The Chime Seekers

Yanni hates his new home – stuck out in the middle of nowhere, and he hates his baby sister – the cuckoo in the nest as far as he is concerned. He just wants things to go back as they were. Out of his anger he makes a wish – and it happens. It is All Hallows Eve, the fabric between the world and the faerie world is thin. Baby Ari is taken by the faerie Lord Renwin and a Changeling left in her place. Is this what Yanni really wants? How can he rescue Ari and return the changeling Lari before the faerie gate closes?

This is a true quest and coming-of-age narrative that makes use of all the traditional  elements – the wager, the journey, the riddling element, the glamours – but there are touches that ensure it also belongs to the contemporary world of its readers; the computer game that Yanni’s cousin Amy plays provides Yanni with a useful guide. And it is very necessary. This faery world is full of danger and deception. The adventure is fast paced and immersive; this is a book where you want to keep turning the pages – and not just for the excitement and jeopardy. The characters themselves – Yanni, Amy even Larry – step off the page and become true companions. This may be seen as a fantasy but at its heart the author is looking at family relationships, friendships, displacement, identity, self-belief, choice and the emotions that can govern and overwhelm. The result is a very satisfying package where the contemporary meets the traditional (the river of blood that runs through the faery world, the tombstones that come alive, a nod to Dr Who, perhaps). Montgomery’s prose is well paced and lively. Dialogue, just enough description to inspire the imagination and a varied vocabulary make this a pleasure to read ensuring the plot moves swiftly and consistently. An extremely satisfying addition to any shelf and one to recommend.