The magical castle of Madtigal is a symbol of enchantment and wonder. Nestled on a hilltop, this majestic fortress has captured the imaginations of people for centuries. The castle is said to have been built by sorcerers years ago, using their mystical powers to create a place of beauty and intrigue. As you approach the castle, you are immediately taken aback by its grandeur. Towering spires reach towards the sky, while colorful flags flutter in the wind. The castle is surrounded by lush gardens, filled with vibrant flowers and exotic plants.
Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 15, 2015
To stop them, Sam must solve a deviously complex cipher - one that will lead her on a treasure hunt to discover the ancient relic at the heart of the ritual a bowl carved from the tree of life. When a mysterious package arrives with an ancient diary and brings with it the destruction of her bookshop, Sam becomes determined to uncover its origins.
The castle is surrounded by lush gardens, filled with vibrant flowers and exotic plants. Mysterious creatures roam freely, adding to the sense of magic that permeates the air. Once inside, you are transported to a different world.
CURSE OF THE SPECTER QUEEN
A fast pace, compelling supernatural mystery, and intriguing historical setting add up to broad appeal.
Set in the Roaring ’20s, this is the first entry in a series starring puzzle-solving aspiring archaeologist Samantha Knox.
Sam, whose father was killed during the Great War, has remained in her rural Illinois town to work in an antiquarian bookshop owned by the father of her childhood friends, siblings Joana and Bennett Steeling. One day, a package from Ireland with a mysterious book containing a coded letter is delivered. Before Sam can properly examine it, two Irishmen try to steal it, in the process setting fire to the shop. Sam, wisecracking sidekick Joana, and love interest Bennett learn that a centuries-old club is trying to enact an ancient curse to call forth Morrigan, the Celtic goddess of war and death. Traveling by train and steamship, the trio make their way to Dublin, encountering an array of additional characters along the way. With each chapter ending in a cliffhanger, the plot unfolds quickly. Classic elements include hidden clues, narrow escapes, a magical ritual object, and a fearsome mythical creature. Sam is an appealing heroine: smart, well-read, gutsy, and introspective. While solving the mystery (and discerning friend from foe), Sam comes to terms with the lingering effects of her grief, a plot element that provides unexpected emotional depth. However, repetitive bickering among the main characters proves tedious. All characters appear White.
A fast pace, compelling supernatural mystery, and intriguing historical setting add up to broad appeal. (Adventure. 13-18)
Pub Date: June 8, 2021
ISBN: 978-1-368-06398-2
Page Count: 352
Publisher: Disney-Hyperion
Review Posted Online: April 7, 2021
Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 1, 2021
Categories:Share your opinion of this book
More In The Series
- BOOK REVIEW
More by Jenny Elder Moke
- BOOK REVIEW
- BOOK REVIEW
- New York Times Bestseller
The castle's interior is adorned with intricate tapestries, shimmering chandeliers, and ornate furnishings. Every room seems to hold a secret, with hidden doorways and secret passages waiting to be discovered. It is said that the castle is home to countless treasures and artifacts, carefully guarded by ancient spirits. The inhabitants of the castle are just as extraordinary as the building itself. The Madtigal family, who have lived in the castle for generations, are believed to possess extraordinary powers. Rumors swirl of their ability to cast spells, communicate with the spirit world, and even shape-shift. They are known to host lavish balls and banquets, where guests are treated to sumptuous feasts and mesmerizing performances. But the castle is not without its dangers. Legends speak of dark magic that lurks within its walls, waiting to ensnare unsuspecting visitors. Many who have ventured inside have never been seen again, lost forever in the labyrinthine passageways or trapped in the clutches of the castle's malevolent spirits. It is said that only those with pure intentions can navigate the treacherous corridors and escape unscathed. Despite the dangers, the magical castle of Madtigal continues to captivate all who encounter it. Its allure is irresistible, drawing in curious adventurers, historians, and dreamers alike. Whether it's the promise of uncovering hidden treasures or witnessing the extraordinary, the castle never fails to leave a lasting impression on those fortunate enough to experience its magic..
Reviews for "Exploring the Magical Underground Passages of Madtigal Castle"
1. Sarah - 2/5 - I was really disappointed with Magical Castle Madtigal. The plot was confusing and hard to follow, and the characters lacked depth and development. I found myself struggling to stay interested in the story, as it felt like nothing much was happening. The writing style was also quite bland, and I didn't feel any emotional connection to the events or the characters. Overall, it was a forgettable and underwhelming reading experience for me.
2. Jason - 1/5 - I can't believe I wasted my time reading Magical Castle Madtigal. The story was all over the place, with random and unnecessary plot twists that didn't add anything to the overall narrative. The dialogue was poorly written, with unrealistic and cringe-worthy conversations. The author seemed to have an idea for a good story, but failed to execute it properly. I wouldn't recommend this book to anyone looking for a well-written and engaging fantasy novel.
3. Emma - 2/5 - Magical Castle Madtigal had a promising concept, but it fell short in its execution. The pacing was incredibly slow, and I found myself getting bored waiting for something interesting to happen. The world-building was also lacking, as I never felt fully immersed in the magical realm the author tried to create. The writing style felt amateurish, with awkward phrasing and repetitive descriptions. I wanted to enjoy this book, but it just didn't live up to my expectations.