Reviews

Really enjoyed this sequel, especially the bits where Arthur was exploring and solving mysteries on his own. Some brilliant twists. Hoping there's more to come from these characters.

lilymurph's review against another edition

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adventurous lighthearted mysterious medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

heathersbookjarjourney's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted mysterious relaxing fast-paced

Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

5.0

5 stars - Darkwhispers continues the saga of the Brightstorm twins and the crew of the Aurora as they attempt to find lost explorer Ermitage Wrigglesworth. However, Eudora Vane is once again plotting and planning in the background and the twins will have to use all their skills and wit to thwart her plans.

A wonderful escape back into the world of the Brightstorm children, Darkwhispers not only matches but surpasses (which I didn't think possible) the genius and fantastic story of the first book. It remains an uplifting and fun tale that does not shy away from the darker aspects of adventuring - and caused me to have a cry on more than one occasion. I felt everything with our main characters. It was great to see Eudora Vane become more of a multifaceted and genuine person along with being a great villian. The way the story ended with her is sublime and I honestly cannot wait for future instalments. The rest of the cast were also fantastic and I personally fell in love with them all over again. The pacing is fantastic and kept me entertained throughout - I was able to read it in a day because I could not put it down.

A fantastically written story, that translates well to audio with a brilliant narrator - would recommend this series.

hazel_reads's review against another edition

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adventurous fast-paced

Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes

5.0

This is one of my new faves!

gavgav7's review against another edition

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5.0

This is the last book I had to read by Vashti Hardy and I'm so sad I have to wait for another one!

Twins Arthur and Maudie have already had quite the adventure in 'Brightstorm', but everything they've been through will be nothing compared to what they're about to face in the sequel, 'Darkwhispers'. There is a search for a missing explorer in the Eastern Isles, and the villainous Eudora Vane is leading the mission. Arthur and Maudie are determined to find out what she's up to, but it's not an easy journey for the Brightstorm twins at all!

If you want a series dripping with adventure, look no further than the Brightstorm series, and I loved Darkwhispers more than Brightstorm if you can believe it. The main characters are the most well-developed main characters I have read in middle grade, their relationship with one another and what they've been through and how it bonds them still is beautifully portrayed. So it goes without saying that Hardy is a warrior with her pen (or keyboard), the writing is perfect.

Eudora Vane is such a character too. As a villain, I loved reading her scenes. She's complex and not at all a pantomime villain; she read like a real person, and I love that in my villains. There is a wealth of characters in this that makes this a fantastic sequel, a blend of personalities that work so well together, but also are developed further when they're apart.

A simply sublime adventure sequel that manages to surpass the original.

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