My Swordhand is Singing - Marcus Sedgewick

[Mark Robson]

Anyone else read this? It won the Teenage Booktrust Prize a couple of years back. This is old school vampires and the walking dead. Gypsies and superstitions, murder and mystery set in the great forest of central Europe. I'm finding it a good read and certainly those who are into reading about vampires might want to add it to their 'to read' pile. I'm currently about two thirds of the way through and am finding it very well written. Marcus is an author I shall be sure to read more of in the future.

 

[BookStop]

What age group is it written for, Mark? The twilight series is so popular, i'm wondering if my teen girls would like this. Of course, if you, being an adult, are enjoying it, then I imagine my girls and I would like it too. But what about caleb (10 yrs)?

 

[Mark Robson]

I'd probably say it's suitable for about 12 and up, Bookstop. I wouldn't consider it for my 9 year old for some time yet, and she's very advanced for her age. It's most definitely aimed at a teenage audience, but while there is a touch of romance in this novel, it's nothing like I've heard the Twilight series to be. I've finished it now, and it's a good read. Well written.

 

[BookStop]

I agree, it's well written and a good read. I really enjoyed the different take on the vampire lore and how it mixed a lot of different myths. One of my girls will definitely like it. She favours historical fiction, but with a twist, and I think this will qualify.