'An original and a fun read from start to finish, Cloudlanders is a singularly outstanding fantasy adventure populated by an unusual cast of characters and compelling plot twists and turns.' —Midwest Book Review
'An enjoyably eccentric story full of imagination and thoughtfulness... Contains plenty of meaty themes, such as the fragility of the environment, and the importance of accepting each other's differences. But at the heart of this highly imagined fantasy is a time-old tale of Good versus Evil.' —The Telegraph
'Fasten your seatbelts and brace yourselves as you fly through this fantastical, wildly-imagined adventure, bursting with thrills, spills and a cast of memorable characters. Once you've arrived in Bastion, you'll never want to leave.' —Justin Davies, author of Haarville
'Quirky and fun.' —School Library Journal
'The novel's riffs on classic fairy tales result in satisfying frisson between the familiar and the unexpected. In this potent, environmentally attuned fantasy novel, magical beings work together to save their home.' —Foreword Reviews
'The world building is delightful, rich and expansive. I particularly love that the author champions difference as a good and powerful force, and that the friendship and family themes are at the forefront for overcoming obstacles... A sumptuous joy of a story.' —Cat Anderson, The Edinburgh Bookshop
'An adventure like no other... The characters are cleverly crafted and made out of pure fantasy... This fast-paced, rollercoaster dystopian will be a brilliant and memorable hit.' —Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books
2024-02-03
The existence of the island nation of Bastion depends entirely on its ability to remain airborne.
A monster sank all the other countries, and Bastion was the sole survivor. Seeking an escape, its citizens built a huge wall around the island, using an enormous deposit of lightstone quarried from its depths. The lightstone floated up and away, carrying Bastion to its new home above the clouds, but the digging awakened magical creatures beneath the ground. Unfortunately, even 500 years later, the current inhabitants aren’t safe, for the monster is waiting. In the present day, readers meet a large cast of characters, including Shroomling Kurt, Gemstone Faerie Flicker, human child Serena (who has “paper-pale” skin and auburn hair), and half human / half Wood Nymph twins Aliana and Garrett. Paladin Flint, an adviser to Queen Morgana, thwarts them at every step, caring only for personal power. And then there’s the invisible Boy, who’s the catalyst driving the whole confusing, convoluted mishmash. These and other characters endure hexes, spells, and life-threatening trials as they attempt to save their land from the Wavewrecker monster as well as insidious enemies within. Somehow it all works: Readers will find intense and mind-stretching adventures, plot twists and cliffhangers, amazingly inventive magic, and quite a bit of humor, all fueled by steadfast relationships between the characters. It’s a hard slog, but those who stick with it will be fully drawn into the excitement. The epilogue more than hints at a sequel.
Magic of epic proportions that rewards tenacious readers. (Fantasy. 9-13)