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15th out of 68 books
—
11 voters
The Celestial Globe (The Kronos Chronicles #2)
by
Marie Rutkoski (Goodreads Author)
After stealing her father’s eyes back from Prince Rodolfo, Petra Kronos lives in constant danger. She and her tin spider, Astrophil, end up hiding out in London, where she learns more about her magical abilities. London has its charms (like Petra’s attractive fencing master), but Petra needs to get back to Bohemia and her father.
Meanwhile, Prince Rodolfo is trying to locat...more
Meanwhile, Prince Rodolfo is trying to locat...more
Hardcover, 299 pages
Published
April 13th 2010
by Farrar, Straus and Giroux
(first published 2009)
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I loved the first one dearly. I can't wait to read this one!
2 likes · like · see review
view all 3 comments
Jun 04, 2012
Charlyn Trussell
rated it
4 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
Grades 5 and up
Shelves:
adventure,
boy-girl-relationships,
family_story,
fantasy,
fiction,
friendship,
math,
magic,
london,
mystery,
series,
strong-female-character
Petra has drawn the attention (and not always the good kind) of Prince Rodolfo and John Dee. From reading the first book, we know that the prince is evil, but John Dee is a mystery. When Petra finds herself in his care in London, her first wish is to escape, even though the man has obviously saved her. But she is apart from her father and her friends, totally dependent upon Astrophil and Dee's household. Tomik, who set out to search for her, has problems of his own--he has been made the slave on...more
Petra made a powerful enemy when she outsmarted Prince Rodolfo in The Kronos Chronicles Book 1: The Cabinet of Wonders. Now she’s in hiding with her Dad and her trusted best friend Astrophil, who happens to be a small mechanical spider; a smart, witty and brave mechanical spider.
Astrophil reminds me of Lyra’s daemon Pantalaimon in The Golden Compass. Astriphil hides in Petra’s clothes or in her hair. He’s like a permanent mentor, always there whispering good advice. He was built by Petra’s Dad,...more
Astrophil reminds me of Lyra’s daemon Pantalaimon in The Golden Compass. Astriphil hides in Petra’s clothes or in her hair. He’s like a permanent mentor, always there whispering good advice. He was built by Petra’s Dad,...more
by Marie Rutkoski
Opening line: "Some days are just born bad."
This is, of course, the sequel to The Cabinet of Wonders. Petra Kronos returns. This time she is trying to readjust to life with her cousins and father after her excursions to Prague. Unfortunately for her, her time there was not uneventful, and she attracted quite a bit of attention.
The book wasn't quite what I was expecting somehow--I think I had thought that it would focus on the new relationship between Mikal and Petra. What I got...more
Opening line: "Some days are just born bad."
This is, of course, the sequel to The Cabinet of Wonders. Petra Kronos returns. This time she is trying to readjust to life with her cousins and father after her excursions to Prague. Unfortunately for her, her time there was not uneventful, and she attracted quite a bit of attention.
The book wasn't quite what I was expecting somehow--I think I had thought that it would focus on the new relationship between Mikal and Petra. What I got...more
Petra has returned home from Prague (but I won’t tell you whether or not she has her father’s eyeballs with her.) Since the prince does not take theft (or attempted theft) lightly, he sends his skeletal, feral Gray Men after Petra and her father. They capture her father, but Petra escapes when John Dee uses magic to whisk her to London. Petra’s friend from home attempts to follow her but ends up on a beach with Petra’s gypsy friends instead. They are only sort of interested in trying to find Pet...more
What struck me most about The Celestial Globe was how very satisfying a read it was. Marie Rutkoski's second book certainly improves upon the first considerably.
The plot and intrigue are quite clever, though I (and I'm sure most other readers) intuitively sensed who were the villains in this tale.
The thing that bothered me the most is this YA stigma associated with the book. I could argue that this books would hold its own against many a book, YA or not. The part that does not help is that Petra...more
The plot and intrigue are quite clever, though I (and I'm sure most other readers) intuitively sensed who were the villains in this tale.
The thing that bothered me the most is this YA stigma associated with the book. I could argue that this books would hold its own against many a book, YA or not. The part that does not help is that Petra...more
I was so thrilled to read this sequel to The Cabinet of Wonders that I had it on my "to-order" list months in advance. It didn't disappoint, although I do think the first book is my favorite so far (and I would definitely read the books in order, both for plot and character development). Rutkoski does something wonderful with the series format: she gives you many of your favorite characters back, including Astrophil the tin spider; she maintains key plot elements, like the wonderful blend of his...more
In “The Celestial Globe,” readers quickly derive the back story to “The Cabinet of Wonders,” (the first book in the Kronos Chronicles), from context. In a well-balanced mix of history and fantasy, Rukoski (who studied English Renaissance literature at Harvard) has the infamous and mysterious John Dee rescue Petra from Prince Rudolfo of Prague to provide her with sanctuary and training (for her unique psi abilities) in Elizabethan England.
Petra evolves into a more mature character under Dee’s tu...more
Petra evolves into a more mature character under Dee’s tu...more
Petra Kronos’ life is put in danger when she returns home with her father’s eyes. Petra is being hunted by Prince Rodolfo’s monstrous grey men. When the grey men get to Petra, she passes out and the grey men die. When she wakes up, Petra’s in London, with the one guy she never wanted to see again. Petra will do anything to get back home, even if that means finding the murderer and the globe.
I loved this book because of the thought of waking in to see the guy you hate the most and wanting to go...more
I loved this book because of the thought of waking in to see the guy you hate the most and wanting to go...more
Oct 10, 2010
Lindsey
added it
At first, I wasn’t really taken with the story. The first book was so new, such a new type of fantasy with many things to discover as they revealed themselves throughout the story. The sequel, however, lacks some of that sense of discovery. There are still elements that pepper themselves throughout, but mostly this is an adventure story with lots of swashbuckling and murder mystery.
That’s not to say that the book is bad, per se, or even that it’s worse than its predecessor. It’s just that what I...more
That’s not to say that the book is bad, per se, or even that it’s worse than its predecessor. It’s just that what I...more
I have waited a year and half for this book. When I read Cabinet of Wonders I NEEDED this book. I have to admit now I need the next book.
This book took readers to England and used many historical characters while having the main focus be on the "fictional" characters. There is every bit of fantasy and humor in this book that makes it a great read. The chapters are on the short side so before one knows it the book is over with.
The action jumps from event to event without dragging on and on and...more
This book took readers to England and used many historical characters while having the main focus be on the "fictional" characters. There is every bit of fantasy and humor in this book that makes it a great read. The chapters are on the short side so before one knows it the book is over with.
The action jumps from event to event without dragging on and on and...more
I don't read a ton of YA fiction (I mean, not since I was a YA), but I just adored this trio of novels, and actually tore through them all back to back. The covers remind me of the cover of a beloved collection of short stories by Joan Aiken, the characters and settings are like a Hayao Miyazaki movie, and I just had a ton of fun reading them. Petra, the heroine, is blunt and emotional, but very intelligent (this is nuts, but she reminded me of Captain Kirk) and her floppy passion is matched by...more
there is a spoiler, just fyi :0
i LOVED this book, plain and simple. The first book was also amazing. a friend of mine read and recommended this book to me two years ago, so i did the same, enjoying every minute. then, we both realized there was a second one to come out....7 months in the future. he stuck it out and devoured this book as soon as it hit the shelves. two years and 150 books later, i pick it up.
there is no disappointment here. i fell in love with Rutkoski's works all over again!
th...more
i LOVED this book, plain and simple. The first book was also amazing. a friend of mine read and recommended this book to me two years ago, so i did the same, enjoying every minute. then, we both realized there was a second one to come out....7 months in the future. he stuck it out and devoured this book as soon as it hit the shelves. two years and 150 books later, i pick it up.
there is no disappointment here. i fell in love with Rutkoski's works all over again!
th...more
Hm. I still love the series so far, but I'm worried about Petra and where her character is going. Things just happen a bit too easily for her. She's now very well-trained in swordsmanship (a desirable trait in many YA heroines), is magically unique, and has- what's it up to now- 3 young men who adore her? Place all that into a character who is physically small and follows the cliche of having (what can be) a very difficult personality to make up for it. The story is still good, and I can't wait...more
Petra Kronos has escaped from Prince Rudolfo but that doesn't mean he's finished with her. When he sends his men after her, she finds herself whisked away by John Dee to London and soon, she is in the middle of a murder mystery...
I think I would agree with most of the other reviews and say that I liked this better than the first. The very short chapters helped keep the pace fast and the action interesting. I still find Petra a terribly annoying character but my love for Astrophil has grown expon...more
I think I would agree with most of the other reviews and say that I liked this better than the first. The very short chapters helped keep the pace fast and the action interesting. I still find Petra a terribly annoying character but my love for Astrophil has grown expon...more
The only bad thing about this book was that now we have to wait for the next one to be written. I hate that! This was another fun easy read perfect for a young girl reader. Adventure, magic, lots of boys willing to accept her for the head strong person she is.
One thing I do like about these books is the author notes at the end. She points out that even though her story is made up lots of the people and places are real. She identifies some of them and encourages kids to go go learn more about th...more
One thing I do like about these books is the author notes at the end. She points out that even though her story is made up lots of the people and places are real. She identifies some of them and encourages kids to go go learn more about th...more
I'm a bit torn on who the intended audience of Rutkoski's latest novel truly is--the YA audience that the first novel seemed to covet, or an older audience who happens to enjoy YA fiction.
The reason I'm confused is due to the change in style of Rutkoski's 2nd novel. While both books in the series detail the adventures of Petra Kronos and her tin spider Astrophil, they have a very different feel to them. The first book was pure adventurous delight, a series of adventures in a world of joyous dis...more
The reason I'm confused is due to the change in style of Rutkoski's 2nd novel. While both books in the series detail the adventures of Petra Kronos and her tin spider Astrophil, they have a very different feel to them. The first book was pure adventurous delight, a series of adventures in a world of joyous dis...more
I have the pleasure of knowing this series' author, so that always brings special delight to the process of reading these books, thinking about their influences, and connecting them with Marie's personality and areas of intellectual expertise. In this book's case, that was especially rewarding because I met Marie while we were both in Harvard's English department Ph.D. program, and she was studying Renaissance literature. This installment in the Kronos Chronicles frolics and fences in Renaissanc...more
I wrote this review of the first and second books in this series on my Livejournal blog a while ago and forgot that I never copied it over, but now that I've received the third one for review, I thought I should, because I love this series and it doesn't get enough attention. My review was prompted by a post I read (back in 2010) about the lack of kick-butt female heroines for middle grade girls, and that made me want to put in a plug for this fantasy series, the Kronos Chronicles. This is one o...more
7 likes · like · see review
May 22, 2011
Krys
rated it
5 of 5 stars
Shelves:
medium-length-book,
fantasy,
historical-fiction-period,
steampunk-clockpunk,
intermediate-middle-grade,
own,
tudor-themed,
twins,
medieval-renaissance,
witches-wizards-magic-themed,
third-person-narrative,
seafaring-pirates,
english-setting,
court-intrigue,
spy-assassin,
read-in-2010,
series-i-love,
series
I've waited to read this book since discovering The Cabinet of Wonders last year. It was one of my absolute favourite reads of 2008. Adored it. Utterly.
I'm thrilled to death. The sequel, The Celestial Globe, was worth the wait.
The premise of this book starts up after the events of CoW. Petra Kronos still lives at the Sign of the Compass with her father, Mikal, and her talking tin spider, Astrophil. One day her home is set on fire and she is attacked and wounded, causing her to faint. When she a...more
I'm thrilled to death. The sequel, The Celestial Globe, was worth the wait.
The premise of this book starts up after the events of CoW. Petra Kronos still lives at the Sign of the Compass with her father, Mikal, and her talking tin spider, Astrophil. One day her home is set on fire and she is attacked and wounded, causing her to faint. When she a...more
I'll have to keep this review fairly short, but it pretty much suffices to say that if you've read The Cabinet of Wonders and enjoyed it, then you need to read this one. I actually liked this book a little bit more -- the characters have already been introduced so the author is able to work with them more and I had a better feel for them. Plus there's a lot more John Dee, who is of course a fascinating character. A great follow-up and the end leaves it clear that there will be at least one more...more
Jun 13, 2012
Jacqui
rated it
2 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
kids-fiction-contemporary
You want to know my pet peeve in books/movies? Bad plot devices and one of the worst offenders is making the main character unreasonable and a little obnoxious in order for them to not take good advice and thereby save the day in their own way. There is a workaround for this problem people! It would just take a little more ingenuity on the author's part.
It's such a shame that this episode in the trilogy suffers so badly from this plot device/character development as the rest of the story is tot...more
It's such a shame that this episode in the trilogy suffers so badly from this plot device/character development as the rest of the story is tot...more
I'm a notorious mouse-clicker and I lost myself the first review I wrote about this so now, from my frustration, you get the quick leftovers.
An excellent second book in the series. I thought it was much more fun than the first one and very much more interesting. I'm already looking forward to #3.
Petra has more adventure thrust upon her as wicked Prince Rudolfo seeks revenge by kidnapping her father and trying to kill her with his scientifically-altered Gristleki (skeletal nasty monsters).
Lots o...more
An excellent second book in the series. I thought it was much more fun than the first one and very much more interesting. I'm already looking forward to #3.
Petra has more adventure thrust upon her as wicked Prince Rudolfo seeks revenge by kidnapping her father and trying to kill her with his scientifically-altered Gristleki (skeletal nasty monsters).
Lots o...more
This was a very satisfying second book in this trilogy. I find it interesting that many books that are second in a trilogy introduce multiple story lines and go back and forth between the two. I don't know why this is, because most books do just fine with one plot line to follow throughout. In some cases, keeping track of the different story lines gets confusing, or I find that I tolerate reading through one story line only because it is inserted between bits of the story line I actually am inte...more
I was delighted to find this book as strong, if not even stronger, than the first book in the series (which I also enjoyed thoroughly). I find Rutkoski's blend of history and fantasy really top-notch and inspiring. This would have been a five-star read for me if it hadn't fallen into the trap of turning a strong young heroine into someone really petulant and somewhat dense (Katniss anyone?).
I really really love this series! I think she is a great writer and weaves such a wonderful fantasy story with a mixture of historical fiction and, dare I say, a little bit of steampunkishness? I also like that John Dee makes an appearance in these books, and I much prefer him here as opposed to in the Alchemyst series. I also love the strong female lead character(a' la Katsa in Graceling or Katniss in The Hunger Games).
Jul 08, 2010
Hoover Public Library Kids and Teens
rated it
4 of 5 stars
Shelves:
adventure-spy,
fantasy
This series just keeps getting better and better! While part of the story follows Petra and John Dee trying to solve murders in the English government, the other story follows her friends Neel and Tomik as they attempt to rescue Petra and, hopefully, save the Celestial Globe in the process. Part fantasy, part swashbuckler, this story will appeal to children and younger teens.
This series, which started with The Cabinet of Wonders, is a great one to recommend to any readers who have finished Harry Potter, Percy Jackson, etc, and are looking for a new epic series to dive into. I give it credit for being steampunk before every other book was (especially since this is more middle grade than YA and there is much less steampunk for the kids/tweens than there is for teens).
Fans of Harry Potter and His Dark Materials will definitely see some similarities in settings, charac...more
Fans of Harry Potter and His Dark Materials will definitely see some similarities in settings, charac...more
Trošku mě mrzelo, že se děj odehrávall spíše v Anglii než v Česku - to však brzy přešlo. Děj byl stejně napínavý, zajímavý a dobře vyprávěný jako díl první.
Byli tam drobné chybky týkající se české kultury a hlavně jmen:
a) ženská přímení končí na -ová (Petra Kronosová)
b) skoro všechna jména nezněla česky - teprve teď se začínají zachytávat. V době kdy se příběh odehrává bych očekala mnohem víc Přemyslů, Soběslavú, Drahomil a Prokopů
c) žádný 14 letý kluk by nikomu nedovolil mu říkat Tomík... Vždyť...more
Byli tam drobné chybky týkající se české kultury a hlavně jmen:
a) ženská přímení končí na -ová (Petra Kronosová)
b) skoro všechna jména nezněla česky - teprve teď se začínají zachytávat. V době kdy se příběh odehrává bych očekala mnohem víc Přemyslů, Soběslavú, Drahomil a Prokopů
c) žádný 14 letý kluk by nikomu nedovolil mu říkat Tomík... Vždyť...more
I am looking forward to the sequel which is due next year! It's kind of interesting, but they include the historical character of John Dee, who is also in another fantasy series, "The Secrets of the Immortal, Nicholas Flamel", by Michael Scott. I like this John Dee better, he isn't so ruthless and evil! Anyway, this is a fun and exciting part of the series.
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Marie Rutkoski is the author of the YA novel The Shadow Society and the children's fantasy series The Kronos Chronicles, including The Cabinet of Wonders, The Celestial Globe and The Jewel of the Kalderash. Her next project is a YA trilogy that begins with The Winner's Curse, which is scheduled to be published in March 2014.
Marie grew up in Bolingbrook, Illinois (a suburb of Chicago), as the olde...more
More about Marie Rutkoski...
Marie grew up in Bolingbrook, Illinois (a suburb of Chicago), as the olde...more
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“Some days are just born bad. You know the type. The kind you want to sweep into your palm like spilled salt and toss over your left shoulder, hoping that if you don't look back nothing worse will happen.”
—
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