A very fun read about a boy, his special powers, his wacky family, and his friends--some of whom have powers like him but some who are gifted in other ways. Charlie and his friends and family have all kinds of interesting adventures (some scary and some silly) while unraveling mysteries and defeating bad guys. Has been compared to Potter, but beside the fact that it is a boy with special powers in England, there is not a ton in common. ( )

It was a fun experience reading this book. ( )

The good: Charlie is a likable character. Some interesting magic stuff.

The bad: Everything else. Other characters have zero personality and only show up to help or hurt Charlie when the plot needs it. Plot is often nonsensical; for example, bad guys are terrifyingly powerful, until for no reason they become helpless and scared of Charlie. Overall, it reads more like an outline or rough draft for a story than a completed one. ( )

Charlie Bone is surprised to discover that he has the power to hear voices inside photographs. His Grandma Bone immediately enrolls him at Bloor's academy, much to Charlie's dismay. When Charlie gets a visit from a mysterious man, named Mr. Onimous and three cats, he becomes embroiled in a strange mystery. He is given a case from a woman named Ms. Ingledew, who claims the case holds the secret to finding her long lost neice. Once at Bloor's academy Charlie soon discovers that other students hold special powers as well. He also discovers that he is a descendent of the Red King, a highly powerful magician. With the help of his new friends, Charlie discovers the missing girl is a student at Bloor's. Together, with his old friend Benjamin, and a few new friends at Bloor's, they are able to reunite the girl with her aunt. ( )

Fans of "all things magic" will enjoy the first book in this series by Jenny Nimmo. Charlie comes to grip with his magical powers, and the threat they are to the members of his family who don't want him to uncover the mysteries of his past.