M. Henderson Ellis, the author of Keeping Bedlam at Bay in the Prague Cafe (New Europe Books), is a graduate of Bennington College and a Chicago native who currently lives in Budapest, Hungary.
"Ellis's . . . years living in Eastern Europe give this steampunk
fantasy, first in a planned trilogy, a strong sense of place and an
unerring ear for the newspeak of totalitarianism. Archibald the
Precious, a child dictator known to the Youth Groups that revere
him as the 'Number One Play Pal, ' takes the reins in Pava, the
crumbling city-state in which Petra K lives. . . . Ellis's pacing
and plotting abilities show considerable gifts as Petra draws
closer to the secret of Archibald's power." -- Publishers Weekly "A
breathless . . . adventure pits a poor, fatherless girl against all
sides in a battle for a dragon's heart and a city's freedom. . . .
Meticulously imagined, Petra's city is built on ancient layers of
cultures and traditions, with magic woven into its fabric. . . .[A]
remarkable and distinctive offering for devoted fantasy fans."
--Kirkus Reviews
"This marks the first in a series aimed to reinvigorate the 'Old
World, ' and its strength lies in its sense of place, as Pava's
twisting alleyways have the feel of ancient Venice, where any
shadow might conceal a thief or a bit of magic. . . . [F]or readers
looking for a light mystery with a dash of fantasy, this book will
open the door to an imaginative world." -- BooklistOnline.com "If
you're ready to go take a walk on the wildside and meet creatures
you haven't even imagined before, this is the book to take you
there. You might want to read it during the day... Happy reading."
-- Jo Ann Hakola, Independent Online Booksellers Association
"Mocked at school and neglected at home, young Petra K finds
sanctuary in the streets of Pava, where forbidden magic is still
practiced, mechanized automatons hawk their wares, and miniature
dragons run wild. . . . The blend of magic and machinery is eerily
intriguing, much as in William Alexander's Goblin Secrets. Petra K
is a stalwart but accessible heroine--her struggles with her
friends and her mother give her immediate appeal while her
transformation from schoolgirl to revolutionary is authentically
bumpy, occurring in fits and starts as she is plagued by doubts and
miscalculations. . . . [S]haring this as a classroom or family
readaloud may . . . spur some thoughtful discussion about love,
loss, and loyalty." --Bulletin of the Center for Children's
Books
|
Ask a Question About this Product More... |
|
