Friday 10 September 2010

Book Thoughts: Nightshade City

So I told you all yesterday I was spending time with rats. Now I don't ordinarily like to spend time with rodents...they have a bit of a bad, squeaky reputation. But these rats are different.



Check out the cover details:

Deep beneath a modern metropolis lies the Catacombs, the kingdom of remarkable rats of superior intellect. Juniper and his maverick band of rebel rats have been plotting ever since the Bloody Coup turned the Catacombs, a once-peaceful democracy, into a brutal dictatorship ruled by decadent High Minister Killdeer and his vicious henchman, Billycan, a former lab rat with a fondness for butchery. When three young orphan rats--brothers Vincent and Victor and a clever female named Clover--flee the Catacombs in mortal peril and join forces with the rebels, it proves to be the spark that ignites the long-awaited battle to overthrow their oppressors and create a new city--Nightshade City

I've not read a book with animals as the main characters for a while, unless it's to the goddaughter, but Nightshade City reminded me why I loved them growing up. After hearing Hilary talk about the book on her blog I knew it was something different. So when I heard the book had been released early in some places I went online and got it.

My verdict? I love it. I'm still reading, but so far Juniper, Vincent and Victor, even the evil Killdeer (boo) and Billycan (hiss) are so cleverly drawn it's hard not to care what happens to them. Now, you know I never talk spoilers. All I will say is that I love spending time in Nightshade City.

Plus, Rick Riordan recommends this book:

                                "Expect great adventures in Nightshade City."

Say no more.

The official release date is October 1st 2010, but it's available now on Amazon.com and The Book Depository. Oh, and Hilary will be a special guest over on Operation Awesome towards the end of this month. Squee.

Happy Friday everyone. :)

19 comments:

Renae said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Renae said...

I've heard good things about this book and have added it to my list. These books are great because I can read them aloud to the kids at school! Sounds right up their alley! Thanks Lindsay!

Stina said...

It's not on my list because: 1. it's not YA. 2. I HATE rats.

At least that's one less book on the TBR pile. Whew! I'm sure it will do really well without me, tho. :)

Matthew MacNish said...

This is awesome and I LOVE Hilary, but one question: I thought this didn't come out until October? Is this an ARC? IS the UK release earlier? Do tell!

Unknown said...

Hilary is an awesome blogger and this book sounds amazing, looks like I'm going to have to pick it up :)

Nancy Sikes said...

I know Hilary's book got shipped to stores a few weeks early because it was printed early. She just posted that. I just ordered my copy on Amazon! I can't wait to get it. This book is getting a lot of buzz, which most MG books don't get! Lucky girl! Book sounds like it's great, Isabella!

Nancy

Hilary Wagner said...

Hi Isabella!

Thanks for the lovely words about Nightshade City! I'm so glad you're liking it so far! When I wrote the book, I never thought about people not liking rats. It just never occurred! ;) Despite their Halloween charm, they are such amazing (and smart) animals, as ALL animals are. Hopefully my book will change some minds! :)

BTW: Can't wait for Operation Awesome!!! w00t!

xoxo -- Hilary

Talli Roland said...

This looks like such a great book - even if it is all about rats! :) Thanks!

Cinette said...

I'm going to have to check this one out! Another one to put on my Got To Read list.

Cinette
http://cinettesmusings.blogspot.com/

Amparo Ortiz said...

I've also heard great things about this one. Better go check it out when it comes to my local bookstore. Thanks for the recommendation!

Kathi Oram Peterson said...

This looks like a wonderful book. Thanks for posting about it.

Kristal Shaff said...

Oh great. Now I have another book to had to my "read me" list.

And it's all your fault. :o)

Casey McCormick said...

Isn't it fabulous? Such a great book. It really gets its hooks in by the end. I got so attached the characters!

Stina, you really should give it a chance. : )

Matthew, it's been distributed early! You can get it on Amazon and probably even your local book store.

Theresa Milstein said...

I should read this soon since I just finished Gregor the Overlander and listened to Mouse and the Motorcycle. I'm on a rodent roll!

This book is on my wishlist.

Lenny Lee said...

hi miss lindsay! wow im glad you talked about that book. i didnt know about it before. it sounds like something i could really want. i love animal stories and rats are soooo cool. im putting it on my i want this book list.
...big smiles from lenny

Unknown said...

Love the review, thanks!

Jemi Fraser said...

This will make a good addition to my classroom :)

Jessica Ann Hill said...

Hi Lindsay! I just wanted to let you know I have a blog award for you over at my blog!

Melissa said...

OOO, I haven't read a book with an animal main character for a long time. I'll have to check this book out. The cover reminds me of Secret oh Nimh. Which I loved as a kid.