Product Description

With Sido safely in England and the Terror at it's height, Yann returns to France to smuggle out aristocratic refugees who will otherwise face the guillotine. But when Sido is kidnapped, he must use all his strength and courage to outwit the evil Count Kalliovski, and rescue her for a second time. Set against a vivid historical background, prize winning author Sally Gardner brings to life the horrors of the French Revolution in this breath-taking adventure, complete with intrepid heroism and a touching love story. Perfect for 9+ readers and fans of The Red Necklace and I, Coriander.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #10394 in Books
• Published on: 2009-04-23
• Original language: English
• Binding: Hardcover
• 312 pages

THE BOOKSELLER
'Fast-moving, action packed page-turner'

Review
'With its reversals, surprises, scholarship and dramatic details of an era so soaked in blood that the Seine ran red, The Silver Blade is historical fiction at its height. No reader, old or young, could resist its passion, told in crystalline prose and peopled with characters as engaging as the dwarf Tetu, bear-like Didier and the venal Mr Tull. It is by far the best British book for children I have read this year.' (Amanda Craig THE TIMES )

'This rich, suspenseful and moving tale combines lyricism with pace, and the ending of each section is a surprise, a cliffhanger, or a flourish that will inspire admiration' (Nicolette Jones THE SUNDAY TIMES )

'Fast-moving, action packed page-turner' (THE BOOKSELLER )

'The dramatic, horrific and sometimes romantic events of the French Revolution, which Sally Gardner portrayed so brilliantly in The Red Necklace are moved on a stage in this equally vivid and richly imagined sequel' (LOVEREADING4KIDS )

'Gardner occupies a unique place in children's literature, which The Silver Blade assures... An enthralling and wholly original novel, The Silver Blade is a must-read for a new generation.' (Amanda Craig THE TIMES )

'An absorbing historical thriller, dark-edged and awash with atmosphere and intrigue. A healthy dollop of magic makes everything all the more interesting. Though it is a sequel to The Red Necklace, it can be enjoyed to the fullest even without having read the first entry in the series. Highly recommended.' (THE BOOKBAG )

'The Silver Blade is both stunning in terms of imagery, but also in the depth and intelligence of emotion; for it is an epic love story that transcends all barriers. Gardner has created a wonderfully mystic magic in the form of light threads and their counterparts, dark threads, through which objects can be manipulated; but it is in the creation of life-like manikins that are able to speak and move (called automata) that her sheer brilliance is illustrated.' (THETRUTHABOUTBOOKS )

'With many characters and settings, all vividly real, Sally Gardner combines history, romance and fantasy in this incredible story. THE SILVER BLADE is a brilliant book and I enjoyed every minute of it. Even if you haven't read the previous book, THE SILVER BLADE will capture your imagination and leave you wanting more.' (FIRST NEWS )

'This is a proper ripper and Gardner just keeps getting stranger and better.' (Toby Clements THE TELEGRAPH )

'a romantic adventure with a very dark side. Gardner never lets her readers forget that this is a story set in an era soaked in blood.' (John Millen YOUNG POST/ SCMP )

'He is a Scarlet Pimpernel for the common man. It's an exciting, original read.' (Lisa O'Kelly THE OBSERVER )

'Romance, fantasy and occasional moments of gruesome Gothic-style horror blend attractively, the horror emanating principally from the villain of the piece, the supposedly dead Count Kalliovski... overall, it is hard to imagine a contemporary work of children's historical fiction more superbly conceived or more engagingly executed.' (BOOKS FOR KEEPS )

"Romance, fantasy and occasional moments of gruseome Gothic-style horror blend attractively, the horror emanating principally from the villain of the piece... overall it is hard to imagine a contemporary work of children's historical fiction more superbly conceived or more engagingly executed. Highly recommended." (BOOKS FOR KEEPS )

"Fantasy and fact merge with uneasy tension in this elegantly written novel by an accomplished storyteller... an original and arresting page-turner." (CAROUSEL )

About the Author
Sally Gardner trained at art college and went on to work in the theatre, winning awards for her costume designs for some notable productions. After her twin daughters and her son were born she started to illustrate children's books, and then turned to writing. She lives in North London.

Customer Reviews

If you loved The Red Necklace...
I read The Red Necklace and couldn't get the characters out of mind. What would Sido's life in London be like? Would Yann return safely to her? Would Count Kalliovski kill anymore of our beloved characters? The Silver Blade continues shortly after The Red Necklace ends. Yann is saving decent people, Sido is meeting all the eligable young toffs in London. There is a new pair of evil characters who are truly rotten. Kalliovski's lair in the catacombs beneath Paris is spooky, lined with human bones licked clean by the ever growing Balthazar.
This book is totally different in pace and rhythm from the Red Necklace, but equally engrossing. Sally Gardner gives you the kind of ending every Red Necklace devotee is waiting for.

A great sequel
At the end of the red necklace there were so many questions still to be resolved, and well resolved they were. The silver blade was a beautifully written sequel to a story that captured my heart and imagination. I fell in love in Yann almost straight away and was so glad that his story continued. Yann, as a character was developed so well as he faced challenging tasks and emotion that were portrayed exceptionally.
Sally Gardner created realistic characters and an interesting plotline with magic, murder and romance. She paid great attention to the language, description and historical world in which the story was set.
The sliver blade was a truly enchanting sequel and I hope there will be many more stories to come from Gardner.

A fairy tale that's grown up...
This is a spectacular and fulfilling sequel The Red Necklace. The loose ends from the last book are tied up in a thrilling and beautifully written story, with the right mix of magic, murder and romance. Set after the Red Necklace leaves off, it incorporates narrow escapes, blood and with touching romance. The Count Kalliovski and the two young heroes clash in a final, terrifying denouement.