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Illumination
Strange things start to happen when three siblings find themselves staying with their great uncle in his mansion in North Wales. Who is the ghostly boy who appears to them in the middle of the night? Why are they being watched by men in white robes? And who is the mysterious professor who tells them about the old legends and folklore of Wales? When an ancient power threatens their family, 12-year old David, his feisty sister Sian and resourceful brother Owen are caught up in a race across Snowdonia to find a powerful lost treasure. Can they solve the clues before a dark sect beats them to it?
Illumination is in the spirit of classic children’s adventure stories, but updated for a modern audience, both the young (9-12 years) and the young-at-heart (13-130!). It’s a fast-paced, ripping yarn featuring storm-lashed lighthouses, speeding steam trains, ghostly encounters, mansions filled with secret passages, misty graveyards, pirate treasures, ancient shipwrecks, evil priests bent on human sacrifice, ruined castles, forgotten tomes hidden in musty libraries and much more.
The book starts with this premise: what if the old Welsh legends are not just ancient myths; what if they’re real, even now? Though its earliest inspiration might be John Masefield’s wonderful The Box of Delights, ultimately it’s also a respectful homage to the kind of children’s fiction of the sixties and seventies which rediscovered ancient British history and presented it for fresh eyes, such as the works of Alan Garner and Susan Cooper, and television dramas like Brian Hayles’ The Moon Stallion and David Fisher’s Doctor Who story The Stones of Blood.
Illumination is in the spirit of classic children’s adventure stories, but updated for a modern audience, both the young (9-12 years) and the young-at-heart (13-130!). It’s a fast-paced, ripping yarn featuring storm-lashed lighthouses, speeding steam trains, ghostly encounters, mansions filled with secret passages, misty graveyards, pirate treasures, ancient shipwrecks, evil priests bent on human sacrifice, ruined castles, forgotten tomes hidden in musty libraries and much more.
The book starts with this premise: what if the old Welsh legends are not just ancient myths; what if they’re real, even now? Though its earliest inspiration might be John Masefield’s wonderful The Box of Delights, ultimately it’s also a respectful homage to the kind of children’s fiction of the sixties and seventies which rediscovered ancient British history and presented it for fresh eyes, such as the works of Alan Garner and Susan Cooper, and television dramas like Brian Hayles’ The Moon Stallion and David Fisher’s Doctor Who story The Stones of Blood.
250 pages, Paperback
First published April 6, 2012
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
May 29, 2013
An action-packed adventure that is sure to become a new children’s classic!
Illumination is a fresh, new fantasy adventure story which combines ancient legends and folklore within a thoroughly modern setting. Akin to ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ lost treasure is sought within a world filled with magic and mystery. Amid the danger sinister secrets are revealed and clues are deciphered, which ultimately connect Wales’ extensive history with the present day. Martin Williams cleverly combines historical fact with fable and fictitious fancies, creating an extraordinarily imaginative and richly layered tale. As memorable as Harry, Ron and Hermione this terrific trio are each so distinctive, professing singular traits as to propel the story forwards with such energy and vibrancy. Mightily impressive and bold, this brilliant book is as assured as say C.S Lewis’ Narnia or Tolkien’s The Hobbit.
Full of spirit, likeability and gumption these siblings are simply spectacular as they embark on the most thrilling, unexpected journey of a lifetime…
Reminiscent of ‘the lion, the witch and the wardrobe’ three children are sent to stay with their Uncle, who lives in a formidable mansion in North Wales. Strange things soon begin to happen, such as ghostly visions of a mysterious boy and robed figures lurking within the shadows. David, Sian and Owen are soon swept off into an otherworldly adventure as they trek across Snowdonia in search of a powerful lost treasure, facing great danger while uncovering ancient mysteries and unraveling secrets.
Nail-bitingly intense and truly breathtaking this spellbinding story is utterly enchanting and wonderfully inspired. The sheer imaginative vision and ingenious ideas within this fantastical creation is quite fantastic, and which certainly would rival many top authors within this genre. I felt like when I first encountered ‘Hyddenworld’ by William Horwood, wherein lies a secret world right before your very eyes ~ connecting our own world with another! Reading this book was like opening the door and walking through the wardrobe, or stepping through the looking glass, or opening the book titled ‘Inkheart’ in which the story comes to life. This compelling, multi-layered masterpiece feels so real as to make you believe in the magic.
A simply stunning story which I predict as a phenomenal success, and which I cannot praise nor enthuse enough about!
*I won a copy of “Illumination” by Martin Williams through a Goodreads, first-read giveaway*
www.martinwilliams.org.uk ~ explore the locations, history and people within Illumination.
Illumination is a fresh, new fantasy adventure story which combines ancient legends and folklore within a thoroughly modern setting. Akin to ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ lost treasure is sought within a world filled with magic and mystery. Amid the danger sinister secrets are revealed and clues are deciphered, which ultimately connect Wales’ extensive history with the present day. Martin Williams cleverly combines historical fact with fable and fictitious fancies, creating an extraordinarily imaginative and richly layered tale. As memorable as Harry, Ron and Hermione this terrific trio are each so distinctive, professing singular traits as to propel the story forwards with such energy and vibrancy. Mightily impressive and bold, this brilliant book is as assured as say C.S Lewis’ Narnia or Tolkien’s The Hobbit.
Full of spirit, likeability and gumption these siblings are simply spectacular as they embark on the most thrilling, unexpected journey of a lifetime…
Reminiscent of ‘the lion, the witch and the wardrobe’ three children are sent to stay with their Uncle, who lives in a formidable mansion in North Wales. Strange things soon begin to happen, such as ghostly visions of a mysterious boy and robed figures lurking within the shadows. David, Sian and Owen are soon swept off into an otherworldly adventure as they trek across Snowdonia in search of a powerful lost treasure, facing great danger while uncovering ancient mysteries and unraveling secrets.
Nail-bitingly intense and truly breathtaking this spellbinding story is utterly enchanting and wonderfully inspired. The sheer imaginative vision and ingenious ideas within this fantastical creation is quite fantastic, and which certainly would rival many top authors within this genre. I felt like when I first encountered ‘Hyddenworld’ by William Horwood, wherein lies a secret world right before your very eyes ~ connecting our own world with another! Reading this book was like opening the door and walking through the wardrobe, or stepping through the looking glass, or opening the book titled ‘Inkheart’ in which the story comes to life. This compelling, multi-layered masterpiece feels so real as to make you believe in the magic.
A simply stunning story which I predict as a phenomenal success, and which I cannot praise nor enthuse enough about!
*I won a copy of “Illumination” by Martin Williams through a Goodreads, first-read giveaway*
www.martinwilliams.org.uk ~ explore the locations, history and people within Illumination.
July 3, 2013
I won this book through the First Reads program here on Goodreads.
First of all it's always lovely to get a signed book. Something special about knowing that the author held the book in their hands at some stage.
With it being a children's book I was a bit skeptical at first on whether I would enjoy it, but I had no need to worry, it was fast paced and stuff for people of all ages to enjoy.
The children Sian, Owen and David were likable and almost instantly relate able, it reminded me of road trips I used to go on when younger. Bringing back good memories. Martin does a wonderful job of getting into the minds of the children. Their desires, motivation and feelings.
As with any book things soon go bad for the characters. Ghosts, men in robes and seaweed crawling out of the woodwork. Challenges the kids meet head on.
There were a few bits of the story that jumped ahead quite suddenly, but once I had gone back a bit and read it again I understood what was going on. Sometimes it was just myself reading too fast to find out what happened next.
Overall a great book that has every right to be a classic. I especially recommend it to people interested in Welsh mythology.
First of all it's always lovely to get a signed book. Something special about knowing that the author held the book in their hands at some stage.
With it being a children's book I was a bit skeptical at first on whether I would enjoy it, but I had no need to worry, it was fast paced and stuff for people of all ages to enjoy.
The children Sian, Owen and David were likable and almost instantly relate able, it reminded me of road trips I used to go on when younger. Bringing back good memories. Martin does a wonderful job of getting into the minds of the children. Their desires, motivation and feelings.
As with any book things soon go bad for the characters. Ghosts, men in robes and seaweed crawling out of the woodwork. Challenges the kids meet head on.
There were a few bits of the story that jumped ahead quite suddenly, but once I had gone back a bit and read it again I understood what was going on. Sometimes it was just myself reading too fast to find out what happened next.
Overall a great book that has every right to be a classic. I especially recommend it to people interested in Welsh mythology.
May 30, 2013
Just want to start of by saying I have never written a book review before so I'm not really sure how to write one, but here goes.
If you like fast paced books that are easy to read then this book is for you. I had a little difficulty with the Welsh place names but I'm not Welsh so I forgave myself that.
This book is full of adventure and you're straight from one incident to the next. I liked that the characters weren't described in great detail. I prefer to leave it to my imagination - I tend to change how the author describes them anyway.
It's aimed at pre teens or younger teens and because of that its not full of hard or big words which makes it easy to read and good for getting into the flow of reading.
Illumination is well written and kept my attention, actually read the entire book in one sitting. The story is closed well, it leaves no indeterminacies ( gaps in the story line ), and therefore you are not left confused.
I really enjoyed reading this book and would certainly read another of this authors work.
If you like fast paced books that are easy to read then this book is for you. I had a little difficulty with the Welsh place names but I'm not Welsh so I forgave myself that.
This book is full of adventure and you're straight from one incident to the next. I liked that the characters weren't described in great detail. I prefer to leave it to my imagination - I tend to change how the author describes them anyway.
It's aimed at pre teens or younger teens and because of that its not full of hard or big words which makes it easy to read and good for getting into the flow of reading.
Illumination is well written and kept my attention, actually read the entire book in one sitting. The story is closed well, it leaves no indeterminacies ( gaps in the story line ), and therefore you are not left confused.
I really enjoyed reading this book and would certainly read another of this authors work.
May 30, 2013
I received a copy of Illumination via a goodreads giveway. It's a great adventure book for children with some wonderful Welsh legends weaved into the story.
I did really like this book but I read it for something to do rather than because it sucked me in. For that reason it's not 5 stars. I couldn't give it four stars because I didn't enjoy it as much as The Emerald Atlas which is of a similar genre. So three stars it is.
The author had a good idea but I think he needed to develop it a little more. For me it just didn't have that magical feel about it.
I did really like this book but I read it for something to do rather than because it sucked me in. For that reason it's not 5 stars. I couldn't give it four stars because I didn't enjoy it as much as The Emerald Atlas which is of a similar genre. So three stars it is.
The author had a good idea but I think he needed to develop it a little more. For me it just didn't have that magical feel about it.
September 15, 2013
I really enjoyed this book. It was a great adventure story for all ages from 8 to 80. This is a great story and keeps you entertained and interested from beginning to end.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews