Imagine a world where people have lived in harmony with nature for so long that some humans are now able to listen to the thoughts of other animals, and some animals are able to communicate with humans. This is the world created by Nicola Davies, but it is a world threatened by the rise of the Automators, a group who view nature as the enemy and who want to exploit the planet’s resources and persecute Listeners.
This is a book written for children and teenagers, and is a
hugely enjoyable adventure with a dark message of impending ecocide. The
opening chapter is a breath-taking ride in itself, and there are moments
throughout where I had to stop and take stock, with some challenging scenes and
moments of peril which I wasn’t entirely expecting!
While this is clearly a children’s book, I was completely
drawn into the world created and fully invested in the core characters –
siblings Harlon and Ash are fantastic protagonists, and Skrimsli, the Ice Ship
captain who just happens to be a tiger, is one of the best characters I’ve come
across since Iorek Byrnison in Philip Pullman’s Northern Lights.
Featuring a cover, map, and chapter head illustrations by
Jackie Morris, this is a thrilling eco-epic – I’ll definitely be recommending
it as a gift for older children with a love of adventure stories, or an
interest in environmental issues.
- Paul
Hardback, £14.99. Find this in the Children's section!
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