The Unexpected

“This Middle Grade/YA sci-fi Shakespearean retelling is reminiscent of a Rick Riordan book with a touch of Orson Scott Card’s sci-fi vibes…” Audrey Laurence, NetGalley

Based on Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar, The Unexpected tells the story of two children who live on Mars and are sent to school on a ravaged, dying earth. The school has its own problems: an ongoing battle between the human and cyborg teachers which Charlie and Alice can`t help getting involved in.

A standalone novel, The Unexpected continues the story of St Francis school begun in The Invisible Hand and Cold Fire.

“Shakespeare told the most enduring, fascinating, timeless and gripping stories. Over the centuries they have been adapted and performed in countless innovative ways. James Hartley has, in these adaptations, retold the Bard’s words in language that will captivate children.” Christopher Eccleston: Actor

“5 out of 5 stars. The Shakespeare´s Moon series of books for young teenage readers are about children who get mixed up in the plots of Shakespeare’s plays. Aimed at helping children and teenagers approach the worlds of Shakespeare’s plays in a fresh, imaginative new way, the plays allow readers to see the plays from the inside. This third installation in the series brings with it a feast to your imagination. It’s a fun and lovable read which is targeted toward the younger (pre-teen/teen) reader, but does not disappoint even the most adult mind. The kind of book, and series that makes you sit back and think – “huh, so that’s what it all meant”” Melanie Laing NetGalley

“The series uses 3 of Shakespeare’s well known works (Macbeth, Romeo and Juliet, and Julius Caesar) in such an interesting and innovative way. There have been several books and movies out there that have modernized Shakespeare’s work. Hartley does it in a unique and creative way. The Unexpected was probably the quickest and easiest of the three for me to read. Set both in the future and in the past, Charlie and Alice are introduced to the magic of St. Francis and the Book. Hartley also shows a future for earth where the air is poison, a sad possible reality. After the headmistress is murdered (in a very Julius Caesar fashion) the siblings, along with some other humans, must do what they can to escape while unraveling the magic that has been with the school for years. The Unexpected was a great addition to a good series. I would recommend it to many casual Shakespeare fans and to teens who want something a little different.” Jennifer Noble NetGalley

“The genre didn’t really seem like something I’d usually read. But I love reading outside of my comfort zone so I figured I’d give it a shot. Lo and behold, I actually really enjoyed this book! This Middle Grade/YA sci-fi Shakespearean retelling is reminiscent of a Rick Riordan book with a touch of Orson Scott Card’s sci-fi vibes. I really loved the immersion that this novel garnered, courtesy of the spectacular worldbuilding. In fact, I think my favorite part about The Unexpected is the way it sucked me in and made me interested in a plot that I initially didn’t think I would like very much. That’s good writing! This story, right from the get-go, is addictive. It’s fast-paced and intriguing, with unique characters and frequent POV switches that draw you in deeper and give storyline from all perspectives. Despite there being many named characters, I was never once lost when it came to who’s who. If I had one complaint, it would be that the climax was a long time in coming and then rushed through. This could also be because I was reading voraciously to get to the end… And, speaking of, I absolutely loved the ending! The finale of The Unexpected was as good as perfect. It put a smile on my face, which I always love at the end of a novel. I have to learn the hard way again and again not to judge a book by its genre, and today I learned that lesson once more. The Unexpected is (if I may) unexpectedly good!” Audrey Laurence NetGalley

5/5 Stars

It’s a well written, third instalment of Shakespeare retellings set within a school environment. It works as a stand alone, but character development is seen best when reading all of them.

Perfect for those who love Shakespeare and as an introduction to ease some reluctant student’s into the Bard’s literary world. Han Hunter NetGalley