BY DAWN WOODS

 

ALICE lives a life she loves, with a devoted Father and a rather haphazard education - a mix of learning about life and tedious algebra lessons given by a governess. But all this changes after a clandestine meeting of her Father's, which was supposed to be a secret from Alice, and her Father announces he has to go away. News gets worse, when the ship, on which he is sailing, sinks with all loss of life.

A previously unknown uncle comes forward to become Alice's Guardian, and whisks her off to a strange and mysterious house.

One day Alice is asked to help sort out some books in the library, and so begins a series of adventures and challenges in which Alice finds herself drawn more and more into this strange new world of her uncle's, and to explore the possibilities of discovering what exactly happened to her Father.

This is no sugary Alice in Wonderland with a cute talking rabbit. Instead this other world is dangerous to the extent that it can result in death. The talking cats are dangerous, and as the victors gain more power, and Alice quickly becomes stronger at her new skills, she retains an integrity lacking in the other characters.

The book does not say there will be a sequel, but many unanswered questions remain. I can see a cult following forming to watch Django Wexler as a new children's talent, and the book cries out for a dedicated interactive website.

If you like Harry Potter and Inkheart, this fantasy title is for you.

 

This book was published by Doubleday and is available to buy for £12.99.