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Book Review

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Publisher's Note:

Set during World War II, a twelve-year-old orphan who accidentally unleashes a shadow monster onto the streets of London must team up with unlikely allies to hunt it down. Surviving on the streets of World War II London alone certainly hasn’t been easy, but Nimble Nottingham has perfected the art of going it alone—and that’s just how he likes it. The only friend he needs is his beloved dog, Winnie. To pass the time between rolling blackouts and bombs falling through the air, Nim spends his days fence-climbing, roof-jumping, and gargoyle-perching…that is when he’s not scrounging for food to stave off the ever-present hunger the war has brought to London. So when opportunity strikes in the form of a bomb falling onto the notoriously creepy Gravenhurst Manor, Nim knows he has to get inside and find whatever spoils he can get his hands on to sell for food. Get in. Get out. Quick as a flash. At least, that was the plan until Mouse—a member of a local street gang called the Dead End Kids—shows up and invites himself along for the heist. Inside, Mouse and Nim encounter far more than just crumbling walls and shattered windows. Beneath Gravenhurst Manor lies a secret room and inside that room is a locked safe. Nim, inspired by the Hardy Boys adventures he used to read at Waifs and Strays orphanage, knows that something this protected has to be valuable, and so he cracks the safe and unknowingly unleashes a monster. A shadow creature is now loose on the streets of London, and it’s up to Nim, Mouse, and a band of un…

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The Dark Times of Nimble Nottingham

by Ryan James Black

Reviewer: Cindy M
Genre: Horror
Recommended Age: 12+

Overall Book Review:

Set against the chaotic back drop of the blitzing of London is the story of Nimble Nottingham, an orphan and a loner, who unwittingly unleashes a dark and frightening force that hunts in the dark for prey to feed upon. Dripping with atmosphere and adrenaline, the reader is running through the streets with Nimble and nowhere feels safe. Those who like adventure and plucky characters will find much to love here. However, be sure that you also like being on the edge of your seat, being a little anxious for the safety of Nimble and his new-found friends, and being a whole lot scared of what lurks in the dark. The author captures that fear and simmers it at a level that will work for many younger readers. The historical setting was a nice touch and gave the narrative a bit more context and texture. Clipping along at break-neck speed, this book was an engaging read. Recommended for brave readers–who aren’t afraid of what hides in the dark.

Review of a Digital Advance Reading Copy Provided by the Publisher

Content Analysis:

Profanity/Language: None

Violence/Gore: Many references and brief descriptions of the bombing of London and other war-related activities; supernatural creature pursues characters, attacks a character inflicting a serious injury; character fleeing on foot is struck by a car; verbal and implied threats of harm by gangs of kids to a kid; character is injured in bombing and in hospital with wounds; character is punched in the face; characters throw stones and objects at animal and at a kid resulting in injuries, mention of blood; character is attacked by supernatural creature in a brief scene; animal is harmed by supernatural creature; reference to an assassination; characters are pursued/hunted; a few scary scenes in the dark streets and buildings of London; characters plan an attempt to destroy supernatural creature; supernatural creature attacks several people resulting in injuries that can’t be cured; supernatural creature hunts characters with intent to feed on them; massive fire resulting in destruction of property and injuries, some description.

Sex/Nudity: None

Mature Subject Matter:

World War II, bombing of London, orphans, loss of a parent, loss of a child, bullying, supernatural, economic distress.

Alcohol/Drug Use:

None

Overall Book Rating
Profanity/Language
Rating:
0
10
Violence/Gore
Rating:
2
10
Sex/Nudity
Rating:
0
10

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About the Reviewer

Cindy M
An accountant and CPA by profession, I found myself a book reviewer for Squeaky Clean Reads by happenstance. When the opportunity came to transform that website into Compass Book Ratings, I was excited to seize it and meld my business background with my love of books. As the mother of three teenage sons, I have read a large number of children and young adult books and I believe that there is great value in a content review service. As much as we would love to read everything our children read, there just isn’t enough time. I also appreciate being able to select books for myself that are really worth my precious and limited reading time. I believe there is a book out there for everyone–they just have to find it!

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