This book is in every way perfect, the way the author delved into each character. I mean I felt sorry for the villains at some points like with Victor Hunter and what happened to his family! He had a reason for the things he did; he was a terrible person but he had a reason nevertheless.

I love the characters of Matilda and Gabriel and the way they were written perfectly. I felt my heart pounding as I read about the different battles and let’s just say don’t get to attached to some characters.

I could really feel for Valentine, he lost so much, but in the end, he always had Clarabell. Speaking of which, I love the relationship between the two. Clarabell the grumpy child who never grew up shielded from the dangers by her doting parents and Valentine forced to grow up to protect his family, Matilda and the vampires. Speaking of vampires, the references from Bram Stokers Dracula (published in 1897) in the book was a nice touch.

The book depicted the cholera epidemic so clearly, the hardship the loss and the danger. I absolutely love how this book was written from different perspectives – one chapter you might be at a gripping part where Antonella is in danger and Luca’s going after her and you turn the page and Matilda and Gabriel are having fun.

It’s the type of writing that has you at the edge of your seat at all times because it could take a sudden dark twist at any given moment. I especially love how it has its ups and downs in the tale there’s good times and bad times. Its gloriously happy one moment and melancholy the next.

I give it 5 stars. I would truly recommend that you read this gripping beautiful piece of writing and, as I would say, work of art.

Thank you for reading my review.

Emily, 5^th class, St Finians NS, Garryhill, Co. Carlow

“The Legend of Valentine Sorrow” by Caroline Busher, published by Poolbeg Books, is now on sale for €8.99 (P/B).

Disclaimer: This book was provided by the publisher, Poolbeg Books, free of charge to Seomra Ranga for the purposes of this review