A review by a_blue_box_full_of_books
Ghostcloud by Michael Mann

lighthearted mysterious fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Ghostcloud is an amazing adventure, full of mysteries and wonderful characters. In his debut novel, Michael Mann created a futuristic dystopian London strongly influenced by the Victorian Era. Kidnapped children are forced to work in Battersea Power Station directed by evil Tabatha Margate. To win back their freedom, children have to work hard in very poor conditions, with the only hope to be the happy receiver of the Golden Ticket, the only key to freedom and the outside world.

Circonstances and fate are in Luke Smith-Sharma's favor as he discovers he can see things that others can’t : ghosts ! I love how the ghost world is depicted : far from being sad and depressing, ghosts fly around London, observing strange human behaviors. Alma is a sweet character with a difficult background. I love how she decides to teach Luke everything he has to know about the ghost community and dangers and does her best to help him escape.

Future London is a gloomy and dangerous place. Ravaged by war and pollution, it is a difficult place to live for the remaining population. The corrupted government is more interested in money than the well being of the population and nobody is really concerned by the children mysteriously disappearing. 

Ghostcloud is a very good middle grade book. The strange atmosphere and charismatic characters are really well found. I cannot wait to read the second book Nightspark !