Product Description

I’m the only one who saw what they did…

From the shelter of the pine trees, through the falling snow, John watched as the men kicked down doors, shattered windows and fired their first shot. It was a long time before he stopped trembling, before he dared to return and see if anyone needed his help. Among the ruins he found a small boy, too terrified to tell John his name.

Now the only witness and the sole survivor are running for their lives. John knows how to look after himself, how to live off the land and his wits. But now he’s looking after someone else and every choice he makes could mean the difference between life and death…

THE WITNESS is set in the Scottish Highlands in the near future, when the disastrous nationalization of the land has led to a violent uprising.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #284798 in Books
• Published on: 2008-07-04
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 256 pages

About the Author

James Jauncey lives on the edge of the Scottish Highlands with his wife, two of his four children, and two cats. When he is not writing he plays the piano in the Funky String Band. He is also on the board of the Edinburgh International Book Festival, the world's biggest literary festival. There's more about him on his website at www.jamesjauncey.com

Customer Reviews

Storytelling
This is like a novel that Robert Louis Stevenson would have written if he'd been alive today. A great story, set in the Scottish highlands, but with the intriguing scenario of an independent, turbulent Scotland in the near future. The novel is aimed at the teenage reader but don't let that deter any adult readers who enjoy character, atmosphere, landscape and storytelling drive.

Gripping
A gripping book. The characters really came to life. The story kept you in suspense till near the end. A satisfying ending.

A credible dystopia
The Witness vividly brings to life a credible dystopia set in the almost tangible future. It's peopled with memorable characters and located in a Highland environment that has been skilfully evoked and re-worked.
Told in fine, honed prose, this is a ripping yarn told in the good Scots tradition of Stevenson and Buchan. Modern sensitivities and an engaging musical theme however, give the story its own distinct voice. For teenagers by D.O.B and tennagers at heart.