starcross

Judge A Book By Its Cover

Book Reviews and Synopses

Starcross

Philip Reeve

Reeve, Philip. Starcross. Bloomsbury U.S.A. Children’s Books. New

York, America 2007.

Starcross is an enchanting tale wrought with magic, adventure, and of

course, interesting hats. Philip Reeve brings this story to life with

his delightfully suspenseful writing style, also exhibited in his

other equally enthralling novels. In this captivating book, slightly

reminiscent of Polar Express and Peter Pan, readers enter a world of

fantasy and excitement without even leaving their own home.

The chronicle of Starcross follows three people, seemingly different

in every way, who travel across time and space to commit the ultimate

heist, and to fulfill their yearning for adventure before each has to

meet their binding destiny. The mysterious ringleader, Rosetta, unites

the unlikely group, but has her own ulterior motives. Timid

Natalie-Sue agrees to leave her home in early 19th century England to

satisfy her need for freedom before her arranged marriage to Terrence,

a man whose love she does not return. In the year 1200, in Arabia,

Nasim receives a fortune prophesying his death. He is determined to

live his life to the fullest before it ends, although that may not be

as soon as he thinks. Rosetta explains how to transform any old hat

into a time travelling device. Using the hats they enchanted, this

strange assortment of characters set out on an adventure that defies

the laws of nature and twists the fabric of time.

Little did they know, Terrence was watching Natalie-Sue’s encounter

with Rosetta. Worried he’s losing his love, Terrence follows them

using his own Travel-Cap, unaware his bride fully intends to return.

Rosetta convinces Nasim and Natalie-Sue to attempt to steal the

priceless Dragon’s Eye Rubie, the largest gem in the world which went

missing in medieval times. Joined by American Civil War veteran

goblins, flying English fish gentleman and other wacky new characters,

the group goes on a thrilling adventure with Terrence always one step

behind.

With the deadline of Natalie-Sue’s wedding drawing nearer, they cast

the time travel spell on a steam-train so as to return as fast as

possible without the gem. As they hurry home, Rosetta seems to comply,

but she’s not going to give up her ticket to fame and fortune so

easily...

This magical story of enchantment and mystery leaves you with a sense

of wonder, and captures the true spirit of adventure; the only

downside being the plot was a little bit confusing and hard to follow.

Overall Starcross was a good book; Philip Reeve weaves an intricate

web of characters, magic and unique head-wear.

4.5 out of 5 stars.

Contributed by A. Wikle

August 26th 2011