The Dark Portal

Book One of The Deptford Mice

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Book 1 of The Deptford Mice
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Pub Date Feb 04 2025 | Archive Date Nov 14 2024
Pushkin Press | Pushkin Children's Books

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Description

A new edition of the classic children's fantasy adventure set in a magical world of mice and rats in the sewers under London

In a borough of London called Deptford there lived a community of mice. An old empty house was their home and in it they fashioned a comfortable life for themselves. People never disturbed them with traps, and because all the windows were boarded up, they never even saw a cat.

The Deptford Mice live a cosy life in the skirting boards of an abandoned London house, with no humans or cats to disturb them. But something is lurking deep beneath the city. Something that threatens to destroy their cosy existence for good. In the dank sewers under the house lives a mysterious being, worshipped by a horde of bloodthirsty rats who cower in its presence...
When a mouse called Albert Brown unwisely ventures down into the sewers one day, he uncovers a terrifying plot to awaken an ancient evil. Soon Albert's family and friends find themselves in a desperate struggle for their lives. Summoning all their courage, they must confront treacherous enemies and foul sorcery in a battle to save London and the world from eternal darkness.

The Dark Portal is the first book in the much-loved Deptford Mice trilogy of classic dark fantasy novels, set in a magical world of peaceful mice and bloodthirsty rats.
A new edition of the classic children's fantasy adventure set in a magical world of mice and rats in the sewers under London

In a borough of London called Deptford there lived a community of mice. An...

Available Editions

EDITION Paperback
ISBN 9781782694366
PRICE $16.95 (USD)
PAGES 320

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Average rating from 4 members


Featured Reviews

A Haunting Adventure Beneath Deptford

In The Dark Portal, the first book of The Deptford Mice trilogy by Robin Jarvis, readers are immersed in a dark and dangerous world beneath London's streets. The story follows a group of brave mice, led by the determined Audrey, as they go into the canals and confront to confront sinister forces. Their greatest threat is Jupiter, a terrifying rat who rules the underground with cruelty and fear.

The characters, especially Audrey, are memorable, and their journey is filled with moments of loyalty, humor, and friendship. The fast-paced plot keeps the tension high, with danger always lurking. Jarvis’s vivid descriptions of the canals create an eerie, claustrophobic atmosphere, enhancing the suspense. Though a children's book, its darker themes and intense moments will appeal to more adult readers.

With themes of bravery, loyalty, and the struggle between good and evil, The Dark Portal is a thrilling and suspenseful start to The Deptford Mice trilogy, perfect for fans of dark fantasy and adventurous tales.

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This was a strong start to the Deptford Mice series, it had that overall story that I was looking for and was glad it had that element that I was looking for. The plot worked overall and had that character development perfectly. I enjoyed the way Robin Jarvis wrote this and can’t wait for more.

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I first read this book many years ago and I am so pleased to see this new edition being made available so that it can be enjoyed by newer generations in the years to come.
The Dark Portal is the first in a trilogy of books about a group of mice living in an old, empty house in London. They live quite happily and harmoniously until one day one of the mice ventures into the sewers below their home and discovers a horde of disreputable rats who are being influenced by something or someone very nasty indeed.
This book is full of excitement and suspense, the story moves along rapidly and takes you to a world of adventure and bravery. The characters of the mice are beautifully crafted and sympathetic. The rats, led by the bloodthirsty Jupiter are suitably dark and terrifying.
I loved reading this book again and cannot wait to carry on and read the next in the series.

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