The silver sea by Belinda Murrell

The Silver Sea is the second in a series. Sophie is on holidays in England staying with her beloved Nanna. One morning she wakes up and there is no sign of Nanna. Her cat Baccio tells her that she needs to go and save her Nanna and Nanna’s sister, Nonna, in Tuscia. Sophie travels to Tuscia through an ancient English/Roman site with a portal. Tuscia is an Italian region in Renaissance times but with mythical creatures like flying horses and sirens. Nonna is from an aristocratic wealthy background and she has bred prized rare horses. These, along with a lot of money, have been stolen and the sisters kidnapped. Sophie and her friend Nicco, Nonna’s grandson, valiantly try to find the grandmothers and free them.  However they are captured by bandits and then must evade the soldiers of the evil Mago of Venetto. They successfully join up with a theatre troupe who will perform for the Mago. This allows them to be closer to where the grandmothers are imprisoned in the Mago’s palazzo. Sophie and Nicco are relentless and brave in their efforts to save Nanna and Nonna.

Although it is possible to read The Silver Sea as a stand-alone novel I think it would be a far more satisfying experience to have read The Golden Tower first. The world of Tuscia and the characters mentioned in the first book would have been well established. This is a story that aims to entertain the reader with a lot of action and adventure. And maybe, since it is the second in the series, there is not much character development. Baccio the cat adds funny sarcastic jibes, Sophie, Nicco and the Nannas are smart and brave. The baddies are pretty bad! Belinda Murrell clearly loves Italy, the culture, language and cuisine. There are many mouthwatering meals cooked and consumed. The reader also learns about commedia dell’arte and Venetto is modelled on Venice. A glossary at the beginning of the book is helpful and the jacket design beautifully complements the story.This is a book suitable for confident primary years readers. No doubt there will be another in the series.

Themes: Bravery, Fantasy, Italy, Friendship.

Jo Marshall