Narwhal
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REVIEWS / READERS AND PUBLISHERS COMMENTS The Isle of St. Hellicks has long been inhabited by a small close-knit community highly distrustful of strangers. So when the Edmond family arrive, self sufficient, at one with both nature and sea creatures, not needing to join in or accept the islanders help, they are immediately disliked. Events coincidently take a turn for the worse however, when Gray, the youngest of the Edmond family, finds a Narwhal tusk washed up on shore. According to an ancient legend, this tusk is cursed and before long Gray’s life begins to spiral downwards in a series of unfortunate events. With his father and his brother presumed dead after being missing at sea for weeks, and with the constant threat of violence hanging over him from the malevolent Treverick gang, Gray’s life reaches breaking point. When his despicable Aunt Aleyne arrives and immediately banishes his closest friends and confidant it is not long before the islanders begin to fear that Gray is the cause of all of the problems on St. Hellicks. Alone, confused, and seemingly without hope, Gray’s only glimmer of light is Julie, the beautiful girl who understands Gray in a way that others don’t. As they both attempt to piece together this strange mystery, and understand the power of the narwhal’s tusk, their relationship flourishes. But will it all be too late? Can Gray survive the abuse directed at him? Only time will tell. Margaret Gill is an incredibly talented writer. Her writing has a wonderfully lyrical style and her descriptive powers are second to none. In the unravelling of a tale so sensitive yet so stirring, she keeps the reader tantalisingly on the edge of their seat throughout. Her attention to minute detail and understanding of human emotion sees this mixture of myth, legend, and reality interacting to marvellous effect. ‘Narwhal’ is a truly exceptional book from an amazing author. Thoroughly enjoyable from start to finish with a plot so wonderfully constructed, this book cannot fail to be a winner. Copyright © 2008. All Rights Reserved by Author. Site designed and maintained by Book Promotion
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About the Book
When Gray retrieves an engraved narwhal's tusk from the sea disturbing changes begin to happen to both marine and bird life. The islanders suspect Gray's unusual powers of being able to communicate with seals and other creatures as the cause of the unrest. They find the tusk he has hidden away and fear that an ancient prophecy threatening the island will come to pass since they have always considered the narwhal as an omen of disaster. Gray finds himself a victim of a confused and complex web of superstition as the islanders decide a ritual sacrifice must be made. How can he prove his innocence and escape their final condemnation of him? "Narwhal" was shortlisted for the Cinnamon Press Awards. Shortlisted for UKAuthors 2008. Highly Commended Winchester Writers' Conference. Finalist Indie excellence awards 2008.
About the Author
ABOUT THE AUTHOR I was born in a small mining village in South Yorkshire. I was able, however, even as a small child, to escape to the countryside to be alone with my love of nature. I wrote poetry from a very early age and my first novel at fourteen. But later the pressures of teaching full time and raising a family meant that writing was put on the back burner. When I started teaching part time, I began to write seriously and have since written seven children’s novels and most recently a trilogy for young teenagers. My books seem to be peopled with strong gutsy heroines who are prepared to go through hell, fire and damnation to reach their goals. Although my current novel which takes place on the Isles of Scilly has a hero for a change. Many of my books centre around places that have intrigued me like Costa Rica which is the background to Return of the Quetzal, Syria which is the arena for a dark mystery and Tibet which features strongly in The Eye of the Mandala. Indeed several readers have been impressed with my detailed knowledge of other countries and I quote "Having read your "Quetzal", I was struck by the authenticity and verisimilitude of its setting and wondered if you had actually researched it in Costa Rica, or indeed lived there for some time. Please do let me know since I’m very keen to settle there, especially during the period of our formidable winters" Charles Muller MA. PhD. DLitt. And from the same reader "I am certainly hugely impressed by your grasp of the country. Indeed , after reading "Quetzal" I was convinced you had grown up there." Rachel Hinckley of The Literary Consultancy says about Quetzal "The author demonstrates what is obviously a greatly detailed knowledge of the Costa Rican country and its history both contemporary and ancient." CONTACT The author is available by email, just a click away. Your comments are of serious importance to Margaret Gill and are read with interest. margaret.gill@narwhalwriter.co.uk thank you for visiting. Margaret Gill