Wild Boy and the Black Terror

Wild Boy #2

by Rob Lloyd Jones

From London’s vilest slums to its grandest palaces, Wild Boy and Clarissa hunt a murderous poisoner in hope of proving themselves to a skeptical society.

London, 1842. Wild Boy, master detective and former freak-show performer, and Clarissa, circus acrobat and troublemaker, are the secret last hope of a city beset by horror. A poisoner stalks the streets, leaving victims mad with terror—and then dead. Can the Black Terror be traced to a demon called Malphas? With their partnership threatened by rules and regulations, can Wild Boy and Clarissa uncover a cure in time to save the queen and the city?

Genres: Mystery, Historical, Childrens, Historical Fiction, Adventure, Young Adult, Fiction

336 pages, Hardcover

First published June 19, 2014

About the author

Rob Lloyd Jones was born in San Francisco but grew up in London. He studied Egyptology at University where he learnt hieroglyphics, and often goes on digs with the Egypt Exploration Society. He is a senior editor at Usborne, for whom he has written over thirty books – mostly historical non-fiction, but also adaptations of classics such as JEKYLL AND HYDE and THE COUNT OF MONTE CRISTO. Rob is also a volunteer reading helper at a primary school in Clerkenwell and wrote episodes of the children’s TV show ‘Bernard’s Watch’ for Carlton Kids. He lives in south London with his wife Sally, and 14-month-old son Otis.

Reviews

[✦BookishlyRichie✦ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 STARS!!



This was an awesome follow-up to "Wild Boy". The story was fast-paced, eerie, adventurous, funny, and heartbreaking at moments. Wild Boy reminds me so much of a younger and more spunky Sherlock Holmes, and Clarissa his Watson. I love how much more darker this one was as well. I want more of these amazing characters so I tweeted the author asked if there was going to be a third book and he said "Someday hopefully." I hope so because I need more dammit!!! If you haven't read Wild Boy do it now, especially if you enjoy mysteries and the Victorian era. :) I will be buying both of these books for my shelf very soon, they deserve it.

- Richard

[Oscar · Rating 3 out of 5]

Londres, 1842. El joven Wild Boy, que fue abandonado en un hospicio por tener el cuerpo completamente cubierto de pelo, junto con su amiga Clarissa, que fuera acróbata de circo, tienen una nueva misión entre manos. Algo demoníaco está aterrorizando a la gente, haciendo que sientan sus peores miedos, muriendo incluso por su causa. Como en su anterior aventura, se verán en la necesidad de trabajar solos para resolver el misterio, antes de que el terror invada toda la ciudad. Para ello harán uso de sus habilidades: Wild Boy de sus dotes de observación y deducción, y Clarissa de su agilidad e intrepidez.

‘Wild Boy: Detectives imparables’ (Wild Boy and the Black Terror, 2014), del escritor Rob Lloyd Jones, es la secuela de ‘Wild Boy’, por lo que es mejor haber leído antes este. ‘Detectives imparables’ mantiene el nivel de disfrute y aventura, con una buena ambientación y un misterio interesante. Si te gustó el primero, también te gustará este.

[Mariano Hortal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ttras la primera novela centrada en la presentación de los personajes y ambientación, todo estaba establecido para esta segunda novela donde el autor dedica el tiempo necesario al desarrollo de la trama; funciona a la perfección en casi cualquier aspecto, centrándose sobre todo en las cualidades detectivescas de Wild Boy y sin olvidar la evolución de los mismos. Una propuesta muy inteligente y disfrutable desde la óptica del público juvenil y desde el más adulto.

[DAYADEW · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is honestly one of the few books I've read that have sequels better than the predecessor. And what a thrilling ride it was! The haunting and eerie scenario of an evil and deadly force that looks like it sprouted from the pages of demon lore is quite different from the first book with all its scientific experiments and doodads. It's kind of reminiscent of RDJ's Sherlock Holmes film. I only wished it had delved more into the *how's* of the mystery, because although the killer was discovered, it was never quite explained what was in the poison that spread the black terror. I mean, I'm not asking for a detailed and itemized list of ingredients or anything, but just something to quell its mysterious properties, seeing as this is a detective story that strives to dismiss anything magical in nature with science and reasoning.

Bigger characters come into play as the story involves more of the Gentleman and even the Queen herself. The MCs are more fleshed out and the story explores their relationship with each other, as well as their individual fears, and it seems that while Wild Boy had anger management issues in the first book, it is really Clarissa whose hot-headed nature is something to watch out for.

The only thing that prevented me from giving this five stars is the fact that the ending leaves me hanging. It's probably left everybody hanging. It felt like the book was one chapter short of a complete story. There's no epilogue, no conclusion. What does the future hold for Wild Boy or Clarissa? What about those still under the effects of the black terror? What will happen to Marcus? What about Dr. Carew? He managed to escape, didn't he? So many questions, and I wish there'd be a third book so they can be answered.

[Adele Broadbent · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 2nd book in this action-packed series, set in Victorian London.

After escaping a Freak Show and solving crimes in the 1st book in this series, Wild Boy and his (ex circus tightrope walker) friend Clarissa have been taken in by Marcus. Marcus belongs to a secret society called the Gentlemen who look after the security and affairs of the British Empire.

Other members of the Gentlemen want Wild Boy & Clarissa gone from their organisation, but with London still believing Wild Boy is a savage killer, it isn't safe out there.

When Marcus is suddenly struck by a strange disease that turns his skin white and his veins black, Wild Boy and Clarissa know they're in trouble. Marcus is dying and they have to put their combined skills together to solve the mystery of the illness called The Black Terror. Not only is their safety, their guardian's and Queen Victoria herself at stake, so is the entire population of London.

This episode of Wild Boy is just as packed with mystery, action and clue finding as the first. With a touch of Steampunk, CSI, and Indiana Jones, this makes an awesome read.

[Lucy-May · Rating 5 out of 5]

Am I really giving book two 5 stars after giving book one 5 stars? You betcha.

I’m so sad that this is the end of my journey with Wild Boy; I loved this book just as much as the first & adore Wild Boy & Clarissa. The Black Terror was just as funny, engaging & emotional as book one was & I don’t think I can fault it at all. I had no idea who the killer was & loved how much detail was involved in the plot; more of Rob Lloyd Jones’ books will certainly be making their way onto my bookshelves.

⚠️ This book contains mild (age-appropriate) violence ⚠️

Extended Review: https://wp.me/p8MbIo-2My

[Beka · Rating 3 out of 5]

Though the mystery was faster-paced and more engrossing this time, I found Wild Boy and Clarissa more annoying. Also, I'm really annoyed at the ending because they don't answer tie up almost any of the loose ends.

[Ellen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This duology was fantastic, and I'm sad to see it wasn't more popular! Tons of fun and adventure that ended too soon for my liking. Sadly it seems the author has finished with these characters, which is a shame especially considering the plot holes left open at the end of this book.

[Piers · Rating 5 out of 5]

First rate uputdownable Victorian aventure

[Hoover Public Library Kids and Teens · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love how Kirkus Reviews summed up this sequel: "Adventure, conspiracy and adrenaline intermingle with dark deeds, devil worship and blood diamonds."

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

A light hearted adventure novel with plenty of classic British wit and sarcasm. A little detour from some of the heavier stuff I read, and a great novel filled with friendship, hardship and spontaneity.

[Cecilia Rodriguez · Rating 2 out of 5]

The story is set in 1842 London.
Wild Boy and his friend Clarissa return to solve a mystery which has
its beginnings in India.
The story seems to be missing gaps of information and gave me the impression
that Jones wanted Wild Boy and Clarissa to have more adventures.

[Louise Wilford · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. It is a good sequel and I loved reading about Wild Boy. He has amazing skills of deduction and he's a very likeable character. In this story, there's a 'terror' which threatens to sweep London and Wild Boy needs to solve the mystery.

[Abigail · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an amazing book that i have read 2 times now and I love every part; finding out the characters weaknesses and how they make them stronger was my favourite part.

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another riveting read about Wild Boy and Clarissa. The black terror strikes London and they need to find a killer. A fast paced adventure - a good sequel to the first book.

[Ada · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gripping and full of action

[Cassandra Alvarado · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was alright.
Not my cup of tea.

[Toby · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ű

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I want more!!!

[Mrs Walsh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yet another fantastic book in the series. It was nice to see the main characters developing, while introducing new ones.

[Dave Mateer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!

[Lizzie · Rating 3 out of 5]

A disappointing follow-up to the brilliant first book!

[Hannah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Next book in the Wild Boy series, and darker than the first! Reminded me a bit of Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom with all of the Malphas worshipping, sacrifices, inducing terror, etc. It was interesting to see the characters' experiences from the first book play out, so Wild Boy and Clarissa dealt with some of the things that had been haunting them.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great read! Packed with British wit and slang, balancing suspense and danger with light hearted-humour. It was quite the adventure and easy to read.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

First introduced in the book's predecessor, Wild Boy, Wild Boy and Clarissa have found a comfortable place to stay in London with Marcus Bishop, their guardian and the leader of the Gentlemen, a group of spies and detectives who work for Queen Victoria. Wild Boy has excellent detective skills while Clarissa is an acrobat. Both continue to be haunted by their earlier days as part of a carnival. Their fears and nightmares come to life when a mysterious man seeks to collect four rare black diamonds and leaves behind a slow and horrible death for those who get in his way. Wild Boy uses his powers of observation to figure out who the criminal is and possible motivations for the crimes. He's motivated because he doesn't want to be separated from Clarissa but also because he wants to save the life of Marcus. Teen readers will be highly entertained by Wild Boy's astute powers of observation and the brief but intriguing appearances of Queen Victoria as well as Clarissa's inability to treat her with the proper amount of respect. Filled with action, suspense, and marvelously detailed descriptions of some of 1842 London's most sophisticated and seedy spots as well as that of an autopsy, this book will keep readers turning those pages as fast as they possibly can. I hope the author will return to these characters again since they certainly bear getting to know even better after this second outing.

[Beth Bonini · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wonder if the resurgence of Sherlock Holmes' popularity has anything to do with the inspiration behind the Wild Boy stories? Wild Boy, an abused circus act from the freak show, has used his powers of observation to his advantage and turned himself into a unorthodox detective. His keen eye and powers of deduction are Sherlock-speedy and cunning.

I didn't read the first of the Wild Boy adventures, but in this latest, Wild Boy and sidekick Clarissa aid Queen Victoria and her Gentlemen (a sort of secret service to HRH)in unravelling the mystery of the black terror. Black diamonds, black smoke and a soul-crushing horror that steals souls are all linked back to tragic events in India.

This hardcover edition has been beautifully published. It should appeal to young teens who like mystery and adventure and a fast-paced story.

[Mark Buxton · Rating 4 out of 5]

I did not read the first book in the series, but I don't think it was necessary to enjoy this one. I plan to go back and read it though! I always enjoy a good mystery, but I really like the main characters. Wild Boy isn't able to move about freely in society because of his freakish appearance and the fact that the public believes he's a murderer. However, he's learned to watch people very carefully and come to remarkable conclusions, kind of like Sherlock Holmes in a beastly body. Clarissa is almost the opposite. She's sneaky and agile, but she's very impulsive. She always wants to steal things or pick fights with others. The two of them make an odd, but effective, detective team. I didn't think I'd like this book so much after reading a summary of it, but I can definitely recommend it to mystery lovers.

[Melissa Riggs · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book actually gave me nightmares-but it is a great story and perfect sequel. I hope the author considers and third book featuring Wild Boy and Clarissa!

"London, 1842. Wild Boy, master detective and former freak-show performer, and Clarissa, circus acrobat and troublemaker, are the secret last hope of a city beset by horror. A poisoner stalks the streets, leaving victims mad with terror?—?and then dead. Can the Black Terror be traced to a demon called Malphas? With their partnership threatened by rules and regulations, can Wild Boy and Clarissa uncover a cure in time to save the queen and the city?"

[Anne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sequel to Wild Boy
A man named Marcus has taken Wild Boy and Clarissa into his care after their departure from the Freak Show. A new mystery presents itself when someone begins poisoning people and Marcus is one of the people affected. This poison literally scares people to death and there is a very limited amount of time to find a cure before they succumb.

No need to read the first one as enough background information is given. The plot is intriguing and the mystery a good one. However, I'm not sure which students will want to read this; could be a hard sell.

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

As I wrote in an earlier review, I read Wild Boy (the first book) on December 23, and after receiving this sequel for Christmas, I devoured each page on December 26 until there were none left to read.

I'm completely addicted to the characters Jones carefully crafted! This book was somehow, even more thrilling than the first!

I look forward to more tales of Wild Boy and Clarissa, and will be seeking out any other books written by Jones. Don't miss out on these AMAZING books!