The Red Necklace
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4.7 • 29 Ratings
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- $10.99
Publisher Description
In the bustling streets of 18th century France, a young boy named Yann Margoza discovers a world of magic, intrigue, and danger.
“[A] lush tale of magic, betrayal and Revolution . . . teen readers will eat it up.”—Kirkus Reviews, starred review
The winds of change are blowing through Paris in 1789, both for France and a mysterious Gypsy boy named Yann Margoza. He was born with a gift for knowing what people are thinking and an uncanny ability to throw his voice, skills he uses while working for a foolish magician. On the night of a special performance, he meets shy Sido, a lonely heiress with a cold-hearted father. Though they have the shortest of conversations, an attachment is born that will influence both of their paths. While revolution is afoot in France, Sido is being used as the pawn of the fearful villain Count Kalliovski. Some have instead called him the devil; and only Yann, for Sido’s sake, will dare to oppose him.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Set during the French Revolution, Gardner's (I, Coriander) epic and tautly plotted tale engages readers from the start with its combination of romance and history, mystery and magic. Yann Magoza, an orphan, travels with entertainers who use supernatural powers in their act; Yann himself can read minds. As the novel opens, Yann and his companions are brought to a marquis's chateau, where Yann has a brief but fateful meeting with the foolish and cruel marquis's brave daughter, Sidonie, and where the marquis's associate, a scheming count, brutally but cleverly murders one of the magicians. The pace retains this thrilling momentum all the way through the heart-stopping climax. As Gardner slowly discloses Yann's and Sido's heritages, she ratchets up tension about the marquis's and the count's plans for Sido. She lards her story with intriguing details, like the red garnet necklaces left like signatures with a series of murder victims, and "threads of light" that make Yann's magic possible. The novel also paints vivid, convincing pictures of the Revolution: characters glimpse the massed thousands of Parisian women marching to Versailles, pitchforks in hand, demanding bread, and mobs setting upon suspected aristocrats. Suspenseful, complex and haunting. Ages 12 up.
Customer Reviews
Great read!
I didn't have high hopes for this book but I found myself really enjoying it! I would recommend this book for anyone who loves history, mystery, and a touch of romance. If you read this, you won't be disappointed!
Great Read!
This book is my all-time favorite. I remember grabbing it off the shelf carelessly and thinking that it would stay in my locker all day for the next week. But found myself crouched over my desk, reading like there was no tomorrow!
I was surprised at how great and suspenseful it was, immediately knowing the characters!
I recommend this book, and others by Sally Gardner for sure!
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