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Castle of Shadows #1
Castle of Shadows
Ever since the Queen mysteriously disappeared and the King went mad five years ago, eleven-year-old Princess Charlie has lived a wild and mostly unsupervised life in the country of Quale, running amok through the castle instead of following affairs of state. Now revolution whispers through the air, and Charlie is powerless to stop it.
Then she discovers a clue: a desperate, unfinished letter scribbled years before by the missing Queen. Charlie doesn't understand the danger her mother writes of, but she does know that the Queen absolutely must be found—together, they can surely save the King and the kingdom.
So plucky Charlie embarks on a quest to track down her mother, armed with the precious scrap of paper and with Tobias, the gardener’s boy, as an unlikely ally. Putting away her tattered old clothes, she must deal with games of political intrigue, the rebels’ rough-laid schemes, and the prime minister’s sudden interest in the forgotten princess’s well-being. And every step closer to the Queen pulls Charlie deeper into an entangling web of lies and secrets, where nothing is as it seems and people are not who they say...
Then she discovers a clue: a desperate, unfinished letter scribbled years before by the missing Queen. Charlie doesn't understand the danger her mother writes of, but she does know that the Queen absolutely must be found—together, they can surely save the King and the kingdom.
So plucky Charlie embarks on a quest to track down her mother, armed with the precious scrap of paper and with Tobias, the gardener’s boy, as an unlikely ally. Putting away her tattered old clothes, she must deal with games of political intrigue, the rebels’ rough-laid schemes, and the prime minister’s sudden interest in the forgotten princess’s well-being. And every step closer to the Queen pulls Charlie deeper into an entangling web of lies and secrets, where nothing is as it seems and people are not who they say...
327 pages, Paperback
First published August 5, 2010
22 people are currently reading
1315 people want to read
About the author
Ellen Renner
7 books31 followersEllen Renner was born in the USA, but came to England in her twenties, married here, and now lives in an old house in Devon with her husband and son. Ellen originally trained as a painter and surrounds herself with sketches of her characters as she writes. She spins wool as well as stories, knitting and weaving when time allows. She plays the violin, fences (badly!) and collects teapots and motorcycles.
Her first book, CASTLE OF SHADOWS, won the Cornerstones Wow Factor Competition, the 2010 North East Book Award and was chosen for both THE INDEPENDENT and THE TIMES summer reading lists and, along with the sequel CITY OF THIEVES, was included on THE TIMES list of best children's books of 2010. TRIBUTE is the first in a YA fantasy series.
Her first book, CASTLE OF SHADOWS, won the Cornerstones Wow Factor Competition, the 2010 North East Book Award and was chosen for both THE INDEPENDENT and THE TIMES summer reading lists and, along with the sequel CITY OF THIEVES, was included on THE TIMES list of best children's books of 2010. TRIBUTE is the first in a YA fantasy series.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
January 9, 2015
this book was better book than I expected especially since it is meant for children but I liked it nonetheless. It had action, loveable characters who wanted to find the truth, and a good plot. I would recommend it.
October 3, 2012
I put this book on my "historical" and "fantasy" shelves, but really it's neither--it's a fictional setting that feels like something from history (of maybe the Georgian era of Britain, since there are primitive guns, railroads, and steam technology), without any typical fantasy elements other than the fact that the setting never existed--so maybe it could more accurately be called "fantastical history."
It starts with much creeping around a creepy, old house of tremendous proportions; it's called the castle, but the descriptions always felt more manor-like to me, just on a massive scale. The creeping is done by mousey, isolated Charlie, who is a princess only in name. Her mother the queen disappeared years ago and her father retreated into near-insanity soon after, and ever since Charlie has been left to the mercies of the cruel, abusive servants who run the household. Now eleven, Charlie is just getting bold enough that she no longer accepts her fate and begins investigating affairs to see if she can't do something to help her father and find her missing mother. Before long, she is entangled in all sorts of intrigue involving the heads of both state and revolutionary efforts, trying to figure out both her families' interests and her country's.
The plot is far from hole free and not everything sits square with a realistic analysis; luckily, this is fantastical history and I didn't feel the need to hold it to a firm standard of reality. Instead, I let myself get carried away by the tension and excitement and enjoyed watching Charlie's efforts to figure everything out. 3.5 stars.
It starts with much creeping around a creepy, old house of tremendous proportions; it's called the castle, but the descriptions always felt more manor-like to me, just on a massive scale. The creeping is done by mousey, isolated Charlie, who is a princess only in name. Her mother the queen disappeared years ago and her father retreated into near-insanity soon after, and ever since Charlie has been left to the mercies of the cruel, abusive servants who run the household. Now eleven, Charlie is just getting bold enough that she no longer accepts her fate and begins investigating affairs to see if she can't do something to help her father and find her missing mother. Before long, she is entangled in all sorts of intrigue involving the heads of both state and revolutionary efforts, trying to figure out both her families' interests and her country's.
The plot is far from hole free and not everything sits square with a realistic analysis; luckily, this is fantastical history and I didn't feel the need to hold it to a firm standard of reality. Instead, I let myself get carried away by the tension and excitement and enjoyed watching Charlie's efforts to figure everything out. 3.5 stars.
August 2, 2012
3.5 stars
Oh, this one caught my attention. Something about Charlie and Tobias. Charlie, princess. Dressed in rags and fed on scraps. She runs around with barely any education and no idea of what being a princess means. She is ill-treated by the servants and I was initially just so surprised at this treatment until I understood that the housekeeper had it in for her. Charlie has to deal with the loss of her mum, dead or alive, no one knows. And her father who has become lost in his mind, obsessed with building castles of cards and unable to rule. There is a war brewing and unrest is rampant throughout the kingdom. And then there is Tobias, the gardner's boy who gets mixed up with Charlie and revolution. Their somewhat uncomfortable alliance, shaken to its core when it is revealed that Tobias is in fact the son of Charlie's greatest enemy, has a chance to be a real friendship and I am really excited to read the sequel.
I am sorry that this review does not do the book justice, but I am exhausted. Suffice to say, it is recommended.
Oh, this one caught my attention. Something about Charlie and Tobias. Charlie, princess. Dressed in rags and fed on scraps. She runs around with barely any education and no idea of what being a princess means. She is ill-treated by the servants and I was initially just so surprised at this treatment until I understood that the housekeeper had it in for her. Charlie has to deal with the loss of her mum, dead or alive, no one knows. And her father who has become lost in his mind, obsessed with building castles of cards and unable to rule. There is a war brewing and unrest is rampant throughout the kingdom. And then there is Tobias, the gardner's boy who gets mixed up with Charlie and revolution. Their somewhat uncomfortable alliance, shaken to its core when it is revealed that Tobias is in fact the son of Charlie's greatest enemy, has a chance to be a real friendship and I am really excited to read the sequel.
I am sorry that this review does not do the book justice, but I am exhausted. Suffice to say, it is recommended.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 24, 2011
Princess Charlie lives in a kingdom with her mad father and the knowledge that her mother has disappeared. She's left behind a kingdom in ruins and on the verge of civil war with it's neighboring kingdom. Charlie has enough to deal with the housekeeper O'Dear but things take a turn for the dangerous when she finds a long lost note written by her mother.
Castle of Shadows is named appropriately so, while at first it seems like another tomboy princess tale the pace swiftly changes with the introduction of politics to the story. My main gripe with the story would be that at times Charlie seems a little too wise for her years at 11, but this is balanced out by moments of childishness.
Received as an ARC via NetGalley
Castle of Shadows is named appropriately so, while at first it seems like another tomboy princess tale the pace swiftly changes with the introduction of politics to the story. My main gripe with the story would be that at times Charlie seems a little too wise for her years at 11, but this is balanced out by moments of childishness.
Received as an ARC via NetGalley
February 4, 2017
About a quarter of the way through this book I realized it was going to be a 5 star read.
I will treasure it as one of the best stories I picked up at a library sale.
I will treasure it as one of the best stories I picked up at a library sale.
January 3, 2026
One of those books I read just because it's sitting on my shelf somehow. It took me back to my early teenage years when this kind of fantasy, adventure fiction were my go-to picks. The book is easy and quick to read. First half of the book is slower, gives a proper glimpse of the main character's life. Second half is packed with action and I for one kept wanting to know what happens next.
January 13, 2010
A beautifully written adventure story that will be enjoyed by readers of all ages. A must read!
March 17, 2023
I enjoyed reading this book. I think it was, overall, well-written and interesting enough to keep me reading. There is a clear distinction between the first half of the story and the second: the first is very quiet, building intrigue and setting the stage for the second half, which is much more action-heavy and tension-building. Charlie and Tobias's back-and-forth was entertaining, and I liked that their mostly-dislike for each other gradually softened as time went on, while still holding onto their inclinations to tease. I had no problem at all hating the villain, and I wish he hadn't gotten his way so much.
I do think Charlie acts very mature for her age at times; more than once I found myself thinking this story would work almost as well if she was a few years older (however, I do see how a teenager being as uneducated as 11-year-old Charlie could feel very weird). She took on her role as Queen with very little fuss for a child. Even though she had some lessons and a tiny bit of experience under her belt, it was not enough for me to believe she wouldn't be anxious about it at all, especially after losing her father and still not knowing where her mother was.
Her father. What really disappointed me about this book was the death of her father, the king. This is my purely subjective opinion, but I hate the "redemption = death" trope, and this felt very much like that. I do see how poetic it is for him to have finally stopped taking the drug and gotten his wits about him enough to do what was necessary to save his daughter, but his dying as a consequence was not my cup of tea. I wanted him to live. No one else who arrived on the scene could've done anything??
I kept my rating at 4 stars because at least Charlie did, in fact, reunite with her mother at the end (after learning this was the first book in a series, I was worried their reunion would be pushed back to a sequel, and I was not invested enough for that). Thank goodness.
I do think Charlie acts very mature for her age at times; more than once I found myself thinking this story would work almost as well if she was a few years older (however, I do see how a teenager being as uneducated as 11-year-old Charlie could feel very weird). She took on her role as Queen with very little fuss for a child. Even though she had some lessons and a tiny bit of experience under her belt, it was not enough for me to believe she wouldn't be anxious about it at all, especially after losing her father and still not knowing where her mother was.
Her father. What really disappointed me about this book was the death of her father, the king. This is my purely subjective opinion, but I hate the "redemption = death" trope, and this felt very much like that. I do see how poetic it is for him to have finally stopped taking the drug and gotten his wits about him enough to do what was necessary to save his daughter, but his dying as a consequence was not my cup of tea. I wanted him to live. No one else who arrived on the scene could've done anything??
I kept my rating at 4 stars because at least Charlie did, in fact, reunite with her mother at the end (after learning this was the first book in a series, I was worried their reunion would be pushed back to a sequel, and I was not invested enough for that). Thank goodness.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 19, 2017
This was a really good, interesting, light read and it was better than I predicted it to be. It was engaging and gripping; personally, I didn't believe the plot would be as good as it was, I wasn't pleasantly surprised. This is a book suitable for a large array of ages from children to adults - I don't believe it suits a category. Personally, I found it easier to get into and to read, it isn't very complex but the story is still good and effective. Additionally, it was a quick read only taking around half a day I would say but personally, I spaced it out over a couple of days due to not wanting to finish it in one sitting but the time between sessions left me questioning what was going to happen and occur.
Overall, I would highly recommend this book and I have added the sequel to my list of books to read and I hope it lives up to the high expectations this one has left me with for it..
Overall, I would highly recommend this book and I have added the sequel to my list of books to read and I hope it lives up to the high expectations this one has left me with for it..
January 16, 2022
Overall I liked this book. The plot, the characters the twists and turns I enjoyed however some parts felt rushed and poorly written which was disappointing. Also after one line referring to the king moving like and orangutan, every time a character climbed, I imagined them moving like monkeys and it was bizarre…but that’s just my brain, not the way it was written.
April 12, 2020
Reverted to my son's books whilst in lockdown, but this book pleasantly surprised me. It has a great range of characters that are brought to life within a storyline that was gritty and had plenty of twists and turns to keep you guessing. A lovely easy read for adults and children alike.
January 5, 2018
Sometimes all the action made it feel like a bit of a mess. And motives were wild, nonsensical, or unexplained. But it was still a fun read.
May 3, 2018
Solid action and adventure with a bit of mystery. Entertaining, with good writing.
April 14, 2023
I think this book is very well written and creates wonderful imagery. Defo not just for children
May 26, 2024
This is a mischievous well written story! There are twists around every corner. I will definitely read this again!
July 7, 2024
This was a fun read and I think lots of children would like. It’s aimed for children aged 6-11 so would be perfect to read to my class (I teach 7-8 year olds) but I’m disappointed to see that this series is not completed and it doesn’t seem like the author will ever finish it. So that’s a shame. The story is complete enough that you can read this and be satisfied but it does end with the clear intention that you should read on.
I do think the plot is exciting, the characters great and it has enough ‘scary’ moments to keep most children on the edge of their seats.
I do think the plot is exciting, the characters great and it has enough ‘scary’ moments to keep most children on the edge of their seats.
July 12, 2017
This book was one of the best books I've ever read in my life.
March 24, 2012
Castle of Shadows by Ellen Renner is a children's book for ages nine through the early teens. It is scheduled for release on March 20 2012. In Castle of Shadows, the kingdom of Quale is in serious trouble. There are rumors and plots on the streets about revolution. The problem begins five years before the action of the book begins, when the queen vanishes. Some think that the king has killed her, but everyone close to the the castle knows that it is not true. The queen has run away, leaving everyone she cares about behind. The Prime Minister is running the country, and the housekeeper is running the castle. Charlie, or Charlotte, is the princess. The housekeeper mistreats her, the King is lost in a haze of grief, and there are agendas at work. When Charlie discovers a letter her mother wrote before she left, Charlie is desperate for answers. She sets out on a quest with the gardener and her occasional adversary Tobias to find out the truth about why her mother left, and where she might have gone. Soon the danger has doubled and Charlie does not know who she can trust, and where she should turn. Can she manage to save her father, the kingdom, and herself?
I am struggling with my review of Castle of Shadows, there were many elements I loved, and still it felt that something was lacking. So lets start with the good, and then I will try to figure out what bothered me about the book. I liked the character of Charlie, she is resourceful and persistent. She was a little out of control, but her attitude and perceptions fit with a child in her position. I really like Tobias's character and would have like to see even more of him in the book. I will say that I fully expected another twist of who could be trusted by the end of the book, but it did not happen. However, the final scene with the king was unexpected and the perfect choice for the plot. The introduction of political intrigue into Charlie's life worked, and flowed well. I genuinely enjoyed large portions of the story, and found it to be an interesting and entertaining read.
Perhaps my problem with Castle of Shadows lies with the missing queen. As a mother, I cannot even contemplate leaving behind a child, especially if I distrusted the intent of the adults that would surround her. Maybe my questioning of the queen is part of the brilliance of the book, leaving me to wonder if Charlie would be safe in her own mother's arms. My disconnect with the book could also be because of the sheer evil of the villains of the book. I think my real issue is that the book has so much promise. The ideas and story could have been fantastic, and I was left with the vague sort of 'that's it?' running through my mind. There were definitely moments of pure brilliance in the book, unfortunately there were also moments that had me putting it aside to do the household chores that needed doing.
I am glad that I read Castle of Shadows, but I do not think I will be following it up with other works from the author quite yet. I think that Renner has the potential to be a wonderful writer. However, I do not think that the potential has been fully realized yet. I do think that there are many readers in the target age range that would enjoy this book, but there are some heavy themes and violence to be found. While the reading aspects would be easy handled by an eight or nine year old, because of the violence and general mistreatment of people in the book I would lean towards offering it to readers around thirteen years old or more.
I am struggling with my review of Castle of Shadows, there were many elements I loved, and still it felt that something was lacking. So lets start with the good, and then I will try to figure out what bothered me about the book. I liked the character of Charlie, she is resourceful and persistent. She was a little out of control, but her attitude and perceptions fit with a child in her position. I really like Tobias's character and would have like to see even more of him in the book. I will say that I fully expected another twist of who could be trusted by the end of the book, but it did not happen. However, the final scene with the king was unexpected and the perfect choice for the plot. The introduction of political intrigue into Charlie's life worked, and flowed well. I genuinely enjoyed large portions of the story, and found it to be an interesting and entertaining read.
Perhaps my problem with Castle of Shadows lies with the missing queen. As a mother, I cannot even contemplate leaving behind a child, especially if I distrusted the intent of the adults that would surround her. Maybe my questioning of the queen is part of the brilliance of the book, leaving me to wonder if Charlie would be safe in her own mother's arms. My disconnect with the book could also be because of the sheer evil of the villains of the book. I think my real issue is that the book has so much promise. The ideas and story could have been fantastic, and I was left with the vague sort of 'that's it?' running through my mind. There were definitely moments of pure brilliance in the book, unfortunately there were also moments that had me putting it aside to do the household chores that needed doing.
I am glad that I read Castle of Shadows, but I do not think I will be following it up with other works from the author quite yet. I think that Renner has the potential to be a wonderful writer. However, I do not think that the potential has been fully realized yet. I do think that there are many readers in the target age range that would enjoy this book, but there are some heavy themes and violence to be found. While the reading aspects would be easy handled by an eight or nine year old, because of the violence and general mistreatment of people in the book I would lean towards offering it to readers around thirteen years old or more.
May 14, 2012
Castle of Shadows by Ellen Renner
Pages: 400
Release Date: March 20th, 2012
Date Read: 2012, April 1st-7th
Received: ARC via NetGalley
Rating: 4/5 stars
Recommended to: 10+
SUMMARY -
Her Royal Highness, the Princess Charlotte Augusta Joanna Hortense of Quale, more commonly known as Charlie, has spent the last six years getting to know every nook, cranny, and shadow of her father's castle. Her father, the King himself, busies himself by building card castles, higher and higher, driven mad. Some say by grief, others say by guild - that he killed Charlie's mother, the Queen. But Charlie knows she is alive, and is determined to find the whereabouts of her mother who disappeared all those years ago without a trace.
MY THOUGHTS -
I really enjoyed this mystery. I'm not a huge mystery reader - it typically has to blow my mind and shock me numb for me to 5-star it. But this book really was wonderful, a fun read as well as an intense one. Ellen Renner's style is lovely, her writing very sophisticated but easy to read.
CHARACTER NOTES -
I really did enjoy this cast. Charlie was such a fun MC, a girl with a lot going on - plus a huge personality. Tobias was a great addition, helping Charlie but to what end? Why is he helping her? His motives remain unclear until the end and I love this about him.
Mrs. Odair, the King, Mr. Moleglass, Bettina, Peter and a few others were great supporting characters, good or bad. All had a place and really complimented every aspect of Castle of Shadows.
My favorite character, however, is Alistair Windlass, Prime Minister of Quale. I won't spill any secrets about him, but I'll just say that he was perfect. Part of his perfection goes to the fact that one moment you hate him and the next you love him and after that you're wonderful where his loyalties lie. It's brilliant, really.
I had one issue with two of the characters - Charlie and Tobias. They didn't act their ages, 11 and 12, respectively. Charlie sometimes acted childish, but her level of thought-process, logic, and overall wisdom was that of a 13 or 14 year old. And Tobias mostly acted 14 or 15. So, I, erm, pretended they were the ages I pictured them as.
STORY NOTES -
Like I said, mysteries don't always cut it for me, but Castle of Shadows certainly did! For me, Renner's writing and the way she crafted her story created a wonderfully illustrated picture of life inside Charlie's castle, as well as Charlie's lifestyle and the lives of those around her. The difference between the lives of, say...Tobias and Windlass were striking.
I really liked the mystery of the missing Queen, but honestly, that wasn't my main draw. It was definitely Windlass, and everything to do with him. I was so surprised by all the things he did. He confounded me, like, every 5 pages or so.
The twist about Tobias in the end was really brilliant as well. I had an idea something like the real deal but wasn't sure...
SUMMING IT UP -
Dark intrigue. That's another thing...the story line was a bit darker/sadder than I would prefer for this age group, but can definitely be an exception. I really enjoyed Castle of Shadows! A great book to curl under the covers with. Especially the last 125 pages - I didn't put it down once!
For the Parents -
Some death toward the end. Darker themes (madness/murder) but not too strong. One or two uses of b****rd. Recommended 10+
Pages: 400
Release Date: March 20th, 2012
Date Read: 2012, April 1st-7th
Received: ARC via NetGalley
Rating: 4/5 stars
Recommended to: 10+
SUMMARY -
Her Royal Highness, the Princess Charlotte Augusta Joanna Hortense of Quale, more commonly known as Charlie, has spent the last six years getting to know every nook, cranny, and shadow of her father's castle. Her father, the King himself, busies himself by building card castles, higher and higher, driven mad. Some say by grief, others say by guild - that he killed Charlie's mother, the Queen. But Charlie knows she is alive, and is determined to find the whereabouts of her mother who disappeared all those years ago without a trace.
MY THOUGHTS -
I really enjoyed this mystery. I'm not a huge mystery reader - it typically has to blow my mind and shock me numb for me to 5-star it. But this book really was wonderful, a fun read as well as an intense one. Ellen Renner's style is lovely, her writing very sophisticated but easy to read.
CHARACTER NOTES -
I really did enjoy this cast. Charlie was such a fun MC, a girl with a lot going on - plus a huge personality. Tobias was a great addition, helping Charlie but to what end? Why is he helping her? His motives remain unclear until the end and I love this about him.
Mrs. Odair, the King, Mr. Moleglass, Bettina, Peter and a few others were great supporting characters, good or bad. All had a place and really complimented every aspect of Castle of Shadows.
My favorite character, however, is Alistair Windlass, Prime Minister of Quale. I won't spill any secrets about him, but I'll just say that he was perfect. Part of his perfection goes to the fact that one moment you hate him and the next you love him and after that you're wonderful where his loyalties lie. It's brilliant, really.
I had one issue with two of the characters - Charlie and Tobias. They didn't act their ages, 11 and 12, respectively. Charlie sometimes acted childish, but her level of thought-process, logic, and overall wisdom was that of a 13 or 14 year old. And Tobias mostly acted 14 or 15. So, I, erm, pretended they were the ages I pictured them as.
STORY NOTES -
Like I said, mysteries don't always cut it for me, but Castle of Shadows certainly did! For me, Renner's writing and the way she crafted her story created a wonderfully illustrated picture of life inside Charlie's castle, as well as Charlie's lifestyle and the lives of those around her. The difference between the lives of, say...Tobias and Windlass were striking.
I really liked the mystery of the missing Queen, but honestly, that wasn't my main draw. It was definitely Windlass, and everything to do with him. I was so surprised by all the things he did. He confounded me, like, every 5 pages or so.
The twist about Tobias in the end was really brilliant as well. I had an idea something like the real deal but wasn't sure...
SUMMING IT UP -
Dark intrigue. That's another thing...the story line was a bit darker/sadder than I would prefer for this age group, but can definitely be an exception. I really enjoyed Castle of Shadows! A great book to curl under the covers with. Especially the last 125 pages - I didn't put it down once!
For the Parents -
Some death toward the end. Darker themes (madness/murder) but not too strong. One or two uses of b****rd. Recommended 10+
March 12, 2012
I'm kind of ambivalent about this book. On the one hand, I enjoyed myself while I was reading it, trying to puzzle out the dark secrets of some of the characters and enjoying reading about the kingdom of Quale, a fictionalized England in the late nineteenth or maybe early twentieth century. Five years ago, the queen disappeared, the king went mad, and Princess Charlie's care was given over to the cruel Mrs. O'Dair. Now rumors of revolution and war swirl and Charlie must embark on a quest to find and bring her mother home, with the aid of Tobias, the gardener's boy. But now that I'm finished, I'm not enthusiastic. I'm not entirely sure what the reason is but I have some ideas.
Fair or not fair, when you read a book, you compare it to other books you've read, in the same genre, by the same author, etc. This is a middle-grade fantasy so I compared it to Tuesdays at the Castle (such a fun setting for that book and both books have castle in the title) and Liesl and Po (girl is mistreated but escapes and goes on quest with boy). And the best way I can describe my feelings is that those books had magic and this book did not. Not magic as in a plot point but as in casting a spell on me while I was reading.
Another disappointment was that I wanted a magical castle but this one is very appropriately a castle of shadows, filled with secrets, disappointments, and unhappiness. Gloominess seemed to pervade every aspect without enough lightness to balance the story to my taste. This is obviously a very personal opinion but there may be other people out there who agree.
I would say that a third part of the lack of love is the characters. Charlie is the main character, told through third-person narrative. I don't know if I'm spoiled by all of the first-person narration in YA but it seems like that often helps me connect to a character better. Charlies is eleven and frequently acts her age, especially in her attempts to annoy Tobias. Tobias is only a year older but seems far more, perhaps due to his hard life. As for the other characters, they had some life but did not seem fully developed. They had a few traits to their personalities but seemed overall one-dimensional, with good or evil intentions and no ambiguity. I'm also supremely disappointed in the lack of character development for the Queen; I still cannot understand why she took the actions she did.
Overall: An okay fairy-tale story without the magic of the best MG fantasies I've read.
Cover: I really like the cover-the drawing is super cute. I do not like Tobias' hat though because it looks more like he is balancing a book on his head. I also loved the typeface in Garamond Premiere Pro, especially the frequent use of the letter "Q".
Fair or not fair, when you read a book, you compare it to other books you've read, in the same genre, by the same author, etc. This is a middle-grade fantasy so I compared it to Tuesdays at the Castle (such a fun setting for that book and both books have castle in the title) and Liesl and Po (girl is mistreated but escapes and goes on quest with boy). And the best way I can describe my feelings is that those books had magic and this book did not. Not magic as in a plot point but as in casting a spell on me while I was reading.
Another disappointment was that I wanted a magical castle but this one is very appropriately a castle of shadows, filled with secrets, disappointments, and unhappiness. Gloominess seemed to pervade every aspect without enough lightness to balance the story to my taste. This is obviously a very personal opinion but there may be other people out there who agree.
I would say that a third part of the lack of love is the characters. Charlie is the main character, told through third-person narrative. I don't know if I'm spoiled by all of the first-person narration in YA but it seems like that often helps me connect to a character better. Charlies is eleven and frequently acts her age, especially in her attempts to annoy Tobias. Tobias is only a year older but seems far more, perhaps due to his hard life. As for the other characters, they had some life but did not seem fully developed. They had a few traits to their personalities but seemed overall one-dimensional, with good or evil intentions and no ambiguity. I'm also supremely disappointed in the lack of character development for the Queen; I still cannot understand why she took the actions she did.
Overall: An okay fairy-tale story without the magic of the best MG fantasies I've read.
Cover: I really like the cover-the drawing is super cute. I do not like Tobias' hat though because it looks more like he is balancing a book on his head. I also loved the typeface in Garamond Premiere Pro, especially the frequent use of the letter "Q".
August 10, 2010
4.5/5
Castle of Shadows begins with the introduction of our heroine, the rather unruly Princess Charlie. After her mother had disappeared, Charlie's father, the King, chose to seclude himself from the Castle in order to build towers with packs of playing cards. Due to her father's absence, Charlie is now forced to take orders from Mrs O'Dair, the horrible woman in charge of the Castle. But when Charlie finds a letter from her mother in an old library book, she begins to question her mother's disappearance and finds herself unsatisfied with the answers she is being given. With help from Tobias, the gardener's boy, Charlie digs deep into the past in search for the truth and encounters dangers unlike anything she has ever known before.
I really enjoyed Castle of Shadows; it was exciting and dangerous and one of those books that you just can't put down. The main character Charlie is strong-willed, fiery and determined, and will do anything to find out more about her mother and protect her father. Tobias, who is equally determined but very loyal and full of snark, starts off as just another servant, who enjoys teasing the Princess. But when the pair are forced to trust each other and form an alliance, a begrudging bond eventually leads to friendship and Charlie and Tobias learn to stand up for themselves and one another, and stay with each other no matter what.
Other characters I really liked were Mr. Moleglass and Mrs O'Dair. Mr Moleglass is so kind and helpful and always worrying about the children's safety; he really cares about the people and the kingdom. Mrs O'Dair, on the other hand, is the perfect villain; a mixture of bitter, angry and crazy with no remorse. I also liked the Resistance's part in the book, and I think that they had a great impact on Charlie and the decisions she made. Another thing I enjoyed was the description of Charlie in dresses and petticoats. It still makes me laugh to think of her sweating and huffing and puffing in these clothes she obviously hates.
Overall, Castles of Shadows is a wonderful book that pulls you in and keeps you reading until you're finished. Recommended for ages 8-12 and young teens.
Castle of Shadows begins with the introduction of our heroine, the rather unruly Princess Charlie. After her mother had disappeared, Charlie's father, the King, chose to seclude himself from the Castle in order to build towers with packs of playing cards. Due to her father's absence, Charlie is now forced to take orders from Mrs O'Dair, the horrible woman in charge of the Castle. But when Charlie finds a letter from her mother in an old library book, she begins to question her mother's disappearance and finds herself unsatisfied with the answers she is being given. With help from Tobias, the gardener's boy, Charlie digs deep into the past in search for the truth and encounters dangers unlike anything she has ever known before.
I really enjoyed Castle of Shadows; it was exciting and dangerous and one of those books that you just can't put down. The main character Charlie is strong-willed, fiery and determined, and will do anything to find out more about her mother and protect her father. Tobias, who is equally determined but very loyal and full of snark, starts off as just another servant, who enjoys teasing the Princess. But when the pair are forced to trust each other and form an alliance, a begrudging bond eventually leads to friendship and Charlie and Tobias learn to stand up for themselves and one another, and stay with each other no matter what.
Other characters I really liked were Mr. Moleglass and Mrs O'Dair. Mr Moleglass is so kind and helpful and always worrying about the children's safety; he really cares about the people and the kingdom. Mrs O'Dair, on the other hand, is the perfect villain; a mixture of bitter, angry and crazy with no remorse. I also liked the Resistance's part in the book, and I think that they had a great impact on Charlie and the decisions she made. Another thing I enjoyed was the description of Charlie in dresses and petticoats. It still makes me laugh to think of her sweating and huffing and puffing in these clothes she obviously hates.
Overall, Castles of Shadows is a wonderful book that pulls you in and keeps you reading until you're finished. Recommended for ages 8-12 and young teens.
October 12, 2011
Mad kings, cruel housekeepers, political intrigue, defiant princess, courageous sidekick… Ellen Renner’s Castle of Shadows has it all to be a favorite with kids who will grow up to love reading Harry Potter. Renner’s book is marketed at children, but a book this fast-paced, entertaining and well-written should win over a lot of grown-up hearts too.
After the disappearance of her mother, 11-year-old Charlie leads a very un-princessy life at Quale Castle, while her father, the King, has no other joy in life than his playing cards. Instead of ruling his country, in a very ‘Madness of King George’ type of way he spends his days hanging upside down building castles with playing cards. The result is a country in decline, with hard times for castle and country inhabitants. The Kingdom of Quale is definitely a made-up country, complete with political intrigue, almost wars, (pseudo-)scientific discoveries, and an almost forgotten Queen, but there are definitely hints here and there that point towards Renner’s deep love for Victorian times and the good old-fashioned Victorian gothic novel. Castle of Shadows however, is not boring or dreary gothic. Instead, after Charlie finds a clue about her mother’s whereabouts, and enlists her friend Toby in the search for the long-lost Queen, we get an action-packed adventure that is nevertheless set in a gothic-type castle, with gothic type characters, but with such a positive vibe to it, that this will appeal to adventure-seekers, as well as historical novel buffs.
Also, it’s great to read a novel that is definitely marketed to a younger audience, but which never takes a childish or superior stance. Ellen Renner has a healthy ambition with this book: write a good adventure story, create believable characters that sometimes totally bug each other. This is not your typical romantic princess & the pauper stuff that all too many Disney movies are made of. Sparks definitely fly up in Castle of Shadows, and it’s only fitting that this book would get a sequel with City of Thieves.
First published: http://ringothecat.wordpress.com/
After the disappearance of her mother, 11-year-old Charlie leads a very un-princessy life at Quale Castle, while her father, the King, has no other joy in life than his playing cards. Instead of ruling his country, in a very ‘Madness of King George’ type of way he spends his days hanging upside down building castles with playing cards. The result is a country in decline, with hard times for castle and country inhabitants. The Kingdom of Quale is definitely a made-up country, complete with political intrigue, almost wars, (pseudo-)scientific discoveries, and an almost forgotten Queen, but there are definitely hints here and there that point towards Renner’s deep love for Victorian times and the good old-fashioned Victorian gothic novel. Castle of Shadows however, is not boring or dreary gothic. Instead, after Charlie finds a clue about her mother’s whereabouts, and enlists her friend Toby in the search for the long-lost Queen, we get an action-packed adventure that is nevertheless set in a gothic-type castle, with gothic type characters, but with such a positive vibe to it, that this will appeal to adventure-seekers, as well as historical novel buffs.
Also, it’s great to read a novel that is definitely marketed to a younger audience, but which never takes a childish or superior stance. Ellen Renner has a healthy ambition with this book: write a good adventure story, create believable characters that sometimes totally bug each other. This is not your typical romantic princess & the pauper stuff that all too many Disney movies are made of. Sparks definitely fly up in Castle of Shadows, and it’s only fitting that this book would get a sequel with City of Thieves.
First published: http://ringothecat.wordpress.com/
March 29, 2012
Charlie is a mistreated princess locked away in her rooms and all but starved after her mother vanishes and her father loses his mind. But the fierce survivor she becomes in those years of isolation, scrounging for food and finding ways to occupy her time isn't going to sit quietly when she discovers a clue as to what happened to her mother. But whom can she trust to help her? Enemies abound in this castle and friends may not always have her best interests at heart. Together with the gardener's assistant, Tobias, Charlie must unravel the mystery and save her kingdom.
To start, let me just say the cover pictured here is a great improvement over the one I have in my possession. The cover here conveys a sense of dark drama and danger, unlike the rather bland and cartoonish cover illustration on my copy. But beyond that, I just found this story unweildy and awkward. There are so many odd things, like why Charlie would be simply neglected for so many years with nothing being done for her. She doesn't act like a princess at all . . . and the way the book conveys the story it felt much more pedestrian than a princess in a castle. There are so many characters and plots going on that it makes it difficult to stay on target, and I never could really get to the point of liking any of the characters all that much. The climax scene at the end was a little too grim for my tastes and left me shaken and uncomfortable even during the "happy" part of the ending. On a purely production level complaint, the font with the extend Q tail was distracting and annoying. It added nothing to the story and kept cropping up since the kingdom is called Quale.
I didn't love it, it's a pedestrian Victorian thriller set in an alternate history country with some steampunk elements thrown in for good measure. While not without its bright spots, I just couldn't really get behind the story.
To start, let me just say the cover pictured here is a great improvement over the one I have in my possession. The cover here conveys a sense of dark drama and danger, unlike the rather bland and cartoonish cover illustration on my copy. But beyond that, I just found this story unweildy and awkward. There are so many odd things, like why Charlie would be simply neglected for so many years with nothing being done for her. She doesn't act like a princess at all . . . and the way the book conveys the story it felt much more pedestrian than a princess in a castle. There are so many characters and plots going on that it makes it difficult to stay on target, and I never could really get to the point of liking any of the characters all that much. The climax scene at the end was a little too grim for my tastes and left me shaken and uncomfortable even during the "happy" part of the ending. On a purely production level complaint, the font with the extend Q tail was distracting and annoying. It added nothing to the story and kept cropping up since the kingdom is called Quale.
I didn't love it, it's a pedestrian Victorian thriller set in an alternate history country with some steampunk elements thrown in for good measure. While not without its bright spots, I just couldn't really get behind the story.
April 22, 2012
This title starts promisingly enough with an eleven-year-old princess being mistreated by her guardian while her father spends his time building huge card castles and mourning her missing mother who disappeared five years ago. Like so many abandoned children in stories such as these, Charlie has been reduced to eating unpalatable meals and trying to steal food from others. There are all sorts of plots afoot as Charlie realizes when she finds a letter written by her mother right before her disappearance. Not sure who to trust, she chooses to confide in Alistair Windlass who has been running the country in the absence of the queen and the ill health of the king. As everyone tries to locate the missing queen, Charlie finds an unexpected ally in Tobias, the gardener's assistant and learns how to pick locks. There was quite a lot to like about this title, set in the imaginary kingdom of Quale, but there were several significant loose ends flapping at the end, possibly leaving room for a sequel, but also leaving me to question how Charlie's mother could have remained hidden from her for all that time and why so many of those around her allowed Windlass to have his way on so many issues. What made her so fearful of Windlass, and if she feared him, why didn't she banish him since she, after all, was the queen? Additionally, it seemed highly unlikely that Windlass would not have been aware of Charlie long before he was. This was a fun romp with several frightening moments such as the children's climb onto the icy roof, but the holes bothered me a bit.
January 27, 2013
The queen has disappeared and the king has gone mad. They have left Princess Charlie at the mercies of her cruel staff. Mrs. Odair the housekeeper has kept Charlie a virtual prisoner in the castle. The people seem to have forgotten she even existed. The Prime Minister Windlass is running the country into the ground. Charlie, with the help of a few friends, decides she must find out what happened to her mother. She becomes aware of what is going on outside the castle walls and starts helping the Resistance fight against Windlass.
This book had a lot of promise and it really isn't that bad, but there are plot holes galore and some very convoluted story lines. Charlie is an interesting character and pretty believable. It is those around her that are a little harder to swallow. I can't believe the queen would run off leaving her husband and child instead of just getting rid of the prime minister. I can't believe the populace would forget all about the princess. I can't believe the cruelty of Mrs. Odair and the strange twist her story took at the end. Charlie's friend Toby's story line isn't much better. He is pretty interesting up until the mystery of who is father is is revealed and then you are just shaking your head. I can't believe how this one ended. Too perfect to be believable. There are much better young princess stories out there. Tuesdays at the Castle by Jessica George is a wonderful read and much better than this mess.
This book had a lot of promise and it really isn't that bad, but there are plot holes galore and some very convoluted story lines. Charlie is an interesting character and pretty believable. It is those around her that are a little harder to swallow. I can't believe the queen would run off leaving her husband and child instead of just getting rid of the prime minister. I can't believe the populace would forget all about the princess. I can't believe the cruelty of Mrs. Odair and the strange twist her story took at the end. Charlie's friend Toby's story line isn't much better. He is pretty interesting up until the mystery of who is father is is revealed and then you are just shaking your head. I can't believe how this one ended. Too perfect to be believable. There are much better young princess stories out there. Tuesdays at the Castle by Jessica George is a wonderful read and much better than this mess.
March 21, 2012
I really wanted to like this book, but I can't say better than that it's okay. The faux-mid-nineteenth century England is nice, and the little steampunk touches (the "atmospheric railroad") are cute. Early on, before the characters sort into simple goodies and baddies, there are moments when the political point of views seems sophisticated and sort of Burkean. I enjoyed some of the characters, including the main character, Princess Charlotte (Charlie).
I can also more or less get past the relentlessly short sentences, though I feel like I'm being condescended to as a reader. But the thing that really doesn't work is the plot. Way too many things happen by coincidence in this book -- I stopped caring about the outcome the third time young Charlie happened to overhear someone sharing important information by chance, because it was clear that the author was just going to make the outcome what she wanted, regardless of the demands of logic or storytelling craft. Sure enough, she does. Other forces -- Tobias, the revolutionaries -- drag Charlie from mark to mark so she can say her lines. Watch is about to shoot helpless Tobias in the back during a rooftop chase? No problem, the wind throws Watch off the roof. Even worse, after an entire book of Charlie looking for her mother and failing, her mother just randomly shows up on the book's last page.
There's just much better stuff out there. Go read that.
I can also more or less get past the relentlessly short sentences, though I feel like I'm being condescended to as a reader. But the thing that really doesn't work is the plot. Way too many things happen by coincidence in this book -- I stopped caring about the outcome the third time young Charlie happened to overhear someone sharing important information by chance, because it was clear that the author was just going to make the outcome what she wanted, regardless of the demands of logic or storytelling craft. Sure enough, she does. Other forces -- Tobias, the revolutionaries -- drag Charlie from mark to mark so she can say her lines. Watch is about to shoot helpless Tobias in the back during a rooftop chase? No problem, the wind throws Watch off the roof. Even worse, after an entire book of Charlie looking for her mother and failing, her mother just randomly shows up on the book's last page.
There's just much better stuff out there. Go read that.
Read
October 31, 2012it was very good as Her mother disappeared five years ago, and her loony father consumes his days with building playing-card towers. As a consequence, 11-year-old Princess Charlotte Augusta Joanna Hortense—aka Charlie—of Quale, an imaginary country in a Victorian-like time, has not been treated as royalty. She has endured near starvation and strict discipline at the hands of the castle caretaker. When she overhears whispers of revolution and finds a lost letter written by her mother, plucky Charlie begins to question her surroundings and dares to hope for her mother’s return. This well-crafted tale focuses on storytelling over a formulaic plot as Charlie wonders whom to trust with her mother’s letter: Mr. Moleglass, the basement-dwelling butler; Alistair Windlass, the young, charismatic prime minister; Tobias, the 12-year-old gardener’s boy with a skill for picking locks; or the revolutionaries she’s joined forces with. Possible double agents and nonstop twists and turns keep readers guessing as Charlie seems to raise more questions than answers concerning her mother’s disappearance and also her likely ties to a secret weapon against a warring, neighboring nation. Atmospheric trains, pneumatic tubes and other burgeoning technology of the time add a fantastical element to the old-fashioned setting.
October 18, 2012
Castle of Shadows by Ellen Renner follows Princess Charlotte, aka, Charlie, as she does whatever she can to track down her missing mother. A letter recently found is her only solid clue.
That missing letter is the crux of the book. Things do really take off when Charlie finds it but it doesn't come until about a third of the way through the book! The first third is wasted on Charlie's neglect: being poorly feed and poorly dressed. The reasons behind her treatment, though, is never adequately explained except to show that the bad guys are bad!
So while the book does eventually pick up speed, by the time it does, I was already bored with Charlie and her world. While her kingdom is clearly inspired by Victorian England, it has it's own history and customs that are for the most part ignored in lieu of highlighting Charlie's own humdrum life as a semi-prisoner within the castle.
There's a sequel, City of Thieves.
That missing letter is the crux of the book. Things do really take off when Charlie finds it but it doesn't come until about a third of the way through the book! The first third is wasted on Charlie's neglect: being poorly feed and poorly dressed. The reasons behind her treatment, though, is never adequately explained except to show that the bad guys are bad!
So while the book does eventually pick up speed, by the time it does, I was already bored with Charlie and her world. While her kingdom is clearly inspired by Victorian England, it has it's own history and customs that are for the most part ignored in lieu of highlighting Charlie's own humdrum life as a semi-prisoner within the castle.
There's a sequel, City of Thieves.
September 1, 2012
Charlie is a princess, but she has dirt under her nails and torn clothing; she is a virtual prisoner in her own castle. Her father the King is mad, spending his days building a house of cards; her mother has disappeared and is commonly thought to have been murdered by her husband. Charlie lives in fear of the O'Dair and Watch, who control her life. But when Charlie finds a letter from her mother to a mysterious Bettina, never sent and detailing her mother's fears for her scientific work and for her life, Charlie knows she must get to the bottom of the crazy mystery around which her life revolves. Charlie is an obnoxious heroine who never really improves even towards the end of the story; it makes it hard to care what happens to her. This book did not live up to the starred reviews it received, but it wasn't a terrible read. For kids who enjoy action, it will be entertaining. 4th to 6th grade.
August 31, 2013
Princess Charlie has lived without her mother since she disappeared several years ago. Now, neglected and mistreated by the housekeeper, Charlie befriends the gardner’s assistant and takes matters into her own hands. Finding clues and following her instincts, can Charlie solve the mystery and stop the revolution? This first book in the Castle of Shadows series is a bit long for the 5th-6th grade reader. Many of the situations in the story are improbable, like friends in the castle who have been hiding all these years, but fail to protect her. However, it’s full of good adventure and excitement. I liked that magic wasn’t involved in solving the problems. The time period seem abiguous there are references to scientific discoveries and other modern things yet the setting seems almost fairy tale. This is an OK first novel. I hope she picks up some speed with the next one.
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