Clemency Pogue: Fairy Killer

Clemency Pogue #1

by J.T. Petty

Only a child so quick-witted as Clemency Pogue, upon finding herself attacked by a wicked, invincible fairy, would remember a lesson learned from the story of Peter Pan . She shouts "I don't believe in fairies," and when it doesn't work, keeps shouting it until the horrible little creature drops as dead as a gossamer-winged doorknob. But then a mischievous hobgoblin arrives to tell Clem that she's killed six other fairies around the globe, some bad, but mostly good. Even if it was a mistake, it's now Clem's duty to set the world aright. In his hilarious, action-packed debut novel, JT Petty does for burlap pants what holes have done for Swiss cheese.

Genres: Fantasy, Childrens, Young Adult, Fiction, Middle Grade, Juvenile, Chapter Books

128 pages, Hardcover

First published May 25, 2005

About the author

Besides writing children's books, Petty is also a director and screenwriter for movies and video games. His film Soft for Digging was an Official Selection of the Sundance Film Festival. He received a Game Developers Choice Award for his work on the bestselling video game Splinter Cell. JT lives in Brooklyn, New York.

Reviews

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute and clever. This is a short book that blends the feel of a traditional fairy tale with science. It would make a delightful read out loud for children. I'm intrigued by the idea of the rest of the series but not quite enough to go find them.



SERIOUSLY, GOODREADS. I HAVE ONLY READ THIS BOOK ONCE. WHY CAN'T YOU ACCEPT THAT.

[Keli · Rating 5 out of 5]

Synopsis

In order to save herself from the Fairy of Frequent and Painful Pointless Antagonism, the quick thinking Clem shouts "I don't believe in fairies," several times killing her tormenter and several other fairies in the process--some bad, but mostly good. Now, with the help of a hobgoblin beaurocrat, Clem must set things right in the world of make-believe.

Review

With tongue in cheek humor, Clemency Pogue is charming, funny and compelling. Petty uses descriptive language
vividly and creatively as in the passage, "Clem knew that there were places where danger lurked. Where it did not lurk, danger squatted, crouched or lounged. There was one place where danger reclined, but Clemency usually avoided it." The plot is simple and formulaic. However, the twists on familiar stories, humor and words like perculating and discombobulated make a compelling story for even an older reader. The combination of a simple, straight forward plot and long words, make this an excellent choice for young readers who are reading above grade level.

Critical Reviews

Publisher's Weekly
This bulk of this review is dedicated to the plot of the book. Only one sentence states an opinion. I would have preferred more of a reason for why the reviewer felt the way he did rather than a simple plot synopsis.

School Library Journal
This review spends a little more time on critique and offers comparisons to more familiar juvenile literature. It gives the reader a good idea of what to expect.

Other Bilbiographic Information
Published by Simon & Schuster in 2005

120 pages

Ages 9-12

[Reg · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bold-faced and prevalent usage of the word "Drat!" is probably a big part of the reason I usually steer clear of middle-grade books.

This was partially charming and partially nonsensical. (The illustrations are genuinely lovely.) It involved fewer bees than I thought it would and a lot more pee. Why is there so much pee in this book?

Overall, more weird than endearing. I can see a child enjoying it but I'm not going to recommend it to anyone any time soon. I'd probably also avoid reading it to the kids in my life. Some of the scenes dealing with moral dilemma ("A fairy's life or a child's happiness?") could've used a little more thought.

[David Seow · Rating 4 out of 5]

The title of this book intrigued me and so I bought it on the spot. Then after reading it, I bought several more copies to give away to friends. The book is a laugh-a-minute page turner. Adults and children will definitely enjoy this unique take on the sugary sweet we usually read about.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun cute short story filled with imagination!

[Krim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Can't believe this author wrote for the outlast games

[Ornea Dory3000 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simple plot but not bad, final expected but not bad, is an easy book to read and good for people who do not have a specific time for this activity since you can read in the truck, free spaces, etc.

[Tami · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let me start by saying this: Clemency Pogue will not be to everyone's taste. It is not appropriate for young children for whom parody, word play and some gross slapstick-esque humor will not yet hit their mark.

Clemency's parents tell all manner of stories. Clemency listens and absorbs them all. When her parents go off to work as usual one day Clemency occupies herself as usual with a trip into the forest where she becomes the victim of a sudden and persistently vicious attack by an evil fairy. Remembering her father's recent tale of Peter Pan, Clemency repeatedly shouts that she does NOT "believe in fairies." When the nasty little fairy drops lifeless into a gorge Clemency is relieved--at first.

The almost immediate appearance of a hilariously disgruntled hobgoblin named ChafesMeSo with the news that Clemency's actions have resulted in far-reaching deadly consequences throughout the fairy realm deflates Clem's breath of success. With admirable determination Clemency and ChafesMeSo set off on a journey to restore the balance and lives Clem accidentally destroyed.

One part magic and fantasy, one part belly-laugh adventure and one part 'do the right thing' Clemency Pogue made me laugh out loud and left me smiling. The fact that the consequences of Clem's actions resulted in both fortunate AND unfortunate circumstances in their own situations and settings adds a deeper and more interesting dimension to the plot.

Readers ages 9-12 will thoroughly enjoy Clemency Pogue: Fairy Killer--probably for the same reasons it is inappropriate for younger readers. Adults--like myself--who appreciate and enjoy wicked parody and wordplay intertwined around a solid plot and characters(Think Roald Dahl tales like Matilda and The Witches.) will happily devour this short, easy read.

[Kay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Last week I was working on getting our funny books booklist updated and read the summary of Clemency Pogue on the list. It caught my attention and I'm so glad I gave it a try! It is definitely funny, and has several layers of humor so it's just as funny (if not more so) to adults as kids.

Clemency is wandering around in the forest looking for sassafras saplings when she's attacked by the Fairy of Frequent and Painful Pointless Antagonism who carries a wand that has a tip that burns like a red-hot poker. The fairy seems to be determined to "sting" Clemency to death, but just in time, Clemency remembers something she's heard in the Peter Pan story and says, "I don't believe in fairies." It takes seven repetitions but finally the fairy falls down dead.

Almost immediately a hobgoblin pops up through the ground and chastises Clemency for killing a several good fairies around the world with her declaration. Things would have to be left there if Clemency didn't accidentally guess the hobgoblin's name (while describing her pants) and binds him to her to do her bidding whenever she calls his name. They travel around the world trying to bring the good fairies back to life.

Here are two great quotes:

"And then a sound like the war cry of Hollywood Indians carried across the snowy plain. A cry John Wayne could have let forth, leading the cavalry, if John Wayne had been an old Russian woman."

And my favorite: "Clemency was aghast. In fact, she was two ghasts."

Great fun, and somewhat reminiscent of the writing of Terry Pratchett.

[Jackie · Rating 3 out of 5]

As suretainly as saying, 'I don't believe in fairies' kills one each time, there are both good and bad fairies. The trick is to wish an untimely demise on only the bad ones. Clemency Pogue, evidently, did not know this. So, as she receited those words numerous times, she was knocking both good and bad fairies left and right.

A hobgoblin pleaded with her to stop while informing her of her grievous error. How could she make it right, she asked? Well, the reverse of course, but being careful to only bring back to life the good fairies. By inadvertly tricking Chaphesmeeso, the hobgloblin, into being at her beck-and-call, she finds a way to right her wrongs.

Clemency Pogue: Fairy Killer is full of snarky, sarcastic dialogue, mischievous deeds, and impish, imaginary creatures. A clever and beguiling book for readers who like fantasy and the forces of good and evil...even if they are of the minuscule kind. Suretainly so.

[Tania · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enjoyable children's book for kids who are either too old or too skeptical to enjoy sweet fairy tales, but too young to fully appreciate the dark humor and exquisite word play of Lemony Snicket.
What I liked was the style of the narrative, simple enough for children, but clever enough for an adult to find some comical or clever (and quite sarcastic) moments. I especially enjoyed the way human languages were described throughout the story, like here:
"You understand the secret language of mailboxes? I didn't even hear it stalking!"
"No, it's written on the side." Clemency pointed.
"Ah, the the scribble talk. I can't read, none of us can. Reading is human magic."
Or here: "Though the voice carried like crystal over the snowy silence, she was speaking in a tongue that did not fit the old woman's ear".
It was also intriguing to find out that fairies have their names imprinted on their knuckles.

[Despair Speaking · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is actually 4.5 stars but since I can only choose between 4 and 5 I choose 5 since if you round 4.5 off it's 5.

Anyway.

This was a funny book. Oh, it's obviously children and therefore is quite childish but nothing I can't handle.

Perhaps it means I'm childish.

Hmmm.

Moving on.

The author was incredibly witty. He used very nice lines that has quickly made him endearing to me. Clem was likeable enough and she was quite creative for someone her age. Imagine, making such pants! (You'll understand this comment once you read the book.) The hobgoblin was okay. He wasn't much use save for transportation. The fairies themselves were pretty good. I liked them all, even the fairy that started the whole damn thing. I don't know why. In any case, I recommend this book for those who have time to lose and wants a little joke here and there.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clemency is 10 years old and is attacked by an evil fairy. Remembering her Peter Pan she shouts, "I do not believe in fairies!" until her tiny tormentor falls down dead. But Clemency has no time to rejoice when a hobgoblin comes and tells her that the six unsuccessful attempts to kill the fairy actually killed six others around the world, some bad but also some good. Clemency knows it is her responsibility to set things right, and the hobgoblin is the only one who can help her.

Despite the title, this was a very funny book. We have it on the Young Readers shelf (grades 3-4) and there were a few things that kids might not understand (Sisyphus, really?) but I think it's actually a good book for parents to read to their kids, like one or two chapters a night as part of the bedtime ritual.

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Description: Only a child so quick-witted as Clemency Pogue, upon finding herself attacked by a wicked, invincible fairy, would remember a lesson learned from the story of Peter Pan. She shouts "I don't believe in fairies," and when it doesn't work, keeps shouting it until the horrible little creature drops as dead as a gossamer-winged doorknob. But then a mischievous hobgoblin arrives to tell Clem that she's killed six other fairies around the globe, some bad, but mostly good. Even if it was a mistake, it's now Clem's duty to set the world aright.
In his hilarious, action-packed debut novel, JT Petty does for burlap pants what holes have done for Swiss cheese.

**This was a cute story and a quick read (or listen), but nothing super. Clever dialogue.**

[Anna Mari · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clemency is being attacked in the forest by an annoying fairy. She remembers her fathers retelling of Peter Pan and shouts 'I don't believe in fairies!' this doesn't stop her aggressor, but somewhere else in the world another fairy dies. Six times Clemency shouts before her adversary dies. Just then, a hobgoblin congratulates her on ruining children's lives everywhere and explains what she has done. Clemency, in her hand made burlap pants, is shocked. The hobgoblin goes on to explain that you have powers over a mystical creature if you know their names. In a strange account, the girl guess Chaifsmeso's name and then he and the girl go through the world setting right the wrongs she did by killing innocent fairies.

It was a fun tale of adventure and friendship. An entertaining listen.

[Matia · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a gem of just 120 pages. Illustrated by Will Davis, this book would be considered a “chapter book” for older children, I would guess.

I wondered if some of the writing was a bit too clever for children to appreciate. I love it when J. T. writes things like, “The walking stick was not for walking. Clem knew that there were places in the forest where danger lurked. And where it did not lurk, danger squatted, couched, or lounged. There was one place where danger reclined, but Clemency usually avoided it.”

There was also quite a bit of humor in the book, although it did not have me in stitches, it brought a few smiles. I love clever writing about clever heroines, and I will be sure to put J.T. Petty on my reading list. Recommended for young people and all readers.

[aaron · Rating 3 out of 5]

this is the first book i've read by j.t. petty and it was okay. it is a children's book, but it isn't done as well as other similar styled series, such as the lemony snicket books or the spiderwick chronicles. it seems a little more rushed and just not quite as "smart" as the other similar ones. that said, it is still a quick and decent read. it follows a young girl who is attacked by a fairy. to combat this fairy she states that she doesn't believe in fairies. this causes other fairies (mostly good ones) to fall dead all over the world. she is then approached by a hobgoblin and the two travel to try and make it right. an okay book...but not on the same level as other great children's series.

[Daniel · Rating 3 out of 5]

A quick read that offers plenty of laughs for the adults, perhaps an interesting short story for kids, but nothing really of any substance. It's a quick adventure in the world of fairies, a little bit of action, and a short burst of triumph for the girl.

Certainly this is taking advantage of the popularity of books like Harry Potter, A Series of Unfortunate Events, and the awful books of Eoin Colfer. If it weren't for these other books, this probably would never have seen the light of a fairy's wand.

Check it out from your library if you're looking for something quick and light to read, but don't waste your cash.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

HIlarious! Poor Clemency! Her quick thinking saved her from certain death as she attempted to escape from a nasty, persistant fairy with a sharp stick. Unfortunately she had to say "I don't believe in fairies" 7 times before her tormentor dropped dead, only to discover that she also killed off 6 fairies (good and bad)first. With the help of a hobgoblin (Chaphesmeeso)who travels everywhere by burrowing underground, she attempts to put the fairy world to rights. I loved the author's sense of humor, the unintentional relationship between Clemency and the hobgoblin (she unwittingly utters his name in response to a compliment), and her courage.

[April · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rounding up...the kids gave it a 4.5*. They really liked the fun antics of Mr. Hobgoblin whose name was difficult to utter until about chapter 10! As mama, I really liked it because it presented several new words...I love fun books with great vocabulary!

A fun story....and I guess if you needed a moral to go with it, be careful with your words...because while they may be intended for those who are doing mean, hateful things...without carefully placing those words, they could hurt innocent fairy's just trying to do their work!

It all ends up nice and tidy...and you may even like bees, a little, by the end! :)

[Julie · Rating 3 out of 5]

The only redeeming quality is that my children enjoyed it. But I have no doubt that once they're exposed to plenty of better fiction, they will lose appreciation for this one. It was so unrealistic that it was almost like reading someone's strange dream. It was all over the place, literally, and the main character was so obsessed with her burlap shorts that I couldn't find it in myself to like her. One other redeeming quality: it's original enough that I felt like it broadened my reading perspective. It gets the extra star for creativity. Otherwise, it would be 2-star.

[Sarah S · Rating 3 out of 5]

When she is attacked by an evil fairy, Clemency Pogue remembers the story of Peter Pan and shouts, "I don't believe in fairies!" In fear for her life, she shouts 7 times in all before the fairy is struck dead. She later discovers that 6 other fairies around the world were killed by her words and she works to make amends with the help of a digging hobgoblin. The language is creative, there's a bit of suspense and action, and the relationship between Clem and the hobgoblin (I can't write his name, he wouldn't like it) is funny. Still, I think it might fall flat with the target age group.

[Phoebe · Rating 3 out of 5]

A brief yet entertainingly written fantasy about a little girl whose resourcefulness and habit of paying close attention to the stories she hears serve her in good stead when she is stung by a bad fairy. She remembers something important from Peter Pan, which kills the fairy. Problem solved? It turns out that a much bigger problem has been created. Petty's intelligent story is clever, and readers will want to move on to the next in the series: The Scrivener Bees. Very fun. 4th grade and up.

[Grace · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although it suffers from "wanna-be" visual appearance (the look and size and format of the book makes it seem like it's a generic read-alike of the Spiderwick Chronicles), the author's unique voice in this little book (a blend of Lemony Snicket amusement and whimsicalness, toned down a bit) makes it refreshing and unique. Easily read in about an hour, it's a fun and lighthearted way to pass an evening.

[Meg · Rating 3 out of 5]

Eh. Whatever. Cute idea...some cute details. I grabbed this book to throw into my students' library, but the author uses such large vocab, that I am not sure my students would get past the third page. It feels at some points that the author is trying too hard, though there are come clever details/ideas. This book is more for adults...or really clever children (not the dim-witted Sinclairs of the world).

[Magila · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It was quick and easy, and full of imagination. The little girl protagonist is precocious and sure to be a favorite of little girl readers.

This is part Artemis Fowl for younger children, and part Theodosia, with Peter Pan undertones. The story moves along with a bit of fun fairy magic, a bit of adventure, and a bit of hijinks. By far the best part of the whole book are the fairy names.

Recommend.

[Josie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a cute story that's great for children. I thought Clemency's plight to save the fairies was a very cute and original idea that I really liked. One thing I didn't like though was that it was so short and seemed that everything happened so quickly and though the story idea and story itself was cute, there wasn't the best plot. It didn't seem developed and everything happened too easily and too quickly.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I laughed and laughed and laughed. Then I sat Laura down and read the first two chapters to her.

Have you ever thought Tinkerbell was annoying? Turns out---fairies have all kinds of personalities.

Thank heaven, there are 4 more books by this author I get to read as soon as I can get to the library.......

[Nilsson]

The first thing this book reminded me of was when I came home one day to see my mother talking to a strange boy. They were engrossed in a long discussion about how to kill fairies. I couldn't get a word in, and to this day I'm still not sure what they were talking about. Just one of those things, I suppose.
I sympathize with Clemency for having a name that must be so hard for others to remember.

[Naomi Ruth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Still loved it the second time 'round.
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And the third <3
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I re-read these regularly. Fourth time and I still love it.
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Fifth <3 This is one of my comfort reads.