Edge Chronicles 8: The Winter Knights (Edge Chronicles, The)

Average customer rating:

A band of friends joins forces to prevent trouble in this riveting adventure

The Quint Saga continues

Another great installation

Edge fans will love this one...

Endless adventures on the Edge

Edge Chronicles 8: The Winter Knights (Edge Chronicles, The)
Paul Stewart , and Chris Riddell
Manufacturer: David Fickling Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Action & Adventure | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
Science Fiction, Fantasy, & Magic | Science Fiction, Fantasy, Mystery & Horror | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
General | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
General | Ages 9-12 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
Edge Chronicles | Fantasy & Adventure | Series | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
Stewart, Paul | ( S ) | Authors & Illustrators, A-Z | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

Edge Chronicles 7: Freeglader (Edge Chronicles, The)

Edge Chronicles 9: Clash of the Sky Galleons (Edge Chronicles, The)

Vox (The Edge Chronicles, Book 6)

The Last of the Sky Pirates (The Edge Chronicles, Book 5)

The Curse of the Gloamglozer (The Edge Chronicles, Book 4)

ASIN: 0375837418
Release Date: 2007-02-13

Book Description

In the great floating city of Sanctaphrax, blizzards howl through the streets as the Edgeworld descends into an endless winter. Quint, the son of a sky pirate, has just begun his training at the Knights Academy—training that involves heading out over the Edge on tethers to develop his flying skills. But when Quint breaks the rules and heads out to Open Sky on his own, he runs into the great sky leviathans known as cloud-eaters and must use all his skill and ingenuity if catastrophe is not to strike the Edgeworld. . . .

Customer Reviews:

A band of friends joins forces to prevent trouble in this riveting adventure.......2007-04-14

THE WINTER KNIGHTS, telling of a giant city home to the Edgeworld's academics and headed by the Knights Academy where the best come to study. Student Quint, son of a sky pirate, faces his first year and the cold of winter: when disaster strikes, a band of friends joins forces to prevent trouble in this riveting adventure. Both will prove popular picks with their eye-catching covers and fantasy-based action.

The Quint Saga continues.......2007-03-19

"The Winter Knights" is another must-read installment of the amazing series "The Edge Chronicles". Picking up the story from the end of The Curse of the Gloamglozer (The Edge Chronicles, Book 4), this penultimate book of the Quint Saga covers the apprenticeship of young Quintinius Verginix at the prestigious Knights Academy, where he is chosen to continue his studies as the protégé of the Professor of Light.

Separated from his friend Maris and also from his father, Quint makes some new friends, and at least one bitter and dangerous enemy. The first part of the book deals with normal school endeavors such as prowlgrin rearing, skycraft model making and home room, but the Knights Academy is also riddled with intrigue, corruption and deceit, with conspirators lurking around every corner.

Winter has settled on Sanctaphrax, and the Hall Master of High Cloud is predicting the arrival of a Great Storm. Unfortunately, it's been a long time coming, and the cold is taking its toll on the floating rock. One after the other, the brave Knights Academic set off in their ships to retrieve precious stormphrax, without which the great rock would break loose of its moorings and float off to Open Sky.

It's soon up to Quint and his friends, the so-called "Winter Knights" to save the day, and the second part of the story is the most gripping, action-packed and bloody of the series so far. Murder, mayhem and treachery mixed with fierce battles and monster hunting lead to a cliff-hanger ending. If you're a fan of The Edge Chronicles, this is not one to be missed.

Amanda Richards, March 18, 2007

The Curse of the Gloamglozer (The Edge Chronicles, Book 4)

Another great installation.......2007-03-15

The Winter Nights (Edge Chronicles #8) is another great installation to the series. What I love about this book and the rest of the series is that each book could easily stand on its own or be read in any order, but when you put them all together, details from one or another book come out, showing the in depth connection of everything that happens in life.

As an adult I would definatly recommend this book to other adults as well as children.

Edge fans will love this one..........2006-05-04

I actually ordered this book from Amazon.uk-- couldn't wait for the latest installment in the Edge Chronicles to be released in the USA.

I thought this was one of the best Edge books. A caution-- these books aren't appropriate for very young children. Older kids will really enjoy them. (Adults, too!)

Endless adventures on the Edge.......2006-04-30

If you like to go into the impossible and dare to go into danger, this is the book for you. This book talks about Quint, an apprentice of two of the most powerful people around where he lives. He figures out a way to save his beloved floating city (Sanctaphrax) from flowing into an eternal winter. As you continue reading, Quint's life starts to unveil itself, and he does things he never thought he could do before. The Winter Knights is a guaranteed page turner!

The Last of the Sky Pirates (The Edge Chronicles, Book 5)

Average customer rating:

A Startling Change
More than it seems
The Last of the Sky Pirates (The Edge Chronicles, Book 5) by Paul Stuart
The sequel to Midnight Over Sanctaphrax
I love this book! But add a caution regarding young readers

The Last of the Sky Pirates (The Edge Chronicles, Book 5)
Paul Stewart , and Chris Riddell
Manufacturer: David Fickling Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Action & Adventure | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Ages 9-12 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

Look Inside Children's Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 0385750781
Release Date: 2005-06-28

Book Description

A dramatic and exuberant fantasy adventure filled with colourful and imaginative characters and illustrated with exquisite detail.

Fifty years after the floating city of Sanctaphrax was swept away, the Edgeworld has changed for the worse. Cruel shrykes control the great Mire Road, while slave labour is endemic.

When a young apprentice knight-academic, Rook, sets out on a perilous journey through the Deepwoods, he meets a mysterious stranger living with the banderbears and is propelled right into the middle of a dangerous adventure in which a small group of fighters must challenge the dark might of the Guardians of the Night.

Customer Reviews:

A Startling Change.......2007-05-11

In the fifth installment of the Edge Chronicles, The Last of the Sky Pirates, the story continues with Rook Barkwater, a librarian. Chosen for a quest by the librarian knights, he must travel across the land to reach his goal, along with two other companions. I found the sudden shift of characters both abrupt and irritating. I had been looking forward to Twig's future, but instead Stewart brought about Twig's downfall and started a new character. Though I found this sequel disappointing, the plot does seem to have the usual "dose" that Stewart injects into his books. There's plenty of action and adventure to keep the reader occupied.

More than it seems.......2007-05-07

I have to disagree with the editorial review that "There's not a lot of substance here". While the edge chronicles are full of icky creatures and battles, there is a lot more going on. What I love about these books is how imaginative they are. I love how every culture has a different way of life. In fact, I would say the underlying theme of these books is exploring ways of living..and how those way change with things like environmental destruction.
I would say that these books have as much "substance" as most adult books that I read (I am 24 years old). In fact, my friends and I have been discussing the philosophy of The Edge Chronicles since we started reading them. I have truly enjoy these books and I will be sad when I finish reading them all.

The Last of the Sky Pirates (The Edge Chronicles, Book 5) by Paul Stuart.......2005-09-27

The Last of the Sky Pirates was a great fantasy/adventure story. I especialy liked the way Paul Stuart connected the first few books in the series to the latest few. I can't wiat for the next books in the series to come out!
Annomus Writer sining off!

The sequel to Midnight Over Sanctaphrax.......2005-08-09

When I finished book 4, "The Curse of the Gloamglozer", I realized that the stage had been set for an incredible book 5. Thankfully, the books in this series come out much more quickly than the ones from J. K. Rowling , so I didn't have long to wait for "The Last of the Sky Pirates", the best in the series so far.

Set fifty years after "Midnight Over Sanctaphrax" (book 3), it doesn't continue from book 4, the first chronologically in the series, which sounds awfully confusing, but actually isn't. The Edge is a totally different place, with the mighty sky ships unable to fly, and New Sanctaphrax barely teetering on wooden supports after the dreaded stone sickness destroys the buoyant floating rocks. The Librarian Academics have been driven underground into the sewers, where they have constructed a vast library of scientific studies, and are forced to send worthy young scholars on covert and perilous missions for training, before they complete their life's quest by studying and documenting their chosen field of nature study.

In this book we follow the trail of young Rook Barkwater, a clever young under-librarian who is destined to become a Librarian Knight, doing research on the secret gatherings of banderbears, to whom he feels an unexplainable connection. His mission is dangerous and exciting, filled with wonderfully named, described and illustrated creatures that would otherwise defy the imagination.

During his thrilling adventures, he meets Captain Twig, who was thought to have perished with his crew in book 3, and begins a whole new adventure to rescue Twig's friend Cowlquape from the prisons of the Most High Guardian of Night, the villainous scoundrel of this episode.

Just as dark as the other books, but with a lot more action and adventure, I recommend this one heartily to fans of the series, but would advise newcomers to read at least books 1 to 3 first.

Amanda Richards, August 8, 2005

I love this book! But add a caution regarding young readers.......2005-06-30

This series is amazing-- I love it! The author/illustrator collaboration is really special. I even ordered two books from the United Kingdom Amazon because they won't be published here for a few more months. :)

A caution: some of the Edge Chronicles are very dark/have imagery which may be too disturbing for young readers. (For example, an earlier book features a serial killer who chops off the toes of his victims and keeps them in a massive pile! Yikes! A chilling moment for readers.) This book is the first of 3 volumes which follow the story of Rook Barkwater, a young librarian knight. The Rook Barkwater books seemed less disturbing to me than some of the earlier books. They are really enjoyable, full of endearing characters and heroism. So... if your kids are old enough, you may really enjoy reading the Edge Chonicles together.

Edge Chronicles 1: Beyond the Deepwoods (Edge Chronicles, The)

Average customer rating:

A fun, fast moving adventure story
It's Bound to be Good!
Not much substance
The Deepwoods have been entered
The Deepwoods have been entered

Edge Chronicles 1: Beyond the Deepwoods (Edge Chronicles, The)
Paul Stewart
Manufacturer: David Fickling Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Action & Adventure | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Ages 9-12 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

ASIN: 0385750684
Release Date: 2004-06-22

Amazon.com

The U.S. gets a tremendous treat with the introduction of the Edge Chronicles, a fantastic boy-meets-world saga from British author-illustrator team Paul Stewart and Chris Riddell.

An un-traditional coming-of-age story, the Edge Chronicles begins with Beyond the Deepwoods, in which our put-upon protagonist, Twig (a misplaced human boy who's being raised by woodtrolls) gets a hint of his true heritage, sheds his Deepwoods upbringing, and does the unthinkable: He strays from the path. Alone for the first time and surviving by his wits, Twig must surmount all manner of perils to pursue a destiny that is whisperingly, mysteriously promised to him "beyond the Deepwoods." From one frying pan to the next (but never quite into the fire) Twig either bests or befriends a ferocious, Carroll-esque menagerie of Deepwoods denizens--from foul-mouthed halitoads and red-faced slaughterers to galumphing banderbears and piranha-Tribble wig-wigs.

Paul Stewart lays the foundation for some pretty terrific storytelling in this first book--only hinting at what lies ahead in this world where rocks float and sky pirates ride the sky above--but the contribution of illustrator Chris Riddell can't be overstated. Whether in the jowly cheeks of the gyle goblins' Grossmother or the menacing gaze of the supra-evil Gloazgomer, Riddell (an accomplished political cartoonist) manages to match Stewart's descriptions blow-for-blow in evocative pen-and-ink. Grownups and kids alike will rush to the store to pick up the second adventure, the tantalizingly titled Stormchaser . (Ages 9 to 12) --Paul Hughes

Book Description

Young Twig lives in the Deepwoods, among the Woodtrolls, but he isn’t one of them. In a brave attempt to find out where he belongs, Twig wanders into the mysterious, dangerous world beyond the Deepwoods. He meets a collection of odd companions, such as his wise guardian, the Caterbird; the Slaughterers, a peaceful race who butcher animals for their livelihood; and the vicious, bile-swilling Rotsucker. Always watching out for the horrible Gloamglozer, whose presence haunts the thoughts of all the inhabitants of The Edge, Twig steadfastly pursues his quest until he discovers his roots, not among the trees, but in the skies. . . .

Customer Reviews:

A fun, fast moving adventure story.......2007-08-06

This is a fun read with great detailed illustrations. The story of Twig and his adventures as he leaves his adopted Wood Troll family and travels through the Deepwoods is jam packed with unusual creatures and characters. There is some angst as Twig feels deserted by everyone, but do not expect much meditation here. There is just too many predicaments to get out of.

It's Bound to be Good!.......2007-07-28

There's something about the binding of certain books that leads one to judge a book by its cover. Something tactile in the unequally sized pages that - instead of shouting "sloppy, shoddy workmanship!" as one would if odds and ends of scrap material lined every ridge of a brand new automobile, one tends to rifle through the slightly mismatched pages for the sheer enjoyment of that feeling. Something of mystery, enigma, and power in the ragged edges of the page - as if one was uncovering a secret tome with deep wisdoms hidden within, and certainly not browsing through a commercial publication at a well-stocked bookshop.

Before a word has been read, you're already wandering into a fantasy land.

I could not imagine reading Lemony Snicket without just such a binding - the words would be the same and would still have their considerable charm, but the work would still seem diminished in a paperback format.

I actually think Beyond the Deepwoods would stand up to that challenge marginally better - but that's not a decision I would like to have to make.

I was absorbed in this work from the moment I first picked it up, caught and bound by the binding as it were, and no less ensnared by Chris Riddell's artwork. As everyone knows, it is not wise to judge a book by its cover, and so I skimmed through the book itself (the uneven pages demanded this, of course.) Line drawings abound, and really help bring you into the Edgelands. Certainly, when reading the actual words, the spell that has been cast thus far is not broken.

It is a simple work at its core - a boy on the verge of becoming a young man, in search of his parentage - but that does not detract. It is not that key plot that I focus on, it is the trappings and wonder of the world itself that is fascinating. I could visualize the flora and the fauna, and found myself enjoying the environment through which the aforementioned boy travelled more than anything else. Perhaps that could be explained by my own interest in things natural that surround me, but I tend to think a good part of that came from the style of writing itself. Like the binding itself, and like the light comic touch to the illustrators pen, the words helped to build the world and allow me to immerse myself in it.

And that, I believe, is the point of any work of art.

Not much substance.......2007-05-17

I can't speak for the entire series, only the first book. It starts great, introducing a strange new world filled with dangerous creatures and flying ships. Unfortunately, the strange new world is about all this book has to offer. The main character ("Twig") is interesting, and has a lot of potential, but doesn't develop at all over the course of the book. Twig's journey has a great beginning, but much of what happens doesn't amount to anything beyond a series of oddly patched together action sequences. Even then, it's difficult to understand how the world is connected geographically. Possibly these have a larger meaning in the scope of the series, but for this book, they seemed like a tiring substitute for an actual plot. There's no progression - Twig stumbles from one random danger into the next. The reader could literally skip all but the first and last chapter and still get the main plot of the book (which in itself is a fairly tired, somewhat hackneyd feeling cliche for this genre).

Hopefully the series gets better, but why spend time on something that appears so thrown together when there are other great series out there that have wonderful character development and plot substance?

The Deepwoods have been entered.......2007-04-01

This book is very surprising, and leaves you on the edge of your seat. This story is about a boy named Twig, who learns that he was droped off in a village, and has to go through the Deepwoods before the Gloomglazer comes and kills him. There is alot of action in this story , but the main setting is in the Deepwoods. While in the deepwoods Twig strays from the path and meets strange and scary people he has never known about like the Goblins, wig wigs, and huge spiders. While he gets droped down a well, and get chased by unwelcome guests. But in between all this my favorite part is when Twig meets a Bander bear, and they become friends. That is until a very bad accident. There are alot of problems in this story but, the biggest problem is trying to make it out of the Deepwoods,by watching and making sure not to get attacked by Gloomglzers. In the end Twig gets tricked by a Gloomglazer, and also Twig gets help by an old friend. Yhe end of this book keeps you guessing. I reccomend this book to kids who like adveture.

The Deepwoods have been entered.......2007-04-01

Edge Chronicles 3: Midnight Over Sanctaphrax (Edge Chronicles, The)

Average customer rating:

Grandpa Reads Grandson Reads
Missing Page
just a good book
.) .) My heart beats fast, I want it to last .) .)
Speechless

Edge Chronicles 3: Midnight Over Sanctaphrax (Edge Chronicles, The)
Paul Stewart , and Chris Riddell
Manufacturer: David Fickling Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Action & Adventure | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Ages 9-12 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

ASIN: 0385750722
Release Date: 2004-09-14

Book Description

SANCTAPHRAX WILL BE destroyed by the energy of the Mother Storm. . . .

Far over the Edge, the Mother Storm is brewing—a storm more terrifying than any seen in the lifetime of any Edgelander. Sweeping in from the open sky, it must strike the source of the Edgewater River to bring new energy to the land. But in its way is Sanctaphrax, a magnificent city built on a floating rock and tethered to the land by a massive chain. Only one person can save the Edgelands from certain disaster: Twig, the young sky pirate captain who dared to sail over the Edge—and returned with his memory shattered and his crew flung far and wide. But to recover his memory and take action, Twig must first find his lost crew. And this means a journey back into the Deepwoods, and beyond. . . .

“As before, Stewart’s descriptions are brilliant; Riddell’s line drawings are exquisitely detailed and notably grotesque. . . . Altogether this series is so exceptional that if I had any chance of collecting, I’d bet good money on it still being in print a century from now. . . . When’s the next book coming?”—Interzone

“Fabulously illustrated. . . .”—The Sunday Times

“Richly inventive. . . .”—Literary Review

Customer Reviews:

Grandpa Reads Grandson Reads.......2007-01-12

The Edge series is just the ticket for a grandpa to read to his near teenaged grandson. The main theme is "Quest." The story holds its own against the high tech toys that command my grandson's attention. The wonderful drawings inform, helps to "see" the action. Believe me there is constant action, constant
challenges to our hero. It is a balanced tale about Twig's mistakes and triumphs. Paul Stewart is a master craftsman with the language. Encourages me to re-read passages that are so well written.

Missing Page.......2006-07-24

The book itself was great. I loved it. However, the book is missing a page. The pages go 225, 226, 229, 228, 229. There is another copy of page 229 instead of page 227. That is why I gave it a 4 star rating. Fortunately, you can still understand what happened even without this page.

just a good book.......2006-05-14

I think that midnight over santaphrax is a great book. Yes, so it is the last of twig's adventures, well at least know. but overall it is a super good book. any edge chronicle fan would enjoy it. i know i did and i am now on the 8th book.

.) .) My heart beats fast, I want it to last .) .).......2006-04-19

This is DEFINTELY the best Edge Chronicle ever. Twig has now fully matured (his hair is as awesome as ever) and he must embark on a mission to save his crew, which has been dispersed by the Mother Storm. Even if most of it isn't told from Twig's POV (meet Cowlquape, the biggest loser in Sanctaphrax) it's still nice to hear about Twig.

This book is pretty episodic, with Twig jumping from one place to another. Unlike "Beyond the Deepwoods" there is a purpose for all this because Twig is trying to find his crew members. In this book Twig travels everywhere: Sanctaphrax, Undertown, Great Shryke Slave Market, and ultimately Riverrise, the holiest place on the Edge. All the while he is accompanied by Cowlquape, who is such a loser it's almost insulting to Twig. Nevertheless, his patheticness makes Twig seem even larger than larger-than life, and I appreciate this.

Edge Fans (and especially Twig fans) like me will be sad to see the brave young captain for the last time. It's so sad that it has to end here. The next time we meet him he is a brave OLD captain and his hair isn't the same :(

P.S. the period/parenthesis arrangement at the top is my pathetic attempt at musical notes. It's not easy one a computer, you know!

Speechless.......2006-01-25

Would you like to go on an action-packed adventure on a flying ship that is sailing into a storm and possibly over the edge of existance? Then this book is for you.

Harry Potter aside, I've never read a fantasy novel more original. The first three installments of these series will have you hooked. You won't be able to put the books down.

In the first installment, Twig is a young boy raised by a woodtroll clan who gets lost in the dangerous Deep Woods and goes on a topsy-turvy adventure you won't want to miss. Man-eating trees, wild wolves, giant insects, gloamglozers -- who would want to miss that?

The second and third installments are twice the fun and we leave Captain Twig at the height of his grandest adventure. But the magic stops here. Be warned, folks. As the books continue on, they get less and less orginal and the stories are not at all as marvelous as they started out. They become repetitive and watered-down. To tell the absolute truth, the series should have stopped after this one. It would have been fine the way it was.

But don't miss the first three installments. You'll love them if you love adventure.

Stormchaser (The Edge Chronicles, No. 2)

Average customer rating:

Brilliant
Edge Chronicles fan
The most memorable, but also most brutally violent book in the series
Crazy For Chronicles
CCCCCCCCCCCOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL

Stormchaser (The Edge Chronicles, No. 2)
Paul Stewart , and Chris Riddell
Manufacturer: David Fickling Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Action & Adventure | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Ages 9-12 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

Look Inside Children's Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 0385750706
Release Date: 2004-06-22

Amazon.com

In this second installment to Paul Stewart and Chris Riddell's fabulous Edge Chronicles, life doesn't get any easier for young Twig. He's left the behind the monstrous, tooth-and-claw dangers of Beyond the Deepwoods, only to find himself plunged into the more diabolical, deadly intrigues of Undertown and the floating city Sanctaphrax.

Serving aboard the magnificent sky-ship Stormchaser, Twig is still trying to prove himself to his pirate father Cloud Wolf--with mixed results. As old plots and schemes unfold, Twig learns that his father was once known as Qunitinius Verginix, "the finest Knight Academic in a hundred generations," entrusted by the Professors of Light and Darkness to secure "stormphrax" (the sacred, super-heavy substance that keeps the city of Sanctaphrax from sailing skyward). Betrayal forced Twig's father into piracy, but the seeds sown by that misdeed have only now come to fruit, through a convoluted conspiracy of corruption. Now the Stormchaser must sail again--Twig, in tow, of course--chasing the Great Storm in search of stormphrax.

The pace only quickens in Stewart and Riddell's well-done, slightly scary series, and younger readers should be warned that these books don't pull too many punches. Fortunately the occasional violence is much like you'd find in Grimm's tales: brief and often just. Addicted American fans slavering for the next book in this British series will be glad to know they can look forward to many more installments. (Ages 9 to 12) --Paul Hughes

Book Description

Since his childhood in the DeepWoods, young Twig has always longed to soar above the forest canopy and explore the sky. Now a crew member on his father’s sky pirate ship, the Stormchaser, his dream seems fulfilled. But a much higher destiny awaits Twig. The lofty city of Sanctaphrax—built on a giant rock, floating high in the sky—is at the point of disaster. The city’s future is dependent on stormphrax—a valuable substance available only from the heart of a Great Storm. And only the Stormchaser, with Twig onboard, could risk entering a storm. . . .

Customer Reviews:

Brilliant.......2007-01-19

Easily one of the more brilliant fantasy series to arrive on the market in the last decade, The Edge Chronicles all together are marvelous books.
My 10-year-old son and I have been reading them together and Stormchaser is his favorite to date. The story is cohesive and intelligent, with a dash of frivolity and an abundance of imaginative, original imagery I will be feasting on for years. As a fan of Tolkien since I was 8, this is one of the first fantasy series I have come across that, though inspiring similar emotions to Tolkien's work, does not seem to directly borrow from it. Truly, truly original work - fantastic! Stormchaser, in particular, kept me on the edge of my seat, as well as sparking some startling allusions to reality, some morality play and, interestingly enough, tactfully inserted political allegory without compromising the fantasy. Loved it!

Edge Chronicles fan.......2006-10-10

I love the Edge Chronicles. So far this is the best. At first Twig was messing things up on the sky ship but when he became captain he tried to get through the cruel Twilight Woods and made it out into the Mire. He found ScreedToeTaker and found out who the real stone pilot really is. Finally, he finds out that Screed owns a sky ship. It's the best because it has action and adventure and it uncovers lots of secrets.

The most memorable, but also most brutally violent book in the series.......2006-05-04

Book 2 is where the Edge Chronicles really takes off. The sky pirate adventures finally begin after the rough start of the first book. Before going any further, potential readers should be warned that this is by far the most disturbing book in the Edge Chronicles. In fact, I have not read many children's books that contain such extreme levels of carnage. Just a few of the topics touched upon in this book are death (don't get too attached to many of the characters), torture, maiming, and a serial killer who takes and displays certain body parts of his victims. At times you get the feeling that the author enjoys tormenting his characters, but I guess it just drives home the point that the Edge is a dangerous place.

Violence aside, "Stormchaser" is probably the most memorable book in the series so far (we're up to Book 7 as of this review). If you want sky pirate action, this book certainly delivers. As always, the writing is clever and the descriptions rich and detailed (not to mention the wonderfully grim illustrations as well). It is amazing how much story the author is able to cram into such a small space. We get the main story arc, plus multiple side stories that all tie into the main plotline. Unlike the first book, all of the events in this story have significance and help to advance the plot. Readers of Book 1 will be pleased to find that the author brings relevance to the events of that story as well (although it may come too late for readers who were put off by the lack of direction found in the first book).

Overall, Book 2 of the Edge Chronicles is a well written adventure that is certainly memorable, although not necessarily "fun," due to the exceessive violence. Readers who are left with a bad taste in their mouth after this book should still continue with the series, as it hits its stride and settles down after this installment.

Crazy For Chronicles.......2006-05-02

Have you ever wanted to read a book chock full of adventure? Then the Edge Chronicles #2 is good for you. I love this book because there is sooo much adventure in this book. I also love this book because it is in the medieval/futuristic time. Finally I love this book because it has a semi happy ending at the end of this adventures story. That is why I think this is a good book.

CCCCCCCCCCCOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL.......2006-02-06

THIS IS THE BEST EVER !!!!!!!!!!!!!!! IT IS AS GOOD AS THE FIRST ONE. ITS GOOD, ITS COOL, BUIT IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The Curse of the Gloamglozer (The Edge Chronicles, Book 4)

Average customer rating:

Back to the Beginning
Twig's parents! Yay!
It's O.K.
I miss Twig but I look forward to getting to know Quint
A Taste for Blood

The Curse of the Gloamglozer (The Edge Chronicles, Book 4)
Paul Stewart , and Chris Riddell
Manufacturer: David Fickling Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Action & Adventure | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Ages 9-12 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

Look Inside Children's Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 0385750765
Release Date: 2005-02-08

Book Description

‘Oh, Sky above!’ Linius wailed. ‘If I had known then what I know now…’

Quint, son of a sky pirate captain, and new apprentice to Linius Pallitax, the Most High Academe, has been set some highly important tasks. Just how important, Quint is about to find out as he and Linius’s only daughter, Maris, are plunged into a terrifying adventure that takes them deep within the rock upon which Sanctaphrax is built. Here, they unwittingly invoke an ancient curse — the curse of the gloamglozer…

A dramatic and exuberant fantasy filled with colourful characters and illustrated with exquisite detail.

From the Trade Paperback edition.

Customer Reviews:

Back to the Beginning.......2007-05-13

While quite entertaining for the most part, it's hardly mindblowing young adult fantasy. Quite frankly I'm most impressed with the design of the books over anything else. However it's a quick read, and if you've read the first three books, it's fun to see how Twig's parents met.

Twig's parents! Yay!.......2007-04-01

I haven't read it all yet -I'm actually about to finish the last couple pages. It was interesting, getting to know Twig's parents, amd alot of fun. This book is exciting and you get to explore Sanctafrax and the Stonecomb quite a bit. Quint and Maris don't hit it off too well at the beginning and take a while to finally develop their impending freindship. They have to work together (of course) to get Maris's father out of a scrape. All their efforts are in vain and everything seems to go down hill. Maris and Quint meet with many troubles of their own and barely get away with their lives -quite a few times- even to the last chapter. Nevertheless, the story ends happily enough. I'm ACHING to read the next book in the Quint saga. This book is an absolute MUST.

It's O.K........2006-05-25

The Curse of the Gloamgloazer can only be understood if you have read the first three books first. The whole setting is in the "The great city of Sanctaphrax" which is a city on a floating rock slightly held up by chains. The story focuses on a young boy of about fourteen years of age that has been sent to the schools of Sanctaphrax to get a good education rather than being a "Sky pirate" like his farther. He is reluctant to go at first, but eventually gets comfortable there with Linnius, his family friend and teacher, and Linnius's daughter Maris.
While Quint is there, Linnius discovers the "Great Ancient Laboratory" and gets into physical trouble because of something down there that keeps hurting him. Quint and concerned Maris try to find out what was going on in Linnius's frequent trips into the core of the great floating rock which is where the laboratory is located. They run into trouble and get rescued by an old friend. Maris had to go back to her palace while Quint stayed down for further research. While there, he finds something that he had never seen before.
Although the book is quite interesting, it doesn't seem to have much to do with the first three books. It has the same setting which is on "The Edge" but it has a whole new set of characters which is kind of disappointing.
I recommend this book to anyone over the age of 11 who enjoys fantasy books like Harry Potter, or A Series of Unfortunate Events.

I miss Twig but I look forward to getting to know Quint.......2006-04-19

I really liked the Twig series within the Edge Chronicles (his hair is adorable, though I wouldn't want it myself). He was smart, brave, determined. . . actually Twig was a little TOO perfect. He hardly makes any mistakes and is always aided by unbelievable luck, so it's a little refreshing to have a character or two that honestly makes mistakes.

Quint doesn't quite have the same spunk as his son, but his adventures with Maris are fascinating. It adds a whole new dimension to earlier novels, including "Beyond the Deepwoods." The core beliefs are questioned (Is Sky really better than Earth? Why did the Gloamglozer come to Twig of all people?). The history of Snactaphrax is written. Best of all, Quint resembles Twig a little, though his hair isn't as kooky.

This is a must-read for Edge Chronicles fans. It isn't QUITE as good as the previous three, but I guess nothing but Twig would get pretty boring after a while. Don't worry: we met him again in book five, even though he has changed a lot by then.

A Taste for Blood .......2006-03-10

Two teenagers, a floating rock, and one remarkable story. What happens when the Most High Academe's apprentice and daughter befriend each other? Romance, death, and spine tingling adventure. In this 4th installment of the series The Edge Chronicles 4: The curse of the Gloamglozer, Quint, the son of sky pirate captain Wind Jackal and apprentice to the Most High Academe, has witnessed something so horrible and heart shattering that he will never be the same. He saw all of his family, except for his father, die in a fire right before his eyes. Little did he know that worse things were to come. Quint learns that the Most High Academe is hiding something deep within the floating rock called Sanctaphrax on which they live. A monster, a shape-shifter, a demon? What is it? When Quint starts making risky choices, he will endanger not only his own life, but the lives of millions of creatures that live on The Edge. And as if that's not enough, he sets the Most High Academe's creation free and almost loses his only love, Maris(the Most High Academe's daughter) to another chilling creature with a taste for blood. What will happen next? This book is thrilling, but can be graphic at times. It is beautifully written and astoundingly remarkable. I loved it!

Edge Chronicles 7: Freeglader (Edge Chronicles, The)

Average customer rating:

best book yet
Freeglader
Midnight over Sanctaphrax
Will's Review- Age 10
goblins rule!!!!!!

Edge Chronicles 7: Freeglader (Edge Chronicles, The)
Paul Stewart , and Chris Riddell
Manufacturer: David Fickling Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Action & Adventure | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Ages 9-12 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

ASIN: 038575082X
Release Date: 2006-02-28

Book Description

Fleeing from the ruins of New Undertown, Rook Barkwater and his colleagues — the librarian knights, Felix Lodd and his banderbear friends — must lead the escaping population to a new life in the Free Glades. But perils aplenty are ahead for the crowd — not to mention some goblins with plans of their own. This is the dramatic and exciting conclusion to the Rook Barkwater sequence that takes the reader on a thrilling journey across the Edgeworld.

Customer Reviews:

best book yet.......2007-01-08

I have read this book and it is the best book I have ever read. But i'm sure that the next one is gonna be better.

Freeglader.......2006-12-13

***** Freeglader
Written by Paul Stewart & Chris Riddell
Reviewed by Brandon Baker
Undertown is demolished! It has been wiped out by a giant maelstrom that was created by Vox Verlix, the most high academe. All who lived in Undertown are now homeless and seek new life in the Freeglades. Rook Barkwater, a young librarian knight, guides them to his fellow 900 librarian knights. However, to make it to the Freeglades, they will need to cross the cursed Edgelands and journey into the treacherous Deepwoods. Will they be able to make it through the masses of shrykes and predators? Find out yourself in Freeglader, the amazing seventh book in The Edge Chronicles.

Midnight over Sanctaphrax.......2006-07-08

It is fantasy world you can't turn away from, magical and funny. Makes you want to be in it.

Will's Review- Age 10.......2006-06-01

The Edge Chronicles is the best series I have ever read. They are full of adventure. I liked #3 the best. That's the one where Twig tries to find his lost crew mates. I have read all the way up to seven. I am reading number eight right now. Great series!

goblins rule!!!!!!.......2006-05-02

This book is one of the best of the seires. It, like it's brothers is writen well and paced well. The book combines war of the goblins and freegladers makes you want to read on even if your extreamly tierd. It will make you want to read it again even if you've only just finished it!!!!!

The best part is when the goblin armies are sent to war beacuse you meet new charcters.

By Sam age12

Average customer rating:

Unfinished Word
Should've been named "Rook"
terrific edge of the seat young adult fantasy thriller
Brave New World

Vox (The Edge Chronicles, Book 6)
Paul Stewart , and Chris Riddell
Manufacturer: David Fickling Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Action & Adventure | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Ages 9-12 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

Look Inside Children's Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 0385750803
Release Date: 2005-09-27

Book Description

In the second novel in the Rook Barkwater sequence, the young knight librarian attempts to stop the dark might of the Most High Academe. High in the crumbling Palace of Statues, oily Vox Verlix is brewing a terrible plot to take over power in Edgeworld once again. Can Rook foil Vox's plan and save the lives of his librarian colleagues?

Customer Reviews:

Unfinished Word.......2006-07-24

The Edge Chronicles Book #6, Vox, was packed with action. There is a ton of fighting using bow-and-arrows, talons, and knives. On page 359 in the hardcover edition, there is part of a word missing. The sentence is, "Slashtalon leaped forwards, all four sets of talo slashing at once." There is the word talo instead of talons. Other than that, the book is excellent.

Should've been named "Rook".......2005-10-09

In the darkest and most complex Edge Chronicle ever, Vox Verlix plots away in his crumbling tower, seeing all, watching all, and waiting for his chance for revenge against those that betrayed him. Possessor of the title of Most High Academe by methods not quite orthodox, Vox is now a prisoner of his own machinations, his greatest triumphs usurped by those he once trusted.

The hero of this book is again young Rook, the librarian-knight from book five. Captured after losing his precious Stormhornet sky-craft while on patrol, he is sold into slavery and ends up in Vox's palace, as an assistant to Hestera Spikesap, an exciting new character with a lot going on in her kitchen and heart. He meets the other minions of Vox - Speegspeel the goblin servant, Amberfuce the ghost-waif, and Flambusia, Amberfuce's nurse, and manages to get himself in the middle of most of the action which springs up in every chapter.

Judging from the signs in the sky, a huge storm is brewing, which the Guardians of the Night believe will cure the stone sickness which has devastated New Sanctaphrax. The natives are restless also, and it doesn't take much prompting to set Shrikes and Goblins against each other in a huge battle in the sewers beneath Undertown.

There's more violence than usual in this one, and several mentions of the smell of unwashed bodies of various species. It's also not as well thought out as the others, as major plot points happen too often by either chance or carelessness. There are stories running concurrently that are sometimes hard to tie together, and lots of loose ends. There's even romance in the air along with the usual imaginative cast of creatures, but as usual, the illustrations truly bring the book to life.

Not the best in the series, but packed with action and well worth reading.

Amanda Richards, October 9, 2005

terrific edge of the seat young adult fantasy thriller.......2005-10-01

Relatively young Librarian Knight Rook Barkwater flying the Stormhornet completes his aerial patrol of the Edge that overlooks the Edgewater River. He begins to head back to the library to report the usual strange lights in the sky and mutants in Screetown, but observes columns of Shrykes on Great Mire Road as if the aviary creatures were preparing for war. However before he attains the haven of the Library, he hears a roaring noise and suddenly Stormhornet spins out of control. He crashes in Screetown where his escape fails and he becomes a prisoner.

He is taken to the sunken Palace of the Statues, home or prison depending on one's view of the fallen tyrant Vox Verlix. Though exiled and not remotely like the greatest librarian of all times, Vox remains a force to be reckoned with albeit no one believes that. He warns his former compatriots that a storm is coming, but will they listen to an insane fallen one? Though Rook believes him having observed the lucid moments of his "host", what can he do even if he manages to escape being somewhat a novice.

Fans of Potter will enjoy the Edge Chronicles; especially the books containing the adventures of Rook (see LAST OF THE SKYPIRATES). Rook is a terrific lead character who holds the tale in focus, but Vox is the fascinating one as the audience will wonder whether he warns out of duty or spite. Though this tale can stand alone, most fans will find it even better by reading at least beforehand LAST OF THE SKYPIRATES to gain a better understanding of motives and how far Rook has come. Still this is a fine edge of the seat young adult fantasy thriller.

Harriet Klausner

Brave New World.......2005-09-30

I have just finished reading Vox, the sixth book in the Edge Chronicles series by Paul Stewart (and illustrated with astounding talent by Chris Riddle), and I am speechless. This review is not so much a review of the sixth book alone, but for the entire series so far. The Edge Chronicles is one of the most daring and wonderful series of books I have ever read. The vision for these books as set forth by Paul Stewart and captured by Chris Riddle in his illustrations is unlike any I have encountered. They are original, exciting and daring stories that are not afraid to tackle tough issues like death and loyalty (or lack thereof). The heroes sometimes fail through good intentions (Twig's journey seems Odyssean when you sum it up and ultimately tragic). Quint's precludes are exciting but already knowing what happens later are underscored with "sweet sorrow." You can see the span of the lives you have come to love and feel the bittersweet beauty of them. The world they inhabit is incredible and so well described, I find it hard to believe that Edgeworld only exists in our imaginations. This world does not remain stagnant, unchanging, but evolves like any other world, and not always for the better. This world-change culminates in an exciting adventure involving our intrepid librarian-knight Rook Barkwater in the sixth book, Vox. This book does not disappoint, but colors the Edgeworld in more vibrant detail. I absolutely cannot wait for the next book, Freeglader, to come out!

Drumming at the Edge of Magic: A Journey into the Spirit of Percussion

Average customer rating:

drumming at the edge of magic
Incredible book
Not just for drummers.
this book changed my whole approach to drumming
A Comprehensive Introduction to the Rhythm other-world

Drumming at the Edge of Magic: A Journey into the Spirit of Percussion
Mickey Hart , Jay Stevens , and Fredric Lieberman
Manufacturer: Acid Test Productions
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Music | Entertainment | Subjects | Books

ASIN: 1888358181

Customer Reviews:

drumming at the edge of magic.......2005-09-09

it was recieved in a very timely manner - no complaints at all and in fact I would gladly do business with this vendor again!

Incredible book.......2002-05-20

I am not a Deadhead, nor am I a drummer, but I have really admired this book, and Mickey Hart big time. He really went off the deep end of his knowledge of percussion, both conventional, and exotic. I had not had this book with me since 1995, so my mind is a bit foggy, but if I remember right, the book is also a trip down Memory Lane, speaking of the hippie days of the Haight-Ashbury, The Grateful Dead and the whole scene in general. One of my favorites was of a drum he got in Tibet made from human skulls. He was wondering why he felt like he was being cursed, and he was told that he was using the drums wrong and it was used to wake the dead. He decided to return the drums and get a similar one not made of skulls. Drumming at the Edge of Magic was also a tie-in to what was then Mickey Hart's latest CD called At the Edge. This book really makes me wished I was there with the hippies and the Deadheads, even if I, myself don't listen to the Dead. It's too bad the Dead isn't around anymore thanks to Jerry Garcia's untimely death. Whether you're a Deadhead or not, whether you're a percussionist or not, this is truly an enthusiastic and well-written book on the subject of percussion.

Not just for drummers........2001-01-11

At a glance, Drumming at the Edge of Magic may seem like an autobiogrphical journey by the Grateful Dead's Mickey Hart. While the book is autobiographical, it goes far beyond that to discover the real meaning of drumming and music in general.

The meaning of drumming (or life?) comes in many forms, and many disguises. As Hart begins to unluck the secrets to why humans desire to express themselves in music, one can't help but say, "YES!". Hart, and to a certain extent, Jay Stevens, put into words what drummers and other musicians have felt all along but have never known how to express. The journey ends up being a look inward; not just for Hart but for the reader as well.

After reading this, I had my wife and father read it. I explained, "This is how I feel about drumming."

The companion CD and sequel book, "Planet Drum," are nice additions but the book stands by its self as an outstanding source for understanding music at its most basic form.

This book will move you.

this book changed my whole approach to drumming.......2000-07-08

I'd lost interest in playing for about 5 years before I read this book, but Mickey Hart's book brought me back to the reasons I started hitting the bottom of tin cans woth a wooden spoon! This book follows, to a degree, the history of drums, and studies the emotional, spiritual and physical effects of drums, old ancient, and new on people. I highly recommend this book to anyone who likes to play for any or no reason, and to andone who can't explain why the music makes them dance.

A Comprehensive Introduction to the Rhythm other-world.......2000-06-25

Drumming At The Edge of Magic is a truly inspirational book for all people interested in drumming and rhythms. It details Harts cathartic exploration and eases the modern drummer into other-worldly potentials.