Monstrous Devices

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There is plenty to enjoy about this book. A boy and his grandfather, hurrying away on the train to Paris in winter. A toy robot which seems just a bit, well, different. Unusual events happening to Alex at school (and the bullying not playing too large a part in the overall book, thank goodness....) Families can talk about fantasy adventure stories like The Shadow Arts that feature lots of scary chases and fights. Why do you think this makes the story more fun? How much is too much? Is supernatural violence more or less scary to you than realistic violence? I enjoyed everything about Damien Love’s debut.’ Anthony Horowitz, bestselling author of the Alex Rider series

Monstrous Devices by Damien Love: 9780451478597

One of the other topical aspects, considering the advanced scientific levels of robotic engineering now available is, can or will or do, robots really come to life and have a possibility of becoming all too human. Buy from our bookstore and 25% of the cover price will be given to a school of your choice to buy more books. *15% of eBooks. Home >

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Tea Cooper has woven an engaging tale around the life story of Francis Greenaway and his wife Mary. Her research and understanding of the times […] Adults have some alcohol a few times: a glass of wine, champagne, and brandy. One character smokes a cigarette. I do recommend this book. Just be prepared for an enigmatic ride requiring more than a little suspension of disbelief. Alex is a great character, and the challenges he will face as he grows older are huge. Will he rise to them, or let them crush him? We may never really find out, but I think I know the answer! And we’re off: Alex’s grandfather takes him on the run, leaving little Britain behind and heading out into the big, wild, snowy world. The much-missed Broadcast drew a lot from the old film and TV music that haunted them, and this is like the theme from a jet-setting 1960s mystery that was never made, and should have been.

Monstrous Devices by Damien Love | Goodreads Monstrous Devices by Damien Love | Goodreads

Damien Love was born in Scotland and lives in Glasgow, where, even as you read these words, it is raining. He is the author of several books on film and filmmakers, and is the TV critic for Scotland’s broadsheet, the Sunday Herald. He has the ability to talk to cats, but there is no evidence that they understand him. The action was so gripping that I thought I was in the book... great for all young ages that love a fantasy filled with amazing description and daredevil stunts. Can't wait for the sequel!' Interweaving the Czech origin of the word ‘robot’ (meaning ‘forced labour’ and derived from Karel Čapek’s ‘RUR’ play), and Prague’s 16th century legend of the golem (a man made from clay created to protect the city’s Jewish Quarter) with contemporary pace and punch, this feels at once timeless and of the 21st century.

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What fun! An evil villain, a host of scary robots, big and small, and a hero with commendably bad personal habits. Loved it!”— John Flanagan, New York Times bestselling author of the Ranger’s Apprentice and Brotherband series The toy robot accompanies Alex and Grandpa to Paris and as the story unfolds we discover its history and why the evil villains in the story will stop at nothing to get it. But Alex’s robot isn’t the only robot, there are also armies of toy robots, life sized robots and fliers (drone like robots). Time and time again Alex and his grandfather have to defend themselves from the robots and the girl who unleashes them. One of the most acclaimed, exciting new children's series in years... A hugely appealing adventure for all ages, which seems almost certain to be adapted for the screen.' * The Herald * A delightful dachshund is the star of the splendidly comic and atmospheric Paolo, Emperor of Rome (Abrams), by Mac Barnett and Claire Keane. Bored by his imprisonment in an upmarket salon, Paolo seizes his chance to escape, exploring Rome’s landmarks, art and opera and outfacing wild cats and street dogs as he refuses to be shut up even by the pope: “Paolo’s wild spirit was boundless. He could not be contained.”

Monstrous Devices By Damien Love | Used | 9781786077523 Monstrous Devices By Damien Love | Used | 9781786077523

Alex, who is twelve, receives a gift from his grandfather of what appears to be an old tin robot, with a note saying ‘this one is special’ but it does not take too long for Alex to begin to wonder just what it is his grandfather has sent him, as things in his already somewhat abstract world, are becoming more so, horribly, terribly, dangerously so! Right. There are robots in this story. Maybe not the kind of robots you’re thinking about. But robots all the same. This is quite an obvious choice, then. But that’s no reason not to choose it. Bookish twelve-year-old Alex’s story begins with him enduring nasty messages from bullies at school, and then he receives a tin robot in the post, accompanied by a mysterious message that reads, “This one is special”. Next morning, his unfinished essay has been completed and, on cue, as matters take an alarming turn, Alex’s charismatic grandfather appears and whisks him away to Paris as a matter of urgency. Little by little, and in cryptic terms, Alex’s grandfather reveals details of a secret world of robots that sees them journey from Paris to Prague to combat mechanical menaces.

A superbly assured debut…truly sinister villains and an effortless, atmospheric evocation of place and history combine in an unforgettable, immersive reading experience.” – THE GUARDIAN

Monstrous Devices – An Imaginary Damien Love Guest Blog: Monstrous Devices – An Imaginary

Canadian flautist Ron Korb has been joined by Cuban pianist Hilario Duran to create a catchy, up-beat Jazz Fusion sound in Havana Sun, as only […]This book has all the classic enjoyable tropes — young protagonist kept in the dark about unnatural circumstances and lore by an older/elderly figure, and the two go off on a wild adventure full of action, chase, asked and unanswered questions, and mysterious power. The world needs unapologetically neurodivergent characters": Elle McNicoll on creating a character with Dyspraxia