The Half-Continent grows ever more dangerous—monster attacks are rising, and every far-flung village cries out for help. Into this perilous world, lamplighters journey daily, lighting roads to safeguard travelers. It's not a job for the faint-hearted, with new reports of deadly theroscades arriving each week.
Rossamünd Bookchild, a foundling sworn into the Emperor's Service as a prentice lamplighter, struggles with the hardships of training at Winstermill Fortress. Lonely and out of place, his challenges multiply when a young wit arrives, determined to defy her renowned mother by joining the lamplighters. As Rossamünd navigates this sinister landscape, he forges new friendships but attracts dangerous enemies, each step drawing him closer to a dark and unimaginable fate.
Lamplighter, Book Two of the Monster Blood Tattoo series, delivers twice the action, adventure, and incredible creatures of its predecessor. Enter the richly detailed world of the Half-Continent—a place of organic-engine ships sailing caustic vinegar seas, daring monster-hunters enhancing their abilities through dangerous surgeries, and a society balancing awe-inspiring wonders with perilous dangers. D.M. Cornish's exceptional world-building and vivid storytelling invite readers to explore a realm filled with unforgettable characters and gripping conflicts.
An epic continuation of Rossamünd's journey, Lamplighter offers excitement, intrigue, and a deeper glimpse into a world like no other. Adventure awaits—don't forget your hat!
Cornish's world-building … the unique and fascinating Half-Continent, where ships with organic engines sail caustic vinegar oceans and monster-hunters gain supernatural powers through dangerous surgeries, is a delightful, refreshing standout in a sea of cookie-cutter fantasy worlds.
Library Journal, starred review
D. M. Cornish is an award-winning author and illustrator who stormed the American market with the first book in his acclaimed fantasy series, Monster-Blood Tattoo, which received starred reviews in School Library Journal and Booklist. He is from Adelaide, where he studied illustration at the University of South Australia.
"Monster Blood Tattoo: Lamplighter is another outstanding book in an equally outstanding series, leaving you shocked by its outcome, and longing to read the next book." — Lewis Martin, Fantasy Book Review
"Lamplighter ... as captivating and entertaining as Foundling and has put the series on my favorites list. " — Kevin Holtsberry, Collected Miscellany
"...not only is Lamplighter, the second book in the Monster Blood Tattoo series, good, it happens to be even better than its predecessor. If Cornish tackled the idea of creating an original world and laying down the foundations in his first book, the second speaks to human prejudice, ignorance perpetuated, and maybe even the author's Australian roots in this remarkable middle book in an increasingly multilayered world." — Betsy Bird, School Library Journal
"D.M. Cornish's Lamplighter, the second in the Monster Blood Tattoo series in a single, longish word: get-supplies-in-before-you-start-because-you-will-NOT- put-it-down-and-will-not-even-sleep-until-it-is-done-then-you-will-wait-breathlessly-(and-a-little-grumpily)-for-the-third-installment." — Megan J. Bulloch, SFReader
"I loved the first book and this second work easily lived up to the promise of the first. ... Cornish also does us the favour of not requiring us to have read the first book before reading this one. Should you do so, your experience will be richer, but the book won't suffer should you not." — John Enzinas, SFSite
"Brilliant, brilliant story! Haunting, mysterious characters. Frightening world, powerful enemies. Great friendships. Read this one. I'm sure you'll love it." — Jill Marshall, Yak Books
"D.M. Cornish continues to astound and delight in this second novel ... this delightful, adventurous and wholly original series is certain to please even the most demanding readers.Highly recommended." — Drew Bittner, SFReview
"I absolutely loved Lamplighter. I was excited when I saw that D. M. Cornish had come out with a sequel to Monster Blood Tattoo. The book matches, if not outmatches, the creativeness of its predecessor. " — GS, LitPick
"While longer than Foundling, this sequel is more action-packed, which keeps readers engaged. ... Cornish brings back some favorite characters from the first Monster Blood Tattoo book, but also introduces new and unforgettable ones. " — Ricki Marking-Camuto, BookLoons
"A most fitting sequel that will leave readers eagerly waiting for the third book." — Booklist
