A Wonderful Read: The Fisherman's Son
Written: Nov 16 '03 (Updated Apr 28 '04)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Great story, strong characterization, plot, etc.
Cons: That I have to wait for the sequel.
The Bottom Line: Well worth the read. I can't recommend this book enough. If you know a kid who "hates" books, this one just might work.
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| kevintipple's Full Review: Marilyn Peake - The Fisherman's Son |
“Drink deeply by land or sea. Earth comes only once.”
A key component of the fantasy genre is the quest and a quest makes up most of this enjoyable novel by Marilyn Peake. Designed for the pre-teen reader, this novel revolves around Wiley O’Mara, son of a local fisherman.
Wiley lives on an unspecified island high in the North Atlantic. A killing fever has swept through the village community he calls home taking many lives. His mother lies gravely ill and without any help from his alcoholic father, he tends to her the best he can. The long illness and vigil have taken a toll on him and despite his best efforts and intentions, he falls asleep during one long winter night. He awakens the next morning to find his father gone, most likely either at sea fishing or on another alcoholic binge and his mother dead.
The weight of local custom falls heavily upon his shoulders. A wake must be held and the nearest priest is in the next village. The quickest and most direct route is through the neighboring forest, which is the lair of a dangerous multi eyed beast. Wiley at twelve years old is determined to honor his Mother’s memory as required, and sets out to reach the next village. Before long he confronts the beast deep in the forest as well as other creatures that seem imbued with magical properties. He also has a vision of a lovely woman floating in time and space with a message for him and him alone.
Not only must he get to the village and bring back the priest for his Mother’s wake, there is another task to be done through the use of magic. He has the power within himself as well as through the aid of other creatures to help people from a time long past once again breathe free.
This rich, fun read is perfect for the pre-teen reader. There is a minimum of violence, plenty of action and historical lessons, as well as an appreciation of nature, beauty and magic. Wiley learns empathy for others as well as an appreciation of the world around him, past and present. He also learns responsibility as well as the need to follow through no matter how difficult the task to achieve the goal.
This novel reminded me strongly of “The Magic Tree House Series.” There is that same wonder and joy at exploring the unknown as well as a balance between magic and reality. Along the way, subtle life lessons are taught that fit child and adult alike. This was a wonderful book and well worth the read.
Book Facts:
The Fisherman’s Son
By Marilyn Peake
1st Books
www.1stbooks.com
2003
ISBN # 1-4033-9715-5 (Large Trade Paperback)
ISBN # 1-4033-9714-7 (E-Book)
------April 28, 2004 Update-----
I have been notified by the author that the book has now been released with new cover art by Double Dragon E-Books in e-book form only. The paperback version remains, as of this time, with 1st Books which has changed its name to AuthorHouse.
Double Dragon will be releasing the sequel titled "The City Of The Golden Sun" in e-book form later this year. They have the same plans for the third novel of the trilogy currently under development. For now, the paperback version of "The City Of The Golden Sun" will come out from AuthorHouse.
This is a very good book and I am very glad to see this author having this kind of success. She has worked hard on her craft and marketing and it is paying off.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
kevintipple
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Member: Kevin Tipple
Location: TEXAS
Reviews written: 547
Trusted by: 90 members
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