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Sedgwick, Marcus My Swordhand is Singing ISBN 13: 9781405663526

My Swordhand is Singing - Softcover

 
9781405663526: My Swordhand is Singing
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In the bitter cold of an unrelenting winter Tomas and his son, Peter, arrive in Chust and despite the inhospitability of the villagers settle there as woodcutters. Tomas digs a channel of fast-flowing waters around their hut so they have their own little island kingdom. Peter doesn't understand why his father has done this, nor why his father carries a long battered box everywhere they go, and why he is forbidden to know its mysterious contents. But when a band of gypsies comes to the village Peter's drab existence is turned upside down. He is infatuated by the beautiful gypsy princess, Sofia, intoxicated by their love of life and drawn into their deadly quest. For these travellers are Vampire Slayers and Chust is a dying community - where the dead come back to wreak revenge on the living. Amidst the terrifying events that follow, Peter is stunned to see his father change from a disillusioned man to the warrior hero he once was. Marcus draws on his extensive research of the vampire legend which permeates traditions throughout the world and sets his story in the forbidding and remote landscapes of the 17th century. Written in his usual distinctive voice, this is also the story of a father and his son, of loss, redemption and resolution. (Large Print Edition)

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Review:
'the direct simplicity of the writing make for high readability.' (Jennifer Taylor THE BOOKSELLER)

Sedwick has taken early vampire legends and masterfully crafted them into this dark tale. His story is like a journey into a beautiful gothic painting...It is possible to read My Swordhand is Singing bravely, only hiding under the duvet a little, knowing it is all make-believe. Yet part of you closes this book wondering, as you reach for the garlic, if Sedgwick's haunting world of vampires could be real. I can't wait for my 11-year-old to get her teeth into it. (Vivien Hamilton DAILY TELEGRAPH)

'The tension is good, so are the vivid descriptions and the sense that it is today, when in fact it happened in the 1600s.' (Laura Findlay, Aged 10 UNDERCOVER)

'A truly chilling gothic tale, set in 17th century eastern Europe which expertly reinterprets the vampire myth... Expertly reseached and beautifully written, this is a heart-stopping story, which had me mesmerised from beginning to end.' (Becky Stradwick THE BOOKSELLER)

'The pace of the story seeps us through the fear and superstition of the frozen village and out and away with the travelling people as Peter starts his new life.' (Pat Thomson CAROUSEL)

'Dark, well-researched and with emotional punch, this is one of the books of the year.' (FUNDAY TIMES)

'chilling' (Amanda Craig THE TIMES)

'a gem of a spooky tale that will chill event the warmest blood... the 7th novel by Marcus Sedgwick and it is his best yet. Vampire stories have been told for centuries and My Swordhand is Singing can confidently take its place amongst the finest. It is a simple, macabre tale that is as fresh and alarming as a drop of blood on a bank of white snow.' (John Millen SOUTH CHINA MORNING POST)

'The undead are at the centre of this atmospheric tale, but Sedgwick wisely avoids calling them vampires, a term which too readily conjures the capes and pointed teeth of cartoon graphics. The threat - not spoken of by the village people, but all too evident in the fears, the closed doors, the garlic and buckthron stakes - is all the more powerful for being understated.' (Linda Newbery TES)

'an interesting read which focuses on the original myth of vampires. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes a good story with interesting characters.' (Scott Shanks, age 14 SUNDAY HERALD)

'In a bitter winter in the 17th century, Peter and his father settle in an unfriendly community. It is when the captivating gypsies arrive, and reveal themselves as vampire slayers that the truth is finally and shockingly revealed.' (BOOKTIME)

'Remarkable for its sense of atmosphere, fear, menace and foreboding Sedgwick's new novel gives insight into the lefend and lore surrounding modern interpretations of the Vampire.' (Jake Hope BOOKS FOR KEEPS)

'a beautifully written, atmospheric, gothic fantasy. By cleverly delving into vampire myth and Eastern European superstitions, Sedgwick maintains tension, pace and mystery throughout the book.' (Sine Quinn INIS (Ireland))

"A boy and girl fight a terrifying plague of the undead in this well-paced, chilling tale." (Becca Pennicott FOCUS (Kent))

'Marcus Sedgwick's classy vampire story will transport reader to the frozen landscapes of Transylvania.' (Nikki Gamble THE BOOKSELLER)

'Sedgwick's elegant, concise prose crates just the right slightly menacing atmosphere for this moving story... Perfectly pace, with every element spot on. Highly recommended.' (Marla Arbach YABOOKSCENTRAL.COM)

'Marcus Sedgwick writes with concise precision. He doesn't waste a word. And with broad and elegant strokes he paints a chilling and irresistibly Gothic picture of the fight of good against evil...This isn't a genre book. It is a novel of quality.' (Jill Murphy THEBOOKBAG.CO.UK)

'A great story with all the brooding atmosphere you'd need and expect from the subject matter. Sedgwick manages to bring something quite fresh to the vampire theme - should appeal to a broad range of readers, including many adults.' (READINGZONE.COM)

'a traditional vampire story... exciting from start to finish.' (Felix Taylor (Age 14) INDEPENDENT ON SUNDAY)

'highly readable and will entertain teenage readers with a taste for gothic horrors.' (Peter Hollindale THE SCHOOL LIBRARIAN)

'I thoroughly enjoyed this book from the well-researched vampire folklore to the effective and dramatic setting. This novel is sure to be loved by all.' (Rebecca Dickson, Castlebrae Community High TEEN TITLES)

'very scary and mysterious... a thought-provoking book with a gripping climax.' (Laura Gordon, Craigmount High TEEN TITLES)
Book Description:
An original interpretation of the timelessley fascinating vampire myth, and a story of father and son.

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  • PublisherGalaxy
  • Publication date2009
  • ISBN 10 1405663529
  • ISBN 13 9781405663526
  • BindingPaperback
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Sedgwick, Marcus
Published by Galaxy (2009)
ISBN 10: 1405663529 ISBN 13: 9781405663526
Used Softcover Quantity: 1
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Book Description Condition: Good. Your purchase helps support Sri Lankan Children's Charity 'The Rainbow Centre'. Ex-library, so some stamps and wear, but in good overall condition. Our donations to The Rainbow Centre have helped provide an education and a safe haven to hundreds of children who live in appalling conditions. Seller Inventory # Z1-L-015-01755

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