Stravaganza Bk. 4: City of Secrets
by Mary Hoffman

    CITY OF SECRETS by Mary Hoffman
    Category:  Fantasy
    Age Recommendation:  Grades 6+
    Release Date:  6/24/08
    Publisher:  Bloomsbury
    Reviewed by:  Steph
    Rating:  5 Stars


    CITY OF SECRETS is the fourth installment in Mary Hoffman's STRAVAGANZA series.

    Matt is a normal English seventeen-year-old, until a book he got for his birthday takes him on the journey of his life
    -- to another world. Talia  is similar to Italy, but is a few hundred years in the past from the 21st century.

    On his journey, Matt meets Luciano, an old Stravagante who now permanently lives in Talia after having died in
    London. With Luciano, his foster father Docter Dethridge, a few other Stravagante, and many friends, Matt embarks
    on a journey of a lifetime. He finds himself being kidnapped, freeing convicts, and trying to pass his driver's exam!

    Ms. Hoffman writes an enchanting tale that takes the reader to another world. The fast-paced novel is truly enticing
    and recommended to all ages. While the non-English reader might be confused by some of the references, there
    aren't too many that will defer the reader from the main task -- trying to find out what happens next.

    This is an excellent addition to the series, with the ending leaving room for even more books.