Lukas' thirteenth birthday is the last he spends with his family. The next day, his father is murdered, his mother arrested as a witch, and his nine-year-old sister Elsa is taken by the wicked inquisitor. Only Lukas manages to escape.
Lukas has promised his sister that he will find her and protect her, but in a country ripped apart by terrible armies, his task is not an easy one.
Eventually, he meets some traveling performers, improves his skill with the sword, and makes three fast friends who join him on his journey. The four catch up with the Kaiser's army and attach themselves to the famous Black Musketeers.
When the Inquisitor realizes that Elsa alone cannot help him find the Book of Night, a powerful grimoire, he begins his search for Lukas. He needs both children to find the grimoire which would give him even more magical powers.
read in July; blog review scheduled for Sept. 16, 2016.
YA/Historical Fiction. Oct. 4, 2016. Print length: 306 pages.
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Is anyone else displeased with NetGalley's new format? My page shows books that I sent notes to the publishers about, but did not review. You know..."Thanks for the opportunity, but this one is not working for me" sort of thing. I don't want them on my new titles list.
Yes, mine shows books that I never downloaded because they were not available in Kindle format. It's confusing and I can't see a listing of books I've requested, but not been approved for. Sigh. I think Edelweiss is about to launch a new setup too. I like theirs better.
ReplyDeleteExactly, I'm seeing the same things. I'm not at all happy with this clutter on my dashboard of books from 3-4 years ago. I think I'll give Edeweiss a try. :)
DeleteI've NetGalley account but rarely request books from them as the format doesn't really fit to the reader app I'm using. I'm hoping the new Edelweiss setup comes with no hassles; I'd hate to give up Edelweiss since that's the only link I can count on to now.
ReplyDeleteI find that often changes made to be easier and more efficient are rarely easier or more efficient. I haven't used Edelweiss, but it is on my radar again--maybe after they complete whatever changes they are contemplating!
DeleteThis sounds like quite the plot; did you like Lukas? I'll follow a likeable character just about any where. :)
ReplyDeleteLukas and his three friends were likable young characters in the midst of a particularly nasty war.
DeleteIt was interesting to discover that the evil Inquisitor (Philip Adolf von Ehrenberg) existed and busied himself with burning folks during a massive witch-hunt from 1636-1630.
Everything is changing. Goodreads made themselves all cluttered, too!
ReplyDeleteNoooo! I haven't noticed any changes yet, but I hate it when things become more complicated or cluttered!
DeleteI noticed the new changes on NetGalley but so far I think I'm ok with them... Then again, I probably need to spend more time with it and see how I like it.
ReplyDeleteReally enjoyed reading you review of this one. I have enjoyed some of Oliver Potzsch's books so I would like to check this one out!
I love it when an author writes good historical fiction for a YA audience. :) I haven't read anything else by Potzsch, but I will look for some of his other books.
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