by Rachel Delahaye
Illustrated by George Ermos
Published by STRIPES PUBLISHING LIMITED
An imprint of Little Tiger Group
Well, when a place is called Brutalia you just know it isn't going to be *a peaceful, lovely place with delightful shores*! This is definitely a jump into a very, VERY different world. Can you imagine telling someone you're going to read them a story set on *an island of terrifying ugliness*? I've never read a book with an island ruled by a brutal king & queen who have laws against everything fun or beautiful, like birthdays or singing.
Grouchy people, scared to do anything 'wrong' - visitors were NOT welcome - ravens circling above dreaming of eating eyeballs or brains (they each had their own favourite, tasty part)!
The Motto is LIVE or DIE.
Mort is a pacifist but he is also the Royal Executioner so we have to wonder how can he fit in here? The characters & names are something to check out too: Mort (meaning Death), Ono (meaning Name), and Weed, Gosh & Gee, there's a lot to keep us smiling even before you consider the story.
Shocking ideas + crazy twists & turns, you'll have to expect the unexpected!
Can there ever be peace or happiness in this island community? The writing style & narratorial humour will make adults laugh as well as the youngsters.
The short chapters are superb, add to the pace & can be a real confidence boost for even the most reluctant reader. The illustrations by George Ermos are a stylish addition to the chapters, with the added bonus of ravens telling jokes to open each section.
Secrets within this adventure story will make you juggle your ideas of the plot & even Mort has to wonder about EVERYTHING HE THOUGHT HE KNEW. Will he be able to save his best friend?
Enjoy your visit into Mort's unusual world. Just watch out for the ravens!
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