Starcross, by Philip Reeve (ISBN ...)

My immediate impression is that I like the illustrated front, which may seem a little odd at first - except once you come to terms with the awful reality that the cover counts.

David Wyatt is responsible for that and all the other sumptuous images lavished throughout this book, which lend it that little bit extra oomph. Next, I notice that unlike most other books, this one offers up tantalising little snatches of what each chapter contains, which I found terribly, awfully droll. In fact, droll pretty much sums up this extraordinarily charming tale, whose narration is wonderfully effected by the Queen’s English and written as though from a bygone era.
A dry, British humour assures us that Reeve does not take his creations too seriously and rather gives the opinion that we are being reminded by the author that it is, after all, just a pretty little story. It may well be, but it so delightfully written, so engaging and alluring in an almost innocent way, that I am compelled to ask when Mr Reeve will be releasing us from the agony of awaiting the next instalment?
I simply could not review this book without mentioning my absolute favourite bit. I am indeed grateful that Myrtle did not “spend too much time going on about frocks”, although I can understand the allure… all those delectable textures, bewitching patterns and never-ending selection of colours… err, yes, indeed. Frocks are a fascinating topic of discussion and debate, but I must say that I rather enjoyed the telling of this tall tale more.