FROM THE PUBLISHER

Back in Bloor's Academy, Charlie's power takes on a new dimension. He meets a new gallery of characters, including Mr. Pilgrim's replacement, Tantalus Ebony, and the mysterious new student Joshua Tilpin, who appears to be magnetic. But not all is well. Billy has been adopted by the O'Gres, a child-hating couple, who carry with them a gray bag of oaths wherever they go, seducing Billy to sign an oath of obedience, before locking him up behind a force field in an odd place called The Passing House.

FROM THE CRITICS

Children's Literature - Leah Hanson

Charlie Bone hears voices. Not just any voices—he hears voices of people in paintings and photographs. As one of the endowed children descended from the Red King, Charlie is part of a magical, mysterious group trying to keep the forces of good in the world balanced with the forces of evil. In this latest installment in the "Charlie Bone" series, readers begin a new school year with Charlie and a new cast of interesting characters. A new teacher, Tantalus Ebony, is frighteningly stern at times and at others, droopingly drowsy. A new student seems to be literally magnetic and up to no good. Surrounded by old friends and new, Charlie sets out to save his friend Billy from his new adopted parents, while investigating a mysterious phantom horse and a castle made of mirrors. Despite his unusual abilities, Charlie remains an approachable, empathetic character as he struggles with his personal desire to find his missing father. The cast of characters and their magical abilities is vast, and a genealogy chart and prologue are necessary additions to help unfamiliar readers understand the relationships within the book. However, the variety and creativity of this magical world are sure to please fantasy readers. 2005, Orchard Books/Scholastic, Ages 12 up.

School Library Journal

Gr 5-8-Charlie Bone is starting a new school year and once again there are unpleasant surprises in store for him and his friends at Bloor's Academy. Little Billy Raven has finally been adopted, but the sinister de Greys have other plans for Billy, and it is up to Charlie and his friends to find a way to save him. Nimmo once again delivers an exciting, plot-driven tale that is sure to please fantasy and adventure fans. This new chapter in Charlie's saga is full of plot twists and thrills that will leave readers eagerly awaiting the next installment in the series. While the character development is a bit lacking, fantasy fans will enjoy the story.-Anna M. Nelson, Collier County Public Library, Naples, FL Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.