The Faceless Fiend
Lower Level – Youth Fiction - Whitehouse
Princess Purnah comes from a country where violence and thievery run amuck. In the previous book, she manages to escape the horrific life at a girl’s boarding school. She now lives with Aunt Lucy, an eccentric woman who serves dandelion and slug cakes. Also residing at the house is a professor who enjoys blowing things up; perhaps that is the reason that so many of his inventions fail to work. Unfortunately, the faceless fiend has discovered of her escape and will stop at nothing to ensure her return. However, his relentless pursuit is what makes the story so unforgettable.
From an out of control motorized wagon that is not supposed to exceed the speed of a walking man, to a bunch of minions smashing through a window to kidnap the princess (who wields a dangerous butter knife), to people throwing bricks at rubberbone’s head, to flying over London in a small basket with a handful of helium balloons, and being attacked by a prehistoric bird, the silliness and action abound throughout the entire book.
Although geared toward slightly more advanced readers, the action in the story The Faceless Fiend resembles the unusual activities of Lindgren’s Pippi Longstocking. Even the main character, Princess Purnah, is adorned with long pigtails. Similarities to Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events are also evident. Perfect for those who are looking for more bizarre adventures, The Faceless Fiend will not disappoint.