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Count Karlstein
No one in the village of Karlstein dares to leave their homes on All Souls' Eve - the night Zamiel the Demon Huntsman comes to claim his prey.
But the evil Count Karlstein has struck a terrible bargain with Zamiel, and so the lives of his two young nieces, Lucy and Charlotte, are in danger. Their only hope lies with Hildi, a castle maidservant, and her fearless brother Peter. Can they save the girls from their dreadful fate? Only one thing is certain - the Demon Huntsman will not return to his dark wood unsatisfied!
A deliciously terrifying and wickedly funny Gothic tale, Count Karlstein is the first-ever children's book by Philip Pullman, winner of the Whitbread Award, the Carnegie Medal, the Guardian Fiction Award and two Smarties Awards. Originally published in 1982, this new edition of Count Karlstein is a treat no Pullman fan should miss.
But the evil Count Karlstein has struck a terrible bargain with Zamiel, and so the lives of his two young nieces, Lucy and Charlotte, are in danger. Their only hope lies with Hildi, a castle maidservant, and her fearless brother Peter. Can they save the girls from their dreadful fate? Only one thing is certain - the Demon Huntsman will not return to his dark wood unsatisfied!
A deliciously terrifying and wickedly funny Gothic tale, Count Karlstein is the first-ever children's book by Philip Pullman, winner of the Whitbread Award, the Carnegie Medal, the Guardian Fiction Award and two Smarties Awards. Originally published in 1982, this new edition of Count Karlstein is a treat no Pullman fan should miss.
244 pages, Paperback
First published March 29, 1982
45 people are currently reading
1519 people want to read
About the author
Philip Pullman
259 books25.9k followersSir Philip Nicholas Outram Pullman is an English writer. His books include the fantasy trilogy His Dark Materials and The Good Man Jesus and the Scoundrel Christ, a fictionalised biography of Jesus. In 2008, The Times named Pullman one of the "50 greatest British writers since 1945". In a 2004 BBC poll, he was named the eleventh most influential person in British culture. He was knighted in the 2019 New Year Honours for services to literature.
Northern Lights, the first volume in His Dark Materials, won the 1995 Carnegie Medal of the Library Association as the year's outstanding English-language children's book. For the Carnegie's 70th anniversary, it was named in the top ten by a panel tasked with compiling a shortlist for a public vote for an all-time favourite. It won that public vote and was named all-time "Carnegie of Carnegies" in June 2007. It was filmed under the book's US title, The Golden Compass. In 2003, His Dark Materials trilogy ranked third in the BBC's The Big Read, a poll of 200 top novels voted by the British public.
Northern Lights, the first volume in His Dark Materials, won the 1995 Carnegie Medal of the Library Association as the year's outstanding English-language children's book. For the Carnegie's 70th anniversary, it was named in the top ten by a panel tasked with compiling a shortlist for a public vote for an all-time favourite. It won that public vote and was named all-time "Carnegie of Carnegies" in June 2007. It was filmed under the book's US title, The Golden Compass. In 2003, His Dark Materials trilogy ranked third in the BBC's The Big Read, a poll of 200 top novels voted by the British public.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 231 reviews
October 22, 2017
This is a spooky-fun romp; Young Frankenstein for tweens!!!! It is a perfect mixture of gothic horror and slapstick comedy. Involves deals with the Devil, lost heirs, reunited lovers, and jailbreaks.
June 13, 2018
به نظر من کل داستان میتونست توی بیست صفحه به جای دویست و بیست صفحه خلاصه بشه! حدود دو سوم کتاب رو خوندم و از اینکه شخصیتها دور خودشون میچرخیدن و هیچ اتفاقی نمیافتاد سرگیجه گرفتم وکتاب رو بستم! حتی برام مهم نبود پایانش چی میشه!
March 2, 2023
فانتزی خوب و جذابی بود. فضاسازیها عالی بود. روند اتفاقات هم جالب بود.
دلیل و لزومی برای داشتن چند تا راوی در میانهی کار ندیدم. خصوصاً اینکه در پایان هیلدی بهعنوان راوی معرفی شد که خب در بسیاری از مواقع منطق روایت رو زیرسوال میبرد.
نکتهی عجیب یکسان بودن لحن راویهای کار بود. البته بهنظرم مشکل از ترجمه بود، چون بعضاً کلماتی در ترجمه دیدهمیشد که با شخصیت و سن راوی تناقض داشت و میشد مطمئن شد که اشتباه از مترجمه. بهنظرم برخورد مترجم با متن بسیار سرسری بود و مترجم تنها میخواست متن رو از سر خودش بازکنه. در عین حال که مشکلات فارسی زیادی هم توی متن دیده میشد که بهنظر میرسه باید بهعنوان بخش ثابتی از ترجمههای آقای فربد و انتشارات پریان بپذیریم. اما در نهایت خود کتاب اونقدر قوی بود که اشتباهات بسیار ترجمه هم نمیتونست جلوی لذتبردن از متن رو بگیره.
نکتهی آخر این که پایان خوش، در این حد و اندازه بهنظرم بیشتر مناسب یک کتاب طنز بود تا چنین کتابی. پایان میتونست انقدر خوش و گل و بلبل نباشه و نویسنده بصورت خیلی فرمایشی و غیرعادی سرنوشت خوبی رو برای تمام شخصیتها رقم نزنه
دلیل و لزومی برای داشتن چند تا راوی در میانهی کار ندیدم. خصوصاً اینکه در پایان هیلدی بهعنوان راوی معرفی شد که خب در بسیاری از مواقع منطق روایت رو زیرسوال میبرد.
نکتهی عجیب یکسان بودن لحن راویهای کار بود. البته بهنظرم مشکل از ترجمه بود، چون بعضاً کلماتی در ترجمه دیدهمیشد که با شخصیت و سن راوی تناقض داشت و میشد مطمئن شد که اشتباه از مترجمه. بهنظرم برخورد مترجم با متن بسیار سرسری بود و مترجم تنها میخواست متن رو از سر خودش بازکنه. در عین حال که مشکلات فارسی زیادی هم توی متن دیده میشد که بهنظر میرسه باید بهعنوان بخش ثابتی از ترجمههای آقای فربد و انتشارات پریان بپذیریم. اما در نهایت خود کتاب اونقدر قوی بود که اشتباهات بسیار ترجمه هم نمیتونست جلوی لذتبردن از متن رو بگیره.
نکتهی آخر این که پایان خوش، در این حد و اندازه بهنظرم بیشتر مناسب یک کتاب طنز بود تا چنین کتابی. پایان میتونست انقدر خوش و گل و بلبل نباشه و نویسنده بصورت خیلی فرمایشی و غیرعادی سرنوشت خوبی رو برای تمام شخصیتها رقم نزنه
March 18, 2017
This supernatural thriller is a bit scary, but it's also very funny. It's based on the legend of the Wild Hunt and the Demon Huntsman. The story involves plenty of outlandish characters and hilarious incidents. The high point is the shooting match near the end where one very improbable coincidence after another is revealed. Grownups, don't miss out on this one. It's not just for children.
November 6, 2024
Another spooky season read! This time I went back to the basics and read something by an author that I've been desperately trying to read from again (I swear my reread of
His Dark Materials
will happen one day).
In the first children's book ever published by Pullman, with elements inspired by Weber's opera Der Freischütz , an evil count intends to sacrifice his two nieces to the Demon Huntsman on the night of All Soul's Eve. In a series of tales recounted by different narrators, we discover how one of the castle's servants, Hildi, helps the two girls escape, but that is only the beginning of their incredible adventures.
The cast of characters is picturesque and improbable, and the language used lends itself perfectly to the cartoonish events. Even the style of the different point of view reflects the personalities of the current speakers: the two girls, lovers of Gothic fiction, write as if just escaped from a Radcliffe novel, with affected tones and exaggerated emotions, the assistant of a fraudulent magician gets distracted on every sentence he speaks, while Hildi, who ends up being the main narrator, is more matter of fact.
Despite lacking the depth of the books that brought the author to international fame, Count Karlstein was a fun and quick read, perfect for young children but also okay for adults that like to relieve their childhood as well.
I do have to say that the names of some of the characters and sometimes even their descriptions hold antisemitic values - first and foremost the count himself, with his Jewish sounding surname and his desire to kill his precious English nieces for the sake of wealth; the fact that this is a children's book doesn't excuse the continued portrayal of a racist stereotype that is so common it's become almost invisible to our eyes, so much so that I'm willing to believe Pullman didn't even notice doing it - maybe in the eighties when the novel was first published it wasn't discussed as much, but as modern readers we have to force ourselves to notice and denounce this kind of thing when it happens.
In the first children's book ever published by Pullman, with elements inspired by Weber's opera Der Freischütz , an evil count intends to sacrifice his two nieces to the Demon Huntsman on the night of All Soul's Eve. In a series of tales recounted by different narrators, we discover how one of the castle's servants, Hildi, helps the two girls escape, but that is only the beginning of their incredible adventures.
The cast of characters is picturesque and improbable, and the language used lends itself perfectly to the cartoonish events. Even the style of the different point of view reflects the personalities of the current speakers: the two girls, lovers of Gothic fiction, write as if just escaped from a Radcliffe novel, with affected tones and exaggerated emotions, the assistant of a fraudulent magician gets distracted on every sentence he speaks, while Hildi, who ends up being the main narrator, is more matter of fact.
Despite lacking the depth of the books that brought the author to international fame, Count Karlstein was a fun and quick read, perfect for young children but also okay for adults that like to relieve their childhood as well.
I do have to say that the names of some of the characters and sometimes even their descriptions hold antisemitic values - first and foremost the count himself, with his Jewish sounding surname and his desire to kill his precious English nieces for the sake of wealth; the fact that this is a children's book doesn't excuse the continued portrayal of a racist stereotype that is so common it's become almost invisible to our eyes, so much so that I'm willing to believe Pullman didn't even notice doing it - maybe in the eighties when the novel was first published it wasn't discussed as much, but as modern readers we have to force ourselves to notice and denounce this kind of thing when it happens.
July 31, 2012
This story is both scary and hilarious at the same time. It reminded me of Dracula or Frankentein for the younger reader, as it had the same gothic aspects and style of writing.
Set in the fictional swiss village of Karlstein, it tells the story of the evil Count Karlstein; who makes a terrible deal with the Demon Huntsman, Zamiel. The Count's two young neice's Lucy and Charlotte are in danger as a result of their Uncle's bargain and it is up to Hildi, the castle's maidservant to help them. With the aid of a few funny characters along the way, including the marvellous Cadaverezzi and his assistant Max, Hildi sets out to save her friends.
This book could be read independantly by strong readers in Y5 or Y6 but some aspects may need explaining if it was read to younger children. What I found most enjoyable about this book was the different narratives and how Pullman has managed to make each character have their own voice. This is something which could be explored in class, encouraging the children to imagine they are writing their own account of the story and then they could compare with each other to see how they have understood or interpretted different parts of the story differently.
Set in the fictional swiss village of Karlstein, it tells the story of the evil Count Karlstein; who makes a terrible deal with the Demon Huntsman, Zamiel. The Count's two young neice's Lucy and Charlotte are in danger as a result of their Uncle's bargain and it is up to Hildi, the castle's maidservant to help them. With the aid of a few funny characters along the way, including the marvellous Cadaverezzi and his assistant Max, Hildi sets out to save her friends.
This book could be read independantly by strong readers in Y5 or Y6 but some aspects may need explaining if it was read to younger children. What I found most enjoyable about this book was the different narratives and how Pullman has managed to make each character have their own voice. This is something which could be explored in class, encouraging the children to imagine they are writing their own account of the story and then they could compare with each other to see how they have understood or interpretted different parts of the story differently.
May 29, 2010
I do not profess to be an expert on the works of Philip Pullman, but I have read a few, and I have to admit this book, of which I never knew of its existence until I saw it on the shelf at the library, is one of his finest. In a writing style and narrative I feel to be completely different from his other works, Pullman puts together a first person account of an extraordinary adventure full of danger, confusion, several mishaps, and everything finally set to rights, told by several of the main characters of the novel. The book is divided into three parts, the first and last told by Hildi, and the middle a collection of accounts by different participants. I wasn't sure if I liked it this way--I thought it should either all be told by Hildi, or the switching narratives be more evenly distributed, but in the end it comes together perfectly, and leaves you in far more suspense if it had been done any other way. I was able to figure out what was going to happen long before it did in some instances, but that did little to diminish my enjoyment or satisfaction of the book.
October 24, 2017
When maidservent Hildi overhears her employer Count Karlstein discussing his nefarious plans for his two nieces, she knows she must do something to stop him. But, she's only a young girl herself. What can she do?
And so the fun begins . . .
I took away one star because Hildi, so instrumental to the whole story, isn't there at the rescue.
That aside, there's a huge cast of colorful characters, with plenty of hijinks, and mistaken identity. It reminded me of grand opera, and would in fact make a fantastic musical, or even a Tim Burton movie.
And so the fun begins . . .
I took away one star because Hildi, so instrumental to the whole story, isn't there at the rescue.
That aside, there's a huge cast of colorful characters, with plenty of hijinks, and mistaken identity. It reminded me of grand opera, and would in fact make a fantastic musical, or even a Tim Burton movie.
August 10, 2011
Count Karlstein isn't as good as Clockwork -- maybe that's the fact that I didn't read it as a child and I don't have associated nostalgia, though. Anyway, it's in a similar vein, a little bit of a Gothic story with suspense and an improbably wonderful conclusion. Fun, easy to read, but not ground-breaking, and predictable.
Definitely something I imagine children would get more out of than an adult. One thing I did find quite fun was Lucy and Charlotte's narratives -- their overwrought style of narration was perfect.
Definitely something I imagine children would get more out of than an adult. One thing I did find quite fun was Lucy and Charlotte's narratives -- their overwrought style of narration was perfect.
January 30, 2021
Ein ehemaliges Theaterstück aus Philip Pullmans Tagen als Lehrer aufgearbeitet als kindgerechter Schauerroman.
Und kindgerecht war es leider - aber auch putzig. Und witzig! Glatt wünscht man sich einen Lehrer wie Philip Pullman, der in der eigenen Schule - oder der Schule der eigenen Kinder - solch ein Stück auf die Beine stellt!
Wahrscheinlich bin ich persönlich ein bisschen zu alt für dieses Buch.
Ist also mehr eine Leseempfehlung für Kinder im Grundschulalter. Mit 230 Seiten auch kurz und leicht verdaulich.
Und kindgerecht war es leider - aber auch putzig. Und witzig! Glatt wünscht man sich einen Lehrer wie Philip Pullman, der in der eigenen Schule - oder der Schule der eigenen Kinder - solch ein Stück auf die Beine stellt!
Wahrscheinlich bin ich persönlich ein bisschen zu alt für dieses Buch.
Ist also mehr eine Leseempfehlung für Kinder im Grundschulalter. Mit 230 Seiten auch kurz und leicht verdaulich.
May 25, 2019
کتاب خوبی نبود. بعد از کوکی انتظار داشتم یه چیز فوقالعاده از فلیپ پولمن بخونم. اما این راضیم نکرد.
یه چیزی که من توی اغلب نوشتهها دوست دارم تغییر راوییه. باعث گسترش داستان به صورت شاخهای میشه. به نظرم حتی یکم روی ریتم داستان اثر داره. و همینطور یه هنرنماییه از طرف نویسنده. اما توی این داستان اصلا خوب در نیومده بود. برعکس ریتمو کند کرده بود. بیش از حد داستان پهنا پیدا کرده بود و حوصله سر بر شده بود. یه بار یکی بهم گفت خیلی مهمه توی داستان خواننده همش بپرسه خب بعدش چی میشه؟
میتونم بگم من واقعا اهمیت نمیدادم بعدش چی میشه. تنها دلیلی که خوندمش این بود که نمیخواستم یه کار نصفهکارهی دیگه تو زندگیم باقی بمونه. وگرنه دهها بار وسطش ولش میکردم.
میتونم بگم حتی خیلی جاها به نظرم توی القای احساسات مشکل داشت. با این که حجم داستان نسبت به پیرنگ زیاد بود و کش دار٬ شخصیتا اکثر بد پرداخت شده بودن. از شخصیت منفی بدم نمیاومد. با شخصیتای مثبت حال نمیکردم. درکشون نمیکردم. برام عمیق نبودن! البته شخصیت دکتر کاداورتسی رو که یه شعبده باز بود خوب پرداخته بود و دوستش داشتم. اما نکته این بود که این شخصیت کاملا فرعی بود! عملا کار خاصی نمیکرد!
خلاصهی ماجرا این که خیلی ناامید شدم.
یه چیزی که من توی اغلب نوشتهها دوست دارم تغییر راوییه. باعث گسترش داستان به صورت شاخهای میشه. به نظرم حتی یکم روی ریتم داستان اثر داره. و همینطور یه هنرنماییه از طرف نویسنده. اما توی این داستان اصلا خوب در نیومده بود. برعکس ریتمو کند کرده بود. بیش از حد داستان پهنا پیدا کرده بود و حوصله سر بر شده بود. یه بار یکی بهم گفت خیلی مهمه توی داستان خواننده همش بپرسه خب بعدش چی میشه؟
میتونم بگم من واقعا اهمیت نمیدادم بعدش چی میشه. تنها دلیلی که خوندمش این بود که نمیخواستم یه کار نصفهکارهی دیگه تو زندگیم باقی بمونه. وگرنه دهها بار وسطش ولش میکردم.
میتونم بگم حتی خیلی جاها به نظرم توی القای احساسات مشکل داشت. با این که حجم داستان نسبت به پیرنگ زیاد بود و کش دار٬ شخصیتا اکثر بد پرداخت شده بودن. از شخصیت منفی بدم نمیاومد. با شخصیتای مثبت حال نمیکردم. درکشون نمیکردم. برام عمیق نبودن! البته شخصیت دکتر کاداورتسی رو که یه شعبده باز بود خوب پرداخته بود و دوستش داشتم. اما نکته این بود که این شخصیت کاملا فرعی بود! عملا کار خاصی نمیکرد!
خلاصهی ماجرا این که خیلی ناامید شدم.
September 30, 2012
This full cast recording was awesome. It was a little distracting have the music start up in the middle of the story for no apparent reason (other than to manipulate our mood) but overall I loved the actors and sound effects.
Pullman is a great writer, and knows how to make memorable characters. His problem is plot. He goes off on tangents (that are often fun, but serve to weaken the reader's involvement). I found myself liking this book, but not feeling particularly interested in what might happen next.
I imagined myself finishing and being dissatisfied. So I quit to save time.
Pullman is a great writer, and knows how to make memorable characters. His problem is plot. He goes off on tangents (that are often fun, but serve to weaken the reader's involvement). I found myself liking this book, but not feeling particularly interested in what might happen next.
I imagined myself finishing and being dissatisfied. So I quit to save time.
June 26, 2012
10 years ago Count Karlstein made a deal with Zamiel, the demon huntsman. That deal is soon coming to an end and Zamiel will be coming to collect his part of the deal. The deal was Count Karlstein is to give Zamiel prey, two humans and Count Karlstein has decided to sacrifice his two nieces.
Hildi, the maidservant, overhears his evil plan and knows she has to do something. She can't let anything happen to Lucy and Charlotte. So, Hildi comes up with a plan of her own.
Philip Pullman is a favorite author of mine, but it has been awhile since I've read one of his books. I choose this one as it is one I hadn't read yet. And this book reminded me just exactly why Pullman is one of my favorite authors. He puts together a story filled with action, mystery and a bit of the supernatural.
The book is split into three parts, first part is narrated by Hildi. Part two is narrated by various characters and it actually works out rather well. It was neat to get inside the head of other characters from the book besides Hildi. The third part is again narrated by Hildi.
I quite liked the characters. Hildi was very nice and caring. She didn't want anything to happen to Lucy or Charlotte. And of course, there is Lucy and Charlotte. You really have to feel for them, their uncle wants to give them to the demon huntsman to save his own life. Plus, there are other wonderful characters that do their part for the story.
I really thought this was a great book. I love it. It just has all the right things to keep a story interesting and make you want to keep reading.
Hildi, the maidservant, overhears his evil plan and knows she has to do something. She can't let anything happen to Lucy and Charlotte. So, Hildi comes up with a plan of her own.
Philip Pullman is a favorite author of mine, but it has been awhile since I've read one of his books. I choose this one as it is one I hadn't read yet. And this book reminded me just exactly why Pullman is one of my favorite authors. He puts together a story filled with action, mystery and a bit of the supernatural.
The book is split into three parts, first part is narrated by Hildi. Part two is narrated by various characters and it actually works out rather well. It was neat to get inside the head of other characters from the book besides Hildi. The third part is again narrated by Hildi.
I quite liked the characters. Hildi was very nice and caring. She didn't want anything to happen to Lucy or Charlotte. And of course, there is Lucy and Charlotte. You really have to feel for them, their uncle wants to give them to the demon huntsman to save his own life. Plus, there are other wonderful characters that do their part for the story.
I really thought this was a great book. I love it. It just has all the right things to keep a story interesting and make you want to keep reading.
January 7, 2009
You may be familiar with The Golden Compass and the Sally Lockhart Mystery Series, but the best Pullman I've listened to is Count Karlstein. Like the others, it is a full-cast production. It's gothic darkness is offset by it's surprising good humor. I enjoyed the adventure of the 14 years Hildi Kelmar, as she encounters a broad array of well-drawn gothic characters. Her practical problem solving, determination and good humor held the story together for me. It's a delightful one-off of Pullmans. Perfect road trip listen!
March 20, 2025
کتاب زیبایی بود حال و هوایی که داشت مناسب رنج سنی نوجوان هستش ولی به خاطر قلم شیرین پولمن بزرگسال هم لذت میبره
در کل خیلی نقلی جمع و جور و فانتزی قشنگی داشت
ولی حیف که هر چیزی که از پولمن میخونم ذهنم ناخودآگاه با نیروی اهریمنی اش مقایسه میکنه و امتیاز کم میکنه از کتابهاش
حق این کنت کارلشتاین چهار ستاره است حداقل اما چه کنیم که بهترین هارو همیشه میخوایم
در کل خیلی نقلی جمع و جور و فانتزی قشنگی داشت
ولی حیف که هر چیزی که از پولمن میخونم ذهنم ناخودآگاه با نیروی اهریمنی اش مقایسه میکنه و امتیاز کم میکنه از کتابهاش
حق این کنت کارلشتاین چهار ستاره است حداقل اما چه کنیم که بهترین هارو همیشه میخوایم
June 30, 2011
This book is very entertaining but keep in mind it's directed to a younger audience (if that really matter to you and if you are looking for a more adult read). I read this book when I was 16 and enjoyed it a lot even though I was a bit too old for it. Philip Pullman is a great story teller and every time I read one of his books I feel like it has entertaining secrets for his older and more philosophical audience..... this book is no exception so I recommend this for the young at heart.
October 17, 2022
داستان جالبی داشت این کتاب ولی به نظرم تهش خیلی زیاد زود بسته شد. البته فکر میکنم این خاصیت کتابهای کلاسیکی مثل این داستان باشه.
خیلی زیاد من رو یاد شبح اپرا انداخت با اینکه هیچ تشابهی توش نبود.
در کل داستان خیلی جالبی داشت.
خیلی زیاد من رو یاد شبح اپرا انداخت با اینکه هیچ تشابهی توش نبود.
در کل داستان خیلی جالبی داشت.
April 30, 2017
Loved the gothic atmosphere--reminded me of a cross between Ottfried Preussler's The Satanic Mill and Lemony Snickett (without the humor).
March 11, 2025
In the beginning I felt lost between the characters and the plot as well, but in the second act I was able to connect the characters and events, and the experience was good.
The story involves silly and hilarious moments with fun spooky adventure too, I liked the story's illustrations, despite it distracted me a bit at first.
There was a lacking depth in the story but overall the book was fun and quick read with a good ending too.
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#VERDICT
(6.8/10)
The story involves silly and hilarious moments with fun spooky adventure too, I liked the story's illustrations, despite it distracted me a bit at first.
There was a lacking depth in the story but overall the book was fun and quick read with a good ending too.
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#VERDICT
(6.8/10)
December 24, 2021
کنت کارلشتاین. خب بعد از مدتها یه کتاب نوجوان هم معرفی کنم. این کتاب داستانی شاد و مفرح داره. داستان در اصل گزارشی از یه کنت دروغی و بدجنسی هایی هست که سر برادرزاده هاش درمیاره. هیلدی دخترک خدمتکار قصر، با زرنگی و جسارت، کلک های کنت دروغی رو رو میکنه و ماجرای داستان رو روایت میکنه. البته بخش هایی از داستان هم از زبان باقی شخصیت ها تعریف میشه. داستان برای مخاطب بزرگسال ممکنه کمی طولانی و کسل کننده باشه اما فکر میکنم برای مخاطب نوجوون انتخاب خوبیه.
December 23, 2024
When I was in the primary school, I read this book and I was literally OBSESSED! I think this book is pleasurable for young girls, cause two main characters who defeat the villain(their uncle) are teenage girls while being in a miserable state.
And this is why I really love this book since childhood. 😅
And this is why I really love this book since childhood. 😅
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 28, 2023
This was a delightful offering from the author of the “His Dark Materials” series. Set in a fictional Swiss village in the early 19th century, this tale combines a cast of interesting characters, a wild and scary plot, and lots of humor. I particularly enjoyed the middle part which relayed the story first hand from a variety of players. The “police report” from Sergeant Snitch was like a Monty Python routine. Good fun and skillfully narrated by BBC actor, Mark Gatiss of “Sherlock” fame.
May 16, 2018
A fun read with my ten year old. She gives it 4 stars (I give 3) The right mix of humour and mild horror.
December 27, 2024
The storyline was a bit chopped up sometimes because of the comics, but i loved it nonetheless!
December 31, 2025
A Tim Burton - like quick paced high stakes read with a fairy tale like happy ending. What's not to love?
May 29, 2019
Count Karlstein - a nasty, miserly, evil character for sure! Cheering the good guys, booing the bad guys, sympathizing with the wee ones - a terrific gothic tale! Delightful from start to end!
April 22, 2023
Great folk tale filled with thrills and suspense with two young damsels in distress, an evil uncle and his oily henchman, and assorted other characters both good/brave and some stupid/wicked.
Very good ending . . . Good triumphs over evil! Hooray!
Very good ending . . . Good triumphs over evil! Hooray!
July 23, 2025
The book centres on a lonely man standing on a cliff during All Souls’ Eve (which feels like a creative take on All Hallows’ Eve), ready to summon the Demon Huntsman and his bloodthirsty hounds. In return for granting the man’s deepest desires, the Demon Huntsman demands a terrible price: a life in exchange. That man becomes Count Karlstein—now powerful, yet trapped in a dark bargain. The story follows the twists and turns that stem from this pact, involving danger, deception, and ultimately, the question of who must pay the price.
Initial Thoughts:
From the very beginning, Count Karlstein grips the reader with its eerie atmosphere, rooted in folklore and mystery. The story’s setting, high on a cliff on All Souls’ Eve, immediately conjures up classic Halloween imagery, and the blend of spooky legends, comic illustrations, and traditional narrative makes this a particularly engaging read for those who enjoy a darker, atmospheric tale. I was intrigued by the format of the book before I even opened it, half comic, half storybook, and found it refreshingly different from the usual children’s fiction.
Enjoyment:
One of the book’s most unique features is its storytelling format: a blend of traditional prose and comic strip panels. This combination works surprisingly well. Not only does it offer variety and break up the text for visual learners, but it also supports children who may find longer pieces of writing challenging.
Each chapter is titled unusually and engagingly, such as “The Great Escape” or “The Great Loss.” This dual-naming idea gives the reader some agency, almost like they’re choosing their interpretation of the chapter’s events. It’s a clever stylistic touch I have not seen used in many children’s books.
The detailed illustrations, with labels for characters and objects, help paint a vivid picture in the reader’s imagination, making the world feel accessible and rich without being overwhelming.
Objections:
While the comic format adds visual excitement, there is a risk that some readers, especially those who are less confident, might rely too heavily on the pictures and skip over the written narrative. This could result in a missed opportunity for developing reading fluency and comprehension. Teachers or parents may want to guide readers to engage with both parts equally.
Another minor point is that the story’s eerie atmosphere and demonic themes may not suit all readers, particularly younger or more sensitive children. The idea of sacrificing a life in exchange for power introduces quite mature themes, so guidance and discussion are recommended when sharing this in a classroom or home setting.
Final Thought:
Count Karlstein is a richly imaginative and atmospheric story that blends traditional Gothic themes with inventive storytelling techniques. While the spooky elements may not be for everyone, the book’s unique format, engaging plot, and layered characters make it a fantastic addition to any upper KS2 classroom or school library.
Age Range:
This book is best suited to Upper Key Stage 2 pupils (ages 10+), especially those who are confident readers or have a strong interest in gothic or fantasy stories.
Use in the Classroom:
Count Karlstein would make an excellent paired reading text, especially for reluctant readers who may be encouraged by the visual elements. The story could also inspire cross-curricular work between English and Art—students could create their own illustrated comic strips or alternative chapter titles, just like in the book. It also offers a strong springboard for discussions around morality, consequences, and character motivation.
Initial Thoughts:
From the very beginning, Count Karlstein grips the reader with its eerie atmosphere, rooted in folklore and mystery. The story’s setting, high on a cliff on All Souls’ Eve, immediately conjures up classic Halloween imagery, and the blend of spooky legends, comic illustrations, and traditional narrative makes this a particularly engaging read for those who enjoy a darker, atmospheric tale. I was intrigued by the format of the book before I even opened it, half comic, half storybook, and found it refreshingly different from the usual children’s fiction.
Enjoyment:
One of the book’s most unique features is its storytelling format: a blend of traditional prose and comic strip panels. This combination works surprisingly well. Not only does it offer variety and break up the text for visual learners, but it also supports children who may find longer pieces of writing challenging.
Each chapter is titled unusually and engagingly, such as “The Great Escape” or “The Great Loss.” This dual-naming idea gives the reader some agency, almost like they’re choosing their interpretation of the chapter’s events. It’s a clever stylistic touch I have not seen used in many children’s books.
The detailed illustrations, with labels for characters and objects, help paint a vivid picture in the reader’s imagination, making the world feel accessible and rich without being overwhelming.
Objections:
While the comic format adds visual excitement, there is a risk that some readers, especially those who are less confident, might rely too heavily on the pictures and skip over the written narrative. This could result in a missed opportunity for developing reading fluency and comprehension. Teachers or parents may want to guide readers to engage with both parts equally.
Another minor point is that the story’s eerie atmosphere and demonic themes may not suit all readers, particularly younger or more sensitive children. The idea of sacrificing a life in exchange for power introduces quite mature themes, so guidance and discussion are recommended when sharing this in a classroom or home setting.
Final Thought:
Count Karlstein is a richly imaginative and atmospheric story that blends traditional Gothic themes with inventive storytelling techniques. While the spooky elements may not be for everyone, the book’s unique format, engaging plot, and layered characters make it a fantastic addition to any upper KS2 classroom or school library.
Age Range:
This book is best suited to Upper Key Stage 2 pupils (ages 10+), especially those who are confident readers or have a strong interest in gothic or fantasy stories.
Use in the Classroom:
Count Karlstein would make an excellent paired reading text, especially for reluctant readers who may be encouraged by the visual elements. The story could also inspire cross-curricular work between English and Art—students could create their own illustrated comic strips or alternative chapter titles, just like in the book. It also offers a strong springboard for discussions around morality, consequences, and character motivation.
May 11, 2020
https://thecaffeinatedreader.com/2020...
3.5/5
Usually, I adore anything Philip Pullman writes, I mean I may someday tattoo his name in a heart instead of the usually ‘Mom’ tattoo.
But, this wasn’t one I adored.
Wildly entertaining? Yes
A good read for Middle-Grade children? I want to say yes without hesitation but…but…I’m just not sure about the use of the word slut. Now, I’m not saying Middle-Grade children can’t handle it! Kids can always handle more than we think, YA, in general, is a good example of that, adults love YA books, but, they’re written for teens and despite what we may think of the content, there’s nothing wrong with it for YA aged audiences.
I just hate that the word Slut had to be used at all. And, that isn’t the only reason I gave it three stars lol, there’s not a lot of action for a book that should be packed with it. I think that my daughter would be a little bored in the lulls, but, the humour was on point and when there was action, it was delightful! So, I did enjoy this, I just didn’t love it. And I wanted to love it.
3.5/5
Usually, I adore anything Philip Pullman writes, I mean I may someday tattoo his name in a heart instead of the usually ‘Mom’ tattoo.
But, this wasn’t one I adored.
Wildly entertaining? Yes
A good read for Middle-Grade children? I want to say yes without hesitation but…but…I’m just not sure about the use of the word slut. Now, I’m not saying Middle-Grade children can’t handle it! Kids can always handle more than we think, YA, in general, is a good example of that, adults love YA books, but, they’re written for teens and despite what we may think of the content, there’s nothing wrong with it for YA aged audiences.
I just hate that the word Slut had to be used at all. And, that isn’t the only reason I gave it three stars lol, there’s not a lot of action for a book that should be packed with it. I think that my daughter would be a little bored in the lulls, but, the humour was on point and when there was action, it was delightful! So, I did enjoy this, I just didn’t love it. And I wanted to love it.
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