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202nd out of 470 books
—
2,472 voters
Starcross (Larklight #2)
Art, Myrtle and their mother accept the kind invitation of a holiday to an up-and-coming asteroid resort. But they set out with visions of rest and relaxation only to be sucked into a dastardly plot involving spies, time travel, and mind-altering clothing! Before their adventures are out, they'll sail an aether-ship amid asteroid-strewn seas, dodge demonic puppets, and lea...more
Hardcover, 320 pages
Published
October 16th 2007
by Bloomsbury USA Childrens
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Apr 28, 2008
Ann
rated it
5 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
Larklight fans!! - all others read Larklight first!
I so enjoy the world of the Mumbys! This is a wonderful sequel to Larklight!
It was so much fun visiting with returning characters, again! And we encounter both new and returning villains as well.
I thought the plot, characters, style of writing (which is excellent and delightful!) were all consistent with that of Larklight, and I didn’t feel that the author “cheated” with any of the characters to fill the second book with plot.
The plot was exciting and intriguing again. And while I didn’t feel...more
It was so much fun visiting with returning characters, again! And we encounter both new and returning villains as well.
I thought the plot, characters, style of writing (which is excellent and delightful!) were all consistent with that of Larklight, and I didn’t feel that the author “cheated” with any of the characters to fill the second book with plot.
The plot was exciting and intriguing again. And while I didn’t feel...more
Apr 28, 2008
Kathryn
rated it
4 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
Fans of "Larklight" -- everyone else, read "Larklight" first!
A fitting, largely enjoyable sequel to the fantastic and fabulous "Larklight" though not quite its equal. Many favorite characters are back, though some have diminished roles and others have heightened ones--I rather missed those with the demotions--and the new nemesiss(es) proved quite interesting and imaginative. I'm not entirely sure why I didn't feel this one quite lived up to the first--the writing style (so delightful!) is the same, the flavor and tone still delicious. I think, however, th...more
Well, I got this sequel to Larklight expecting to like it slightly less than the first novel. Boy was I surprised! I liked it more - a rare thing in my opinion, for sequels! The character development continues to be delightfully lighthearted and some of the concepts are absolutely hysterical. I also like the occasional geeky in-joke reference to other geeky things. This book is sweet and funny and very fast-paced, without ever being "simple."
All our favorite characters from Larklight return for...more
All our favorite characters from Larklight return for...more
»Ein mitreißendes Abenteuer um Spione, Zeitreisen und seltsame Hüte«
Vor kurzem trudelte dann endlich die Taschenbuchausgabe der »Larklight«-Fortsetzung namens »Starcross« bei mir ein. Und auch hier zeichnete sich sehr schnell ab, dass Autor Philip Reeve und Zeichner David Wyatt in der Lage waren, ihr überaus originelles Fabulieren fortzusetzen.
Art, Myrtle und Mutter Mumby erhalten eine Einladung nach Starcross, einem Hotel, das sich im Asteroidengürtel befindet. Es wird sogar mit einem Badestran...more
Vor kurzem trudelte dann endlich die Taschenbuchausgabe der »Larklight«-Fortsetzung namens »Starcross« bei mir ein. Und auch hier zeichnete sich sehr schnell ab, dass Autor Philip Reeve und Zeichner David Wyatt in der Lage waren, ihr überaus originelles Fabulieren fortzusetzen.
Art, Myrtle und Mutter Mumby erhalten eine Einladung nach Starcross, einem Hotel, das sich im Asteroidengürtel befindet. Es wird sogar mit einem Badestran...more
Much like its predecessor, Larklight, Starcross wraps the reader in an alternate history of whimsical machines, space travel, time travel. But, instead of spiders, the solar system is threatened by evil hats!
This book appeals to me because of the existing relationship I had with Philip Reeve after reading his Mortal Engines series. I love his control of language, especially how he channels the young Victorian British boy and young Victorian British girl.
The superb writing is accented by humorous...more
This book appeals to me because of the existing relationship I had with Philip Reeve after reading his Mortal Engines series. I love his control of language, especially how he channels the young Victorian British boy and young Victorian British girl.
The superb writing is accented by humorous...more
A delightful romp through time and space, by way of asteroid belts, disappearing oceans, clunky spaceships, and grand hotels, with Mr. Titfer's Toppers (those dreadful hats of the subtitle) always in hot pursuit. Moobified fish and fishy Moobs are the mere backdrop to a cast of characters too wonderful not to name: the mischievous Miss Delphine Beauregard, Sirs Waverley Rain, Launcelot Sprigg, and Richard Burton, Professor Ferny, Jack Havock, Nipper, Mr. Grindle, Mr. Munkulus, the Tentacle Twins...more
This was another great book set in the Larklight universe. You wouldn't have to read the first book to have fun with this one; but the first book does provide some background that would make this story have a bit more meaning at parts.
We are back to a Victorian Age where the British Empire has conquered the secrets of space travel. Art and his family have been invited to stay a premier ocean side resort called Starcross. Starcross is a bit different in that the ocean is only there 12 hours a day...more
We are back to a Victorian Age where the British Empire has conquered the secrets of space travel. Art and his family have been invited to stay a premier ocean side resort called Starcross. Starcross is a bit different in that the ocean is only there 12 hours a day...more
Just as over-the-top fun as the first book, the madcap space adventures of Art Mumby, his sister Myrtle, and their various companions continues.
The plot of this novel is odd and completely silly in the greatest possible way, and can best be summed up by this direct quote from the book, "The British Empire stands on the brink of an invasion by highly intelligent hats from the future!" Yes, you did read that right.
Once more, Art (and occasionally Myrtle) narrate through their journals with hilario...more
The plot of this novel is odd and completely silly in the greatest possible way, and can best be summed up by this direct quote from the book, "The British Empire stands on the brink of an invasion by highly intelligent hats from the future!" Yes, you did read that right.
Once more, Art (and occasionally Myrtle) narrate through their journals with hilario...more
What this book does have going for it; lots of action, twists galore, and plot to spare. For a lot of people, that makes for a great book. And if plot is your thing, I would say this book wouldn't fail to entertain. I can see tons of readers falling in love with this book for that very reason...unfortunately, I wasn't one of them.
Overall, the book felt extremely forced to me. I found a lot of the imaginative elements to be contrived. There are any number of writers who try to capture all of the...more
Overall, the book felt extremely forced to me. I found a lot of the imaginative elements to be contrived. There are any number of writers who try to capture all of the...more
As another reviewer has said, I looked very much forward to this book after listening to "Larklight" and loving it and wanted this book to be just as awesome. But it wasn't quite as good, due mainly to the diminished parts of Art, Myrtle and Jack, although I did like hearing more from Mrs. Mumby. I thought the storyline wasn't as good and ended too suddenly. The premise was interesting though. Creatures from "futurity" as Mr. Reeve puts it, come into the present (1851) to feed on people's though...more
Starcross: A Stirring Adventure of Spies, Time Travel and Curious Hats is the second book in the Larklight trilogy (series?) chronicling the adventures of Art Mumby and his family in an alternate steampunkish Victorian England where space travel is possible in more-or-less sailing ships. Fresh off of saving the entire Solar System from ancient spiders, Art and his mother and sister head to an asteroid resort hotel for a bit of relaxation, only to find them embroiled in a new adventure of, well,...more
3 1/2
Like it's predecessor, Larklight (a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/... review), this is a quirky and fun Victoriana adventure tale.
I enjoyed this one a bit more than the first - there was more humor, in general, and Myrtle was less annoying. And I quite liked the addition of Mrs. Mumby.
The story is good, the illustrations are nice additions, and I generally enjoyed it. I can't quite put my finger on what it is that holds this back from being a solid 4 stars, but, whatever it is...more
Like it's predecessor, Larklight (a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/... review), this is a quirky and fun Victoriana adventure tale.
I enjoyed this one a bit more than the first - there was more humor, in general, and Myrtle was less annoying. And I quite liked the addition of Mrs. Mumby.
The story is good, the illustrations are nice additions, and I generally enjoyed it. I can't quite put my finger on what it is that holds this back from being a solid 4 stars, but, whatever it is...more
The second book in the Larklight series (I recommend starting with the first). Enjoyable. Sort of a steampunk, what-if universe in which the British Empire extends to various planets, there are ships that fly through the ether, and many adventures. The full title is "Starcross or The Coming of the Moobs! or Our Adventures in the Fourth Dimension! - A Stirring Adventure of Spies, Time Travel and Curious Hats" which gives you an idea of the style of the book. I quite enjoyed this second book, alth...more
I'd like to give this 2 and a half stars. I loved Larklight but I think all that clever word play is brilliant on audio. I don't know if Starcross wasn't as good as Larklight or I would have liked it more if it was on audio. Although I must say, the illustrations are terrific! There is certainly plenty to like - those Thrells acting as mercenaries changing side to whichever side could get them wool to knit with were a favourite for me. I don't think I'll bother with #3. Philip Reeve is very clev...more
In which a proper young lady from the British Empire in Victorian times learns that alchemy is akin to cooking and therefore it can be safely concluded that it is a ladylike thing to do (particularly when said alchemy will start the maching which will help the party escape the evil moobs) not only providing escape but entertainment for the dear reader as well. That having been said, I did grow a little weary of the book before it's end. However, young teens should find it thrilling to the end,...more
Reeve, Philip. 2007. Starcross: A Stirring Adventure of Spies, Time Travel, and Curious Hats. "Decorated Throughout" by David Wyatt.
Starcross is the sequel to 2006's Larklight: Or the Revenge of the White Spiders!: Or To Saturn’s Rings and Back!: A Rousing Tale of Dauntless Pluck in the Furthest Reaches of Space. While I found the first book fun and silly, I also was just lukewarm about it. I neither loved it nor hated it. I saw the appeal, but didn't share in it exactly. With the second book, S...more
Starcross is the sequel to 2006's Larklight: Or the Revenge of the White Spiders!: Or To Saturn’s Rings and Back!: A Rousing Tale of Dauntless Pluck in the Furthest Reaches of Space. While I found the first book fun and silly, I also was just lukewarm about it. I neither loved it nor hated it. I saw the appeal, but didn't share in it exactly. With the second book, S...more
They say science fiction for kids doesn’t sell. They say a lot of things, but this particular belief is pretty widespread. Space may be the final frontier, but as far as kidlit publishers go, literary reaches for the outer limits aren’t worth the paper they’re printed on. Still, there is some sci-fi that simply must turn a profit. Take Philip Reeve, for example. This is the guy who conjured up the YA “Hungry City” chronicles. Who single-handedly found a way to combine gross colonization and spac...more
Ok not sure why there is no image but hey - this is the second in the larklight series and carries on the tales of the Mumsbys - in this case a holiday - but as you can well imagine not only is this no ordinary holiday but also this is no ordinary event - i will not spoil it - but if you want to try out steam punk or if you want to read a story with a difference this is one to try however i would suggest you start with Larklight first - not only does it introduce things to you but also i think i...more
Starcross, like Predator's Gold, is the second in a series by Philip Reeve. And like Predator's Gold, much of the action of the first book in the series gets supplanted by petty jealousy between two of the characters which, in turn, leads to a somewhat disappointing book.
Still, Starcross, like Larklight, was a fun, energetic read, full of space pirates and intergalactic creatures. (Luckily, Mothstorm, the third in this series, gets back to the non-stop thrill-ride of Larklight)
Still, Starcross, like Larklight, was a fun, energetic read, full of space pirates and intergalactic creatures. (Luckily, Mothstorm, the third in this series, gets back to the non-stop thrill-ride of Larklight)
When I picked up Starcross, I thought "this is going to be just as good as Larklight, if not better!" Unfortunately it didn't live to my expectations, and conclusions were jumped to almost instantly. "I think were swimming in prehistoric Mars through a portal." And the Moobs had nothing on the White Spiders. But all in all it was still a good read, and I would recommend it to people. It has some good moments and funny quotes, but as I said, not as good as Larklight. Hope Mothstorm is better.
The second adventure of Art Mumby and his sister Myrtle takes them to the asteroid Starcross. Supposedly a wonderful vacation opportunity with a beach, it's really a breeding ground for something far more sinister. Art and Myrtle must battle Moobs for control of the universe. And it's a very close call. This book has less world building than the first book so it's easier to get into the story. All the main characters from the first book make appearances and the villians were great.
The only qualm I had with this book was when I read the bit of Myrtle's journal that describes the Yanks as "too stingy to pay their taxes." Oh really, Myrtle? And I suppose the King of England was just too stingy to give them fair representation in the British government. Cranky old tyrant.
At any rate, when "Starcross" wasn't insulting me, it was a every bit as charming and quirky as the first book in the series. ;)
At any rate, when "Starcross" wasn't insulting me, it was a every bit as charming and quirky as the first book in the series. ;)
If I ever meet Reeve I am going to punch him in the mouth. As an American, I Inherently loathe all the idiot authors who make the American Revolution fail, and intend to strike back at them in a future novel entitled Burning Skies. But until then, may Reeves be condemned to eternal torment and may bookworms gnaw at his entrails till the fires of Hell consume utterly.
Very fun, very amusing follow-up to Philip Reeve's first Larklight book. Some of the plot choices in this sophomore effort weren't as suspenseful as in Arthur Mumby's first outing, but the threads fit together nicely to create a warm World Cozy (read the book and you'll figure it out). I especially enjoyed how Myrtle's character is developing and can't wait to see where she goes in the trilogy's final book. Reeve, by the way, has an excellent ability to switch voices between the two Mumby siblin...more
As wonderful as the first, if not more so. Art, his annoying sister, and their mother travel to a hotel for a holiday and encounter mind stealing hats and time travel. And Jack. Can't have an adventure without Jack. Oh yes, and some evil. French secret agents. And a couple giant clams. And...I shall refrain myself from going on.
In the book Art's sister and Jack wonder if they were, "meant to be together," (About time, Jack!) and she finds she isn't as much of the well bred lady she thought sh...more
In the book Art's sister and Jack wonder if they were, "meant to be together," (About time, Jack!) and she finds she isn't as much of the well bred lady she thought sh...more
This delightful book is the sequel to Larklight. Set in an alternate history where Sir Isaac Newton discovered the secret to space travel, the Mumby family is going on holiday. After seeing an ad for a beachside hotel called Starcross, they decide to spend a few weeks there, but when they arrive things are strange from the start. First of all, there doesn't seem to be any beach (although they are reassured that it will appear in about 12 hours or so). Secondly, Art Mumby sees something outside h...more
Philip Reeve has such amazing world building skills and I adore the way his characters and universe from Larklight are used in this - nice changes and treatment. Although I enjoyed this a lot it was better plotted than Larklight but not quite as have-to-turn-the-page-or-i-will-explode-ish.
So much fun though!
So much fun though!
I think I might have liked this book better if I had read the first one - but I didn't realize it was a sequel until I was a third of the way through! It was pretty cool with inter-planetary time travel and the characters were very quirky and entertaining. I am curious about the first book now!
Really, this is one of the funniest books I've ever read, and it's the origin of my obsession with Moob. This sequel to "Larklight" finds Art, Myrtle, and the rest of the gang again fighting sinister alien forces in outer space. Maybe even better than the first.
I actually typed a darn review and it disappeared! Again this was great stuff, writing was just in the line of humour I appreciate, while illustrations are fantastic. However I think the plot is a tad too similar to Larklight - it runs along the same concept - and there is, especially for the young children it is meant for, a tad too much attention on Myrtle and Jack. If there was a 4.5 rating this would have been it - I can't bring myself to give it a 4, just for the ingenuity of making 'top ha...more
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Philip Reeve was born and raised in Brighton, where he worked in a bookshop for a number of years while also co-writing, producing and directing a number of no-budget theatre projects.
Philip then began illustrating and has since provided cartoons for around forty children's books, including the best-selling Horrible Histories, Murderous Maths and Dead Famous series.
Philip has been writing stories...more
More about Philip Reeve...
Philip then began illustrating and has since provided cartoons for around forty children's books, including the best-selling Horrible Histories, Murderous Maths and Dead Famous series.
Philip has been writing stories...more
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“If only Myrtle would pay attention to the Boy's Own Journal, Blackwood's Magazine, etc., she would know that these creatures were Threls, who come from a worldlet called Threlfall on the far side of the asteroid belt. This Threlfall is a cheerless, chilly spot, and the whole history and religion of the Threls has been concerened with their quest to knit a nice woolly coverlet for it.”
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PS - I stole your "all others read Larklight first!" I thought that was a good way of s...more
Apr 28, 2008 01:24pm
Apr 29, 2008 07:09am