Product Description

Six children leave the comfort of their homes. They are drawn to Coldharbour - an eerie wasteland of wind, rats, seagulls and rubbish tips. Emily and Freda, the twins, scuttle bright eyed and insect-like in search of the others. They find Thomas on a food tip. The gentle giant boy Walter joins them and so does Helen, who can read minds. And at the centre of it all is luminous Milo, his skin hot and bright with silver. Each of them has a unique gift, but they must learn to use their skills fast. Drawing ever closer in a maelstrom of fury is the Roar, something vast and dreadful that wants to destroy them all. As in The Doomspell trilogy, Cliff's characters really are 'the children next door' until they discover the powers they possess and he sweeps them and the reader into his worlds of magical fantasy, writing exciting, breathtaking adventures with richly imagined, vividly drawn characters, and an infectious energy, warmth and humour. The Silver Child is book 1 in a heart-stopping new sequence.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #561814 in Books
• Published on: 2003-08-01
• Original language: English
• Binding: Hardcover
• 176 pages

Bookseller Buyer's Guide Highlights, 11th June 03
"A beguiling story" Joanne Owen, Borders bookshop

Review
"A beguiling story" (Joanne Owen, Borders bookshop Bookseller Buyer's Guide Highlights, 11 Jun 03 )

"An intriguing and sinister tale...the beginning of a great adventure" (Dreamwatch )

"...thought-provoking, heart-warming...It's as much the way in which McNish tells the tale as the plot itself that makes reading The Silver Child such an enjoyable experience...it has a spectacular and satisfying conclusion. I was left feeling exhilarated and hungry for more." (Philip Ardagh Guardian, 20 Sep 03 )

"...Fabulously painted with awesome and very vivid characters...many will be waiting with baited breath to see what happens next." (Birmingham Post, 27 Sep 03 )

"...a genuinely original piece of writing, strongly imagined and well written...[a] dark but arresting fantasy." (Books for Keeps )

The Guardian, September 20, 2003
"…thought-provoking, heart-warming… I was left feeling exhilarated and hungry for more." Philip Ardagh

Customer Reviews

Creative but..
I liked this book. The story was very different (although still along the theme of planetary destruction and children saving the world from The Doomspell trilogy), and full of strange ideas that came through well.
My only problem was Thomas. I don't know whether it was me, or me being unable to totally comprehend his situation, but half the time I just couldn't empathise with him. Thomas is the character who's view point you see it from by the way. He seems to get unreasonably angry or emotional at times when I was thinking 'Whats the problem?'

Thats the reason why I gave the book 4 instead of 5.
Other than that, its a good book. The sequels are better I think

So different,. so original
I thought this book was pretty remarkable. I'm an adult, and expected more of the Doomspell wizard/witch/magic stuff, so what a surprise. Mo magic, but the gifts these kids have got is just as weird and wonderful as magic. This is an amazing book, a completely original plot with some of the most intriguing characters I've ever come across. I can't believe how much I fell in love with those strange insect-like twins. The darker side of it - the way there's conflict between the kids, means you read it on edge some of the time, but by the end you realise that the conflict felt true, real. It's all so amazingly crazy and yet you beleive every word! Roll on book 2!

Another wonderful fantasy from Cliff McNish
Almost like more of an introduction to a story than one in its own right I was amazed by how much I enjoyed this book!
The blend of fantasy and normality makes an incredible mixture in all of Cliff's novels and this is no exception!
The book is about a group of children who are all summoned to the same place. They leave happy family homes and run to a dangerous wasteland, Coldharbour.
The reason for this only becomes clear at the end of the story, and even then all is not explained.
If you enjoy gripping fantasy then I would recommend this to you! Although the book can be disturbing and you feel as though it should be longer no one should let this put them off!
It is incredibly well written and the story line will keep you wanting more until the end and beyond!
Definitely worth reading!