September 19, 2010

Review : Mister Monday by Garth Nix

Title : Mister Monday
Author : Garth Nix
Reading Dates : 26 Aug - 27 Aug 2010
Mister Monday (Keys to the Kingdom, Book 1)
Keys to the Kingdom
The books in the series include :
  • Mister Monday
  • Grim Tuesday
  • Drowned Wednesday
  • Sir Thursday
  • Lady Friday
  • Superior Saturday
  • Lord Sunday
From goodreads :
Seven days. Seven keys. Seven virtues. Seven sins. One mysterious house is the doorway to a very mysterious world -- where one boy is about to venture and unlock a number of fantastical secrets. This is another thrilling, triumphantly imaginative series from Garth Nix, the best-selling author of THE SEVENTH TOWER, SABRIEL, and LIRAEL.


Book Review of Mister Monday.
I love The Keys to the Kingdom series and the world it introduces me to.

Right from the first time of reading Mister Monday, I was enchanted with the world the author creates in the series and the charm has never worn off despite re-reading the books numerous times. The mysterious Architect who imagined most of creation into existence, the living Will she left behind, the House which lies at the centre of the universe, the varied denizens of the House with their rather specialised duties and eccentricities, the different and magical modes of travel which sometimes relies on nothing more than the power of imagination and many other wonders. And the author manages to pack all of this world building into the tale without bogging down the story in the slightest.

Apart from that, I also loved the main characters in the story. Arthur Penhaligon is an infinitely likeable character. He is astute, resourceful, kind and loyal. More than once, the Will's plans go awry or are rather vague and it is up to Arthur to figure out how to save his own bacon. More importantly, Arthur is no pushover and figures out fairly early on he needs to stand his ground if he is to make his point with the manipulative Will. Including not abandoning his friends and allies whenever it suits the Will.

Then, there's the rather irrepressible Suzy Turquoise Blue. Once a mortal like Arthur, she was one of the children led by the Piper into the House and abandoned there. Suzy proofs to be a steadfast and useful friend to Arthur. Frequently risking her life and limb to help Arthur although she was initially forced into service by the Will.

Finally, I also liked the way the author poked fun at some of the affectations of our society today. For instance, one of Arthur's older siblings, Eminor, had his name changed to Patrick when he became a musician.

My conclusion : A fast-paced read with plenty of world building fantasy readers will enjoy.

2 comments:

  1. I loved Sabriel and Shade's Children by Garth Nix. I need to put this on my wishlist. Sounds like a fun read! :)

    ReplyDelete

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