 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
The Dark City: Relic Master, Book 1
- By Catherine Fisher
- Genre: Fantasy
Common Sense Media says
Thrilling debut to fantasy series is low on violence.
Parents say
Kids say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this young adult fantasy novel is the first in a series of four. For a fantasy book set in a dark and dangerous world, the violence is very light, though danger always lurks and there are plenty of references past killings. Some flying animals are attacked and are shot with arrows in the Dark City, and the main characters get kidnapped. For the most part, characters are admirable, exhibiting loyalty and bravery, though the Relic Master can be a little hard on his scholar (and is called on it more than once). Also, Carys is a female character who plays a soldier and a spy with refreshingly little attention paid to her gender -- she even feels sorry for Raffi because he's not as brave as she is in dangerous situations.
What's the story?
Galen is a magical scholar called a Relic Master. He and his pupil Raffi live like fugitives in the wilds of the planet Anara. If they're found by the Watch, they'll be taken in and eliminated like the rest of the disbanded Order who once followed the long-absent Makers. Instead, they are discovered by a horseman who claims one of the Makers' relics needs their attention. But this is a trap set by bandits who force them to retrieve gold from the ruined "Dark City" of Tasceron. Galen agrees to go, but for his own reasons. His magic was lost to him months before in an explosion. Powerful forces are said to live deep within the dangerous decimated city that may be able to help him -- and save the whole ailing planet.
Is it any good?
In an intriguing marketing idea that's intended to hook teen readers, this book is the first in a series that will be released over a very short period of time -- one book per month over the summer of 2011. Happily, the book is worthy of readers' attention with or without the special "hook" -- it's more than fluffy filler with a cliffhanger. THE DARK CITY offers solid fantasy storytelling, keeping up a quick pace while meticulously revealing the magical world of Anara, one mysterious piece at a time. The author's thoughtful characters are also a big draw. Both sensitive Raffi and Carys, the questioning spy, make the series well worth following.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about the marketing behind these books. Does it build up momentum for the series to release books a month at a time? Does it make you want to read them right when they come out?
For fantasy fans, what other books and movies does this one remind you of? Readers may see hints of The Lord of the Rings and The Dark Crystal for starters. Also, how is the magic of the Order different from the magic in series like Harry Potter, Septimus Heap, or The Abhorsen?
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AGE
Wonderful Series Beginner.
I have always been a fan of this author (Incarceron, Sappique) and this one shows Fisher's fantastic talent in new and wonderful ways. The story itself is fast- paced, filled with kid- friendly action, and holds a huge surprise at the end. The world, named Anara, in which the story takes place in is very detailed, and layered. Each chapter begins with a 'famous' quote from the past of Anara, which are well written and very poetic. The ending is a perfect way to end the first of a series, it ties every knot, but a few which leaves it open for sequel(s.) ACTION: The main characters are thrown into a couple of violent scenes, including kidnapping, burning seeds, monsters that attack, some scary magic, people are shot at by bow and arrows. There is talk of a explosion that harmed one of the main characters. The plot of the whole story is that people are tracked down by people called the Watch. And the main characters, using magic, fight off evil.
MESSAGES + ROLE MODELS: include fighting to be yourself, and fighting evil. Don't stand for lies. The main characters are head strong, great role models, and come to terms with evil things they have done.
I recommend the book for fans of Fisher, or new comers, the story is fun, and age- appropriate. Enjoy!
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| Author: | Catherine Fisher |
| Book type: | Fiction |
| Genre: | Fantasy |
| Publisher: | Dial Books |
| Publication date: | May 17, 2011 |
| Number of pages: | 384 |
| Hardcover price: | $16.99 |
| Publisher's recommended age(s): | 12 - 17 |
| Read aloud: | 12 |
| Read alone: | 12 |
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