I really liked this book. Jonathan Starling is one of those kids who no one seems to notice. He floats by in school, if he decides to go, and his home life isn’t much different. His mother has never been around, and his father won’t talk about why. He mostly works in his study all day and rarely speaks with Jonathan. The rest of the time Jonathan’s father falls into a near catatonic stupor, the victim of some strange disorder. And then one day someone does take notice of Jonathan, a woman with fluorescent pink hair and an intoxicating perfume, a perfume that makes him feel at ease and willing to do anything or go anywhere she wants. The problem is she wants to kidnap him to the Darkside.
Darkside is a hidden realm within London. Way back when, all the evil hooligans, axe murderers, kidnappers, and monsters that Queen Victoria could find were rounded up and imprisoned within its borders. Queen Victoria even gave control over Darkside to Jack the Ripper and his future descendants. I think you can tell it’s a pretty blood curdling place. But what does the woman with the strange hair and magical perfume want with Jonathan? He needs to find out real quick because it isn’t just his life that hangs in the balance, but his father’s too.
This book is a great introduction to the horror genre. It has gore, and enough bumps and intensity to last you awhile. I’d recommend it for anyone 12 and up, especially those who love horror, or are looking for something with a bit more bite.
Posted under a librarian reads, review
This post was written by John Gillette on November 18, 2008
