Beyond the Deep Woods


Beyond the Deep Woods, 278 pages, ISBN: 0385750684 Stormchaser, 386 pages, ISBN: 0385750706 Paul Stewart & Chris Riddell $12.95 each, David Fickling Books reviewed by Barry Hunter I like to think that no matter how old a person gets there is still a child within, especially when reading a book that brings back the sense of wonder and the sheer joy of finding a character or a creature that brings that feeling to the surface. These books are the first two stories in an overall series called THE EDGE CHRONICLES. In the first volume, Twig finds out that he was raised by the woodtrolls who found him in the woods and raised him, but now it is time for him to seek his fortune outside of the Deepwoods. Twig strays from the path and meets slaughterers, caterbirds, gyle goblins, a banderbear, termagant trolls, and many other creatures. Twig learns during his quest that not all creatures are enemies even if they look scary. By the end of the book, Twig has found the truth of his birth and a home with his father. In STORMCHASER, Twig’s pirate father must chase a storm in order to replace the stormphrax that keeps Sanctaphrax floating at the end of its chain over Undertown. There is plenty of action as double crossing and surprises set things up for the next adventure. The illustrations by Chris Riddell add to the enjoyment of the story and the attractive cover binding is superb. I’m reminded of Arthur Rackham and B.B. Sams and that is a terrific plus for me. I tend to think of THE WIND IN THE WILLOWS as the best example of a book to compare these tales with. These are terrific books for pre-teens all the way up to the adults that, hopefully, will reawaken their joy of reading as well. These are two of the finest fantasies I’ve read lately and I’m sure you will agree.
reviews

Beyond the Deep Woods, 278 pages, ISBN: 0385750684
Stormchaser, 386 pages, ISBN: 0385750706
Paul Stewart & Chris Riddell
$12.95 each, David Fickling Books
reviewed by Barry Hunter

I like to think that no matter how old a person gets there is still a child within, especially when reading a book that brings back the sense of wonder and the sheer joy of finding a character or a creature that brings that feeling to the surface. These books are the first two stories in an overall series called THE EDGE CHRONICLES.

In the first volume, Twig finds out that he was raised by the woodtrolls who found him in the woods and raised him, but now it is time for him to seek his fortune outside of the Deepwoods. Twig strays from the path and meets slaughterers, caterbirds, gyle goblins, a banderbear, termagant trolls, and many other creatures. Twig learns during his quest that not all creatures are enemies even if they look scary. By the end of the book, Twig has found the truth of his birth and a home with his father.

In STORMCHASER, Twig’s pirate father must chase a storm in order to replace the stormphrax that keeps Sanctaphrax floating at the end of its chain over Undertown. There is plenty of action as double crossing and surprises set things up for the next adventure.

The illustrations by Chris Riddell add to the enjoyment of the story and the attractive cover binding is superb. I’m reminded of Arthur Rackham and B.B. Sams and that is a terrific plus for me. I tend to think of THE WIND IN THE WILLOWS as the best example of a book to compare these tales with. These are terrific books for pre-teens all the way up to the adults that, hopefully, will reawaken their joy of reading as well. These are two of the finest fantasies I’ve read lately and I’m sure you will agree.

reviews