Crookhaven: The Forgotten Maze

Gabriel Avery is returning to Cookhaven for his second year, looking forward to seeing his friends, Amira, the Brothers Crimm, Ade and Ede, and Penelope Crook. But Penelope is far from friendly as her father and the co-headmaster, Caspian Crook, has forbidden her to see them or work as part of their crew. An almost impossible challenge, diving classes and the hidden Maravel’s Maze mean that Gabriel and his crew have a tough year ahead!

I really enjoyed the first ‘Crookhaven’ book which brilliantly set the scene for more adventures to come. Gabriel Avery is a very appealing character. Despite his criminal tendencies, his warm heart, loyalty and ability to see the best in others make him a very rounded, likeable lad. His devotion to his Grandma, the lady who has raised him, and his desire to see her happily settled is really lovely so it is not surprising that his kindness extends to others. Each member of the ‘crew’ brings their own strengths and their personalities complement each other, showing how much stronger they are when they work as a team.

The plot moves along at a very satisfying pace with teachers and pupils alike being pleasingly developed to create an engaging boarding school story with plenty of action and excitement. It ends with another dilemma for Gabriel which will keep readers on tenterhooks waiting for the next instalment! A great read!

Crookhaven: The Forgotten Maze

J J Arcanjo

Hodder ISBN: 978-1444965759

You can read my review of ‘Crookhaven: The School for Thieves’ here.

Crookhaven: The School for Thieves

There is a place in this world for your talents, Gabriel Avery.

Gabriel is a brilliant pick pocket. Never having known his parents, he is devoted to his grandmother, using his skill to help keep them both fed. Then one day, he steals a wallet and finds a card which reads- You’re good. I’m better. But instead of finding himself in trouble with the law, Gabriel is invited to attend Crookhaven, a school for thieves, where students are given lessons in picking locks, forgery, Crimnastics and other skills needed for wrongdoers, swindlers and thieves. But Crookhaven seeks to put the world back in balance by conning the bad and giving back to the innocent. Here, Gabriel makes friends and can use and be proud of his skills; however, he is determined to find out more about his parents, leading to a shocking discovery.

‘Crookhaven’ combines all the best bits of a boarding school story with compelling characters, plenty of adventure and an interesting dilemma for the reader to ponder-are there occasions when doing the wrong thing is actually the right thing to do?! There are rivalries between factions- in this case, the Merits (young talent spotted by Crookhaven’s alumni network) and Legacies (those from established Crookhaven families) - and challenges to be faced with Gabriel learning to become part of a team and trust his new friends, Penelope, twins Ade and Ede and Amira. Although from very different backgrounds, together they are a force to be reckoned with!

There is plenty of humour throughout the story - much offered by the Okoro twins and their constant bickering- and this is balanced well with more serious moments and plenty of action. Gabriel is warned that people who are lost often do not want to be found, but in his determination to find out about his parents, ignores all advice, leading him to some confusing and painful revelations…but I can’t say too much as I don’t want to spoil the story by revealing too much!

Characterisation is a particular strength of the story with each being well developed and believable. Gabriel is very endearing. Toughened by layers of self preservation, he is caring and loyal. His grandma is just fantastic- hardworking and determined to do her best for the young lad, she is tough at the right times, but her love for him is unquestioning. They make a good pair!

I am delighted that this is going to be a series as I am very keen to find out what happens next!

Crookhaven: The School for Thieves

J J Arcanjo

Hodder ISBN: 978-1444965735