- 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: 533,145 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.
The Scotsman, 19th October 2002
"This is gripping fare - loves found and lost, old scores settled, secrets created and revealed."
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
9 of 9 people found the following review helpful
Format: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!
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
Format: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.
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
Format: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!
P.S. The second and third book in the series are equally good!
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
one of my favourite books
I first read this book when I was 12 and I've been hooked ever since. Hoffman creates the fantasy universe in such a way that it makes you wish that you could Stravagate too and... Read more
Published on 3 Dec 2008 by Ms. M. Patel
Great!!!
you have to love this!!
when i first started reading it i was 11 and i found it hard to get into (short attention span) but then a few months on i picked it up and found... Read more
when i first started reading it i was 11 and i found it hard to get into (short attention span) but then a few months on i picked it up and found... Read more
Published on 2 Jun 2008 by K. Hanlon
Amazing
This is my favourite book of all time...
i've been trying to get my friends to read this book since its release in 2002 and urge you to do the same! Read more
i've been trying to get my friends to read this book since its release in 2002 and urge you to do the same! Read more
Published on 21 May 2008 by Teresa Potts
A PLEASANT READ
'Stravaganza: City Of Masks' is the first in a trilogy. It is very well written, but I fear the political plot and plethora of characters will make this hard going for younger... Read more
Published on 27 Jan 2008 by getjiggy28
A surprise find worth finding
This was one of those books I picked up on the off chance and to be honest I'm very glad I did.
The story is focussed around Lucien, a teenage boy who finds himself... Read more
The story is focussed around Lucien, a teenage boy who finds himself... Read more
Published on 15 July 2007 by Random As Ever
stravaganza: city of masks
This book entrances you with the mysterious first page. It was hard to put it down. I loved the way that the story was told, making it seem as if you were looking at the city. Read more
Published on 3 July 2006 by helen the melon
City of Masks
Lucien Mulholland is ill with cancer. The slightest thing tires him out and his throat hurts when he speaks. Read more
Published on 18 May 2006 by Trixy
Stravaganza: City of Masks
When I read this book a few years ago, recommended to me by a friend, the book grabbed me immediately; just from looking at the cover! Read more
Published on 4 Oct 2005 by Gabi
A time travel adventure.
As an adult, I don't usually read teen books. I was looking for a fantasy style read for my son after he finished the latest Harry Potter. Read more
Published on 28 July 2005 by DubaiReader
Stravaganza City of stars
The 1st in the trilogy of great books.Has alot of explaining, but truly rivting and I loved every minute of it. full of adventure, suprises and supense. Read more
Published on 26 Feb 2005 by Allanah bayliss
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