What do you think?
Rate this book
Forest Circle Quest
Plump and pathetic Percival and Patsy Parker-Pyle are rescued from bullies by - of all things - a talking lamb. He invites them to come to Fabulous Forest on a quest, cheerfully confessing that it has been foretold that if they do they will be killed any number of times. To their own surprise they agree, and find themselves in peril before even reaching their starting point.
An enormous lisping ‘knight-adder’ snake and a large rhyming serval cat become their companions.
Adventures, surprises and hilarious happenings abound while they struggle even to find out what they are supposed to be seeking. They steadily increase in fitness, bravery and confidence, but then comes a setback … or, is it?
As if the marvels of Fabulous Forest itself are not mind-boggling enough, the quest finally takes them to other dimensions, and to experiences which are wonderful beyond their wildest imaginings.
An enormous lisping ‘knight-adder’ snake and a large rhyming serval cat become their companions.
Adventures, surprises and hilarious happenings abound while they struggle even to find out what they are supposed to be seeking. They steadily increase in fitness, bravery and confidence, but then comes a setback … or, is it?
As if the marvels of Fabulous Forest itself are not mind-boggling enough, the quest finally takes them to other dimensions, and to experiences which are wonderful beyond their wildest imaginings.
348 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2012
10 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
October 7, 2013
The story ties in with his other Magic Forest Circle novels, i.e. Regina and Baa Baa Black Belt. Two pudgy and not-too-happy siblings, almost-twins, get entangled in a magical adventure and, to their great surprise, have to be heroes.
The book reminds of Tolkien’s “The Hobbit” in its tone; it begins in the mundane world, and takes the reader along with the twins, deeper and deeper into the magical lands. As they progress, they discover qualities about the Forest and about themselves that surprise. Companions add themselves to their quest as they go along; each a unique and quirky character that, though some in animal shape, one cannot help but adore.
The story picks up to a breathless pace, sweeping the “twins” along deeper into trouble than they had ever anticipated. Along with becoming very gripping, a sudden spiritual depth is revealed.
True to the great tradition of fantasy, and unlike Stephen King, there is a happy ending… though not quite without sacrifices. In a “wind-down” Leslie Noble takes us back stepwise towards the mundane… no rude awakening here; a gentle drifting to the surface of the dream, saying goobye to friends. You’d think such a non-action chapter would drag? It doesn’t, not for a second. The feeling at the end of this book is all good.
While the protagonists are children, probably somewhere just before puberty, the story is rich enough to satisfy a greedy fantasy reader like myself. Giggles abound, and of course you’ll find Colonialist’s word games and puns everywhere.
(reviewed by reader, "kalinka" on 24.com)
The book reminds of Tolkien’s “The Hobbit” in its tone; it begins in the mundane world, and takes the reader along with the twins, deeper and deeper into the magical lands. As they progress, they discover qualities about the Forest and about themselves that surprise. Companions add themselves to their quest as they go along; each a unique and quirky character that, though some in animal shape, one cannot help but adore.
The story picks up to a breathless pace, sweeping the “twins” along deeper into trouble than they had ever anticipated. Along with becoming very gripping, a sudden spiritual depth is revealed.
True to the great tradition of fantasy, and unlike Stephen King, there is a happy ending… though not quite without sacrifices. In a “wind-down” Leslie Noble takes us back stepwise towards the mundane… no rude awakening here; a gentle drifting to the surface of the dream, saying goobye to friends. You’d think such a non-action chapter would drag? It doesn’t, not for a second. The feeling at the end of this book is all good.
While the protagonists are children, probably somewhere just before puberty, the story is rich enough to satisfy a greedy fantasy reader like myself. Giggles abound, and of course you’ll find Colonialist’s word games and puns everywhere.
(reviewed by reader, "kalinka" on 24.com)
June 5, 2014
Forest Circle Quest is a classic adventure tale that ticks all the boxes: magical talking creatures, wizards, dragons, knights, goddesses and, of course, a battle between good and evil. And throw in a lisping snake, a rhyming cat and a Dotty villain and you know you’re onto something exciting.
There are some unforgettable characters in this book. I loved the terribly British Albatross, Wizard Prang, and the joke loving mouse. The book exudes a sense of fun which Lesie Hyla Winton Noble plays with in her language, experimenting with puns, alliteration and rhythm. She also creates a great sense of danger that threatens, but never overpowers, the joyful nature of the tale.
I found overall that the book was a little too long and sometimes I felt lost in the complexities of the plot and was confused by some of the magical powers. And I wasn’t keen on the constant references to the weight of heroes Val and Trisha. They start off as geeky and overweight but through their adventures they slim down and become accepted. However I really did like the sibling’s relationship and how they grew in confidence and learnt to accept the world as the story continued.
Forest Circle Quest is real romp through a brilliantly conjured magical world. Let your imagination run wild and enter the Fabulous Forest and discover a whole new world of possibilities.
review by Nikki Mason on behalf of BestChickLit.com
There are some unforgettable characters in this book. I loved the terribly British Albatross, Wizard Prang, and the joke loving mouse. The book exudes a sense of fun which Lesie Hyla Winton Noble plays with in her language, experimenting with puns, alliteration and rhythm. She also creates a great sense of danger that threatens, but never overpowers, the joyful nature of the tale.
I found overall that the book was a little too long and sometimes I felt lost in the complexities of the plot and was confused by some of the magical powers. And I wasn’t keen on the constant references to the weight of heroes Val and Trisha. They start off as geeky and overweight but through their adventures they slim down and become accepted. However I really did like the sibling’s relationship and how they grew in confidence and learnt to accept the world as the story continued.
Forest Circle Quest is real romp through a brilliantly conjured magical world. Let your imagination run wild and enter the Fabulous Forest and discover a whole new world of possibilities.
review by Nikki Mason on behalf of BestChickLit.com
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews