The Crystal Prison

The Crystal Prison is the second installment in The Deptford Mice trilogy, following the adventures of Audrey, a young house mouse in a fantasy version of London. After defeating the evil Jupiter in the first book, Audrey faces new challenges when she must accompany a mentally unstable rat named Madame Akkikuyu to the countryside. The plot centers on a bargain struck between Audrey and the Starwife, the powerful queen of the squirrels. In exchange for medicine to save her friend Oswald, Audrey must leave her London home and relocate to the rural community of Fennywolde to care for the troubled Akkikuyu. Set against the backdrop of both urban and rural mouse communities, the book builds on the dark fantasy elements established in the first volume while exploring themes of sacrifice, duty, and the price of friendship. The story maintains the series' blend of animal fantasy with supernatural elements and British folklore.

Readers note this book is darker and more emotionally intense than the first in the series. Multiple reviews mention crying at the ending and feeling devastated by certain character developments. Readers appreciated: - Complex moral choices faced by characters - Detailed world-building of rural mouse communities - Integration of folk magic and supernatural elements - Character growth, particularly for Audrey Common criticisms: - Pacing issues in middle sections - Some felt betrayed by the ending's direction - Too dark/tragic for a children's book Ratings: Goodreads: 4.24/5 (374 ratings) Amazon UK: 4.7/5 (23 reviews) "The emotional impact stays with you long after finishing" - Goodreads reviewer "Perhaps too brutal for sensitive young readers" - Amazon review "Made me look at the first book differently" - LibraryThing review

Watership Down by Richard Adams The tale of a group of rabbits facing darkness and mortality presents the same blend of animal characters confronting mature themes and supernatural menace.

Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH by Robert C. O'Brien This story combines elements of science fiction with animal fantasy while exploring themes of survival and sacrifice in a dangerous world.

The Book of the Dun Cow by Walter Wangerin Jr. Farm animals battle ancient evil in this medieval-inspired fantasy that shares the dark tone and spiritual undertones of The Crystal Prison.

The Wild Road by Gabriel King Cats navigate through a hidden magical world while facing supernatural threats and ancient prophecies.

The Sight by David Clement-Davies Wolves in medieval Transylvania encounter mysticism, prophecy, and darkness in this animal fantasy with Gothic elements.

🐭 The Deptford Mice series was partially inspired by Jarvis's experience working as a model-maker in animation, where he developed a keen eye for intricate details and characterization. 🏰 The books draw heavily from actual London locations and history, particularly the Deptford area, lending authenticity to its fantasy elements. 📚 Robin Jarvis wrote the entire first draft of the initial Deptford Mice book on his hour-long train commute to work each day. 🌟 The series has been compared to Richard Adams' "Watership Down" for its sophisticated treatment of small animals in a dark fantasy setting, helping establish a new standard in children's literature. 🎨 Before becoming an author, Jarvis worked on several well-known British children's television shows, including "The Storyteller" produced by Jim Henson's company.