LoveReading4Kids Says
Bianca will have to be at her plucky, bright and adventurous best if she wants to find the answers to all the mysteries lurking in the dark city of Oscurita... This is the sequel to The Disappearing Duchess and the second in the Last Apprentice mystery series set in a re-imagined Renaissance Venice.
A Piece of Passion from Emily Thomas, Publisher Imagine an Italy where Casanova wanders the cobbled streets and sips wine next to a Venetian bridge. And then imagine a plucky twelve-year-old heroine called Bianca - a painter's assistant - who lives in La Luminosa: a place very like Venice, but enriched by magic and dark secrets - not to mention a dangerous underworld. Bianca is the best kind of heroine - the unwitting kind. The kind that was minding her own business thank-you-very-much until trouble came knocking on her door. In this, the first of a fabulous three-part adventure, Bianca bravely goes in search of a possible killer, and uncovers some startling and dangerous truths in the corridors of the royal palace... It's a perfect, gripping adventure with a female lead to truly admire. Just don't try to visit La Luminosa yourself, you'll get lost finding it…
In addition to our Lovereading expert opinion, a small number of members were lucky enough to be invited to review the first in the series The Disappearing Duchess. Here's a taster....'A captivating and magical tale to get lost in. A realistic story highlighted with fantasy moments of brilliance where the impossible somehow becomes possible.' Liam Pickering
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The Dark City The Last Apprentice Synopsis
Only three weeks have passed since the treacherous Filpepi and the Baron tried to depose Duchess Catriona, and although they seem to have disappeared forever, Bianca can't stop worrying about where they might be and what lies beyond her old master's magical paintings. Her friends are still full of adventure though, and there is also the very important business of running di Lombardi's studio to attend to! But her new responsibilities as Head of the Royal Studios are hard, and she is puzzled by the strange messages di Lombardi still seems to be sending her from beyond the grave. What is the meaning of the medallion and magical paint mix he left her in his will? And why does she keep finding herself in a strange, yet completely familiar city at night? Why is she so at home there - and who is the beautiful lady who looks a lot like Bianca?
There is a schools and library activity pack available to accompany this series with historical facts plus puzzles and games - contact keynotes@hotkeybooks.com
About This Edition
| ISBN: |
9781471402500 |
| Publication date: |
6th March 2014 |
| Author: |
Imogen Rossi |
| Publisher: |
Hot Key Books |
| Format: |
Paperback |
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Imogen Rossi Press Reviews
Kids love to read and a small number of members were lucky enough to be invited to review The Disappearing Duchess. You can read their reviews below.
Madi Campbell, age 13 - 'This book is absolutely amazing! It is written with extreme thought, the description makes you feel like you are there in the scene. This brilliant book will engross you from the very beginning.' Click Here to read the full review.
Amrit Bunet, age 15 - 'Step into the world of art, mystery and glamour with this enchanted tale of Bianca revealing the truth behind the death of her admired master with the help of a magical and mystifying paintbrush.' Click Here to read the full review.
Liam Pickering, age 11 - 'A captivating and magical tale to get lost in. A realistic story highlighted with fantasy moments of brilliance where the impossible somehow becomes possible.' Click Here to read the full review.
Damien, age 10 - 'The Disappearing Dutchess is a wonderful read for all ages.' Click Here to read the full review.
Kulsuma Begum age 16 - 'The Disappearing Duchess is the perfect book for 9-14 year olds who are looking for a great story with action, adventure and mystery.' Click Here to read the full review.
Shannon Mitchell - 'Stunning! Full of a sense of mystery and wonder this book will take you away to a different place.' Click Here to read the full review.
Tessa Harris. aged 10 - 'It's got lots of detail and vivid descriptions and it grabs your attention causing you to read on in order to find out what happens next.' Click Here to read the full review.
Jessica Tilley, age 11 - 'The book was really good, and I enjoyed learning about her paintings. It is a very fun read. It is fun to follow her magic adventure.' Click Here to read the full review.
Octavia Sharman, age 13 - 'The story line was very creative and was definitely an interesting read...I would recommend it to someone who loves mysteries.' Click Here to read the full review.
About Imogen Rossi
Imogen Rossi grew up in London but her favourite place in the world is Venice during the Carnival. She spent most of her summer holidays in Italy where she passed the time doodling and writing stories. She loves to paint, though she isn't very good at it, and she sings in a choir. She most enjoys stories involving mystery, magic and time travel. She has a collection of Venetian carnival masks and two cats named Leonardo and Michelangelo (Lenny and Mike for short).
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