The Eye of the North

It is always a pleasure to meet characters who immediately demand attention. Enter Emmeline Widget, daughter of scientist parents who are almost always absent. Then there is Thing, a boy with no other name and a mysterious past. Emmeline is convinced her parents are trying to poison her and has spent her life preparing for every eventuality. When a letter arrives with the news that her parents are dead. Emmeline must leave Widget Manor for the first time. It is the start of an adventure in which Emmeline and Thing must save the world.

The action is non-stop and relentless as our two protagonists face not just one villain but a number of characters all with the same goal; immortality and control of the Kraken. However, the author handles her narrative with dexterity carrying the reader with her, juggling between each character so the different storylines work in parallel before meeting. The story is incident packed, perhaps too packed, but it makes for a rich and truly immersive experience with a satisfying conclusion. There is a wide cast to enjoy in cameo – Madame Blanchefleur, Igimaq and the wonderful Meadowmane, an Aesirsmount, a horse of the gods. This is not a novel to demand deep thought; this is a wild, imaginative adventure to carry one away in the company of characters one would like to meet again. Here is a new young author to watch.