thrilling and imaginative adventure.
The story follows the Quinton quadruplets - Sally, Caz, Em, and Poppy - on a visit to the mysterious Malprentice Manor to find their Uncle Rosko. From the moment they step foot inside, the young readers are whisked away into a world of intrigue and suspense.
The characters in the book are relatable and endearing, making it easy for young readers to connect with them. Each of the Quadruplets possesses their unique qualities and talents, showcasing the power of teamwork and emphasizing the importance of family bonds.
Ince's descriptions are vivid and imaginative, transporting children into the eerie atmosphere of Malprentice Manor. The carefully crafted details and cleverly placed clues encourage children to actively engage in the mystery, fostering their critical thinking skills and keeping them fully engrossed in the story.
"The Quinton Quads and the Mystery of Malprentice Manor" is a testament to Steve Ince's ability to create a captivating children's book. The seamless blend of mystery, adventure, and relatable characters ensures that young readers will be hooked from the first page. This delightful book is an absolute must-read for children who crave thrilling and imaginative adventures that will spark their imagination and keep them entertained until the very end.
The story follows the Quinton quadruplets - Sally, Caz, Em, and Poppy - on a visit to the mysterious Malprentice Manor to find their Uncle Rosko. From the moment they step foot inside, the young readers are whisked away into a world of intrigue and suspense.
The characters in the book are relatable and endearing, making it easy for young readers to connect with them. Each of the Quadruplets possesses their unique qualities and talents, showcasing the power of teamwork and emphasizing the importance of family bonds.
Ince's descriptions are vivid and imaginative, transporting children into the eerie atmosphere of Malprentice Manor. The carefully crafted details and cleverly placed clues encourage children to actively engage in the mystery, fostering their critical thinking skills and keeping them fully engrossed in the story.
"The Quinton Quads and the Mystery of Malprentice Manor" is a testament to Steve Ince's ability to create a captivating children's book. The seamless blend of mystery, adventure, and relatable characters ensures that young readers will be hooked from the first page. This delightful book is an absolute must-read for children who crave thrilling and imaginative adventures that will spark their imagination and keep them entertained until the very end.
December 31, 2023
'Quinton's Quads and the Mystery of Malprentice Manor' was a children's book full of adventure and action. Right from the start, the plot draws the reader into a well-created world. It is very easy and quick to read. Every person reading will definitely identify with one of the characters to some extent. Another plus is the easy and clear language, thanks to which younger readers should have no problem understanding the dialogues or longer descriptions. Without a doubt, I can say that you would have loved this book with all your heart a few years ago.
May 28, 2023
Disclaimer: I received a free copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
The Quinton Quads and the Mystery of Malprentice Manor is an exciting and adventurous book that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. The story follows the four Quinton siblings as they embark on a mission to uncover the secrets of the mysterious Malprentice Manor.
Author Steve Ince has created a captivating and well-written plot, with plenty of twists and turns to keep readers guessing. The characters are well-developed and relatable, making it easy to become invested in their journey.
One of the best things about this book is that it appeals to a wide range of ages. Younger readers will love the sense of adventure and mystery, while older readers will appreciate the more complex aspects of the story.
Overall, The Quinton Quads and the Mystery of Malprentice Manor is a must-read for anyone who loves a good mystery. It’s a perfect blend of suspense, action, and intrigue, and will leave readers eager for more from the Quinton Quads.
The Quinton Quads and the Mystery of Malprentice Manor is an exciting and adventurous book that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. The story follows the four Quinton siblings as they embark on a mission to uncover the secrets of the mysterious Malprentice Manor.
Author Steve Ince has created a captivating and well-written plot, with plenty of twists and turns to keep readers guessing. The characters are well-developed and relatable, making it easy to become invested in their journey.
One of the best things about this book is that it appeals to a wide range of ages. Younger readers will love the sense of adventure and mystery, while older readers will appreciate the more complex aspects of the story.
Overall, The Quinton Quads and the Mystery of Malprentice Manor is a must-read for anyone who loves a good mystery. It’s a perfect blend of suspense, action, and intrigue, and will leave readers eager for more from the Quinton Quads.
June 23, 2023
This book is a children's adventure mystery story that is really fun. The plot has you hooked from the first page and keeps you reading until the very end. Although the book is a few hundred pages long; the language was really simple, flowed really and was easy to read so despite the length of the book it's perfect for younger readers. The characters in the book are relatable, well written and developed. Overall a fun read and highly recommended for younger readers.
June 20, 2023
This was a fun read. Four girls encounter strange happenings in a manor. For that one evil is the reason. They start to investigate the disappearances in the manor. I felt the language is too simple the construction of scenes is like watching a movie.
Good book.
Good book.
June 19, 2023
This is an adventure story for kids and teenagers.
The protagonists are four brave young girls who are ready to explore the world and face danger.
They are really determined to solve a big mystery, despite their parents' disapproval.
The story itself develops like a mystery puzzle, full of quests, secrets, even a labyrinth.
The characterization of the book is impressive, bearing in mind the target audience.
The villains are also presented quite realistically.
A well-developed and immersive plot, coupled with nice and relevant illustrations. The author is not only a writer, but also a talented artist. He writes for video games as well.
The book is suitable for school children, as it aims to expand their general knowledge with the help of fun, games and thrills.
Overall, very enjoyable, educational, with an excellent narrative and a unique writing style, including a British flavour and culture.
Recommended to youngsters, their older siblings, parents and teachers alike.
The protagonists are four brave young girls who are ready to explore the world and face danger.
They are really determined to solve a big mystery, despite their parents' disapproval.
The story itself develops like a mystery puzzle, full of quests, secrets, even a labyrinth.
The characterization of the book is impressive, bearing in mind the target audience.
The villains are also presented quite realistically.
A well-developed and immersive plot, coupled with nice and relevant illustrations. The author is not only a writer, but also a talented artist. He writes for video games as well.
The book is suitable for school children, as it aims to expand their general knowledge with the help of fun, games and thrills.
Overall, very enjoyable, educational, with an excellent narrative and a unique writing style, including a British flavour and culture.
Recommended to youngsters, their older siblings, parents and teachers alike.
February 20, 2025
A children's book you also enjoy reading as an adult.
I loved to follow the four Quinton sisters through their adventure.
The book is about team spirit, friendship and family bonds packed in a story about 4 sisters (quads) who each have their special abilities. Together they survive this mysterious adventure.
I won't go into detail but the story is written very well and captivating, a page turner for children, young adults and adults equally.
The illustrations complete the book in a perfect way.
I loved to follow the four Quinton sisters through their adventure.
The book is about team spirit, friendship and family bonds packed in a story about 4 sisters (quads) who each have their special abilities. Together they survive this mysterious adventure.
I won't go into detail but the story is written very well and captivating, a page turner for children, young adults and adults equally.
The illustrations complete the book in a perfect way.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews