The Shadow Arts: 'A dark, mysterious, adrenaline-pumping rollercoaster of a story' Kieran Larwood

Description

"The thrilling sequel to Monstrous Devices-Alex and his grandfather hold the fate of history itself in their hands in a Rick Riordan meets Raiders of the Lost Ark adventure of epic proportions! A few months ago, Alex's world changed...forever. Now, just when it seems life is almost getting back to normal, Alex's grandfather crashes back into the picture with grave news: their friend Harry has fallen into the clutches of a familiar foe, and the old man needs Alex's help to rescue him. This time, the duo's desperate dash across Europe leads from Paris deep into Germany's foreboding Black Forest, as they chase down the mystery Harry had been investigating when he disappeared. A series of art thefts has made headlines across the continent, but the thieves are after more than priceless paintings. In the wrong hands, these stolen artefacts could unlock an ancient secret bigger than anything Alex ever dreamed of. If they can't solve the riddle in time, innocent lives - and even history itself - could be at stake."

Damien Love was born in Scotland and lives in Glasgow, where, even as you read these words, it is raining. He is the author of several books on film and filmmakers, and is the TV critic for Scotland's broadsheet, The Sunday Herald. He has the ability to talk to cats, but there is no evidence that they understand him. Monstrous Devices is his first novel. Learn more at damienlove.com.

'It's taken everything I loved from the first book and turned it up to eleven. Clever, funny, exciting and occasionally downright nasty - terrific stuff!' -- Alastair Chisholm, author of Orion Lost 'A brilliant sequel.' -- Jennifer Killick, author of Crater Lake 'A dark, mysterious, adrenaline-pumping, rollercoaster of a story. You won't be able to stop reading!' -- Kieran Larwood, author of The Five Realms 'Car chases and wrecks, sudden attacks, desperate battles, weird visions...Breathlessly paced adventure with rousingly eerie and icky notes.' * Kirkus * 'Damien has a fabulous imagination, these books are truly unique in plot. They are both high action, great pace and full of peril to ensure those pages just keep on turning... Very happy to recommend both of these books for aged 9 to 109 year olds.' -- Independent Book Reviews 'Alex and his granddad's next breathtaking adventure is set in a magical and mysterious corner of Europe... a superbly assured sequel where detailed settings, a clever plot, and cliffhanging action combine in an unforgettable read. At 400 pages, it's epic and all-consuming. Car chases, thrilling attacks, desperate escapes, and otherworldly magic will draw you into this roller coaster of a story... Highly recommended.' -- South China Morning Post