The Ravenmaster's Secret: Escape From The Tower Of London

by Elvira Woodruff

Best-selling author Elvira Woodruff's thrilling novel set in 1700s London. Now in paperback!

It's 1735. Forrest Harper's life inside the Tower of London consists of three ways to pass the chores, chores, and more chores. His only friends are the spirited ravens he tends with his father. So when vicious Scottish Rebels are captured, Forrest can't wait to prove himself by standing guard. If only Forrest's prisoner hadn't turned out to be the noble and daring Maddy. And if only Maddy wasn't about to be executed. . . .
Now, as Forrest chooses between friendship and family, safety and escape, he and Maddy must flee, somehow navigating the cold, dank corridors of the Tower.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Middle Grade, Historical, Fiction, Young Adult, Childrens, Adventure

225 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2003

About the author

Elvira Woodruff is an American children's author known for blending fantasy and history in her stories. Born in Somerville, New Jersey, she studied English literature at Adelphi and Boston University. Before becoming a writer, she worked a variety of jobs and later found inspiration while working as a librarian in Easton, Pennsylvania. Woodruff has published numerous children's books, including George Washington's Socks, The Memory Coat, and Dear Levi. Her work has been praised for its engaging storytelling and historical depth. Throughout her career, she has created imaginative, heartfelt stories that continue to captivate young readers.

Reviews

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok, I enjoyed this story. It had heart, it had a message, it had the ability to stir my emotions. I also like my kid lit to end the way the stories should end (for me, that usually means don't kill off any characters I like, and generally give me happily ever after--I cannot abide sad stories, especially in kid lit), and this book does give me the ending I wanted.

I do sort of have questions in my mind about this book, though. It appealed to me, but I'm an adult. I found the imaginings of the main character to be sweet--I found peace in reading about the daydreams and flights of fancy of childhood. The thing is, the story didn't really move quickly, and there wasn't really anything captivating about it. It was just a good story. As such, I wonder how much it would really speak to or grab the kids it's aimed at (upper elementary aged kids, I believe). I honestly can't imagine too many kids in that age range sticking with this past the first chapter or two. It starts out sedately, and it does ask readers to be a little bit patient while it moves into the main plot. I just don't know how patient young readers are likely to be with their stories. Like Tuck, the raven in this story, today's kids are easily distracted by shiny objects, there are multiple blinking, flashing, noise-making things demanding their attention. Will a good, but quiet story really hold them amongst all that glitz? Hmm... I'm not so sure.

Honestly, while I liked the book I can't really imagine myself recommending it to too many kids. Maybe to kids who happen to love anything to do with English history, or to kids who had been on a tour of the Tower of London, but that is just about it. Now, that said, adults who like kid lit, and who like a little sweetness in those stories could do worse than The Ravenmaster's Secret.

[Josie · Rating 4 out of 5]

For such a short children's book (I read it in a couple sittings) this book had an impressive little bibliography in the back along with some interesting historical notes from the author. It was very well written and interesting.
However, for a children's book it did have some content that could be traumatic for children. Life in London in the early 1700's was not a pretty time. Children were not sheltered and protected the way they are now. The author does not shy away from how children were treated and what it was like back then. I haven't decided yet if I will pass this book on to my children right now (11 and 9). I will provide a parent advisory in this review so other parents can decide for themselves.
After typing out the advisory, I realize that it may sound like this book was all gore and distressing. It was not. The main plot of the story is about friendship, overcoming bullies, and doing the right thing even when it's hard. It is a fun little action novel that I think would be fun for a lot of middle aged children, it's just that there is some distressing content that may disturb kids. I know it distressed me.
Parent Advisory *(may contain spoilers)*:
-Within the first couple chapters the whole city gathers to witness a hanging. The author describes the jerky dance like movements of the hooded hanging man as well as his "lover" crying and hanging on him to try to speed up the process of him dying. The whole town watches while singing and celebrating.
-The author describes climbing boys. Little boys were used to climb up and clean out chimney's and were very mistreated by their master. They were forced to sleep in a cold cellar, weren't given much to eat and were beaten. They "don't live long enough to grow stubble on their face" as the main characters dad puts it.
-A little girl watches as her father and uncle attempt to escape by swimming across a river and are then shot and killed with arrows and fished out of the water.
-A scary man chases after children with a dagger, and then falls face first onto his own dagger and sputters and dies in front of the children.

[~Silv (ilpianetadeilibri) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nonostante avessi letto questo libro tanti anni fa, ricordo ancora la storia. Le ingiustizie sociali, il razzismo, la discriminazione e l'amicizia sono alcuni dei temi presenti che rendono questo romanzo uno dei più bei libri per bambini che io abbia mai letto!

[Pamela Bronson · Rating 1 out of 5]

This may be a good read and educational, but I can't make myself read it because of one HUGE blunder: it mixes Gaelic with the totally different Lowland Scots language (basically an dialect of English) and calls them both Gaelic. That is so wrong. Here's the beginning of the Lord's Prayer in Lowland Scots (aka "Lallans") "Our Father, wha art in heaven, hallowet be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be dune in yirth as it is in heaven." - you can more or less understand it, if you speak English. Gaelic is a whole different ballgame, derived from Irish Gaelic. Here's the beginning of the same prayer in Gaelic, "Ar n-Athair a tha air nèamh, Gu naomhaichear d' ainm. Thigeadh do rìoghachd. Dèanar do thoil air an talamh, mar a nithear air nèamh." The people who speak these different tongues as natives are different, too, and even have different accents in English.

[Bibliobites Veronica · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this juvenile historical fiction title. I loved the Harper family’s relationships, and the character of Forrest Harper was well drawn. The author painted a vivid picture of the setting without overburdening the text with dry facts. The plot was fast paced and I loved the themes of strength and weakness, love and courage. 4.5 stars, with the half star removed because of two short but gory descriptions of deaths (both of bad guys). Otherwise it would be perfectly suitable for younger kids (and still could be obviously, just wanted to give a heads up for sensitive readers). Highly recommend.

[Nora · Rating 2 out of 5]

In the story there is a boy named Forrest. He lives within the towers walls. His fathers job is to take care of the ravens and Forrest has to help his father with taking care of the birds but also with other things. One of the jobs is to bring food to the prisoners.

Forrest doesn't like the way he lives. One day Forrest gets a new prisoner that he is to bring food to every day. The prisoner is a Scottish girl. One night Forrest goes outside and finds out that his friend Ned has been sold to a chimney sweeper and has to sweep chimneys. Another day the girl prisoner Maddy tells Forrest to give a twig that is supposed to be a charm to her father in another prison. Forrest gives the charm to her father and he is soon asked to help Maddy run away by a disguised Scottish man. A friendship forms as Forrest, Maddy and Ned try to get Maddy out of her prison without anyone else noticing. Ned and Maddy switch clothes and Maddy is away from the prison. Later on disguised Ned sneaks out of the tower with the prisons and they run to a place where the Scottish man was supposed to pick them up. They get stopped by the chimney sweeper that owns Ned but he kills himself with a dagger when he trips while trying to cut off Ned's nose. Maddy, the Scottish man, Ned and a boatman leave on a boat but Forrest stays behind because of his family. Forrest begins looking at things differently and finds his life isn't so bad.

[WhatShouldIRead · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent story about the raven master and his family residing in the Tower. Imaginative telling and a lesson to be learned - without hitting the listener over the head - made for an engrossing read. There was also some historical blurbs at the end of the tale about the Tower, its history and different customs during that time period.

[Cheyenne Langevelde · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very enjoyable tale from the early 1700's. It reminded me of the books I used to devour as a kid, and even as an adult, I enjoyed reading it a lot. The dialogue did shift at times from being more archaic and fitting the time period to being more modern, but otherwise I liked it very much. A sweet story of friendship and loyalty and kindness.

[Amy M · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this one! The characters were well-rooted in their historical setting (which was clearly well-researched) and it never came across as dull or as a summary of events. The characters were true to their roles, but in a way that fit their own histories rather than being pawns on a chess board. I always appreciate the balance between character and plot and don't really like when one dominates the other.

I found myself rooting for Forrest and his friends, and the villains were appropriately creepy when the occasion called for it.

I will definitely look out for more titles by this author.

[A.M. Reynwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

I so enjoyed this book. Set in the Tower of London, 1735, it follows the adventures of one of the prison guard's sons and his friends. It's a tale of growing up, courage, sacrifice, and making the hard decisions between doing what is right and what is safe. I loved the characters and their depth, and the world itself was vivid in the culture of the times. It has wild imaginations, espionage, vengeful ravens, and sheep trotters. And one of the very best kinds of endings.

[Finnegan Forsyth · Rating 5 out of 5]

what was your favorite part?

It is when Maddy escapes.

what did you like about that part?

Since, I'm a Scot.

who was your favorite character?

Forrest

why?

because he never dies, and since he's just a nice guy.

would you recommend this book to your friends?

Yes.

Why?

Since I want to play it.

would you read it again?

yes.

[Rosenblue · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of my favorites books of all time.

I will review this properly once I reread it but know this: it's definitely worth a try through the story is a bit too short and I wish this book had a sequel.

[C.J. Milbrandt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Forrest Harper is the son of a guard at the Tower of London who holds the additional role of Ravenmaster. The boy's best friends are Tuck, a raven he's raised from a fledgling, and Rat, a boy who works for the Tower's rat-catcher. Excitement surrounds news that they're to have a new prisoner, a dangerous villain of a Scot taken in battle. Only the prisoner put into his father's keeping turns out to be a girl no older than himself.

Rat-catchers and chimney sweeps. Indenture and collar days. Wardens and wealthy prisoners. Turnips and trotters. Sympathy and destiny. A fascinating peek into the lives of those born and raised within the confines of a prison, where hanging days are like festivals and orphans are worse off than the royal ravens. Forrest faces bullies, fails in boyish ways at being a friend, takes his home and family a little for granted, struggles to understand the unfairness of war, and makes choices that shake up his ideas of justice and loyalty.

Rising tension that had my heart racing by the end. Excellent storytelling!

Fair warning: in keeping with this era's harsh realities, there's casual cruelty toward children forced to do dirty work (like chimney sweeps). And we do witness a hanging. (I cringe at the idea that executions used to be festive events for the whole family.)

[Jean-Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Ravenmaster's Secret is a quick read and was more enjoyable than anticipated. The story and characters were engaging. Although it covers heavy topics like abusive child labor, traitors, beheadings, and hangings, it is presented for young readers. I would recommend this one for tweens. The 11-year-old and I read this to complement our early modern history lesson about England and the Tower of London.

[Erika · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fantastic read aloud with my 9yo. Lots of history and plenty of character development for Forrest leading to lovely conversations with my daughter (she and I attended the BLOOM conference here in Hawaii the day we finished this book so this quote from the end was poignant.

One day, Forrest stopped wishing to live in the world beyond those ancient walls. And instead he made himself a good life within them.

[Colby Holloway · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was recently reminded that I read this book in elementary school. Roughly Fifteen years ago I thought this book sucked

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

The kiddos insisted on five stars.

Had some darkish content, so reading together with kids, as opposed to them reading on their own, is my recommendation.

[Dana Leighann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! Would be a great read-aloud for teachers.
Lots of good historical facts regarding the Tower of London, too!

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maybe it’s just nostalgia but I love this book.

[Crystal M. Marina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book for kids 9+ and adults. It’s suspenseful and exciting! The narrator on Audible for this book is amazing. My 11 year old son loved it! It might have some harsh moments depending on the child’s sensitivity level but they’re good talking points to have with your children.

[Andrew Wolgemuth · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good story that engages while also providing a glimpse into the incredible challenges of life in the early 1700s.

[Della Tingle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Are you like me and love all things British? Read. This. Book! Best children’s book I have read all year!

"It takes courage to face all we are meant to live through" (104).

[Naomi Starling · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a brilliant, little twist of a tale that gives you a sharp taste of the medieval lifestyles of both Brits and Scots, and may well leave you thinking about your own place in life and big decisions you've ever made or have yet to make. This is one of those rare gems of which I will never let go!

[Chris Holliman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Synopsis: The year is 1735 and the place is the Tower of London. Forrest Harper is an 11 year old boy who is the son of the prison’s Ravenmaster. His days are spent tending to the birds, playing with his rat catching friend Ned, and providing meals to some of the prisoners. Forrest longs for adventure and receives some when a group of Scottish prisoners are sent to the tower. Amongst them is a girl named Maddy who soon fills Forrest’s ear up with tales of her home in Scotland.

As the day of Maddie’s trial and execution approaches, Forest and Ned are tempted to become part of a plot to help her escape. But there is so much at stake. If they are caught, it would surely mean death for them and great shame for Forrest’s family. What will they do?

Personal Reaction: Because I enjoy reading about history and other cultures, this was a quick and easy read for me. Woodruff packs this book with bullies, thugs, and shady people. She also does such an excellent job of building characters and moving the plot along that I truly wanted for Forrest, Ned and Maddie to prevail. After I hit the midway point of this book, I just burned through the rest. I had goosebumps as I read the final pages. I’m not sure that I can give a book higher praise than that.

Themes include father-son relationships, testing of friendships, freedom vs. captivity, bullying, the limits of patriotism, the morality of public executions, child labor, and child cruelty.

[Heather · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was looking for books for Colin that he hasn't read and the librarian recommended this one. She said it has often been a battle book and was one of her favorites. While Colin wouldn't read it (he was not interested after a couple of chapters), I decided to give it a whirl since it was one of the librarian's favorite books.

I can see why Colin put it down. For a children's book, it's a little bloody. Not in a grotesque way, but it is a softened version of life in the Tower of London in the 1700's - kids forced into slave labor, watching hangings, etc. The story itself is not bad and fairly interesting from a historical fiction perspective, but I'm not sure why this was one of the librarian's favorite books. I expected a little more with a recommendation such as that.

I would look for it to show up as a battle book in the near future though, as I don't think it's been on the list for awhile.

[Becky Loader · Rating 4 out of 5]

And now for a quick peek into the 1735 Tower of London. Told from the viewpoint of the Ravenmaster's son, the story is about oppression, the evil Scots, a rat catcher, an even more evil chimney sweep, turbulent times, and friendship. It is common life inside the Tower for the Warders and their families. Forrest knows he is destined to be the next Ravenmaster, but he longs to know life beyond the Tower walls. He helps guard a prison who is more than a little different: she's a girl, she's a Scot, and she's Noble.

Nice story with lots of details that do not coat the times with romanticism. The moat around the Tower? It stinks. The Ravens? Their wings are clipped so they can't fly away. The people? Interestingly enough: people are about the same as they are today!

[Dylan Mack · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Ravenmaster's Secret is about a 11 year old boy named Forrest Harper. This story takes place in 1735 at the tower of London. Forrest is the son of the Ravenmaster Hugh Harper who has been a warder at the tower for over 25 years. Three new prisoners comes to the tower of London two were big and muscular Scottish rebels the third was a 11 year old girl. Forrest makes a deal with her to let her out. Will she escape or will she stay as a prisoner that is up to Forrest.

I would definitely recommend this book to anybody that likes action and suspense. I felt like I was actually in this book when I was reading it. I thought it had a great plot and great literature.

[Pam · Rating 3 out of 5]

Set in the Tower of London, the ravenmaster's son is assigned care of a girl imprisoned for being a Jacobite rebel. During the course of the book he deals with bullies, friendship, and is faced with difficult choices about loyalty and fairness. Although it is a bit simplistic, I can see why teachers and others recommend the book. The character faces conflict and emerges a stronger and wiser person. If you have gone or are going to the Tower of London this book does a great job making the history of the Tower come alive.

[Mira · Rating 4 out of 5]

My son is reading this at school, so thought I would join him. It goes by quickly, and is a good historical fiction adventure. The story itself wraps neatly--maybe too neatly for my personal taste--but it addresses some interesting moral issues for the boy hero, relatable for kids figuring out who they are, and beginning to think about their own independence. Also introduces the conundrum of what is right or fair vs what is lawful, and what it might mean when they aren't necessarily the same thing.

[Amy B · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really 2.5 stars, but I didn't think it fair to give a solid children's book 2 stars just because I'm not a kid. :) Not a bad story, just a little slow for me. I feel like it would have been made better had the book been written from the perspective of all three children, instead of just Forrest. It would have helped me like Maddie more, and Ned's side of the story would have made the adventure a little more fast-paced. :)