The Death of Yorik Mortwell [Hardcover]

Stephen Messer (Author), Gris Grimly (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 27, 2011 | Age Level: 8 and up | Grade Level: 3 and up

Inspired by the artwork of Edward Gorey, Windblowne author Stephen Messer delivers a mock-Gothic tale about poor Yorick (alas!), son of the Gamekeeper at venerable Ravenby Manor, who meets an untimely demise—in chapter one! Worry not, dear reader, for Yorick returns in ghostly form, intent on revenge. In the course of his hauntings, however, ghostly Yorick discovers that all manner of otherworldy creatures inhabit the manor grounds, and that he has a part to play in saving not only his still-living orphan sister but also the manor and everyone in it.

For every young reader who enjoyed the dour dalliance of A Series of Unfortunate Events, here is Stephen Messer's playful homage to the poor orphans of Charles Dickens, the bleak poetry of Edgar Allen Poe, and the exaggerated characters of Roald Dahl.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"This slim novel packs plenty of chills...a classic underdog story with a little extra macabre seasoning. Youngsters who cut their teeth on Edward Gorey will find this tale of death, redemption, and mischief just to their liking." - The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

"Full-page, macabre illustrations appear throughout. Lemony Snicket, Harry Potter, and Neil Gaiman enthusiasts will appreciate this engaging, eccentric adventure." - School Library Journal

About the Author

Late at night, through a hidden window, the ghost of STEPHEN MESSER can be seen typing away in his study, high up in the haunted manor he shares with his wife in Durham, North Carolina. In a past life, Stephen was the author of Windblowne. Visit Stephen online at stephenmesser.com.

GRIS GRIMLY can best be described as a storyteller. Through his distinctive style and wide selection of media as an author, illustrator, fine artist, sculptor, and filmmaker, he has captivated a variety of loyal collectors. Primarily known for his dark yet humorous children's books, Gris continues to haunt the imaginations of both young and old. Visit him online at madcreator.com.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 8 and up
  
• Hardcover: 192 pages
• Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers (September 27, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0375868585
• ISBN-13: 978-0375868580
• Product Dimensions: 5.4 x 0.8 x 7.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #841,741 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Stephen Messer was born in Maine and grew up there and in lots of other places. As a child he was inspired by the desert skies of Arizona, as well as his many trips to the public library. Nowadays, he writes books for young readers. His debut novel, Windblowne (Random House 2010), is a fantasy adventure about a boy who is blown away from his mountain wind-world of treehouses and kites, and his encounters with a mad genius, mechanical hunters, a missing moon, and the secrets of the powerful night winds. Upcoming books include the dark and whimsical fantasy The Death of Yorik Mortwell (Random House 2011), featuring grotesquely delightful illustrations by the masterful Gris Grimly, and Colossus (Random House 2013), a sci-fi adventure set at the end of time.

He and his wife live in an old house in Durham, North Carolina.

He is represented by the excellent Josh Adams of Adams Literary (www.adamsliterary.com).

Visit Stephen and learn more at www.stephenmesser.com

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars SWEET, October 30, 2011

By 

Mildred Kooyenga - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Death of Yorik Mortwell (Hardcover)

I BOUGHT THE BOOK BECAUSE OF GRIS GRIMLEY'S DRAWINGS.THERE IS NOT ENOUGH OF GRIS'S WORK BUT WHAT THERE IS I LOVE. FOR ALL AGES

5.0 out of 5 stars Deadly Death, November 23, 2011

By 

Monica Kulling - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Death of Yorik Mortwell (Hardcover)

The Death of Yorik Mortwell by Stephen Messer

"Rest in peace. Here lies So-and-So in their eternal repose." These words are usually meant to be final, but not in poor Yorik Mortwell's case. Alas! No sooner has the orphaned servant boy died then he's up and running to avenge his death at the hands of Lord Ravenby's son and to haunt Ravenby Manor, if only he can get past the demon-hounds and avoid having his mind "blasted into a million fragments" by the Dark Ones. Yorik is bullied by the officious Princess of the Aviary Glade who keeps him in the dark about most things, especially the identity of Erde and "beastly Father." Poor Yorik. He is at the mercy and whim of many voices, more a servant than he ever was when he was living. How Yorik finds his own voice (it's never too late) and brings peace to himself and the Estate is the meat of this cleverly written ghost story.

Stephen Messer's debut novel, Windblowne, was a fantastical flight of a completely different variety, and equally enjoyable. The Death of Yorik Mortwell will appeal to "fans of Lemony Snicket, Edward Gorey, and Neil Gaiman" and in my case, Dicken's. Gris Grimly's (appropriate name) are quirky, grotesque and perfect for this ghostly adventure.

5.0 out of 5 stars fabulous, November 11, 2011

By 

Alexander J. Thorne - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Death of Yorik Mortwell (Hardcover)

This might be for a slightly older reading group, since it focuses on a child who dies in the first chapter, but it's elegantly written and so enjoyable. Beautiful artwork counterpoints the elegant phrasing and engrossing story.