Set in a world of tri-corner hats, frockcoats and flintlock pistols, Monster Blood Tattoo is a world of monsters, chemical potions and surgically altered people. In the first book, 'The Foundling', David Cornish begins the journey of a young boy called Rossamünd, a boy with a girl's name, who is about to begin a life as a lamplighter in the service of the Haacobin Emperor. What begins as a simple journey is threatened by encounters with monsters - and people, who may be worse. Learning who to trust and who to fear is neither easy nor without its perils, and Rossamünd must choose his path carefully. This is a truly original story - highly unusual among the vast array of fantasy novels available today. Lavishly illustrated by the author, an accomplished artist.
Ages 10+
This good is good
It has been a long time since I've read such a wonderful book, with only a few months from the Ranger's Apprentice this book will fill the time. Set in colonial Europe young Rossamund Bookchild has dreamed of joining the navy when a mysterious man comes to offer a life of a lamp lighter. The book is a fantastic read with characters that you'll love and hate, monsters, and monster hunters, history of the world . At some points you will feel sorry for some of the monsters which is something I had no interest in before. The only con would be it was to short, but apart from that a great read for kids and teens (this is coming from a sixteen year old). D.M. Cornish is up there with John Flanagan and maybe J. R. R. Tolkien.
By James
Guest, 23/09/2009