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Thanks to NetGalley and Random House Children’s for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Release Date: January 31st, 2017
320 Pages
Synopsis: When officers brandishing toilet brushes arrive at their door, eleven-year-old Ivy Sparrow and her older brother, Seb, go tumbling into Lundinor, a secret underground city. The siblings find themselves in a world of enchantment, where uncommon people, alive and dead, trade in uncommon goods: belts that enable the wearer to fly, yo-yos that turn into weapons, buttons with curative properties, and other enchanted objects capable of extraordinary feats.
But the charm wears thin when Ivy and Seb learn that their family is connected to one of the greatest uncommon treasures of all time and if they don’t find it, their parents lives are forfeit. It’s a race against time as Ivy and Seb attempt to unearth the treasure and rescue their parents.
Despite a few similarities to books like Harry Potter and Neal Gaiman’s Neverwhere, Crooked Sixpence does a great job standing on its own. From the very first page I felt as though I was inside this story that Jennifer Bell brings to life through her vividly written characters and beautifully descriptive world-building. Adding to the visualization are the lovely black and white illustrations that are scattered throughout the book. The loving but at times, combative relationship between Ivy and Seb is completely believable and will resonate with readers who have siblings. As they’re drawn into the incredible underground city of Ludinor they discover that their family isn’t what they thought, and while they’re understandably afraid and confused–especially since they’re being hunted by sinister officers armed with toilet brushes, and travel uncomfortably via a suitcase to a whole new and mysterious world that lies directly under London–their sense of adventure, courage, and determination to save their family eclipses all else. Ludinor and its unique and interesting inhabitants, known as the Uncommoners, are wonderfully brought to life and further flesh out the story. The suspense is perfectly blended with moments of humor which gives the story an air of mischievous fun. The storyline is well plotted and its fast pace had me easily finishing this in one sitting. I believe 9-12 year olds will absolutely love Crooked Sixpence. This is Jennifer Bell’s debut novel and I have to say I’m quite impressed. I’m eagerly anticipating what further adventures await Ivy and Seb!
ambroseandelsie said:
This sounds awesome! I have got to check it out. 😀
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
It truly is a fun read!😊
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thesarahdoughty said:
Oooh!
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
This is adorable Sarah!💁🏻
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thesarahdoughty said:
😊😊😊 on my TBR!
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Yay💁🏻
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beetleypete said:
This sounds like one that could run and run, and expand into a film franchise.
Well done to Jennifer.
Best wishes, Pete.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
I can definitely see this making a successful transition to films Pete!💁🏻
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Jay said:
The world always needs more books like this.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Escapism at its very best Jay! 😊
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Lashaan and Trang (Bookidote) said:
Neverwhere and Harry Potter… Wow. That sounds really promising! Great review. 😀
– Lashaan
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Thanks Lashaan!💁🏻
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Books, Vertigo and Tea said:
I love that you mentioned Neverwhere, because that came to mind when I read the blurb. I may run this by my son and see how he feels about it. A hefty ready for him though haha.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Maybe you guys could read it together?💁🏻
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Books, Vertigo and Tea said:
That is usually how do 🙂 He enjoys it much more if he shares the experience, and it gives us more to talk about.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
😊
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Eddy Winko said:
I know where to come for good book reviews now, I don’t read as much as I should so it’s good to have a heads up when the opportunity comes around and your inclusion of children’s books is a bonus as I will need all the help I can get in the future!
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Thank you so much Eddy! I’m a former children’s librarian and I still enjoy reading a lot of juvenile and YA fiction.💁🏻
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