The winds of change are blowing through Paris in the winter of 1789, both for France and for our hero, a striking and mysterious Gypsy boy named Yann Margoza. He was born with a gift for knowing what people are thinking and an uncanny ability to throw his voice, and he has been using those skills while working for a rather foolish magician. That work will soon end, however, and on the night of the magician’s final performance, Yann’s life will truly begin. That’s the night he meets shy Sido, an heiress with a cold-hearted father, a young girl who has only known loneliness until now. Though they have the shortest of conversations, an attachment is born that will influence both their paths. And what paths those will be! While Revolution is afoot in France, Sido is being used as the pawn of a fearful villain who goes by the name Count Kalliovski. Some have instead called him the devil, and only Yann, for Sido’s sake, will dare to oppose him.
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"This is definitely a book to listen to because it is read and interpreted by none other than Tom Hiddleston. To those of you that like him, I need say no more, to those of you who are not as fond of him or his sudden popularity, you should spare your judgement and try this book out. I find it hilarious to listen to because I am baffled by the dedication with which Tom interprets each and every character. It doesn't feel at all like one man is reading, but that each individual part is interpreted by a different actor. I would definitely go and see a one man show with this guy, where he gets to go DID on stage."
— Raluca (5 out of 5 stars)
" The book was very interesting...slow at first but very good. "
— Lauren, 2/11/2014" In France in 1789 some people are talking about revolution, but Yann is more concerned with where his next meal will come from. Whe the mysterious Count Kalliovski invites Yann and his magician boss to perform, they think their fortunes are made. But by the end of the night the agician is dead. Yann manages to escape with his life, his wits, and an oddly simple red necklace. "
— Madeline, 1/31/2014" I wanted to like this book, but it was just ok. I was expecting more on the actual Revolution, when really it was more about magic, murder, mystery and ghosts. "
— Caren, 1/21/2014" I actually didn't finish this book, but I'm writing a review just to inform anyone who considers reading it. I gave this to one of my students to read, thinking it would be an excellent way for him to learn some of the history attached to the French Revolution. And while the history was definitely there, the plot was so fragmented that it was nearly impossible to follow exactly what was going on. I read most of the book myself and was seriously disappointed. It felt more like the rough draft or even the outline of a story than a finished product. It had potential, but it just had too much going on to form a cohesive whole and actually work. "
— Donna, 1/19/2014" Somehow it was ten times more charming and intriguing when listening to the audiobook read by Tom Hiddleston.... Ahem. "
— Talon, 1/14/2014" Wonderful! It's slightly confusing at times but still packed with action, mystery, history, and romance. Overall a great read! "
— Madison, 12/11/2013" Really Good. Slow at times but I love the mixture of history and fiction. There is also such a wonderful array of characters. Also, The Tom Hiddleston audio book makes it that much better. "
— Autumn, 12/8/2013" I liked the book well enough, but was kind of thrown off by the quick ending. "
— Allyssa, 11/15/2013" I loved the tone of this book! It was a really cool cross-over between historical fiction and fantasy. I want to read the next one as well. "
— Meg, 11/9/2013" An intriguing historical fiction read. "
— Christy, 8/20/2013" I love historical fiction and this was an "ok" read,could have been so much more. "
— Vicki, 12/2/2012" Excellent! It grabbed me right from the beginning and never let go. The only thing wrong with it is that it wasn't long enough for me. This could have easily been a 600 page book and still would have kept my interest throughout. "
— Tammie, 6/30/2012" Great book! If you like historical fiction this is one for you to read. "
— Angelina, 4/16/2012" I've already read this book once, but I love it a lot! So I'm gonna read it again. And now that I'm finished, I still love it!! "
— Katy, 3/6/2012" Story takes place in France during the revolution. this book was not what i expected it to be. alot more exciting and complicated. this was a great read- I hope there is a sequal to it. "
— Tiffany, 11/27/2011" Great book! It's set in the French Revolution, has magic and love. I loved it. BUT...now I have to wait for the sequel (which makes me mad). "
— Sarah, 11/20/2011" Well written. This story really pulled me in. Its about a gypsy boy who meets an aristocrat girl during the French revolution. "
— Jodi, 10/1/2011" I enjoyed this book however, because it is written about the French Revolution it is a bit dark and violent. "
— Andrea, 5/12/2011" I liked the book but would have preferred more character development and focus on the characters. I like history fiction, which this is but when it focuses more on the people than the events. "
— Cherilee, 5/10/2011" I loved the beginning of this book. Having studied the French revolution and been to many of the places in the book it was fun to read. However the ending became a little forced. I'm not too excited about reading a sequel. "
— Marilee, 4/18/2011" I started reading this book because I had read I, Coriander but I could not get into it and so disliked it. I couldn't finish the first chapter.. "
— Chiara, 4/5/2011" It was pretty good, about the french revolution. "
— Mikayla, 3/3/2011" Couldn't finish it because it was too boring but maybe I'm try next time "
— Amanda, 2/25/2011" Good book !!! It has a good plot and plenty of fascinating characters. From the evil count Kalliovski to little poor inocent Sido !! i just can't to read the silver blade !! "
— Gabrielle, 2/25/2011" I really enjoyed this slightly historical romance, it has fun characters. "
— Tanya, 2/24/2011" Enjoyed this book. Its really good if you like books that are based on mediveal times. "
— Lsw77004, 2/24/2011Sally Gardner is an award-winning author whose novels have sold more than 1.5 million copies in the UK and have been translated into twenty-two languages. She is dyslexic and is an avid spokesperson for dyslexia. “I strongly believe that dyslexia is like a Rubik’s Cube,” she says. “It takes time to work out how to deal with it, but once you do, it can be the most wonderful gift.” She lives in London.
Carrington MacDuffie is a voice actor and recording artist who has narrated over two hundred audiobooks, received numerous AudioFile Earphones Awards, and has been a frequent finalist for the Audie Award, including for her original audiobook, Many Things Invisible. Alongside her narration work, she has released a new album of original songs, Only an Angel.