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Larklight #2
Starcross
Continuarea aventurilor lui Art si Myrtle Mumby. . . O poveste incitanta despre curaj si tarie de caracter in cele mai indepartate zone ale spatiului. „Cand a sosit invitatia, aproape ca nu mi-a venit sa-mi cred ochilor. O vacanta gratuita pe Centura de Asteroizi parea un lucru prea frumos sa fie adevarat. Si din pacate, asa a fost sa fie. Destinatia noastra era foarte luxoasa. Dar avea si ceva sinistru. Oamenii nu erau in realitate asa cum pareau sa fie, iar locurile aidoma, asa cum aveam sa aflu mult prea curand.“
Audio CD
First published October 16, 2007
44 people are currently reading
1510 people want to read
About the author
Philip Reeve
170 books2,712 followersPhilip Reeve was born and raised in Brighton, where he worked in a bookshop for a number of years while also co-writing, producing and directing a number of no-budget theatre projects.
Philip then began illustrating and has since provided cartoons for around forty children's books, including the best-selling Horrible Histories, Murderous Maths and Dead Famous series.
Railhead, published by Oxford University Press, will be published in the UK in October 2015
Pugs of the Frozen North, written with Sarah McIntyre, is out now.
Philip then began illustrating and has since provided cartoons for around forty children's books, including the best-selling Horrible Histories, Murderous Maths and Dead Famous series.
Railhead, published by Oxford University Press, will be published in the UK in October 2015
Pugs of the Frozen North, written with Sarah McIntyre, is out now.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 182 reviews
April 28, 2008
I so enjoy the world of the Mumbys! This is a wonderful sequel to Larklight!
It was so much fun visiting with returning characters, again! And we encounter both new and returning villains as well.
I thought the plot, characters, style of writing (which is excellent and delightful!) were all consistent with that of Larklight, and I didn’t feel that the author “cheated” with any of the characters to fill the second book with plot.
The plot was exciting and intriguing again. And while I didn’t feel it was *quite* as detailed and smooth as in Larklight, I still thought it was very well done.
My only other *complaint* (and it isn’t really even a complaint) is that I would have liked more with some of the characters from the first book. I think the first book had a little more endearing-ness because all the characters were being initially introduced, as was the world as a whole. But, that said, what we did have with the characters was delightful.
If you liked Larklight I really think it’s worth it to read Starcross!
4 stars compared to Larklight, but 5 stars compared to most other books as a whole.
***
Huzzah!! We've started reading the sequel!! So far, the story continues charming!;>
***
This arrived in the mail yesterday and it's SO tempting now that it's actually here!!!:>
***
I'm so looking forward to reading this!!!:D Huzzah!
It was so much fun visiting with returning characters, again! And we encounter both new and returning villains as well.
I thought the plot, characters, style of writing (which is excellent and delightful!) were all consistent with that of Larklight, and I didn’t feel that the author “cheated” with any of the characters to fill the second book with plot.
The plot was exciting and intriguing again. And while I didn’t feel it was *quite* as detailed and smooth as in Larklight, I still thought it was very well done.
My only other *complaint* (and it isn’t really even a complaint) is that I would have liked more with some of the characters from the first book. I think the first book had a little more endearing-ness because all the characters were being initially introduced, as was the world as a whole. But, that said, what we did have with the characters was delightful.
If you liked Larklight I really think it’s worth it to read Starcross!
4 stars compared to Larklight, but 5 stars compared to most other books as a whole.
***
Huzzah!! We've started reading the sequel!! So far, the story continues charming!;>
***
This arrived in the mail yesterday and it's SO tempting now that it's actually here!!!:>
***
I'm so looking forward to reading this!!!:D Huzzah!
April 28, 2008
A fitting, largely enjoyable sequel to the fantastic and fabulous "Larklight" though not quite its equal. Many favorite characters are back, though some have diminished roles and others have heightened ones--I rather missed those with the demotions--and the new nemesiss(es) proved quite interesting and imaginative. I'm not entirely sure why I didn't feel this one quite lived up to the first--the writing style (so delightful!) is the same, the flavor and tone still delicious. I think, however, that (along with missing a few key characters from the last novel) I just didn't feel the plot was quite as clever--a few aspects seemed a bit fantastical simply to make things "fit" rather than to really work out so logically and satisfactorily--and perhaps, too, now that so many aspects of the Victorian space-travel world were already explained in the first book, there weren't quite as many pleasant surprises in this one. None-the-less, this is still a charming, witty and creative novel and anyone who wishes to read more about the Mumbys and a world in which "God Save the Queen!" may be heard on a Martian asteroid, should continue the adventures with "Starcross."
~*~
Annie and I missed "Larklight" and kept saying we "couldn't wait" to read the sequel--so we decided "why put off until tomorrow..." and we're enjoying it today! So far, it seems to continue the same charming style as the first one and I'm loving it already.
~*~
Annie and I missed "Larklight" and kept saying we "couldn't wait" to read the sequel--so we decided "why put off until tomorrow..." and we're enjoying it today! So far, it seems to continue the same charming style as the first one and I'm loving it already.
September 30, 2020
I'm just insanely fond of these two books; can't wait for a third
***
2009 July 26
We've begun volume two, and are braced for a stirring adventure. I'm just loving the way mother tries to put things back in some semblance of order.
***
2009 July 26
We've begun volume two, and are braced for a stirring adventure. I'm just loving the way mother tries to put things back in some semblance of order.
September 17, 2008
Well, I got this sequel to Larklight expecting to like it slightly less than the first novel. Boy was I surprised! I liked it more - a rare thing in my opinion, for sequels! The character development continues to be delightfully lighthearted and some of the concepts are absolutely hysterical. I also like the occasional geeky in-joke reference to other geeky things. This book is sweet and funny and very fast-paced, without ever being "simple."
All our favorite characters from Larklight return for an encore, mixed up with a sea-bathing retreat asteroid, a race of creatures whose goal is to knit a "World Cosy," and some very curious hats indeed.
Huzzah!
All our favorite characters from Larklight return for an encore, mixed up with a sea-bathing retreat asteroid, a race of creatures whose goal is to knit a "World Cosy," and some very curious hats indeed.
Huzzah!
November 25, 2021
As another reviewer has said, I looked very much forward to this book after listening to "Larklight" and loving it and wanted this book to be just as awesome. But it wasn't quite as good, due mainly to the diminished parts of Art, Myrtle and Jack, although I did like hearing more from Mrs. Mumby. I thought the storyline wasn't as good and ended too suddenly. The premise was interesting though. Creatures from "futurity" as Mr. Reeve puts it, come into the present (1851) to feed on people's thoughts and dreams and take over the world. At the same time, a rogue French secret service agent is trying to take over the world also, but in order to crush the British empire. The Cockney nightingale character totally cracked me up, and as usual Jack and Myrtle's romance made the story more interesting as well as Myrtle's realization that she likes performing the alchemical wedding. Despite all of this, I do still want to read "Mothstorm", the final book in the series. Recommended for ages 9-12, 3-1/2 stars.
Re-listened to book with my son (Oct 27 - Nov 24, 2021): My son was very anxious to start this book after how much enjoyed the first one. We both thought it was funny, esp the part with the Moobs.
Re-listened to book with my son (Oct 27 - Nov 24, 2021): My son was very anxious to start this book after how much enjoyed the first one. We both thought it was funny, esp the part with the Moobs.
December 1, 2020
Myrtle and Arthur are having adventures again! This time they are visiting a seaside hotel called Starcross located in the asteroid belt. There are mysterious disappearances and strange beings lurking around the hotel, and it's up to Myrtle and Arthur and their friends to save the empire!
I loved everything about this book! The plot, the characters, the hilarious writing, the world-building, the mystery, the adventure, and every single dramatic chapter all kept me reading for hours on end. This is one of those books where there isn't a good place to stop reading. You just have to keep going through the next chapter and the next.
I am amazed at how imaginative this fantasy world is. The aliens and their strange cultures are all so intricate and well-formed, right down to the diseases, commerce, and vegetation of each planet. I love that it is set in a steam-punk 1850s British Empire full of space travel that has expanded to Venus, Mars, and Jupiter. It's such an interesting solar system, and each planet has it's own history and people who live there. This second book further expands on the world-building by including time travel!
The writing style is very humorous with that sort of dry humor that I love. I was delighted at how some of the characters are doing their best to have good manners and polite modesty in the middle of their outlandish adventures. We may be about to be blown to smithereens by space pirates, but let us not forget proper courtesy and decorum. The whole book is hilarious!
The characters are really varied and interesting. They come from all sorts of backgrounds, and I loved the character development for so many of them. They change and grow and learn from one another.
I can't wait to read more books in this series!
I loved everything about this book! The plot, the characters, the hilarious writing, the world-building, the mystery, the adventure, and every single dramatic chapter all kept me reading for hours on end. This is one of those books where there isn't a good place to stop reading. You just have to keep going through the next chapter and the next.
I am amazed at how imaginative this fantasy world is. The aliens and their strange cultures are all so intricate and well-formed, right down to the diseases, commerce, and vegetation of each planet. I love that it is set in a steam-punk 1850s British Empire full of space travel that has expanded to Venus, Mars, and Jupiter. It's such an interesting solar system, and each planet has it's own history and people who live there. This second book further expands on the world-building by including time travel!
The writing style is very humorous with that sort of dry humor that I love. I was delighted at how some of the characters are doing their best to have good manners and polite modesty in the middle of their outlandish adventures. We may be about to be blown to smithereens by space pirates, but let us not forget proper courtesy and decorum. The whole book is hilarious!
The characters are really varied and interesting. They come from all sorts of backgrounds, and I loved the character development for so many of them. They change and grow and learn from one another.
I can't wait to read more books in this series!
August 8, 2007
They say science fiction for kids doesn’t sell. They say a lot of things, but this particular belief is pretty widespread. Space may be the final frontier, but as far as kidlit publishers go, literary reaches for the outer limits aren’t worth the paper they’re printed on. Still, there is some sci-fi that simply must turn a profit. Take Philip Reeve, for example. This is the guy who conjured up the YA “Hungry City” chronicles. Who single-handedly found a way to combine gross colonization and space travel in the seemingly effortless children’s title, “Larklight”. You simply cannot look me in the eye and tell me that an author as talented as Mr. Reeve isn’t going to get at least a couple fans here and there. And if sci-fi doesn’t sell then why on earth are we lucky enough to see the sequel to “Larklight” on our bookstore shelves? Yes, “Starcross” is here and fans of the intergalactic adventures of Myrtle, Art, and Jack Havock are bound to be pleased as we see them tackle their toughest enemies yet: The Moob.
When last we saw our heroes, siblings Myrtle and Art were living peaceably once again in their house (which happens to be a bit of highly dangerous alien handiwork, though that’s neither here nor there), Larklight. Peaceably might be a bit of a stretch, actually. At the moment decorators have descended on the old home and no one is getting any rest. After a mysterious invitation comes inviting the family to the beautiful and otherworldly Grand Hotel Starcross, the family picks up and leaves only to find things very mysterious indeed at the salon. Their old friend Jack Havock is there in disguise, paying close attention to the lady guest Miss Beauregard (and you can imagine how happy that makes Myrtle). Guests appear to have disappeared from the surroundings, and then there are the black top hats. Not merely elegant headgear, the hats are horrid alien creatures from the far future called Moobs. With plans for universal domination, they intend to open a portal to the future and allow more of their kind through so as to take over and dominate the world around them. It’ll take some pretty fancy footwork for our heroes to overcome this mind-controlling threat and save the day once more.
You know you’re in safe hands when you find the term “Amanuensis” on the very first page. Those of you who were fans of “Larklight” will find much to love in this story as well. Favorite characters return (though they have a nasty tendency to either get their minds chewed on or their bodies turned into trees), and nefarious villains outdo themselves in sheer nefariousness (not a word, I know). As per usual, Mr. Reeve is juggling a series of different genres. The Victorian boys adventure novel. Science fiction. Penny dreadfuls. To this mix you may now add “drawing room mystery”. The secret of Starcross plays out like a humdinger of a game of Clue (though you might want to add the top hat from your game of Monopoly and add it to the list of murder weapons for this particular game).
If you’re foolish enough to have not yet read “Larklight”, citing such piss poor reasoning as “I don’t do sci-fi” or “Space scares me”, overcome your personal weaknesses and give the book a shot. After that, “Starcross” is bound to please one and all. Now I feel like there’s something I’ve forgotten to mention in this review… what was it… what was it… AHA! The opinion of children! After all, this book is supposedly written for them. Well, I can attest for a fact that you won’t find any children’s reviews of “Larklight” on Amazon.com. What are we to take from that? This is one of those books that’s going to hit a very specific segment of the population. It’s not for the unwashed masses one and all. It’s for a kid here and a kid there who will find themselves sucked into Reeve’s world and never want to let go. Here’s looking forward t
When last we saw our heroes, siblings Myrtle and Art were living peaceably once again in their house (which happens to be a bit of highly dangerous alien handiwork, though that’s neither here nor there), Larklight. Peaceably might be a bit of a stretch, actually. At the moment decorators have descended on the old home and no one is getting any rest. After a mysterious invitation comes inviting the family to the beautiful and otherworldly Grand Hotel Starcross, the family picks up and leaves only to find things very mysterious indeed at the salon. Their old friend Jack Havock is there in disguise, paying close attention to the lady guest Miss Beauregard (and you can imagine how happy that makes Myrtle). Guests appear to have disappeared from the surroundings, and then there are the black top hats. Not merely elegant headgear, the hats are horrid alien creatures from the far future called Moobs. With plans for universal domination, they intend to open a portal to the future and allow more of their kind through so as to take over and dominate the world around them. It’ll take some pretty fancy footwork for our heroes to overcome this mind-controlling threat and save the day once more.
You know you’re in safe hands when you find the term “Amanuensis” on the very first page. Those of you who were fans of “Larklight” will find much to love in this story as well. Favorite characters return (though they have a nasty tendency to either get their minds chewed on or their bodies turned into trees), and nefarious villains outdo themselves in sheer nefariousness (not a word, I know). As per usual, Mr. Reeve is juggling a series of different genres. The Victorian boys adventure novel. Science fiction. Penny dreadfuls. To this mix you may now add “drawing room mystery”. The secret of Starcross plays out like a humdinger of a game of Clue (though you might want to add the top hat from your game of Monopoly and add it to the list of murder weapons for this particular game).
If you’re foolish enough to have not yet read “Larklight”, citing such piss poor reasoning as “I don’t do sci-fi” or “Space scares me”, overcome your personal weaknesses and give the book a shot. After that, “Starcross” is bound to please one and all. Now I feel like there’s something I’ve forgotten to mention in this review… what was it… what was it… AHA! The opinion of children! After all, this book is supposedly written for them. Well, I can attest for a fact that you won’t find any children’s reviews of “Larklight” on Amazon.com. What are we to take from that? This is one of those books that’s going to hit a very specific segment of the population. It’s not for the unwashed masses one and all. It’s for a kid here and a kid there who will find themselves sucked into Reeve’s world and never want to let go. Here’s looking forward t
December 30, 2010
This was another great book set in the Larklight universe. You wouldn't have to read the first book to have fun with this one; but the first book does provide some background that would make this story have a bit more meaning at parts.
We are back to a Victorian Age where the British Empire has conquered the secrets of space travel. Art and his family have been invited to stay a premier ocean side resort called Starcross. Starcross is a bit different in that the ocean is only there 12 hours a day. Also there is a hat in Art's closet that really wants him to put it on. And what it up with the shadows creeping around that say "Moob"? Art, his sister Myrtle, his mother, and Jack Havoc are in for some crazy adventures when Starcross ends up not being what it appears to be. It will be up to them to (again) save the world from complete destruction.
This was another wonderful book. If you liked the first one you will love this one. The characters are wonderful, the book is hilarious and written with a somewhat sarcastic sense of humor. The drawings sprinkled throughout add a lot to the story and make this book even more of a pleasure to read. The writing style is perfect, the action non-stop, and the world Reeve has created will amuse and impress. Art's mother was a wonderful character and I was pleased to see her so much in this book.
This book didn't disappoint and I am really looking forward to reading the third book "Mothstorm". Fans of Douglas Adam's "Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy" or Joseph Delaney's "The Last Apprentice" should really check this series out. I think people of all ages will get a kick out of these books; they are also very appropriate for younger children.
We are back to a Victorian Age where the British Empire has conquered the secrets of space travel. Art and his family have been invited to stay a premier ocean side resort called Starcross. Starcross is a bit different in that the ocean is only there 12 hours a day. Also there is a hat in Art's closet that really wants him to put it on. And what it up with the shadows creeping around that say "Moob"? Art, his sister Myrtle, his mother, and Jack Havoc are in for some crazy adventures when Starcross ends up not being what it appears to be. It will be up to them to (again) save the world from complete destruction.
This was another wonderful book. If you liked the first one you will love this one. The characters are wonderful, the book is hilarious and written with a somewhat sarcastic sense of humor. The drawings sprinkled throughout add a lot to the story and make this book even more of a pleasure to read. The writing style is perfect, the action non-stop, and the world Reeve has created will amuse and impress. Art's mother was a wonderful character and I was pleased to see her so much in this book.
This book didn't disappoint and I am really looking forward to reading the third book "Mothstorm". Fans of Douglas Adam's "Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy" or Joseph Delaney's "The Last Apprentice" should really check this series out. I think people of all ages will get a kick out of these books; they are also very appropriate for younger children.
December 22, 2009
Just as over-the-top fun as the first book, the madcap space adventures of Art Mumby, his sister Myrtle, and their various companions continues.
The plot of this novel is odd and completely silly in the greatest possible way, and can best be summed up by this direct quote from the book, "The British Empire stands on the brink of an invasion by highly intelligent hats from the future!" Yes, you did read that right.
Once more, Art (and occasionally Myrtle) narrate through their journals with hilarious English aplomb. The illustrations are some of the best I've ever seen in books, and they add to the tale rather than distracting from it. Favorite characters will all return, and perhaps a few villains as well. There are new places, creatures, concepts, and gadgets, from vicious sand clams and intergalactic train systems to the colonized astroids of the Astroid Belt.
And when the main enemy of the book is something called a "moob" you just know it's going to be good. I mean, I had a blast just saying it to myself while reading, weird as that is.
Moob, moob, moob...
The plot of this novel is odd and completely silly in the greatest possible way, and can best be summed up by this direct quote from the book, "The British Empire stands on the brink of an invasion by highly intelligent hats from the future!" Yes, you did read that right.
Once more, Art (and occasionally Myrtle) narrate through their journals with hilarious English aplomb. The illustrations are some of the best I've ever seen in books, and they add to the tale rather than distracting from it. Favorite characters will all return, and perhaps a few villains as well. There are new places, creatures, concepts, and gadgets, from vicious sand clams and intergalactic train systems to the colonized astroids of the Astroid Belt.
And when the main enemy of the book is something called a "moob" you just know it's going to be good. I mean, I had a blast just saying it to myself while reading, weird as that is.
Moob, moob, moob...
April 5, 2011
3 1/2
Like it's predecessor, Larklight (a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/... review), this is a quirky and fun Victoriana adventure tale.
I enjoyed this one a bit more than the first - there was more humor, in general, and Myrtle was less annoying. And I quite liked the addition of Mrs. Mumby.
The story is good, the illustrations are nice additions, and I generally enjoyed it. I can't quite put my finger on what it is that holds this back from being a solid 4 stars, but, whatever it is, it's there. Not very helpful, I know, but ah well...
Still, if you're in the mood for a fun little adventure story, without any actual scientific fact or anything getting in the way, then you could do far worse than this series.
Like it's predecessor, Larklight (a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/... review), this is a quirky and fun Victoriana adventure tale.
I enjoyed this one a bit more than the first - there was more humor, in general, and Myrtle was less annoying. And I quite liked the addition of Mrs. Mumby.
The story is good, the illustrations are nice additions, and I generally enjoyed it. I can't quite put my finger on what it is that holds this back from being a solid 4 stars, but, whatever it is, it's there. Not very helpful, I know, but ah well...
Still, if you're in the mood for a fun little adventure story, without any actual scientific fact or anything getting in the way, then you could do far worse than this series.
May 14, 2022
Action and adventure continue as Art Mumby and his mother and sister, Myrtle, battle the evil Moobs and an undercover French agent in #2 of Larklight series. On to #3 Mothstorm which is due back to the library soon. [Rereading the series May 2022]
August 11, 2024
Art, Myrtle and their mother are invited to spend time at the luxurious new hotel, Starcross, while their father is away on work and Larklight is being renovated - but the terrifying invasion of evil top hats forces them to set out once again to save the universe! Reeve delivers another satisfying journey filled with humour and delightfully charming characters. What do these nefarious headpieces want, and can Art and the gang stop them in time?
March 4, 2020
Written by Philip Reeve and illustrated by the awesome David Wyatt, Starcross is the second book in the Larklight trilogy. Set in a steam-punky world with everything from space SHIPS, colorful characters, strange creatures, time travel, diabolical antagonists AND ALL the trappings of a colonial nineteenth century (western) world (or universe? Mmm..), this book was absolute fun!
Told in the first person (except for the prologue), the story revolves around the adventures of Art and Myrtle Mumby. The two tween (I guess) siblings (along with their mother) are lured into a menacing world after accepting an invitation to visit the Startcross hotel in the asteroid belt near Mars. Art's mother immediately suspects that Starcross is built on a piece of Mars itself and their adventures begin when Myrtle discovers that two agents of Her Majesty's Secret Service — Sir Richard Burton and his Martian wife Ulla have been changed into trees.
What I love best about this book:
1: From the meticulously decorate endpapers to the final portrait scene of the author and himself, I love all of David Wyatt's mind blowing work in the illustrations department
2: The prologue: It set the tone and established the world. (That first illustration of Richard and Ulla leaping off the promenade and onto the beach of Starcross just did it for me)
3: Everything about Reeve's fantastical world and characters
4: The edgy period (and world) appropriate prose (that required me to have google/merriam-webster.com at click-reach on more than one occasion)
Published by Bloomsbury, I read the paperback version of the book and it is absolutely worth it! Between the story, the writing itself and gorgeous illustrations, this book reminded me of why I think physical books rock! Yes, eBooks have all their benefits, but there's nothing that delivers an "experience" like something that you can touch and feel. And congratulations to all who worked on this one, this book delivers!
Now there are a few very, very minor things that I would have liked to see in this book (based on type of book this is, my own taste and the type of reader I am):
1. Higher stakes/more danger - though everything about this books comes together rather nicely, I knew from the very beginning that all was going to be fine with our heroes, and that they were in no "real" danger (but I guess: a: this is a children's book and the tale is light-hearted in that regard. b: when a story is being told in first person, the fact that all's well in the end is sort of already given away). But still, I would've loved to see a little more danger, peril and intrigue.
2. The prose is period/style appropriate, and though it's one of my fav aspects about the book and the author, it may however be a little lofty/ not age friendly (being that this is a children’s book). Again, this is just my opinion and could be viewed as a good thing as well.
Overall, this is an awesome book. I cannot wait to check out the other books in the trilogy. And can't wait for the full-blown color illustrated version of the book to come out, as well :):).
Recommendation:
1: If you're an adult/ young adult and love children's books, good fun-Sci-fi-Steampunk, or love work featuring awesome author-illustrator collabs — DO read it!
2: If you're a parent/adult thinking about getting a book that's fun:
a: for your fiction-inclined, art-inclined or book-loving kiddo — THIS ONE’S GREAT!
b: for a kiddo you're not so sure will like this, take them to the library/bookstore and be sure to point this book out to them
3: If you're a student of illustration/art/literature and/or if you're interested in the topics of world building, studying how strong prose and strong picture work can come together for the reader/viewer... THIS BOOK IS AWESOME!
5 Stars!
Check out my book review with pics here...
https://www.malcolmfernandesbooks.com...
Told in the first person (except for the prologue), the story revolves around the adventures of Art and Myrtle Mumby. The two tween (I guess) siblings (along with their mother) are lured into a menacing world after accepting an invitation to visit the Startcross hotel in the asteroid belt near Mars. Art's mother immediately suspects that Starcross is built on a piece of Mars itself and their adventures begin when Myrtle discovers that two agents of Her Majesty's Secret Service — Sir Richard Burton and his Martian wife Ulla have been changed into trees.
What I love best about this book:
1: From the meticulously decorate endpapers to the final portrait scene of the author and himself, I love all of David Wyatt's mind blowing work in the illustrations department
2: The prologue: It set the tone and established the world. (That first illustration of Richard and Ulla leaping off the promenade and onto the beach of Starcross just did it for me)
3: Everything about Reeve's fantastical world and characters
4: The edgy period (and world) appropriate prose (that required me to have google/merriam-webster.com at click-reach on more than one occasion)
Published by Bloomsbury, I read the paperback version of the book and it is absolutely worth it! Between the story, the writing itself and gorgeous illustrations, this book reminded me of why I think physical books rock! Yes, eBooks have all their benefits, but there's nothing that delivers an "experience" like something that you can touch and feel. And congratulations to all who worked on this one, this book delivers!
Now there are a few very, very minor things that I would have liked to see in this book (based on type of book this is, my own taste and the type of reader I am):
1. Higher stakes/more danger - though everything about this books comes together rather nicely, I knew from the very beginning that all was going to be fine with our heroes, and that they were in no "real" danger (but I guess: a: this is a children's book and the tale is light-hearted in that regard. b: when a story is being told in first person, the fact that all's well in the end is sort of already given away). But still, I would've loved to see a little more danger, peril and intrigue.
2. The prose is period/style appropriate, and though it's one of my fav aspects about the book and the author, it may however be a little lofty/ not age friendly (being that this is a children’s book). Again, this is just my opinion and could be viewed as a good thing as well.
Overall, this is an awesome book. I cannot wait to check out the other books in the trilogy. And can't wait for the full-blown color illustrated version of the book to come out, as well :):).
Recommendation:
1: If you're an adult/ young adult and love children's books, good fun-Sci-fi-Steampunk, or love work featuring awesome author-illustrator collabs — DO read it!
2: If you're a parent/adult thinking about getting a book that's fun:
a: for your fiction-inclined, art-inclined or book-loving kiddo — THIS ONE’S GREAT!
b: for a kiddo you're not so sure will like this, take them to the library/bookstore and be sure to point this book out to them
3: If you're a student of illustration/art/literature and/or if you're interested in the topics of world building, studying how strong prose and strong picture work can come together for the reader/viewer... THIS BOOK IS AWESOME!
5 Stars!
Check out my book review with pics here...
https://www.malcolmfernandesbooks.com...
March 22, 2020
Tuhle knihu jsem měla v knihovně už od svých devátých narozenin, což je i na mě dost úctyhodná doba. Mlhavě si vzpomínám, že mi ji kdysi četl máma, ale ani nevím jestli jsme ji dočetly a děj jsem si nepamatovala vůbec. Byla to asi první sci-fi kniha co jsem kdy četla a překvapila mě. V dobrém. Měla dobrý děj i zápletku všechno odsýpalo, jen mě trochu mrzelo, že tam moc nebyly popsané bitky, protože i když se jich tam pár odehrálo vypravěč Autor se vždy spíš tak trochu schoval a snažil se spíše používat hlavu. Jinak knize,, ale nemám úplně co vytknout. Byla i vtipná a doplněna krásnými ilustracemi. Také se mi líbilo, že příběh v určité chvíli převzala sestra hlavního hrdiny Mirtle, protože Art ležel uvěznění v bezvědomí. Takže jsme na příběh mohli nahlédnout i z trochu jiné perspektivy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 8, 2020
This book was okay. The pacing was a bit off sometimes, and the descriptions and references were a bit annoying sometimes. The overall story was fine, and sometimes very exiting, though I didn’t enjoy the whole “Delphine-is-a-villain” part of it. It seemed a little out of character, misplaced and forced. She didn’t seem like the villain type to me.
I also didn’t enjoy the anticlimactic “we’ve-beaten-all-the-bad-guys-while-you-were-away-come-have-some-tea” situation. It just felt like very lazy writing to me, and spoiled a bit of the fun.
Overall, this book is a fine enjoyable story, with some minor issues.
Also, the struggle is real, when you find out halfway through the second chapter, that this is a sequel. Was very confused at first when he mentioned a lot of events, that the audience was supposed to know.
I also didn’t enjoy the anticlimactic “we’ve-beaten-all-the-bad-guys-while-you-were-away-come-have-some-tea” situation. It just felt like very lazy writing to me, and spoiled a bit of the fun.
Overall, this book is a fine enjoyable story, with some minor issues.
Also, the struggle is real, when you find out halfway through the second chapter, that this is a sequel. Was very confused at first when he mentioned a lot of events, that the audience was supposed to know.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 17, 2025
I really enjoyed Larklight, and Starcross is a great continuation of the humor, language play, and just generally silliness of this universe.
One of my favorite characters of this series is Myrtle. I love how she's trying to be "ladylike" all the time, but then surprises herself by being brave. So refreshing from the typical historical fiction heroine who usually has modern sensibilities. She is a proper Victorian and so much fun.
The Moobs were hilarious in this one too.
I'm not sure I like the evolution emphasis, especially since this is supposed to be set in Victorian times, but all in all a fun read if you like steampunk and/or funny sci fi.
One of my favorite characters of this series is Myrtle. I love how she's trying to be "ladylike" all the time, but then surprises herself by being brave. So refreshing from the typical historical fiction heroine who usually has modern sensibilities. She is a proper Victorian and so much fun.
The Moobs were hilarious in this one too.
I'm not sure I like the evolution emphasis, especially since this is supposed to be set in Victorian times, but all in all a fun read if you like steampunk and/or funny sci fi.
July 3, 2025
The second in the Larklight trilogy, this is another very silly outing of Victorian steam-driven high adventure. This time the British Empire is at threat from the dastardly Moobs. Art & Myrtle are thrust across space and time and faced with terrible perils at every turn.
The author, Philip Reeve, is clearly having fun writing these. When the French spy declares that she will form a Rebel Alliance and strike at the (British) Empire from a hidden base, I laughed out loud. The characters and situations are so robustly caricatured and cliched that the reader cannot help but join in the fun.
Hurrah and God Save The Queen!
The author, Philip Reeve, is clearly having fun writing these. When the French spy declares that she will form a Rebel Alliance and strike at the (British) Empire from a hidden base, I laughed out loud. The characters and situations are so robustly caricatured and cliched that the reader cannot help but join in the fun.
Hurrah and God Save The Queen!
November 12, 2022
Fun story!
This weird mix of Victorian but futuristic era is just so fun to dive into. I love how the characters are both old school and advanced, it makes for some crazy fun dialogue haha
Myrtle and Jack are ridiculous, but I love her and love how even though she's girly, she gets things done. I love how they're whole family fight for each other and the worlds.
The world building is so over the top, but again....its so fun, I don't hate it lol
Can't wait to see what this family gets up to next after defeating the Moobs 😂
This weird mix of Victorian but futuristic era is just so fun to dive into. I love how the characters are both old school and advanced, it makes for some crazy fun dialogue haha
Myrtle and Jack are ridiculous, but I love her and love how even though she's girly, she gets things done. I love how they're whole family fight for each other and the worlds.
The world building is so over the top, but again....its so fun, I don't hate it lol
Can't wait to see what this family gets up to next after defeating the Moobs 😂
May 11, 2021
A very good, well written children's book. I was a little more gripped than the first in the series. Not quite perfect but pretty close! Loved Art's mother's character more in this book and her necessity to the plot, but don't like that her name has changed from Amelia to Emily throughout the series... proofread!
4.5* for delightful Moobs.
4.5* for delightful Moobs.
April 7, 2018
The story is totally unique and can stand alone even without reading Larklight. I love the creativity with which the story was written, all the places and creatures intertwined with Victorian England, a period I am quite fond of. This is another book that you can finish in one setting. 😁
September 3, 2018
Swashbuckling fantasy adventure with a Victorian flavor- for the strong middle grade reader that is not afraid of unusual words/usage. Not quite as arch/funny as the first one in the series (Larklight) but still good.
September 23, 2018
Another brilliant addition to the series. Where the story may occasionally lag its the language and characters and dead witty style that makes this book a joy. A bit like P.G. Wodehouse's Jeeves and Wooster - you know what's going to happen, but its the journey and writing that is delightful.
March 18, 2017
i love moobs so much guys
October 4, 2018
This sequel keeps the lighthearted, throw-away-reality-and-don't-care, just have fun feel of the first book. I enjoyed it.
July 27, 2019
Another great read! So far, I've read 7 of his books and only disliked one!
July 28, 2019
Best! Book! Eveeeeeeeeeeeeer!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I loved this book it was so much fun reading it. But I do feel sorry for the moobs in here dark era
I loved this book it was so much fun reading it. But I do feel sorry for the moobs in here dark era
May 26, 2022
i hate british people
April 9, 2025
Loved the evil.hats!
February 7, 2017
Moooob!
December 31, 2017
Like many sequels to inventive, unexpected or wonderful things, Starcross has the problem of how to follow up the success of its predecessor. Because Larklight really was wonderful… but a lot of the wonderful came precisely from it being unexpected. And how can you really replicate that in a sequel? Either you maintain the things that were excellent in the first one, and so retain the appeal but without the surprise (the problem with Red Seas Under Red Skies, in my opinion), or you try to go in a new direction, and risk it being vastly inferior (as in Children of God, where that risk was successfully avoided). Reeve has obviously chosen the first option. And while there’s nothing wrong with Starcross, because it’s not as shiny and wonderful and new as the first one, I couldn’t help but be a touch disappointed.
If anything, the problem is that Starcross is too perfect a replica of the recipe for excellence in Larklight. While the story of course is not the same, a lot of the elements, both aesthetic and narrative, are so very very similar that I find myself with very little to discuss about it. Because it does all the wonderful, clever and right things that Larklight does… but which I’ve already talked about once and don’t fancy repeating myself about at you. I’m not suggesting that I didn’t enjoy reading it – Larklight was a wonderful, brilliant book and by following the same pattern, so is Starcross, and I would happily say that I loved it too. I didn’t want to put it down. I laughed aloud (or groaned) at some of the jokes. I spent several minutes staring at the endpapers (which are again covered in mock advertisements appropriate to the setting). But it’s not much of a different book to Larklight. So what is there really to say?
I suppose the only major difference is the handling of the romance plot between Myrtle and Jack… and to some extent the handling of Myrtle herself. Reeve introduces the necessary turmoil phase of their relationship, and they spend much of the book in separate places, or slightly at odds. The narrator (Art) also becomes much less oblivious of their emotions, since that conceit wouldn’t really work a second time around. And I guess this is one of the problems – watching Art be clueless as he narrated Myrtle/Jack was rather amusing, and now that aspect is no longer a joke at the narrator, it’s just not funny anymore. On the other hand, much of what bothered me in the first book was the portrayal of Myrtle (however self-mocking it was), and so her progression to become a slightly more autonomous character is very satisfying indeed. It’s not a huge step forward, but it is a step, and a welcome one… though once again, this undermines a lot of the narrator’s jokes about her and her uselessness.
Another thing I found interesting about Starcross was the choice of bad guy. Something I often find… if not uncomfortable then certainly awkward in fiction is choosing real life “bad guys” and then either using them straight off in the fictional world, or making such an obvious pastiche that you may as well be. However well it’s done, for one thing, it’s going to date (and probably badly). And even in the moment it’s just… nyrrr. If you pick the antagonist du jour… you wander into making real statements of ethics or politics and… that can be problematic stuff. But Starcross is set in the pseudo-past… and sufficiently far in the pseudo-past that the antagonist they picked is, well, the French. And I don’t know if it’s years of e.g. Shakespeare, or just it’s such an old trope that it doesn’t have any force anymore, but it doesn’t bother me at all. It doesn’t feel iffy or awkward, and it just… works. And the narrator can get away with being ridiculous and dismissive and talking rot about them because… well… there’s no substance to it as a political thing. It’s real enough to be appropriate and amusing, but not enough to have any negative force anymore. It’s great.
Like many second books of trilogies, Starcross feels like a slightly wobbly in-between step. I wouldn’t be at all surprised if Mothstorm (*shudder*) is stunning and wondrous again, and entirely due to the character set-up that Starcross may have done without me noticing. But until I find that out, Starcross remains slightly inferior to what went before, and thus slightly disappointing. Still a good book, by all accounts. Still a wonderful, gripping, fun book that I really, really couldn’t put down. But not as good.
Oh, and one more very important comment. At one point, the story describes the flying pig-creatures (hoverhogs) wearing tiny top hats. But the illustrator has not deemed it necessary to depict this CLEARLY GLORIOUS SIGHT. I am deeply aggrieved.
If anything, the problem is that Starcross is too perfect a replica of the recipe for excellence in Larklight. While the story of course is not the same, a lot of the elements, both aesthetic and narrative, are so very very similar that I find myself with very little to discuss about it. Because it does all the wonderful, clever and right things that Larklight does… but which I’ve already talked about once and don’t fancy repeating myself about at you. I’m not suggesting that I didn’t enjoy reading it – Larklight was a wonderful, brilliant book and by following the same pattern, so is Starcross, and I would happily say that I loved it too. I didn’t want to put it down. I laughed aloud (or groaned) at some of the jokes. I spent several minutes staring at the endpapers (which are again covered in mock advertisements appropriate to the setting). But it’s not much of a different book to Larklight. So what is there really to say?
I suppose the only major difference is the handling of the romance plot between Myrtle and Jack… and to some extent the handling of Myrtle herself. Reeve introduces the necessary turmoil phase of their relationship, and they spend much of the book in separate places, or slightly at odds. The narrator (Art) also becomes much less oblivious of their emotions, since that conceit wouldn’t really work a second time around. And I guess this is one of the problems – watching Art be clueless as he narrated Myrtle/Jack was rather amusing, and now that aspect is no longer a joke at the narrator, it’s just not funny anymore. On the other hand, much of what bothered me in the first book was the portrayal of Myrtle (however self-mocking it was), and so her progression to become a slightly more autonomous character is very satisfying indeed. It’s not a huge step forward, but it is a step, and a welcome one… though once again, this undermines a lot of the narrator’s jokes about her and her uselessness.
Another thing I found interesting about Starcross was the choice of bad guy. Something I often find… if not uncomfortable then certainly awkward in fiction is choosing real life “bad guys” and then either using them straight off in the fictional world, or making such an obvious pastiche that you may as well be. However well it’s done, for one thing, it’s going to date (and probably badly). And even in the moment it’s just… nyrrr. If you pick the antagonist du jour… you wander into making real statements of ethics or politics and… that can be problematic stuff. But Starcross is set in the pseudo-past… and sufficiently far in the pseudo-past that the antagonist they picked is, well, the French. And I don’t know if it’s years of e.g. Shakespeare, or just it’s such an old trope that it doesn’t have any force anymore, but it doesn’t bother me at all. It doesn’t feel iffy or awkward, and it just… works. And the narrator can get away with being ridiculous and dismissive and talking rot about them because… well… there’s no substance to it as a political thing. It’s real enough to be appropriate and amusing, but not enough to have any negative force anymore. It’s great.
Like many second books of trilogies, Starcross feels like a slightly wobbly in-between step. I wouldn’t be at all surprised if Mothstorm (*shudder*) is stunning and wondrous again, and entirely due to the character set-up that Starcross may have done without me noticing. But until I find that out, Starcross remains slightly inferior to what went before, and thus slightly disappointing. Still a good book, by all accounts. Still a wonderful, gripping, fun book that I really, really couldn’t put down. But not as good.
Oh, and one more very important comment. At one point, the story describes the flying pig-creatures (hoverhogs) wearing tiny top hats. But the illustrator has not deemed it necessary to depict this CLEARLY GLORIOUS SIGHT. I am deeply aggrieved.
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