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quippeThe Blurb On The Back:
Crackpot Hall has a mind of its own.
In magickal Crackpot Hall stairs and hallways disappear at random, and rooms never stay in the same place. When Flora Segunda risks a shortcut in the forbidden Elevator, it takes her to a floor she never knew existed. In its dark, abandoned room lives a strange and dangerous boy ...
There's a cover blurb from Diana Wynne Jones, which is fitting because the style of this book is very reminsicent of her work. This is a good thing.
Wilce has created an interesting fantasy world that combines elements of early 19th century European history, Mexican mythology, Scots/Aztec fashion and adds a massive dose of originality and wit. By having Flora Segunda tell her story in the first person, Wilce allows the reader to slowly settle into the world she creates without restorting to bulky exposition and although this may be too sophisticated for younger readers, those over the age of 13 should find it a blast.
Flora lives with her father, Hotspur, who was driven insane after being captured and tortured by the Huitzils and witnessing the death of Flora's sister (Flora the First) and who veers between bouts of drunkeness and rage in the family's Crackpot Hall. Flora's mother, Buck, is in charge of the Caifa army and rules her family with an iron fist but is frequently away from home, which leaves Flora in charge of looking after her father and keeping the Hall in order.
Flora is preparing for her Catorcena (basically an adulthood ceremony held when you turn 14) but is not enthusiastic because Buck wants her to join the army afterwards, a tradition followed by all of the family. Flora however, wants to be a Ranger, a group of spies and magic-users led by the legendary Nini-Mo who used to support the army but who were forcibly disbanded and sent into hiding. Flora meets Valefor, the official Butler to Crackpot Hall but who was banished by Buck as she disapproves of magic and is forced to hide in a disused room of the Hall. Valefor and Flora enter into a pact whereby Flora will help restore Valefor to power, in return for him taking over Flora's chores. That's where everything starts to go wrong ...
The rest of the story involves warlords, the Dainty Pirate, more Butlers and more. The story is well told, well paced and very absorbing. My only complaint is that Valefor's role in the story is signalled a little too obviously and at too early a stage. The characters are well depicted, particularly the mysterious and powerful Lord Axacaya and Flora's best friend Udo, who is a dandyish character devoted to fashion. Wilce creates phrases unique to her world but which are never alienating and the ending has a nice set up for future books.
Exciting, fresh and original, this is one of the best YA fantasies I've read in a long time.
The Verdict:
Immaculate world building and original ideas combine with interesting characters to make this an excellent read. It will definitely appeal to fans of Diana Wynne Jones, and promises to build into a fascinating series.
In magickal Crackpot Hall stairs and hallways disappear at random, and rooms never stay in the same place. When Flora Segunda risks a shortcut in the forbidden Elevator, it takes her to a floor she never knew existed. In its dark, abandoned room lives a strange and dangerous boy ...
There's a cover blurb from Diana Wynne Jones, which is fitting because the style of this book is very reminsicent of her work. This is a good thing.
Wilce has created an interesting fantasy world that combines elements of early 19th century European history, Mexican mythology, Scots/Aztec fashion and adds a massive dose of originality and wit. By having Flora Segunda tell her story in the first person, Wilce allows the reader to slowly settle into the world she creates without restorting to bulky exposition and although this may be too sophisticated for younger readers, those over the age of 13 should find it a blast.
Flora lives with her father, Hotspur, who was driven insane after being captured and tortured by the Huitzils and witnessing the death of Flora's sister (Flora the First) and who veers between bouts of drunkeness and rage in the family's Crackpot Hall. Flora's mother, Buck, is in charge of the Caifa army and rules her family with an iron fist but is frequently away from home, which leaves Flora in charge of looking after her father and keeping the Hall in order.
Flora is preparing for her Catorcena (basically an adulthood ceremony held when you turn 14) but is not enthusiastic because Buck wants her to join the army afterwards, a tradition followed by all of the family. Flora however, wants to be a Ranger, a group of spies and magic-users led by the legendary Nini-Mo who used to support the army but who were forcibly disbanded and sent into hiding. Flora meets Valefor, the official Butler to Crackpot Hall but who was banished by Buck as she disapproves of magic and is forced to hide in a disused room of the Hall. Valefor and Flora enter into a pact whereby Flora will help restore Valefor to power, in return for him taking over Flora's chores. That's where everything starts to go wrong ...
The rest of the story involves warlords, the Dainty Pirate, more Butlers and more. The story is well told, well paced and very absorbing. My only complaint is that Valefor's role in the story is signalled a little too obviously and at too early a stage. The characters are well depicted, particularly the mysterious and powerful Lord Axacaya and Flora's best friend Udo, who is a dandyish character devoted to fashion. Wilce creates phrases unique to her world but which are never alienating and the ending has a nice set up for future books.
Exciting, fresh and original, this is one of the best YA fantasies I've read in a long time.
The Verdict:
Immaculate world building and original ideas combine with interesting characters to make this an excellent read. It will definitely appeal to fans of Diana Wynne Jones, and promises to build into a fascinating series.
