City Of Masks (Stravaganza) [Turtleback]

Mary Hoffman (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 8, 2004 | Series: Stravaganza

Set in Talia, a parallel world very similar to 16th-century Italy, the narrative follows Lucien, who in our world is very ill. Given a marbled notebook to use as a diary, the notebook is the unexpected means that transports Lucien to this dangerous new world; a world that thrills to the delight of political intrigue and where a life can be snuffed out with a flash of a merlino blade. The city of Bellezza (Venice in our world) is astonishingly evoked, with a filmic eye to detail, from the sensuousness of silks and velvets, to the thrill and danger of assassination attempts both and foiled and successful. The world of Talia is unforgettably and convincingly real.

--This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Editorial Reviews

Review

'City of Masks is a poignant, touching and exciting novel, difficult to put down. This is one of the best time-slip stories that I have read in recent years. Without doubt a masterwork of contemporary children's literature' Edgardo Zaghini, Children's Literature Officer, Booktrust 'One of the most exciting adventures I've read in years' Wendy Cooling, Best Books for Christmas in the Children's Bookseller 'The writing has a rich, lyrical quality and the plot is hugely imaginative' Waterstone's Guide to Kid's Books --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

About the Author

Mary Hoffman is a bestselling children's author and reviewer. She is the author of the picture book Amazing Grace, which is an international bestseller. She is a complete aficionado of Italy - all her love for Italy has been infused into this series. Mary is also the editor of Armadillo, a children's review magazine. She has three grown-up children and lives with her husband in West Oxfordshire. --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Turtleback: 344 pages
• Publisher: Demco Media (December 8, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0606328491
• ISBN-13: 978-0606328494
• Product Dimensions: 7.5 x 5 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.5 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Great series!, December 27, 2011

By 

cadams - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: City of Masks (Stravaganza) (Paperback)

This whole series is great... It's not a super complicated plot line, but I find the characters easy to relate to. I love the time transition from modern to historical and the parallels between them. I'm not a big historical buff, but even I found the historical content interesting because it was relevant to the story... not an indulgence of the author. I highly recommend this whole series to anyone who loves time travels or fantasy book.