The Glass Apple

The Glass Apple #1

by Robert J. Franks

For orphans Jason, Kylie and Anna, magic was not a word that featured largely in their lives. At least, not until their american grandfather took them in. A comical old man with a name to match. Ethelbert Gobswistle. A magical campervan called Edsel transports them up to Yorkshire, where, in a bungalow called Cookiecrumb, they meet Gobswistle's friend, a black plastic Christmas Fairy called Etain. Rambunctious, authoritative and opinionated, she brooks no nonsense from either the children or the old man. And gradually, the small group becomes a family. But an ancient mythical witch, The Medb, pursues the old man and his family. She seeks his source of magic, the Anguinum, a powerful crystal carved to resemble a green glass apple shaped bowl. As they flee from her wrath, they seek the help of the Gwyllion, ancient fairies, who tell them they need three magical books in order to stop the ancient witch. But the books are hidden in the past. . .

Genres: Fantasy, Paranormal, Fiction

301 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 19, 2011

Reviews

[Rick Rossing · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this story of three orphaned children who are taken in by the only relative who will have them, their quite-possibly-insane grandfather, Ethelbert Gobswhistle. His name accurately describes his mannerisms, and his menagerie of companions.
His companions include Etain, a warrior turned into a doll; Edsel, a...camper; and Cookiecrumb, an ancient house.
Pursued by Medb, an evil entity, they travel back in time to retrieve three books of magic.
There are golems, selkies, and Vikngs!

[pinK · Rating 3 out of 5]

Note: I receieved this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

I had very torn feelings about this book, and in order for me to rate it, I decided it would be best for me to rate it in parts.

Part One: Four HUGE stars.

I was immediately drawn into this book. Perhaps I'm a bit of a nerd, but the Tardis reference was amazing to me. I was actally thinking it before the reference was even made, and it felt like the author read my mind. I loved it.

I loved the Grandad. He was so endearing. The characters were all so fun, so fresh. I really didn't want to go to sleep because I wanted to finish reading this book.

Part Two: Two stars.

I think the reason the second half of this book wasn't as appealing to me is frommy own biases. I'm part Scottish, and I'm very easily able to imagine a Scottish accent while reading. I've always thought that accents should be something the reader perceives, more than the author creates. I had absolutely no problems with using the apostrophe to replace missing letters (Ex: Makin' for Making) but seeing every "I" as "Ah" and to as "tae" grated on my nerves very quickly and I was just unable to cope with it. I spent more time trying to figure out what the accented words were supposed to be than actually understanding the story line. That caused the second half of the book to drag for me, because I just wasn't enjoying it the way I did the first half.

Combined, I'd make this rated at a 3 star. Honestly, I think my continuation of this series would depend mostly on the dialogue. I'm definitely going to check out the Amazon sample though!

[Andy Angel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked up this book last week by chance - and I'm very very glad I did. This is a wonderful piece of storytelling suitable for all ages.
The story tells of three orphans - Jason (12), Kylie (10) and little Anna (5). After the death of their mother they end up in the care of their eccentric Grandfather Ethelbert Gobswistle, a strange character they have never met before.
The first few chapters are humerous and may seem more suited to a younger reader but stick with it because it gets a lot darker later on. Gobswistle is on the run for stealing a glass object (the apple of the title) and a small black christmas tree fairy from his 'employers' in the USA and nearly as soon as he has the custody of the children they are pursued by the enemy - "The Medb" (or Mave).
It turns out the only way to defeat the Medb is with the help of 3 books but these are hidden in the past. When Gobswistle, the children and Etain (the fairy) go back to the time of Merlin to get the books they are separated, Jason and Anna in one place and Gobswistle, Kylie and Etain in another and this is where the story really kicks off.
The characterisation is exceptional (especially Etain, the fairy with sass and attitude and Aiken the Boggart) and the feel for the historical times is top notch.
The story ends on a cliffhanger and I am eagerly awaiting the next book (due Christmas 2011).
The style of the story is part Harry Potter, part Narnia, and part E. Nesbitt, and all of the parts come together to give a wholly satisfying yarn.
Enter the world of The Glass Apple - you won't be sorry.

[Jen Ponce · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Glass Apple is a fun romp through England in both space and time. Three kids, orphaned and forced to stay with their awful uncle, end up with their eccentric grandfather Gobswhistle, his companion (sidekick? Friend?) Etain, the warrior stuck in the body of a plastic doll, and Edsel, a vehicle that's more than it seems.

I read this to my boys (ages 9 and 6) at bedtime each night. They enjoyed the tension filled scenes when Medb is hunting the children and the silliness of the house called Cookiecrumb. They especially enjoyed Jason, Kylie, and Anna's adventures as the children and their grandfather quested to find the books of Huddour and keep themselves out of the clutches of Medb and her minions.

For those of you who love the old stories, for those of you who enjoyed the Chronicles of Narnia, The Glass Apple will be something you'll enjoy.

Luc (the 9 year old) says, "This book is great! Read it."
Miguel (the 6 year old) says, "I don't know, good?"

Okay, they may not be the most eloquent kids, but they enjoyed it. I could tell because I couldn't miss a night reading without them complaining.

Thanks Robert, for a great read!

[Regan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book, LOVED IT. I wish this book was around when my son was young, when I would read him stories at bedtime. This is a book I want to purchase a hard copy of and hand down to my grandchildren.

The author, Robert Franks, did a find job of weaving a soon to be classic fairy-tale. The children, Jason (12), Kylie (10) and little Anna (5) became orphaned, and having lived briefly with a cantankerous, curmudgeon, mean-spirited uncle, finally were awarded to their grandfather for guardianship.

In comes Mr. Gobswistle, a free spirited odd duck that takes these kids turning the four of them into a wonderful little family. It just shows that family is what you make of it.

Now add a little flair with a living camper van named Edsel, house fairy named Etain and a witch to make a well rounded adventurous story. I just can't stop thinking about this book.

The book is very well written. The story is entertaining, so much I finished it in a period of two days. I highly suggest this book for parents who read fairy tales to their young kids.

[M.A. Ray · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book very, very much. The characters were fantastic, just like one would expect from a book for younger readers: from the wicked, mercenary old uncle to the kind, scattered old grandfather (who is more than he seems). The young hero, Jason, had me charmed from the beginning. His sisters were adorable -- and don't even get me started on Edsel and Etain.
Franks takes classic elements of children's fantasy and makes them his own. The action is tightly written, and even though the themes are familiar, the plot snaps with surprises. I can't wait to read the next one!
If you're a fan of The Dark Is Rising sequence, Celtic mythology, or Arthurian tales, you'd better pick this up. It won't disappoint.

[Merissa (Archaeolibrarian) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have really enjoyed this book. Once it picked up it became quite fast with lots of characters to get to know and like. To be honest I have read the first couple of pages a few times because it starts off like a book for younger readers so I wasn't sure if it would actually get any better. But I stuck with it and I'm glad that I did. If you like Celtic Mythology then be prepared for a multitude of names that you will be familiar with. This book ends very quickly but I'm very glad that I have the second one ready to go and I've just put the third one on my wishlist for Christmas!

[Allyson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really great book sucks that people were stealing his book off websites. I was so happy to recieve this book thru the author with an honest review but because people stealing from Robert Franks i wont be able to read the other book for awhile. If you love celtic mythlogy you will love this book. This book is in parts so it makes you want to read the next book to find out what happens. A great read!

[Spotted Writer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm a sucker for anything remotely Arthurian or Celtic and this book doesn't disappoint. The three children that take the focal point of the novel are thrust into a world of magic and a time where honor and swordsmanship is revered by Kings and innkeepers alike. I adored all of the characters thoroughly especially the fairy Etain who had enough snark to keep me entertained and empowered for the entire story. I cannot wait to read more from this author and hope he keeps up the amazing work!

[Dana · Rating 4 out of 5]

After the death of their parents, Jason, Kylie, and Anna go to live with their grandfather, who they had never met, from America. Gobwhistle, their grandfather is a strange, forgetful old man who can do magic. Along with him, and Etain, a magical being trapped for years as a Christmas tree fairy, they travel back in time to try to change history - they think.

[Bluejay44 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read, suitable for all children and young at heart. One of the better fantasy books I have read for years. The ending is very sudden so I was glad that the sequel was all ready for me to carry on reading, I would not have wanted to read anything else in between.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this mix of time travel, celtic mythology, and magic. Add in a good-hearted bogart, three orphans, and a seemingly senile Grandpa with the name of Gobswhistle and you've got a tale fit to share with your kids; or not!

[Timmain · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very fun fantasy read. The characters are vivid and in some cases quite extraordinary. I will definately be looking into book 2 in this series.

[Pauline · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyed this book and will carry on with the series. Very different to what I usually read but looked interesting and has been on my tbr since 2012 so thought it was time. Would appeal to teenagers upwards I think.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

A new take

A new take on an old tale, And I’ll be looking for the other books. It felt an awkward place to stop, as though there were no real need for it to be there, aside from a need for a second book

[Penny · Rating 3 out of 5]

A bit odd, not for me.

[Griffonlady · Rating 2 out of 5]

The Glass Apple has got good reviews and I got it when it was free so I was eager to read it. The story started as though it was a children's book, very like an Enid Blyton story and I nearly gave up reading it because I felt it was aimed at a far younger audience.

It almost felt like the author had woken up one morning as a different person as the writing style changed and the story got more involved, the fantasy deepened and the whole thing became more readable. I felt that the original quest the children had started changed into a different one altogether.

I agree with the other reviewers about the author's ability to write good, atmospherically descriptive scenes and I was well hooked until......... I was getting near to the end of the book thinking that the tale would have to twist quite a lot in order to come to a conclusion, when I realised that there wasn't going to be a great ending! The story finished right in the middle of the plot and I was left feeling really disappointed.

I hate books that don't make it clear they cannot be read as a whole story, I don't want to read part of a serial! I didn't feel it was so good that I have to buy the next book to find out what happens, so, reader, be warned!

[Amy Cottrell · Rating 1 out of 5]

I did not finish this book. This book appears to be aimed at a younger reader and the characters swore way too much for me to keep going. All the inappropriate language really turned me off this story.

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Adored this first in a series from Robert Franks and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys fantasy. Protagonists are a nice mix of kids and adults and feel this would appeal to both and would make a great family read aloud.

Anxious to read the next book.

[Cheryl Duval · Rating 1 out of 5]

In all fairness I have to say that I didn't even finish this book. It was not to my taste.

[Mai · Rating 2 out of 5]

It started of ok, but a third of the way through I just got confused and wasn't interested init. I feel that if I was a bit younger, I would have enjoyed this book much more.