Candle Man
Society of Unrelenting Vigilence
by Glenn Dakin
Published: 2009
Genre: Steampunk, YA
Hardback: 300 pages
Rating: 5
Description from the amazon:
Murder, mystery, and adventure aren’t your typical birthday presents . . .
But for Theo, anything that breaks up his ordinary routine is the perfect gift.
A mysterious “illness” and Theo’s guardians force him into a life indoors, where gloves must be worn and daily medical treatments are the norm. When Theo discovers a suspicious package on his birthday, one person from the past will unlock the secret behind Theo’s “illness” and change his life forever.
Molded into an exhilarating steampunk adventure that gives birth to the next great fantasy hero, Theo Wickland, Candle Man: The Society of Unrelenting Vigilance is the first book in a trilogy by debut author Glenn Dakin.
Amusing passage:
No listen, Theobald. Facts about the world, real events, true history -- all these things excite the mind. That stimulation is, sadly, very bad for you. It makes your mind race, your metabolism accelerate. The effect on your condition could be disastrous.
-chapter 1, page 6
My two-bits:
In-a-word(s): leather gauntlets
I loved this book! This is a coming of age/hero story in a world with subtle Victorian and steampunk etiquette and elements.
What got me are the characters. They are colorful with their individual quirks and features. One especially interesting character to me is the garghoul. The chapter headers of the book include an illustration of this fascinating creature.
Because the main character, Theo, has been secluded and "protected" from the outside world, his life becomes quite an adventure when he runs away.
Series:
The Society of Unrelenting Vigilance
The Society of Dread
book 3 - title not yet revealed
*** Steampunk book giveaway ***
Signup to win this book here and/or at Cecelia Bedelia's (if you haven't already).
* Thanks to Glenn and Egmont USA for this review copy.
