A captivating story, well told using language easily grasped by your little pagans, though not in the least patronising, so much so, that I found myself absorbed in the tale, forgetting this novel is aimed at the 8+ age range. Many moons have passed over my head since I was eight years old!
The story, set in the sprawling Biltmore estate, North Carolina, is certainly dark, and at times violent, though never gratuitously so, Serafina’s chilling initial encounter with the ‘Black Cloak,’ left me breathless, and perhaps some parents may find the subject matter too intense for their delicate little flowers. Parental discretion may be in order, as with any book, movie, video game or TV show, the final responsibility of course resides with the parent, only they are in a position to judge their offspring’s maturity in this respect.
This is not a tale for ‘snowflakes’ then, however if your 8+ children love a good story, well told, and enjoy losing themselves in fictitious worlds, that not unlike the real one can at times be dark, and populated by characters that can be unpleasant, even malevolent, without causing them lasting trauma, then this bewitching book is for them.
Serafina has much to teach your children if you allow it, living in the bowels of the great house in its dank basement, while on the floors above the gilded and the privileged live in the lap of luxury, she does not wallow in self-pity. Indeed, she is proud of her position as ‘Chief Rat Catcher’ as she lives a life unknown and unimaginable to the gentrified owners of Biltmore. She does not allow her lowly position to stop her fighting for what she believes to be right, she will not be held back in discovering who she truly is, and establishing her place in the world. She knows that if she works hard, and treats those around her with respect, she will earn respect herself, and this determination and self-confidence is displayed during her struggle to identify and battle ‘The Black Cloak.’
If you are looking for a positive role model for your offspring, especially your daughters, you would do well to introduce them to the brave, clever, and big-hearted Serafina.
The story, set in the sprawling Biltmore estate, North Carolina, is certainly dark, and at times violent, though never gratuitously so, Serafina’s chilling initial encounter with the ‘Black Cloak,’ left me breathless, and perhaps some parents may find the subject matter too intense for their delicate little flowers. Parental discretion may be in order, as with any book, movie, video game or TV show, the final responsibility of course resides with the parent, only they are in a position to judge their offspring’s maturity in this respect.
This is not a tale for ‘snowflakes’ then, however if your 8+ children love a good story, well told, and enjoy losing themselves in fictitious worlds, that not unlike the real one can at times be dark, and populated by characters that can be unpleasant, even malevolent, without causing them lasting trauma, then this bewitching book is for them.
Serafina has much to teach your children if you allow it, living in the bowels of the great house in its dank basement, while on the floors above the gilded and the privileged live in the lap of luxury, she does not wallow in self-pity. Indeed, she is proud of her position as ‘Chief Rat Catcher’ as she lives a life unknown and unimaginable to the gentrified owners of Biltmore. She does not allow her lowly position to stop her fighting for what she believes to be right, she will not be held back in discovering who she truly is, and establishing her place in the world. She knows that if she works hard, and treats those around her with respect, she will earn respect herself, and this determination and self-confidence is displayed during her struggle to identify and battle ‘The Black Cloak.’
If you are looking for a positive role model for your offspring, especially your daughters, you would do well to introduce them to the brave, clever, and big-hearted Serafina.
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