Rose and the Magician's Mask

The Rose series is for kids reading who are probably a little more mature, maybe 10-11 years old at least (and again mature) and can read and comprehend at at least a 5th-6th grade level. It is a fantasy book that has magic in it (some "dark" magic). It is geared more towards girls. There's no real violence but there is some things that aren't really appropriate to the younger kids.

I don't believe Holly Webb wrote this book. The person who penned this this completely lost Holly's voice. The details were too gruesome for the young audience I read the other books to. I chose this book because it was next in line in the series. There was coarse language and graphic details that my kids didn't need to hear. I missed the innocent wonder as Rose discovered more of her powers. I hope the The Silver Ghost is better.

Received in great condition and my kids loved reading them.

My daughter is a huge Holly Webb fan and loves all her books including this one.

Sweet story. Well-written. Good for any child or adult who loves young or middle-school fantasy, such as Diana Wynne Jones' works for younger folks.

Great story! This is a great little series. Likable characters and good plot.

This is the third volume of the four volume "Rose" set that has been a huge hit in the U.K., and it's certainly easy to understand the popularity of the series. While there are lots of young reader books out there that feature a spunky orphan heroine discovering that she has special, maybe magical, abilities, they may not really catch fire or truly engage the reader. The Rose books, though, feature a strong heroine, appealing secondary characters, tight plots, a plausible magical world, and a general good humor and energy that make them very easy to recommend.Ms. Webb devoted a lot of energy and a big part of the beginning of the first book to introducing us to Rose and getting us invested in her progress and her success. This third volume marks a substantial step forward in Rose's transformation from a servant girl to a true Magician's Apprentice, and that progress complements the growth generally in the other favorite supporting characters, especially Rose's friend Bill.Once the adventure begins, (we travel to Venice to recover a stolen magical mask), and Rose is called to action, the plot develops briskly and cleanly and the resolution is satisfying, if a bit pat. Since we're talking about magical kids in a book for middle graders I don't quite see the point of quibbling over plot holes.The upshot is that this a carefully written, engaging, imaginative growing up tale with magic, a smart-mouth talking cat, suspense, a fine supporting cast and a winning and wise heroine. The charm of the first book continues through the series, which is very good news indeed. What a nice find.Please note that I received a free advance ecopy of the upcoming U.S. edition of this book in exchange for a candid review. Apart from that I have no connection at all to either the author or the publisher of this book.

Holly Webb returns to her magical middle-grade Rose series with book three, Rose and the Magician’s Mask. Now a full fledged magician’s apprentice and after her daring adventures to protect Princess Jane, Rose is gaining more confidence in her magical abilities. But when an old foe returns and steals a dangerous and valuable magical mask, Rose finds herself in the mysterious city of Venice. Rose and her ever faithful companions must find the magician’s mask before its captor gains too much power.Like the other two books in this series, Rose and the Magician’s Mask is full of wonderful whimsy, enthralling magic, compelling characters, and charming writing! With dazzling thrills, fun mystery, and sparkling storytelling, the Rose series is guaranteed to captivate and entertain young readers greatly. From talking cats and dolls, to healing spells, magical masks, invisibility, and so much more, Webb spins an enchanting tale with each new addition to this series. I’ve really enjoyed Rose’s journey from mere orphan to maid to powerful magician and find myself completely addicted to each new adventure. Younger readers will be spellbound by the fantasy elements, amused by the humor and whimsy, fascinated with the various historical and magical settings, and thrilled by the mystery adventure in Rose and the Magician’s Mask (as well as books one and two!).Webb does a great job of mixing the historical with the fantastical, the age-appropriate scares with the fanciful, and the predictable with the twists. I’ve come to really love sweet, determined Rose and her quirky friends. We get to know each character a little better in each new book and in Rose and the Magician’s Mask each character is given a chance to really shine. And I still have a soft spot for snarky Gus (the talking cat) and spoiled, funny Bella.Grand, mysterious Venice makes for a delightful, yet deliciously spine-tingly setting. In Rose and the Magician’s Mask, both Rose and readers will find themselves traversing this watery city, attending masquerade balls and thwarting baddies. Like previous books in this series, book three wraps up one mystery and excitingly sets up another one...and I can’t wait for more!My Final Thoughts: Rose and the Magician’s Mask is another fun, enchanting addition to a magical, sparkling series for young readers. Holly Web dazzles, amuses, and ignites the imagination!