LoveReading4Kids Says
LoveReading4Kids Says
July 2012 Debut of the Month.
Spies, secrets and spells lie at the heart of this thrilling mystery adventure set in the 1950s. Newly arrived in England after her parents' hurried flight from Los Angeles, Janie finds it hard to adjust. But meeting Benjamin, son of the apothecary, she finds herself caught up in an incredible adventure as they struggle to keep the precious and sacred book of spells and potions safe from the many evil hands who want to get hold of it. Exciting, evocative and full of surprise, this is a real page turner.
The Lovereading comment:
A magical and thrilling novel about Janie, a 14 year old girl whose life unexpectedly transforms when she gets swept up in a race to save the world from nuclear war. With a sacred book in hand can she and Benjamin uncover the book's secrets before the Russian spies grab it for themselves ? Part fantasy and part historical, this beautifully written and expertly paced, stunning and poignant novel will have readers on the edge of their seats.
As this is a great book for reading groups and book clubs, the publisher has provided us with some Discussion Notes. Click on 'Readers Guide' on the right hand side of this page to download them. They're best for use after reading the novel, since there may be some spoilers !
LoveReading4Kids
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About
The Apothecary Synopsis
It's 1952 and the Scott family has just moved from Los Angeles to London. Here, fourteen-year-old Janie meets a mysterious apothecary and his son, Benjamin Burrows - a fascinating boy who's not afraid to stand up to authority and dreams of becoming a spy. When Benjamin's father is kidnapped, Janie and Benjamin must uncover the secrets of the apothecary's sacred book, the Pharmacopoeia, in order to find him, all while keeping it out of the hands of their enemies - Russian spies in possession of nuclear weapons. Discovering and testing potions they never believed could exist, Janie and Benjamin embark on a dangerous race to save the apothecary and prevent impending disaster.
Together with Ian Schoenherr's breathtaking illustrations, this is a truly stunning package from cover to cover. Contains a teaser chapter of the sequel, The Apprentices.
About This Edition
| ISBN: |
9780142422069 |
| Publication date: |
12th February 2013 |
| Author: |
Maile Meloy |
| Publisher: |
Puffin Books an imprint of Penguin Young Readers Group |
| Format: |
Paperback |
| Pagination: |
384 pages |
| Series: |
The Apothecary Series |
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Press Reviews
Maile Meloy Press Reviews
'Meloy weaves fantasy into a fine work of historical fiction.' - New York Times
'Two children are swept up in an enthralling race to save the world, by way of
international intrigue, danger and a good dose of apothecary's magic.' - Fiona Noble,
The Bookseller
'Thoroughly enjoyable adventure, filled with magic, humour, memorable characters . . with evocative, confident prose.' - Publishers Weekly
'Inventive, smart and fun, an absolute delight.' - Rebecca Stead, author of When You
Reach Me
Author
About Maile Meloy
Maile Meloy has written several adult novels and short story collections.Her stories have been featured in The New Yorker, The Paris Review and Granta. This is her first young adult novel.
More About Maile Meloy
