Mike WilksRecensioni

Plot:
Mel is a poor boy with a big talent: he can draw. That’s why he is recruited as an apprentice to one of the greatest artists around. Mel is excited, not only because it means moving to the big city, but it also means that he will finally be allowed to use color, since pigment is strictly limited as a Pleasure by the Fifth Mystery. But trouble is brewing in Mel’s world and as he enters the world of paintings – quite literally – he gets more and more drawn into said trouble.

Mirrorscape starts with a couple of interesting ideas but unfortunately doesn’t manage to handle them very well. The writing feels like the author confused “written for children” with “written for stupid people” – which is especially annoying when you read it as an adult.

Read more on my blog: http://kalafudra.com/2014/07/24/mirrorscape-mike-wilks/

Found in a suitcase containing various items that belonged to my parents, given to my sister by our stepmother in July 2014. My mother died in 1984, my father in 1987. The suitcase has been in the attic since 2002 according to the newspapers the things were wrapped up in, and the book smells very musty. It seems vaguely familiar but I can't remember if I bought it for my dad or if he showed it to me. He has not made any annotations in the workbook.

I loved the world that this story took place in from the layout of the city to the structure of their society. The worlds of the Mirrorscape are even better. I love how each world were immediately made different and identifiable.

Mel is exactly what a hero should be. He wasn’t perfect, but he was dedicated, a good artist though not perfect, and a good friend.

For the rest of my review for of this book, check out my blog here: http://readingisdreamy.blogspot.com/2010/09/mirrorscape-by-mike-wilks.html

Reviewed by Theresa L. Stowell for TeensReadToo.com

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.

A contest ran years ago where reader's had to identify 7,777 objects depicted in this book of illustrated letters A to Z. Each letter has so many words depicted starting with each letter. A Workbook accompanied this book. Hours of fun, beautiful paintings, educational, eye candy!

In 1993 you could have won $10,000 by studying the painting in this book and being the first to match up 353 pairs of creatures, thereby discovering the 707th creature - the only one with no mate! To make it easier (?) the painting has been sectioned into 16 smaller pieces of the whole. And, on the pages between the illustrations is a detailed list of all the creatures you are looking for!
The prize was awarded back in 1995 and has probably long been spent. The book, however, is still a lot of fun. Adults and kids alike enjoy scrutinizing the fabulous pictures and picking out their own sets of mates, even if they can't find anywhere near all the pairs.