By Sandy Amazeen Oct 9, 2007, 2:34 GMT
In advance of Cornish’s much-anticipated Lamplighter currently scheduled for release in May 2008, Foundling is now available in paperback. As the first of the Monster Blood Tattoo trilogy, Foundling introduces readers to Rossamund, a remarkable boy with a horrible name who grew up in Madam Opera’s Estimable Marine Society of Foundling Boys and Girls. He dreams of making a life for himself while finding just the right amount of adventure, ideally working on a naval ship and instead, is selected to become a Lamplighter in service to the Empire. It is an honorable vocation provided he can survive the trip across the Half-Continent to High Vesting as he gets abducted onto the wrong ship, escapes a close brush with death, meets up with Europe, a lady fulgar (monster slayer) and learns that not all monsters are evil. As Rossamund’s narrow horizons are expanded by his misadventures, he begins to question his choices while readers are tantalized with a hint that this talented young man may be more then he seems.
Although generally thought of as a children’s book, this charming tale will appeal to anyone who enjoys a good fantasy coming-of-age story tempered with a gentle touch of whimsy. Cornish creates the gritty feel of an orphan trying to make their way in a hostile world in a way that is reminiscent of Dickens but with some decidedly original twists that can’t help but leave fans wanting more. An extensive Explicarium (glossary) covers the unfamiliar terminology, uniforms, ship designs and additional maps that compliment Cornish’s sweet character drawings spread throughout the book, all make this a rare treat. The paperback edition of Foundling was released worldwide in May 2007, look for the Lamplighter in hardcover due for release in Australia and worldwide in May 2008
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