The Stolen Lake

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Summary: Ongoing adventures of Dido Twite
Review: Aiken's unsinkable Dido Twite is making her way back home when she finds herself entangled in the politics of a Celtic state located in the South American Andes. Taking place somewhere between "Nightbirds on Nantucket" and "The Cookoo Tree," this typically imaginative romp gives us a sleeping King Arthur, magic, and Dido's sunny disposition set in an alternative Victorian era. A must for Twite fans.

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Summary: Not her typical English setting, but still worth a read...
Review: Dido Twite, the quick-witted (and sharp-tongued) heroine of "Black Hearts in Battersea" and "Nightbirds on Nantucket," is back in this sequel. During the mythical reign of Britain's King George IV, the ship carrying 12-year-old Dido from Nantucket back to England is ordered to stop off in New Cumbria, a mysterious South American nation ruled by a suspiciously ancient queen. Is she, as she claims, the widow of King Arthur? If so, how has she managed to survive the centuries? And why aren't there any girls Dido's age in the entire country? For that matter, why did the midshipman of Dido's vessel take ill as soon as they arrived in port? With the same entertaining blend of Cockney common sense and sheer gutsiness that saw her through her earlier adventures, Dido manages to get to the bottom of things--saving an imprisoned princess and, yes, restoring a "stolen" lake in the bargain. All in all, a fun, fast, rollicking read for youngsters and adults alike.

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Summary: If you like Harry Potter, you'll love Dido Twite!
Review: Dido Twite, the quick-witted (and sharp-tongued) heroine of "Black Hearts in Battersea" and "Nightbirds on Nantucket," is back in this sequel. During the mythical reign of Britain's King George IV, the ship carrying 12-year-old Dido from Nantucket back to England is ordered to stop off in New Cumbria, a mysterious South American nation ruled by a suspiciously ancient queen. Is she, as she claims, the widow of King Arthur? If so, how has she managed to survive the centuries? And why aren't there any girls Dido's age in the entire country? For that matter, why did the midshipman of Dido's vessel take ill as soon as they arrived in port? With the same entertaining blend of Cockney common sense and sheer gutsiness that saw her through her earlier adventures, Dido manages to get to the bottom of things--saving an imprisoned princess and, yes, restoring a "stolen" lake in the bargain. All in all, a fun, fast, rollicking read for youngsters and adults alike.

Rating:
Summary: Not her typical English setting, but still worth a read...
Review: I have been a huge fan of Joan Aiken ever since I read Nightbirds on Nantucket in grade school. This book departs from her usual British "flavor" but I still found it fascinating. The characters and plot resonate with you long after the book is over. People who are familiar with the King Arthur legend will get the most from this book, as some of the references are hidden or not explicit. One caution -- there are some disturbing images (as there are in all of Aiken's books) and I would not recommend them for young or overly sensitive children.

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Summary: very strange and not at all worth reading
Review: I love Aiken's Wolves Chronicles, but this one isn't even worth being part of the series. It's fairly good writing, and a pretty interesting plot, but it has no relevance whatsoever to the rest of the books. For some reason, Aiken leaves off with her pseudo-Dickens mode, which makes this book a lot less amusing. The legends of King Arthur and Guinevere that play such a major part in this book are completely improbable. Read it, but not as part of the series.

Rating:
Summary: very strange and not at all worth reading
Review: I love Aiken's Wolves Chronicles, but this one isn't even worth being part of the series. It's fairly good writing, and a pretty interesting plot, but it has no relevance whatsoever to the rest of the books. For some reason, Aiken leaves off with her pseudo-Dickens mode, which makes this book a lot less amusing. The legends of King Arthur and Guinevere that play such a major part in this book are completely improbable. Read it, but not as part of the series.

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Summary: Possibly the best of the Dido Twite Series
Review: Of the many reasons to read the works of Joan Aiken, two stand out: the irresistable pluckiness of the heroines (especially Dido Twite), and Joan's marvellously detailed alternate history of the planet Earth.

An alternative history is one of the staples of science fiction. What if the Nazis had won World War II? Or what if the South had won the American civil war? These subjects have consumed many a book. But Joan Aiken is unique, in my view, because she has crafted a detailed alternate history of England and America, and has used it as the backdrop, rather than the focus, of the story. Just take it for granted that the Stuarts managed to keep a hold of the English crown. This is just one of many ingredients in Joan Aiken's stories.

But in "The Stolen Lake", Joan's alternative history writing is at its most creative, and that pushes its prominence forward in the book. Rather than fading into history, the ancient kingdom of Arthur and the remains of the Roman Empire stole the boats of the invading Saxons and fled to South America where they founded "Roman" (as opposed to "Latin") America. King Arthur still sleeps, but Queen Guenivere has basically sold her soul to keep herself alive through the 1300 years, awaiting her husband's return. Into this, the young and plucky Dido Twite arrives, and upsets the corrupt regime.

This only scratches the surface of the detail of "The Stolen Lake". Alternative history buffs, fans of King Arthur tales, and fans of the plucky Dido Twite will find plenty to enjoy in this richly detailed tale that is a standout of Joan Aiken's books.

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Summary: This should be compulsory reading for ALL
Review: Out of all the books in Joan Aiken's Wolves of Willoughby Chase series, this is hands down the best. (OK, I haven't read Dido and Pa, but of the others.) It really has no connection to the other books in the series, and I don't think that it's the greatest read for very young children, however it is the most thrilling, the least predictable, DEFINITELY the most imaginative, and the most mature. It's not as humourous as the others, but it has its moments, and I personally feel that this is the climax of all Dido's adventures before she gets home to meet Simon again. As always, unforgettable characters (Cap'n Hughes, Mr. Holystone, Elen, Bran...) that are always believable, no matter how fantastical the plot is, and well, an all round fascinating, entertaining, frightening, happy-ending, beautiful book. MUCH more adventurous than the previous books in the series.

The King Arthur connection is brilliant, even if Arthur did actually die BEFORE the battle of Dyrham... but those with a basic knowledge of the legends and history will appreciate it, and if you learn more about Arthur etc. your appreciation of the book will only grow richer. Also, make sure to pay attention to the marriage of Latin American and Welsh cultures, which is also brilliantly done (Dafydd Gomez, Juan Jones, José Glendower - should that be Glyndwr?) although it begs the question, if the Celts settled the area in 577, when did the Spanish come? But ignoring that, a BRILLIANT book, definitely read it.

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Summary: A Fantastic Book for Potter and Baudlaire Fans
Review: This book is great! It has mystery and makes you want to read more. And I can garentee guarantee something will change your favorite character. You may want to dose in some points, but most of it is pure enjoyment! Dido Twite has some problems, to get a lake! Find mystery and adventure The Stolen Lake!