Grimpow: The Invisible Road
by Rafael Abalos
by Rafael Abalos
GRIMPOW: THE INVISIBLE ROAD by Rafael Abalos
Category: Fantasy
Age Recommendation: Grades 6+
Release Date: 10/9/07
Publisher: Delacorte
Reviewed by: Natalie Tsang
Rating: 5 Stars
Rafael Ábalos’ GRIMPOW: THE INVISIBLE ROAD starts out with the discovery of a dead body on a cold winter’s
day. In other words, it’s a sure sign of a dangerous and exciting story, and the novel does not disappoint.
The body turns out to be a nobleman with a saddlebag full of coins, jeweled daggers, and a letter with a strange wax seal
of a snake swallowing its own tail. Grimpow, a young thief, finds a stone clenched in the man’s hand. He soon realizes
that the stone is magical and bestows on him strange powers, such as the ability to read in all languages and to see visions.
The first thing he reads is the cryptic message of the letter. As a rule of thumb, an extraordinary object is always sought
after by the worse sort of people. It soon becomes apparent that others are searching for the stone and the letter. With
the help of new and old friends, Grimpow not only has to avoid capture but also unravel its secrets.
Set in the early fourteenth century, this novel is a blend of fantasy and history. I really liked that Rafael Ábalos actually
took the time to describe what things looked like at the time and to explain some medieval beliefs and superstitions. The
book never feels rushed, and its slower pace also makes it easier to keep track of the characters who move in and out of
Grimpow’s quest. However, there is little chance that the readers will get bored.
Fans of THE DA VINCI CODE and medieval lore will love this book. It contains, but is not limited to, the Knights
Templar, jousts, battles, cryptograms, alchemy, and secret societies. There are several illustrations in the book. While it
may be hard to put the book down, it is fun to stop reading and try to figure out the riddles by yourself or even with a few
friends.
While a little gory, GRIMPOW: THE INVISIBLE ROAD is a fun and thrilling read. And may even inspire an interest in
history!
Category: Fantasy
Age Recommendation: Grades 6+
Release Date: 10/9/07
Publisher: Delacorte
Reviewed by: Natalie Tsang
Rating: 5 Stars
Rafael Ábalos’ GRIMPOW: THE INVISIBLE ROAD starts out with the discovery of a dead body on a cold winter’s
day. In other words, it’s a sure sign of a dangerous and exciting story, and the novel does not disappoint.
The body turns out to be a nobleman with a saddlebag full of coins, jeweled daggers, and a letter with a strange wax seal
of a snake swallowing its own tail. Grimpow, a young thief, finds a stone clenched in the man’s hand. He soon realizes
that the stone is magical and bestows on him strange powers, such as the ability to read in all languages and to see visions.
The first thing he reads is the cryptic message of the letter. As a rule of thumb, an extraordinary object is always sought
after by the worse sort of people. It soon becomes apparent that others are searching for the stone and the letter. With
the help of new and old friends, Grimpow not only has to avoid capture but also unravel its secrets.
Set in the early fourteenth century, this novel is a blend of fantasy and history. I really liked that Rafael Ábalos actually
took the time to describe what things looked like at the time and to explain some medieval beliefs and superstitions. The
book never feels rushed, and its slower pace also makes it easier to keep track of the characters who move in and out of
Grimpow’s quest. However, there is little chance that the readers will get bored.
Fans of THE DA VINCI CODE and medieval lore will love this book. It contains, but is not limited to, the Knights
Templar, jousts, battles, cryptograms, alchemy, and secret societies. There are several illustrations in the book. While it
may be hard to put the book down, it is fun to stop reading and try to figure out the riddles by yourself or even with a few
friends.
While a little gory, GRIMPOW: THE INVISIBLE ROAD is a fun and thrilling read. And may even inspire an interest in
history!