Bel Reviews: Jaclyn Moriarty's – “The Cracks in the Kingdom”

This is book two in a trilogy. The first book, A Corner of White, laid the foundations for this impressive work of fiction and while I didn’t enjoy the foundation process, The Cracks in the Kingdom swept me away with imagination and emotions.

*Contains spoilers*

Blurb from Goodreads:

“Time slides around the world so strangely …

It’s not easy being Princess Ko.

Her family is missing, taken to the World through cracks in the Kingdom, which were then sealed tightly behind them.

Now Princess Ko is running the Kingdom, and war is looming.

To help her find her family, she gathers a special group of teens, including Elliot Baranski of the Farms. He’s been writing secret letters to a Girl-in-the World named Madeleine Tully – and now the Kingdom needs her help.

Madeleine and Elliot must locate the missing royals, convince them of their true identities, and figure out how to unlock the dangerous cracks between the Kingdom and the World.

All before their enemies can stop them.”

There are concepts in this series that stretch my mind to the point of breaking. Luckily, thanks to Jaclyn’s ability to bring a scene to life, you can sort of make out what she’s saying before you lose interest. My favourite concept would have to be the Colours: way out there, but very imaginative.

The series is told from multiple points of view and, depending on how you relate to some characters, you may or may not be looking to skip certain chapters. I suggest you stick to them regardless, as there are important plot points within each view.

I flew through 500 or so pages in a couple of days, so the pacing is enjoyably steady. 

If you loved A Corner of White, then you’ll be over the moon for The Cracks in the Kingdom.

http://www.jaclynmoriarty.com/ 

Paperback, 544 pages

Published February 27th 2014 by Pan Macmillan Australia

ISBN 1742612873 (ISBN13: 9781742612874)