Monstrous Devices

Product Information

The toy robot accompanies Alex and Grandpa to Paris and as the story unfolds we discover its history and why the evil villains in the story will stop at nothing to get it. But Alex’s robot isn’t the only robot, there are also armies of toy robots, life sized robots and fliers (drone like robots). Time and time again Alex and his grandfather have to defend themselves from the robots and the girl who unleashes them. A superbly assured debut…truly sinister villains and an effortless, atmospheric evocation of place and history combine in an unforgettable, immersive reading experience.” – THE GUARDIAN Alex receives an old tin robot in the mail as a gift from his Grandfather - this sets off an unpredictable chain of events. Accompanying his Grandpa on a journey throughout England, Alex tries to do what's best with the little information given to him. A thrilling and spooky adventure! Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Violence & Scariness in your kid's entertainment guide. Get started Close

The Shadow Arts: Monstrous Devices, Book 2 - Common Sense Media The Shadow Arts: Monstrous Devices, Book 2 - Common Sense Media

I am usually up for a multigenerational adventure, but the relationships between family members that holds those stories together was very much absent in this book. At no point did I really understand or relate to any of the characters, nor they to each other. The setting was mysterious and mostly enjoyable, but the plot, like the characterization, was disjointed and choppy.

When twelve-year-old Alex receives an old tin robot in the post, the note from his grandfather simply reads: 'This one is special'. AUDIOBOOK awarded as one of the Notable Children’s Recordings 2019by the ALSC, a division of the AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION – “With great aplomb and distinct accents, Allan Corduner throws listeners, along with the main character Alex, into a world in which robots are alive, ancient magical powers can come to life, and Alex’s grandfather eats too many sweets.”

Seven (not too) scary books for 8-12 year olds | BookTrust

The elements of the story are strong and put me on the edge of my seat throughout reading this masterpiece.' * Olly, aged 16 * Authors / Illustrators I find it really interesting to hear what authors and illustrators enjoy reading or have enjoyed reading with children. In this category you will find recommendations written by authors and illustrators along with books that they have written and / or illustrated. The plot rages across Europe from Prague to Paris as Alex and his grandfather, who conveniently arrives to help out just as things are really going from bad to dreadful, try to unravel the mystery of why the little robot has such Machiavellian powers and how or who programmed it to behave in such a manner. Another assured debut that takes its protagonist somewhere unexpected... Fans of Anthony Horowitz will love Monstrous Devices.' * Irish Times *Hugely original, exciting debut novel by Damien Love. He has built a fantastical but entirely believable world with scary killer robots oiled to perfection with automaton history, surprising characters and dry humour... Get hold of a copy, wind it up and let yourself go.' * The Times *