The Extremely Inconvenient Adventures of Bronte Mettlestone

The Extremely Inconvenient Adventures of Bronte Mettlestone
Written by Jaclyn Moriarty
Fantasy, Adventure, Middle Grade, #LoveOZMG
November 2017
512 Pages
Thank you to Allen & Unwin Australia
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★★★★★
I was ten years old when my parents were killed by pirates. This did not bother me as much as you might think, I hardly knew my parents.

Bronte Mettlestone's parents ran away to have adventures when she was a baby, leaving her to be raised by her Aunt Isabelle and the Butler. She's had a perfectly pleasant childhood of afternoon teas and riding lessons and no adventures, thank you very much.

But Bronte's parents have left extremely detailed and bossy instructions for Bronte in their will. The instructions must be followed to the letter, or disaster will befall Bronte's home. She is to travel the kingdoms and empires, perfectly alone, delivering special gifts to her ten other aunts. There is a farmer aunt who owns an orange orchard and a veterinarian aunt who specialises in dragon care, a pair of aunts who captain a cruise ship together and a former rockstar aunt who is now the reigning monarch of a small kingdom.

Now, armed with only her parents' instructions, a chest full of strange gifts and her own strong will, Bronte must journey forth to face dragons, Chief Detectives and pirates and the gathering suspicion that there might be something more to her extremely inconvenient quest than meets the eye...

From the award winning Jaclyn Moriarty comes a fantastic tale of high intrigue, grand adventure and an abundance of aunts.
Ten year old Bronte Mettlestone is embarking on a wondrous adventure, adhering to her late parents legacy despite the concerns of Isabelle, her Aunt and guardian. Patrick and Lida Mettlestone were adventurers, abandoning their only child with Isabelle then captured by pirates. The news of their demise delivered during afternoon tea. To receive her inheritance, Bronte is to travel the kingdom and empires to deliver keepsakes to ten of her father's sisters, adhering to the specific instructions precisely or fracture the Faery thread binding her itinerary. Each fracture brings impending destruction to the town of Gainsleigh and Bronte must embark on her journey alone.
Bronte Mettlestone is a wonderful young lady, curious and dependable. Abandoned as an infant, Bronte has been raised by Isabelle in the shire of Gainsleigh, her parents traipsing around the kingdom discovering new worlds and adventures before their demise. 

Her first destination is Livingston and the Elivish Festival of Matchsticks. Emma has been imprisoned for thievery of a pepper grinder. Claire organises Spellbinder conventions and Sophy is a veterinarian at the animal hospital for dragons. At the precise moment, Bronte presents her offering of cinnamon, chilli flakes or sugar cubes, rousing fond memories of her patents spanning the continent. Bronte growing increasingly exasperated towards her deceased parents she was never afforded the opportunity to appreciate. An avalanche in the mountain village, Katherine Valley Boarding School, the Riddle And Popcorn Cruise Ship and the Kingdom of music, culminating in a gathering in Nina Bay to celebrate the lives of her parents.
Bronte's journey is enchanting and at only ten years of age, her adventures are gallant and delightfully whimsical. Following the instructions, Bronte discovers new friends in each town including the mysterious young barefoot boy, adding intrigue. The Extremely Inconvenient Adventures of Bronte Mettlestone is wonderfully endearing, imaginative and effervescent. 

17 comments

  1. Replies
    1. It was wonderful Gaby, such a fantastical read.

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  2. I love these journey adventure stories and haven't read an MG for over a year, I think. This one looks good. :)

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    1. I'm absolutely loving middle grade reads this year Sophia, check adventure without the messy young adult romance.

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  3. This sounds like a gorgeous read, and the artwork is adorable! I like that a sad journey results in her finding new friends.

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    1. It was a beautiful celebration of family and even given the circumstances, it was delightful and joyful with laugh out loud moments.

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  4. she's TEN! so this is like a happy story then?

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    1. Ultimately it is Ailyn, it's really lovely and Bronte is such a wonderful young lady.

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  5. Oh, I love books that have illustrations. How fun. I'd never heard of this one, but it seems really fun and whimsical...not to mention, really imaginative! Thanks for sharing. I know it's meant for a younger audience, but I'm pretty sure I would really adore this one. I just love certain "kid" or "middle grade" reads!

    -Lauren
    www.shootingstarsmag.net

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    1. Me too Lauren and this has been one of my favourites. It's beautifully whimsical and the sense of family and adventure is marvellous!

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  6. Oooh I absolutely love the art! There's something haunting and gorgeous about the drawing style. I'm getting Coraline vibes a bit??

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    1. The illustrations certainly have, I love the dramatic monochrome. It's absolutely lovely.

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    1. Eeep! It's brilliant Karen, for the young and young at heart. I was utterly delighted!

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  8. Thanks for sharing this! I've been looking for new books to read to my son before bed. We do short picture books during the day, but I like to read him chapter books at night. I want him to use his brain! This seems like it would be a good combination of both.

    Do You Dog-ear?

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    1. This would be perfect! The chapters are fairly short and he'll be wildly entertained by the adventure and touch of mystery.

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  9. how cute and magical does this world sound? You mentioned pirates and I was like, oh yes! Plus the illustrations, oh goodness, love.

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