Mister Monday

The first in an ambitious seven-book sequence, Mister Monday is surely the publication that will prove that Garth Nix is one of the best fantasy writers at work today. In turn, imaginative, spellbinding and hugely original, this award-winning author from Australia begins an expansive multi-volume work that is sure to stand the test of time if this first episode is anything to go by.

Arthur Penhaligon is supposed to die and he almost does on a school run when he collapses because of his chronic asthma. In his dreams he is visited by the enigmatic Mister Monday, who gives him a mysterious atlas and a magic key shaped like the minute hand of a clock. But Arthur wakes up and Mister Monday wants everything back. With these "gifts", Arthur suddenly assumes new powers and with them frightening responsibilities. Arthur's family and friends are under threat from a sudden outbreak of drug-resistant influenza and it seems the cure to this curious rash of afflictions can only be found inside a vast house that only Arthur can see.

Arthur has no option but to step inside and in doing so becomes the world's most unlikely hero and champion. Battling obstacles such as dog-faced Fetchers and people with Wings, robots and unbreakable chains, Arthur fights to stay intact and for meaning to this crazy world he has tumbled upon.

There's something about the way Nix tells stories that is strangely compelling. His mix of magic and fantasy, history and future visions, are truly unique. It's difficult to guess what will follow in further volumes, but that's half the fun of reading an author like this. It could be said that Nix is in many ways the heir to Philip Pullman's throne. Suitable for readers aged 10 and over. --John McLay

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Good start to a fantastic and imaginative series - Rated
Barcode: 9780007175017

Mister Monday is the first book in Australian author Garth Nix's Keys To The Kingdom series. For a kids series the world is immensely detailed and that is where, for me at least, a lot of the charm of these books comes from. They are unique in their imagery and feel, quasi-legal terminology and semi-immortal characters creating a world that is completely magical and absorbing.

As such, a lot of this first book is used to set up this world and there is quite a lot of explaining. But it is always done very well, semalessly worked into the plot and Nix's writing is always of the highest quality. I found this an immesnely enjoyable book and is suited for all ages in its appeal. And the best thing, the sequels are even better.

The lead character Arthur is painted well in this first novel, always with the best intention for his family back in the 'real world' (or Secondary Realms as they are called in this book). We also get a companion in the form of Suzy who really blossoms as a character in the 2nd book - Grim Tuesday.

Despite the general lightheartedness and randomness that trademark this series, there's some surprising moments of darkness, a good deal of it emmanating from the finality and mystery of Nothing - a substance which apparently everything came from. Villains are imposing and fit the feel of the novel perfectly. Particular highlights in this book are Arthur's confrontation with the Old One in the coal pit and the final dramatic showdown with Mister Monday.

All in all, a fantastic book and one of those ones that once you've started you just know you're going to have to read the whole series and love every minute of it. Totally recommened!

Excellent - Rated
This was a freebee and my expectations were that it wasn't going to be great.. I was pleasantly surprised, it was gripping and imaginative, and I couldn't put it down until I'd read the whole series to date!

Enjoyable read - Rated
I've read all of the keys to the kingdom books to date, and it is a thoroughly good series. This book is good, but probably the worst of the five out so far. I love the creativity and originality of this series of books and although this isn't as good as the rest - still read it! Once you've read this read the rest, it's definitely worth it.

Totally Original - Rated
It is very fast moving and original that i struggled to keep up at some places! Brilliant read - mind could explode at the possibilites! I read the rest of the series (so far) and all are equally confusing and original. A definetly recommend!

ANOTHER Garth genius! - Rated
Truly spectacular! Garth Nix is an amazing, inventive author and Mister Monday is brimming with fresh ideas and more captivating magic! After his stella Sabriel Tilogy who could expect anything else! This fantastic book is another enchanting read.

Through the spellbinding story-telling, this book will draw you in, again displaying Garth Nix's truly wonderful talent making him a first-rate childrens author!Another Garth genius! More please!

Join Arthur in his search for the Keys to the Kingdom, with a little help from his friend Suzy Turquoise Blue and the first part of the Will,and join in with the magic and adventure....are you ready!?