Paperback: 417 pages Publisher: Random House Export (14 April 2011)
Genre: MG - Children's Fantasy Source: Publishers
Rating;
My Thoughts - The eldest of three - Kate has always believed that her parents will one day return to them. It's what has kept the children strong all this time and helped them stand their ground when potential families have come to take them in. In the past couple of years they have gone from one orphanage to the other, the orphanages becoming more poorly situated each time. The three over the years have developed a strong bond and have in a way developed their own roles. Kate is the mature older sister - a mother figure almost. She looks out for the other two and keeps tabs on them. Michael is more of a thinker, a book worm, more logical and overly explanatory about things, and has a big love for dwarfs which tends to get on Emma's nerves. Then you have Emma. She is the youngest who is; feisty, determined as well as brave and ambitious. Very brave for her age, and not to mention outspoken.
It's whilst their stay under the new orphanage they have recently moved in does Kate discover a green book that instantly transports them to the past, to Cambridge Falls as it once was. Things take a turn for the worst when her brother Michael is kidnapped. Soon enough it becomes clear that history is threatening to repeat itself and the only answer to their questions lies within the prophecy which connects to the leather bound book. Emma and Kate realise in due time that they must do all in their power to release their brother and finally figure out if their parents are alive or not.
The Emerald Atlas is a book which I really didn't know what to think of at first since I don't really go for Middle Grade books *well rarely anyway* but I saw something In The Emerald Atlas that pretty much dew me to it. It felt good to have been proved wrong and right since it was a great read and one that definitely opened up my eyes more to the Genre and to Fantasy overall. I knew that it had been praised a lot and compared to the likes of Harry Potter and The Chronicles and Narnia, and at times it did seem like it used certain elements from these books, not that I minded really because the author made it work.
As the three siblings set off on a journey into the past they come across both allies and foes. Their greatest ally in my opinion being Gabriel. A well built formidable man whose face is scarred from battle I am presuming. And although Emma is quite cautious of Adults and really doesn't like them much there is something about Gabriel that makes her feel comfortable and welcoming. They strike a kind of friendship which is so heart-warming to see. He isn't the friendliest of people at first, but as he gets to know the children; especially Emma. He opens up and even puts his life on the line. Dr. Pym. is another character to look out for. He is someone that should not be easily underestimated which often seems to be the case, and only works in his favour. The Dwarfs are somewhat neutral. Knowing what is right but under the rule of a corrupted and foolish King not really knowing which side to take, it’s his brother Robbie who should have been King that is of greater help.
Sure the book seemed almost a hundred pages too long which it could have done without in my opinion, but it was a smooth read nevertheless. I suppose I wouldn't have minded if the author had created a creature of some-sort that was a little more original and unheard on, it might have added a nice little twist to things. I have to say I liked the whole idea of the Countess though; presumably the bad guy/women. She also wants the book, but should it fall into the wrong hands it could be catastrophic which is why the children must to get to it first!
Even though the children did tend to get on my nerves at times I quickly reminded myself that they really are just children, and by the end I found myself feeling a little sad. I realised that I missed them and their adventures already! Good thing I have a feeling that there will be many more books in the series to come. *hopes* Readers of all ages are bound to fall in love with this one!
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