Monday, August 3, 2015

Serafina and the Black Cloak by Robert Beatty

Serafina and the Black Cloak by Robert Beatty
Geared Towards: Ages 8-12
Published By: Disney-Hyperion
Publication Date: July 2015
ISBN-13: 978-1484709016 

Description from Amazon:
"Never go into the forest, for there are many dangers there, and they will ensnare your soul."

Serafina has never had a reason to disobey her pa and venture beyond the grounds of Biltmore Estate. There's plenty to explore in Mr. and Mrs. Vanderbilt's vast and oppulent home, but she must take care to never be seen. None of the rich folk upstairs know that Serafina exists; she and her pa, the estate's maintenance man, have lived in the basement for as long as Serafina can remember. She has learned to prowl through the darkened corridors at night, to sneak and hide, using the mansion's hidden doors and secret passageways.

But when children at the estate start disappearing, only Serafina knows the clues to follow. A terrifying man in a black cloak stalks Biltmore's corridors at night. Following her own harrowing escape, Serafina risks everything by joining forces with Braeden Vanderbilt, the young nephew of Biltmore's owners. Braeden and Serafina must uncover the Man in the Black Cloak's true identity before all of the children vanish one by one.

Serafina's hunt leads her into the very forest that she has been taught to fear, where she discovers a forgotten legacy of magic. In order to save the children of Biltmore, Serafina must not only face her darkest enemy, but delve into the strange mystery of her own identity.
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From the delightful cover to the story itself, this was a five heart read. Thanks to the publisher, author, and NetGalley for this review opportunity. 
What a great book! I quite enjoy a good YA title now and then, and this one did not disappoint with its fast paced mystery and action. Well developed characters with an exciting story to tell made for one hard to put down page turner. This is a book for readers of all ages, but does have a slightly dark edge to it which may be a little too intense for really young readers. I'd say 4th grade and up is probably an ideal age bracket. And it's perfect reading material for the remaining Summer holidays.

OUR RATING: 5 hearts

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