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From Kirkus Reviews
DARWEN ARKWRIGHT AND THE PEREGRINE PACT
Author: Hartley, A.J.
Illustrator: Osborne, Emily
Review Issue Date:
August 15, 2011
Online Publish Date:
August 3, 2011
Publisher:Razorbill/Penguin
Pages:
432
Price ( Hardcover ):
$16.99
Publication Date:
October 1, 2011
ISBN ( Hardcover ):
978-1-59514-409-6
Category: Fiction
As if new living arrangements, new school and new country weren’t enough to contend with, how about facing whole new worlds?
Eleven-year-old Lancashire lad Darwen Arkwright knows his Aunt Honoria is trying to make living in Atlanta, Ga., bearable. But tea that’s more lukewarm water with a floating tea bag (ugh) that looks like a mouse, a distracted “babysitter,” Honoria’s busy lifestyle and her reliance on upscale takeout are not helping him settle in. Just before the start of school, Darwen follows a strange flying creature through the mall (after watching it messily devour a sparrow) and ends up at Octavius Peregrine’s Reflectory Emporium, which sells mirrors priceless and perilous. The odd proprietor gifts Darwen with a mirror that becomes first a window and then a door on the sylvan world of Silbrica. Darwen is a Mirroculist and can see through darkling mirrors into other worlds. Meanwhile, at the overly regimented private school Honoria enrolled him in, Darwen makes a couple friends…and as many enemies. Thefts at school, strange bones in the schoolyard and terrifying troubles in Silbrica all seem connected by more than just Darwen. Can he puzzle things out and survive? Hartley’s first dark fantasy for young audiences is, out of the gate, an imaginative page turner that manages to be by turns spooky, suspenseful and touching.
Likely the start of a series; “Brilliant!” as Darwen would say. (Fantasy. 9-14)
See also
Charlotte Observer feature here.
Barnes and Noble Review's glowing DARWEN review here.
New York Journal of Books review here.
A.J.'s interview on NPR affiliate WFAE's Charlotte Talks on Macbeth, a Novel.
Kirkus Reviews selects Will Power as one of the best 15 fantasy/scifi books of 2010!
A.J. on Charlotte's NBC affiliate.
Washington Post reviews 100 Must Read Thrillers A.J.'s essay is (unsurprisingly) on Shakespeare's Macbeth. The collection was nominated for an Edgar Award.
From Publishers Weekly:
Brianne Mulligan at Razorbill has bought world rights to A.J. Hartley’s children’s debut, Darwen Arkwright and the Peregrine Pact. The novel, a middle-grade fantasy adventure, centers on an 11-year-old boy who discovers a mysterious world where human children are prized, and is enlisted to protect his school from dark creatures. Hartley, the Distinguished Professor of Shakespeare at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, is the author of five adult novels. Stacey Glick of Dystel & Goderich negotiated the two-book deal; the first book is scheduled for fall 2011.
"As 18-year-old orphaned actor Will Hawthorne explains early on
in this clever page-turner, "I don't want you thinking you're going
to get a tale about some blue-eyed tyke with a heart of gold in a
world where good triumphs over evil. You're not, I'm not, and in my
experience it never does." Charged as a rebel after escaping the
authorities in a world not unlike Elizabethan England, obnoxious,
charming Will joins a small mercenary group and proves himself the
least honorable of them all. When the group comes under attack from
crimson-armored raiders, Will reluctantly fails to betray the
companions he is even more reluctantly growing to like. In small,
swift "scenes," Hartley (On the Fifth Day) deftly proves that people
you shouldn't trust at your back can be the best ones to have at
your side." (Mar.) Starred Review - Publishers Weekly 1.5.2009
From Booklist: "This fantasy by a Shakespearean scholar tells the
story of hapless young actor William Hawthorne in a fictional world
that, not unlike Elizabethan England, brims with intrigue. Saving
his neck by joining a band of heroes led by a warrior possessed of a
magical and powerful sword, Hawthorne unwittingly joins a battle
against an evil empire bent on crushing everyone to its will....
Hartley’s prose is so graceful, his narrative so taut, and his
battle scenes so exciting and well described, however, that one
quickly forgives his betimes paint-by-numbers development. All this
is especially true of the compulsively readable second half, which
unfolds with remarkable elegance and power." — Jack Helbig
Reviews for What Time Devours
“A.J. Hartley takes the reader on an intelligent, intense,
suspenseful ride in What Time Devours. A crime tale about
Shakespeare, trust and redemption that keeps you turning the pages.”
— James O. Born, author of Burn Zone
“A fabulous thriller by an amazingly talented author. Exciting and
meaningful, it surprised and transported me.” —David Morrell, New
York Times bestselling author of The Brotherhood of the Rose
"A good writer can give you an interesting plot and reasonably
sympathetic characters, a very good one can make that plot an
obsession and those characters compelling–and this is what we get
from Hartley. The best writing is that which least interferes with
the reader’s plunge into the story–and we have that here. It’s
always a surprise and delight to discover a terrific new talent,
someone whose works you want to recommend and better yet, read them
yourself, so it’s a great pleasure to read and recommend this
book..."
"He’s got our attention with a book that’s better than just a copy
of The Da Vinci Code. Now let’s see what he can do with the next
one. He’s already a New York Times bestselling author. Armchair
Interviews says this book is a rare achievement, an intelligent
thriller, and it will whet your appetite for the author’s other
works" - C.L. Rossman for Armchair Interviews
"a visually explosive rollercoaster ride that melds fact and
fiction." - Ace Hall for The Big Thrill
"What Time Devours is a well-crafted, edge of your seat thriller.
Just when you think you’ve figured out what’s coming next, the story
takes a sharp turn and takes off in a new direction. From an opening
that will have you keeping your windows covered come nightfall, this
dark suspense will keep you guessing until the very end." - Kimberly
Swan for Darque Reviews
"WHAT TIME DEVOURS is an entertaining thriller as the Shakespearean
scholars are as cutthroat as Richard III." - Harriet Klausner for
Genre Go-Round Reviews
Reviews for On the Fifth Day
Not only is Hartley’s novel well paced, with enough twists and turns
to keep most thriller fans satisfied, he avoids the missteps of most
attempts to cash in on the Da Vinci Code zeitgeist by focusing on
the faithful rather than freewheeling conspiracies; his is a welcome
take that considers thoughtfully... issues of belief and doubt.
...This slam-bang title is a very fun, surprisingly satisfying read.
(July)" - Publishers Weekly May 21st 2007
"Mixture of murder and history and travel, all well written, make
this a 5-star read." - Patricia E. Reid for Armchair Interviews
"Terrific plotting, first-rate suspense. On the Fifth Day is a
ripping good read." - Kathy Reichs
"A.J. Hartley is a rare discovery: a writer capable of challenging a
reader as much as he thrills . His latest novel, ON THE FIFTH DAY,
careens at a breathless pace from dark crypts to exotic sunlit
shores. Full of historical mystery, rife with intrigue and suspense,
here is a tour-de-force sure to keep pages turning deep into the
night." - James Rollins, New York Times bestselling author of Black
Order
Reviews for The Mask of Atreus
"Rich with historical and archeological detail, this
well-constructed debut from Hartley celebrates the power of legend
while delivering an engrossing mystery that skips nimbly between
continents and cultures... Hartley has created an enduring heroine
in Deborah, who’s courageous, loyal and smart enough to learn from
her mistakes. Although it’s unclear whether there are more
adventures in Deborah’s future, this intricate and absorbing
thriller augurs well for Hartley’s career." - Publishers Weekly,
2/8/2006 3:25 PM Page 67
This "very good novel (especially for a first effort) is about a
female museum curator who discovers a secret room filled with
priceless treasures from ancient Greece — and the corpse of her best
friend." - Otto Penzler for the New York Sun. Feature article at
http://www.nysun.com/article/37163
"THE MASK OF ATREUS is a tightly plotted, imaginative and wholly
engaging thriller that hits the reader with a doozy of a plot-twist
at around the 3/4 mark. Hartley breathes life into his characters
and puts them through their paces with the skill and enthusiasm of
an accomplished storyteller. Is it any good? Let me put it this
way....heck, yeah!" - Jeff Cook for Round Table Reviews
"This debut novel is a true thriller which will keep the reader
jumping at twists and turns as intricate as a Minoan labyrinth, but
with themes drawn from today’s headlines. RECOMMENDED." - Michele A.
Reed: For I Love a Mystery Newsletter
"THE MASK OF ATREUS is an intriguing debut novel by A. J. Hartley,
an author who clearly knows his subject. The action moves apace, and
the plot twists and turns, keeping the reader guessing. The
characters are well drawn and Deborah Miller is particularly vivid.
For readers who find the setting of this novel interesting the
author has provided a postscript about the source material he
used... the threads of the story snap together in the final pages. I
would certainly read another by this author." - Kerrie Smith: For
Reviewers-choice.com
"The Mask of Atreus is the kind of top-notch historical thriller
that should appeal to fans of The Da Vinci Code and Michelangelo's
Notebook. Fast-paced adventures, compelling characterizations,
intriguing morsels of mythology, provocative historical details,
some mind-blowing surprises, and - above all - a charismatic and
imaginative heroine combine to make A. J. Hartley's debut novel a
smashingly entertaining success." - Tim Davis (Bookloons.com April
24th 06)
"The Mask of Atreus is one of those rare mystery novels that
combines an exciting story line, rich in historical and
archaeological detail with a quality of writing which is a joy to
read." - Richard Laymon Kills: Same Vein
"...well worth reading and one trusts Hartley will not stop at one
novel." - Denise Pickles for Mary Martin Bookshop
"This one has a surprise twist to the plot that you won't see
coming--though it makes perfect sense in context. If this is how Mr.
Hartley starts out, it will be interesting to see what comes next."
- Judith Kreiner (Washington Times, April 9th 2006)
"Reminiscent of the best Dan Brown intrigues." - Charlotte Observer
(April 16th 06)
"THE MASK OF ATREUS is a terrific amateur sleuth mystery starring a
likable intelligent 'amazon' struggling with her Jewish roots and
Massachusetts family as her biggest 'issues' until the murder of her
beloved mentor, a father figure to her. Deborah keeps the
exhilarating thriller focused as she conducts her investigation
using what she knows, myths and antiquities. A.J. Hartley provides a
fabulous whodunit made fresh by its deep historical and
archeological base and an endearing heroine." - Harriet Klausner for
casamysterioso.com
"A Mycenaean death mask looted by the Nazis is stolen from an
obscure museum, leading curator Deborah Miller on a thrilling chase
to retrieve it before it falls into the wrong hands. A suspenseful
debut." - Clues Unlimited (a "particularly recommended" selection)
"This is exactly the kind of archaeological thriller I love--from
its gripping opening on a battlefield in the waning days of World
War II to its roaring finish. The Mask of Atreus is rich and
dramatic -- a compelling novel that will grip you in its swift, dark
currents and sweep you over the falls. My compliments to A.J.
Hartley for an outstanding novel." - Douglas Preston, author of The
Codex and Tyrannosaur Canyon, and co-author with Lincoln Child of
The Cabinet of Curiosities and others.
"Intriguing. A labyrinth of history and mystery." - Steve Berry, New
York Times bestselling author of The Templar Legacy
"The Mask of Atreus is the perfect debut--a high octane thriller
crammed full of long buried secrets, treacherous betrayals,
jaw-dropping twists, and a healthy dash of romance. Deborah Miller
is an engaging, sympathetic heroine, who you can't help but root
for. Move over Michael Crichton---A.J.
Hartley is right at your heels." - J.A. Konrath (Whiskey Sour,
Bloody Mary)
"An exhilarating thriller rooted in the dark side of history and
myth. Enormously entertaining...reading THE MASK OF ATREUS is like
looking down a very dark and very scary tunnel--you have no idea
what's looking back, waiting to pounce. Hartley is one terrific
writer." - Jeff Long (The Wall, The Reckoning, The Descent and other
novels)
"I find The Mask of Atreus engaging because it's a rare
accomplishment: a genuinely thrilling thriller that's also
intelligent and brilliantly written. They said it couldn't be done."
- Phillip DePoy (The Fever Devilin Mysteries)
"Compulsively readable…the terrible beauty of ancient Greece
collides with the merciless obsessions of the twentieth century. In
a race to discover ancient secrets hiding behind the masks of the
dead – and the living – the only winner is the reader." - New York
Times bestselling author, Eloisa James