Children of the Red King by Jenny Nimmo - Starting Charlie Bone and the Shadow November 24th

[Andy]

This is a read along for The Children of the Red King Series by Jenny Nimmo.

Starting with which is book seven in the series.

[Marla]

Okay, give me a day or two to let me finish at least one of my books in progress and I'll start reading.

[Andy]

No worries, I also have a ton of books I'm trying to finish up :)

[Marla]

:D Thanks I finished one today, but still trying to finish at least one more before I start. Don't know if I'll get to it before Turkey Day.

[Marla]

Started the audiobook. It starts off strange. I don't really know if it's a historical flashback...

It's been a long time since I read any of these. I'm going to see if I can find a summary of the last book to refresh my memory.

It was nice to see the Flames. I always thought they were cool.

[Marla]

Ah, later you figure out what was going on at the start of the book.

I had a problem with this book, because it seemed like evil is winning over good at every turn. (view spoiler)[Dagbert and Eric are very strong and both seem to be in league with the bad sort. Dagbert was supposed to be neutral by sitting between the factions in the Red King's children, but it seemed like he worked with Manfred and Dorcas and against Charlie and Tancred. So just sit on their side of the table already. (hide spoiler)]

The painting was creepy, but an interesting twist. I don't know if I agree with the title of the book after reading the story. Maybe Charlie Bone and the Giant.

This story had some very dark moments. I was disappointed to see the breakdown in (view spoiler)[the friendships that I've always liked in the story. I was disappointed with Ben blaming Charlie for abandoning Runner Bean, and though I understand he was upset, he should've at least been torn between happy Charlie was back, knowing Charlie felt bad and missing his dog. And then when Runner Bean shows back up all is fine between them. Ben's mother didn't even have the grace to apologize for being rude to Charlie.

And Charlie forgets to invite Billy home and the Bloor's turn that against Charlie. I felt bad for Billy, but Charlie is hardly obligated to invite Billy home each weekend. (hide spoiler)]

The brightest moments in the book (view spoiler)[ were the end of the book and also the appearances of the Red King. (hide spoiler)]