Monster Blood Tattoo Book One: Foundling
by D. M. Cornish

Release Date: 1st May 2008
Publisher: Random House
ISBN: 978 0 5525 5587 6
RRP: £5.99

First in a new fantasy series - Monster Blood Tattoo...

I didn’t think much to the title, it struck me as odd and out of sorts for a children’s book. These thoughts were further compounded when it became clear that this was yet another fantasy novel, full of strange words, phrases and terminology that one has to assimilate in order to comprehend the storyline. And then I realised that I had read 100 pages without so much as a sigh or a break – and it hit me – this is an astonishingly well written and rounded fantasy novel.

Rossamünd is a foundling (a bit like a stray), who has found that having a girl’s name and being a boy doesn’t mix. At least not where his nemesis Gosling (a fellow foundling) is concerned. Growing up in Madam Opera’s Estimable Marine Society for Foundling Boys and Girls has been tough on Rossamünd, but nearly as tough as his new life once he is summoned to the life of a Lamplighter (oddly enough, someone who is responsible for lighting lamps). Had his journey to meet his destined future as Lamplighter gone well, we would not be hearing his story – so inevitably, things go terribly, terribly wrong.

Not all is lost, however, as Rossamünd has a simple way with people and perhaps it is this affectation that enables him to charm so many of the characters that he stumbles across... Rivermaster Poundinch aside, that is.

Ah, to the monsters. Well, not a great deal is made of them of, despite their existence being of continuous concern to just about everyone. But not the lahzar (or monster hunters) – and it just so happens that Rossamünd meets up with one. I get a sneaking suspicion that all is not as it seems with our friend Rossamünd – his reaction to certain potions and warders of monsters, as well as his apparent unusual “smell” according to the black hearted Licurious – all scream of something not quite right. No doubt we’ll find out sooner or later if my suspicions are correct.

Full of wonderful characters and jam packed with so much action and adventure, this story fairly scorches across the pages. And the title is profoundly apt – I feel ashamed of my earlier prejudice. This fantastic book will woo children and adult alike – it is a bouncing tale, full of toil and trouble – and all of it credible.

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