Book Review: Lamplighter

Science Fiction, Fantasy and Horror Book Reviews

By Sandy Amazeen Jun 4, 2008, 1:33 GMT

Book two of the Monster of Blood Tattoo series picks up shortly after the Foundling with young Rossamund well into his prenticeship to be a lamplighter. The boredom and repetition leave him questioning his decision to enter into the training program. As a lantern-stick, Rossamund was out on a routine training exercise one evening when a group of monsters set upon a carriage. Rossamund and his companions fought back the monsters before they could kill all the occupants who, has fate would have it, were calendars, warrior women who were championed the cause of social justice.

One of those rescued was Threnody, an arrogant young woman who would challenge tradition by becoming the first female to attend lamplighter training. Rossamund finds himself befriending the unlikable young lady by default, as a bookchild and a latecomer to the training, he knows what it’s like to be an outsider. Slowly but surely, as the monsters become more brazen in their attacks on the road that unites an empire, Rossamund comes to realize Winstermill is being corrupted from the inside. He knows not all monsters are truly evil and takes no joy in their slaughter, an opinion that does not sit well his fellow lamplighters. Even as Rossamund and Threnody prove their valor, forces are at work to undermine them. Fierce prosecution will leave Rossamund questioning his very existence even as his feet are set upon a different path. Although written as a young adult’s book, the many diverse creatures and characters, many illustrated with the author’s pencil drawings, combined with strong storyline makes the Monster of Blood Tattoo a series that will appeal to all ages. The unusual word usage and different language may provide a bit of an obstacle for younger readers making this a perfect opportunity for parents to share the joy of reading with their kids. Rossamund is a charming, honest main character with more then his fair share of identity issues, which remain unresolved despite the reappearance of two of his old school masters. Fans will be clamoring for the quick release of the third book in the series as this one ends with the beginning of an entirely new chapter in Rossamund’s life as he rejoins Europe.

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Science Fiction, Fantasy and Horror Book

Book Review: Lamplighter

Science Fiction, Fantasy and Horror Book Reviews

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