Review: A book full of mystery and adventure, that is sure to spark young imaginations!
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 07 18, 2014
I really enjoyed reading this first book in Gareth Baker's Kinmaran Chronicles, and have already downloaded the second book. The short chapters make this book an interesting, but relatively quick read, and it should be gobbled up quickly by young lovers of fantasy and adventure!Brackenbelly is a mysterious non-human warrior, who enters the troubled world of farmer Hogg-Bottom's farm. He helps ill-treated twelve year old Isomee to realise her true worth, while solving her nasty uncle's strange bird problem. In return for the latter, he is allowed to purchase a reduced-price chostri bird of his own. While Brackenbelly is an "uma" of few actual words, his actions speak volumes. He shows us great bravery and intelligence, a sense of fairness, and true empathy with other creatures.As Brackenbelly, and his newly-acquired chostri, Bramble, ride off in a cloud of dust at the end, we are left with many as yet unanswered questions. I am sure that these will be dealt with ably in later episodes.While I admit to hoping that Brackenbelly would rescue Isomee and take her with him on his travels, you are left with the sense that, for now, he is heading off on a specific quest where she cannot follow. He also appears to try to empower Isomee to help herself, which is really a better role model for kids reading the book. I hope that the two will meet again in future adventures, and I will be interested to read under what circumstances this comes about.A book full of mystery and adventure, that is sure to spark young imaginations!