Book review: The Invisible Hand

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By James Hartley
Published by Lodestone Books

 Synopsis: The Invisible Hand is about a boy, Sam, who has just started life at a boarding school and finds himself able to travel back in time to medieval Scotland. There he meets a girl, Leana, who can travel to the future, and the two of them become wrapped up in events in Macbeth, the Shakespeare play, and in the daily life of the school. The book is the first part of a series called Shakespeare's Moon. Each book is set in the same boarding school but focuses on a different Shakespeare play.

 How did this book end up in my hands? I borrowed it from the library as I am going to take part in the blog tour for the second book of this series and I wanted to know what happened in the first.

 Was it a page-turner? The story is gripping and it makes for a relatively quick read. I was also very curious to see how the events from Macbeth were going to be adapted to fit around Sam's narrative.

 Having read the synopsis, did the book meet my expectations? Yes, totally. 

 Did I like the ending? [no spoilers] I liked the fact that the book ends in the same format as it opens.

 Did the book leave me with unanswered questions? What did Sam write? I believe – I hope – I will find out in the second book of this YA series.

 Three words to describe it. Historical. Fantastic. Gripping.

 Do I like the cover? I wouldn’t necessarily have picked this book based on the cover but it’s ok.

 Have I read any other books by the same author? No and I look forward to reading the second book in the Shakespeare’s Moon series.

 Will I be recommending this book? Yes, to anyone who enjoys a spot of time-travel and some Shakespearean action. Also perfect to make children interested in or more familiar with Shakespeare.

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