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The Children of the Red King #1-8
The Complete Charlie Bone Series
3520 pages, Hardcover
32 people are currently reading
653 people want to read
About the author
Jenny Nimmo
136 books963 followersJenny Nimmo was born in Windsor, Berkshire, England and educated at boarding schools in Kent and Surrey from the age of six until the age of sixteen, when she ran away from school to become a drama student/assistant stage manager with Theater South East. She graduated and acted in repertory theater in various towns and cities: Eastbourne, Tunbridge Wells, Brighton, Hastings, and Bexhill.
She left Britain to teach English to three Italian boys in Almafi, Italy. On her return, she joined the BBC, first as a picture researcher, then as an assistant floor manager, studio manager (news) then finally a director/adaptor with Jackanory (a BBC storytelling program for children). She left BBC to marry a Welsh artist David Wynn Millward and went to live in Wales in her husband's family home. They live in a very old converted watermill, and the river is constantly threatening to break in, as it has done several times in the past, most dramatically on her youngest child's first birthday. During the summer they run a residential school of art, and she has to move her office, put down tools (type-writer and pencil, and don an apron and cook! They have three grown-up children, Myfawny, Ianto, and Gwenwyfar.
She left Britain to teach English to three Italian boys in Almafi, Italy. On her return, she joined the BBC, first as a picture researcher, then as an assistant floor manager, studio manager (news) then finally a director/adaptor with Jackanory (a BBC storytelling program for children). She left BBC to marry a Welsh artist David Wynn Millward and went to live in Wales in her husband's family home. They live in a very old converted watermill, and the river is constantly threatening to break in, as it has done several times in the past, most dramatically on her youngest child's first birthday. During the summer they run a residential school of art, and she has to move her office, put down tools (type-writer and pencil, and don an apron and cook! They have three grown-up children, Myfawny, Ianto, and Gwenwyfar.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
February 1, 2015
When I was younger and everyone was reading Harry Potter, I was reading Charlie Bone. Sorry, I just never got into the Harry Potter books... (I know, I'm a terrible person as EVERYONE has read them but me). Charlie Bone took me into the very similar world filled with magic, mystery, and wonder. I loved even more the difference between these two series which was instead of Hogwarts, these student went to a school for the "endowed". It wasn't just a school for children who showed special abilities (Children of the Red King) but for children who showed great talent in the arts, music, etc. Following Charlie Bone as he sets off to uncover the truth about his Father's disappearance and the very mysteries of the school, Grandma Bone, and so on, was a thrill.
I have to say I am very sad this was never adapted into film. Maybe someday in the future...?
I have to say I am very sad this was never adapted into film. Maybe someday in the future...?
November 4, 2016
5+ is supposed to be my rating, but anyway.
Who would have thought that the first book (which I read in a day) and the last one (a week- but the VERY BEST) were a hit (on me)! The relationships (which were a little out of subject when the children were involved- Tancred and -forgot her name-, Lysander and lauren and Emma and Tancred) had effects on the plot. Uncle P. and Julia Ingledew's relationship was nice. And I really liked the suprise when he asked her to marry him (in hospital). Carlie's father (of whom I suspected, and was right), Lyell, hid the box in a place that neither I would have never thought of- under the organ seat at the cathedral. Was also the red knight and never went whale watching. PC Singh's is a descendant of the red king (never, ever suspected that).
The fact that the first time Billy went in Badlock for Billy, and Billy refused to let Charlie get him out of the painting was a shock- but a relief when he went in for him again and succeeded. I never EVER thought that Bloor's (or should I say Bone's?) would actually be inherited by Lyell, father of Charlie, and that Dr.Bloor would give up so easily.
At the very end, I willingly said 'Goodbye! And GOOD RIDDANCE!' to Grandma Bone/Grizelda, Venetia, Lucretia, Eustacia, Titania Tilpin/Mrs Tilpin/Miss Chrystal, Ezekiel and company. And I UNwillingly said 'bye :(' to the series. It's finished and it was great.
Congratulations Jenny Nimmo. Your imagination is priceless.
Who would have thought that the first book (which I read in a day) and the last one (a week- but the VERY BEST) were a hit (on me)! The relationships (which were a little out of subject when the children were involved- Tancred and -forgot her name-, Lysander and lauren and Emma and Tancred) had effects on the plot. Uncle P. and Julia Ingledew's relationship was nice. And I really liked the suprise when he asked her to marry him (in hospital). Carlie's father (of whom I suspected, and was right), Lyell, hid the box in a place that neither I would have never thought of- under the organ seat at the cathedral. Was also the red knight and never went whale watching. PC Singh's is a descendant of the red king (never, ever suspected that).
The fact that the first time Billy went in Badlock for Billy, and Billy refused to let Charlie get him out of the painting was a shock- but a relief when he went in for him again and succeeded. I never EVER thought that Bloor's (or should I say Bone's?) would actually be inherited by Lyell, father of Charlie, and that Dr.Bloor would give up so easily.
At the very end, I willingly said 'Goodbye! And GOOD RIDDANCE!' to Grandma Bone/Grizelda, Venetia, Lucretia, Eustacia, Titania Tilpin/Mrs Tilpin/Miss Chrystal, Ezekiel and company. And I UNwillingly said 'bye :(' to the series. It's finished and it was great.
Congratulations Jenny Nimmo. Your imagination is priceless.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 20, 2014
I read all of these books some time ago as I have the privilege of knowing Jenny. She has been writing books for children for over 35 years and with the Charlie Bone series she captures the imagination of the young mind.
If you enjoy magic and evil then you will love reading these to your children. I have mine saved for when my nephew is older.
If you enjoy magic and evil then you will love reading these to your children. I have mine saved for when my nephew is older.
December 22, 2013
How can I not give these five stars? I first got into Charlie Bone around 4th and 5th grade. I was so obsessed with this series that I was the kid who would go around recommending the books to anyone who would listen!
June 21, 2014
I loved the way Jenny Nimmo wrote the books
January 1, 2015
These was my favorite series when I was about ten years old. It helped me to love reading.
February 26, 2020
I wanted to like this series, and in some aspects I did. I really liked the premise and the setting. I enjoyed how it delved into the history of Red King's family and how the author was able to introduce and explain the children's powers.
Unfortunately, even for children's magical fantasy, it was just far too unrealistic. I can accept magic and powers but I can't get past the absentee and globally apathetic parents. Also, the total control Charlie allows - yes, he allows - Bone grandmother to exert over him was over the top, even if he was intimidated by them. There were instances that even the weakest kid would say "no" to, and we're expected to believe the hero of the story had no! idea how to stand up for himself what so ever? By the end of the series he certainly should have been telling Grandma Bone to shove off.
Another issue with Charlie for me was his total inability to learn from his mistakes. He continually put himself in mortal peril even though he had to have someone pull him out of the fire multiple times. He just didn't develop in that regard. He was also rather gullible - not the least bit savvy for a kid who is just allowed to roam town like he is.
His mother - what can you say? I can't even imagine a mother letting someone treat their child so poorly, even if it was a grandmother. She was weak and apathetic and again, it was unrealistic. His mother suffered loss, yes, but she was able to go on with her day to day life and even move on to dating (this was implied by Charlie asking her is she had another boyfriend) but she was unable to stand up for her child? Either unrealistic or just a rotten mother. I kept coming away from her feeling like she has sold her child for a place to live.
Many of the adult support characters came across as impotent and inept. Incidents that occurred to them felt contrived and weak - a man comes into your shop to strong-arm you and you just take it AND let your help just walk out the door? Strength in numbers, people!
One exception to the poor adults was Uncle Paton; there was some depth of character and some struggle for him in the beginning - something he needed to overcome, and he ended up being a staunch supporter of Charlie's - but again, he would just leave Charlie in the hands of the boy's evil grandmother, and it felt like this was just unrealistic.
For the most part, Charlie's friends developed acceptably as characters. I liked them all with perhaps the exception of Olivia - she was not a likable character in the least. It felt like she was meant to be but in the end, it fell flat.
Charlie's enemies felt stock, for the most part. The archvillain was two dimensional and seemed to have no clear plan throughout the first half of the series - he seemed like he was just there to antagonize without purpose. I found myself on more than one occasion saying to myself, "just tell them no and walk away!" Again, this could go back to being raised by a weak and apathetic mother.
I completed the series, and I enjoyed it as light reading but it didn't really have any depth for me.
Unfortunately, even for children's magical fantasy, it was just far too unrealistic. I can accept magic and powers but I can't get past the absentee and globally apathetic parents. Also, the total control Charlie allows - yes, he allows - Bone grandmother to exert over him was over the top, even if he was intimidated by them. There were instances that even the weakest kid would say "no" to, and we're expected to believe the hero of the story had no! idea how to stand up for himself what so ever? By the end of the series he certainly should have been telling Grandma Bone to shove off.
Another issue with Charlie for me was his total inability to learn from his mistakes. He continually put himself in mortal peril even though he had to have someone pull him out of the fire multiple times. He just didn't develop in that regard. He was also rather gullible - not the least bit savvy for a kid who is just allowed to roam town like he is.
His mother - what can you say? I can't even imagine a mother letting someone treat their child so poorly, even if it was a grandmother. She was weak and apathetic and again, it was unrealistic. His mother suffered loss, yes, but she was able to go on with her day to day life and even move on to dating (this was implied by Charlie asking her is she had another boyfriend) but she was unable to stand up for her child? Either unrealistic or just a rotten mother. I kept coming away from her feeling like she has sold her child for a place to live.
Many of the adult support characters came across as impotent and inept. Incidents that occurred to them felt contrived and weak - a man comes into your shop to strong-arm you and you just take it AND let your help just walk out the door? Strength in numbers, people!
One exception to the poor adults was Uncle Paton; there was some depth of character and some struggle for him in the beginning - something he needed to overcome, and he ended up being a staunch supporter of Charlie's - but again, he would just leave Charlie in the hands of the boy's evil grandmother, and it felt like this was just unrealistic.
For the most part, Charlie's friends developed acceptably as characters. I liked them all with perhaps the exception of Olivia - she was not a likable character in the least. It felt like she was meant to be but in the end, it fell flat.
Charlie's enemies felt stock, for the most part. The archvillain was two dimensional and seemed to have no clear plan throughout the first half of the series - he seemed like he was just there to antagonize without purpose. I found myself on more than one occasion saying to myself, "just tell them no and walk away!" Again, this could go back to being raised by a weak and apathetic mother.
I completed the series, and I enjoyed it as light reading but it didn't really have any depth for me.
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September 6, 2016This series was just magical quite simply put. With charming characters, believable depth, and fantastical settings, Charlie Bone is a real winner. One thing I liked is that his seemingly useless power actually developed into something pretty formidable. One thing I didn't like: Most of the characters were either dark or light, there wasnt really an inbetween. The villians were the villains and vice versa except with a few exceptions like Dagbert. Besides that, Charlie Bone kept me at the edge of my chair and it's sure to keep you there as well.
November 18, 2014
I read these books with my 11-year-old son. We found ourselves anxious to read each "next chapter"! Charlie Bone's story is one of good vs. evil. It's very much in the vein of the Harry Potter books. I highly recommend them for late elementary/middle school aged children, as well as adults like myself who really prefer juvenile fiction!
August 10, 2014
A Harry Potter lovers must read. I enjoyed the audio books narrated by Simon Vance.
November 15, 2014
It was cool
December 28, 2015
SO GOOD. SOOOO GOOD. SO GOOD. READ IT. SO GOOD.
Reminds me of Harry Potter - no, BETTER!
Reminds me of Harry Potter - no, BETTER!
May 20, 2022
This was my series about kids with magical abilities
September 9, 2017
I had read this series before Harry Porter ( cause I thought HP was too long and I haven't finished it now). Honestly I have to say the Charlie Bone series is more fascinating to me. I am attracted by every detail, every lively character. Each page hides sth mysterious, sth thrilling, sth's waiting for me that I can't put it down. This series is not only about a boy with special ability fighting against evil but also about love, family and friendship. What's interesting in these books is the author didn't heroize any individual, every character had their own story and they were all heroes. While Harry had Ron and Hermione, Charlie had such loyal friends who were always with him.
Jenny Nimmo did her great job in creating amazing children books.
Jenny Nimmo did her great job in creating amazing children books.
August 10, 2018
I remember reading this series as a kid in primary school!!! I remember that I loved every book and was looking forward to every library trip where I could go get the next book in the series!!! It was such a good series and super easy to read!! The ending was amazing and i loved every adventure with Charlie!
December 2, 2019
These books were my whole childhood! Each book in the series improves on the one before it. The characters are familiar and you grow with them. The mix of magic, fantasy and evil is perfect and makes it a worthwhile read. Perfect for Harry Potter fans!
August 6, 2019
A children's friendly Harry Potter type book series. I enjoyed it.
January 15, 2021
Goooooooood
just like Harry Potter but for younger readers.
just like Harry Potter but for younger readers.
October 7, 2022
Read it in school so it's a solid 2 and a half
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January 2, 2024I can’t remember if I ever finished this series, but I remember really liking it. It’s reminiscent of Harry Potter, but it was unique in its own right.
June 7, 2024
Grew up reading these and till find them fun! Definitely a good fantasy/mystery series for kids 7-12 🤗
March 15, 2022
This was my favorite series ever when I was younger, and is still in my top ten to this day.
February 22, 2017
I read these books so long ago and after perusing on Goodreads, I must say I want to read them again! I may do so when I start my vacation! Fantastic books! I love them so much!
September 4, 2016
Love this series! Children of the Red King is a series of eight children's fantasy school and adventure novels by Jenny Nimmo. Midnight for Charlie Bone is about 11 year old Charlie Bone as he starts to notice strange things happening to him. Charlie gets asked by a book store owner, Julia Ingledew, to find her lost niece that her brother had traded for a case of some sort. He can read the thoughts of people in photos when the photo was taken. His cruel grandmother Bone and her even meaner sisters sent him to Bloor's Academy which at first looks like a dreaded thing, but it could lead to the where a bouts of the missing girl. With the help of Charlie's friend Benjamin and the dog Runner Bean, as well as some of his family members, Charlie goes on a huge adventure to Bloor's Academy.
February 26, 2016
Lại là một ký ức đau thương khác :’( lại là một sự ngu khác TvT truyện kể những đứa trẻ có pháp thuật và cũng được gọi là phù thủy, nhưng không phải kiểu phù thủy như HP mà là mỗi đứa có năng lực riêng ấy. series 8 tập, tớ đọc từ hồi cấp 2 – cái hồi mà 1 quyển có 29K thôi á TvT èo ôi hồi đó nhớ là mỗi cuối tuần đều xin phụ huynh tiền đi mua sách, mua 1 lèo 5 quyển, sau đó đợi để đọc tiếp, và, CHO BẠN MƯỢN, nên là MẤT HẾT RỒI.
Mất hết rồi, hết hứng đọc rồi TvT có mua thêm quyển 8 và 6 nhưng lại không tìm được quyển 7, thôi thì mua cho nó thỏa mãn tính sở hữu thôi TvT
Còn sưu tầm lại thì sao? Không!!! Hiện tại tìm thấy Charlie trong nhà sách đã khó rồi, mà mấy quyển của tớ là bản in đợt đầu luôn, đổi bìa các kiểu rồi, nên là không thích!
Mất hết rồi, hết hứng đọc rồi TvT có mua thêm quyển 8 và 6 nhưng lại không tìm được quyển 7, thôi thì mua cho nó thỏa mãn tính sở hữu thôi TvT
Còn sưu tầm lại thì sao? Không!!! Hiện tại tìm thấy Charlie trong nhà sách đã khó rồi, mà mấy quyển của tớ là bản in đợt đầu luôn, đổi bìa các kiểu rồi, nên là không thích!
September 29, 2014
As one might expect, these are books geared toward children. The language and word choice are of a lower reading level. It's not Harry Potter. However, Nimmo does a good job with the structure of the story and the roundness of the characters. I found myself rooting for Charlie and his friends and absolutely despising the wicked aunts. The series is worth the read, if you wait hold your frustration with the bad guys until the end.
June 17, 2015
My son LOVED this series by Jenny Nimmo. He wrote a paper in 3rd grade on why Charlie Bone was a more interesting character than Harry Potter. I know! Outrageous, but he made good points. Highly recommend for boys 8 and older.
January 24, 2013
The series is a heartpounding, nail nibbling, suspensful series that really deserves 5 starsss
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May 9, 2013Great series! Very suspencful, but not enough to be an action book! These are more of fantesy-mystery books!
June 22, 2013
Absolutely adore this series. It's basically a toned down Harry Potter with great characters, beautiful plot lines, and strange mysteries throughout.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews