Author:Joan Aiken
Dido Twite is aboard the Thrush, trying to return to England after her adventures in America. But orders have been sent to find Lord Herodsfoot, said to be on Aratu, the Pacific 'Island of the Pearl Snakes'. Snakes are the least of Dido's worries as she and her companions struggle through the jungle. On Aratu she is helped by spirit magic but also meets settlers who will stop at nothing to achieve their ends. And what is this strange royal residence called Limbo Lodge?
What I relish in particular is the swiftness of the telling, the vigour with which brilliant moments of perception seem to be improvised in the sheer delight of the onward rush of the story
—— Philip Pullman , GuardianA writer of wild humour and unrestrained imagination
—— Oxford Companion to Children's LiteratureA consummate story teller
—— The TimesThis is a racy tale with plenty of disgusting details
—— Orna Mulcahy , The Irish TimesA unique piece of high fantasy . . . Now very witty and politically aware in its revised version with the new ending
—— VectorThe story is inventive in its carefully worked-out central conceit, often very funny, and dotted with some genuinely scary bits.
—— Publishers WeeklyMouth-watering attention to names and place names add greatly to the story's enjoyment factor.The story itself - part saga, legend and adventure - swings along at a fair old clatter. Terry Pratchett's writing is vivid and immediate . . . For young readers unaware of Pratchett's oeuvre, The Carpet People is a fine introduction
—— Junior BookshelfThe concept is fascinating and is told with Pratchett's customary wit plus touches of cynicism. It's a winner
—— The School LibrarianI feel it’s a new dimension in imagination and the prose is beautiful. It is exciting and adventurous.
—— The Irish TimesMouth-watering attention to names and place names... adding greatly to the story's enjoyment factor. The story itself - part saga, legend and adventure - swings along at a fair old clatter. Terry Pratchett's writing is vivid and immediate. He wastes no time. There is little padding. The swiftness of the storyline is everything.... For young readers unaware of Pratchett's oeuvre, The Carpet People is a fine introduction
—— The Junior BookshelfWacky, weird stuff which should make you think twice about crossing the living room!
—— TV Hits MagazineIt's a winner
—— School Librarian[Linda's] eponymous Lob, made of rain and wind, of time gone and time waiting, embodies regeneration
—— The Irish TimesLaced with poems, and beautifully illustrated, this is a magical story of believing in the unknown
—— GuardianIf you must have more contemporary fantasy for your almost-teens, then the bogglingly prolific Terry Prachett has a new junior Discworld title: I Shall Wear Midnight
—— The Independant on SundayAlthough I Shall Wear Midnight, the fourth volume in the Tiffany Aching books by master of fantasy worlds Terry Pratchett is marked as being for younger readers, this is a book that older fans can't help but enjoy. Full of puns, allusions and some very odd characters, including Tiffany's ex, this is a book to laugh your way through.
—— Caroline Franklin , Newbury Weekly NewsThere are suprising revelations about other acquaintances in this action packed story with dark moments lightened by humour, not least from the wonderful Nac Mac Feegles. Full length novel for older, capable readers.
—— Primary TimesTeen witch Tiffany is one of Pratchett's most formidable creations yet
—— Time OutAs Tiffany tackles domestic drudgery and the monstrous villain, Pratchett brings us reflections on the role of women, the dangers of religion and the follies of society. And, writing at the height of his powers, he makes us laugh a lot
—— Nicolette Jones , The Sunday TimesPratchett's trademark wordplay and humor are much in evidence, but he's also interested in weightier topics, including religious prejudice and the importance of living a balanced life. Tiffany Aching fans, who have been waiting for this novel since Wintersmith should be ecstatic
—— Publishers WeeklyThere are suprising revelations about other acquaintances in this action-packed story with dark moments lightened by humour, not least from the wonderful Nac Mac Feegles
—— Primary Times