by Arthur Slade
September 2009
Wendy Lamb Books
A true wretch of a creature crouched in the cage . . . On the bottom of the cage a plaque read L'ENFANT DU MONSTRE.
I haven't read much literature for younger audiences lately, but the Victorian-steampunk, James Bond cover and description for this book drew me in. As an infant, Modo, a hunchback, is "rescued" from his life in a traveling freak show by the mysterious Mr. Socrates. From the age of one, Socrates trains Modo in history, weaponry, languages, society, acting and more to prepare him for life as the ultimate spy. But these are not Modo's only skills - as a "shifter" he can change his appearance and become anyone he's ever seen or imagined. From the handsomest prince to the humblest peasant and then back to his misshapen form- it's no surprise that Modo has learned to hide his true self from all.
Modo's face isn't the only versatile aspect of this series. In addition to covering the Victorian era, and the steampunk and spy genres; it also covers Hunchback of Notre Dame, Oliver Twist, League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde and a few other classics that I can't quite put my finger on. Overall, this is an excellent read for younger teens, perhaps in middle school, but it may not quite hold the interest of adult readers.
The Hunchback Assignments
The Hunchback Assignments
The Dark Deeps
Empire of Ruins (TBR September 2011)
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