Arthur Quinn and Hell's Keeper (The Father of Lies Chronicles) by Alan Early
| Arthur Quinn and Hell's Keeper (The Father of Lies Chronicles) by Alan Early | |
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| Category: Confident Readers | |
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Reviewer: Mary Esther Judy
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| Summary: Arthur Quinn has defeated the World Serpent, lost an eye in battle with the Fenris Wolf, and now he faces Loki's most devious plan and his most dangerous child.... all in a world where 'Arthur Quinn' has never existed. An incredible conclusion to one of the best fantasy series you'll ever read. | |
| Buy? Yes | Borrow? Yes |
| Pages: 384 | Date: August 2013 |
| Publisher: Mercier Press | |
| External links: Author's website | |
| ISBN: 9781781171585 | |
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It’s only been a week since Arthur Quinn returned to his home in Kerry. After defeating the World Serpent, after battling the Fenris Wolf and losing an eye in his efforts, you’d think he’d be glad of the peace, quiet and normality of his old home. But within the week that unsettled feeling is back. The pendant that protects Arthur from the Father of Lies is glowing bright green and the war hammer he found under the streets of Dublin is radiating an insistent warmth as if preparing, once again, for battle. The dreams have returned; dreams of an ancient past in Asgard, dreams warning of terrible events to come. And now, it’s not just Arthur having those dreams. It seems the entire world is seeing the same thing. Loki is on the move.
It doesn’t take long before Loki appears with a most horrible revelation for Arthur, one that changes everything. And when Arthur is whisked off to Asgard, home of the ancient Norse gods, much is explained by those mystic guardians of the truth, the Norns, but just as much is left hidden. Arthur plummets back into a very different Dublin, one flooded and left in an apocalyptic nightmare. Loki is ensconced in the President’s mansion in Phoenix Park. People have been captured and herded like animals into sports stadiums. Those few (mostly children) who resist the new world order must stay hidden, constantly changing location. Arthur has returned to a world where ‘Arthur Quinn’ has never existed and no one, not even his own father or closest allies, have the slightest idea who he is. He must convince his old friends, Ash, Max, Ellie and Ex that he is on their side. And, once more, it’s up to Arthur to save the world from Loki’s most devious plan and his most dangerous child. This is the final battle.
With his trademark descriptiveness and exceptional knowledge of ancient Norse mythology, Alan Early has brought the Father of Lies chronicles to a dramatic and positively thrilling conclusion. If you have wondered (as I have all along)- why Arthur Quinn? - what is it about this kid? - this is the book that reveals the reason. And you’ll never see it coming. The carefully knit relationships throughout the series are carried through here to great effect, and we are given unique insight into the bonds of friendship and family, as well as conflict. Every action, every emotion is tangible without being overworked.
Early has painted a textural picture of the time, place and people that you don’t so much believe as feel. The action and storyline weave together and dip and dive to create a positively remarkable read. The reader is pulled along in the story with expert timing and movement through to a most dynamic end. Arthur Quinn and Hell’s Keeper will keep you hooked and on the edge of your seat. It will leave you wanting more, but sadly this is the end.
The Father of Lies Chronicles not only brings Viking lore into the forefront of children’s fantasy literature; it sets it firmly in a contemporary world. Be prepared, this is quite simply one of the best novels; in fact, one of the most stunning series, you will ever read. An incredible conclusion.
Of course, if you haven't already, you must read Arthur Quinn and the World Serpent and Arthur Quinn and the Fenris Wolf, both by Alan Early. I also strongly suggest Runemarks and Runelight by Joanne Harris for more Viking lore brought to life. You might also enjoy Twelve Nights by Andrew Zurcher.
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You can read more book reviews or buy Arthur Quinn and Hell's Keeper (The Father of Lies Chronicles) by Alan Early at Amazon.co.uk Amazon currently charges £2.99 for standard delivery for orders under £20, over which delivery is free.
You can read more book reviews or buy Arthur Quinn and Hell's Keeper (The Father of Lies Chronicles) by Alan Early at Amazon.com.
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