Book Jacket

 

rank 25
word count 19961
date submitted 29.03.2010
date updated 16.05.2012
genres: Fiction, Fantasy, Children's, Young...
classification: universal
complete

The Secrets of the Forest - 'The Time Zone'

Neville Kent

A Twelve-year-old boy, crippled since birth, is cured after meeting a strange old lady and her cat.
‘However—there is a price to pay’.

 


Twelve-year-old Tommy, unable to walk without supports since birth, lives with his gran on the edge of a large forest.
His life changes after meeting an old lady living on the far side with her companion, a big, black cat.
Shunned by the locals as a witch, she creates a potion that enables Tommy to walk.
However, there is a price to pay.

They are soon on a journey of discovery deep within the forest.
The cat is able to change its usual form as they enter a ‘Time Zone’ on their way to meet the Keeper of the Forest.
Tommy learns how it’s twenty times slower than normal time.

Awe- inspiring surprises abound as they traverse a trail unknown to normal people.
A meal with Mr Keeper in a magnificent dining room awaits them after they navigate a perilous waterfall and enter a secret door.

The trio travel on an 'Underground System’ to assist in a rescue mission.
They visit the weird ‘Statue Room’ with its own tale to tell.
Tommy takes an unusual gift back for his gran, but will she agree to him visiting again to learn more of—‘The Secrets of the Forest’?

 
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tags

1930's, 8 yrs onward, adventure, childrens fiction, compelling, complete, easy reading, fantasy, intrigue, magic, mystery, scifi, strange lady, thrill...

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594 comments

 

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maretha wrote 28 days ago

Dear Neville, Lalitah and I finished your delightful first story on the Time Zone. I explained to her how the star rating system works so she said to tell you that she wants to give you six stars which is what we've done. She liked that Tommy stayed well-mannered even after he no longer needed to wear his leg braces and that he was so brave to climb a tree for the first time with a big tiger over a big river.These were some of her favourite parts but if you don't mind she said that she actually just liked the whole book! "Tell him that we would like to read his next book please." word-for-word from the little horse's mouth! I agree. Thanks again for such an insightful story.
Kind regards Maretha/African Adventures of Flame ...and Friends P.S.If possible honest comment on cover painted by my youngest daughter many years ago as an art project. The eldest one cut and pasted the titles so a first family effort. We are thinking to make all illustrations incl this one a bit more impressionistic than realistic, but time'll have to tell.

maretha wrote 31 days ago

Maretha wrote 21st. April 2012.

Dear Neville, I just had to finish your book, which I rated five stars, put on my bookshelf and watch list. I love the story and your way of description and easy language, begs for this book to be published. At the school where I regretfully finished at the end of term, I had a library English reading programme where most of the students 6-14 have English as a second language. So mostly when I finished reading a story, the book would be "booked" for the next few weeks at least. WHY AM I TELLING YOU THIS, BECAUSE I SAID TO MY HUSBAND THAT IF I READ YOUR STORY TO THEM; THEY LOVE CATS, TIGERS AND LADIES WITH GREEN EYES, I CAN NAME AT LEAST 30 STUDENTS WHO WOULD HAVE WANTED TO READ THE STORY AND BOOK THE BOOK! I'll continue reading the story to my grandchild tonight and I've explained to her about the star rating, so I will let you know what her rating will be. (She's very upset that I continued reading without her). (I have only one query: Ch 7,par 7 "Sabre's mother" OR "Saber's mother"? Thank you for being the kind of writer of children's books that you are. You have a new fan. Kind regards Maretha/African Animal Adventures

Neville wrote 82 days ago

Please note that ‘The Secrets of the Forest – The Time Zone’ is going through a full edit and polish at the moment.
I hope you find it an even more enjoyable read afterwards.

Regards,

Neville.

Jedye wrote 1 day ago

Neville
I have read the first three chapters and so far found the story very interesting and easy to read. I think it will be a real hit with children. Tommy is a likeable character and children will be able to easily identify with him. Your writing style is very gentle so it makes for a great bed time read.
I will keep you on my watchlist and have star rated.
Jane (Jedye)

ELAdams wrote 5 days ago

CHIRG review:
I fear I have little to add to the other comments here, but I'd agree that your book reads like a fairytale. Tommy is a likeable protagonist and the other characters are well-established. I love the sense of mystery you build up around the forest and I'm sure young readers will, too. Easy to read but not too simplistic, the writing style is well-suited to the age group, and I couldn't find any stylistic errors either.
Great stuff, highly starred!
Emma

TheRachelRouncefield wrote 6 days ago

Hello Neville

I'm sorry it took a few days for me to get through all the reads I said I'd do and comment on them meaningfully. I really enjoyed to gentleness of this story. It is refreshing to read something written today in a period like the 30's. My own preferences tend to be for realism and teenage/young adult action or sci fiction - but I do think this manages to offer a younger reader plenty of intriguing adventure and magical situations in beautifully described nature/forest etc.

I think you perhaps need to consider having a good old clear out of so many adjectives and adverbs - you could give the reader a little more work to do. But overall I think it's a gorgeous story with an innocent quality we miss nowadays!

rikasworld wrote 7 days ago

This is a lovely gentle story. It's nice that Esmeralda isn't a wicked witch and Tommy is a pleasant kid and the cat can turn into a tiger without eating everyone in sight! All cliches avoided and a comforting, bed time story type adventure going on. Beautifully written (I had no probem with POV as I noticed some of your readers did. I think it's fine to have the thoughts of your two main characters. ) What age group were you targetting? Under teenage, anyway judging from the content so could Tommy be ten or eleven to keep him identified with your readers. Lots of stars and on my watchlist.

Kathryn Page wrote 7 days ago

HI Neville
I think this is a good story and would probably appeal to young children as it has a fairy tale feel to it. I did wonder it Tommy wouldopen up to Esmeralda straight away - perhaps they would have met or had some sort of contact before this point to make it seem more likely. Other than that I think this is a good story with good descriptions.

Kathryn

sassevn wrote 7 days ago

This has a comfortable, familiar feel to it. I can picture a grandmother cuddled up with her precious one under the covers enjoying a bedtime story. Your language is simple, accessible and engaging. I'll check out more later. I'm going to give you a bunch of stars and watchlist for now.

JaredHJ wrote 7 days ago

Hi Neville,
First my critique:
The sentence beginning “A small open gate…” is a bit confusing.
There are problems with point of view. It switches between Esmeralda and Tommy. You should have just one POV in one chapter. If you prefer omniscient narrator absent of POV, then we should only view what the narrator views, know the characters only from what they say and do and NOT from how they perceive and think.
I don’t understand why Tommy’s not frightened of Esmeralda. That he’s teased at school doesn’t seem like a logical reason. I think you need to explain why better.
I’m left wondering why Tommy decides to open up to the old woman in the first place.
Why is she 150 yrs old?
I also find an incongruity between her earlier condemnation of the world’s ignorance of the forest’s medical secrets and her insistence he keep it secret. How should anyone know about it if it must stay secret???
Otherwise, the story seems intriguing and should appeal to its target audience. I think these little issues wouldn’t take much to iron out. Good luck!

Lucy Middlemass wrote 7 days ago

This is a CHIRG review!

Reading this is like being read a bedtime story. It’s gentle, beautifully written and has many of the qualities I’d expect to find in a traditional fairytale. Tommy is a lovely lad - I like how well-spoken he is. I love that Esmerelda didn’t tell him there was a price to pay until after she had cured him. Typical witches!
My only critcisim is that Tommy is a bit older than I would have expected. At nearly thirteen, he isn’t really a little boy. I don’t know if children would consider him to be ‘one of them’.

A little close criticism, if that’s what you are looking for. If not just ignore it.

Ch2 - The italics in the last part need to include all of Tommy’s thoughts.

Ch 3
“bought up Rosemary..” This ought to be “brought up..” You bring a child up, not buy it up!
Nevertheless is one word.

That’s all I found. I read to the end of Ch 7. I like the details about the statues and the opening behind the waterfall in particular. Neville, this is a lovely story and I’m so pleased you invited me to read it. Highest stars, of course.

Lucy

Kirstie wrote 11 days ago

This has a lovely fairytale feel. The descriptions are great and I can really picture the cottage. The first two chapters are full of action and I really like them. I like the little touches such as the magpie guarding the house. And the secret part of the forest is truly magical. I am sure children will love the descriptions of this place.

I did find chapter three slowed the action down a bit. If it is necessary for the reader to know all this family history, perhaps you could mix it in with some action to keep the reader interested.

Overall though an intriguing tale
Best wishes with it
Kirstie

RMAWriteNow wrote 12 days ago

Hi Neville;
I am a firm believer that any book fit to capture, and hold, the attention of a young child is more than good enough for an adult, too. This is one of those books. I'm two chapters in and the inner child in me is very happy. Well done.
RMA
Sea Spray and Stars

hockgtjoa wrote 12 days ago

This is a charming story and well told. So far everything is going very positively although in the very first chapter when the boy is cured we are told there would be a price to pay, I have read six chapters and found not a hint at what that might be. Perhaps a clue, a foreshadowing?

Sharahzade wrote 12 days ago

Sharahzade wrote 717 days ago [edit comment]
THE SECRETS OF THE FOREST - BOOK ONE
Neville Kent

Just as I discovered your book to read with the magnificent Tiger on the cover, I wish I would have discovered Esmeralda's Cottage when I was a young girl. I could almost taste the huge ripe berries that grow in your forest. The gentle affinity with animals is so endearing to me. I loved that part of your story.

Tommy does speak in a rather formal way. However, it must be remembered that the time is earlier in our history when children were expected to be far more polite than they are today. His disability might have made him a bit withdrawn, but he is delightful to me. I believe he is well characterized. Thank goodness his Gran is understanding and allows him the freedom to explore and discover the world that awaits him. That too seems to reflect the time of the setting of this story.

It is fascinating how you have combined the rather high tech environment of The Keeper of The Forest with the attitude of a Druid. He is magical and far more pleasant than other characters such as the Wizard of Oz.

I can see all the possibilities for many adventures that will delight the hearts of your readers. I look forward to reading another book in this series. I wonder if Esmeralda is intending Tommy to be her successor. I seem to get that impression from reading the realtionship between the two characters.

I am backing this wonderful story.

Mary Enck
Author of A King in Time

Gao Zuojia wrote 13 days ago

An excellent opening and enchanting tale. There are a number of -ly adverbs that could be edited out, but that is only nit picking. My bookshelf is currently full, but I have added this to my watchlist and will move it to my shelf within the week. Five stars and I hope to see this on the ED. - Gao Zuojia a/k/a Patrick Hall

farhet wrote 14 days ago

wow its great what i have read my 10 year old son would love it!

Lena M. Pate wrote 15 days ago

A beautiful story of kindness and courage. It stays within the boundaries of an easy read for a child with language they can comprehend and yet this does not deter from the story. I have only had a chance to read a couple of chapters but am truly enjoying it. My only recommendations would be to build the storyline more. I felt rushed into the story in the beginning. The scene and friendship happened much to quickly for a child who was lost and then meets a lady he probably had heard was a witch all his life. Maybe he could relay that his granny had told him stories of how they knew each other years ago and a kindness that the woman played in her life or something. Anyway I plan to place this on my shelf. Best of luck!

Mindy Haig wrote 15 days ago

Hi Neville,
I read your first 8 chapters, and I wanted to say that your story is very good, very well written. I did not notice any gramatical or spelling errors. I did notice a couple of places where there was description that was a bit redundant - for example: Tommy couldn't hold back his tears and they flowed freely. But they were minor.

My only suggestions about the story itself are: 1. Tommy has never been able to walk quickly, and then he's healed almost instantly, but he doesn't fatigue when he makes the long walk home or on the way back to Esmeralda's house.
2. Stranger danger is a principle widely taught, and having a child approach a complete stranger's door, particularly a stranger who is questionable within the community is a bit risky. Possibly his Gran could tell him she's a trustworthy lady or when he meets her he could say his Gran sends good wishes or something that would make her not seem a stranger to him.

Those are just my suggestions!
High Stars!
Mindy
The Wishing Place

Onidroid wrote 16 days ago

Hello Neville,

I've read the first two chapters and I'm truly enjoying it. I like your style.
I will be back to finish reading it and I've put it on my shelf.

Regards,
Jelena

writerchick11 wrote 18 days ago

I've read the first chapter and will return to the second to see how the story pans out. You successfully add a cliff hanger to the end of the chapers, as I want to know more about the secrets of the forest. A job well done, written with emotion and ease of words.

writerchick11 wrote 18 days ago

I've read the first chapter and will return to the second to see how the story pans out. You successfully add a cliff hanger to the end of the chapers, as I want to know more about the secrets of the forest. A job well done, written with emotion and ease of words.

Lionell wrote 18 days ago

Good morning Neville
My daughter started reading your book. She loves the story and sensitive kind manner you describe Tommy, his disability and respect he has for his granny. We are looking for suitable stories to read for children and "Friends of the Forest" doesn't disappoint.
We have put your book on our watchlist and gave it a high score.
Take care
Lionell1

soutexmex wrote 19 days ago

backed!

junetee wrote 19 days ago

The Secrets of the Forest

This is a wonderful story and its excellently written, Neville. I'm afraid I've only had time to read the first two chapters today but I know I have to read much more to appreciate the amazing story you have written. I've watchlisted it so that I can read it to my grandchildren when they come to see me, then we can all share it.
What I have just is like a fairy tale. I didn't get to the part in the forest but I am already imagining it in my mind. There are so many imaginative things mentioned in the pitch that I know are going to be amazing. This is such a magical book for anyone to read - child or adult. And I can't wait to do just that.
Highly starred
Junetee
FOUR CORNERS.book one.The Rock Star.

E. A. Beckett wrote 20 days ago

Loved this chapter, too, Neville. You season it with just the right amount of scenery to allow the reader to be walking through the woods with Tommy. I'm looking forward to the next chapter and anxious to get to the part about Tommy going back to school, too.

E. A. Beckett wrote 21 days ago

Dear Neville,
I just read the first chapter and will definitely read more! I wanted to let you have some feedback, bit by bit as I read and it is fresh in my mind. In this chapter, which I thoroughly enjoyed, the one thing that took my mind away from the story was that when Esmerelda and Tommy first begin a dialogue, they are both much bolder than I had imagined from your initial description. I expected Esmerelda to be nervous calling out to a stranger when she has so few visitors and rarely talks to anyone. I think that it is lovely how their personalities each are stronger than their physical bodies, but I might have liked a little bit of a hint to expect that - just my thoughts. I will be reading the rest of the book!
Although I've only read a little, I think that you might like my story about Annette, a fourteen year old girl who needs some healing of a different kind, in my book, The Smelting. Can't wait to read more about Tommy and Esmerelda!
E. A. Beckett

Damon Stentz wrote 22 days ago

Very detailed! It has the feel of a fairy tale that will be familiar to children, yet it concerns concepts that are much more realistic, despite the presence of magic in the story. I think this is something children of any age would enjoy. Best of luck with your books.
Damon Stentz

jlbwye wrote 22 days ago

Secrets of the Forest. To my shame, I see I havent re-visited you for 180 days! But I havent forgotten the charm of your story, and have backed you several times.

Ch.9. How do you do it? Create such exciting tension over the rescue of some reindeer, and at the same time show insight into human behaviour by having them assure each other everything is going to be alright. Even though I knew it would be a happy ending, you had me on tenterhooks every inch of the way.
I think you mean Saber would remain behind to keep watch on the baby reindeer.

Ch.10. You have two 'as if to's when Mr. Keeper is shouting and taking his seat on the train. But I dont suppose it matters very much.
Where Esmeralda allows some explaining needs to be done, you cant have both 'while' and 'and' in the sentence.

Ch.11. The riddle of time is explained so clearly and concisely. Makes me think of God, who acts outside of time.

I'm glad I came back.
More stars for a charming storybook.

Jane (Breath of Africa).

MissB wrote 23 days ago

Neville, I finally got to read the first chapters of your book and I have to say it's a delightful story. Simple, easy to understand as it should be for a more children's book. I am only seeing one chapter, so I'm hoping there will be more to it!

Looking forwards to knowing more about your story!

PS: This might end up duplicated. For some reason I'm not seeing my comments :(

MissB wrote 23 days ago

Neville, I finally got to read the first chapter of your book and I have to say it's a delightful story. Simple, easy to understand as it should be for a more children's book. I am only seeing one chapter, so I'm hoping there will be more to it!

Looking forwards to knowing more about your story!

MissB wrote 23 days ago

Neville, I finally got to read the first chapters of your book and I have to say it's a delightful story. Simple, easy to understand as it should be for a more children's book. I am only seeing one chapter, so I'm hoping there will be more to it!

Looking forwards to knowing more about your story!

MissB wrote 23 days ago

Neville, I finally got to read the first chapters of your book and I have to say it's a delightful story. Simple, easy to understand as it should be for a more children's book. I am only seeing one chapter, so I'm hoping there will be more to it!

Looking forwards to knowing more about your story!

kshaw wrote 23 days ago

Hi Neville,
I just finished the first six chapters of your book. You paint a picture of these three people's lives so vividly that I wish I could go sit on Esmeralada's porch so that she could teach me a thing or two! I think that you have captured a voice and a pacing that is perfect for a children's novel. However, even though it is a children's novel, I think that adults will relate to this as well, as we all know what it was like to feel different than the rest of the children, or I think writers do anyways.

I think you have a positive message and I would let my children read this book. I would love to back your book.
Frith,
Kayla Shaw
PHILOSOPHIA

Caitlin Avery wrote 23 days ago

This has a lovely tone to it; the dialogue and descriptions have an old fashioned ring to them, which contibutes perfectly to the suggestion at the opening of the story. The only question that popped up for me is whether you might introduce the boy as he struggles through this overgrown forest on his feeble legs. That would create a greater empathy and more interest in his enormous good luck of stumbling across a witch who is willing and able to fix his problem. This sounds like a great story for a young reader and appealing to the struggles of the child would only enhance that. I give this high stars and wish you lots of luck with your endeavor!
Caitlin Avery
The Last Cruz

irelandsmemories wrote 23 days ago

Neville

I just finished your lovely rendition. Firstly, Esmeralda and Tommy are perfectly balanced, their relationship is authentic. Your descriptive tone was appealing and I believe this book would go far with a younger readership...

The "animal bonding" aspect is definitely an eye-catcher for all...

I am sure your book is near its publication date...
Good Luck
FC

sylviawriter wrote 25 days ago

A lovely, original story with interesting characters. Beautifully written. Old fashioned in every good sense of the term. Neville Kent is quite talented and deserving of the high ranking.

Sylvia Talo
Deadly Dot Com Revenge

fatema wrote 26 days ago

Well writtena and fabulous imagination of time zone. The mgnificent room, the time change. Your thought seems to have rejuvented with a fairy tale and fantasy imagiantion of story. Very much child friendly and child interests type of story. Very good 5 stars.

shadowmounds wrote 26 days ago

This is a great uplifting story, from what I've read so far, I'd love it if you would give my book a look-see, 'Lake Dreams', I'm new here so could use some contacts. COngratulations by the way, on attracting so much attention.

Lea Swain wrote 26 days ago

Dear Neville,
This is the kind of story my little girl may be ready to hear. I know i enjoyed what i read and will keep it on my shelf hoping it'll get published. Well written and delightful to read.
Lea

maretha wrote 28 days ago

Dear Neville, Lalitah and I finished your book this morning,but I can't seem to find our comments which she dictated and I had to write word for word. She rated the story six stars. I battled till now to make the change,but = done. Thank you also for your comments on African Adventures' cover = all duly noted
Take care, kind regards
Maretha/African Adventures of Flame ... and Friends

AbbieLilly wrote 28 days ago

I just finished reading your first chapter! It was very engaging -the language was not complex and the story flowed smoothly with vivid descriptions that helped the story come alive. I am excited to read the rest and find out what happens to Tommy and this enigmatic Esmeralda!

maretha wrote 28 days ago

Dear Neville, Lalitah and I finished your delightful first story on the Time Zone. I explained to her how the star rating system works so she said to tell you that she wants to give you six stars which is what we've done. She liked that Tommy stayed well-mannered even after he no longer needed to wear his leg braces and that he was so brave to climb a tree for the first time with a big tiger over a big river.These were some of her favourite parts but if you don't mind she said that she actually just liked the whole book! "Tell him that we would like to read his next book please." word-for-word from the little horse's mouth! I agree. Thanks again for such an insightful story.
Kind regards Maretha/African Adventures of Flame ...and Friends P.S.If possible honest comment on cover painted by my youngest daughter many years ago as an art project. The eldest one cut and pasted the titles so a first family effort. We are thinking to make all illustrations incl this one a bit more impressionistic than realistic, but time'll have to tell.

BessV wrote 29 days ago

I've completed chapter 1, and I'm really impressed. There is so much great writing on Authonomy, I wish everyone on here could find their way to publication. You're very good at description. I felt like I was right there in the forest looking at the cabin and then staring up at Esmarelda. I also think you're also really good at writing at the right level for children. Great job! I look forward to reading more!

Ellen Michelle wrote 30 days ago

Rated 6 stars :D

fictionguy wrote 30 days ago

Good, fast paced, page turnerr. This is a winner. I give it five stars. I like the way you eased into the characters. Let us know when it is published. I will tell all my friends.

maretha wrote 31 days ago

Maretha wrote 21st. April 2012.

Dear Neville, I just had to finish your book, which I rated five stars, put on my bookshelf and watch list. I love the story and your way of description and easy language, begs for this book to be published. At the school where I regretfully finished at the end of term, I had a library English reading programme where most of the students 6-14 have English as a second language. So mostly when I finished reading a story, the book would be "booked" for the next few weeks at least. WHY AM I TELLING YOU THIS, BECAUSE I SAID TO MY HUSBAND THAT IF I READ YOUR STORY TO THEM; THEY LOVE CATS, TIGERS AND LADIES WITH GREEN EYES, I CAN NAME AT LEAST 30 STUDENTS WHO WOULD HAVE WANTED TO READ THE STORY AND BOOK THE BOOK! I'll continue reading the story to my grandchild tonight and I've explained to her about the star rating, so I will let you know what her rating will be. (She's very upset that I continued reading without her). (I have only one query: Ch 7,par 7 "Sabre's mother" OR "Saber's mother"? Thank you for being the kind of writer of children's books that you are. You have a new fan. Kind regards Maretha/African Animal Adventures

maretha wrote 31 days ago

Maretha wrote 21st. April 2012.

Dear Neville, I just had to finish your book, which I rated five stars, put on my bookshelf and watch list. I love the story and your way of description and easy language, begs for this book to be published. At the school where I regretfully finished at the end of term, I had a library English reading programme where most of the students 6-14 have English as a second language. So mostly when I finished reading a story, the book would be "booked" for the next few weeks at least. WHY AM I TELLING YOU THIS, BECAUSE I SAID TO MY HUSBAND THAT IF I READ YOUR STORY TO THEM; THEY LOVE CATS, TIGERS AND LADIES WITH GREEN EYES, I CAN NAME AT LEAST 30 STUDENTS WHO WOULD HAVE WANTED TO READ THE STORY AND BOOK THE BOOK! I'll continue reading the story to my grandchild tonight and I've explained to her about the star rating, so I will let you know what her rating will be. (She's very upset that I continued reading without her). (I have only one query: Ch 7,par 7 "Sabre's mother" OR "Saber's mother"? Thank you for being the kind of writer of children's books that you are. You have a new fan. Kind regards Maretha/African Animal Adventures

maretha wrote 33 days ago

Dear Neville, thank you so much for reading and giving me much needed input about the characters in my story. I am writing approximately another two,maybe three chapters before starting the second book in this series. I read your book to my granddaughter Lalitah who turns six in October. She wanted to read more, but her mother said that it was her bedtime,so I will continue tomorrow. I love the story. I love the front cover of your book and when I was still at work in a library my screensaver had a beautiful Siberian tiger walking through the snow (unfortunately I didn't take the photo like you did). I put this lovely book on my watch list and gave a four star rating. Your use of language is smooth and easy on the mind. Thank you once again. enjoy the weekend and keep writing, kind regards,Maretha/African Animal Adventures

Grace_Gallagher wrote 33 days ago

Your writing is very engaging and lively and you paint a nice picture. I think sometimes the dialogue lets it down, it seems a bit laboured compared to the snappy narrative. I think you are well on the way to a charming kid's book though, so best of luck with it
GG x

Ellen Michelle wrote 34 days ago

Hey,
My partner says he liked this book, so me being me i do try stuff he has, i must say i love it, i love the descriptions in the first few paragraphs, love it love it love it.
BACKED!
EllenMichelle :)
'A Model's Summer'

Cody Pelletier wrote 37 days ago

Neville,

I started reading The Secrets of the Forest last night and within a couple of paragraphs I was hooked. In fact, I ended up staying up much later than I normally do on a work night because I didn’t want to stop reading! Your book is very well written and very engaging. I loved the characters and your clear descriptive writing style helped me visualize the characters and surrounds perfectly. I look forward to continuing it tonight. I’ll follow up with additional comments as I get deeper into the story.

Cody

J C Michael wrote 38 days ago

As a cynical 36 year old I found it difficult to get into this but since it's clearly targeted at a totally different demographic that's hardly surprising. What I can say is this: it is well written, the story is presented in a way that should be engaging for your target audience, and it is also pleasing to see someone writing children's literature in a more traditional style rather than the "old before their time" tendancy of much of what my eight year old niece reads.
In all honesty I only read enough to get a feel for the book as it really isn't for me, but it is certainly the sort of thing I'm sure I will enjoy reading to my son once he is a bit older (not yet a year old so were still on books with lots of pictures).
Good luck with it, even more so since it is for such a good cause.
Kind regards,
James

PS I've still got your other book on my watch list and expect that to be more my "cup of tea".