Review: Candle Man and the Society of Unrelenting Vigilance

Title: Candle Man

Author: Glenn Dakin

Publisher: EgmontUSA

From Goodreads

Murder, mystery, and adventure aren’t your typical birthday presents . . .



But for Theo, anything that breaks up his ordinary routine is the perfect gift.


A mysterious “illness” and Theo’s guardians force him into a life indoors, where gloves must be worn and daily medical treatments are the norm. When Theo discovers a suspicious package on his birthday, one person from the past will unlock the secret behind Theo’s “illness” and change his life forever.


Molded into an exhilarating steampunk adventure that gives birth to the next great fantasy hero, Theo Wickland, Candle Man: The Society of Unrelenting Vigilance is the first book in a trilogy by debut author Glenn Dakin.

This was a fun intriguing story.  Right away I wanted to know who Theo was and why he was being kept so isolated.  Of course I didn't trust his "caregivers" and their motives.  Even the people there to help Theo didn't always seem trustworthy, so like Theo I wasn't sure who or what to believe.  From the beginning I also felt bad for Theo.  I mean he had be kept isolated for so many years - never allowed out with other people or to watch tv, so once he leaves this isolation you can just feel his fear, confusion and awe.  Here he is just trying to navigate it all with little knowledge of how the world works.  It's funny because he keeps trying to follow the rules in a manners book he read.  Of course it's usually the wrong thing to do.  The story moves along pretty quickly as Theo and the people wanting to help him search for answers while creatures of all shapes and sizes come after him.  In the end some questions are answered but more remain - definately set up for the next book.

Final thought - fun action book that will keep kids entertained. I enjoyed it, but I think kids will more because its geared towards them. 

Best for ages: 10-14