Hector Fitzbaudly gets his wish to experience the seedier side of Urbs Umida when his father is blackmailed with a secret form his past. Finding himself penniless and homeless, Hector realizes this is not the life he wants and he decides to seek revenge. Unfortunately, the Eyeball Collector is a master of disguise! This book is called a “polyquel” by the author, as it contains elements from both The Black Book of Secrets and The Bone Magician as well as its own mysteries. This book may not interest readers who haven't read the two previous books but it can stand alone. More than likely readers will be intrigued by this book to go an pick up the other works which I feel are stronger and more fun to read. ( )

Having read the other two books written by F.E. Higgins I didn’t find this instalment as good but it was still a great read. Although it isn’t a sequel it definitely helps if you’ve read the other two books written before it – ‘The Black Book of Secrets’ and ‘The Bone Magician’ - as previous characters make an appearance and locations and incidents are referred to.

In this story, we have Hector who has been cruelly orphaned. His life takes a change when he discovers Withypitts Hall and he is faced with some difficult decisions. Hector is very different from Ludlow and Pin (characters featuring in the previous two novels) in that he is from across the river and has experienced a different and more prosperous life that Ludlow and Pin.

F.E. Higgins makes use of letters found from Hector to Polly (a character from TBBOS). She explains in her introduction that these were discovered on her travels and along with other items she has found she is able to tell the story of Hector. Even this concept, of the author being part of the story seems somewhat unusual in comparison to some fiction for younger readers. It is a clever idea that makes the reader feel more involved.

Although I didn’t enjoy this story as much it does require slightly more investment from the reader in that you need to link everything together as you’re going. There are even riddles along the way to solve should you desire as Hector enjoyed riddling with his father and continues the tradition once orphaned.

A recommended read for adults and children, however this is the first one out of the three where it will help to read the others. ( )