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The Keys to the Kingdom (1) - Mister Monday
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Product Description
Amazon.co.uk Review
The first in an ambitious seven-book sequence, Mister Monday is surely the publication that will prove that Garth Nix is one of the best fantasy writers at work today. In turn, imaginative, spellbinding and hugely original, this award-winning author from Australia begins an expansive multi-volume work that is sure to stand the test of time if this first episode is anything to go by.
Arthur Penhaligon is supposed to die and he almost does on a school run when he collapses because of his chronic asthma. In his dreams he is visited by the enigmatic Mister Monday, who gives him a mysterious atlas and a magic key shaped like the minute hand of a clock. But Arthur wakes up and Mister Monday wants everything back. With these "gifts", Arthur suddenly assumes new powers and with them frightening responsibilities. Arthur's family and friends are under threat from a sudden outbreak of drug-resistant influenza and it seems the cure to this curious rash of afflictions can only be found inside a vast house that only Arthur can see.
Arthur has no option but to step inside and in doing so becomes the world's most unlikely hero and champion. Battling obstacles such as dog-faced Fetchers and people with Wings, robots and unbreakable chains, Arthur fights to stay intact and for meaning to this crazy world he has tumbled upon.
There's something about the way Nix tells stories that is strangely compelling. His mix of magic and fantasy, history and future visions, are truly unique. It's difficult to guess what will follow in further volumes, but that's half the fun of reading an author like this. It could be said that Nix is in many ways the heir to Philip Pullman's throne. Suitable for readers aged 10 and over. --John McLay
Review
"I just loved Mister Monday, which is an amazing, no-holds-barred fantasy by Garth Nix. This is destined to be a cult series. Every chapter seems to bring something new and wonderful and ends with another surprise. In all honesty, I've never read anything quite like it and I simply can't wait for Tuesday." Anthony Horowitz
“[Garth Nix is] the coolest read in the playground.” Amanda Craig
“Magic splashes across every page… With a likeable unlikely hero, fast-paced plotting and a plethora of mystical oddities, this series is sure to garner a host of fans.” Publishers Weekly starred review
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
52 of 53 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Mister Monday, heralding the start of a seven-part series (yes, the 'Monday' in the title is a clue), is the latest addition to the ranks of fantastic 'kid-lit' which should not only enthrall young teens, but also be a guilty pleasure for grown-ups like me who still like to nurture their inner child.
The story tells of Arthur Penhaligon, a boy who, unintentionally pulled back from the brink of death by the nefarious Mister Monday, quickly becomes embroiled in the extremely strange world of The House, a world of surreal secrets and weird wonders which lies at the centre of all creation.
For connoisseurs of surreal fantasy, this is a joy to read. In turns it's funny and sinister, clever and joyfully silly, all glued together with a relentlessly action-packed plot and a charming, almost dream-like quality. At times I thought it was strongly reminiscent of the classic Alice in Wonderland stories, with its endless procession of bizarre characters and locations, and bewildering logical leaps from one scene to the next.
In my opinion, this beats the pants off Harry Potter, thanks to Garth Nix' exuberant, fast-paced writing style and the sheer derangement of his imagination.
I'm so pleased there are 6 more of these to come, and in the mean time I'm off to catch up on his Sabriel/Lirael/Abhorsen series.
Enjoy!
18 of 18 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
While I was waiting for the next Harry Potter book to be published and having devoured Philip Pullman's Northern Lights Trilogy - my friend recommended I read a Garth Nix's book.
I started with Mister Monday and found I was unable to put the book down until I had finished it. It was the most imaginative book I read in quite some time. This is one of the most imaginative I have read in quite a while and even though it was written for Children - anyone of any age will enjoy this story. It is based on a young, sickly and slightly apprehensive boy - called Arthur Penhaligion. He gets caught up a whirlwind adventure that tests his courage and makes him show his true strength in character. The book it well written and you will not bored at any point in the story! If you love HP, Northern Lights & Lord of the Rings type books - this is one for you!
I started with Mister Monday and found I was unable to put the book down until I had finished it. It was the most imaginative book I read in quite some time. This is one of the most imaginative I have read in quite a while and even though it was written for Children - anyone of any age will enjoy this story. It is based on a young, sickly and slightly apprehensive boy - called Arthur Penhaligion. He gets caught up a whirlwind adventure that tests his courage and makes him show his true strength in character. The book it well written and you will not bored at any point in the story! If you love HP, Northern Lights & Lord of the Rings type books - this is one for you!
14 of 14 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
I love the way Garth Nix tells a story. He has an amazing talent for captivating the reader and welcoming them into a magical world. The Abhorsen trilogy was amazing and this, although aimed at a younger audience, is at the same level of excellence.
Whether you are young or old, you will surely enjoy this book. One can only marvel at the imagination of a great storyteller in this highly enjoyable read about a young boy named Arthur who must embark on a quest in a mysterious house, discovering the secrets within, meeting strange and magical creatures and realising his importance to the fate of mankind. The book is essentially a kids book, yet the world that Nix creates is so deep and inventive that it greatly appeals to mature readers also.
As the beginning of a series of novels, this book creates a strong foundation for upcoming events. Most importantly, it was great fun to read and I never found myself bored or frustrated. Garth Nix is clearly establishing himself as the best childrens author currently writing and this book is an example of just how great an author he is.
Whether you are young or old, you will surely enjoy this book. One can only marvel at the imagination of a great storyteller in this highly enjoyable read about a young boy named Arthur who must embark on a quest in a mysterious house, discovering the secrets within, meeting strange and magical creatures and realising his importance to the fate of mankind. The book is essentially a kids book, yet the world that Nix creates is so deep and inventive that it greatly appeals to mature readers also.
As the beginning of a series of novels, this book creates a strong foundation for upcoming events. Most importantly, it was great fun to read and I never found myself bored or frustrated. Garth Nix is clearly establishing himself as the best childrens author currently writing and this book is an example of just how great an author he is.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Coudn't put it down...
I started the book yesterday over breakfast and read on and on into the night, finishing Mr Monday at 11pm last night. It's a real page turning, fast paced action story. Read more
Published 13 months ago by Mr Archie
In short, just about the most unique book of it's kind I have ever...
I don't think anything has escaped the author's notice in this book! His writing style is fluid with a perfect mix of setting desciption with dialogue, his characters are varied... Read more
Published 14 months ago by Frances Lawrence
mister monday rules!
I was a fan of the 39 Clues & this was recomended to me. It is fantastic! Now I'm reading Grim Tuesday & it's just as good.
Published 22 months ago
Beware! Danger of getting Hooked!
This Author has the happy knack of coming up with unusual new ideas and if a fresh take on fantasy is what you want then both this and the Abhorsen series are well worth a... Read more
Published 23 months ago by Dynoman
Very enjoyable
I brought this book because I was looking for a new series to sink my teeth into. I was very pleasantly surprised with this book. Read more
Published on 10 Oct 2009 by C. Hughes
Nix depicts reality in wonderfully imaginitive fantasy
Two strange men appear out of nowhere and entrust Arthur Penhaligon with a magical key, one into which he must enter a House and attempt to find a cure to solve the mysterious... Read more
Published on 16 May 2009 by Stampy
Mr. Monday
This book cathces your imagination and drive you share the emotions of the main charachter, Arthur. Read it!
Published on 3 April 2009
Garth Nix is a brilliant writer
I only got this book as a freebe and loved it. I have got all the published works from this author thanks to reading this book and I am in my 30's. Read more
Published on 5 Feb 2009 by Ms. J. Mitchell
Superior childrens fantasy
This is a story of a young lad saved from death to be immersed into a strange universe of different dimensions, weird creatures, imaginary but real staircases, people materialising... Read more
Published on 18 Jan 2009 by Mr. A. I. Harrison
Recommended Read.
I would recommend this book to anyone. This fantasy is well worth a read (and the money) and you also know you have a good series to get into. Read more
Published on 25 July 2008 by Ross Whiteford
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