The Serpent of Eridor
The Serpent of Eridor by Alison Gardiner
Paperback, 272 pages Expected publication: January 28th 2015
by Troubador Publishing Ltd
Alex’s parents are missing and they have sent him a message
that he needs to meet a person on an island who can help. Leaving behind his
nasty Aunty, packing his hamster Skoodle, Alex’s begins the journey. Travelling
by boat to find the man who can help, Alex is attacked by an assassin. In the
middle of a typhoon, Alex takes off in a lifeboat to avoid his attacker and
finds himself of an island where the animals can speak. The hamster, the
monkey, the bear, the snake and Alex are off on adventure to return a jewel.
This Gardiner’s first novel and is a solid effort. The world
that she has created is vibrant and believable. The characters are well fleshed
out and have their own strengths and weakness.
Where the novel did not work for me was in the telling of
the story. There needed to be a less is more approach as at times too much
information is provided and it does not drive the story forward. The tour of
the Magician’s home went on and could have been culled down. The ending was
disappointing as a row after row of character seemed to line up and confess. What
this did was made the ending come across as rushed and trying to tidy and set
up the next story.
Gardiner has a wonderful imagination and has created a
fascinating world. Some additional trimming and tightening of the novel would
help it along.
For further information on Alison Gardiner check out her website.
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