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Author: D.M. Cornish

ISBN: 0142409138

Life has not been kind to poor Rossamund Bookchild. He is an orphan, knowing nothing about his past other then that as an infant he was left on the doorstep of Madam Opera's Estimable Marine Society for Foundling Boys and Girls. Pinned to his diaper was a slip of paper with the name Rossamund- a very lovely name if the child had been a girl. However things are tough for a little boy growing up with such a flowery name. His dream is to become a sailor on the vinegar seas but when he comes of age an odd stranger appears at Madame Opera's and whisks Rossamund away to become a lamplighter in service to the Emperor. Lamplighters have a grueling thankless job, each evening, armed only with a lamp light and a small pouch of potions, they walk the great road that spans their country, lighting the way for travelers, and battling the fearsome monsters that plague this fantasy world. However Rossamunds adventures begin long before he even makes it to lamplighter training. The boy is waylaid on his journey to his apprenticeship and he finds himself mixed up with some of the most famous monster slayers in the realm and a whole cast of colorful unforgettable characters.

Foundling is the first book in the Monster Blood Trilogy and any one who reads it won't be able to wait for the next two books to come out. Although marketed as a young adult novel Foundling will please fantasy lovers of all ages. It is a mature, intense, and cleverly crafted work. Do not expect another Lord of the Rings inspired book from Foundling- Rossamund, his world, and the wild characters that populate it are intricately portrayed and unique. Foundling is an ambitious start and it lives up to all the hype.

Some readers may be put off by the sheer elaborateness of the novel. Cornish doesn't quite create an entire new language for Rossamunds world- but it's close. Luckily the book comes equipped with a glossary nearing a hundred pages in length to keep you up to speed until you fall into the lovely and eccentric rhythm of the novel. Foundling is a fine story, and a wonderful set up for what is sure to be a classic fantasy trilogy, but it leaves many unanswered questions at its conclusion that will have readers howling for more.

Click Here To Purchase From Amazon Foundling

The above review was contributed by: Renee Mallett:  Renee is a  published journalist, reviewer, and creative writer, freelance editor, and author of several non-fiction books. To read more of Renee's reviews CLICK HERE 

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