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Rating: 
Summary: "The Treasure Beyond Rejoicing - The Breath of Innocence."
Review: It is in an innovative world where England is divided into ninety-three floating isles, Queen Gloriana is celebrating over one hundred years on the throne, and all animals are mechanicals driven by a substance known as "ichors" that Robin Jarvis sets his latest book in a new series "Intrigues of the Reflected Realm". Young Adam O' the Cogs lives a happy enough existence on Malmes-Wutton Estate, a young apprentice of the kindly Edwin Dritchley, and skilled in the mechanics of the robotic animals of the island. Along with his friends Henry Wattle and Jack Flye, Adam lives a simple enough life, until a number of unexpected guests arrive at the poor and isolated estate of Lord Richard Wutton. The first is the Queen's spymaster Walsingham and the astrologer Doctor Dee, who have come for reasons concerning the impending war between England and Catholic France/Spain. The second is an Iribian, who literally crash-lands on the estate (leading many to believe he is an angel) and who tastes the smells around him like we would sample food. But there is a secret hovering around this angelic visitor, and when he is summoned to London to see the Queen, Adam and Henry follow, unaware they are going to be forced into discovering just what it is... Robin Jarvis creates a fantastic world of historical figures (such as Robert Dudley and Francis Walsingham) and extraordinary surroundings, including glass-domed cities, collosal night barges, mechanical wonders and alien creatures. To this colourful backdrop is a story of political intrigue, strained friendships, dangerous conspiracies and uncovered secrets. With something happening on every page, both newcomers and fans of Robin Jarvis will not be disappointed with this offering. Perhaps there is a few flaws that should have been dwelt with - the historical background of the "special ambassadors", as well as the geographical layout of England were rather confusing: without any real exposition explaining both subjects, I was often lost when the characters began talking about either topic. Likewise, the prolouge didn't really seem to mean much in the context of the rest of the stories, but I'm assuming it will come back into play in the rest of the planned future books. Furthermore, the continuing switching points of view from character to character got a bit mind-boggling: in one paragraph you can hear the inner voices of up to three characters. Why not just keep Adam as the narrator for simplicity's sake? But with his usual skill at creating interesting ideas and matching them with his beautiful and realistic illustrations, Robin Jarvis has written yet another ingrossing book.
Rating: 
Summary: Best of the best
Review: This has to be the best book Robin Jarvis has ever written. A fascinating look at the Elizabethan period as a whole and key figures within that time as well as a marvellous fantasy novel. The main character is an alien from another world, but few aliens are easier to identify with. He is seemingly perfect and wins the adoration of the villagers he meets but deep down is flawed and faulted. Adam o' the Cogs, the novels main child character, is also well drawn, being a welcome change from the standard 'cipher' characters of young adult fiction. The supporting cast is odd, likeable and occasionally dislikable. As usual Robin Jarvis illustrates himself and the quality of the drawing is even higher than usual.
An ultra-recommended read.
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