16th August 2010, Infinite Ideas
366 pages, Paperback
Review copy
Children's,
Lots of humour, mild peril, mystery
Summary from Infinite Ideas
When Jack Brenin finds a golden acorn lying in the grass, little does he know that it is the beginning of a thrilling and magical adventure. Just an ordinary boy, Jack has been chosen for a hugely important task, and enters a world he believed only existed in legend. Full of twists and turns and featuring characters such as talking ravens and mischievous Spriggans, The Golden Acorn is a hugely entertaining and exciting tale from a very talented new author. Your kids will love it, and so will you!
Nayuleska's thoughts
I love seeing acorns every year. The idea of one being important to Jack caught my interest. Jack is an ordinary boy, finding himself caught up in an extraordinary world which coexists alongside the normal, human one. Throughout the adventure, he isn't just exposed to magic, he gets to use it in a fun, unexpected way. Camelin the raven does more than just make Jack get food for him. The mischievous bird ends up being Jack's teacher in certain areas of magic. Camelin isn't his only teacher. There's a book which has restrictions on what it will reveal to Jack (although that isn't all it can do). Then there's Nora who's a great cook, and Elan who is closer to Jack's age.
Jack's grandfather is delighted that Jack is making friends, and has no idea what he gets up to when he stays with Elan. I think even if he did find out, a part of him might let Jack carry on with it because it is so much fun.
The fun isn't without danger. The role of the Spriggans becomes greater as the story continues. They - and others - pose a threat to Jack, just because he is The Chosen One. I'm wondering whether they will actively target Jack's grandfather in the next two books, which could put Jack in a difficult position if he had to choose between saving his grandfather and fulfilling his destiny.
Final Conclusion: I'd love a talking raven in my roof! He'd never run out of food :) I'm eager to see what mischief Camelin will get into next (as well as Jack's adventure) :-)
Similar books: check out The Boffins Go Batty by Jeanne Willis or Knife by R J Anderson
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