The Riddle of the Gnome

P. W. Catanese is back with a new Further Tales adventure. This one continues on the story of Rumpelstiltskin (remember him? Hes the one who spun the straw into gold for the girl married to the king and asked for her first born child in return).

The story really isnt about Rumpelstiltskin, however. Its really about a red-haired twelve-year-old named Tom. He was found as a young baby and taken in by Gilbert and Joan Holly, who loved him and did their best by him even after it was discovered that he had a curse the curse of bringing bad luck to anyone near him. When the story starts up, Tom lives alone on a small island in the middle of a river so that his curse doesnt endanger other people. His father comes and visits him whenever he can and you can see that they love each other, but are frustrated by the curse.

Gilbert brings news of a Marauders party coming through, bent on destruction, but tells Tom not to worry. Soon after, a mysterious gnome appears and talks to Tom he asks Tom to do a task for him and in return, he will lift Toms curse. When Tom discovers his hometown has been devastated by the Marauders and his parents are gone, he goes along with the gnome despite the gnomes very ill manners and penchant for giving insults rather than information.

With the gnome's prodding, Tom soon finds himself deep into a plot to bring his bad luck curse upon the Marauders themselves. He comes up across Quill Beasts, thieves, murderers, and much more. And he also finds something he thought hed never find (which I wont tell you about, since thatd spoil the story).

Ive enjoyed all of the Further Tales Adventures and this one is no exception. In fact, I think it might be my favorite yet. Its great to see a character like Tom, who shines out as a good person no matter what obstacles are thrown his way. And it was fun to see another side of Rumpelstiltskin too&I always thought there had to be more to that story.

Recommended for fantasy and fairy tale lovers aged 10 and up. Good read for both boys and girls&and adults too!