Review + competition for Serafina and the Black Cloak by Robert Beatty (Children's, 9 years +, 10E/10E, short 'n' sweet review)

 14th July 2015, Disney-Hyperion, 304 pages, Hardback, Review copy 

Content: mystery, night adventures, lots of tension, tissues needed

Summary from Disney-Hyperion

“Never go into the deep parts of the forest, for there are many dangers there, and they will ensnare your soul.” Serafina has never had a reason to disobey her pa and venture beyond the grounds of the Biltmore estate.There’s plenty to explore in her grand home, although she must take care to never be seen. None of the rich folk upstairs know that Serafina exists; she and her pa, the estate’s maintenance man, have secretly lived in the basement for as long as Serafina can remember. But when children at the estate start disappearing, only Serafina knows who the culprit is:a terrifying man in a black cloak who stalks Biltmore’s corridors at night. Following her own harrowing escape, Serafina risks everything by joining forces with Braeden Vanderbilt, the young nephew of the Biltmore’s owners. Braeden and Serafina must uncover the Man in the Black Cloak’s true identity…before all of the children vanish one by one. Serafina’s hunt leads her into the very forest that she has been taught to fear. There she discovers a forgotten legacy of magic, one that is bound to her own identity. In order to save the children of Biltmore, Serafina must seek the answers that will unlock the puzzle of her past.

Nayu's thoughts

Wow! Just wow. I'm glad I ignored how creepy Serafina's tale and trusted my instinct that I'd like her. I liked her a lot! Despite being not quite like other girls Serafina has won my heart. I liked how she wasn't entirely fearless, that there were things that made her freeze up, but her desire to save others especially in dangerous situations makes her a heroine and so very cool. Having learnt the truth I want to reread her tale which is full of sneaking about, some rats, some gross things which I confess to skimming over as soon as I saw them mentioned (I'm a fluffy bunny type of girl, not an insect one (although spiders & flying insects are fine. Everything else freaks me out). 

While I guessed some of the revelations which were picked up from the hints woven into the story, knowing what was to come didn't take away from the experience of watching Serafina find her true self and be comfortable sharing it with the world. The ending was more than I could imagine, full to the brim with happiness. The Cloak is mega creepy, and perhaps it wasn't wise that I read this at 3am when the sun had yet to rise because it made me hyper aware of all the sounds in the quiet, dark house. The good friends who Serafina meets made me smile at their welcoming her despite her physical differences, although one took a long time to come around to her, but knowing the truth that's no longer a mystery to me. I can't remember if there is going to be a sequel, but I'm most definitely hoping so because the way the book end Serafina has a whole new world to explore. 

Find out more on Robert's website which has a sparkly cover for Serafina's tale. 

Competition US only

I want this!!!

I'm slightly jealous because this prize pack including a Serafina and the Black Cloak an ARC, bookmark, stickers, pen, and a notebook. looks fun and is only for those of you in the US. To enter just fill in the form below! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway