Author

Utterly enchanting and guaranteed to pique your curiosity!

Simon Batsman throws readers straight into a whole new world of whimsy, filled with all manner of mystery and intrigue. The pace towards the beginning was a little slower than I’d have perhaps preferred. However, given that this is the first book in a series (of hopefully many more), and that Simon has cleverly crafted an entire world around the Arvum, this doesn’t detract from the charm of the story. And I anticipate the pace ramping up as the Sarsen series progresses.

Who doesn’t like the thought of exploring a whole new world? Fjona has spent a mundane life on the island of Marrow Myre – learning all the skills required to be self-sufficient, yet deprived of the opportunity to put many of these qualities into practice. So, when she meets the mysterious Perciville, and learns what it means to be a sage, she jumps at the chance to travel with him. But on her journey of discovery, Fjona soon realises there’s more to this adventure than she’d first anticipated. And that she might, in fact, be the only one capable of overturning the apocalyptic curse that’s been placed on the mainland. Will that burden prove too much for her, though?

My favourite characters, of course, have to be Fjona and Perciville. The dynamic between the two of them is absolutely delightful. They’re such an unlikely pairing. Yet somehow, there’s humour in their interactions that comes into play many a time as the story unravels.

The Curiosities of Perciville Harper is unlike anything else I’ve read. Truly original. Utterly enchanting. And totally immersive. I can still picture myself on the bridge now, taking tentative steps alongside Fjona and Perciville… afraid to look down. And I loved the twist at the end! I can’t believe I didn’t see that coming sooner.

B. Ware
Author of Warning: Magic Can Be Dangerous!