Title: Charlie Bone and the Hidden King
Author: Jenny Nimmo
First published June 1, 2006
441 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780439545303 (ISBN10: 0439545307)
Rating: 4
Overview
In Jenny Nimmo’s sixth installment of the bestselling CHILDREN OF THE RED KING series, Charlie Bone and the Hidden King, Charlie is faced with a new danger. As he turns twelve on New Year’s Eve, the ancient forces of evil begin to stir.
The Flame Cats warn him of the impending danger and urge him to be vigilant. Charlie soon discovers that the shadow from the Red King’s portrait has been set free and is determined to stop him from finding his father.
Meanwhile, strange things are happening in the city and pets are mysteriously vanishing. Olivia is also in peril as she struggles to control her newfound powers.
Will Charlie be able to overcome this new challenge and save his loved ones? Find out in this thrilling adventure filled with magic and mystery.
About the Author
Jenny Nimmo, an English author, was born in Windsor, Berkshire. She spent most of her formative years in boarding schools in Kent and Surrey.
At the age of sixteen, she decided to leave school and pursue a career in drama. She became a drama student and an assistant stage manager with Theater South East.
After completing her studies, she acted in repertory theaters in different towns and cities, including Eastbourne, Tunbridge Wells, Brighton, Hastings, and Bexhill.
Later on, Jenny traveled to Italy to teach English to three Italian boys in Almafi. After returning from Italy, she joined the BBC.
Her first job was as a picture researcher, and she gradually moved up the ranks to become an assistant floor manager, studio manager (news), and finally a director/adaptor with Jackanory – a BBC storytelling program for children.
Jenny eventually left the BBC to marry a Welsh artist named David Wynn Millward. They currently reside in Wales in her husband’s family home, which is a very old converted watermill.
The river near their home is constantly threatening to break in, which has happened several times in the past, most dramatically on her youngest child’s first birthday. During the summer, they run a residential school of art, and Jenny has to move her office and put down her tools (typewriter and pencil) to don an apron and cook! Together they have three grown-up children named Myfawny, Ianto, and Gwenwyfar.
Editoral Review
Charlie Bone and the Hidden King by Jenny Nimmo is a delightful addition to the growing genre of children’s fantasy literature. Nimmo, a Welsh author, is known for her popular series of books about a young boy named Charlie Bone who discovers that he possesses magical powers.
The Hidden King is the fifth book in her series, following on from such titles as Midnight for Charlie Bone and Charlie Bone and the Castle of Mirrors. The novel takes place in a magical parallel world to our own and follows the adventures of Charlie and his friends who must solve a mystery and save their kingdom from an evil dictator.
Along the way, they also learn about themselves and their own strengths and weaknesses. Set against the backdrop of a stunning and intricately crafted magical world, Nimmo’s writing is characterized by its engaging storyline, relatable characters, and vivid descriptions.
She has a real talent for creating characters who are both unique and relatable, making the reader feel like they know them personally. One of the strengths of the book is Nimmo’s ability to seamlessly interweave relevant themes into her writing.
In The Hidden King, for example, she addresses issues of power, corruption, and the struggle against tyranny. While these themes might be considered heavy for a children’s book, Nimmo presents them in a way that is accessible to a younger audience.
At the same time, the book is not without its flaws. Some readers may find the pacing of the story to be too slow and meandering, with too much exposition and backstory detracting from the action.
Additionally, certain elements of the plot feel overly predictable or formulaic. Nevertheless, these limitations do not detract significantly from the overall enjoyment of the book.
Nimmo succeeds in creating a rich and fully-realized magical world that is both engaging and complex. The characters are endearing, and the storylines are compelling enough to keep the reader invested throughout.
Overall, Charlie Bone and the Hidden King is a fantastic addition to the children’s fantasy genre. Recommended for readers of all ages who enjoy engaging stories with relatable characters and fascinating worlds.
The book receives a strong rating of 4 out of 5 stars.
