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A
wealth of wizards
Even
if, by some strange magic, you have managed to miss the publicity
surrounding the arrival of the latest book in the Harry Potter series,
a quick look at the bestseller lists would confirm that J K Rowling's
novels are riding sky-high in the supernatural fiction stakes.
Yet,
in a brave move, G P Taylor's Shadowmancer , a fantasy tale of courageous
deeds and sorcery, has been released to coincide with the publication
of The Order of the Phoenix.
Comparisons
will inevitably be made, particularly since Shadowmancer is also
aimed at older children and features teenage heroes.
In
fact, Shadowmancer is different in many respects.
About
the story
Set
in the 1700s, the story tells of Thomas
and Kate's battle against an evil magistrate and vicar, Obadiah
Demurral, and takes place in smuggling country around Whitby.
Readers
can follow the action by means of a charming map showing villages
overlooking the 'German Ocean'.
Demurral
is determined to use witchcraft and the supernatural in his quest
for ultimate power.
This
brings him into conflict with Thomas, Kate and their mysterious
friend, Raphah, who offers a tantalising glimpse of another country
and culture.
Appraisal
The
book is an intriguing mix of fantasy and adventure story. However,
a seamless link between the two elements seems to be lacking in
the early part of the novel.
In
general, the narrative seems to gain momentum as it progresses,
providing a more natural-sounding dialogue, and a lighter touch
in the occasional flashes of humour.
In
Thomas and Kate, the author has created two attractive heroes who
will, no doubt, feature in further adventures.
In
fact, Taylor teasingly introduces a few more characters who may
well merit adventures of their own in future books.
There
are strong moral and religious elements in the book. Alongside the
major contest between good and evil, and between god and the devil,
Taylor
poses challenging questions about racism and class division. Whilst
there are obvious similarities here with J K Rowling's books, the
styles are very different.
Through
sheer weight of detail, Rowling has built a whole new world that
has become as familiar as our own. Taylor, on the other hand, offers
very little explanation for his fantastic creatures.
He
just describes, and asks us to imagine and accept. He mixes the
supernatural with the earthly and comes up with an ultimately exciting
book.
Commendation
Shadowmancer
would certainly appeal to a wide audience.
Reviewer:
Suzanne High
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