Review: Thimble Down by Pete Prown

Amazon

Synopsis

Thimble Down, by Pete Prown, is a fantasy adventure novel, written to challenge and engage young adults ages 10 to 18.  The book is recommended for readers who enjoy The Hobbit, Lord of the Rings, The Wind in the Willows, Redwall, Artemis Fowl, and other timeless tales set in landscapes and cultures that bring to mind England, Ireland, Scotland, and the British Isles. 

Thimble Down is a country village where death and malice lurk the quiet lanes. When the vile, drunken Bing Rumple acquires a gem-laden treasure, violence begins to follow him everywhere. Where did Bing find such a precious jewel, and worse, is someone willing to kill to possess it? In this fast-paced adventure, the village bookmaster, Mr. Dorro, and his young companions Wyll Underfoot and Cheeryup Tunbridge are in a desperate race to find the answer—before death comes to Thimble Down.

Thimble Down is the first book in the “Chronicles of Dorro” young adult mystery series, which follows Dorro, Wyll, and Cheeryup, on their exciting, but dangerous, mystery adventures. 

Rating

4

Review

Thimble Down is an enchanting mystery with the likes of The Hobbit, sure to charm readers just as much as it keeps them guessing. I fully enjoyed reading the story, as not too many novels combine a murder mystery with high fantasy, although the genres were excellently mixed in this case.

Dorro is a wonderful character that readers cannot help but fully root for. Despite his occasional fussiness, he has an intelligent mind and a wonderful heart. Besides, who can dislike a bookmaster? I also loved Cheeryup. Despite her innocence and youth, she has a fire within her that is absolutely admirable. There simply aren't enough young female characters like her.

The world of Thimble Down was a wonderful setting for the story. The peaceful surroundings of the woods and the countryside just make the excitement even more exciting. An absolutely magical area, it was fun to learn about the elves and the halflings alike. I definitely would enjoy hanging around Thimble Down. I'd feel tall around the halflings (which is really saying something).

Readers of all ages can enjoy Mr. Dorro, Will and Cheeryup in Thimble Down. Between the mystery, the wit of the writing, and everything from fishing with elves to murder, Thimble Down is a bedtime story that will keep you up long past your bedtime. A delight to read.