The Silver Blade by Sally Gardner

Title: The Silver Blade

Author: Sally Gardner

Series: Sequel to The Red Necklace

Pages: 368

Published: September 2009 by Dial
ISBN: 9780803733770
Source: Personal Copy
 







Description: A stirring tale of magic and revolution- fans of The Red Necklace won't want to miss it. The year is 1794. With his beloved Sido safely in England and the Reign of Terror at its height, mysterious Yann returns to revolutionary France to smuggle out aristocratic refugees who will otherwise face the guillotine. But while the two are apart, Yann’s Gypsy origins prejudice Sido’s guardian against their marriage, thwarting their longed-for reunion. When Sido is kidnapped under strange circumstances, however, Yann must use all his strength and courage to outwit the evil Count Kalliovski, rescue Sido, and help save all of France.

I Give This ...

 

I really enjoyed The Red Necklace, so I was eager to read the sequel and rejoin the world of Sido and Yann.  I particularly like the setting of the French Revolution in this book. I think it gives the story an edge.

I liked how Yann is the focus in this story.  I think Sido received her closurer in the first book and if it weren't for the fact that she's tied to Yann, we wouldn't even really need to see her in the book.  I liked the mystery of the silver blade.  It's impressive that Yann was rescuing french aristocrats right under the noses of the national assembly.  I also thought it was amusing he left a calling card.  He made himself an enigma.  I enjoyed how discovered who he really was and sometimes being connected to a person isn't important.

I also enjoyed the dealings with Count Kalliovski.  What a creepy man!  I never really understood why he wanted Sido so badly though.  Except maybe for the simple fact that she got away from him and nobody ever did.  Seemed like a drastic reason for making a deal with the devil.  I also enjoyed his dog.  It was an interesting addition to the story.

I wonder if there will be another one in this series.  I think there is room for more.  Yann is just understanding his powers.  Plus, the revolution isn't over yet.  Not sure were it could go though.  But, I would read it.

The Red Necklace by Sally Gardner

Title: The Red Necklace
Author: Sally Gardner
Published: October 2007
Pages: 416
ISBN: 9780142414880
Source: Personal Copy

Description: Clever and head-turningly attractive, fourteen-yearold Yann is an orphan who has been raised in Paris by Tatu, a dwarf with secrets he has yet to reveal to the gypsy boy. It's the winter of 1789, and the duo have been working for a vain magician named Topolain. On the night when Topolain's vanity brings his own death, Yann's life truly begins. That's the night he meets shy Sido, an heiress with an ice-cold father, a young girl who has only known loneliness until now. Though they have the shortest of conversations, an attachment is born that will influence both their paths.  And what paths those will be! Revolution is afoot in France, and Sido is being used as a pawn. Only Yann will dare to rescue her, and he'll be up against a fearful villain who goes by the name Count Kalliovski, but who has often been called the devil. It'll take all of Yann's newly discovered talent to unravel the mysteries of his past and Sido's and to fight the devilish count.

I Give This Book 4 Stars!

I was pleasantly surprised by the book.  I had a hard time connecting with the last book I read concerning the French revolution.  that was not this case with this one.  This book made the revolution feel very real and frightening.  Especially for those of the upper class, which is what Sido is.  She's a shy and quiet female character.  Very different from the strong vocal females in some young adult books.  Not that either are bad, and Sido is strong in her own rights.   I felt very sorry for her because I could see that she truly felt unloved.  Yann was an interesting character.  I was surprised when the book took most of the focus to him.  His life was interesting.  He comes from gypsy background but taken in by English aristocrats as a teen.  Seems conflicting, but it brings out the best in him I think.  The book as a whole was a fast and easy read.  But, the last 100 (maybe it was 150) pages are riveting.  And just when you think they've made it, your left holding your breath again.  I was surprised at how much I enjoyed this book and will be reading the sequel.  And just for further information, the end ties up nicely.  It just leaves you wanting the next chapter.