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Serafina and the Black Cloak
by Robert Beatty
published by Disney Hyperion
The Blurb
Serafina lives in secret in the not so grand areas of the immense Biltmore Estate. She only ventures out at night when the outside world cannot see her. When children begin disappearing, Serafina knows she must come forward and share what she has seen in the night.
My Two Cents
I tend to put books off if there is too much hype over them. This book was a bestseller almost immediately. I put it off as long as I could...and finally cracked it open.
I was immediately mad at myself! I was sucked in from the very first chapter. To begin with, Serafina is an interesting character. I am a little tired of cliche protagonists in middle grade. It was refreshing to have a unique character leading the story. Secondly, the setting is so fun. We visited the Biltmore Estate several years ago and I was just in awe at the incredible size of it! The descriptions in the book were spot on and I could visualize being back in the house. The plot is good and keeps you turning the page.
It might be a little intense in a few spots for younger readers, but mostly it's just suspenseful. This is also a fabulous story to read with your kiddo. Fans of The Thickety will adore Serafina and the Black Cloak!
This is a pic of my husband and I on our tour of the Biltmore Estate. Sadly, they don't allow photos inside, but this is the breathtaking view off the terrace. Look at those rolling hills and beautiful fall foliage!
Labels: MG, novel
