Monday, October 22, 2007

Foundling by D. M. Cornish


Foundling
Monster Blood Tattoo, Book 1
D. M. Cornish
Speak – Penguin Group USA
September 6, 2007
ISBN# 978-0-14-240913-8

Being forced to endure a name that causes him endless grief, Rossamünd Bookchild hasn’t let unpleasant introductions dissuade him from his goals in life. His days at Madam Opera’s Estimable Marine Society for Foundling Boys and Girls have come to an end when a Mister Sebastipole offers Rossamünd a job as a lamplighter. Having been provided with the paperwork he’ll need, Rossamünd must prepare himself to make this journey on his own.

With his meager belongings in tow, Rossamünd sets out to reach High Vesting where he’s agreed to report for his new job. His journey has a rocky start when he boards the wrong vessel and learns his first of many dangerous lessons. Taking an opportunity to escape, he continues his trek on foot until meeting Europe, a monster-fighter, and her box-faced driver, Licurius. More danger filled adventure follows Rossamünd as he travels the Half-Continent to his destination. A lamplighter’s life could prove to be not nearly as dull as Rossamünd may have once feared.

Foundling is the first book in the Monster Blood Tattoo trilogy. Written to suit young adults, Rossamünd’s travels will also entertain adults who enjoy an adventurous coming of age tale. Splendidly detailed and illustrated with monsters of all shapes and sizes, D. M. Cornish pens the brave journey of a young man with little worldly experience. This is a well-built fantasy full of action and suspense. The story ends with a fabulous glossary, maps and additional illustrations that further enhance the experience and encourages readers to return for the next of Rossamünd’s adventures.

Kimberly Swan, Darque Reviews

2 comments:

scooper said...

Poor boy. What a name!

Kimberly Swan said...

Poor boy is right. Everyone who gets the chance either has something to say about it or has a giggle over it at his expense. He's sweet and innocent, so the world can be a very ugly place.