The site uses cookies to offer you a better experience. ‘The Dark Lady’ is a novel for children that features an intriguing blend of historical adventure and fantasy. It doesn't feel like a standalone. I wanted to like this more but I didn't warm to the main character terribly well. You can find this book at many retailers via clicking on the appropriate link on Goodreads (Buying direct from retailers is a good way to support indie authors); however, in the spirit of supporting literacy programs, we would like to point out that you may be able to purchase this book through BetterWorldBooks. The world is a bit too classic for my taste - maybe because I was expecting a fantasy novel. As a YA fantasy, this book plays with race and class in Britain and the wider Black British diaspora in an interesting manner and he does not back away from issues of mixed race identity and history. This brilliant, at times brutal, first novel from the amazing imagination that is Akala, will glue you to your seat as you are hurled into a time when London stank and boys like Henry were forced to find their own route through the tangled streets and out the other side. Simply reserve online and pay at the counter when you collect. It has a slower pace than other current YA fantasy works, which is no bad thing. A pickpocket with an exceptional gift. (As a warning I want to make it clear I review this with my professional hat on not personal. His other step-mother, Agnes, is also able to actively curse people. Henry is black and his treatment by other characters, which ranges from outright hostility to a dismissive refusal to believe that he has any intelligence or value, give the book many of its most effective moments. I received an ARC through Netgalley. I was interested to read The Dark Lady because of the author, Akala. A pickpocket with an exceptional gift. I didn’t feel ‘mum’ would be used, but maybe that’s just me! A natural storyteller with a vision of his own, The Dark Lady, Akala's debut novel for teens will enthuse and entertain teenagers and young adults, showing that reading is a true super-power. It’s written by rapper and Shakespearean scholar Akala and draws on his knowledge of the bard and Elizabethan London, as well as his experiences growing up black in the UK. Sophisticated engaging historical mystery, with many gaps I suspect will be filled in future books. I received a free arc of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Honestly, initially hoped that we were going to see a merge of Akala literary rapping skills and a contemporary native. Refresh and try again. A prisoner of extraordinary valueAn orphan haunted by dreams of the mysterious Dark Lady. The title refers to the mysterious 'Dark Lady' referenced in Shakespeare sonnets and a few of his plays (I think Rosalind in Love's Labour's Lost, for example). A prisoner of extraordinary value. The book has a great sense of place. The only real issue I had was, unfortunately, with the magic - Henry has the ability to translate any language written on paper, a feat that - as far as the many European characters are concerned - is something wholly unique and unheard of before. On the surface, this book seemed to offer everything I like: Shakespeare, pickpockets, references to Moll Cutpurse, and Elizabethan London. Your order is now being processed and we have sent a confirmation email to you at. The story is fine, but it never really gripped me, and it certainly isn’t a match for the book’s better qualities. I devoured the book in literally a day. Let us know what’s wrong with this preview of, Published Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window), Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window), Science Fiction Book Reviews Archive 2016, I Am No Threat To You by Madison McSweeney #OriginalFiction, Follow Me to Ground by Sue Rainsford #BookReview. His adoptive mother figure, Joan, also seems to have the ability to perform actual magic, including 'chi b. Just a moment while we sign you in to your Goodreads account. Available in shop from just two hours, subject to availability. We’d love your help. The characters felt a little one dimensional; I didn’t feel an emotional connection. A prisoner of extraordinary value. A natural storyteller with a vision of his own, The Dark Lady, Akala's debut novel for teens will enthuse and entertain teenagers and young adults, showing that reading is a true super-power. Please enter your email address below and we'll send you a link to reset your password. His adoptive mother figure, Joan, also seems to have the ability to perform actual magic, including 'chi blasts' where she can telekentically hurl people and objects. A prisoner of extraordinary value An orphan haunted by dreams of the mysterious Dark Lady The world building was interesting; but it felt incomplete. He is the head of our UK team. Your order qualifies for free UK delivery. If this item isn't available to be reserved nearby. He is also a fifteen-year-old invested with magical powers …. Date: 16th April 2020 | Pages: 336 | ISBN: 9781444943696 | Genre: Kids Fantasy | Language: English | Starred Review: No | Source: The publisher provided a copy for review consideration. The Dark Lady, Akala. Understanding Akala, then it makes logical sense that he would choose to write a book set in the Elizabethan era and explore his love for Shakespeare. To see what your friends thought of this book. This brilliant, at times brutal, first novel from the amazing imagination that is Akala, will glue you to your seat as you are hurled into a time when London stank and boys like Henry were forced to find their own route through the tangled streets and out the other side. The Dark Lady remains to be a mystery, there is this underlying narrative of Henry mother and the sacrifices she makes to protect him, which sets us up for a series of book. Need another excuse to treat yourself to a new book this week? I received an ARC through Netgalley. Mixed feelings on this one. It never really gets going, with too much time spent on scene setting and not enough action. by Hodder Children's Books. I don’t know enough about the subject to comment with authority, but the depiction of16th century London felt real and was certainly vibrant and richly colourful. in Book Review yafantasy on May 30, 2020 May 30, 2020 by Miss Blue Fairy Tales Share Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email 0 . It took me a little while to get to grips with the Elizabethan slang, which I felt was a rather fun and authentic touch once you settled into it. A PICKPOCKET WITH AN EXCEPTIONAL GIFTA PRISONER OF EXTRAORDINARY VALUEAN ORPHAN HAUNTED BY DREAMS OF THE MYSTERIOUS DARK LADY, Henry is an orphan, an outsider, a thief.

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