What do you think?
Rate this book
The Angel Player
1349. England is under the cloud of the Black Death.
Twelve-year-old Will Hunter, an actor in a group of travelling theatre players, comes across a young boy, barely alive, as their cart trundles through Kent.
The boy is Thomas Rose. Will discovers that has a mysterious past, an uncanny ability for magic tricks – and he claims he can help put an end to the disease and misery that has gripped the land.
But is Thomas an angel or a fraud?
This book is the second in the collection of stand-alone titles set in medieval England - "Tales from the Middle Ages". The first book, "The Secret in the Tower", is set in medieval London during the tumultuous last days of the reign of Richard III.
Both books are middle grade titles (age 9-12).
Twelve-year-old Will Hunter, an actor in a group of travelling theatre players, comes across a young boy, barely alive, as their cart trundles through Kent.
The boy is Thomas Rose. Will discovers that has a mysterious past, an uncanny ability for magic tricks – and he claims he can help put an end to the disease and misery that has gripped the land.
But is Thomas an angel or a fraud?
This book is the second in the collection of stand-alone titles set in medieval England - "Tales from the Middle Ages". The first book, "The Secret in the Tower", is set in medieval London during the tumultuous last days of the reign of Richard III.
Both books are middle grade titles (age 9-12).
272 pages, Paperback
Published September 26, 2024
2 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 of 1 review
January 9, 2025
It’s 1349, and the spectre of plague hangs in the air — like a soupy fog. There are rats, the stench of privies, and something far worse! Through it trundles a troupe of theatre players, travelling from town to town, entertaining the folks of Kent. The story is told by twelve-year-old Will Hunter. He’s the youngest member of the troupe.
The story opens with the shocking discovery of a boy, barely alive, at the side of the road. His name is Thomas Rose. He’s calm and mysterious, with a strange presence. He seems friendly enough, but who is he really, with his magic tricks? The story’s easy pace turns to a gallop as the troupe is invited to a grand house. Thomas performs a miracle, and like flipping a coin, everything changes! But is it a miracle? Whatever the truth is, Will gets caught up in a tumble of events that ends in a quest to save Thomas Rose.
The author has gone for stark realism over humour. At times, it’s an uncomfortable read as you are immersed in the sights, sounds and smells of medieval Kent. Harsh punishments and harsh-faced townspeople are set against the hopes of a boy.
I feel it is a tale that would appeal to children interested in history or acting — or just a good mystery.
The story opens with the shocking discovery of a boy, barely alive, at the side of the road. His name is Thomas Rose. He’s calm and mysterious, with a strange presence. He seems friendly enough, but who is he really, with his magic tricks? The story’s easy pace turns to a gallop as the troupe is invited to a grand house. Thomas performs a miracle, and like flipping a coin, everything changes! But is it a miracle? Whatever the truth is, Will gets caught up in a tumble of events that ends in a quest to save Thomas Rose.
The author has gone for stark realism over humour. At times, it’s an uncomfortable read as you are immersed in the sights, sounds and smells of medieval Kent. Harsh punishments and harsh-faced townspeople are set against the hopes of a boy.
I feel it is a tale that would appeal to children interested in history or acting — or just a good mystery.
Displaying 1 of 1 review