Book Info
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Hardback432 pages
Author's Website
www.randomhouse.com/kids/emeraldatlas/Publisher
Doubleday Children's Books an imprint of Random House Children's BooksSuitable for Ages
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Publication date
14th April 2011ISBN
9780857530189Children's Author 'Like-for-Like' recommendations
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The Emerald Atlas: The Books of Beginning
John Stephens
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Lovereading4kids Price: £9.74
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The Lovereading comment:
This is the first thrilling book in the most exciting children's fantasy series since Harry Potter.
A word from the author's UK publisher:
This is a fantastic magical adventure story to lose yourself in for days – a return to true adventure stories. This book has EVERYTHING you could ask for: feisty, spirited children, a creaky old mansion, a truly evil crone, a fearless, scarred warrior, time-travel, dwarves, underground tunnels, a dangerous magical prophecy and a wise, mysterious professor with a penchant for donuts. From the eerie, utterly gripping first chapter right through to the heart-thumping climax, every editor and member of staff at Random House has found themselves walking into lampposts and tripping up the stairs while desperately racing to the next chapter.The really striking thing about this book, though – the part that stayed with many of us long after finishing the final page – is the real sense of family, of love, loyalty and protectiveness between Kate, Michael and Emma.
...and from the US Publisher too:
From the opening chapter, the novel grabs you and continues to pull you in. The book is exciting, funny, and charming, and I became so intensely caught up with the characters that I couldn’t stop reading. I knew right away that this was a special book that kids and adults would embrace.
Synopsis
The Emerald Atlas: The Books of Beginning by John StephensPress play below to watch The Emerald Atlas video trailer:
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They were taken from their beds one frozen night, when the world was covered in snow. The silhouette of a tall, thin man has haunted Kate ever since. Ten years on, Kate, Michael and Emma have grown up in a string of miserable orphanages and all memories of their parents have faded to a blur. Arriving at Cambridge Falls, the children quickly realise there is something different about this place - and Kate feels sure she has seen the dark, crooked house before. As they explore, they discover an old, empty leather book. The moment they touch it, an ancient magical prophecy is set irrevocably in motion, and the children are thrown into a dangerous alternate reality of dark enchantments and terrifying monsters. Only they can prevent the terrible event that will ruin Cambridge Falls - and stop the world from falling into complete devastation.
Reviews
Rich with wonder and personality, The Emerald Atlas is a terrific read. I wholeheartedly recommend it, and look forward to more. -- Brandon Mull, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Fablehaven and BeyondersStarred Review, School Library Journal, June 2011:
Unfolding magic and secrets deepen the story and build excitement as it reaches its complex and time-bending climax....Echoes of other popular fantasy series, from Harry Potter to the Narnia books, are easily found, but debut author Stephens has created a new and appealing read that will leave readers looking forward to the next volumes in this projected trilogy.
Publishers Weekly, January 18, 2011:
This fast-paced, fully imagined fantasy is by turns frightening and funny, and the siblings are well-crafted and empathetic heroes. Highly enjoyable, it should find many readers.
The Wall Street Journal, April 2, 2011:
[A] great story is all in the telling, and in 'The Emerald Atlas
the telling is superb
...First-time novelist John Stephens has created a vicarious adventure for children ages 9-15--the first in a trilogy--filled with unexpected twists and marvelously distinct and vivid characters.
BookPage, April 2, 2011:
With magic, humor and unforgettable characters, John Stephens
remarkable debut novel follows Kate, Michael and Emma as they attempt to outwit the Countess, rescue the children and maybe even save the world in the process. Unanswered questions and two more books to locate ensure a sequel and more robust adventures ahead.
Realms of Fantasy, April 2011:
Ambitious, entertaining, magical, and whimsical, this marks a strong beginning to a new trilogy, invoking just a little Harry Potter and Series of Unfortunate Events along the way.
Booklist, March 15, 2011:
Fast-paced and engaging, with plenty of action, humor, and secrets propelling the plot. . . . Themes of family and responsibility . . . will easily reson
About The Author
John Stephens spent ten years working in television and was executive producer of 'Gossip Girl' and a writer for 'Gilmore Girls' and 'The O.C.' John and his wife have a dog named Bug and sometimes live in Los Angeles. The Emerald Atlas is his first novel.
(Author photo: Elena Seibert)
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