This is the perfect book to read this summer. It's a story of dreams told straight from the author's head on a perfect day walking along the local beach. The lure of treasure washed up by the tide has formed this brilliant story into a magical marvel. It's an atmospheric holiday adventure that you will not be able to put down. The book will be published on the 2nd of May by Walker Books with a brilliant and striking book cover image by George Ermos. I'd buy it just for the enticing cover alone.
The book is set in Eerie on Sea and follows a wonderful pair of characters called Herbie and Violet. Both of whom find themselves washed up together in the basement of the Grand Nautilus Hotel with the cries of "Help Me". High on an adventure and, with a mystery to solve, the detecting duo set out in a swirl of mist and crashing waves to uncover the disappearance of Violet's parents. You will hurtle into a fantastically written heroic story full of quirky and creative imagination that is the trademark of Thomas Taylor. I particularly loved the names of the characters and places; the great whimsical play on words really made me chuckle.
A trip to the Eerie Book Dispensary uncovers the legend of the Malamander but could it really be true? What does this have to do with Violet's missing parents? This for me is when the magic comes together. With the mix of the mythical beast (the Malamander) and a meremonkey, it sets the riddles going and the fantasy hunger racing. The story is fraught with perilous danger and a howling wind as the characters discover that Violet's missing parents might have something to do with the legendary sea-monster (the Malamander) and a local writer called Sebastian Eels. This is the evil villain and he plays his part really well. Also, look out for Boathook man, lurking in the misty shadows. These provide the perfect backdrop for the story as it is laced with a Whitby gothic eerieness that will plunge the reader into the darkness of folklore and mayhem.
You will absolutely crash through this brilliant book as you ride the waves on a vortex of magical fantasy. All of which come crashing down, at various points, with the spray of intrigue and danger. You will dig up beach treasures including glass that sparkles light on the search of clues to uncover the truth. It's a feast of a plot that will certainly make you want to eat fish and chips at SEEGOL'S DINER. Especially to console yourself when the story reaches the climatic and brilliant ending.
This story is full of hope and eccentric characters; it sucks you into the immersive world and catapults the reader into fantasy oblivion. It's a story that will be read and loved. Hopefully, more are to be written in the future. In the meantime, book your trip to the seaside town of Eerie on Sea. Pre-order here NOW BEFORE the Malamander strikes.
