David Whitley (1) (1984–)

[I wrote this review in 2010]

**Good solid children's / YA fantasy fiction**

Very good original fantasy from this talented young writer. It reminds me of Philip Pullman's Northern Lights series, but is a quite different story. Mark and Lily are brought together by different sad circumstances and soon become firm friends. They live in servitude in the tower of the ancient and powerful astrologer Count Stelli. Lily is tasked with housekeeping duties and Mark with assisting the Count's grandson, Doctor Theo as he works to find cures for some nasty diseases, including a great plague. Very soon though they each have to start making their own choices, none of them easy, as dark and powerful forces show an uncommon level of interest in Mark and Lily and throws their beliefs and friendship into doubt.

David Whitely has created a setting for Mark and Lily's story which is a kind of capitalist utopia society - absolutely anything can be bought and sold within the city (emotions included, and children up to the age of 12) and people who lose the ability to earn their living are afforded no rights at all, not even to basic food and shelter. Charity just doesn't exist even as a concept and money is all that matters. At times I think the message overpowers the story just a fraction, but otherwise it's a very good, tightly written fantasy. Recommended for ages 10/11+.… (mais)