Illuminightmare

***Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review***

Trippy and beautiful at the same time!

This looks a really good book, the likes of which you won't have seen. We get ten subjects, places on this planet where the layers between past and present, and this world and the supernatural, might be said to be their thinnest. With this comes a three-coloured lens, and each picks up a third of the artwork to convey an aspect of each subject's illustration, whether it be the natural geography and surroundings of the place, the artefacts and people involved in it, and the ghoulies and fictional (we hope) elements present. Coming out of that tricolour design we get a case file which acts as a key to what we've looked at. The opening entry, the Hermitage, is a fine example of how the book works – you get to see some of the current artwork, but also the basement cats (forgot all about those, if I ever got told they existed whilst there) and the cast of the royal family and the 1917 Revolutions, but then the extra layer adds in various supernatural entities the likes of which you won't have even heard, as well as Rasputin and Baba Yaga.

Of course, I can't attest to how much it works, as my digital copy didn't allow me to experience the lens in working order. But I really do feel, knowing these publishers as I do, that this would work really well, and while the art currently looks like a chap who designs those security engravings in banknotes is getting revenge on some bosses who fired him, I'm sure this very clever intention is achieved. It might seem a flippant, childish thing ("oh, well, if there's an old place it must be full of ghosties and suchlike"), but no, this is the real McCoy – no throwaway book would introduce you to the Aspidochelone, or even take us to Bhangarh Fort in the first place. Only some flim-flam in the final entry, Giza, failed to convince. A strong four stars at least.

An interactive look at the supernatural!
Thanks to NetGalley, Wide Eyed Editions and Quarto Publishing for the opportunity to read and review Illuminightmare with illustrations by Carnovsky and written by Lucy Brownridge. Three lenses are included with the book, a red lens to view earthly history, a green lens to view places and the surroundings, and a blue lens to view ghostly, supernatural images. Each spotlighted place has its own section containing pages of overlapping colors and images and a list of what to look for through the lenses, descriptions of each item on the list gives tidbits of interesting information. Some places featured are the Winter Palace, Salem, Massachusetts, The Black Forest, the Giza Pyramids, and Picton in Australia. Magnificent and highly interactive to pique the interest of history and geography buffs of all ages! 5 stars for interactive fun!

I spent a long time engrossed in the intricacies of the illustrations in this book. While the theme is on the hauntings and supernaturals, it is a must read for all ages. A bookish marvel which only keeps giving, It makes a great gift for any inquisitive child or even parent. Perfect for the I Spy routines and some activity time.

It is a wonderful addition to any child's library. This is going on the wishlist for the holiday season.