I do like a good cover and the one for Montacute House is just lovely. Montacute House actually exists in Somerset and the author, Lucy Jago spent a lot of time during her childhood exploring it's many rooms and expansive grounds.
The main character is Cess, she is only thirteen and a lowly poultry girl at the great house. Cess and her mother are social outcasts in the village due to Cess having been born out of wedlock and therefore considered the lowest of the low. The villagers are shocked when the body of a young boy is discovered; his body is blackened and bruised and they are at a loss as to who or what could have inflicted such awful injuries.
Cess' friend William then goes missing and she feels that she has to get involved in the mystery in the hope that she will not be too late to save her dearest friend. However, Cess has no idea what she is getting herself involved in. She enters a world of witchcraft, greed, ambition, religious differences and extreme danger and risk. Montacute House appears to be in the centre of it all but it becomes clear that the pain and suffering will be far reaching unless it is stopped.
Lucy Jago has written a very interesting historical mystery. Her knowledge of Montacute House and it's history is evident as she gives the reader vivid descriptions of the rooms and secret passages and what they were used for. The house holds many secrets and they creep through the story tying everything together.
Cess is a particularly likeable character, she is the underdog who is prepared to fight for others experiencing mistreatment and prejudice. She carries the whole story as she fights for peace and justice.
Montacute House is the first book that Lucy Jago has written for young adults and it is published this week. She is an excellent story teller and I will be on the lookout for her future books.
Many thanks to Bloomsbury for sending me this to review.
12 comments:
I went to Montacute house last September so really must look out for this one! Thanks for the review :)
Verity- I really want to go and visit myself, I love books that revolve around a house and its many secrets!
I am going to visit Montacute in August. I convinced hubby we should holiday in Somerset this year just so that I could go LOL. Luckily he is used to this literary whims. I thought this was a lovely first book and so accuratley detailed in terms of historical authencity. I'm excited see what Lucy Jago writes next.
Becky- You shall have to take lots of pictures! I hope that Lucy Jago writes more young adult fiction as this one is really good!
As you may know by now I love books with a historical setting but throw in some danger, murder and witchcraft, then I'm totally sold! Thanks for sharing will have to look out for this.
thebookwormchronicles- I think you would enjoy this one, has a little bit of everything!!
I will have to look out for this book, it sounds so interesting with just the kind of ingredients I like in a tale.
Thank you for the review, Dot.
Kim- It was ever so good, I'm really enjoying reading some young adult fiction.
Sounds like a really interesting novel, and I do love that cover! Very haunting!
Meg- I really loved the cover too!
the books a really great read - coulnd't put it down. recommend it to all.
Lucy has a site also with lots of interesting stuff on Montacute House - www.lucyjago.com
Kamilian- It's a great book isn't it! Thanks for the web address and for visiting my blog!
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