Another fast-moving, action-packed page-turner * The Bookseller *
An exciting, original read * The Observer *
Breathtaking * Mizz *
Never loses pace from the start until its dramatic end ... a romantic adventure with a very dark side * South China Morning Post *
Gardner just keeps getting stranger and better * The Daily Telegraph *
It is hard to imagine a contemporary work of children's historical fiction more superbly conceived or more engagingly written. Highly recommended * Books for Keeps *
Shiveringly romantic. dramatic and gripping * The Lady *
Sweeps the reader along with hardly time to draw breath * Primary Times *
A high octane thriller ... an accessible historical title and a gripping read * School Librarian *
Rich, suspenseful and moving * The Times *
An enthralling and wholly original novel ... a must-read for a new generation * The Times *
Constant suspense, beautiful style, strong period feeling and great characters make this one not to miss * The Times *
As well as providing a terrific insight into a brutal and sometimes horrific period of European history the reader will find many threads - secrets, magic, heroism and murder as well as a touching love story - to keep them turning the pages to the very end. * LOVEREADING.COM *
There is magic, romance, a hint of gothic coupled with vivid vignettes of Parisian life in all its post revolutionary squalor. The writing is beautiful, never forced and everything is cleverly woven together like an intricate tapestry. I would urge any fans of well written historical fiction aged 9 to 99 to read The Silver Blade and to succumb to the seduction of this master storyteller. * LOVELY TREEZ BLOG *
I really enjoyed reading this novel, even more so than the first. I loved the mixture between love, tragedy and the heat of the French Revolution. The descriptive writing in the novel was extremely good and really helped me to believe the story, and above all the plotline was fantastic with a twist I would never have been able to imagine. -- Summer (teen reviewer) * CHICKLISH BLOG *