Charlie does something brave for someone who had done the same for him. Despite the changes in his family, Charlie is still mostly on his own with only the assistance of his friends in his pursuit of right. While there is an overarching storyline, I get the feeling that even if that story is resolved, the on-going battle between 'good' and 'bad' descendants of the Red King will continue. I'm curious to see how Ms. Nimmo will end this series. ( )

Reviewed by Cana Rensberger for TeensReadToo.com

In Ms. Nimmo's sixth book in the series featuring Charlie Bone, a kettle of trouble is brewing. Charlie and his friends once again lead the reader on a breathtaking adventure through the world of Bloor's Academy.

Charlie is appointed official monitor to a new student who can control water. Charlie is not thrilled to have Dagbert following him everywhere. It soon becomes clear that Dagbert is doing everything he can to split up Charlie and his friends. Especially when strange things begin happening on Piminy Street.

A strange beast, part human, part something else, howls in the night. Stone statues begin to move. Rivers overflow their banks without warning. Trolls come alive, and a blacksmith forges steel late into the night. Even Cook is afraid. Who are these strangers from the sea? Will Charlie and his friends be able to save Asa from the Bloors?

There is a similarity between Ms. Nimmo's books and the famous Harry Potter series; the students go to a special school. But the similarity ends there. The books are written on an easier reading level for the younger reader. Ms. Nimmo is exceedingly imaginative in creating her characters and their endowments. I would love to see these characters on the big screen. She artfully doles out just enough morsels of the Red King's history to satisfy, while leaving a few crumbs behind to eagerly lead the reader to her next book.

Ms. Nimmo has created another terrific page turner. I recommend that if you have read none of the CHILDREN OF THE RED KING series that you read them in order. But mostly...I recommend you read them. ( )

Another fantastic read in the Charlie Bone series. Try the others as well. ( )

http://julie-thebooklist.blogspot.com... ( )

It bothers me that Charlie found his father after a five book search but in the sixth book the father is no where to be found. Fatherless heroes who find their fathers should get at least one adventure where dad helps out. ( )