Ambergate [Hardcover]

Patricia Elliott (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 7, 2007

A companion book to "Murkmere" and a compelling gothic mystery in its own right, "Ambergate" is rich with suspense and unforgettable characters.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 9 Up—A companion to Murkmere (Little, Brown, 2006), this gothic fantasy follows the story of Scuff, otherwise known as 102, an orphan who doesn't know if she ever had a real name. When soldiers come looking for her at the remote manor house where she works as a servant, the girl is certain it's for a crime she committed as a small child in the Capital. After escaping, she is aided by some and led astray by others until she finds herself mixed up in a plot to assassinate the son of the Lord Protector. The story is convoluted, with many characters floating in and out, and tends to bog down. Although the writing (particularly the dialect-spiced dialogue) is vivid, it is often difficult to understand the motivation driving many of the characters, including Scuff herself, who is blown by the winds of fate from one bad situation to another. Buy where Murkmere has been popular, but otherwise you can skip this rather turgid fantasy.—Eva Mitnick, Los Angeles Public Library
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

From Booklist

Fans of Murkmere (2006) will enjoy this companion, which follows the orphan Scuff as she flees Murkmere after learning that soldiers of Protector's army are intent on hunting her down. Why the kitchen maid should merit such attention is the crux of the novel, though this element sometimes disappears as the tale twists through the marshes and dingy small towns and into the fear-ridden capital city. The novel can stand alone, though readers familiar with the previous book will have a better understanding of the religious and familial underpinnings that are so integral to the story. Elliott tries to do a bit too much here, this intensely detailed, haunting novel will draw in readers, as much with its romance as its mystery. A few of the characters are not well integrated into the whole, but the entire cast is exceptionally drawn, particularly Scuff; sometimes brave, often scared, always in trouble, she is a realistic heroine who will win readers' affection. Ilene Cooper
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 400 pages
• Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers (February 7, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 031601060X
• ISBN-13: 978-0316010603
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.7 x 1.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #706,556 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4.0 out of 5 stars Captivating, August 6, 2007

By 

A. L. Bryant "card-carrying bibliophile" (Florida, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Ambergate (Hardcover)

This was such an interesting book in so many ways. Scuff is an interesting character, full of promise and intriguing traits. The people she meets on her journey were all interesting as well, and the tapestry of their lives fills this novel to overflowing. As a side note, I simply adore odd, mysterious boys with something to hide, so this book was a special treat for me. No spoilers, though! Let's move on.
The plot was inventive and constantly surprising, and I was very invested in the outcome of the climax. I hated to leave that world. So many tantalizing questions answered in the end, and yet, so many more remain!
I am looking forward to reading more!

5.0 out of 5 stars a simply beautiful novel, May 5, 2007

By 

Reader Views "Reviews, by readers, for readers" (Austin, Texas) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Ambergate (Hardcover)

Reviewed by Nicole LeBoeuf for Reader Views (4/07)

Patricia Elliott's novel "Ambergate" is a suspenseful tale of fascinating characters with the ability to capture you within moments. Growing up in Europe and the Far East, Elliott always had a creative spirit. She has spent her life around books, working in publishing, at bookstores, and finally as a college literature teacher. Her first novel "The Ice Boy" won many awards, followed closely by "Murkmere." The companion novel, "Ambergate" is full of potential.

The gothic mystery spins a tale of a young orphan without a name facing countless terrors. It is easy to fall in love with the characters Elliott weaves, as they become so complete in the imagination. The orphaned girl, living in a world we've never experienced before, is forced from the comfort of the place she has called home for so long. Facing the world alone, she is in constant terror of the soldiers from the capital finding her, as she committed a hideous crime in her past. Always in constant danger, she overcomes one obstacle after another.

The characters she encounters in her flight are unforgettable, as each is creatively portrayed. The tale dives into complexity as her journey moves on, but as detailed as the novel is, it is never anything but a pleasure to read. The storyline is always clear and never cluttered. Each sentence flows so perfectly, with simple, beautiful detail. Once Elliott's words have pulled you in, it is as though the world and characters she created are living and breathing. Close your eyes and you can hear the birds singing in the Wasteland, feel the sweep of swan feathers against your skin and smell the sweet fragrance of the wedding flowers...

"Ambergate" is a simply beautiful novel. Age is not a thing of concern once you have turned its first page, as it is perfect for anyone. "Ambergate" is an inspiring tale, filled with courageous characters that will touch any heart that dares to enter Elliott's world.

Book received free of charge.

4.0 out of 5 stars Good Sequel, July 20, 2006

By 

Alex "fantasy fanatic" (Buffalo, New York) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Ambergate (Paperback)

This book is a sequel to Murkmere. Its about Scuff the kitchen maid and her secrete past. She committed some sort of crime back in the Capitol and was hiding at Murkmere. Now, the authorities are after her and she runs away, but ends up back in the place she least wanted to be in, the Capitol and the Orphan House. It was a goo read and went into more detail about the world of MURKMERE and the importance of their birds.