The Merlin Conspiracy

Diana Wynne Jones has written over 40 books for children, including the famous Chrestomanci series, and the many prestigious awards she has won in both the USA and Britain give some indication of how highly she is regarded by lovers of fantasy writing. The Merlin Conspiracy has been eagerly awaited by her legions of fans, and they are in for a treat. Arianrhod Hyde and Nick Mallory are two teenagers who live in very different worlds. Arianrhod (known as Roddy) inhabits a world not dissimilar to the court of King Arthur. Daughter of the court's Weather Wizard, she accompanies the court during the King's Progress round the Isles of the Blest. This is a mysterious land where modern inventions such as 'far speakers' (a type of telephone), computers and buses co-exist quite happily with magic and witchcraft. Nick on the other hand lives in a place which seems very like modern-day Britain, but we soon learn that he has the uncanny knack of slipping into other worlds. While accompanying his father to a detective writers' conference, Nick finds himself drawn into an alternative world - but this time he has a vital part to play before he can go back. Events in the two worlds run parallel for the first part of the book, before gradually drawing together and becoming inextricably entwined. A new Merlin has been invested in Blest, but there is a conspiracy afoot. Roddy and her devoted friend Grundo are on a desperate mission to thwart the Merlin Conspiracy before it is too late, and they need Nick to help them. As the novel charges towards a thunderous climax, Roddy and Nick join forces to battle against the powers of evil and to learn what the future holds in store for them. This is a gripping fantasy, fast-paced and exciting, with a good helping of humour thrown in as well. The plot twists and weaves with a mesmeric power which leaves the reader gasping for breath. Wynne Jones has guaranteed an increased following of ardent fans and some serious reading under the bedclothes after lights out. Ages 10+ (Kirkus UK)