Well, what can I say that I did not say two days a go in my review of the previous book in the series?
I can’t say Barbara has outdone herself again, or that it is an emotional rollercoaster. Even though they are both true for this story too.
This is the fourth book in the Lost & Found series. And is my favourite so far (I do hope we get to read Blairs and Mattias’ story).
Though I loved Inbetweeners, this one just has such a danger and thrilling suspense, that will keep you up all night reading.
What starts off as a break in gone wrong, leads its two main characters on different paths that eventually collide back together.
We start with a 15-year-old Tar, who break into a house that was supposed to be empty. When things go wrong Tar takes it upon himself to save Merrick before the house is burned down with him inside.
Their bond starts from there. Realising that there is an old book amongst the items Tar’s father took from Merrick’s home. Tar hides the book in Merrick’s bag, as a precaution in case his father tries to make him abandon Merrick.
After Tar’s father goes missing leaving Tar to look after 8-year-old Merrick who also happens to be deaf. They are brutally forced apart.
Some years later they accidently bump into each other in London, but their reconnection gets off to a frosty start.
Though they don’t know it yet, both their lives are in danger as well as the fate of the world and Fairyland.
Barbara treats us to a thrilling and often suspenseful ride, in this good vs evil mission, that involves betrayals, lies and sinister plans. Merrick and Tar must rebuild their relationship, which develops into romance, even if Tar is hard set against it at first. They soon learn to trust and work together. But can they save themselves and the world as we know it.
The cast is so strong, we have sunshine characters, mouthy characters, grim and gloomy characters, and the silent characters. Each with their unique talents and personalities. Several of the supporting cast are from the previous books, such as Emmitt and Nix from Inbetweeners.
The story world is so well developed, especially the power of the book and Merrick’s magical bag. That can clean and iron your clothes, wow Barbara if you have any spare bags like Merrick’s I’d buy one for the laundry trick alone.
The story is well paced with Barbara’s unique humour and writing style, and yes expect your emotions to be twisted several times.
The amount of effort the characters must endure to keep each other and the world safe, is enough to make you sweat.
I especially like how Merrick shows Tar that he is worth being loved and happy. Until Merrick re-enters Tar’s life, he does not have a life beyond his job.
A fully fledged, well rounded paranormal romance thriller, with a hint of hot sex, cute moments, and a few laughs, as well as some very dark moments for poor Tar.
