Mirrorscape

Imagine being able to enter the world inside a painting. Curious creatures, strange landscapes, and interesting characters could lead you into realms beyond imagination. Melkin Womper has found a way to experience worlds that only special artists can create. As this thirteen-year-old struggles to adapt to life as an apprentice to master artist Ambrosius Blenk, he sets off on an adventure that could change his life. Along with his friends, Wren and Ludo, Mel must decide where his loyalties lie and whether he should aid in a rebellion that could turn his world upside down. The three must also fight against the brutality of Groot, the head apprentice, and his uncle, Adolphus Spute, the High Bailiff of Vlam. Published previously in the United Kingdom, this first book in a series has finally made it to U.S. audiences. You'll look forward to the U.S. publication of the following books in the series, as Wilks' fantasy world will captivate readers of all ages. Reviewed by: Theresa L. Stowell

Mirrorscape is a fantastic book, but the story gets slower and then it gets interesting. However, in the end of the story it kept me in. I can't wait until Mirrorstorm and Mirrorshade comes out!

Melkin Womper has always loved to draw, so it's a dream come true when he learns he's eligible to be apprenticed to one of the greatest painters of the day, Ambrosius Blenk. And as soon as Mel leaves his home behind, he knows he's in for the adventure of his life. The danger starts almost immediately, and Mel has to be extra careful in the unfamiliar city of Vlam not to run into the red robed men from the Fifth Mystery who are convinced Mil is responsible for theft and must be punished. Luckily, Mel has some new friends to look out for him, and the Master also has seemed to take a shine to him. As much as Mel would just like to improve his craft, he can't avoid the power struggle between the Mystery and the Master he's been caught in, because Mel has stumbled upon Mirrorscape, the world within paintings in which imagination is the only thing that truly matters. Stumbling in between Mirrorscape and the real world, Mel and his friends will have to use their wits and creativity if they are to survive and ultimately defeat the Mystery. Mirrorscape is one of the most unique and enthralling fantasy stories I've ever read. Like in most fantasies, the unusual setting and specified language take a little getting used to, but thankfully, the new places and words weren't so different that I couldn't imagine them at all. I love the idea of hidden worlds within our own, so of course, I was drawn to Wilks' Mirrorscape, the world within paintings. The very nature of this place lends itself to endless possibilities as far as one's imagination can go, and that leads to some highly unusual, sometimes strange, but always interesting situations in this story. I heartily commend Wilks for his creative and exciting plot; there wasn't a moment in this story that failed to capture my interest. In addition, I loved the political undercurrent to this enjoyable story; the corrupt bureaucracy that calls itself the Mystery reflects governmental corruption around the world and its repression of the arts and artistic expression, that of many civil liberties. Although I may be reading too much into the story, this adds a little something extra that makes an already fantastic story even better. Mirrorscape is the type of story that will appeal to readers of all ages, especially those who enjoyed Inkheart by Cornelia Funke and Poison by Chris Wooding. I particularly cannot wait for the continuance of this story in Mirrorstorm, the second installment in this trilogy.