The Eye of the North

What an adventure! This book centres around Emmeline, whose parents mysteriously vanish. Before long, she is on a ship to France where she encounters her side-kick-to-be, Thing. Everything takes a turn for the worse when Emmeline is kidnapped and taken to the North. From here on in, we have scientists, secret societies, myths . . . the list goes on.

Firstly, let me talk about the characters. Anyone who has read some of my previous reviews will know that I love a good character. There has to be something about them to grab my attention, then they have to develop as the story progresses. I can safely say that both Emmaline and Thing did this in abundance. Emmaline is a true heroine. She's bold, brash and not perfect by any stretch of the imagination. As for thing, he certainly is a unique character. I was intrigued by him throughout and was glad as we saw more of his perspective as the novel progressed.

From very early on, there is an air of mystery. As a reader, there was just enough to hook me without giving too much away. It wasn't until quite late on that everything became clear, despite all my guessing and second-guessing. It's one of those books where there are twists and turns around every corner. Once one pitfall has been overcome, there is no let up.

For some, this book will be a demanding read. There is a lot going on and it is quite long for a middle-grade read. This makes it a perfect step before moving onto Phillip Pullman's Northern Lights trilogy or as a class read for a Year 6 class.

384 pages / Ages 9+ / Reviewed by Matt Davies, teacher.

Suggested Reading Age 9+

Emmeline is trying to find her parents and is desperate to know why they can't be contacted. She receives a ship ticket and instructions to meet her new guardian in Paris. However, things don't go to plan and, despite befriending a stowaway named 'Thing', Emmeline is kidnapped by the evil Dr. Bauer. He is plotting to find mythical creatures in the north to be able to give him immortality; creatures such as The Kraken. Will he succeed or will Emmeline be able to stop his dastardly plans?

The book is generally well written, although I didn't love it. It gripped me towards to start but became a little slow in the middle when the book split perspectives - one chapter as Thing then one as Emmeline. The description of characters is particularly good, especially Northwitch, and I do think that, as the author's first book, it is a commendable effort.

I would recommend it to lovers of fantasy and it did have shades of Pullman's Northern Lights, albeit a little easier to read. A fantasy adventure in frozen lands. I will be interested in reading a sequel to see where the characters go, especially Thing, who is the most likeable character of the lot.

384 pages / Reviewed by Sam Holmes, teacher.

Suggested Reading Age 9+