The Crooked Sixpence by Jennifery Bell (review)
Buy Issue for $25 at JHUP- The Crooked Sixpence by Jennifery Bell
Library ed. ISBN 978-0-553-49844-8 $19.99
Trade ed. ISBN 978-0-553-49843-1 $16.99
E-book ed. ISBN 978-0-553-49845-5 $10.99
Reviewed from galleys R Gr. 4-6
In this first book of a new series, Ivy and her older brother, Seb, explore the strange world that their beloved grandmother, Sylvie, came from. Lundinor is vaguely similar to the London the kids have left, but it contains important magical elements. Seb and Ivy must learn the rules of this world, identify allies and enemies, and do all of that fast, because their parents are being held hostage to in exchange for Sylvie’s handing over some powerful magic. Ivy and Seb are very different from each other in personality, in their approaches to this mysterious new adventure, and in their abilities, giving readers constrasting identification points. The world itself is effectively developed, with a necessary amount of exposition slowing the action on occasion, though British author Bell keeps most of it authentically folded into the dialogue. There’s plenty of potential here to suggest a return visit would be worth it, particularly now that most of the world building is in place. Lively black and white art has an enjoyably cartoonish vibe.
