Common Sense Media Review
By Andrea Beach
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Victorian fantasy a creepy, fun read for ghost-story fans.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
One night while out robbing graves with his father, 12-year-old Thomas digs up a body that looks exactly like him. Did Thomas have a twin brother he never knew about? Buried with the body are a mysterious note and tickets to see a show put on by Mordecai, who claims he can speak to the dead. To learn the truth about who he really is -- and who the boy who looks just like him was -- Thomas will have to outwit Mordecai and help free the faeries Mordecai has enslaved. But the last person who tried to open a gateway to the faery realm was killed in the attempt. Can Thomas find a way to save the faeries and survive?
Is It Any Good?
This creepy, faery fantasy has lots of chilling atmosphere and a plucky hero whom kids will relate to and enjoy rooting for. The dark side of Victorian London is nicely realized and populated with colorful characters, and the faeries add an intriguing fantasy element. Still, it lacks the charm and wonder of author Emma Trevayne's first book, Flights and Chimes and Mysterious Times, so the appeal isn't quite as broad.
Some transitions are abrupt and confusing, taking the reader out of the story while trying to figure out where the characters are or how they got there. But the plot of THE ACCIDENTAL AFTERLIFE OF THOMAS MARSDEN is well structured and moves briskly, keeping the pages turning, and kids who love a good ghost story will enjoy it.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about why fantasies are so popular. Why do we like them so much?
What do you think happens to people after they die? Do you believe in ghosts?
If you found a way into a magical fairy realm, would you stay there or come back home? Why doesn't Thomas stay with the faeries?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Fantasy
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , Friendship
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
- Publication date : July 28, 2015
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 8 - 12
- Number of pages : 256
- Available on : Nook, Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : September 30, 2025
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