The King's Revenge by Philip Womack

Review by The Mole

The third book in The Darkening Path trilogy follows on from The King's Shadow to conclude the story of Simon's and Flora's efforts to retrieve their siblings from the Broken King.

In finally killing the king a trap has been triggered - a trap that is to bring an end to all three realms. If they can't stop the trap from closing fully there will be no world for them to go home to.

Much has happened to get the story this far with everything the young reader could want - fights, monsters, tension, triumphs and tragedies - this book delivers in the same abundance as the previous books. Fast and furious from the off, the reader will find it difficult to put down until the last page has been turned.

The narrative unfolds mostly from Simon's perspective although he is not the real hero - nor are the demi-gods. The "hero-ship" is shared pretty evenly between the four children and the youngsters from the silver realm with, arguably, the girls slightly ahead of the boys. Because of this it's difficult to see how this book wouldn't appeal to any youngster who is into reading fantasy.

A really great end to a great trilogy with an opening left for them to meet up again in one of the realms. Described as for the 11+ reader I would say it would also appeal to younger readers with its easy to read format and vocabulary.

Publisher - Troika Books
Genre - Children's fantasy, 11+

The King's Shadow by Philip Womack

Review by The Mole

The second book in The Darkening Path trilogy follows on from The Broken King to continue the story of Simon's and Flora's efforts to retrieve their siblings.

It feels like it presumes the reader is still very familiar with the story so far so you would benefit from reminding yourself what's happened or, if you haven't read it, reading book 1 first - it's well worth it.  The tale picks up from where it was left and continues apace with new and gruesome new monsters on almost every page. And who to trust?

As they try to find their brother and sister they find out that they've been used from the very beginning by the people they thought were their friends and that they are puppets playing out someone else's wishes. But things don't go the way that had been planned for them...

An excellent second episode of this fast paced fantasy for the younger reader that will leave you on a cliff hanger ending. And while I am a little slow to getting around to reading this one (sorry, guys) the good news is that if you read this now you won't have long to wait for the third and final part of the adventure - The King's Revenge is out on 28th May and I'm sure it will round off a truly magnificent journey for the younger dark fantasy readers.

Described as suitable for 11+ I'm sure this series does, and will, appeal to many younger and capable readers as well.

Publisher - Troika Books
Genre - Children's fantasy, 11+

The Broken King by Philip Womack

Review by The Mole

When Simon's sister, Anna, starts to tease too much, Simon loses his temper and, to frighten her, recites a nursery rhyme that invites the Broken King to take her away. The poem doesn't bother Anna but terrifies Simon when Anna is taken away in front of his very eyes. The next day, before his parents waken, he finds that she really has gone and flees the house looking for her. Meeting a winged deer he learns he must go to the Broken Kingdom to get her back. On the way he meets Flora who did exactly the same to her elder brother, Johnny, and is starting a similar quest. On their journey they meet people who can't exist, go to places that are impossible, solve insoluble riddles and encounter terrifying enemies.

This is the first in a series entitled "The Darkening Path" and it really is a great start to the trilogy. While we know Simon and Flora are the "good" guys they learn to doubt everyone they meet along the way - even the ones that give them real positive assistance and this keeps the reader looking at every nuance of the story for some sign that may lead to betrayal. With the reader so heavily engaged the book flies by and then... Well it's a trilogy as I say and they must wait for book 2!

Plenty of horror, plenty of monsters, lots of action - everything the young fantasy reader will love. Described as for the 11+ reader it will be enjoyed by any competent reader as our two young protagonists set out on a quest of atonement to try to retrieve their siblings.

Publisher - Troika Books
Genre - Children's fantasy, 11+