The Crimson Shard

The Blackhope Enigma #2

by Teresa Flavin

“Characters are richly drawn and the pace brisk. . . . A gripping continuation.” —  Kirkus Reviews

In this riveting sequel to  The Blackhope Enigma,  a museum tour guide lures Sunni and Blaise through a painted doorway, where they discover they’ve stepped into a trap — and into eighteenth-century London. Can they evade body snatchers, art thieves, and forgers and figure out how to get back home before it’s too late? Or will keeping their secret safe mean they’re stuck in the past forever?

Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult, Time Travel, Science Fiction, Mystery, Magic, Historical Fiction

288 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2011

About the author

I'm a children's book illustrator who branched out into writing art-based fantasy-mystery novels for children and young people. My first illustrated novel, THE BLACKHOPE ENIGMA (Templar Publishing UK, 2010; Candlewick, 2011) was shortlisted for a number of UK children's book awards and was a Junior Library Guild Selection in the USA. The sequel, THE CRIMSON SHARD (Templar UK, 2011 and Candlewick, 2012) was a Junior Library Guild Selection for Fall 2012. THE SHADOW LANTERN, the final book in the Blackhope Enigma trilogy, was published in the UK in 2013 and in the USA in 2014.

My latest novel, JET BLACK HEART, a supernatural time travel story for teens, is published by Barrington Stoke in the UK. Barrington Stoke also published my story for younger readers, YELLOW RABBIT, in 2013 (illustrated by Rich Watson).

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Reviews

[Lyrical · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love it when a sequel does something very different from its predecessor, testing familiar characters with strange situations and adding more dimensions to the world you thought you knew. I am so pleased to say that this is exactly what Teresa Flavin has done with The Crimson Shard. The Blackhope Enigma was akin to Narnia with Sunni and Blaise being sucked into a painted world but The Crimson Shard takes you on a time travel adventure to 18th century London although, of course, there are still magical paintings…

What I really like about The Crimson Shard, is that it takes the thriving genre of time travel but gives it a wonderfully original twist. It is written not so much as science fiction but as fantasy with a magical painted door the portal through time. And it’s not just the glamorous side of the 18th century that the reader sees but Teresa really digs into the gritty and sometimes darker side of the times with its nightsneaks, trickery and poor hygiene. It’s this kind of detail that gives the book its realism and makes Sunni and Blaise’s situation all the more desperate. I also really enjoy Teresa’s characters. She writes a pretty mean bad guy, the kind that lurks through the book like a threatening undercurrent, and her good guys are always endearing and almost theatrical which only increases their charm. Sunni and Blaise also develop through the sequel, their relationship becomes stronger and Teresa writes so subtly as they become emotionally dependent on one another. It’s touching and shy, just like young attraction should be, rather than brash and in your face.

I think my favourite aspect of all is that art to Teresa’s books is rather like music is to a film – it creates a wonderful, palpable atmosphere and really adds a fourth dimension to the story. As you read, it feels like you are turning the pages of an illustrated book but apart from the odd pencil sketch – which is definitely another of my favourite aspects – the book consists of just plain old lines of black text (not that there is anything wrong with that!). The colours and artistry are just so easily conjured up in my mind that it really doesn’t seem like plain old lines of black text at all. It’s almost as if the story has been painted rather than written with the layers of mystery like layers on a huge landscape painting that are gradually washed off to reveal the book’s secrets. Reading one of Teresa’s books is such an enjoyable and magical experience and I really hope that I get to read more of them long into the future!

Lyrical Reviews
@LyricalReviews
Goodreads Group: No Dark Romance Allowed

[Apurva Khadye · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one is so far best one in the series. This one is darkest and moves fast, really keeps you at the edge of your seat.
In Crimson Shard Corvo's mystery brings Sunni and Blaise to the dark times of London. This time they enter through the mural and go back in 1700s. Here, we meet man in question sorenzo himself. He is exactly how a villain should be. All characters act accordingly. plot is really well planned. I enjoyed it thoroughly.

[Shirrapop · Rating 2 out of 5]

Enjoyed the first book. #2 was ok, when an author brings you into their fantasy world, there should be some logical nuances that seems to be missing and makes the story unbelievable instead of drawing you in; Such as in Harry Potter draws you in and yet you can believe the fantasy. A fast paced book, likable main characters.

[Anne Patkau · Rating 4 out of 5]

People propel plot, surprisingly switch motivations. Chance upsets. Blaise and Sunni somersault through London 1752: villain Throgmorton, his daughter Livia, painter Starling, his students, sneaks Fleet, Sleek, supper club, alchemist Wheatley. Criminal mastermind is still free to murder.

[Aubrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great series - although this one might be the darker of the series.

[Chris · Rating 2 out of 5]

it was fine

[Srilina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Had a Wonderful journey!

[Kyle Yan · Rating 2 out of 5]

too boring for me

[Julian Ramirez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Have you ever been kidnapped and traveled through time to London in the 1700's? I didn't think so, well Sunni Forrest and Blaise Doran went through all of that. "The Crimson Shard" was actually a very enjoyable book. There were certain scenes as to where I just couldn't stop reading, and I even began to hold my breathe for awhile! "The Crimson Shard" would likely fall under historical fiction and fantasy.

Blaise Doran and Sunni Forrest are in London looking at everything that seems interesting to them. They come across a historical landmark. Their tour guide named Throgmorton kidnaps them and takes them through time into the 18th century. Throgmorton wants information that Sunni and Blaise has, so he won't let them out of his sights very easily. "The Academy" is where Sunni and Blaise are being help captive and that's where other painters are honing their skills. Throgmorton threatened to kill Sunni if they didn't give him the information he was looking for. Sunni warns two night sneaks named Fleet and Sleek that Throgmorton was going to turn them in to the authorities. Then the night sneaks help Sunni and Blaise escape in return. Fleet and Sleek teach the pair how to survive and get around in London. Sunni and Blaise go to a magic show in search of magicians who can bring them back home. At the theater Throgmorton shows up and tries to capture Sunni and Blaise. A group known as the "Pell Mell Supper Club" defends Sunni and Blaise. Henry Featherstone, the leader of the club takes care of Sunni and Blaise and is willing to help them with their situation. Wheatley, a philosopher and member of the club beings on creating an elixir that can allow Sunni and Blaise to travel through time. One night a bounty hunter tries to kidnap Blaise because Throgmorton placed a bounty on Sunni and Blaise. Henry hears all the commotion and grabs his musket and saves Blaise from being stolen. No longer safe Henry takes Sunni and Blaise to Wheatley's house to prepare for the masquerade that would be taking place that night. At the masquerade Throgmorton shows up and a huge fight starts in defending Sunni and Blaise. Wheatley saves Sunni and Blaise but has one demand for making the elixir, he will be traveling through time with them. Sunni and Blaise decline the offer and now they have no idea how to get back to their time. Then they remembered that "The Academy" would be burning down on that night and Throgmorton will definitely be making his escape before it burned down. So Henry takes Sunni and Blaise to "The Academy" and snuck into it. Hidden, Sunni and Blaise wait for Throgmorton to make his escape. Once Throgmorton appeared Sunni and Blaise jumped out and demanded that he take them back to his time. Soon a fire began on the house. Sunni and Blaise figured out that Throgmorton was actually a guy named Soranzo which explains why he was so interested in Sunni and Blaise's knowledge because he wanted to find Fausto Corvo whom the two met. With little to no time Soranzo makes his escape through a magical painted door, but before he escaped Sunni was able to grab the tools he used to make the magic happen. An elixir and a crimson shard. Quickly Sunni and Blaise opened up the magical door and traveled back into their own time.

The third person point of view affects the story because it allows us to know what each character is thinking even when the main characters are in different places. For example, Sunni and Blaise would be at Henry Featherstone's house and we would know what happened their. Then we also knew what Throgmorton was thinking and what he was doing even though the characters weren't near each other. The title relates to the book because one of the tools needed to travel through time was a crimson shard. You need both the crimson shard, magical painted door, and mysterious elixir.

I really enjoyed reading the book. Throughout the book there were so many scenes where suspension was built and most of the time we didn't know what was going to happen next. I was really surprised when the bounty hunter was able to locate where Sunni and Blaise were because Henry's house seemed to be the least likely place for Sunni and Blaise to be hiding. Also my favorite part was when Sunni and Blaise were at the theater and watched the magicians. They knew that the "magic" was definitely fake and it was just an extremely funny scene.

In conclusion, I would give "The Crimson Shard" a 4/5 because it created lots of intense scenes and funny moments, but some parts were a little too predictable. I would recommend this book to readers who enjoy reading about the past and readers who enjoy action and fast paced books. I hope the next book I read will be just as great as "The Crimson Shard", though it'll take some searching to do to find a book that can compare to this story.

[Serendipity Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are a regular follower of my blog, you will know that I read and reviewed The Blackhope Enigma last week which is the first book in this series. Normally I avoid reading books in a series back to back, so this was a first time for me in absolutely ages. I always worry that I will become bored of the characters if I go straight into the next book; luckily this did not happen with The Crimson Shard and I would say that I actually enjoyed it even more than the first book.

For a start, this book takes our time travellers Sunni and Blase, through a door into the 1800's, which is always a favourite period of time for me. It was lovely to see that Sunni's blooming friendship with Blase, depicted in the first book had moved onto a budding romance. I can't wait to see where their mutual admiration takes them in the future. Sunni is just a fantastic character,who never admits defeat. I loved the Shakespearean twist as Sunni is made to dress like a boy; a situation I felt she handled very well.

I was actually quite glad to see that Dean, Sunni's younger stepbrother did not feature in this book, as I did find him slightly annoying in the first book. He was just too whiny and a typically annoying young brother to me; just not built for exciting adventures through time.

Although this book is a sequel, it does not run with a tried and tested formula. It is completely different from the first book, leaving you wondering what to expect. Definitely a refreshing change to many books appearing in the series format.

I loved the way that hidden loose threads from the first book, found themselves woven into this story. The first book left no cliff hangers, yet this book actually discovered some hidden ones and brought them out into the open for everyone to read. Very clever move, Teresa Flavin!

I get the impression that the author has a great love for art, because the way she describes it really brings it to life for me and intrigues me enough to want to visit an art gallery. Normally paintings wouldn't appeal to me in the slightest, but this book has made me view paintings in a whole new light.

I have a little niggle with the book. I found I got a little confused with the characters. When the group of Victorians came to their rescue, I did get a little lost as to which one was which. I felt we were introduced to a succession of people very quickly, who were not always clearly distinguishable. This reminded me of a similar problem I had with book one where confusion hit me. Although it could just all be my age and short attention span!

Other than that, I felt that this book was an excellent sequel to its predecessor with a refreshing use of time travel. I can't wait to read the next one.

[Amy Armstrong · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Crimson Shard (Blackhope Enigma)
Teresa Flavin
Published September 11, 2012
Available now in ebook and hardcover

Teresa Flavin follows-up The Blackhope Enigma with an unintentional journey into 18th century London that may never end for Blaise and Sunni.

Summer is winding down for Blaise and Sunni and so is their vacation in London. Blaise insists on taking a tour of artist Jeremiah Winthrop’s home even though Sunni thinks it’s cheesy. The costumed guides seem charming to Blaise as do the details in the house like the lovely lady bug painted on the floor in the foyer, dinner plates painted on the table, and an eerily realistic door painted on the wall. What starts as a tour of the house and the painter’s workshop turns into a trap when the tour guides lead Blaise and Sunni through the painted door and into a time when Jeremiah Winthrop is alive and “teaching” boys in his workshop.

Blaise and Sunni are forced to join Jeremiah’s army of amateur artists upon threat of death or being turned out into the London streets---as good as death at the time for children on their own. The two friends soon realize that they need to find a way out of the time warp before history is altered forever and they are trapped in the 18th century. Together, they need to unravel the mystery of the crimson shard and figure out how to get back to their time.

Overall, Flavin succeeded in creating a magical world and diligently planted clues throughout the story to help the reader join forces with Blaise and Sunni in their effort to escape the 18th century. The minor characters are fabulous--I can’t go into too much detail about them because I don’t want to spoil the story, but Flavin does a wonderful job of capturing the flavor of the era without laying it on too thick.

Sometimes, I felt like the details and plot ended up driving the heart out of the story too much, and that made it hard to stick with Blaise and Sunni during the tough times. I also found the relationship between Blaise and Sunni distracting. It often seemed like Flavin felt the need to insert romantic tension without any real chemistry which made it more of an annoying distraction than anything else.

While enjoyable, I have a feeling The Crimson Shard is not quite as vivid as The Blackhope Enigma. Maybe the secret to true excitement is to stick with the Italians.

[Rebecca · Rating 2 out of 5]

When Scottish Sunni and American Blaise follow a stranger’s advice to visit a house of murals in London, they don’t expect to be kidnapped into the 18th century and put to work in a studio of enslaved boys producing art forgeries, but that’s what happens. Their kidnapper is actually after them because of their previous adventure with the magical paintings of the artist Faustus Corvo, and Sunni and Blaise know they need to escape and find a way back into their own world before the evil Throgmorton can get the information out of them. Soon they’re on the run in 18th century London, with the help of some kind-hearted thieves and upper-crust adventure seekers, and they discover what they need to return to their century. Can they make it in time?

I had mixed feelings about this one. I love a good fantasy, and I really liked the two main characters, but so much remained unexplained! I never did understand just why Throgmorton wanted information on the magical paintings; what would he gain from owning them or even going into them? I haven’t read the first book in this series, so perhaps that would have explained it, but sequels need to be able to stand alone and this one apparently can’t. I also didn’t buy the kindhearted thieves, and the upper crust toffs who just accept the kids’ wild story—or the fact that it would even occur to the kids to try telling the truth. Unless magic is commonly known and accepted in the book’s 18th century world, it’s a crazy thing to do. I did like all the world-building details, though I also wasn’t sure what the point was of the art forgeries. That plotline never really went anywhere, and it was a huge part of the plot, or at least the action.

[Sonja · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book. I like this much.

[Rema · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Crimson Shard draws you into Sunni's and Blaise's adventure through time. Led through a magical painted door by their suspicious tour guide, Throgmorton, Blaise and Sunni find themselves in eighteenth century London. Penniless and trapped against their will in an artist's workshop, toiling away day and night, Sunni and Blaise search for a way back to their time. The only way they can get through is the magical door they came through, but only Throgmorton knows how to operate it. Throgmorton threatens Blaise with Sunni's safety in order to discover the secrets of Fausto Corvo. Now Blaise and Sunni must discover a way home while safeguarding il Corvo's secret.

While The Crimson Shard wasn't as wonderfully magical as The Blackhope Enigma, it still had its moment. Crimson Shard explores more of the feelings Blaise and Sunni have towards each other and their friendship.

There were quite a few memorable and likable characters, like Amelia Featherstone and Jeremiah Starling. Amelia Featherstone is the sweet sister of Henry Featherstone; both help Blaise and Sunni get out if a tight spot and help them in the search for finding a way to get Blaise and Sunni back home. Jeremiah Starling is the poor, but talent artist who is trapped by Throgmorton into forging priceless artwork for the man.

The book ended entirely too fast for my liking and I can't wait to follow Blaise and Sunni into their next adventure in the next book in the series, The Shadow Lantern.

[Marissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

First off, I do want to say I think this book and its predecessor are fun reads! The combination of art, mystery, and travel - into paintings, through time - is very neat.

The major bump I had with The Crimson Shard is that I feel like the beginning would have made more sense had it been switched with The Blackhope Enigma. Specifically, there is no indication that Sunni and Blaise had experience with walking into paintings during the first book, but they had no problem doing that after Dean disappeared in the painting. In this book, having already gone into a painting, there was minimal hesitation of walking through the door with the determined museum tour guide. It would have made more sense to me that they had to be escorted the first time, while they didn't know it was possible.

That bit aside, this was another good read with interesting art pieces and the experience of being in 18th century London. There is mystery and magic, and a number of new characters. I didn't think The Blackhope Enigma had ended in such a way as to require a sequel, but this one pulled the two together nicely. I look forward to the next book.

[Florence · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful and highly-recommended read. It is wonderful because it is a tale of a parallel world, a world that allows the characters and reader to escape the banality and convention of every day life. When Sunni and Blaise enter their alternate world, they discover that they may be endangered by knowing too much about certain art work. This is where the author's own knowledge of art really delivers and adds detail to the novel. The only catch to escaping to a new world is: "Can the characters ever make it back home?" The question of where the characters will go is the mysterious element of the story, and the conclusion can only be discovered by reading this magnificent novel!

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although I found book 2 to be not as good as book 1, I did enjoy the story. I was just expecting more. Book 1 had more adventure and more of a story line. Book 2 was mainly about the kids trying to get back their own time and left out the main point until close to the end. There were some great characters and Ms. Flavin does a good job describing 1752 so that you get a clear picture of what the kids are dealing with. I own book 3 and will read it soon. I just hope it goes back to the main point that book 1 started.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two teenagers walk through a seemingly painted door and land in the past.
It's just so far-fetched, and certainly not what I would typically be interested in. But author Teresa Flavin makes it work. Her descriptions of two modern teens trying to survive amid 1700s London sounds, dare I say it, rational. Just as in the first installment of this series (The Blackhope Enigma), Flavin writes so vividly that you think if you could just find that door, you could step through it as well. I think I have a new favorite author!

[Alan · Rating 3 out of 5]

ATOS Book Level: 4.8
Interest Level: Middle Grades (MG 4-8)
AR Points: 9.0
Lexile: 700L
Word Count: 61449

The sequel to The Blackhope Enigma, much the same concept with Sunni and Blaise again being drawn through a picture, this time though they are brought back in time to 18th century London by an evil magician who's trying to a way into the picture, and land behind the painting in the Blackhop Enigma.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book SO much better than the first book in the series, The Blackhope Enigma. For one thing, the writing was much smoother; for another, the characters were better developed. Maybe the editor was different or maybe the author learned to write with more focus, either way, the end result was MUCH better.


Actual rating: 3.5 stars, but I round up -- especially when there as been a significant improvement.

[Moira McPartlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another book that falls into the research shelf because it is the second in a trilogy and I am writing book two of a trilogy. This time it was a real pleasure. The two protagonists Blaise and Sunni find themselves transported back in time to 18th Century London, into a world of art forgers and body snatcher. The pace was good and the historical detail just enough and interesting. Better than the first so five stars. I hope the third book is as good.

[Ashley Wesner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this sequel to The Blackhope Enigma. It's full of intrigue and yet another wild adventure of sorts from slipping through a painting. I honestly didn't know if I'd be a fan of a children's book like this at my age, but I can't wait for the next one!

[Michael Fitzgerald · Rating 3 out of 5]

Better than the first in the series, probably because it is a little more focused - only two kids to deal with and they pretty much stay together the whole time. Still, I feel that this concept could have been put into one good-sized book instead of a series.

[Stephanie (My Book Throne) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Review to come soon :)

[Teresa · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars.

[Sara · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't like this one quite as much as the first, but it was still good.
I think it could also bridge between middle reader and YA.

[Erika · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent addition to the story of Blais and Sunni. The only unneeded piece was the romantic aspect. Can't they just be kids?

[Victoria Fuller · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book even more than the last. the characters are strangely likeable and varied throughout.

[ang · Rating 3 out of 5]

Did not finish

[Mwelwa Kay Malunga · Rating 5 out of 5]

Its a good book! Very thrilling...