Month: February 2012

The Herb of Grace by Kate Forsyth

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is book 3 of the series.

Luka and Emilia, two gypsy 13 year-olds, are on the run from Cromwell’s roundheads and trying to get help for the rest of their family who face the gallows. They are seeking the third charm from the Wood tribe.

This book was filled with adventure and excitement. Something interesting was happening all the time. And now another story is being entwined into the plot (or should I say it is becoming more visible) and that is quickening the pace and making the plot more thrilling.

I really enjoyed the historic background and how the kids have gotten mixed up with a Royalist plot as well. There’s secret rooms, crazy witches, highwaymen and much more to read about in this continuing story.

Certainly worth a read.

The Silver Horse by Kate Forsyth

My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars

This is the second book in the series.

Emilia and Luka are on the run from a thief-taker, Coldham. They must retrieve six charms from their gypsy kin as Emilia (and her grandmother, who told her about the Chain of Charms) believe in their magical powers, which will surely save their imprisoned family from the gallows. Luka, on the other hand, isn’t convinced so he’s trying to come up with an alternate method of saving the family. They are only thirteen and the burden is huge.

They have the gypsy crown charm (book 1) and now Emilia must race to win the silver horse charm, but at great cost to her.

This series is definitely written for younger readers. The books include snippets of information on the 1600s in England which is quite interesting. This is another exciting book filled with adventure. This one delves into emotional issues too. Worth reading.

The Gypsy Crown by Kate Forsyth

My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars

This is the first book in a series of six.

It is the story of two gypsy families meeting to come to a marriage agreement for two of their teenagers. After the deal is made, one family heads off to a nearby town to sing and dance to help raise the dowry and are charged with a number of things including murder! All except two youngsters are imprisoned (two cousins who are 13 year olds and manage to escape). Their names are Luka and Emilia. It’s up to these two to find help and free the rest of the family before they are sent to the gallows.

An enjoyable book for younger readers, with a bit of historical value as well. There’s plenty of action and adventure. The reader will learn about life in the 1600s too. It’s a well written first book in the series. I’ll be reading the rest of the series.