'With its reversals, surprises, scholarship and dramatic details of an era so soaked in blood that the Seine ran red, The Silver Blade is historical fiction at its height. No reader, old or young, could resist its passion, told in crystalline prose and peopled with characters as engaging as the dwarf Tetu, bear-like Didier and the venal Mr Tull. It is by far the best British book for children I have read this year.' -- Amanda Craig THE TIMES 'This rich, suspenseful and moving tale combines lyricism with pace, and the ending of each section is a surprise, a cliffhanger, or a flourish that will inspire admiration' -- Nicolette Jones THE SUNDAY TIMES 'Fast-moving, action packed page-turner' THE BOOKSELLER 'The dramatic, horrific and sometimes romantic events of the French Revolution, which Sally Gardner portrayed so brilliantly in The Red Necklace are moved on a stage in this equally vivid and richly imagined sequel' LOVEREADING4KIDS 'Gardner occupies a unique place in children's literature, which The Silver Blade assures... An enthralling and wholly original novel, The Silver Blade is a must-read for a new generation.' -- Amanda Craig THE TIMES 'An absorbing historical thriller, dark-edged and awash with atmosphere and intrigue. A healthy dollop of magic makes everything all the more interesting. Though it is a sequel to The Red Necklace, it can be enjoyed to the fullest even without having read the first entry in the series. Highly recommended.' THE BOOKBAG 'The Silver Blade is both stunning in terms of imagery, but also in the depth and intelligence of emotion; for it is an epic love story that transcends all barriers. Gardner has created a wonderfully mystic magic in the form of light threads and their counterparts, dark threads, through which objects can be manipulated; but it is in the creation of life-like manikins that are able to speak and move (called automata) that her sheer brilliance is illustrated.' THETRUTHABOUTBOOKS 'With many characters and settings, all vividly real, Sally Gardner combines history, romance and fantasy in this incredible story. THE SILVER BLADE is a brilliant book and I enjoyed every minute of it. Even if you haven't read the previous book, THE SILVER BLADE will capture your imagination and leave you wanting more.' FIRST NEWS 'This is a proper ripper and Gardner just keeps getting stranger and better.' -- Toby Clements THE TELEGRAPH 'a romantic adventure with a very dark side. Gardner never lets her readers forget that this is a story set in an era soaked in blood.' -- John Millen YOUNG POST/ SCMP 'He is a Scarlet Pimpernel for the common man. It's an exciting, original read.' -- Lisa O'Kelly THE OBSERVER 'Romance, fantasy and occasional moments of gruesome Gothic-style horror blend attractively, the horror emanating principally from the villain of the piece, the supposedly dead Count Kalliovski... overall, it is hard to imagine a contemporary work of children's historical fiction more superbly conceived or more engagingly executed.' BOOKS FOR KEEPS "Romance, fantasy and occasional moments of gruseome Gothic-style horror blend attractively, the horror emanating principally from the villain of the piece... overall it is hard to imagine a contemporary work of children's historical fiction more superbly conceived or more engagingly executed. Highly recommended." BOOKS FOR KEEPS "Fantasy and fact merge with uneasy tension in this elegantly written novel by an accomplished storyteller... an original and arresting page-turner." CAROUSEL "...shiveringly romantic, dramatic and gripping tale" -- Amanda Craig THE LADY
