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Mister Monday (The Keys to the Kingdom) | 
| Author: Garth Nix
Publisher: Collins
Category: Book
List Price: £5.99
Buy New: £3.59
You Save: £2.40 (40%)
New (46) Used (104) Collectible (6) from £0.01
Avg. Customer Rating:  38 reviews
Sales Rank: 2817
Media: Paperback
Edition: New Ed
Pages: 444
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.6
Dimensions (in): 6.8 x 5 x 1.3
ISBN: 0007175019
EAN: 9780007175017
ASIN: 0007175019
Publication Date: January 5, 2004
Shipping: Eligible for Super Saver Shipping
Availability: Usually dispatched within 24 hours
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| Editorial Reviews:
Amazon.co.uk Review
The first in an ambitious seven-book sequence, Mister Monday is surely the publication that will prove that Garth Nix is one of the best fantasy writers at work today. In turn, imaginative, spellbinding and hugely original, this award-winning author from Australia begins an expansive multi-volume work that is sure to stand the test of time if this first episode is anything to go by. Arthur Penhaligon is supposed to die and he almost does on a school run when he collapses because of his chronic asthma. In his dreams he is visited by the enigmatic Mister Monday, who gives him a mysterious atlas and a magic key shaped like the minute hand of a clock. But Arthur wakes up and Mister Monday wants everything back. With these "gifts", Arthur suddenly assumes new powers and with them frightening responsibilities. Arthur's family and friends are under threat from a sudden outbreak of drug-resistant influenza and it seems the cure to this curious rash of afflictions can only be found inside a vast house that only Arthur can see. Arthur has no option but to step inside and in doing so becomes the world's most unlikely hero and champion. Battling obstacles such as dog-faced Fetchers and people with Wings, robots and unbreakable chains, Arthur fights to stay intact and for meaning to this crazy world he has tumbled upon. There's something about the way Nix tells stories that is strangely compelling. His mix of magic and fantasy, history and future visions, are truly unique. It's difficult to guess what will follow in further volumes, but that's half the fun of reading an author like this. It could be said that Nix is in many ways the heir to Philip Pullman's throne. Suitable for readers aged 10 and over. --John McLay
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| Customer Reviews: Read 33 more reviews...
 Recommended Read. July 25, 2008
I would recommend this book to anyone. This fantasy is well worth a read (and the money) and you also know you have a good series to get into. With Superiour Saturday just released (all of which are great reads) you can read them all in time for Sundays book. Garth Nix is a great author and all his books are great. Would really recommend it.
 Good July 9, 2008
Although it was not as good as the previous series it did not take long to pick up. the idea was very imaginative and the sequels followed on well. The main character was slightly annoying at points but it is well worth a read.
Good start to a fantastic and imaginative series April 24, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
Barcode: 9780007175017
Mister Monday is the first book in Australian author Garth Nix's Keys To The Kingdom series. For a kids series the world is immensely detailed and that is where, for me at least, a lot of the charm of these books comes from. They are unique in their imagery and feel, quasi-legal terminology and semi-immortal characters creating a world that is completely magical and absorbing.
As such, a lot of this first book is used to set up this world and there is quite a lot of explaining. But it is always done very well, semalessly worked into the plot and Nix's writing is always of the highest quality. I found this an immesnely enjoyable book and is suited for all ages in its appeal. And the best thing, the sequels are even better.
The lead character Arthur is painted well in this first novel, always with the best intention for his family back in the 'real world' (or Secondary Realms as they are called in this book). We also get a companion in the form of Suzy who really blossoms as a character in the 2nd book - Grim Tuesday.
Despite the general lightheartedness and randomness that trademark this series, there's some surprising moments of darkness, a good deal of it emmanating from the finality and mystery of Nothing - a substance which apparently everything came from. Villains are imposing and fit the feel of the novel perfectly. Particular highlights in this book are Arthur's confrontation with the Old One in the coal pit and the final dramatic showdown with Mister Monday.
All in all, a fantastic book and one of those ones that once you've started you just know you're going to have to read the whole series and love every minute of it. Totally recommened!
Excellent February 24, 2008
This was a freebee and my expectations were that it wasn't going to be great.. I was pleasantly surprised, it was gripping and imaginative, and I couldn't put it down until I'd read the whole series to date!
Enjoyable read December 15, 2007
I've read all of the keys to the kingdom books to date, and it is a thoroughly good series. This book is good, but probably the worst of the five out so far. I love the creativity and originality of this series of books and although this isn't as good as the rest - still read it! Once you've read this read the rest, it's definitely worth it.
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