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Darkside #5
Blackjack
Jonathan is shocked when he finds out his mother has been locked away in Darkside's most infamous madhouse, The Bedlam, for years - and he's determined to rescue her. But with the rotten borough's brutal new leader causing mass chaos, and the wereman Carnegie nowhere to be found, will he be able to save his mum without losing everything else?
260 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2010
5 people are currently reading
307 people want to read
About the author
Tom Becker
47 books83 followersTom Becker grew up in a market town in the northwest of England, dreaming of becoming a writer. He won the 2007 Waterstones' Children's Book Prize with his first novel, Darkside, and has continued to blur the lines between history and fantasy in brooding adventure and horror stories such as The Traitors and While The Others Sleep. He has also published an adult novel, The Cold Tap, on Kindle under his real name, Tom Beckerlegge. Tom lives in London with his wife, baby son, and a horde of shadowy creatures that he keeps confined within the pages of his notebook. He can be found on Twitter at @Tbeckerlegge.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
May 22, 2017
An excellent conclusion to the Darkside series.
Having been introduced to the series by a friend, I was eager to delve into it, hearing interesting little snippets about some of the characters. Suffice it to say I wasn't disappointed. While the first book (Darkside) had a more middle-grade feel to it (the writing style seeming more kid-friendly, the danger not being quite as pronounced yet, details, environment, and whatnot handled in a more basic way), the series has, in my opinion, gotten better with each book, and thus, tentatively moving into YA territory. It feels as though Tom Becker became more comfortable with his characters, had a sharper understanding of them, and was able to ensure each book flowed seamlessly from one to the next. Considering I've just read the last three books in three or four days, it's fair to say he's achieved his goal--at least where I, and readers like me, are concerned.
Each book delved deeper into the world of Darkside, showing a great deal more than just the seedy underbelly and unsavoury denizens of this hidden borough. It showed that even in a town like Darkside--a world founded by Jack the Ripper, its first ruler, and passed on through the Ripper line for generations--good could still be found; be it in a common street urchin, a household maid, or the wereman private detective, Carnegie.
And of course, who doesn't love a good villain? While usually behind the scenes stirring up trouble, Vendetta was always a fun character to read about when he took centre stage, his presence no less thrilling in Blackjack; though his parts always seemed small, he always made quite an impact.
Definitely an enjoyable series.
Having been introduced to the series by a friend, I was eager to delve into it, hearing interesting little snippets about some of the characters. Suffice it to say I wasn't disappointed. While the first book (Darkside) had a more middle-grade feel to it (the writing style seeming more kid-friendly, the danger not being quite as pronounced yet, details, environment, and whatnot handled in a more basic way), the series has, in my opinion, gotten better with each book, and thus, tentatively moving into YA territory. It feels as though Tom Becker became more comfortable with his characters, had a sharper understanding of them, and was able to ensure each book flowed seamlessly from one to the next. Considering I've just read the last three books in three or four days, it's fair to say he's achieved his goal--at least where I, and readers like me, are concerned.
Each book delved deeper into the world of Darkside, showing a great deal more than just the seedy underbelly and unsavoury denizens of this hidden borough. It showed that even in a town like Darkside--a world founded by Jack the Ripper, its first ruler, and passed on through the Ripper line for generations--good could still be found; be it in a common street urchin, a household maid, or the wereman private detective, Carnegie.
And of course, who doesn't love a good villain? While usually behind the scenes stirring up trouble, Vendetta was always a fun character to read about when he took centre stage, his presence no less thrilling in Blackjack; though his parts always seemed small, he always made quite an impact.
Definitely an enjoyable series.
June 28, 2018
This book makes me sad for two reasons.
1) It's the last one in the series
2) A spoiler, so I won't write it...
But there's only one thing to say: this series is AWESOME. The idea behind it is very unique and it really sticks with you. REALLY recommended!
1) It's the last one in the series
2) A spoiler, so I won't write it...
But there's only one thing to say: this series is AWESOME. The idea behind it is very unique and it really sticks with you. REALLY recommended!
September 11, 2018
These books are so much bloody fun! I love so many of the characters and to be honest I'm only mildly mad at Tom Becker for breaking my heart so close to the end of the book. This series has a rather bittersweet ending.
September 27, 2020
This ending was almost everything I've wished for!
The story came to a great conclusion and each character's story feels complete. Nevertheless I've spent the last half an hour crying over the last few pages.
I'm sure im going to miss these Characters, especially Marianne.
The story came to a great conclusion and each character's story feels complete. Nevertheless I've spent the last half an hour crying over the last few pages.
I'm sure im going to miss these Characters, especially Marianne.
October 11, 2022
I feel like I would have enjoyed this book more if I'd read the others before it. The story is still good and I enjoyed the concept of a darker city that parallels London. I also enjoyed the ripper aspect too.
July 5, 2024
I'm actually heartbroken from that ending
February 1, 2012
Blackjack by Tom Becker
Jonathan Starling has to find his mother in the most infamous asylum in Darkside “The Bedlam.” While his werewolf friend, Carnegie is kidnapped and Vendetta is on the loose, It’s going to be hard for Jonathan to survive...
This book is the 5th book in the series and is a thrilling adventure, it contains a mixture of adventure, horror, fantasy and even mystery. It is a very exhilarating book with ups and downs, full of reversals.
I like this book because it is really easy to understand and put yourself in that person’s shoes and feel what they are feeling in other words all the characters and scenes are described so well... that you can picture it.
An example is: Marianne ripper was lying unconscious in her bed, her pale face touched with only a shade more colour than the crisp white pillows.
Another great thing about this book is that the “energy never dies” there are climax after climax and reversal after reversal. Just when you think you are going to know the storyline, something out of the ordinary occurs.
An example is: “Dunno – but they’ve got black scaly heads, with orange stripes.” The bounty hunter’s face darkened. “Fire salamanders. Nasty things – strong brutes with poisonous skin. Don’t touch them.”
The best thing about this book is the mixture of genres, the mixture gives you a different feel to what you’re reading, and keeps giving your brain a cliffhanger. Also the characters make the book more interesting especially because they are fantasy characters, and the Author gives all of them great characteristics.
An example is: Raquella and Harry said that the Bedlam was more than just an
asylum: it changed people. jonathan didn’t care. No matter what his mum looked like, or how she acted, if she was still alive he was going to get her out of there. But then he couldn’t do that alone, either. . .Marianne was still waiting for a reply. jonathan looked down at his feet. “Why haven’t i gone after carnegie? i don’t know what to do.”The bounty hunter began to laugh – a harsh, bitter sound.
Sources: A sample of the book, I used this site.
http://www.welcometodarkside.co.uk/pd...
Jonathan Starling has to find his mother in the most infamous asylum in Darkside “The Bedlam.” While his werewolf friend, Carnegie is kidnapped and Vendetta is on the loose, It’s going to be hard for Jonathan to survive...
This book is the 5th book in the series and is a thrilling adventure, it contains a mixture of adventure, horror, fantasy and even mystery. It is a very exhilarating book with ups and downs, full of reversals.
I like this book because it is really easy to understand and put yourself in that person’s shoes and feel what they are feeling in other words all the characters and scenes are described so well... that you can picture it.
An example is: Marianne ripper was lying unconscious in her bed, her pale face touched with only a shade more colour than the crisp white pillows.
Another great thing about this book is that the “energy never dies” there are climax after climax and reversal after reversal. Just when you think you are going to know the storyline, something out of the ordinary occurs.
An example is: “Dunno – but they’ve got black scaly heads, with orange stripes.” The bounty hunter’s face darkened. “Fire salamanders. Nasty things – strong brutes with poisonous skin. Don’t touch them.”
The best thing about this book is the mixture of genres, the mixture gives you a different feel to what you’re reading, and keeps giving your brain a cliffhanger. Also the characters make the book more interesting especially because they are fantasy characters, and the Author gives all of them great characteristics.
An example is: Raquella and Harry said that the Bedlam was more than just an
asylum: it changed people. jonathan didn’t care. No matter what his mum looked like, or how she acted, if she was still alive he was going to get her out of there. But then he couldn’t do that alone, either. . .Marianne was still waiting for a reply. jonathan looked down at his feet. “Why haven’t i gone after carnegie? i don’t know what to do.”The bounty hunter began to laugh – a harsh, bitter sound.
Sources: A sample of the book, I used this site.
http://www.welcometodarkside.co.uk/pd...
August 13, 2013
OH MY GOD, AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This was probably my favourite book in the series. looking back on it it feels like it went by so quick. Very fast passed and exciting.
Although I do feel a little like it was too fast paced. Its the final book, the last book of darkside it needs to go out with a bang, but it just seems one big blur. It wasn't very sentimental and it just didn't make me feel that feeling you get when you finish a series and your like 'I'm gonna miss it! It was so amazing! Why does it have to leave me?!'. You know that sad yet proud feeling. It just felt like it finished because he ran out of things to say.
But other then that AMAZING!!!!! If it wasn't the last book, it would be one of my favourites.
If you have started darkside and don't know if you want to continue I recommend that you do!
This was probably my favourite book in the series. looking back on it it feels like it went by so quick. Very fast passed and exciting.
Although I do feel a little like it was too fast paced. Its the final book, the last book of darkside it needs to go out with a bang, but it just seems one big blur. It wasn't very sentimental and it just didn't make me feel that feeling you get when you finish a series and your like 'I'm gonna miss it! It was so amazing! Why does it have to leave me?!'. You know that sad yet proud feeling. It just felt like it finished because he ran out of things to say.
But other then that AMAZING!!!!! If it wasn't the last book, it would be one of my favourites.
If you have started darkside and don't know if you want to continue I recommend that you do!
May 19, 2014
I read the previous 4 books so long ago I couldn't say much about them as I no longer remembered the storyline of each one. This 5th and final book caught me up and reminded me of much I didn't remember.
The Blood Succession is over and Lucien Ripper has risen to the throne. Lucien does not win anything without cheating though and his sister, Marianne is still alive and willing to fight for the Ripper throne again.
Meanwhile, Jonathan Starling is still looking for his mother, locked up in the Bedlam Asylum where people go nuts if they aren't already.
As Carnegie, Marianne, Jonathan and Raquella come together to fight Lucien, find the Crimson Stone (the key to an all powerful Ripper)and save Jonathan's mother Theresa they fight for their lives several times.........the final battle takes its toll. One does not survive but life goes on for those that do.
The Blood Succession is over and Lucien Ripper has risen to the throne. Lucien does not win anything without cheating though and his sister, Marianne is still alive and willing to fight for the Ripper throne again.
Meanwhile, Jonathan Starling is still looking for his mother, locked up in the Bedlam Asylum where people go nuts if they aren't already.
As Carnegie, Marianne, Jonathan and Raquella come together to fight Lucien, find the Crimson Stone (the key to an all powerful Ripper)and save Jonathan's mother Theresa they fight for their lives several times.........the final battle takes its toll. One does not survive but life goes on for those that do.
June 8, 2010
I really liked this installment in the Darkside series, more than I had the previous book. Becker is back in his stride! I tried to remember the sort of things I was reading when I was in Blackjack's target age group. The book reminded me of some of the stories I liked most then, when you end up rooting for characters that you have grown to love, and then an author like Robert Westall or similar punches you in the gut (solar plexus in books I read when I was a kid) by killing one of them off. Brutal but great. I also liked the description of the countryside of Darkside. Reminded me of Hampstead Heath.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 22, 2010
I would like to praise Tom Becker for making me -known by people to have 'a heart made of stone'- cry. Of course I am joking, not about the crying part but I want him to know that I have never been so depressed of a character dying in my whole life. I've been asking my friends the same question for months now, "Why did Carnegie have to die??" and they've merely shrugged andtold me to shut up. Moving on from that subject, I overall liked this book, it was very enjoyable and I loved the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Read
March 11, 2013Save for the faint orange glow of the street lamps outside, no lights were on. The darkness lapped over the vampire's skin like bathwater.
An eternity of mediocrity beckoned.
…as the shadows around the bird thickened into an inky cloud, fear wrapped a frozen fist around Jonathan's heart.
Far away below him, the street lamps of Darkside were beginning to wink into life.
An eternity of mediocrity beckoned.
…as the shadows around the bird thickened into an inky cloud, fear wrapped a frozen fist around Jonathan's heart.
Far away below him, the street lamps of Darkside were beginning to wink into life.
April 30, 2017
I think it is very rare in a long series of books that the stories continually get better each time. However, that is exactly what you get with the final instalment of the Darkside series by Tom Becker. Blackjack is awesome. It is a book that you cannot put down for more than a few minutes without needing to know more.
The final instalment of the saga finds Jonathan Starling back in Darkside trying to save not only his mother but also Carnegie and the rest of the Darksiders from the tyrannical reign of the latest ripper. It really is a thrilling ride and I know this sounds weird but I wish Darkside was a real place because it sounds like such an adventure could be had there.
What I don’t understand is how this book series hasn’t been made into a film series. It is too good a story not to have done.
If you liked any of the previous Darkside books but have yet to read Blackjack then what are you waiting for. It is brilliant.
Blackside (Darkside, #5) by Tom Becker is available now.
For more information regarding Tom Becker please visit his Twitter page (@Tbeckerlegge).
For more information regarding Scholastic UK (@scholasticuk) please visit www.scholastic.co.uk.
The final instalment of the saga finds Jonathan Starling back in Darkside trying to save not only his mother but also Carnegie and the rest of the Darksiders from the tyrannical reign of the latest ripper. It really is a thrilling ride and I know this sounds weird but I wish Darkside was a real place because it sounds like such an adventure could be had there.
What I don’t understand is how this book series hasn’t been made into a film series. It is too good a story not to have done.
If you liked any of the previous Darkside books but have yet to read Blackjack then what are you waiting for. It is brilliant.
Blackside (Darkside, #5) by Tom Becker is available now.
For more information regarding Tom Becker please visit his Twitter page (@Tbeckerlegge).
For more information regarding Scholastic UK (@scholasticuk) please visit www.scholastic.co.uk.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews