Magic is returning - and the world will be utterly changed. The first of a debut fantasy trilogy by an exciting new talent.
For centuries it has been locked away.
Lost beneath the sea.
Warded from earth, air, water, fire, spirits, thought and sight. But now magic is rising to the world once more.
And a boy called Gavin, who thinks only that he is a city kid with parents who hate him, and knows only that he sees things no one else will believe, is boarding a train, alone, to Cornwall.
When he arrives, there is no one there to meet him.
About The Author
James Treadwell was born, brought up and educated within a mile of the Thames, and has spent much of his life further reducing the distance between him and the river. He studied and taught for more than a decade near the crossing at Folly Bridge, Oxford, and now lives within sight of the Tideway in West London.
Industry Reviews
This mesmerizing fantasy draws aside the thin veil between the magical and the mundane to reveal the chaos that might be unleashed if we had to share our world with creatures long dismissed as legends. Told with great warmth and insight, ADVENT is an epic tale that will linger in your mind long after you turn the last page. * Deborah Harkness, author of A Discovery of Witches *
'It's a beautifully written tale - the first in a trilogy - which in one sense feels like a return to old-fashioned storytelling, yet manages to be utterly fresh.' * Bookseller *
'The first in a trilogy, this is an interesting and original tale, bringing a fresh outlook to old stories, and the characters are well-realised . . . clever twists keep you hooked, and the ending and coda make it well worth the read.' * SFX *
'Myth and magic in the modern world. A traditional quest tale beautifully told . . . The human characters are realistic and sympathetic, even those who are by any definition, downright odd. The uncanny creatures are sufficiently spooky, horrible, vile and violent. The landscape is alive.' * The Bookbag *
'An intriguing literary fantasy debut.' * The Canberra Times *
'There is something profoundly different about ADVENT. Perhaps it is the atmosphere of history, magic and mystery it exudes, or maybe the curiosity of the characters. Or it could even be the beauty, the manipulation of the English Language that James Treadwell so clearly is a master of. Either way, you know you have something special in your hands even before the story begins . . . ' * www.thirstforfiction.com *
'A beautifully written novel. Treadwell has the mother of all graphs on the English language! A perfect depiction of the perfect setting . . . Classic and unbeatable formula . . . This isn't just any YA novel, this is an astoundingly intelligent YA novel. This is a genuinely gorgeous read, and I can't wait for book two.' * www.fantasynibbles.com *
'Magic and mystery permeate the story, the characters have depth, and the allusion to mythical characters from Greek and German legends creates a fantastic world complemented by a well-paced storytelling style.. Advent is a thrilling ride from start to finish; I highly recommend it for all sci-fi and fantasy fans looking for a captivating story. *****' * Good Reading *
'Treadwell is good on atmosphere, as into the English countryside comes enchanted evil when young Gavin heads off to Cornwall. The mix is literary and intriguing, including Faust and Cassandra.' * Sun Herald *
'For the pure Fantasy fans of magic and even Arthurian type lures. If you can think of Harry Potter meets Lord of the Rings with a blending of some Trudi Canavan to round things off. There is no doubt ADVENT by James Treadwell is a well written and developed story and for those seeking a world not much different from now but with magic diabolical then I am sure this journey will be a joy. Hodder & Stoughton has been putting out a number of great titles of late and this is certainly one of the more challenging reads.' * Gothic Reign *
'Evocative and descriptive' * Adventures of a Bookonaut *
James Treadwell tells two linked stories in ADVENT, his first (and stunningly ambitious) novel . . . ADVENT's sweeping historical scale and sense of the past infuse it throughout, rising to an unsettling crescendo that feels like the gut thrill of Mussorgsky's Night on Bald Mountain . . . I wondered, too, if kids were really up to this level of complexity. Upon reflection, I think yes. * Historical Novels Review *
