Book Log: The Robe of Skulls

[penmage]

The Robe of Skulls by Vivian French

Evil sorceress Lady Lamorna is determined to have a chillingly beautiful new robe, embroidered with skulls and spiderwebs and all sorts of other evil things. There's only one problem: her treasure chest is empty.

Naturally, there is only one thing to do: an evil scheme involving magic powder, turning frogs into princes, and demanding a ransom to turn them back.

Unfortunately for Lady Lamorna, there are some opposing forces at work: the goodhearted, much-abused Gracie Gillypot, a couple of chatty bats, a scruffy prince, and some Ancient Crones. Will they be enough to save the princes and stop the sorceress?

This book is lighthearted and silly, and full of gentle good humor. The evil isn't too evil, the danger never feels too dangerous, and none of the characters are that fully realized. But that's okay. It's not that kind of book. This is a fun book, a gently scary adventure story that's perfect for younger readers who like a teeny tiny bit of a thrill, but not too much, nothing that will keep them up at night. It's a sweetly scary read that will kids will eat right up. I also found that the black-and-white interior illustrations added a pitch-perfect humor to the story. I see that it's listed as only the first tale from the Five Kingdoms. I will definitely keep an eye out for the next.