The Riddle of the Gnome

Further Tales Adventures #5

by P.W. Catanese

Riddle me this: A gnome suddenly appears.with a proposition for a young boy -- "Help me and I'll cure your curse."

Twelve-year-old Tom lives alone on an island in the middle of a river. Nobody dares approach him because the boy is cursed -- he brings bad luck to anyone around him. One day an odd little man -- a gnome, perhaps -- comes to see Tom, ignoring the boy's warnings to keep his distance. The hot-tempered, shifty gnome makes an astounding offer: He'll rid the boy of his hex, if the boy will embark on a mission for him. If Tom agrees will it really mean the end of his lonely existence?

With no answers and nothing to lose but bad luck, Tom sets off through the green valleys and peaks of Londria, but he quickly realizes the stakes of this gnome's game are high. And time is scarce. As the chips stack against him in a land riddled with obstacles, Tom wonders if he could be trading his curse for something far worse.

Genres: Fantasy, Fiction, Retellings, Childrens, Young Adult, Fairy Tales

250 pages, Paperback

First published March 6, 2007

About the author

P.W. (Paul) Catanese is the author of fantasy-adventure novels (published by Aladdin/Simon & Schuster). His next novel, DONNY'S INFERNO, a supernatural adventure, will be published in early 2016.

A crisp style, fast pacing, interesting characters and vivid descriptions have made Catanese a favorite with everyone from reluctant readers to teachers to adults seeking a thrilling escape. His books have been turned into acclaimed audiobooks, and translated into many foreign languages.

In its starred review, Publisher's Weekly said “Catanese dazzles in the first of the planned Books of Umber...Catanese packs a lot into the book: rich characterizations, well-choreographed action sequences and genuinely surprising twists at the end. An auspicious start to the series.”

VOYA called The Thief and the Beanstalk "a rollicking adventure meshed with complex characters and an intriguing spin on a familiar tale..."

Paul is always happy to hear from readers.

Reviews

[Connie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC from my local public library, who received it for review purposes. Yes, I am aware that this book was published in 2007.

I didn't notice that this was a sequel, and from looking at the other books, I'm hoping that they weren't all related. I'd love to find copies of all of them and read them.

Tom was an interesting narrator, I liked his voice. It was really interesting how he saw things, and his adventures along the way. The characters were interesting, and it was well-written.

I really have to stop writing reviews so long after I've read the book.

The plot was also pretty good, I liked the way that everything was fitting together. I enjoyed the book overall. I just now have to find the first four.

[Kris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Recommended for gr. 5-up. Probably best for middle school, but an interesting read for anyone interested in fairy tales, especially the further adventures of fairy tale characters. A 12-year-old boy, Tom, is under a curse where he brings bad luck to anyone who comes near him. Tom meets a strange little man who offers to remove the curse if Tom completes a task for him. The task is more involved that Tom can imagine, but in the end he makes a discoveries about his curse, his adopted family, and his biological family.

[Madii Wade · Rating 4 out of 5]

I bought this book as I had nothing to read on a train journey, so a childrens fantasy would just be something different to read! Even when i was younger I didn't really read fantasy so this wAs really fun to read. I loved the story line, and the fact that it involved gnomes! It had some very clever twists that I didn't expect!
I gave it four stars because at times it was a little bit predictable and 'cheesy'.
I would love to read the other further tales adventure books!

[Renee Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

Adventures of Tom, cursed with bad luck by an evil gnome - whose name must be guessed at the end of the story. An enchanting adventure with twists along the way that will delight the reader...and keep their interest. A fun series.

[Tripleguess · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one was enjoyable. Poor Tom! A good plot, with a bittersweet ending (but more sweet than bitter), and a sensitive portrayal of disappointment and long-ago heartbreak.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love fairy tales and really enjoy his books.

[Alice Bliss · Rating 5 out of 5]

i loved this book.I remeber reading it when i where bin gr.5 or 6!(brings back memories),a really good story,for any fantasy lover!

[Erica Flory · Rating 5 out of 5]

a really great read

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was ok and a little slow going at the beginning, but then picked up and finished off well!

[Karin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't realize this was JFiction when I put it on my queue. It was a great story. The writing was well-done and the story all pulled together well. It was a continuation of Rumpelstiltskin. I liked the twist it added to the original tale. the only reason that this received only 3 stars was that it's a boy book. ;-) I know, that's silly. My son would love this, I think. There is a whole series that goes along with it. They are adventurous without a hint of romance...not my cuppa. Great stories, though!

[Lisa Rathbun]

A lot of fairy tale retellings seem aimed at a female audience, but this series really seems to appeal to guys. I found the story slow at first, but in the end I enjoyed this YA book about a boy who brings bad luck to all around him and the grumpy gnome who comes into his life. (Caution to homeschooling parents: death, violence, and the supernatural do figure into this tale.)

[La Toya · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's not a dense book but it took me a while to get through. I think it's because there were a lot of sentences that the author could've left out. Great story, I just wish it was told in a more concise way.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another Kate pick by the same author. It isn't a series so you can read them in any order. This one is about what happened after Rumplestiltskin. Quite entertaining.

[The Fairy Godmother]

Based on Rumpelstiltskin.