Book Review - SF Said - Phoenix - Illustrated by Dave McKean - Published by David Fickling

                                         

One boy alone . . . . . . can he save the galaxy?

I did not think that it would happen, but just like the brightest light from the furthest star, this book is a creation to behold. Seven years in the making, and the third fantasy adventure from the super talented SF Said, this is one of his creations best yet. It is a breathtaking epic space adventure that will have you gripped in so many ways. It's a pleasure to read and one that I would definitely read again....

Initially this book really caught me by surprise. I knew nothing about it until it came through the post, which was a feat in itself, as it arrived with only the postcode and my name on the parcel! The front cover has an attractive bright yellow image which stands out from the crowd. If you particularly enjoy a good Sci-fi space fantasy then this book is for you - it has certainly rocketed to the top of my favourite reads this year. Even if you wouldn't normally enjoy this genre, I would still recommend that you try this book as it really is that good. 

The opening of this book presents a strong gravitational pull. The words run through your brain like poetry, whilst your eyes trickle over the amazing images from Dave McKean. These are a feast for the eyes and the brain - both the unimaginable and the impossible have been captured expertly in swirls of organic motion. The illustrations are depicted in black and white, whilst particularly hard to describe, they are very atmospheric and particularly captivating. This book is a must for seeing and reading; it is very creative and unique.

From the word go, you will be gripped by both the words and the images - both of which make a captivating story that will stay with you until the very last page. It has everything that is required (and more) such as amazingly imaginative settings and plenty of compelling action - both of which are written particularly well. The main character, Lucky, is very likable and actually felt like a real person. He appears as a very believable and down-to-earth person. Lucky is a human boy, but life soon becomes very complicated when, one night, he dreams that the stars are singing. On awakening, he finds an uncontrollable power rising inside him. . . . . 

On the run with his unlikely Alien friends, the adventure takes the reader on a galactic mission. Lucky finds himself visiting war-torn galaxies, where Humans and Aliens are deadly enemies. Together they must find a way to save the galaxy. The plot lines are packed full of great detail with many highs and lows around each meteorite. 

This book was really entertaining - it was both original and inventive. When I turned to the very last page I was filled with great sadness as I didn't want the story to end and also because of the tragic turn of events. I would really love to see a sequel, but I'm very doubtful that one might come. I would really recommend buying or borrowing this book otherwise I feel that you might regret it.  

Published by David Fickling - 1st August 2013 - Hardback. Available in all good bookshops now........

Book Review: Roger Davenport - Wanderer - Published by Sky Pony Press

The best introduction that I can come up with for this book is that it is a big time story with lots of heart and soul. It is published by Sky Pony Press in New York who sent me this review copy. I'd like to thank them for sending it over and giving me the opportunity to read it.

I was very keen to read this book when I found that the story portrayed a post-apocalyptic world. I have to say that this theme is difficult to get right when it is featured in books, but when it works it is amazing. So did this book and story live up to my expectations? Well, I have to say yes, in the main it did. This book has a great vision - the author paints the picture in full colour with some great fantasy elements that work particularly well. 

The story takes place in a lost valley in which society has been split into two: the Wanderers and the people who live in the pyramid city of Arcone. The Wanderes, by in large, have a very difficult and turbulent life - they have to battle against the elements, the arid desert landscape and each other. Whilst the people, who live in the pyramid city of Arcone, have a closed environment with a tightly controlled society which enables them to maintain a more civilized basic existence in the face of an environmentally devastated planet. I really did enjoy reading this book; it's highly imaginative and very well written. It is a fast-paced easy to follow story aimed at the 13-17 year old market but it also has a strong pull to older readers, just like myself!   

The characters are varied and very interesting; they are mostly likeable and take you along on a hair raising adventure. One of my favourite parts of the story involved the gas propelled balloon journey which took me on a breathtaking ride. It was really engrossing and set up the vision for the rest of the book. I loved the small attention to detail that you will find throughout this book - it really does make the story stand out from some of the other books within this genre.

The action intensifies the further that you travel into the story. However, it then very abruptly stops leaving the outcome, for me, to end too early. Perhaps the author took a little too long to set up the story for the next book and then made the story feel like two adventures in one book. That was my only gripe about this book really - I would have liked a stronger ending.

I really would like more people to find a copy of this book as it had a really good pace and rhythm to it. It has a gripping, fantastical world element that will have you engaged by following the characters' hardships, friendships and survival. There were some particularly great scenes and epic battles involving the survival of the main characters that will keep you immersed in the story. I really did enjoy reading this book as it was easy to follow, well written and really engaging from the start. The story included many great ideas which were well thought out and all told with a twist of mystery and a sense of adrenaline. I would recommend reading this book, so track down a copy if you can......

Book Review: Richard Masson - Boonie - Hot Key Books

                                         

This is a book that is very different to other books that I have read recently and being published at this moment in time. In fact it's not a book that I'd expect to be published by a mainstream publisher such as Hot Key Books. Therefore, I definitely congratulate them in championing this book.

The start of the book is not an easy one to digest. The harsh realties of the story are quickly thrust upon the reader and set a sombre tone. In parts, this book is set in a futuristic fantasy world. Although, it is basically about a world of survival in an arid landscape. Both water and food are very scarce; the world is ruled by dictatorship from the Silver Men. These men leave a lot to the imagination - not much is given away about them, which is good in my opinion. It leaves the imagination running wild as to the possibilities of their comings and goings. 

The story moves through a lot of bleak action before there is any glimpse of a ray of sunshine. However, that ray of sunshine soon shines through in the form of friendship and will have you hooked. 

The main character, JD, is lost in the desert after fleeing from the clutches of the Silver Men. He encounters a strange old man whose mouth has been sewn shut. The element of mystery starts to creep in at this point giving the reader more to think about as the old man reveals a secret. He helps JD to find the city in order to search for his missing mother. At this point the story unfolds into a tale of horror and brutality with enslaved children trapped inside pits scraping for water and food. This is certainly not a light-hearted and happy read. However, it really makes you think - it is an intelligent and well-crafted story. 

This is another great book that will stay with you until the very last page has been turned - just like a good old friend. It is a great debut start from an author who has been writing all of his life. Shortlisted for Undiscovered Voices 2012 - this great book, I am sure, is the reason why.

If you would like to read a copy of this book then the author is giving one lucky person a chance to win a signed hardback copy on his website. Why not pop over to enter the competition by following the link here http://richardmasson.com/

Equally, if you would like to read about the author's thoughts on Boonie then take a look at the guest post that he has written for my blog. More details on the competition can also be found here

Book Launch Post: Louis Nowra - Into that Forest - Book Review

                                                  

If you have read any of my previous posts, then you will have seen that I've been very fortunate to read some cracking books at this start of this new year, already. Yet again (if this book is anything to go by) then we are in for another feast of delight. It would be fair to say that I was not expecting this book - it was a very delightful surprise. In fact I knew nothing about it, or the author, until it arrived on my doorstep. Therefore, I would like to send a big thank you to Egmont for sending this to me and making my day.

The first thing that I'd like to comment on is related to the production of the book. It has been produced as a hardback with a really attractive dust jacket and a beautifully finished binding (and end pages) which are particularly well produced and eye-catching. The book is illustrated with small black and white sketches, which also work very well alongside the story. It's nice to see that so much effort has been put into the making of this book. Especially when so many people, and the market in general sadly, are turning to e-books and other similar formats due to ease and price.

This is one particular story which you will not easily forget. It is a book that reads like a true story - it will leave you questioning whether the events really did or did not happen. It's a story about two girls who find themselves lost in the Tasmanian bush after a tragic accident. The girls find a saviour in the form of two fierce Tasmanian tigers. Everything is viewed from the perspective of Hannah O'Brien - told through a brilliant and extraordinary voice. 

It's a particularly captivating read following the survival of the two girls. It has a lot of uncomfortable twists and turns - it is one that will definitely have your heart strings tugged in many directions. I loved the sea adventures that were depicted within the book. However, I don't want to say too much more as I really don't want to spoil any part of the enjoyment for when you grab your own copy, which I hope you do!

This is a beautifully poignant story about survival and relationships. It will certainly leave many lasting memories. Breathtaking in detail and setting, realistic to the core and a rare book that will both shock and move the reader at the same time. This is another early recommendation from myself, but with this book expect some tears so have the tissues ready.

Published By Egmont 7th January 2013 - ISBN: 9781405266437 - (Hardback)

S.A. Bodeen - The Raft - Book Review

   

                                                
After reading S.A. Bodeen's initial two books (The Compound and The Gardner), both of which I enjoyed immensely, I felt that it was time to read her third. As a result, I ordered this on the strength of thinking that this book would probably end up going in the same direction as the other books. Therefore I  never looked at the synopsis, but I did get an idea from the book cover and the title of what I may encounter. However it soon arrived and I got quickly around to reading it but with quite some surprise!

This is the synopsis that I never read.

Robie is an experienced traveler. She’s taken the flight from Honolulu to the Midway Atoll, a group of Pacific islands where her parents live, many times. When she has to get to Midway in a hurry after a visit with her aunt in Hawaii, she gets on the next cargo flight at the last minute. She knows the pilot, but on this flight, there’s a new co-pilot named Max. All systems are go until a storm hits during the flight. The only passenger, Robie doesn’t panic until the engine suddenly cuts out and Max shouts at her to put on a life jacket. They are over miles of Pacific Ocean. She sees Max struggle with a raft.

And then . . . she’s in the water. Fighting for her life. Max pulls her onto the raft, and that’s when the real terror begins. They have no water. Their only food is a bag of Skittles. There are sharks. There is an island. But there’s no sign of help on the way.

I can definitely state that if I had read the synopsis first then I would never have entertained reading this book. After all, where are the guns, blood, action and the secret underground base full of spies? I hear you asking me as to whether I have taken leave of my senses but . . . . I really did enjoy it.  I know that as a result of this admission, I may find that a few of my followers may disappear. However don't leave ME . . .  I probably need you more than ever now!

The first thing that I really noticed in this story was the lack of characters. The main character is Robie and the story is told from her point of view. I'm sure that this would be particularly engaging and meaningful from a female teenage reader's perspective, as I feel they'll be able to perhaps relate to the character on so many more levels than I did.

I did follow the journey, from the beginning to the end, knowing that it was going to be predictable. However that's the only negative  thing that I can say about this book. This was a very gripping read which was told in a very fast and engaging way. It managed to pull off the realism of the situation; being able to portray the right mind set of a person who unfortunately found themselves in such circumstances. It felt like the story was written by a survivor.

The book was eaten up in no time at all - about three hours in total to travel through the 220 pages or so.  

Whilst this is a great little read, I'm still looking forward to more books along the lines and style of The Gardener!

Publisher: Feiwel & Friends; 1 edition (21 Aug 2012) - Age: 12+

Book Plug#5: Marie Lu - Legend - US Choice

                                           
Publisher: Putnam Juvenile (November 29, 2011)


What was once the western United States is now home to the Republic, a nation perpetually at war with its neighbors. 15-year-old June, born to an elite family in one of the Republic's wealthiest districts, is a prodigy groomed for success in the highest military circles. 15-year-old Day, a product of the Republic's slums, is the country's most wanted criminal. But is he the criminal they've branded him? Or is he a freedom fighter? Living such different lives, June and Day have no reason to cross paths -- until the day June's only family, her brother, is murdered and Day becomes the prime suspect. Caught in the ultimate game of cat and mouse, Day is in a race for his family's survival, while June seeks to avenge her brother's death. But in a shocking turn of events, the two uncover the truth of what has really brought them together, and the sinister lengths their country will go to keep its secrets. Told in the alternating voices of June and Day, this is a gripping, action-packed debut novel. Your teen readers - especially those who love The Hunger Games - will be breathless with excitement as this thrilling, dystopian tale unfolds and they discover with June and Day that judging by appearances can be very dangerous indeed! Ages 12 and up.

Jeyn Roberts - Dark Inside - Book Review

                   

• Pages - 362
• Published by Macmillan Children's 
• Date - 2 September 2011
• Age 13+
• Isbn - 978 0 230 75618 2

4 ACROSS THE WORLD EARTHQUAKES SHUDDER

This is a debut book by the multi-talented lady who grow up in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, in Canada and started writing at an early age. She also played in an alternative/punk band called Missing Mile before moving to England.


Some time ago, I had the chance to read a small slice of this book before it even found the light of day with the publishers. However, one year later and with some changes, this book is now finally ready to be published within the UK on the 2nd of September. It will then move to be published within the US. 


Listening carefully to people within the publishing industry, I have heard great comments being made about this book. Comments which indicate that this is a brilliant book to read as it is grippingly tense and scary. 


3 SOMETHING IS RELEASED
I haven't enjoyed a book so much since Charlie Higson's 'The Enemy'. Interestingly, there are a number of comparisons that can be made between both books. For example, they are both played out through the eyes of teenagers and an apocalypse is depicted through both stories. However, it is the fight for survival that is really the compelling driving force. Whilst full of action and scary moments, no zombies can be found in this story, just Baggers who are crazy, infected humans who have tiny little voices in their heads. Their role is to kill and cleanse the worlds of humans.


2 TRUST NO ONE - NOT EVEN YOURSELF
Apparently, the story came to the author as tiny little dreams. She then pieced them together to make one big dream about the end of the world. Therefore, four split stories find themselves being woven and merged into the plot through four teenagers, who battle through North America. They find themselves on a long and emotional trail of death and destruction in a final attempt to save both humanity and each other.


1 THE KILLING GAME HAS BEGUN....
This book is the best thing that I have read so far this year. Whilst I loved it, I do recognise that it is not a particularly happy read. It is an emotional roller coaster that pulls at the heart strings. It holds no punches, particularly through some of the graphic detail and information that it shares, which each reader can interpret in many ways. 


The characters are very well written - each displaying and uncovering their own personal thoughts and emotions to actions and situations. This certainly gives added suspense and tension to the storyline.
                         
This is a non-stop action thriller - it is full of rage, hope and survival. With Baggers around every corner, waiting to kill, you wouldn't be wrong to think that the world has finally gone mad. This story will never let you go as no-one can be trusted and nightmares are a reality. 


I highly recommend this book. With a sequel to look forward to in the future, this story has only just begun. . . . .


READ AND SURVIVE IS WHAT LIES AHEAD...

Isobelle Carmody - Obernewtyn (B.k 1 Obernewtyn Chronicles) - Book Review

This review has been a long time coming. I have read a number of other books by the Australian 'Queen of Fantasy' but have never expressed my public view on some of the other titles that I have read. However, I am now going to put that right with this review, for Obernewtyn. It's really hard to believe that it has taken this long to be published in the U.K.

This is the first book in the series and has been kicking around the fantasy world since 1987, after selling over 270,000 copies in Australia and gaining a huge fan base in the U.S.

Finally, this best selling series is going to be published in the U.K for the first time in June, by Bloomsbury. Further books are due to be published in the next year or so including book two, The Farseekers, which should be available in August.

I expected this book to be set within an over-the-top fantasy world and comprise of a lot of Sci-Fi terminology. However this did not happen, and as a result, this story actually felt a little more original and stood out due to the post apocalyptic world which has been used. This still pulls the reader towards the Sci-Fi world but the way in which Isobelle has adapted it, enables her to make the storyline her own.

Carmody has a great way of portraying emotions which are developed and shown through the many different characters. They connect with the reader in so many ways and on so many different levels. The writing cleverly draws the reader into the intriguing and mysterious world. From start to end Isobelle creates an underlying feeling of oppressiveness, which compels the reader to endure it until the end,  when the story finally comes to a halt. 

In a world struggling back from the brink of apocalypse, life is harsh. But for Elspeth Gordie, born with enhanced mental abilities, it is also dangerous. Survival is only by secrecy and so she determines never to use her forbidden powers. But it is as if they have their own imperative and she is brought to the attention of the totalitarian Council that rules the Land. Banished to the remote mountain institution of Obernewtyn, she must throw off her cloak of concealment and pit herself against those that would resurrect the terrible forces of the apocalypse. Only then will she learn most truly who and what she is ...Elspeth is determined to uncover the plot and so, accompanied only by her cat, Maruman, embarks on a terrible adventure full of danger, the conclusion to which promises not just uncertainty about her safety but also that of many around her.

With many more books to come . . . .  us lucky people in the UK have a great new series of books to enjoy. For me, this book is for readers who want more from a book, and also for the casual reader who has a limited amount of time. I am really looking forward to the next book in the series - in fact I have already ordered a U.S copy. Once gripped, I am the type of person who can't wait too long for the next book! 

S.A Bodeen - The Gardener - Book Review

The first book written by this author was  "The Compound", a book I must slot into my 'must read' pile. As this book found praise from all of its readers - a great U.S title for reluctant readers. Now this 'up and coming' author has released her second book, which will be published in May.

When I first got a copy of this book, I never actually read the synopsis. Instead, I was drawn to the book by the cover alone - which only takes an initial glance to capture your attention.

By the first chapter I was intrigued by the story, as I had no idea where it was taking me. But the more I turned the pages, the more the story started to unfold. Infact it left me reading into the early hours of the morning; by which time I had uncovered a thrilling urban Sci-Fi adventure. I was hooked on reading this book until the very end.

The story is told through the voice of Mason, who finds himself caught up in a web of intrigue and adventure, as he stumbles upon a beautiful young girl in a nursing home (where his mother works). This girl finds herself recovering from her coma, when Mason plays a DVD of his father, who is reading a bedtime story. Instantly Mason becomes involved with the girl and eventually he and his best friend sneak her out of the home. This is no ordinary girl though...and Mason soon learns that an insane, utterly science fiction-like conspiracy has been taking place in his own home town for years. 

Mason has never known his father, but longs to. All he has of him is a DVD of a man whose face is never seen, reading a children’s book. One day, on a whim, he plays the DVD for a group of comatose teens at the nursing home where his mother works. One of them, a beautiful girl, responds. Mason learns she is part of a horrible experiment intended to render teenagers into autotrophs—genetically engineered, self-sustaining life-forms who don’t need food or water to survive. And before he knows it, Mason is on the run with the girl, and wanted, dead or alive, by the mysterious mastermind of this gruesome plan, who is simply called the Gardener.

This book is fast paced - it only has 232 pages from beginning to end. However there are many twists and turns that keep you questioning the direction of this plot throughout. A key element that is raised involves the questions asked by the author about society and survival - using children as experimental "Guinea pigs" and the rights to a normal childhood. These are all key ingredients to the storyline. 

I loved the concept behind the story, which is actually worth reading within its own right. It's woven together by the biological findings of sea snails which gives an original edge to the theme to the story. As well as the idea of autotrophic humans, who don't need to eat or drink, as they are energized by the sun. This is a great read and is certainly a book that I would recommend. It combines emotional tension with gripping reality but with a quirky Sci-Fi edge to it - a big thumbs up!

Books published by Feiwel & Friends (May 25, 2010 - U.S book release)

A.G Taylor - Meteorite Strike - Book Review

Mr Ripley's Book Review

This is not the kind of book that you want to read whilst flying (as a passenger) in an aeroplane!

A brother and sister become newly reunited with their father, after their mother tragically became ill and finally died. They soon find themselves on the way to Australia, with their father, and at this point the story starts to unfold. The opening starts with a cliff-hanger of suspense - a plane (destination - Australia) hits the aftermath of a meteorite, at which point the action soon develops into gripping proportions.

I was pleasantly surprised by the plot structure; lots of action to keep the reader engaged and epic proportions of turbulence to keep the reader gripped. Whilst this story does have similar attributes to other books published at the moment, it is nevertheless a fantastic ride of enjoyment. The action parts of the book are particularly well written and actually leave many similar-style books standing. I felt there were many memorable scenarios within the book such as when the children had to fend for themselves against the evil-power hungry military task force HIDRA. When they discovered how to control and use the powers to gain freedom and found a vaccine to fight the virus - leaving its victims in a comatosed state.

This is a very accomplished book by a debut author, who was inspired to write from a flight across Australia, and I am glad he did. This book is a great read, it has a Sci-Fi edge with lots of cool superhero powers (demonstrated by the children). It finally ends with a dynamic crescendo .... a big battle which makes for an epic flourish.

The next book to look out for is 'Alien Storm' which will be published in November 2010.

This book gets four out of five I expect five of five in the next book!

Published by Usborne fiction  29 January 2010

Book Synopsis: Sarah and Robert are sure their number is up when their aeroplane crashes over the Australian desert. But this is no ordinary air disaster. A meteorite strike has impacted Earth, bringing with it a deadly alien disease. Thousands fall victim to the virus, falling into a deep coma. Luckily, Robert and Sarah appear to be unaffected - until they begin to exhibit some extraordinary psychic side-effects. This quickly makes them a target for HIDRA, a rogue international agency determined to experiment on them like lab rats in an attempt to control their superpowers. Before long, the children are captured in HIDRA's secret desert HQ, a prison for superhuman kids who can control fire, create storms and tear steel with their minds. This new generation of superheroes must join forces if they are to escape HIDRA. But what kind of world awaits them outside?

David Jowsey - Shattered Truths: An'Tsari Trilogy No. 2: The Past Holds a Secret - Book Review

Mr Ripley's Book Review

I have wanted to read this book for sometime now. I have kept my eye out for this title, as the author is quite local and the book is published by an independent publishing company. So when I found a copy in a rather good bookshop in Whitby I was particularly happy to come across it. 

This is the second book to be written by David in the An'Tsari Trilogy, with the last book to come out sometime next year entitled Summer 2012. The first thing that struck me about the book was the cover, as I am a sucker for a good book cover! 

I enjoyed the first book in the series Dragons In The Sky and I thought I had a good idea as to the style that the second book would be written in but I was surprised to find it totally different.

I found the descriptive work the author used in this book to be well researched leaving the reader engaging with the story. The books overall concept was very intriguing and thought provoking at the possibilities of space travel and life on other planets. The story had an original feel and kept me guessing as to how the story was going to pan out and the ending which followed. Tom Richard's is the central character, we follow his past life and the new experiences he encounters on a NASA space mission to Mars. The truth eventually uncovers itself and questions are answered from book one whilst new questions are asked in preparation for the last installment. This is a spine-tingling encounter of self-discovery and a really good read that gets four out of five.

Published by Sigel Press 15 June 2009

Book Synopsis: Mars 2039 - Tom Richards knows he has been destined to visit the red planet since his childhood encounter with the An'Tsari thirty years before. Can he protect humanity from a dark and treacherous past, or will the existence of an overwhelming power mean the extinction of the human race? "Shattered Truths" is the eagerly awaited sequel to "Dragons in the Sky", and draws the second chapter of the An'Tsari trilogy to a nail-biting conclusion. Thirty-one years have passed since Tom Richards' terrifying childhood encounter with the An'Tsari, but the fears he has struggled so hard to bury will be challenged once again as the truth behind his own destiny is revealed. Mars: 2039 - Tom Richards knows he has been destined to visit the red planet since his childhood encounter with the An'Tsari but as part of a NASA team, exploring the surface of Mars, he finds himself subjected to startling visions of Mars' past. Amongst the visions stands a sinister figure, but who is he, and why is he so desperate to withhold a secret of epic proportions? With the odds stacked against him by a devastating planet-wide storm, and all contact with Earth lost, Tom must fight to protect the existence of the human race. But how can he confront a dark and treacherous power that threatens to destroy everything the human race has achieved, when the individual behind it turns out to be the person he least expects? "Shattered Truths" is the eagerly awaited sequel to "Dragons in the Sky", and the second installment in the exciting "An'Tsar Trilogy.

Some book signings coming up by the author:

                           The signings are:

Borders, Teesside Park - Thursday 3rd December from 5.30pm

Guisborough Bookshop - Saturday 12th December from 12.30pm

Waterstones, Middlesbrough - Thursday 17th December from 4.30pm

Whitby Bookshop - Saturday 19th December from 12.00pm

                                                  

Pat Walsh - The Crowfield Curse - Book Review

Mr Ripley's Book Review
I love the mix of subjects which the author has used to make this story a really good read. S/he has delved into the world of monks, angels, fays, magic and the great character of Master Bone (a cursed leper). The author manages to weave all of these aspects into a traditional-type spun story, which I believe is written incredibly well. The story is original, with the added religious and dark magic theme, giving the story depth and ambience. The book was actually short-listed for the Time's Children's Competition in 2008, which just shows how good it is.
It is a gripping read, taking you on an adventure which is truly wonderful and thoughtfully executed. I had to put the book down now and again (unfortunately the reality of life and work took over) but every time I left it I wanted to know more, and got excited about finding out what was going to happen next. A stunning read with the use of a great deal of memorable detail. The ending of the book was particularly good, leaving it open for the next installment which I look forward to reading.
I give this book four out of five, only because I believe that book 2 will deliver even greater things. I wonder if it has been started yet? Can't wait to read it!


Book Published by Chicken House -  1st January 2010


Synopsis
It's 1347 and fifteen-year-old Will, an orphan boy, lives at Crowfield Abbey. Sent into the forest to gather wood, he rescues instead, a creature from a trap - a hob, who shares with Will a terrible secret. Somewhere in the forest behind the abbey where he lives,is a grave. And buried deep in the snow is an angel. But how can an angel die? What has it to do with the monks of the Abbey? When two hooded strangers arrive at Crowfield asking questions about the angel's grave. Will is drawn into a world of dangerous Old Magic. The Crowfield Feather was short-listed for the Times Chidren's Fiction Competition in 2008. This is a stunning debut novel and the first of a two part series.

Steve Augarde - X-isle Book Review

Mr Ripley's Book Review

My enthusiasm to get hold of a copy of this book to read, resulted in the nice people at Random House sending out an early copy. As a result I feel incredibly privileged (and nervous) to be one of the first to write a review for this book.

I am glad to say that the anticipation and wait has engaged me in a worthwhile journey. I will be honest and state that I am a very big fan of Steve Augarde's work, after devouring the 'Various' Trilogy. In fact when they came to their sad end, I was not sure that Steve would and could write books that would equal, never mind better them. But Steve has risen to and conquered the challenge; I now embark on my mission to review his exciting and new masterpiece.

Surviving in a world, where most of the land is underwater, pockets of people endeavour to keep themselves alive. Trading becomes common place, everything is traded - even human life. As Rae and Baz, two young boys (only related by association) are traded by their parents to the Eck brothers. Unfortunately the optimism of hope and a better life for their children are not upheld, but of course they aren't aware of this. Instead the brothers' ruthless and sometimes cringe worthy actions, as well as the cruelty embarked upon by Steiner and Hutchinson, enforcers of the Eck brothers and preacher John's rules, persistently taint the boys lives. However circumstances prevail (I don't want to give much away) and moral justice, of a kind, enables wrong-doing to be righted - cloak and dagger jargon to protect the ending of the story.

The story has been imaginatively written, it is original and thought-provoking making it a gripping read. The constant developments within leaves the reader musing, as to whether the expected will actually happen. The abuse endured, both mental and physical, added to the heightened sense of tension and melodrama. One of my favourite aspects of the story involves the depiction of the character Preacher John and his twisted beliefs, which bring the book alive and cement the story. The ingenuity of Rae and Baz's plans never failed to intrigue, their 'back-to-nature' ideas were cleverly devised to produce an outstanding ending.

A super book, one of the best books I've read this year. I loved every page and was left wanting more. Totally emotional and a truly captivating read. I give this book five out of five. I want to know, will there be another book?


Published by David Fickling Books (1 Oct 2009)


Book synopsis

Ever since the floods came and washed the world away, survivors have been desperate to win a place on X Isle, the island where life is rumoured to be easier than on what's left of the mainland. Only young boys are in with a chance, the smaller and lighter the better. Baz and Ray are two of the lucky few to be chosen, but they soon discover that X-Isle is a far cry from paradise. Ruled by Preacher John, a dangerous religious fanatic, it's a violent, unpredictable place where terrible things can happen at any moment. The boys hatch an extraordinary plan in order to protect themselves - the construction of a mighty weapon of defence. But can they complete this weapon in time, and are they really prepared to use it in order to secure their freedom? Powerful and compelling, "X Isle" is a fast-moving thriller that will keep you guessing right to the very end.

About the Author

Steve Augarde was born in Birmingham, but spent most of his life in the West Country, working as an illustrator, paper-engineer, and semi-pro jazz musician. He has written and illustrated over 70 picture-books for younger children, and has produced the paper-engineering for many pop-up books, including those by other artists - as well as providing the artwork and music for two animated BBC television series. His first book for older children, THE VARIOUS, won a Silver Smarties Award in 2003.