Wereworld: Rise Of The Wolf by Curtis Jobling (Puffin, 2011, PB, £6.99, out now) Every now and then a genre can be reinvigorated by a title. Fantasy for younger readers is one such genre, and is in constant flux, changing and developing constantly – dictated either by publishers reacting to market trends or by authors […]
Bloodborn by Nathan Long (published by Black Library, 2010, PB, £7.99) Bloodborn is the author’s first step away from the cult characters of Gotrek and Felix, with this first spin-off book following the vampire Ulrika. Though initially quite ponderous, after the first couple of chapters Long really takes Ulrika’s character into his own stride and moulds […]
Heart’s Blood by Juliet Marillier (published by Tor, 2010, PB, £7.99, out now) Beauty and the Beast meets Jane Eyre in this gothic fantasy. The story is engaging, although too well signposted to surprise, and protagonist Caitrin is plucky and articulate. Much better than its cover. Helen Jackson, Animator, Show Them Pictures, www.showthempictures.com
Just what is the WyrmeWeald? If you haven’t succumbed yet to the spectacular WyrmeWeald: Returner’s Wealth, then you’ll be curious as to what all this fuss is about. Allow me to enlighten you. WyrmeWeald is the latest fantasy creation of Paul Stewart and Chris Riddell, they of the Edge Chronicles. The setting is a dust-bowl […]
Mortlock by Jon Mayhew (Bloomsbury, PB £6.99, out now) Every now and then a book comes along that blows your mind. Mortlock, by the very talented storyteller, Jon Mayhew, is the latest to impress. It’s billed as a Teen Fiction book (a burgeoning genre in itself) but it would stand proudly next to any book in […]
The Heroes by Joe Abercrombie (Gollancz, HB/TPB £14.99, out now) Abercrombie’s latest belter takes place during a bloody three-day battle between the “North Men” and “the Union” – although this being an Abercrombie book neither side is portrayed as being the more worthy. This novel is everything you’d expect from JA, who’s fast becoming one […]