Product Description

In a blaze of light, rush of wind, and scrabble of claws, Rachel and her younger brother are ripped through the wall and hurtled on to another world. Like thousands of children before them, they have been snatched away by the Witch. But this time the Witch has met her match. Rachel discovers that she has extraordinary gifts: she can transform herself into a speck of dust, or fly on an owl's back, just as the Witch can. The Witch is excited - she has found someone she can use for her own evil purposes. But for the Witch's victims, Rachel is their only hope. A great narrative drive, strong characters and emotions, a beautifully imagined world and delicious touches of magic and humour are hallmarks of Cliff's debut.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #35633 in Books
• Published on: 2001-07-02
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 224 pages

Amazon.co.uk Review
If Hollywood ever decides to make a film of The Doomspell, they're going to need an awfully big budget. In his first highly imaginative novel, Cliff McNish has created a story so large in scope, so plentiful in amazing characters and containing so much colourful magic that even Steven Spielberg would have a hard time doing justice to it on the large screen.

At the heart of The Doomspell, proclaims the cover, is a battle between good and evil. What it fails to mention is that it is an enormous battle that begins the moment Rachel arrives unexpectedly in the frozen ice world of Ithrea. Along with her brother, Eric, Rachel has been sucked through a terrifying portal to this unhappy world by a witch called Dragwena. A loathsome creature--with blood-red skin, tattooed eyes, four sets of teeth and a writhing snake-mouth filled with purple-eyed, armoured spiders--Dragwena has been seeking her perfect partner for centuries. And now, her quest for one to rule by her side and to help spread her twisted hate to other planets has reached fever pitch. Rachel has been chosen. She has powers beyond her wildest dreams. Skills she never thought she had or would ever need. Abilities she must learn to utilise fast--or face the consequences of being overpowered by pure evil...

The book is a magical read, full of danger, treachery and excitement. It doesn't shy away from the occasionally gory results of Dragwena's wrath, but this thrilling read would not be complete without such honest detail. A page-turner, and sometimes a stomach-turner, The Doomspell never fails to enthral and captivate and is recommended for the bravest readers who do not flinch from such raw adventure. (Ages 10 and over) --John McLay

Review
"an enchanting read". Teen Titles, Summer 2005

Teen Titles, Summer 2005
"an enchanting read".

Customer Reviews

Couldn't put it down!
Magic, mystery, suspense, action-packed gripping fantasy plot, well-written, lots of vivid imagery... it's a short novel and I literally couldn't stop until I'd finished it! Can't wait to read the next one in the trilogy.

It's easy to empathise with the main characters, brother and sister, Rachel and Eric. Snatched away from their homes on Earth and thrown into a world of dark magic we follow their fight to overthrow evil.

For all ages 8+, and as another reviewer has commented, it would make a great film!

Definitely better than Harry Potter
The only similarity between this book and the Harry Potter series is that it features magic, wizards and witches. For some reason the author chose witches (all female) as the evil ones and wizards (presumably all male) as the good ones. The main wizard, Larpskendya, is an extremely godlike creature, almost too beautiful for mortal eyes to bear.
Most books featuring sorcery tend to be sparing with the magic effects--very disappointing for child readers, who normally can't get enough of magic--but this book really indulges them. It's a fast-paced, imaginative read and is also beautifully written. It was a pleasure not to be pulled out of the story by bad grammar--especially my pet hate, run-on sentences, which seem to abound in today's fiction. I look forward to reading the rest of the trilogy.

Its a challange to find a better book!
Cliff McNish is an artist with the English language. This book is an example. It has all the elements of an exiting story.
Rachel and Eric, the heroes, are torn through the cellar wall into the world of Ithrea. They are trapped with the evil witch Dragwena. Rachel, however discovers she can use magic to defend herself and her brother and... well, I wont spoil the story!
I would reccomend this book to people aged 8 to adult. adults may find it an easy read but its WORTH READING. Once you read this book you are wildly addicted to finding out what happens in the next book (I also reccomend these). I have tried to find something bad to say about this book, but found it impossible. I must also add that you cant put this book down. You always think to yourself 'Just a little bit more then the bookmark goes in...' but it never happens. You MUST give this book a try, and I can almost guaruntee you will love it. It is an adventurous, magical and exciting. Anybody would love this book. I reccomend it highly. If you like this book you may like...
The Silver Child
The Scent of Magic
The Wizards Promise
You could also try these books, they are all by Cliff McNish and are ALL Brilliant. Once again, the Doomspell is a book you must read at some time!!!