- Paperback: 352 pages
- Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC; New edition edition (21 Jun 2004)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 0747576149
- ISBN-13: 978-0747576143
- Product Dimensions: 19.4 x 12.8 x 2.6 cm
- Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars See all reviews (24 customer reviews)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 551,987 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
Stravaganza - City of Masks: Stravaganza Series, Book 1
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Product Description
Amazon.co.uk Review
Mary Hoffman has in Stravaganza: City of Masks produced a fine, complex time-slip novel filled with a love, passion and intrigue that crosses boundaries between past and present with an undeniable eloquence and sophistication.
Lucien, a 21st century boy, is dying of cancer. As he drifts in and out of consciousness in his hospital bed during a particularly difficult course of treatment, he finds himself wandering the streets of Bellezza, a beautiful city similar to Venice and filled with riches and danger.
As he fights the disease that is eating away at his young life, becoming stronger at first, but then weakening as his cancer begins to take a serious hold, his new life in Bellezza becomes increasingly more real and he finds himself at the centre of an age old battle between good an evil on the streets of the city ruled by the mysterious Duchessa. In the midst of Lucien's confusion he encounters Arianna, a wilful girl intent on breaking all the rules. And as their friendship turns slowly to love, and their relationship becomes an integral part of Bellezza's complex history, Lucien realises that he may have no choice about whether to stay in the city, or return to his own life and the parents he adores.
Beautifully written and spilling over with rich, diverse images of an elegant, lush city bathed in history and tradition, Mary Hoffman cleverly switches between the harsh, clinical reality of Lucien's 21st century illness and the sumptuous views of an opulent culture languishing somewhere in time. Clever, alluring and with a moving and unexpected ending that will leave the satisfied reader breathless, this stunning book cries out for a sequel. Age 11-14.--Susan Harrison. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Review
City of Masks is a poignant, touching and exciting novel, difficult to put down. This is one of the best time-slip stories that I have read in recent years. Without doubt a masterwork of contemporary children's literature. ' Edgardo Zaghini Children's Literature Officer, Booktrust 'One of the most exciting adventures I've read in years.' Wendy Cooling, Best Books for Christmas in the Children's Bookseller
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A magical masterpiece!,
By A Customer
This review is from: City of Masks (Stravaganza) (Paperback)
Within the first ten minutes of opening this fantastic book's cover I was hooked! Every moment had me interested and Mary Hoffmans portrayal of the strangely familar town of 'Bellezza' is truly wonderful!We first meet Lucien (one of the main characters) in his bed at home. He has cancer and, as a relatively modern issue, this shows us the stark contrast between his own world and that of sixteenth century 'Talia.' Lucien is transported, whilst sleeping, to this beautiful and tangible world where he meets a native, by the name of Arianna. I will say nothing more of the plot, but I would recommend anyone who loves adventure and fantasy to delve into this magical and intriguing world which Mary Hoffman has created! It contains a terrific blend of intrigue, murder, romance and, of course, magic! You won't want to stop reading!
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
very very good,
This review is from: City of Masks (Stravaganza) (Hardcover)
I really enjoy reading any type of fantasy, so when I saw this book at half price in a boookshop I thought I'd try it. I wasn't sure if it would be particularly good at first; I wasn't sure if the story line would appeaal to me.(I generally like books such as Tamora Pierce's and Robin McKinley's 'The Hero and the Crown-war books set in the past). However I found myself really getting into this story even though half of it is set in modern day Britain.The book is about a teenage boy who is dying of cancer. When his father gives him a notepad to write things down on (some days he hasn't got the energy to speak) he finds himself travelling to Bellezza, while he is unconscious, a city very similar to Venice, whose ruler is a Duchessa rather than a Doge. There he meets a girl called Arianna who is determined to get the law changed so that girls can be gondoliers. Besides becoming very good friends with her, his name is changed to Luciano, and he also finds out that he is a Stravagante-a person who can travel between worlds-and is a very powerful magician. I won't say any more or I will ruin the story but there is a murder plot involved... I did not give this book five stars because I don't think the character development is as good as it could be, and also, the storyline could have been slightly better, although it was very good. There was also not enough said about the relationship between Luciano and Arianna. However, if there are sequels, this may be sorted out. I would certainly recommend reading this book anyway-it is definitely worth your while.
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Great read!,
By Wrecky World (Edinburgh, Scotland) - See all my reviews
This review is from: City of Masks (Stravaganza) (Paperback)
Alternate worlds, likable personalities, dangerous adventures, and a captivating writing style. What more could one possible want from a children's fantasy book? Not much to be honest. I gave it 4 rather 5 stars because the one thing it doesn't have is an edge over other books in the same category. Although it is very good and most definitely worth reading, it is not very "new" or "refreshing" as far as children's fantasy goes.
P.S. The second and third book in the series are equally good!
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