Okay, so I was over ambitions on running two blogs every week. So I'm going to be posting alternative weeks at both blogs. So today, I'm here... obviously, with a review on the first instalment of The Power of Five series... Raven's Gate.
Book description:
“He always knew he was different. First there were the dreams. Then the deaths began. When Matt Freeman gets into trouble with the police, he's sent to be fostered in Yorkshire. It's not long before he senses there's something wrong with his guardian: with the whole village. Then Matt learns about the Old Ones and begins to understand just how he is different. "
Bits I liked...
I love the fact that this book begins with Matt being led astray and committing a crime. Despite his troubles, Horowitz makes Matt a completely realistic and likeable teenager who's grown up with his aunt and uncle. Yep, bit of a HP orphaned echo here, but with Matt, it explains his unlawful actions. I love the village that he can never escape from, it reminds me of Royston Vasey from The League of Gentlemen *quivers*. The battle scene in the Natural History Museum is a great location and brilliantly described, remaining still vivid in my head now.
Themes
I would say this book is more about action and plot that it is about themes. I remember when I was thirteen, I was intrigued in hearing about secret societies such as The Masons etc. Horowitz taps into this curiosity, by presenting us with a Satanic Occult and a secret society trying to stop them. The Old Ones (occult) is presented as the oldest, purest evil with no excuses - these people are not presented as humans at all, but as demons. One main theme I can recognise is "the child as the saver of humanity" and the "child sacrifice" but in this book, we don't find out why. Why are the gatekeepers children? Why is Matt the sacrifice? Hopefully this is answered later in the series.
Conclusion
Horowitz writes with clarity and ease. It takes a great writer to achieve this simplicity, yet present to us a complex world mixed with reality and the supernatural. It's intertwined with history and reality, and the LEAF project, which means Matt doesn't go to prison is a brilliantly believable as a government initiative.
Have you ever read the series? What did you make of Raven's Gate?
Have you ever read the series? What did you make of Raven's Gate?
Once a week? Alternate blogs? Anyone would think you're busy.
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Did you mean that the fact that Matt is an orphan is 'detrimental' in explaining his behaviour. I am confused as to how that is a good thing? Fundamental?
ReplyDeleteHeroes of young adult/children's novel who have to go on some kind of mission sort of have to be orphans - or have cruel parents. I had this problem with my book, but the professional advice I got was to leave my hero as an orphan as it avoids no end of emotional conflict later!
Anything that reminds me of Royston Vasey terrifies me!
Thanks Chloe - not sure what happened there. I've re-worded it and simplified what I was trying to get across.
ReplyDeleteAh, I thought the same thing about orphans with my novel, but I've found a way around it.
Martin - I know, right? Crazy madness. I woke up at 5am this morning to make a USA submission! I think this explains the bad writing in this post.
ReplyDeleteWow, you are a busy girl!:)
ReplyDeleteI haven't heard of this series before, but it sounds cool. Thanks for the heads up!
Hi Deana - Always busy - *pants heavily*
ReplyDeleteMy son adores these books. Anything Anthony Horowitz is on his good list. I must admit I haven't read any of them, but this makes me curious.
ReplyDeleteI love stories where the MC is led astray. Even better when they're forgivable. That's the main theme in my own novel, even though the MC is led so far astray, he can no longer recognize himself.
ReplyDeleteI'll have to check this book out.
Hi Freya - I just gave you an award at http://sharonbayliss.blogspot.com/2012/01/kreativ-blogger-award.html
ReplyDeleteSharon - ooo thanks! I'll head over there now! : D
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