The Story of Cirrus Flux by Matthew Skelton

Puffin, 2009. ISBN: 978 0 141320373.
Recommended. Beginning with a prologue set in the Antarctic Circle in 1756, the story jumps to the year 1783 and the protagonist, the orphan, Cirrus Flux. When Madame Orrery arrives at the orphanage, offering to take Cirrus and provide him with a trade, Mr Chalfont instead suggests she take another child in his place. Against her better judgment, the woman consents to taking Pandora, 'the girl hiding behind the curtains', thus beginning the adventure for both children. Cirrus is under close observation by a group of characters all wishing to obtain the sphere which they believe him to have in his possession. Pandora and Cirrus's other friends assist him in escaping their clutches and unearthing the mystery of his family.
This is an engaging tale set across several time periods, with the story moving between events in his father's life and the time in which Cirrus exists. The author describes the eighteenth century as being 'a period of great exploration, scientific discovery and philosophical debate, commonly known in Britain as the Age of Enlightenment.' He brings the era to life with the addition of some fantastic creatures and both endearing and much despised characters. Friendship, belonging and hope are important themes throughout this thoroughly recommended novel.
Jo Schenkel, Pilgrim School