Content levels
Trigger warnings
Positive tags
Hero archetypes
Protagonist archetypes
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Synopsis
*Or, The revenge of the white spiders!, or, To Saturn's rings and back! A rousing tale of dauntless pluck in the farthest reaches of space.* In an alternate Victorian England, young Arthur and his sister Myrtle, residents of Larklight, a floating house in one of Her Majesty's outer space territories, uncover a spidery plot to destroy the solar system. Arthur (Art) Mumby and his irritating sister Myrtle live with their father in the huge and rambling house, Larklight, travelling through space on a remote orbit far beyond the Moon. One ordinary sort of morning they receive a correspondence informing them that a gentleman is on his way to visit, a Mr. Webster. Visitors to Larklight are rare if not unique, and a frenzy of preparation ensues. But it is entirely the wrong sort of preparation, as they discover when their guest arrives, and a Dreadful and Terrifying (and Marvellous) adventure begins. It takes them to the furthest reaches of Known Space, where they must battle the evil First Ones in a desperate attempt to save each other -- and the Universe. Recounted through the eyes of Art himself, Larklight is sumptuously designed and illustrated throughout.
Is Larklight appropriate for my child?
Suitable for most readers 10 and up.
Parents should know this is a whimsical Victorian-era space adventure with mild peril from spider-like alien creatures and action sequences suitable for middle grade readers. The story contains sibling bickering and adventure tension but no graphic content.
What to know going in
This book has mild violence, no sexual content, and clean language. Content notes include animal harm.
Who'll love this
Kids will love this imaginative romp through space with flying houses, alien spiders, and brave siblings saving the universe in a Victorian steampunk setting.