Dark Peak: The First Elemental

by J.G. Parker

Dark Peak. A land of long fields and rough mountains; a battleground where two of the Earth’s protectors meet the worst of humanity’s excesses made flesh. And one of them, Jake Walker, doesn’t even know what he’s doing. Not really. He’s only had a few weeks to get used to the idea. And it’s not long enough. Luckily, the other, Stone, has had millennia to get used to it. And that is long enough. But it’ll take more than time to beat this enemy, and nothing, nothing, is guaranteed

320 pages, Paperback

First published November 5, 2012

About the author

I've lived and written in Nottinghamshire, London, Sheffield, Edinburgh and Houston, and now in the quiet depths of Northamptonshire, surrounded by rolling fields and forests that go on forever - and are likely to be home to any number of natural (and supernatural) creatures. Dark Peak is my first novel.

Reviews

[Ka · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent example of all-age literature, an enthralling story with lively imagery and strong characters. You may read it as a fantasy novel and adore the naïve wisdom of Stone. At the same time it is a well observed coming-of-age story.

[Emma Maye · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've really enjoyed this book! The story follows Jake Walker into the English Peak District (unlikely setting, I know!) during one of the hottest summers on record - seriously hot, people are dying from it. Jake's on holiday with his mum, Lucy, and sister, Elizabeth, to help everyone get over the death of their father, Bill. But there are strange and sinister things afoot as Jake finds out the truth about his father and his own destiny. He meets a creature called an elemental who is helping to protect the world against a life-force called the beast (ignore the cheesy name), and a man called William who knows more about Jake than he does himself. There are other worlds and other ways of looking at this world, and without giving too much away Jake has to deal with both.

Although its a simple heroic quest story, this book has a core message: be responsible. But it gives the message in a non-preachy way because it makes you question things - Jake is forever questioning things in the same way that I would question things, such as about pollution and global warming and how it affects the weather and what we can do about it - like is it somebody else's problem? And you don't even know you're asking these questions until you've put the book down! That's how riveting the story is! And it makes you think about how you're responsible for your family and friends.

This makes Dark Peak sound all new-agey and overly-moral but it isn't - it's got battles and betrayals and blood & ichor. And it draws on a lot of the sci-fi fantasy elements we know and love. What more do you want?

The characters are well written and likeable (even the horrible ones). Lucy is not just a 2-D mum in the background (other writers should take note!) and Elizabeth is sharp as a needle. Jake is just lovely, and totally believable as a reluctant hero - but a bit whiney at the beginning (but who can blame him?) The character I'd love to tell you more about, but can't, is the elemental. If I did, I'd give it all away. But you wouldn't mind him stomping around in your back garden, I can tell you.

I want to say more, but I'd be heading off into Spoilerville if I did. So I'll say, I liked this book. Definitely. Go and read it. :)

[Preetha Leela Chockalingam · Rating 5 out of 5]

‘Dark Peak’ appeared and settled before winter fully hit. Making itself at home on my study table, it sat there; a paperweight atop dull yellow files from work. I read it between marking. During marking, I am a mixture of irritable, quiet and disciplined. Many would find my routine filled with oddities, but within my peculiar use of hours (snacking at 2 am some days) are minutes of undisturbed reading. Being a book about the forces of nature both visible and hidden (through the eyes of Jake, a scholarly yet adventurous boy with a sister who pretends not to be bothered by her brother’s dangerous escapades and yet, despite herself, cannot help getting involved), ‘Dark Peak’ synchronised perfectly into my world. I actually found myself marking faster and making more time for reading. It was one of those books that impacted for many reasons and I am still reflecting on whether I could call the book a subtle meal of layered courses or a warming one pot stew. That aside, I would definitely recommend it. It has certainly been a successful X’mas gift so far. Upon reading it, I bought a few copies and gave them as X’mas pressies, I have had friends ring to wish me a Happy New Year and at least two have volunteered information on ‘Dark Peak’. One mentioned that her son read it without a break and another mentioned that she read it at bedtime. Both readers could not be more different and both enjoyed it very much. Just shows what a good book can do…

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

A bit worthy with all the climate/pollution message not so subtle (yet speaking myself as a bit of a climate warrior....). Otherwise very attractive. A good dragon and it's always great to read books set in the Peak district, especially with some geology. Mention of mountains niggles a bit as we don't have any - 'Peak' is from the old English word 'peac' meaning 'Hill'. And there is no need to call them mountains - they are fantastic hills! However I should set my niggles aside because I enjoyed it very much. I see there is another book but only published as an e-book. If it is ever printed or I ever have reason to use an e-book I will probably read it. Although I do hope the female characters are a bit less passive. The sister as a sidekick felt very old fashioned (there I go again). Have 3 and a half stars - and I don't award my stars lightly! In fact I've bought a copy of the book as a present for a friend.