Reviews: (by author)

(2 Reviews)

Stewart, Paul and Chris Riddell. Stormchaser: The Edge Chronicles. Great Britain: Corgi, 2000. £4.99. ISBN 0-552-54628-3. 394pp.

Stormchaser is a wonderfully creative second in The Edge Chronicle series based on the adventures of a young boy named Twig. Set in a mystical land called Edgewater where creatures of all sorts roam Undertown and the brains of the lands study and learn, floating directly above on a chained island called Sanctaphrax. Here is where the dilemma arises; this island has fallen under Vilnix Pompolnius's bad leadership. He has depleted all of the weight balancing stormphrax and polluted the drinking water in the process. The island of Sanctaphrax has become so light and unstable that the chain will eventually break. Afraid that Sanctaphrax would be lost forever, the Professor of Light and Professor of Darkness commission Cloud Wolf and his mighty sky ship, the Stormchaser, to follow the Great Storm and bring back the stormphrax. As the journey begins Twig, the young apprentice and son to the great Cloud Wolf, is kidnapped and used as bait for mutiny. The story continues through twists and turns as Twig faces many challenges both in air and on land.

Twig's personal growth throughout the story carries the plot. The book opens with a young clumsy, questioning boy who through many unseen parallels becomes confident and well, you will have to read the book.

Paul Stewart and Chris Riddell do an excellent job of creating a fantasy world. A world filled with strange characters that could easily fit in our world today. I enjoyed the Stormchaser and will probably pick up the other two.

Dawn Brophy, April 2004

 

Stewart, Paul and Chris Riddell. Beyond the Deepwoods: The Edge Chronicles. London: David Fickling Book, 1998. $12.95. ISBN 0-385-75068-4. 278pp.

Beyond the Deepwoods is an extremely creative story about a boy named Twig who learns he was found in the forest by Woodtrolls and raised as one of their own. Twig never fits into the Woodtroll community and is aware of his physical difference. He is sent to live with an aunt by his parents to avoid being recruited by Sky Pirates. Sky Pirates are similar to pirates on the sea but their ship floats through the sky. This book records his adventures when he strays off the path and gets lost in the dark woods. Twig encounters many dwellers there and is in constant danger. By the end of the book Twig discovers his destiny and a new life.

This book is a constant adventure. Every chapter Twig encounters a battle for his life. There is never a dull moment. The illustrations help the reader envision the unusual creatures Twig meets.

The fantasy world that Paul Stewart and Chris Riddell create is exciting and fun. This book shows how someone alone can overcome obstacles at any age. Beyond the Deepwoods is enjoyable and I would highly recommend it. I look forward to reading more of Twig’s adventures.

Highly recommended
Tracy L. Frie, October 2004

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