I first read Raven Boy with my daughter after she had studied the Great Fire of London at school. She was 6 at the time and we were both captivated by this tale of Nicholas Truelove who in desperation at the death of his mother and father talks his way into becoming a servant at the Tower of London with the initial aim of punishing King Charles II who he blames for the deaths of his parents. I recently re-read with my son and enjoyed the book just as much as the first time round.

Nick forms a special attachment to Devil, a Tower Raven. Following Devil's lead Nick remains in the Tower devising ways to seek revenge upon the King. However, once the Great Fire of London takes hold Nick realises that his hatred has been replaced by allegiance.

Descriptions of the plague and fire are vivid and help to bring this historical topic alive.