Peter Nimble and his Fantastic Eyes product reviews

If you enjoyed Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events then you will probably love this book too. It is a rather fanciful story of Peter Nimble a ten year old blind orphan who, after stealing a box, ends up on a rather magical adventure and in a little twist at the end discovers who he really is.

This book is aimed at the 8 - 14 year old age group but as with the Lemony Snicket books is an enjoyable read for the older reader also. Not many books can capture across an age range but this book is one that I would feel just as comfortable recommending to an adult as I would an 8-14 year old.

I did find with this book being very thick (it is paper back) that the size of it made it not so comfortable to read. I would have preferred the book to be slightly larger and thus thinner and easier to keep open.

It was a good read however and very vividly described so I have this amazing picture of the "land" that Peter finds himself in. Peter is blind so the author does try to convey a sense of what Peter would be seeing, if he could see, which I think helps the reader to then imagine the world Peter has entered. It is a magical world so when you do find yourself thinking that Peter is pretty adept at getting around, for a blind ten year old boy, the author can be excused as of course this isn't a real story...! The three pairs of Fantastic Eyes weren't actually my favourite part of the book and I more enjoyed the adventures that Peter had trying to find out the meaning of the riddle that he had in his possession.

I did love some of the characters personalities - especially his side kick Sir Tode, the lovely names the author comes up with and trying to unravel who the goodies and baddies really were which wasn't very easy! Threaded through the book is how important friends are and the importance of your true nature and instincts which I liked. Like the magical palace with its twists and turns I did enjoy how you were never quite sure what was coming next and without giving the story away there are some lovely little bits in the book which really do make it just that little bit special. This is a great first novel from Johnathan Auxier and I look forward to reading any future novels that he may write.

Peter Nimble is the tale of a ten year old blind orphan who has been schooled in a life of thievery.

Peter had a rough start to his life as ravens pecked out his eyes while he was floating in the sea. He was taken in by a horrid man who saw a way of making a living off Peter's amazing talents of stealing.

This tale of magic, heroes, ape guards and adventure is not to be taken too seriously and is why it is aimed at the 8 to 14 year old age group. I thoroughly enjoyed it and cant wait to read it too my son when he is a little older.

One of the things I enjoyed the most was how the author includes the reader:
"you have been witness to"
"probably not unlike your own life"
It gave the book a kind of Lemony Snicket feel.

I think Peter Jackson should make this into a movie....FANTASTIC! This is a very enjoyable read and will be lending it to my 10 year old nephew who I know will love it.