A ferocious storm is raging in Eerie-on-Sea. An ancient artefact filled with a wondrous light has washed up on the beach. And a mysterious hooded stranger has just checked into the Grand Nautilus Hotel. Herbie and Violet know that these events are connected - and that they must act fast to save the town. But their investigation may just lead them to the cold, dark bottom of the sea...
Gargantis is Thomas Taylor's fantastic follow up to Malamander, where we were first introduced to our adventurous pair, Herbert Lemon and Violet Parma, and the mysterious seaside town of Eerie-on-Sea. Being a huge fan of Malamander it's an understatement to say I was excited to read Gargantis and it didn't disappoint. From the very start, just as in Malamander, Herbert Lemon's quiet life as the Lost-and-Founder at the Grand Nautilus Hotel is interrupted by the arrival of a mysterious and sinister hooded man who entrusts him with a clockwork hermit crab. Add to that the arrival of a mysterious glowing bottle, which has all of the town fighting over it, and Herbie and Violet find themselves embroiled in yet another mystery, desperate to return the bottle to its rightful owner.
If you've read Malamander then you'll be familiar with Eerie-on-Sea's wealth of strange characters, who I always feel seem like they've been washed up by the high tide. Thomas Taylor's moulding of his characters is, as always, brilliant and I loved the addition of the frightening fisherwoman Boadicea Bates, the terrifying Deep Hood and the dynamic duo of Squint and Blaze Westerley. Each bring their own elements of peril and adventure and add to the already eclectic mix of familiar favourites in Eerie-on-Sea.
As always, Herbie is just trying to do his job throughout the book and yes readers, his catchphrase BLADDERWRACKS! (an amazing word) is back! In comparison to Malamander, Gargantis is a much deeper look into Herbie's character, his desires and fears, and it was interesting to see him rise up to the challenges he faces throughout the book. Herbie is very much a grin and bear it character, willing to put himself on the line as long as he knows the end result will be worthwhile. Violet is the same adventurous soul and together the two make a fantastic pairing.
Gargantis is filled with riddles, mysteries, books and strange lights and if you're a Malamander fan then it's a must read. Even if you've not read Malamander it still works as a standalone adventure; however, the two together make a delightful series and I can't wait for the third!
A tale of stormy seas, mysterious figures and facing fears all set in the marvellous town of Eerie-on-Sea.
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