Book Review: Sally Gardner Drawings by David Roberts - Tinder - Published by Indigo

                 

This book is a macabre parade between the visual and the written. It is a dark fantasy feast of delights with a great combination of atmospheric black/white drawings. The splashes of red, here and there, give the illustrations an extra intensity. As always they have been expertly drawn and created by David Roberts.  

Sally Gardner skillfully tells a tale reminiscent to that of The Tinderbox; the first story Hans Christian Andersen wrote at the age of twenty-nine. The influence from this story and his other works really shine within this book, in my humble opinion. 

Copyright :Illustrations by David Roberts, taken from Tinder by Sally Gardner (Indigo, £9.99) -  (Do not replicate images, permission given.)

The words and the pictures take you on a journey of intrigue - they work in pure harmony to captivate the reader. This story is a chilling and disturbing take on a classic , but with a modern day twist and feel. It is an enchanting story that has been told in exquisite detail. A realm of dark fantasy is explored with a hint of love, greed, magic and mythical elements which are layered into the unfolding and uncompromising story that you will either love or hate. 

Copyright :Illustrations by David Roberts, taken from Tinder by Sally Gardner (Indigo, £9.99) -  (Do not replicate images, permission given.)

Otto Hundebiss is tired of war, but when he defies Death he walks a dangerous path. A half beast half man gives him shoes and dice which will lead him deep into a web of dark magic and mystery. He meets the beautiful Safire - pure of heart and spirit, the scheming Mistress Jabber and the terrifying Lady of the Nail. He learns the powers of the tinderbox and the wolves whose master he becomes. But will all the riches in the world bring him the thing he most desires?

I really enjoyed reading this book. I found myself reading the text very quickly and then stopping for longer to consider the illustrations. I really took the opportunity to soak in the drawings, of which there are around a hundred or so, to wonder at the amazing detail. I may have got lost in parts by wandering slightly off the path, due to the little flashbacks that were incorporated, but I soon managed to work out the meaning. My brain, by the end of the story, was definitely in the right gear and heading in the right direction.

This is another good story that has been written by this author. It's not a book for the young or those with a delicate disposition - it's quirky, brutal and amazingly honest in its telling. It will suck you in and throw you out with equal measure. However it is definitely one to be read and to be mentally cherished, but don't take my word for it . . . grab a copy and find out for yourselves. If you have any thoughts then please leave these in the comments box. I always love to hear your thoughts. So what are you waiting for? This book is available to buy and read now.