T. Ball and the Rise of the Worldspinners
by
Stephen James Moore
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
GENRE: Middle Grade / Young Adult Fiction
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
BLURB:
The Stage Is Set
"What's up, dude? Name's Hector," said
the offbeat rabbit, his long ears stuffed in a bulging cap.
"I am Tobias Oakwood Ball," replied the
young hedgehog, puffing out his spines.
Newfound friends and future companions, T. Ball and
Hector are destined to join the humans, four and two-legged ones, winged ones
and the fairy folk who must unite in a titanic struggle of good vs. evil. A
malevolent entity has come to the woodlander village of Two Trees, dispatched
from the realms of the Worldspinners with a mission to bring darkness to all
the worlds.
It is a plan that has been centuries in the making,
nothing by accident and unknowing participants in the plot had been carefully
chosen. Many times through history they have tried and failed. This time they
will enter through the back door by corrupting nature.
There will be a bully called Spike, an overworked
wizard named The Great Toothsayer, and an annual hedgehog race that sets
everything in motion. Also, there are mobster squirrel gangs called Hoarders
and a tyrannical mob boss named Clough Briarthack. Then there's the Professor,
a lost book, hard-working moles and others—but that's to come in the next book.
The story begins now . . .
Who tricked The Great Tooth?
Why must T. Ball find his own special gift?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
EXCERPT
The Young Tooth Is Rescued
As if on cue for announcing winter’s ceremonial arrival, it snowed during the night, leaving a soft white covering. Winter would be early and stay long that year.
Two strangers dressed in simple monk habits of long brown sackcloth had waited silently in the night shadows outside the thorp. They had been there since late afternoon.
Standing there patiently, they knew what was to happen that night but had the wisdom to know what can and cannot be changed. Far from commonplace forest village creatures, these were members of the legendary order of woodland seers and magi called the Grand Order of the Berts.
Master Shoe Bert was the taller of the two, being a badger of unknown seasons. He was learned and spiritually wise beyond comprehension by mere mortals. At his side stood his docent, a young mouse called Herb Aceous. Always the devoted young student, he had not yet earned the full title of Bert.
Legend has it, the Bert lineage was founded by a mouse who came across the waters from the east, named Ali Bert the Wise. Known as the All Seer, he was responsible for bringing light during the darkest ages for all the animals. More likely, the actual founder of the Berts was a rat, possibly female, known in some enlightened history books as Eli Bert and honoured to this day by many small ancient sects who trace their roots back to the beginning times. Due to the politics surrounding rats, it is probable that the Bert origin story was changed to venerate the founder as a mouse, and a male one, at that. Recognising a female rat as the Bert founder would have been unacceptable in those dark ages of fear, superstition, and prejudice.
As the two wise ones stood untiring, both knew the tragedy that would soon befall those around the Great Green Emerald Lake. Several moons ago they had glimpsed tonight’s events in the bubbling waters of the Looking Bowl, inside Master Shoe Bert’s cave. Their meditations and scrying powers had well-prepared them for what they needed to do. They saw the Fairy Folk put on their magnificent display, observed the evening’s festivities, and watched the woodlanders contentedly file back to their homes. The master and his student would remain concealed in the shadows, witnesses to the atrocities destined to be perpetrated upon the woodlanders. They were both mortified, as they could see future events unfolding before their eyes but could do nothing to stop them. Much was at stake and fate must play out. Some things can be changed, others cannot. They continued to monitor the situation until the moment was almost upon them. Wrapping woolen scarves around their snouts, they waited with grim anticipation for the silent horror that was about to arrive.
PURCHASE LINKS T. Ball and the Rise of the Worldspinners
Amazon (Kindle)
Indigo Chapters
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
AUTHOR Bio and Links:
U.K Born Stephen Moore is a writer and accomplished Martial Artist. Lover of literature and ancient history. T. Ball was given in a dream and now his world is alive thanks to the T. Ball book series which covers human, animal and the unseen worlds showing victory through adversity and an incredible adventure through darkness and light. Stephen has also published The Christmas Adventure which shares T. Ball's world reminding us of the seasonal message.
*********************
GIVEAWAY
The tour dates can be found here
*********************
My review:
3.5 stars
T. ball and the Rise of the Worldspinners, written by Stephen James Moore and illlustrated by Luigi A. Cannavicci, chronicles the story of a very special hedgehog who is destined to change the lives of those around him. The impact of human manipulations and the effects of industrialization on animal society is also explored.
This young adult’s story has great imaginative elements and creative twists and turns but has a dark theme running throughout. There are fun vignettes that reminded me of the Redwall books, because there are organized animal societies that not only have family units but also interact with multiple species in both benevolent and not-so-benevolent ways. I was intrigued by the concept of healers who fight their predatory nature as long as there’s daylight but revert to their nature at sundown, racketeering squirrels, and names that are plays on words and concepts.
I was a bit uncomfortable at the constant bombardment by negative developments as seen through the animals’ eyes. The malign actions of various humans and their negative impact directly and indirectly on the different animal abodes was both heartbreaking and nauseating, making me wonder how suitable this is as a kids’ story. It will certainly provoke some serious discussions about the impact of chemical waste and toxic or hormonal administration into the food chain.
I did appreciate the positive messages regarding finding the positivity in one’s uniqueness and not allowing bullying to crush your spirit. For me, the story meandered a bit, I’m not quite sure I understand who the Worldspinners are, and I would’ve liked to know a bit more about the magical creatures who appear so briefly. I feel that this is a story best read by young people under close supervision so that its many thought-provoking scenes can be immediately discussed, similar to stories such as Watership Down.
A copy of this title was provided for review
