Mister Monday (Keys to the Kingdom, 1)

Rating:
Summary: Mister Monday
Review: Mister Monday is one book you will not put down. This is great mystery. It keeps you thinking all the time. it is about a 13 year-old boy named Arthur who has a mystery to solve and to save the world. He is supposed to die but is saved by a key. He doesn't know why he was given this key, but it is the only thing keeping him alive. The person who gave it to him is named Monday and wants the key back. Monday sends his fetchers to retrieve the key but Arthur doesn't let them. soon enough they go away, but leave behind a mysterious diease. It is spreading rapily through his town. Arthur knows he has to find a cure for it. He thinks he knowswhere he could find a cure-in a mysterious house only he can see. With the help of the key, he travelsinside the house and is swallowed into an adventure he'll never forget. I would recommed this book for ages 11 and up. It is one of the best books I've ever read. This book is awesome!

Rating:
Summary: Monday - now my favourite day of the Week!
Review: I have not been a fan of the `Sabriel' series by Garth Nix. I found their preoccupation with death a little morbid for my tastes. However, I recognised a considerable story-telling talent, and suspected I would really enjoy this author with a different subject matter ... and I was correct.

This is a magical story, equally suitable for either boys or girls. Magic is not used arbitrarily as a convenient flash-bang solution for every problem, as is so often the case in this genre, but rather, requires logical application by the central character.

I especially enjoyed the uncertainty I felt with many supporting characters in this story, never entirely sure until the final pages exactly who could be trusted. Nix has managed to avoid creating people who are stereotypically either good or bad. We may doubt the motives of those who appear good, and forgive the actions of those who seem evil, once we learn more about them. The hero makes wise decisions - but I wouldn't be at all surprised if they came back to `bite him' later in the week!

The plot is well-paced, gripping and full of surprising twists and turns. This is an adventure as exciting as you could wish for - and never predictable. However, I did feel one particular scene might be rather nightmare-inducing for the youngest readers - so recommend this for the ages of 12 and above.

If you didn't like 'Sabriel' - don't be put off; give Mr Monday a try. You won't be dissapointed!

Rating:
Summary: Garth Nix scores again
Review: Mister Monday tells the story of young Arthur Penhaligon's attempt to save the world, or at least his community and family, from a deadly virus. It certainly sounds simple enough, but this novel is anything but simple. Once again Nix takes the reader to unimaginable places where danger is always at hand and the rules aren't what they seem.

THis series isn't as good as the Abhorson series, but then it is aimed at a younger audience. Even so, this series is well worth reading. The characters are likeable, the plot is complicated yet compelling and the writing superb. This fantasy will certainly hit the mark for anyone who enjoys the genre.