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Description
My family has always had a way with metal.
Petra Kronos has a simple, happy life. But it’s never been ordinary. She has a tin spider named Astrophil who likes to hide in her hair and give her advice. Her best friend can trap lightning in a glass sphere. And Petra’s father is able to move metal with his mind. He has been commissioned by the prince of Bohemia to build the world’s finest astronomical clock. Then Petra’s father returns homeblind. The prince has stolen his eyes, enchanted them, and now wears them. Petra doesn’t know why, but she does know this: She will go to Prague and steal her father’s eyes back. When she finds out that her father’s clock has the power to destroy the world, Petra realizes she may never make it home alive.
About the Author
MARIE RUTKOSKI is a professor of English literature at Brooklyn College. She specializes in Renaissance drama, children’s literature, and creative writing. The second book in the Kronos Chronicles, The Celestial Globe, will be available from Farrar, Straus and Giroux in Spring 2010. Marie lives in New York City, and you can visit her at www.marierutkoski.com.
Praise for The Cabinet of Wonders: The Kronos Chronicles: Book I…
Readers . . . who enjoy literary fantasy are likely to savor Marie Rutkoski’s debut novel, which was inspired by the grisly legend associated with the famous astronomical clock in Prague’s Old Town Square.” The Wall Street Journal
Like Phillip Pullman's young Lyra, [Petra] matures in worlds more complex than she had imagined.” The Chicago Tribune
Add this heady mix of history and enchantment to the season’s list of astonishingly accomplished first novels. . . . [Petra] proves herself a worthy relative of, say Philip Pullman’s quick-thinking, fearless heroines. . . Infusions of folklore don’t slow down the fast plot but more deeply entrance readers.”
Starred, Publishers Weekly
Loved this book. Strong girl character. Fascinating alternate Bohemia world. Clever silhouette cover.” BOUND, MSN Entertainment Book Blog
For those who like their fantasy with a splash of history, or their history with a twist of magic, this book is ideal.” School Library Journal
Fresh and fortuitous.” The Horn Book
Rutkoski poses searching questions about perception and judgment, and plants plenty of seeds for future installments, but this first novel of adventure, loyalty and familial love (not to mention magic) wraps up quite satisfyingly.” Shelf Awareness
The Cabinet of Wonders is just thata book to get lost in, to be amazed and astonished by, to explore with curiosity and delight.” Books & Books, Miami, Florida
Rutkoski's fantasy features quirky characters, imaginative world building, and a hint of trouble to come that will create demand for the next book in the planned Kronos Chronicles series.” Booklist
Though Rutkoski wraps up her magical tale beautifully, her lovable cast and intriguing scenarios are certain to bring readers back for a second round in The Kronos Chronicles.”BookPage
Rutkoski effectively uses the romance of the region and the mystique of gypsy legends to evoke an atmosphere of danger and adventure. Her well-crafted fantasy world is a mix of magic and technology . . . that, along with the thoroughly likeable characters, will quickly draw readers in and have them eagerly anticipating the next installment in the series.” Bulletin for the Center of Children's Books
"It was like a mix of Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings." A YALSA YA Galley Teen Reader


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