Quotes from critics

“Holm Manor amulet is a fast-paced adventure story about the adventures of a landowner's daughter, a factory worker's son, and a gardener's boy, made special by the skillful portrayal of the manor atmosphere and environment of the early 20th century and the description of the class conflicts that test children's relationships. Jana Maasik manages to combine a rather unexpected era, main characters of different social status, colorful villains, and the delicate relationship between reality and magic into an enjoyable reading experience. This is a book that takes the reader for a moment into a world where life without smartphones, PIN codes, and countless passwords is completely conceivable and interesting.

-        Tartu Children's Literature Award Committee 

"Unfortunately, really good children's books don't come out often; those that children absorb so much that they can't even look away from the book are very rare. Jana Maasik's books are an excellent example of what adventure stories should be."

-        René Tendermann, publisher of Rahva Raamat

Sample

    “Hoi, hoi, hoi!” shouted Mr. Julius once again, returning from his fruitless search empty-handed.

    Egon dangled from his thick, meaty fist, screaming and thrashing like a wild creature despite his wiry frame.
    “What do you want now?! Let me go!!”

    Julius, pleasantly surprised, exclaimed, “The manufacturer’s son came to me himself!” and reached out with his free hand to grab Pipa, who had rushed to help. Mattis struck him sharply behind the knee. Julius cursed and groaned, losing his balance for a moment — but Egon still hung trapped in his strong, blubbery grip. Everything happened so fast that no one had time to think, let alone react. From the direction of the library came shouting — the pursuers had found the lever that opened the passage, stormed past the crackling, furious Clara, and were now racing toward the children. Five seconds to escape … the footsteps were already there …

    From the corridor leading into the hall, Boris yelled, “Don’t let them get away!!”

    “Aaagh!!” Julius cried out. Mattis had slammed into his side with full force. Pipa’s small, iron fists flew wildly through the air. Julius barely managed to hold on to anyone at all.
   “Savages,” he wheezed, his face burning red.

    “Julius! Damn it! They’re getting away!”

    Pirogov was scarcely six meters away … one second to flee … half a second …

    Over the angry voices rang out Pipa’s distant cry:
    “Egon! We’ll come for you! Hold on!”

    At that very moment, Mattis found a thick plank beside the outer door and wedged it diagonally beneath the handle from the outside. One of the windows burst open. Pirogov landed on the ground five steps away from Mattis with the heavy thud of a well-fed ox.

Reading materials:

✓Sample of one chapter in English & synopsis

✓Estonian edition     

✓For more information or copyrights, please contact: maasikjana@gmail.com

See also