Kieran Fanning's Blog, page 6
June 6, 2016
Review of THE MYSTERY OF THE CLOCKWORK SPARROW
This thrilling novel, set in early 1900s London primarily centres around orphan, Sophie, who has just got a job in the magnificent department store, Sinclairs. But when the priceless Clockwork Sparrow is stolen, Sophie is led on a wild adventure in which she meets many foes but also friends like Lil, Billy and Joe. The narrative shifts seamlessly between these four characters as they try to solve the mystery and outwit the notorious Baron.As a lover of fashion, my daughter was very much drawn to this book because it's full of decadence and style. The descriptions of the luxurious department store are particularly evocative of a different era and the reader is immediately drawn into this world.
Well written and researched, the tale keeps its readers on their toes with constant twists, double-crossings, surprises and danger by the bucketful. The ending in particular is extremely pacey and action-packed.
I particular loved the bit where Sophie escapes a locked room using the newspaper under the door trick because this was a trick (in games only!) we used to do as kids. I also liked the fleeting villain, the Baron, and how his identity is not revealed. I'm guessing he reappears in later books. I for one, have a sneaking suspicion that he is... Better not say!
Great story, full of wonderful characters. Kids (especially girls) will love it!
February 29, 2016
Goodreads Book Giveaway
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Goodreads Book Giveaway
The Black Lotus by Kieran Fanning Giveaway ends April 10, 2016. See the giveaway details at Goodreads. Enter Giveaway
February 18, 2016
Review of 'The Great Chocoplot'
The first thing I have to say about this book is it looks delicious - covered in squares of chocolate with a purple (synonymous with a certain confectionery brand!) foil background. It certainly looks good enough to eat. And what's inside is equally appetising.The Great Chocoplot is the story of young Jelly and her family who live in the chocolate factory town of Chompton-on-de-Lyte. They are devastated to hear the announcement of a chocopocalypse (the end of chocolate!) which was predicted by the ancient people of Easter Egg Island. Panic buying and rioting ensues and a cloud of depression lands on Jelly's home town. Everyone is devastated, except for the pompous confectioner, Garibaldi Chocolati. Now isn't it a bit suspicious that the owner of a chocolate shop isn't upset about a chocopocalypse? Jelly certainly thinks so, and with the help of her wonderful Gran, sets out to solve the mystery.
I absolutely loved this book. Firstly, because it is so funny. I don't normally laugh out loud while reading but I did with this book. Jelly and her family are wonderfully quirky, original and hilarious. I especially liked the incompetent but loving dad. The dialogue is sharp and witty and the cast of secondary characters is pure comedy gold. Garibaldi Chocolati is a villain that even Dahl would have been proud of and indeed the book sits confidently and comfortably somewhere between Roald Dahl and David Walliams. Kids will eat this up (sorry!) because at its heart The Great Chocoplot is an adventure and mystery story full of charm and heart with the theme of family being central at all times. And it's about chocolate. What's not to love?
An impressive début, Mr Callaghan. I give this 5 (Milky Way Magic) Stars out of 5!
February 8, 2016
US Book Cover!
What do you think of the US (Scholastic) cover of The Black Lotus?I love it. Artwork is by the talented Matthew Griffin.
January 13, 2016
January 7, 2016
Which Black Lotus character are you most like?
Which Black Lotus character are you most like?Kate
New Yorker, Kate is a strong, outspoken, intelligent girl who is brave and loyal to her friends. She can also communicate with animals.Cormac
Naturally shy, but brave and stubborn, Cormac is a Hinin boy (orphan) from the Samurai Empire. He can run at incredible speeds, and even up the sides of buildings.
Ghost
Ghost lived in a favella in Rio de Janeiro, before being recruited by the Black Lotus. Burdened with guilt, he is nevertheless witty and fun-loving. As his name suggests, he can turn invisible.
The Jonin
The leader of the Black Lotus has long silver hair but cannot speak. It is believed that he bit off his own tongue to avoid revealing secrets to his enemies. Superpower: bio-luminescence.The Bear
The Bear is a military man built like a mountain of hardened muscle. He is the Black Lotus' physical fitness teacher and is loud and tough.
Ami
This beautiful looking Japanese woman is the technology and gadgets teacher for the Black Lotus.Sensei Iwamoto
He may be small, but this ninjutsu teacher packs a powerful punch and is in charge of weapons and combat at the Black Lotus.Goda
As president of the Samurai Empire, Goda is a power-hungry villain who will stop at nothing to get what he wants. Makoto
Second in command and recruiter for the Black Lotus, the one-eyed Makoto is a master of disguise and has the ability to project his body to remote locations.The world is flooding and there's only one seat left on your ark. What will you take?Your pet
Your laptop/phone
A friendThe world is ending in an hour. What will you do?Excercise
Meditate
Surf the internetWhich of these quotations would you like on your gravestone?Nothing is at last sacred but the integrity of your own mind.
There are two ways of spreading light: to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it.
Power corrupts. Absolute power is kind of neat.Your headmaster drops dead in your classroom. What do you do?Say something funny to relieve the tension
Organise the funeral
CelebrateWhich colour best represents you?Red
Blue
GreenWhich part of your body is your best feature?Your hair
Your eyes
Every part is perfect.The school bully steals your sandwich, what do you do?Nothing. It wasn't a nice sandwich.
Use your wit and intelligence to expose him as a fool.
Kick his ass.
