Charlie Bone and the Shadow (Children of the Red King Series #7) by Jenny Nimmo

Children's Literature

This is the seventh book of "The Children of the Red King" series. Charlie Bone is caught up in another adventure. This time around the enchanter Count Harken is intent on harming Charlie and his family. He sets his plan in motion by abducting Charlie's ancestors and imprisoning them in the dark lands of Badlock. Using his ability to travel through paintings, Charlie enters Badlock. He is, however, not alone. He has his best friend's dog Runner Bean with him. But when Runner Bean is trapped in Badlock, Charlie must now face an army of beasts and monsters to rescue both his best friend's dog and his own family. If you have enjoyed the Charlie Bone books before, this will be another enjoyable foray into Charlie's world. However, if you have not read then before and are interested in the series, then I recommend starting from the beginning. The essence of Charlie Bone's story resides in the first five books. Reviewer: Monserrat Urena

VOYA

Charlie Bone was finally reunited with his long-bewitched father at the end of Charlie Bone and the Beast (Orchard, 2007). Fans hoping for father-son bonding in a battle against the wicked Bloors are in for a letdown as Dad and Mum depart immediately on a second honeymoon, remaining off-page during the entire tale and leaving Charlie to fend for himself as Uncle Paton also vamooses to work on a secret project. Grandma Bone brings home a painting that portrays the homeland of Charlie's ancestors. Unable to resist, Charlie travels into it, immediately encountering danger. He barely escapes, but Billy Raven, always yearning for family, chooses to remain as he falls under the spell of new "friends." Charlie brings Otus, a Yewbeam ancestor, out of the painting, hoping to reunite the giant with his wife Amoret at the Castle of Mirrors. Times get darker as more of the wickedly endowed are unleashed upon the world. Even more harrowing predicaments than usual and a probable murder combine to make this the darkest of the tales so far. A significant disappointment is the almost complete noninvolvement of the female characters-Emma has one big scene but Olivia none at all while Miss Ingledew continues to pine for Paton. Most of the endowed also remain on the periphery. Regard this book as a gap-filler until the reveal (hopefully) of yet another big secret hinted at on the last two pages. Reviewer: Pam Carlson

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