Well I've just devoured the latest book by Dave Freer - Changeling's Island, and it is a doozy.
Well I've just devoured the latest book by Dave Freer - Changeling's Island, and it is a doozy.
First, it is set very close to home for me - a mere hop step and jump to the other end of the continent, and then across one of the most treacherous bodies of water in the world. But for all of that distance, Dave's portrayal of Finder's Island is very familiar.
While we do not have any permanently settled islands like it over here in the West, there are many places here that have the same feel. "Down by the old Muir place" will be perfectly understood in certain SW towns, never mind that the Muir family has not owned it for over 80 years... And being a local has to be earned - some people have been there generations, and are still "newcomers", while others become locals within months.
Second, The story is wonderful - the characters are engaging, the history is treated with sympathy and supported by good research. Our hero is not perfect, and Dave has picked just the right amount of stubbornness, whine, and pride for a very real feeling teenaged boy. The rest of the characters are just as well written, and the villains of the piece are subtle. No dark lords to be found here!
Third, it is paced well, and ends just when it should, but leaves you wanting to come back.
And, above all, you can feel the love Dave has for The Island. He (and his family) have been there just over five years now, and you can tell that he's home. You can read about their real-life adventures here: http://flindersfreer.blogspot.com.au
9.7/10 and a cuppa with your favourite grandparents and some mates on the Sid and Nancy scale.
http://www.webscription.net/p-2925-changelings-island-earc.aspx
First, it is set very close to home for me - a mere hop step and jump to the other end of the continent, and then across one of the most treacherous bodies of water in the world. But for all of that distance, Dave's portrayal of Finder's Island is very familiar.
While we do not have any permanently settled islands like it over here in the West, there are many places here that have the same feel. "Down by the old Muir place" will be perfectly understood in certain SW towns, never mind that the Muir family has not owned it for over 80 years... And being a local has to be earned - some people have been there generations, and are still "newcomers", while others become locals within months.
Second, The story is wonderful - the characters are engaging, the history is treated with sympathy and supported by good research. Our hero is not perfect, and Dave has picked just the right amount of stubbornness, whine, and pride for a very real feeling teenaged boy. The rest of the characters are just as well written, and the villains of the piece are subtle. No dark lords to be found here!
Third, it is paced well, and ends just when it should, but leaves you wanting to come back.
And, above all, you can feel the love Dave has for The Island. He (and his family) have been there just over five years now, and you can tell that he's home. You can read about their real-life adventures here: http://flindersfreer.blogspot.com.au
9.7/10 and a cuppa with your favourite grandparents and some mates on the Sid and Nancy scale.
http://www.webscription.net/p-2925-changelings-island-earc.aspx
Might have to see if I can track down a copy and some time to read. I just realised it's been a year or so since I picked up a book (not really counting reading to the kids even if 11yo is going through what Pratchett I have).
ReplyDeleteBaen have the e-ARC for 15usd...
ReplyDelete