The marvellous adventure of the young boy-hero Rossamund continues in this much awaited second book in the Monster Blood Tattoo series. While in the service of the emperor as lamplighter, our affable hero realises that the adventurous life is neither glorious nor daring but bloody and fearful; there is no respite from fiendish monsters and men with questionable motives.

Beware: This is not a book for the faint hearted. Readers should begin with book 1 (The Foundling) otherwise they’ll be lost. Lovers of high fantasy will relish the plunge into a wicked world replete with its own language. The book’s outstanding illustrations enhance the experience. It’s highly recommended for boys and girls who’ve loved Tolkien, Nix and Paolini.