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(More customer reviews)Mrs. Timmins's Home for Foundlings and Orphans is known for providing care and shelter for those children unfortunate to lose their parents, or be left behind. But when Mrs. Timmins's newest charge awakes, he is instantly overcome with the feeling that he's not who he says he is. Left with no memory of his prior life, twelve-year-old Marcel - aka Robert - is convinced that something fishy is lingering around Mrs. Timmins and her creepy home. Sure, she's a kind old woman, and her son, Albert, isn't too demanding, but there's something not right surrounding her. Marcel believes that his unsettled feelings can be primarily blamed upon Lord Alwyn, a bizarre presence whose obsession and knowledge with magic and the mysterious arts has Mrs. Timmins, as well as her young charges, shaking in their boots. Unfortunately, Marcel has no solid proof that there's something missing from his history. Something that could change his life for the better. Until, that is, he meets up with tiny Bea. Bea has the ability to disappear into the shadows, and her small stature makes it easy for her to come and go as she pleases with everyone none the wiser. Marcel instantly takes to the elfin girl, and finds her fascinating. The fact that she is aware of the strange happenings that took place between Marcel and Lord Alwyn on the first night of his arrival at Mrs. Timmins's Home for Foundlings and Orphans, only works to renew his interest in her, and claim her as his confidant and closest friend. With Bea's help, Marcel discovers that the large, musty old book that Lord Alwyn carries with him wherever he goes is known as the Book of Lies. The Book of Lies is home to Marcel's past, and the truth that will help him forge on in the future. Unfortunately, with Lord Alwyn guarding the book with his life, Marcel sees no way to delve into the book, and learn the secrets of his prior life - before the aging wizard locks them away forever - without being caught. The fact that the Book of Lies is so unattainable, however, only works to make Marcel more determined to get his pauper-like hands upon it. And, with the help of Bea, a mangy horse with dreams of soaring among the clouds named Gadfly, and two unlikely fellow orphans, Marcel embarks on the journey of a lifetime that will take him through hunger and famine, war and flame-ridden dwellings, and through the lands of elves, and corrupt royals with plans to destroy their kingdoms. It is only through these trials, tribulations, and tests that Marcel will finally have the chance to discover his true history, and learn to depend upon others to help him through misery, magic, and mystery. But if he doesn't watch his back, he and his companions may not make it through their adventure alive.
I'm not a huge fan of science fiction, yet I'm easily drawn in by fantasy novels that test the waters, and dip into untouched subjects, and clever concepts. James Moloney's THE BOOK OF LIES manages to fulfill both of these requirements. Moloney's descriptive dialogue, and captivating characters work hand in hand to create a daring novel that takes the reader on the adventure of a lifetime. Marcel is a curious character, whose determination to discover the truth about his past is admirable; while his refusal to turn his back on his friends, or abandon his quest - even when the waters turn rough - makes him extremely likable. His relationship with Bea - a character who, in my opinion, steals the spotlight - is very refreshing, as it is close, and loving, yet doesn't delve into anything romantic. Bea's ability to blend in with the shadows surrounding her, and the fact that she possesses no scent, and creeps around as silently as a cat make her an extremely fun character from beginning to end. She is such an innocent, friendly face, whose presence leaves the reader feeling a sense of familiarity between her and themselves, and truly makes her irresistible. Gadfly, a horse who is wild and beautiful, and dreams of stealing the spotlight of saving the world, and gracing the skies with her agility and heroics from Hercules' companion, Pegasus, is quite humorous; yet also borders on the adorable, as it shows that animals too have dreams that, while oft-times far-fetched, are an important aspect of their lives. While Marcel is lovable and impossible to ignore, I found that both Bea and Gadfly - working together - managed to overshadow his character, and capture my heart instantly. Moloney's various other characters - from the Princess-like Nicola, to the brazen, stout roughneck, Fergus; and even to the mad scientist-like Lord Alwyn, to the mother hen ways of Mrs. Timmins - are an important addition to the tale, who provide conflict and companionship to our hero and heroine. The fact that Moloney doesn't focus too harshly on the life of an orphan is another plus, as he gets straight to the main focus of the story, and keeps you captivated from start to finish. Thrilling!
Erika Sorocco
Freelance Reviewer
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