Review: Honour's Rest by Judith Crow (YA Magical Realism)

 

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Honour's Rest

by Judith Crow

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GENRE:   YA Magical Realism

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 BLURB:

 

“So, it’s – what – like magic?”

No, according to Pen’s uncle, the Rite is not magic at all. But, if it’s not magic, then how could Pen push the school bully into a pond while he was really studying alone in the library?
When Pen’s family realise he has the Rite, he is sent to live with his Uncle Napier, who can help him control his ability.
But Napier has other duties. He is the Rendelf, in charge of the Rite in the UK, and he has gathered many enemies over the years…
…enemies who would be delighted to use Pen against him.

 

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EXCERPTS 

“Good, good,” Mr Carling said. “It was a shame about what happened, Pen. You were an excellent student and you’re missed by all the teachers. And most of the pupils as well.”

 

“That’s kind of you to say,” Pen said with a smile, bowing his head again and this time enjoying the puzzlement on the headteacher’s face and the sheer confusion in his mind. “But there’s one thing in particular that I came here to say.”

 

“And what’s that?”

 

“I should apologise for what happened. It was me who pushed Justin.”

 

“Don’t be silly, Pen,” Mr Carling said, with a nervous laugh.

 

“Haven’t your parents told you? A couple of girls were taking pictures outside the library that day, and you were in the background. You couldn’t possibly have done it.”

 

“All the same,” Pen said, trying to hide his annoyance at his mother for not telling him the truth, “I was responsible.”

 

It was a great pleasure to know that the tables had been turned so, at the end of the conversation, it was Mr Carling who was nearly reduced to nervous tears, which wasn’t made any better when Pen accidentally answered a question which had not yet been spoken. It was only when he left the school with a smug sense of achievement and satisfaction that it occurred to him why Napier may have made the demand, and it had more to do with affection than punishment.

 

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AUTHOR Bio and Links:

 

Judith was born in Orkney, grew up in Lincolnshire and now lives in the far north of Scotland. Her work draws inspiration from folklore, experience and the natural world.

The Backwater, Judith’s debut book, was a finalist in the Wishing Shelf Book Awards 2019, and her most recent novel, Honour’s Rest, was a finalist in the Eyelands Book Award.

When she isn’t writing, Judith is a teacher at a primary school in Caithness. She sometimes finds that writing gets usurped by crafting, music, and being a generally doting spaniel owner.

 

Website

www.judithcrow.co.uk

www.crowvus.com

 

Twitter

@jayzed_kay

 

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/JudithZKCrow

Amazon

https://www.amazon.com/Honours-Rest-Rite-Way-Book-ebook/dp/B09FVM4KTW/

 

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GIVEAWAY INFORMATION and RAFFLECOPTER CODE:

 

Judith Crow will be awarding a £25 voucher for Crowvus.com to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

MY REVIEW found on Amazon

A boy in early adolescence discovers he has magic. He ahs a far away uncle who knows how to train and help him. His parents send him. Not all magic is good. Oh, and there are some cool creatures. And as for Pen... Pendragon... there are allusions here I am sure the series will unpack in full detail but book one is in itself a satisfying read. 

On a personal note - I enjoy 1st person narrative but I prefer third person where the author pulls me in close without every chapter being a mind dump of feelings and emotions. I think for young men, Honour's Rest will read more action and adventure (think Harry Potter) than teen internal angst (Hunger Games or Twilight). That for me may be the biggest win of the book and why I give it 5 stars.

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THANK YOU from this Book Blogger 

Thank you for reading Jerry's Circumlocution where I promote independent authors, toss out a few reviews, wax eloquent occasionally on writing, or shamelessly self promote. 

Speaking of which, if you haven't picked up one of our featured author's works please do so. If so, and looking for more to read, please consider one of mine! And on behalf of all Indie authors including the one highlighted here, we live off of good reviews. Please consider dropping one to help them (and me) out! 

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A book is like a child. The author gives it birth. Then it is raised by the author and a team of teachers, coaches, and family (we call these people editors, beta readers, and publishers). all of this is to prepare the book for its journey into the world where it hopefully will meet you, the reader. I have the privilege of being my books' parent, but you are whom it is truly meant. Thank you.