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Peter: A Darkened Fairytale - Series #1 - 5 Book Box Set
The theme is reminiscent of 'Alice in Wonderland'. The language is rich and exquisite and that adds to the colorful appeal and visual aspect of this captivating story. The chapters are short and the story moves quickly. The narration is crisp and clever - an enchanting read for everyone. 5***** Mamta Madhavan for Readers' Favorite
------------------------------------------------
Dennis Waller - TOP 500 REVIEWER
------------------------------------------------
Amazon Verified Purchase 5*****
A Richly Descriptive Story
The writing style is masterful in creating strong mental imagery. The depth and layering of the storyline is reminiscent of the works of C.S. Lewis. If words were paint, then I would say William O'Brien uses them like Marc Chagall uses paint in conjuring feelings of awe. Peter's experiences throughout his journey are contagious as we the reader are spellbound by the marvels that are revealed page after page. Very classical in technique and flow, simply great writing.
Another characteristic to the story is the sublime nature hinting at an allegory leaving you in contemplation of the deeper meaning to the story, much like C.S. Lewis. Shrouded within this fairytale of wonderment are traces of timeless wisdom that caught my eye.
While this may be a YA novel, it is written in such a way that would appeal to anyone, regardless of age.
This is one of those books that you can read over and over and find something new every time. In closing, I offer this last bit of wisdom from the story, "Listen with an open heart," he heard the flower speak." It just doesn't get any better than this...
"One of the best poetry collections I have read in recent times. This stunning collection will find its way into the hearts of all fairy tale lovers."
"The poems vary in their emotions but the mystery and the magic, the delicious imagery and sleek flow makes it an awesome collection." 5*****
Mamta Madhavan for Readers' Favorite
readersfavorite.com/book-review/27272
*See a full 5000 word review & poem analysis posted for Peter, Enchantment and Stardust:
Review by POET - Titled :Epithet: William O'Brien a magical poet,
September 20, 2013
From the Author
Peter book series:
Peter: A Darkened Fairytale (story)
Peter, Enchantment and Stardust (full poetry)
Peter: The World - Short Poems & Tiny Thoughts (Vol 1)
Surreal Peter - Short Poems & Tiny Thoughts (Vol 2)
Peter: Crank's Time - Short Poems & Tiny Thoughts (Vol 3)
**Next Peter story due for release later this year.
------------------------------------------------
Dennis Waller - TOP 500 REVIEWER
------------------------------------------------
Amazon Verified Purchase 5*****
A Richly Descriptive Story
The writing style is masterful in creating strong mental imagery. The depth and layering of the storyline is reminiscent of the works of C.S. Lewis. If words were paint, then I would say William O'Brien uses them like Marc Chagall uses paint in conjuring feelings of awe. Peter's experiences throughout his journey are contagious as we the reader are spellbound by the marvels that are revealed page after page. Very classical in technique and flow, simply great writing.
Another characteristic to the story is the sublime nature hinting at an allegory leaving you in contemplation of the deeper meaning to the story, much like C.S. Lewis. Shrouded within this fairytale of wonderment are traces of timeless wisdom that caught my eye.
While this may be a YA novel, it is written in such a way that would appeal to anyone, regardless of age.
This is one of those books that you can read over and over and find something new every time. In closing, I offer this last bit of wisdom from the story, "Listen with an open heart," he heard the flower speak." It just doesn't get any better than this...
"One of the best poetry collections I have read in recent times. This stunning collection will find its way into the hearts of all fairy tale lovers."
"The poems vary in their emotions but the mystery and the magic, the delicious imagery and sleek flow makes it an awesome collection." 5*****
Mamta Madhavan for Readers' Favorite
readersfavorite.com/book-review/27272
*See a full 5000 word review & poem analysis posted for Peter, Enchantment and Stardust:
Review by POET - Titled :Epithet: William O'Brien a magical poet,
September 20, 2013
From the Author
Peter book series:
Peter: A Darkened Fairytale (story)
Peter, Enchantment and Stardust (full poetry)
Peter: The World - Short Poems & Tiny Thoughts (Vol 1)
Surreal Peter - Short Poems & Tiny Thoughts (Vol 2)
Peter: Crank's Time - Short Poems & Tiny Thoughts (Vol 3)
**Next Peter story due for release later this year.
398 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 13, 2014
2 people are currently reading
11 people want to read
About the author
William O'Brien
42 books843 followersLiving in a small village in Lancashire, England, the author has written a number of books based on the tale 'Peter'.
In the 1990s, the author had twenty-one articles published, both nationally and internationally. After gaining an honours degree in Geosciences, doing post-graduate study in Occupational Health and Fitness, and earning a masters degree in Science Communication, he developed an interest for simple communication.
A passion for writing again emerged, and combining various interests in fine art, museum exhibition display, biology, geology, poetry, and the mystical led to the story of Peter: A Darkened Fairytale. The author still retains a childlike vision of the world, which is conveyed throughout his books.
In the 1990s, the author had twenty-one articles published, both nationally and internationally. After gaining an honours degree in Geosciences, doing post-graduate study in Occupational Health and Fitness, and earning a masters degree in Science Communication, he developed an interest for simple communication.
A passion for writing again emerged, and combining various interests in fine art, museum exhibition display, biology, geology, poetry, and the mystical led to the story of Peter: A Darkened Fairytale. The author still retains a childlike vision of the world, which is conveyed throughout his books.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
December 20, 2014
Written in short chapters and imaginative, allegorical language, this story is fascinating to anyone who retains the child at heart. Crossing the boundary from the world of reality into the world of magic is triggered by an old, scruffy box he finds in the village antique’s shop. “Peter felt so sorry for the worn, tired box that he decided he had to take it home; it would be ideal for things of no importance.” Opening it invites him to explore. “Uncovering a carpet of dust and the smell of old wood, Peter saw on the front of the box three unknown symbols.”
Going back to the shop, “The large mahogany clock began to infuse the room with a shimmer of small silver stars. Smoke began to fill behind the glass, as the clock face started to take up a personality all of its own.” Peter inserts the copper key into its keyhole, which is when he steps into a surreal place, in which there are dangers and challenges to overcome. “The evil world of Cirinian cannot retain its darkness with creatures like the sacred shylong in existence; therefore, she must infest them with evil or death.”
At times, the descriptions do become dark, as implied by the title of the book, A Darkened Fairytale: “Hands as big as spades balanced their superior power as they sat on the fragile stools, and the smell of death filled the room.” “Their armour of heavy green scales contrasted against their dark cerise plumage as they glared from bloodshot yellow eyes.” If you are ready to tackle the dangers in this magical journey, you will love this book!
PETER ENCHANTMENT and STARDUST
Bathed in light or drenched in darkness. here is a world that sparkles with wonder and mystery. In the first poem, the author, William O’Brien, opens with a prosaic suggestion:
A drawer is a drawer and a door is a door
One way in and one way out
But by the conclusion of the poem, he arrives at the opposite realization, one that contrasts with the premise that things are just what they are, one that opens the door for the mysticism that flows through the rest of this book:
Staring from those eyes so bright
View things given with new sight
O’brien gives us the magic of words that flow with a feather-light ease. The lines in Wildflower Valley may be whispered, ever so tenderly, by a fairy:
In the magic blades of green
Ladybirds, spiders will be seen
Creepy-crawlies spangled dew
Plum-lipped fairies tiptoe through
And the lines in Devil's Wish may be coughed out of the black mouth of a witch, standing over the blood coming to a boil in her caldron:
All the night
And all the day
Slow dripped blood
The vampire’s way
Matured crow's feet
Fairies die
Mad dog's liver
An innocent's lie
A violent cull
Demon cry
One good mouthful
Makes him fly!
These poems are a reflection of the children’s book Peter: A Darkened Fairytale, but in my opinion they stand on their own, and you will thoroughly enjoy them even if you have not yet read the book that inspired them.
PETER THE WORLD
The author, William O’Brien, conjures up a magical world in which his protagonist, Peter (of A Darkened Fairytale), lives. This is a complex world, made of both light and darkness, where sweet fairies may be ‘hiding in your garden, tucked behind violet flowers,’ but where all is not as it seems, as these fairies just may be vampire fairies. And so, vacillating between hope and fear, you experience this world with heightened emotions. Here is the invitation whispered in your ear:
Magical book
Has opened wide
Mysteries kept
Concealed inside
Walking with them
Smell and touch
Pages of gold
Edged with luck
Written with brilliant creativity, Surreal Peter invites you to go beyond the familiar, solid reality into a realm where the double edged sword of danger and excitement might be found. Fittingly, the collection opens with a guileful invitation:
Haha ... strange boy
Would you like a journey?
Watch the toys
Tread the beams
Do you want to fly?
Trip to the scene I am in your head
And I shall never leave
These ‘whispers of insanity’ are not even titled, they just come floating at you from the pages of the book, at times aiming to frighten you:
Fate is turning
Doors now switch
Trapped in darkness
Evil's wish
Other times, the author joins you, traveling by your side in this journey
Such fun
We will have
Together
Walking with death
And always, he offers an outlook for hope, for renewal at the end of this journey. There is always a light that beacons from afar even as we are still in a dark place:
Fire of dragon
Purging the world
Cleanses the palette
Holds new birth
This is a wonderful collection, and when taken together with the body of work that the author, William O’Brien, has created, it illuminates a complete universe of magic in which Peter lives.
PETER—CRANK’S TIME
Here is a collection of short, enchanting poems from the pen of the poet, William O’Brien. Peter - Crank's Time (Peter: A Darkened Faiytale)sweeps us into a darkened, mystical world. There is a direct relationship between author and reader, as his voice comes directly at you:
Waters bubble
Talk and spew
Let them bring
Me to you
Here is one of my favorites, perhaps because it is spooky:
Spirits lend
Helping hand
Cobwebs touch
In cold lands
Feel them brush
Upon your face
Silken gossamer
Haunting trace
This collection is comprised of poetry and plot, and all its parts complement each other to create a magical world.
Five stars.
Going back to the shop, “The large mahogany clock began to infuse the room with a shimmer of small silver stars. Smoke began to fill behind the glass, as the clock face started to take up a personality all of its own.” Peter inserts the copper key into its keyhole, which is when he steps into a surreal place, in which there are dangers and challenges to overcome. “The evil world of Cirinian cannot retain its darkness with creatures like the sacred shylong in existence; therefore, she must infest them with evil or death.”
At times, the descriptions do become dark, as implied by the title of the book, A Darkened Fairytale: “Hands as big as spades balanced their superior power as they sat on the fragile stools, and the smell of death filled the room.” “Their armour of heavy green scales contrasted against their dark cerise plumage as they glared from bloodshot yellow eyes.” If you are ready to tackle the dangers in this magical journey, you will love this book!
PETER ENCHANTMENT and STARDUST
Bathed in light or drenched in darkness. here is a world that sparkles with wonder and mystery. In the first poem, the author, William O’Brien, opens with a prosaic suggestion:
A drawer is a drawer and a door is a door
One way in and one way out
But by the conclusion of the poem, he arrives at the opposite realization, one that contrasts with the premise that things are just what they are, one that opens the door for the mysticism that flows through the rest of this book:
Staring from those eyes so bright
View things given with new sight
O’brien gives us the magic of words that flow with a feather-light ease. The lines in Wildflower Valley may be whispered, ever so tenderly, by a fairy:
In the magic blades of green
Ladybirds, spiders will be seen
Creepy-crawlies spangled dew
Plum-lipped fairies tiptoe through
And the lines in Devil's Wish may be coughed out of the black mouth of a witch, standing over the blood coming to a boil in her caldron:
All the night
And all the day
Slow dripped blood
The vampire’s way
Matured crow's feet
Fairies die
Mad dog's liver
An innocent's lie
A violent cull
Demon cry
One good mouthful
Makes him fly!
These poems are a reflection of the children’s book Peter: A Darkened Fairytale, but in my opinion they stand on their own, and you will thoroughly enjoy them even if you have not yet read the book that inspired them.
PETER THE WORLD
The author, William O’Brien, conjures up a magical world in which his protagonist, Peter (of A Darkened Fairytale), lives. This is a complex world, made of both light and darkness, where sweet fairies may be ‘hiding in your garden, tucked behind violet flowers,’ but where all is not as it seems, as these fairies just may be vampire fairies. And so, vacillating between hope and fear, you experience this world with heightened emotions. Here is the invitation whispered in your ear:
Magical book
Has opened wide
Mysteries kept
Concealed inside
Walking with them
Smell and touch
Pages of gold
Edged with luck
Written with brilliant creativity, Surreal Peter invites you to go beyond the familiar, solid reality into a realm where the double edged sword of danger and excitement might be found. Fittingly, the collection opens with a guileful invitation:
Haha ... strange boy
Would you like a journey?
Watch the toys
Tread the beams
Do you want to fly?
Trip to the scene I am in your head
And I shall never leave
These ‘whispers of insanity’ are not even titled, they just come floating at you from the pages of the book, at times aiming to frighten you:
Fate is turning
Doors now switch
Trapped in darkness
Evil's wish
Other times, the author joins you, traveling by your side in this journey
Such fun
We will have
Together
Walking with death
And always, he offers an outlook for hope, for renewal at the end of this journey. There is always a light that beacons from afar even as we are still in a dark place:
Fire of dragon
Purging the world
Cleanses the palette
Holds new birth
This is a wonderful collection, and when taken together with the body of work that the author, William O’Brien, has created, it illuminates a complete universe of magic in which Peter lives.
PETER—CRANK’S TIME
Here is a collection of short, enchanting poems from the pen of the poet, William O’Brien. Peter - Crank's Time (Peter: A Darkened Faiytale)sweeps us into a darkened, mystical world. There is a direct relationship between author and reader, as his voice comes directly at you:
Waters bubble
Talk and spew
Let them bring
Me to you
Here is one of my favorites, perhaps because it is spooky:
Spirits lend
Helping hand
Cobwebs touch
In cold lands
Feel them brush
Upon your face
Silken gossamer
Haunting trace
This collection is comprised of poetry and plot, and all its parts complement each other to create a magical world.
Five stars.
May 24, 2014
This boxed set contains the novel 'Peter: A Darkened Fairytale', a collection of full poetry, and three collections of short poetry all relating to the novel. The story is of a young boy named Peter who enters a magical realm on his tenth birthday.
This is a unique dark fairytale with a sense of wonder to it which takes the edge off of some of the dark and scary moments but there are still plenty of terrifying things in this fantastical world. It was very easy to get caught up in this journey and see everything through the eyes of Peter. I found the novel captivating and I savoured every new development, thoroughly enjoying the wonderfully imagined tale from start to finish.
The poems fit in extremely well with the story and each collection kept the dark tone established in the novel, while showing flashes of light and hope within the wondrous elements. By the end of the final collection I was sorry to see the end of this fantastical world I had journeyed through. I hope the next book will come out soon!
Overall this is a wonderful adventure through a magical world full of fantastical creatures and lurking dangers. A brilliant story for older children and adults alike. Very highly recommended!
This is a unique dark fairytale with a sense of wonder to it which takes the edge off of some of the dark and scary moments but there are still plenty of terrifying things in this fantastical world. It was very easy to get caught up in this journey and see everything through the eyes of Peter. I found the novel captivating and I savoured every new development, thoroughly enjoying the wonderfully imagined tale from start to finish.
The poems fit in extremely well with the story and each collection kept the dark tone established in the novel, while showing flashes of light and hope within the wondrous elements. By the end of the final collection I was sorry to see the end of this fantastical world I had journeyed through. I hope the next book will come out soon!
Overall this is a wonderful adventure through a magical world full of fantastical creatures and lurking dangers. A brilliant story for older children and adults alike. Very highly recommended!
May 14, 2014
This Boxed Collection is a treasure of various poems, snippets and a short story that correspond to Peter, the young lad who has stolen my heart as he journeys through a fantasy realm encountering spirits and creatures that only O’Brien could muster up using his ingenious imagination. The poetry collection is diversified as each one has a different theme evoking different emotions. Some lend themselves to a sense of calm and reflection as others elude to a darker side that we all know exists. Here there is a fine balance with good and evil. What’s not to love about fairies peering at you then off to wander down the hall with demons? I am a huge fan of O’Briens books knowing they are well written and this author has a vast knowledge of the paranormal where he entwines his own magic to draw in readers of all ages. Don’t pass this chance up to get a sampling of the diversity of O’Brien’s talent!
November 12, 2015
What does a 10 year old boy need while living in a quiet and peaceful English town? He definitely needs some adventure. He finds an antique box that leads him to a clock with a door. Of course, this is no ordinary door but a portal to another world.
It is like Alice in Wonderland, where you don't know what is real and what is just an overactive imagination. The author has an overactive imagination, where anything is possible.
Readers will sympathize with Peter as he is thrust into one unusual situation after another. He meets a whole range of delightful and scary characters. Does he want to click his shoes and go home like Dorothy? Read and find out.
It is like Alice in Wonderland, where you don't know what is real and what is just an overactive imagination. The author has an overactive imagination, where anything is possible.
Readers will sympathize with Peter as he is thrust into one unusual situation after another. He meets a whole range of delightful and scary characters. Does he want to click his shoes and go home like Dorothy? Read and find out.
May 27, 2014
I have already had the pleasure of reading two previous books by talented Author William O'Brien, Peter: A Darkened Fairytale and Peter, Enchantment and Stardust (Peter: A Darkened Fairytale): The Poems. Now he is offering both these delightful books as part of this great boxed series. In this review I will dwell on the three books that I have yet to review which are presented in the form of poetry in this compilation of fantasy tales.
In Book III..."PETER THE WORLD ~ Short Poems & Tiny Thoughts" the author explores the worlds of Light and Dark with the use of Haiku-like poems. Peter lives in a magical world filled with fairies, vampires, ghosts, wizards, witches, and he experiences each of these characters as he encounters them. As stated in the Author's Note, "the author still retains a childlike vision of the world, which is conveyed throughout the book". This gift is clearly demonstrated in all of his writing as he vividly describes each of these encounters.
In Book IV..."SURREAL PETER ~ Short Poems & Tiny Thoughts", the author deals with the demons of insanity. I like his positive twist on life as he dedicates this book "for everyone blessed by the smallest whispers of insanity". This is a somewhat unique way to view life. But then...I for one, find it rather refreshing.
In Book V..."PETER Crank's Time ~ Short Poems & Tiny Thoughts", the tales of Peter continue through the artistic use of poetry as he makes his way in this magical land which is based on the author's first book, "Peter: A Darkened Fairytale".
When I was a young child, I was exposed to the fairy tales penned by Brothers Grimm. Whenever I read the musings of Author William O'Brien, these previous fairytales and folklore come to mind. Although the styles and tales are different, there is a familiar thread of creative writing talent to be discovered in this Boxed Collection. It stretches the imagination of its reading audience and will appeal to all ages...both young and old alike. The covers to each of these books are incredible!
Inspirational Author & Book Reviewer ~ Dolores Ayotte
http://www.amazon.com/Growing-Up-Liki...
In Book III..."PETER THE WORLD ~ Short Poems & Tiny Thoughts" the author explores the worlds of Light and Dark with the use of Haiku-like poems. Peter lives in a magical world filled with fairies, vampires, ghosts, wizards, witches, and he experiences each of these characters as he encounters them. As stated in the Author's Note, "the author still retains a childlike vision of the world, which is conveyed throughout the book". This gift is clearly demonstrated in all of his writing as he vividly describes each of these encounters.
In Book IV..."SURREAL PETER ~ Short Poems & Tiny Thoughts", the author deals with the demons of insanity. I like his positive twist on life as he dedicates this book "for everyone blessed by the smallest whispers of insanity". This is a somewhat unique way to view life. But then...I for one, find it rather refreshing.
In Book V..."PETER Crank's Time ~ Short Poems & Tiny Thoughts", the tales of Peter continue through the artistic use of poetry as he makes his way in this magical land which is based on the author's first book, "Peter: A Darkened Fairytale".
When I was a young child, I was exposed to the fairy tales penned by Brothers Grimm. Whenever I read the musings of Author William O'Brien, these previous fairytales and folklore come to mind. Although the styles and tales are different, there is a familiar thread of creative writing talent to be discovered in this Boxed Collection. It stretches the imagination of its reading audience and will appeal to all ages...both young and old alike. The covers to each of these books are incredible!
Inspirational Author & Book Reviewer ~ Dolores Ayotte
http://www.amazon.com/Growing-Up-Liki...
May 14, 2014
Book one:
Peter: A Darkened Fairy tale is a magical tale that is awesomely like one of my favorite books-- Alice in Wonderland. I love Peter so much I was thrilled to see a book of poetry dedicated to this darkened world. I wasn't disappointed. It was amazing the way this author managed to weave short poems into a new magical tale. Great book.
Book two:
Fall down a surreal rabbit hole with Surreal Peter. In this addition, you get to soar with dragons, hide from a witch and deal with wizards. Another not-to-be-missed chapter in the darkened world.
Book three:
When I was a kid, we had tons of fairy tales to enjoy. Although those books are still around and I still love them, I'm finding because of their out-dated subject matters, my children don't enjoy them the way I do. Peter is the solution to this problem. With ghosts, dragons, witches, wizards and all matters magical, this is an attention getter you'll want to check out.
Book Four: Surreal Peter. This one is short poems and a bit different from the rest. It deals more with inner demons and insanity. Awesome read.
Book Five:
Crank's Time. It's short thoughts based on the darkened fairy tale. If you haven't checked out this series yet, you have to pick this one up. It has something for everyone.
Peter: A Darkened Fairy tale is a magical tale that is awesomely like one of my favorite books-- Alice in Wonderland. I love Peter so much I was thrilled to see a book of poetry dedicated to this darkened world. I wasn't disappointed. It was amazing the way this author managed to weave short poems into a new magical tale. Great book.
Book two:
Fall down a surreal rabbit hole with Surreal Peter. In this addition, you get to soar with dragons, hide from a witch and deal with wizards. Another not-to-be-missed chapter in the darkened world.
Book three:
When I was a kid, we had tons of fairy tales to enjoy. Although those books are still around and I still love them, I'm finding because of their out-dated subject matters, my children don't enjoy them the way I do. Peter is the solution to this problem. With ghosts, dragons, witches, wizards and all matters magical, this is an attention getter you'll want to check out.
Book Four: Surreal Peter. This one is short poems and a bit different from the rest. It deals more with inner demons and insanity. Awesome read.
Book Five:
Crank's Time. It's short thoughts based on the darkened fairy tale. If you haven't checked out this series yet, you have to pick this one up. It has something for everyone.
May 16, 2014
A truly enchanting weaver of words has created this wonderful set of mystical adventures for lovers of fantasy. The story is encapsulating and takes the reader into many new and surreal lands holding many similarities to Alice in Wonderland and the land of Narnia.
Worlds are painted with highly descriptive language, which slowly draws you into a multitude of magical places as you meet many bizarre characters. The poems enhance and work magnificently well with potions, witches, wizards and other strange creatures in the tales. The set is very refreshing with a modern slant and twisted angles, whilst holding a traditional and classic sense.
The author has created a vivid and delightful way to draw readers into his imaginative worlds that you may never want to leave. The set is full to the brim with fairies, mushrooms, and creatures of calm to help Peter on his journey. Although, there are some very dark sides to the trip with evil predators and mind-trapping demons trying to halt Peter along the way. All are beautifully written and I can’t wait for the next Peter story.
Worlds are painted with highly descriptive language, which slowly draws you into a multitude of magical places as you meet many bizarre characters. The poems enhance and work magnificently well with potions, witches, wizards and other strange creatures in the tales. The set is very refreshing with a modern slant and twisted angles, whilst holding a traditional and classic sense.
The author has created a vivid and delightful way to draw readers into his imaginative worlds that you may never want to leave. The set is full to the brim with fairies, mushrooms, and creatures of calm to help Peter on his journey. Although, there are some very dark sides to the trip with evil predators and mind-trapping demons trying to halt Peter along the way. All are beautifully written and I can’t wait for the next Peter story.
August 6, 2016
Darkened tales and a classic
A succulent, collection of magical tales are captured within this fantastic boxset of Peter. 'Alice in Wonderland' is the first thing that comes to mind in this haphazard amalgamation of surreal stories and poems that the author has created. You will lovingly be taken away from the mundane and into another realm, one of wonder and hope. The protagonist Peter ploughs his way through worlds of fairies, elves, evil and demons and scrapes through to fight another day. The stories have a ‘feel-good, factor but are swamped with dark thoughts and entities. Certainly, this is one for older children and adults alike. The cryptic darkened tales for sure riddled with clever lines to make the reader think and many will be missed by younger readers. Truly, a boxset to be treasured and read over and over again like many of the classics created by C S Lewis through the wardrobe and into Narnia. I loved it and I can’t wait to read it again!
A succulent, collection of magical tales are captured within this fantastic boxset of Peter. 'Alice in Wonderland' is the first thing that comes to mind in this haphazard amalgamation of surreal stories and poems that the author has created. You will lovingly be taken away from the mundane and into another realm, one of wonder and hope. The protagonist Peter ploughs his way through worlds of fairies, elves, evil and demons and scrapes through to fight another day. The stories have a ‘feel-good, factor but are swamped with dark thoughts and entities. Certainly, this is one for older children and adults alike. The cryptic darkened tales for sure riddled with clever lines to make the reader think and many will be missed by younger readers. Truly, a boxset to be treasured and read over and over again like many of the classics created by C S Lewis through the wardrobe and into Narnia. I loved it and I can’t wait to read it again!
June 23, 2014
This collection is a delight, not least because of the sensuously dreamy yet contemplative style by which William O’Brien weaves together his prose and poetry into a cohesive whole. The poems themselves are lyric in quality – fit for any age due to the simple couplet rhyme schemes and style. But at the heart of this piece is a delicate contemplation of the fantasy/ action/ adventure genre.
Peter, a young boy unready for a mission, travels to the land of clouds. His mission is an honest one. He must save the Shylong and restore peace in the realm. But the story takes its episodes as opportunities to conjure poetic imagery which fits perfectly with the poems that accompany the narrative. This is a collection that is just as much about the word and sentence as it is about story. This was exactly what I wanted after a long string of books that were attenuated only by the throttling of narrative. For a book to so deeply mesh prose and plot is a beautiful and uplifting triumph.
Peter, a young boy unready for a mission, travels to the land of clouds. His mission is an honest one. He must save the Shylong and restore peace in the realm. But the story takes its episodes as opportunities to conjure poetic imagery which fits perfectly with the poems that accompany the narrative. This is a collection that is just as much about the word and sentence as it is about story. This was exactly what I wanted after a long string of books that were attenuated only by the throttling of narrative. For a book to so deeply mesh prose and plot is a beautiful and uplifting triumph.
January 14, 2015
A story unlike any other, filled with a whimsical light-hearted start, which strongly deepens within the tale. You can be easily misled into thinking this is all sweet an innocent, but as the words unwinds, you are taken into disturbed waters to battle with demons of the mind. The book does become very twisted and scary for younger children, so be warned! Peter: A Darkened Fairytale is a brilliant and imaginative creation, displaying the talent of O’Brien – spectacular! The twists and turns in this fast-paced adventure is beyond Alice in Wonderland. Hold onto your seat as you get whisked away into your darkest thoughts in this spellbinding 5***** adventure.
March 1, 2015
I have been captivated by this series after reading Peter A Darkened Fairytale. Now this delightful boxed set, brings you into the dark fantasy world by introducing you to all its mystical creatures. A truly imaginative author, William O'Brien is gaining a following of fantasy readers and fans.
December 13, 2015
A wonderfully imaginative series that takes the reader on flights of fancy. Beautifully written with language that conveys startling images of fantastic creatures and adventurous tales. A series that will draw you in and keep you reading.
June 18, 2018
Enthralling, rich, and imaginative. This set has a little bit of everything -- for every audience out there.
November 5, 2018
Another delightful set of stories by Author William O' Brien. I love the author's style of writing and his creative way of drawing the reader into the stories. Loved it! Well done, William O' Brien.
June 18, 2018
Peter: A Darkened Fairytale - Series #1, 5 Book Boxed Set by William O'Brien). William O'Brien is a conjurer, a wizard, a spell-caster of the first order. Short poems meet poetical prose to weave a web of fairytale delight for young adult to adult readers unlike anything I've read yet precisely like the feeling I got when reading the best children' s stories when I was young. In some wise, these tales are an homage to C.S. Lewis, in other ways, unique in their beauty and propulsive energy. O'Brien is a master of this skill that has its roots in classicism but has been darkened just enough to suit the modern reader. His words are chosen with care and employed with grace. The literate and literary reader will enjoy these, no matter the age. The youngster who has these read to them or reads them will be enthralled.And then there are those of us whose inner child has been starving for something such as these stories to read.Buy this. Read it. Give it to parents and children, knowing your gift will spark many re-visitations. In a publishing wilderness marked by dubious intent and lackluster skills, O'Brien's work shines a bright light leading you to rarefied delights.
Now, to find some more works by this author...
Five stars on any day.
Now, to find some more works by this author...
Five stars on any day.
June 28, 2018
This series had me hooked from the very first book, with its masterly created world and fast-paced, breathtaking adventures that young Peter finds himself entangled at. From book to book the story-line deepens, becomes more twisted and fascinating to follow. From Young Adults to the readers of every age, those who enjoy a masterly told story, will not regret at picking those books!
February 15, 2016
I've always been a fan of fantasy and with this one, I wasn't disappointed.
An amazing read with a good storyline, the author has done well.
Looking forward to reading more from this author.
An amazing read with a good storyline, the author has done well.
Looking forward to reading more from this author.
November 11, 2017
My favorite poetry collection! The realms Peter wanders are fascinating, enticing, thought-provoking and often dark, leaving the reader with interesting questions and undeniable taste for more.
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