Description
In a world captivated by the temptation of fortune telling, twelve-year-old orphan Maud Mulligan finds herself caught up in a web where strangers are making plans for a future they believe she can foretell.
Which is more dangerous - a future you can't see - or one that you can?
Twelve-year-old Maud Mulligan knows there's no future for her in London, in the rat-infested slum where she grew up. But in the tunnel under the river are fortune tellers, Seers, who will tell your future for a few pennies. And then there is Mr Mandalay, Seer to the king and anyone else rich enough to afford him.
When Mr Mandalay sees Maud in a foretelling for a wealthy factory heiress, she believes Maud can save her family from financial ruin. But how? And why? What could a girl like Maud do to change anyone's future - or even her own?
With more twists and turns than any fortune-teller's tales, this is a story that will keep you reading to the very last page.
Review
Maud and her Dad live in the slums of London, but she dreams of leaving one day. When her Dad drowns after a building collapse, Maud is left an orphan and has to find any work she can to survive.
Having your fortune told is all the rage in London and when the most famous fortune teller, Mr Mandalay, tells his wealthy client Mrs Awford that a girl with a yellow ribbon will save her company and her fortune she goes looking for her.
When Maud innocently picks up a yellow ribbon and Mrs Awford sees her, she believes that Maud is the girl in the prophecy and quickly takes her home.
This sets in motion a rollicking adventure with so many twists and turns that you won't be able to put this book down. Maud finds herself some remarkable friends on her adventures who will go out of their way to help her.
A wonderful story of friendship, that is perfect for upper primary or lower secondary readers who enjoy some history and lots of action.
Reviewed by Michelle
