Review: The Candle Man by Glenn Dakin

The Candle Man, Book One: The Society of Unrelenting Vigilance by Glenn Dakin

Review by: Lauren

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Summary:

Theo has never been around more than three people in his life: his guardian, the butler, and the maid. He is told to have a serious illness, having to be put inside the Mercy Tube everyday, always wear gloves, and never be allowed to do anything too exciting for fear of overstimulation. The truth though is much creepier and Theo soon realizes that his guardian is not the good man he believed him to be and that Theo himself is quite powerful in ways he never knew.

Review:

The Candle Man is a new steampunk series for middle grade, with the second book just recently released. Theo is a fun narrator, finding himself as the reader goes along. It’s interesting to see how The Society of Good Works is actually a bad group and just how they disguise their plots as good deeds. It’s definitely a lesson in manipulation and secrecy, but good old creepy fun for the younger readers!

I loved that the book is set in London as it fits the atmosphere really well and it makes sense that the various  creatures, like Gargoyles, could come to life here.

One of the most interesting characters was the butler, as he’s a bit conflicting. You can’t say he’s perfectly good, but you can’t say he’s perfectly bad like other characters either. He’s certainly a fascinating man to really think about.

This is a quick read overall and sure to excite younger fans!