This was an interesting book which reminded me a bit of the Harry Potter series. The storyline is very original, although I did find it rather lengthy and a bit complex at times: it might be difficult for some children to keep up with all the characters and the action. However, despite its complexity, it is very well-written. I like that the main character, Cricket, is different, and that her difference helps her in her quest. I think children will relate to the friendship between Cricket and her friend Penny who are likeable characters. Penny understands that Cricket is different from the other children but celebrates this difference with Cricket. Each chapter is illustrated and I love these, they are so detailed and original. I'm sure this book will appeal to its target audience and I think it will easily widen out into a series of adventures for Cricket and Penny.
Pauline Braisher, A LoveReading4Kids Ambassador
| Suitable For: | |
| Other Genres: |
I think that it is a great read, it is well written and the author can really tell a good tale.
This is a story about a girl whose name is cricket - yes unusual but this is a fantasy, and I would recommend it to 10-12-year-olds. There are some frightening aspects of this story. This is described as season one and what a start! Cricket is 12 and realises that fairies do actually exist and not a myth- but not in the cute way we think of fairies these are scary fairies (the reader learns why they do not take teeth from under children's pillows) after her brother is kidnapped and thus begins the quest to find the brother. There are just so many levels to this story, why is there black dust everywhere? what is happening to her parents in the way they appear to be acting? This is a real suspense-filled story and a book you simply cannot put down.... Read Full Review
The author of this book has quite an imagination.
The author of this book has quite an imagination. A young girl who lost her mother and lives with her Dad, Step-Mother, Janice, and brother Tristan doesn't get a gift from her mother on her birthday. This is the first time her Dad didn't give her a gift from her Mom. This is when it gets interesting as Cricket notices she's seeing colours, just like her Mom did. She doesn't understand all this. During all this excitement, her best friend Penny stops liking her and she can't understand why. Then her baby brother, Tristan disappears. The story continues on a journey for Cricket to find out where her brother has been taken and why.... Read Full Review
