Book of Lies - Softcover

Moloney, James

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0207198314 ISBN 13: 9780207198311

Publisher: Angus & Robertson, 2004

Synopsis

Three children, Marcel, Nicola and Fergus, have been left mysteriously in an orphanage run by the kindly Mrs Timmins, but overseen by the fearsome wizard Lord Alwyn and his creature Termagant. Marcel learns that the mysterious Book of Lies can tell hood from truth. But can it tell him who he really is? He is not alone in his confusion, either. When the stranger Starkey arrives, Marcel, the haughty Nicola and battle-obsessed Fergus discover that they have a vital part to play in saving the kingdom from evil. But something's not right. Is Starkey friend or foe? And is Lord Alwyn the evil wizard the children first thought? And will the truth really be revealed in the pages of the Book of Lies? Ages 9 - 12

About this title

About the Author:

James Moloney has written many award-winning books for children, including A Bridge to Wiseman's Cove, which won the Children's Book Council of Australia Book of the Year Award. A full-time writer, Mr. Moloney lives in Brisbane, Australia, with his wife and three children.

From School Library Journal:

Grade 4–8—When Marcel is delivered to an orphanage in the middle of the night, the wizard Lord Alwyn and his magical Book of Lies take away his memories of his previous life. Only the intervention of another orphan, Bea, allows Marcel to remember his true name. It soon becomes apparent that while he doesn't remember his past, it has followed him and links him to two other orphans, Nicola and Fergus. The three soon escape and become involved in the politics of their kingdom and the conflict between King Pelham and his rivals, Prince Damon and Princess Eleanor. Marcel and the other children discover that they play a key role in the conflicts that will shape their land's future, but first they must understand the treachery and lies that surround their own identities. Marcel is a sympathetic main character, though his reactions to the changes in his life seem shallow at times and the discovery of his own powers lacks drama. Supporting characters tend to dramatic gestures, but they lack depth and motivation. Moloney has created a number of unusual magical creatures that will catch readers' imaginations, including the sorcerer's unique flying horse and the Book of Lies itself, which becomes more mysterious and sinister as the story progresses. While this novel lacks the emotional depth to be truly outstanding, Marcel's search for identity will ring true to readers on the verge of adolescence.—Beth L. Meister, Pleasant View Elementary School, Franklin, WI
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About this edition

• Publisher: Angus & Robertson
• Publication date: 2004
• ISBN 10: 0207198314
• ISBN 13: 9780207198311
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 402