Product Description

Nin had never liked Wednesdays, but this one took the biscuit. On this Wednesday she woke up to find that it was raining buckets and that her brother had ceased to exist. Ninevah realises she is the only person to remember Toby because whoever took him is about to make her disappear too. Enter Skerridge the Bogeyman, who steals kids for Mr. Strood. With his spindle, he draws all memories of Nin out of her mother's head. Nin escapes to the Drift, the world that her new friend Jonas and Mr. Strood inhabit. But the Drift is filled with the fabulous and the dreadful; tombfolk, mudmen, and the spirits of the seven sorcerers who once ruled the land. What is the secret of the Seven Sorcerers, and will Nin and Toby escape their fate at the House of Strood?

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #155615 in Books
• Published on: 2009-04-02
• Original language: English
• Binding: Hardcover
• 352 pages

Review
'Rich with extraordinary incident and a whole new perspective on bogeymen, it's a book for confident readers that will reward their efforts with a vivid evocation of a place peopled with strange beings and immersed in magic. Who could ask for more in a parallel universe?' Daily Telegraph.

From the Inside Flap
`In the cellar,' Toby whispered. `Something horrid.'
When her brother Toby vanishes so that even their mother has no memory of him, Ninevah Redstone realises that the reason she still remembers is because whoever took Toby is about to take her too. Enter Skerridge the Bogeyman, who steals kids for Mr Strood. With his spindle, he winds away all memories of Nin. She escapes to the Drift, a world filled with the Fabulous and the spirits of the Seven Sorcerers who once ruled the land. What is the Sorcerers' secret and who awaits Nin at the house where Toby has been taken?
A wondrous tale of good and evil, fear, bravery and friendship, with characters that will stay with you long after the book is closed.

From the Back Cover
Nin had never like Wednesdays, but this one took the biscuit.
On this Wednesday she woke up to find that it was raining buckets and that her brother had ceased to exist.
Join Nin on her fantastic journey through the land of the Seven Sorcerers to find Toby and get her life back.

Customer Reviews

A terrific read
This is a book that sparkles with inventiveness and fun. I'd compare it to Neil Gaiman's work, except that I think it's even better. The writing is transparent, which means it doesn't get in the way, it serves as a clear window on the action. Some of the ideas here--the 'pearls' of memory, the Gabriel hounds, etc --are beautifully realized. With one exception the characterization is terrific; the bogeyman Skerridge is a particular highlight.

Two quibbles. One is that the main character, Nin, seems emotionally shallow. She has been separated from her life, her mother, her brother, and while she experiences occasional pangs of loss, her character doesn't seem all that profoundly affected. She's plucky and up for adventure, grinning all the while. I would have liked more depth there, more emotional resonance. Two is that the narrative splits into several different strands for the ending, not a good structural decision, in my opinion. The pace slows way down as a result, the plot itself wanders a bit instead of zooming along to its logical conclusion, and I ended up skimming to get back to the characters I really cared about.

On the whole, though, it's a satisfying, fun read.

Both of my kids, who are ages 9 and 13, read this book and loved it. We will most certainly look for the next book, and for more by this talented new author.

Great story, great pace
A fast paced story with lovely creative features. I loved the hounds, and the fiery dawn made for a other-worldly backdrop. Caro King could have added page after page developing many elements of the story, but resisted the temptation and the story is better for it - I'm left wanting more. I'm a China Mieville fan, but whereas his stories (mostly targeted at adults or older teens) are big on ideas some times at the expense of pace or brevity, Seven Sorcerers manages to have wonderful ideas and keep the story moving. The final stages do suddenly become multi-threaded with a plethora of new characters, but the pace keeps up and I liked the multi-thread end.
SarahP's review criticises Nin's lack of characterisation, but I like that as it eases me into seeing the world through her eyes - the younger target readers might not appreciate a story with extra angst/loss - I didn't find it a problem.
It's a stand alone novel, but I could imagine a sequel working well.
I really liked Seven Sorcerers - I'll read it to pre-teens or give it to young teens to read. Or for a much older reader like me! Great.

Addictive for young and old!
This book caught my attention before summer holidays and my daughter and I read it in a few days. We cant wait for the second book, thats how good it is!