Children of the Red King Books In Order

Publication Order of The Children of the Red King Books

Publication Order of Chronicles of the Red King Books

Children of the Red King Series

British author Jenny Nimmo is a children’s writer, creating imaginative fantasy stories for younger readers, having amassed a worldwide audience. Incorporating both fantasy and adventure into her novels, she has managed to create a rich and inventive number of franchises, all of which have an ever enduring appeal. This has lead to her becoming a highly prominent voice throughout the industry, creating countless iconic characters that have stayed with the reader long after they’ve put the books down. Taking the reader on a fun and immersive journey, she has transported them to far off worlds filled with excitement, as they manage to create a style that’s very much their own. Her series have allowed readers to lose themselves, showing her audience something that is quite altogether different from everything else on the literary scene. A series that perfectly exemplifies this is that of her much loved ‘Children of the Red King’ series of novels, which is also known as ‘The Charlie Bone’ series too. Following the eponymous protagonist, they chart his journey, as he comes to terms with his special power, which he discovers at the young age of just ten. This sees him undertake a number of strange and exciting adventures, as he goes about discovering who he is and how he can help people. Over the the course of the series he finds that he can read the subjects of photos minds just by looking at them, something which he uses to his advantage as time goes on. A fun and interesting set of novels, these manage to be accessible to children from all over the world, with the characters being easy to relate to and empathize with, something which shall continue for some time yet.

With the initial ‘Children of the Red King’ series running for a total of eight novels, this would first start in 2002 and run to 2009. There would later be a follow up series titled ‘Chronicles of the Red King’, which would focus on the Red King himself, with him being an ancestor of Charlie’s. Focusing on the character of Charlie Bone for the original series though, it would feature him and his many adventures, as he comes to understand who he is. There would also be a number of omnibus editions as well, which would collate the novels from the entire duration of the series as a whole. Coming a long way, the ‘Charlie Bone Universe’ is something that has evolved greatly over time, will carry on doing so for many years to follow.

Midnight for Charlie Bone

Released through the ‘Orchard Books’ publishing label, this would first come out in January in the year of 2002. This would set the ‘Children of the Red King’ series up as a whole, allowing it to really come into its own and find itself as time went on. With plenty of foreshadowing too, it manages to give readers a clear idea of what to expect in the following books too, so they ultimately know what’s coming.

Working as the opener to the Charlie Bone Universe, this manages to incorporate all the needed to elements to help introduce readers to the series and world. Introducing Charlie Bone himself for the first time too, it gives the audience a clear idea of who he is and what he’s really all about. Setting up the world, it manages to establish what all the rules for it are as well, giving the reader a clear idea of what to expect. A magical fantasy that is fast-paced and exciting, it really works at keeping the reader hooked throughout, constantly guessing right until the very last page.

Inheriting a special power, the young Charlie Bone, aged 10, can hear what people are thinking when looking at their photograph. With the power coming from his descendant the Red King, he suddenly discovers them one day, having no idea where they originally came from. This leads to him embarking on a journey of self-discovery, as he also discovers that many others from Bloor’s Academy also posses various gifts. With his ever scheming aunt sending him to the academy, he seeks to use his power to uncover the truth behind what it is that’s really going on. Will he be able to learn the truth behind it all? Can he find out the truth about the Red King and his own past? What will happen at midnight for Charlie Bone?

Charlie Bone and the Time Twister

The second book in ‘The Children of the Red King’ series, this would first be released in 2003 on the 1st of April to much acclaim. Published through the ‘Orchard Books’ outlet, this would continue the series in much the same vein as before, whilst also taking a new direction too. It would later be followed up with the third title, ‘Charlie Bone and the Invisible Boy’, which would be released in 2004.

Despite hoping the new term at Bloor’s Academy has no horrible surprises in store for him, time seems to be running out for Charlie Bone. That’s when Henry Yewbeam turns up from the icy winter all the way back in 1916, and he would like the help of young Charlie. Looking to stop him are the aunts of Yewbeam, along with Bloors itself, as Charlie must race against the clock in order to help him. Hoping to stay alive, Henry Yewbeam must do everything it takes to stay one step ahead of Bloor’s academy, especially when considering how dangerous it is. Will he be able to get the help from Charlie that he needs? How can Charlie Bone help him? What will become of Charlie bone and the time twister?

The Children of the Red King Series

A richly textured and highly inventive collection of classic novels, this is one series of children’s stories that will definitely not be going away any time soon. Charlie Bone has become an extremely iconic character as the series went on, with plenty of readers from all across the world continuing to discover him to this very day. With a clear ear for dialogue and how children actually speak as well, Nimmo has made this a series that’s very easy to relate to too. Keeping the reader constantly turning the page always anticipating the next chapter, this really knows how to build the suspense of the story. The world of the ‘Charlie Bone Universe’ is one that will carry on with its ever enduring appeal, as its legacy shall continue into the foreseeable future.