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The Dawn of Adonis
From the bestselling author of When the Sky Falls comes the heart-wrenching story of a baby gorilla, Adonis, born into captivity, and the twelve-year-old girl who risks everything to rescue him.
In 1911, before the start of World War One, London’s docks thrum with underhand deals, none so great as the arrival of a valuable, rare and exotic animal – a baby silverback gorilla. The baby gorilla stands to make one man very, very rich. Heaven help anyone who gets in his way. But then one night a twelve-year-old girl is unwittingly drawn into his criminal underworld. Can she find a way to escape and rescue the baby gorilla?
The hotly anticipated follow-up to the multi-award-winning story about the incredible friendship between a young boy and a silverback gorilla in the Second World War, inspired by a true When the Sky Falls.
‘This richly atmospheric adventure . . . confirms Earle as a master of his craft’ Daily Mail
‘Nobody writes striking, heartfelt adventure like Phil Earle. I loved it!’ Ross Montgomery
‘It’s a tremendous nail-biting read, tender and terrifying in equal measure’ Jacqueline Wilson
Praise for When the Sky
‘A magnificent story’ Philip Pullman
‘Deeply felt, movingly written, a remarkable achievement’ Michael Morpurgo
Perfect for fans of War Horse, I Am Rebel and The Last Bear
In 1911, before the start of World War One, London’s docks thrum with underhand deals, none so great as the arrival of a valuable, rare and exotic animal – a baby silverback gorilla. The baby gorilla stands to make one man very, very rich. Heaven help anyone who gets in his way. But then one night a twelve-year-old girl is unwittingly drawn into his criminal underworld. Can she find a way to escape and rescue the baby gorilla?
The hotly anticipated follow-up to the multi-award-winning story about the incredible friendship between a young boy and a silverback gorilla in the Second World War, inspired by a true When the Sky Falls.
‘This richly atmospheric adventure . . . confirms Earle as a master of his craft’ Daily Mail
‘Nobody writes striking, heartfelt adventure like Phil Earle. I loved it!’ Ross Montgomery
‘It’s a tremendous nail-biting read, tender and terrifying in equal measure’ Jacqueline Wilson
Praise for When the Sky
‘A magnificent story’ Philip Pullman
‘Deeply felt, movingly written, a remarkable achievement’ Michael Morpurgo
Perfect for fans of War Horse, I Am Rebel and The Last Bear
213 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 5, 2025
9 people are currently reading
46 people want to read
About the author
Phil Earle
48 books104 followersPhil was born in Hull in 1974, and he studied English and Drama at Hull University. He worked for a year as a carer in a children’s home, then after training as a drama therapist, he worked in a therapeutic community in London, which cared for multiply abused adolescents. Then, changing tack completely, he chose a marginally more sedate life as a children’s bookseller. It was here that he developed an obsession for kid’s literature, in particular, young adult fiction.
After three years at Ottakar’s, he became a sales rep, and then a key account manager for Transworld/Random House, and is now sales director at Simon and Schuster Children’s Books.
Phil lives in South East London with his wife and three young children.
After three years at Ottakar’s, he became a sales rep, and then a key account manager for Transworld/Random House, and is now sales director at Simon and Schuster Children’s Books.
Phil lives in South East London with his wife and three young children.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
August 8, 2025
Where have I been, I can’t believe I haven’t read the authors bestselling book When the Sky Falls. But I’m sure The Dawn of Adonis is going to be another amazing bookselling children’s novel. In 1911, an exotic fierce silverback gorilla inside a cage, encrusted with filth, and stinks and doesn’t look like it has been fed, is delivered to Goliath Deeds, who wants to be rich. There are plenty of question who else knows about the gorilla? The other thing is a silverback gorilla is a male, but there’s something missing, with this gorilla. I wasn’t sure if I liked this man Goliath Deed, he seemed full of anger. Home to Goliath and Toff is a warehouse, without any furniture, and now with the ape in a cage. This children’s book has it all, a brilliant plot all about an a gorilla, with interwoven funny line, and rather a moving. Phil Earle is such a brilliant writer, I highly recommend this book to everyone whatever your age!
July 13, 2025
The Dawn of Adonis is a relatively quick read. It is the origin story of Adonis and a love letter to the mighty silverback.
In Edwardian England, the exotic animal trade is proving lucrative for those with enough cruelty and connections. And this is how a baby gorilla ends up in London’s Docklands.
Earle paints an evocative image of London’s underbelly. Life is hard and grim for many working people. Poverty is everywhere. Gangsters rule the streets through intimidation and violence. But in amongst the gloom, are lots of heroes, using the only tools available to them: kindness, integrity and courage, to make the difference they can.
Toff Squabble is a rogue with a massive heart. His ‘guardian’ Goliath Deeds, is one of the Docklands’ biggest gangsters. Nettie Beecroft and her veterinarian father, have been somewhat aimless since the death of Nettie’s mother. The two children are about to become the baby gorilla’s only hopes of survival, and the odds against them are heavily stacked.
I really enjoyed this prequel to When the Sky Falls and found discovering Adonis’s origins very emotional. I’m not sure in which order someone just discovering the books should read them- I’d love to be able to unknow the books and re-read them in chronological order to see how it changes the experience! Anyway, knowing what I know, the perfect last line KILLED me!
Perfect middle grade historical fiction.
In Edwardian England, the exotic animal trade is proving lucrative for those with enough cruelty and connections. And this is how a baby gorilla ends up in London’s Docklands.
Earle paints an evocative image of London’s underbelly. Life is hard and grim for many working people. Poverty is everywhere. Gangsters rule the streets through intimidation and violence. But in amongst the gloom, are lots of heroes, using the only tools available to them: kindness, integrity and courage, to make the difference they can.
Toff Squabble is a rogue with a massive heart. His ‘guardian’ Goliath Deeds, is one of the Docklands’ biggest gangsters. Nettie Beecroft and her veterinarian father, have been somewhat aimless since the death of Nettie’s mother. The two children are about to become the baby gorilla’s only hopes of survival, and the odds against them are heavily stacked.
I really enjoyed this prequel to When the Sky Falls and found discovering Adonis’s origins very emotional. I’m not sure in which order someone just discovering the books should read them- I’d love to be able to unknow the books and re-read them in chronological order to see how it changes the experience! Anyway, knowing what I know, the perfect last line KILLED me!
Perfect middle grade historical fiction.
July 2, 2025
Fantastic prequel to When The Sky Falls. Set in 1911 London, with some great descriptions of life at the time and some very unsavoury characters!
January 31, 2025
Brilliant prequel to When the Sky Falls, as heart rending and heart warming. The story sings.
May 6, 2025
The origin story that Adonis deserves...
Phil Earle knows exactly what readers want.
I could talk about the characterisation. I could talk about the narrative climax, the grime and the lovable rogue Toff. I could even talk about how the prologue is a creative writing masterclass in how to hook a reader...
But what we really wanted to know was how Adonis ended up with Mrs F and, boy, is that a story.
(11 - 14)
Phil Earle knows exactly what readers want.
I could talk about the characterisation. I could talk about the narrative climax, the grime and the lovable rogue Toff. I could even talk about how the prologue is a creative writing masterclass in how to hook a reader...
But what we really wanted to know was how Adonis ended up with Mrs F and, boy, is that a story.
(11 - 14)
July 20, 2025
Another beautiful book from Phil Earle!
September 25, 2025
This is a prequel to When the sky falls.
While it is a fine story, I don't think it was as incredible as WtSF.
This is about the dirty part of early 20th century London. There are crooks and very mean men (Goliath) and boys (Toff) who are under that meanie's thumb but also wanting to do the right thing. There is an upstanding father and his daughter (Nettie) who do the right thing naturally.
There are some really harsh scenes of the depravity of human behaviour and ill-treatment of animals which may upset some young readers, however it's an engaging historical adventure about friendship and the love of animals.
While it is a fine story, I don't think it was as incredible as WtSF.
This is about the dirty part of early 20th century London. There are crooks and very mean men (Goliath) and boys (Toff) who are under that meanie's thumb but also wanting to do the right thing. There is an upstanding father and his daughter (Nettie) who do the right thing naturally.
There are some really harsh scenes of the depravity of human behaviour and ill-treatment of animals which may upset some young readers, however it's an engaging historical adventure about friendship and the love of animals.
May 16, 2025
A charming story about doing what's right.
Earle's signature warmth and wit strikes again in this origin story of Adonis, the gorilla in his other book WHEN THE SKY FALLS. That book almost made me cry, so of course I was going into this with high expectations – and while the writing was a little messy at points, it didn't detract from the excellent adventure of a boy and girl trying to save a baby gorilla.
Heartfelt, compelling and always with a great message, THE DAWN OF ADONIS as another great book in his line-up of historical children's tales.
WILL I READ MORE BY THIS AUTHOR? Yes.
Copy received from Andersen Press in exchange for an honest review. This title releases on the 5th June 2025.
LAST REVIEW
WHEN THE SKY FALLS ★★★★☆
WHILE THE STORM RAGES ★★★★☆
UNTIL THE ROAD ENDS ★★★☆☆
Earle's signature warmth and wit strikes again in this origin story of Adonis, the gorilla in his other book WHEN THE SKY FALLS. That book almost made me cry, so of course I was going into this with high expectations – and while the writing was a little messy at points, it didn't detract from the excellent adventure of a boy and girl trying to save a baby gorilla.
Heartfelt, compelling and always with a great message, THE DAWN OF ADONIS as another great book in his line-up of historical children's tales.
WILL I READ MORE BY THIS AUTHOR? Yes.
Copy received from Andersen Press in exchange for an honest review. This title releases on the 5th June 2025.
LAST REVIEW
WHEN THE SKY FALLS ★★★★☆
WHILE THE STORM RAGES ★★★★☆
UNTIL THE ROAD ENDS ★★★☆☆
July 16, 2025
The Dawn Of Adonis by Phil Earle is the most charming children’s historical novel that I absolutely loved. It is perfect for ages eight years and over. It is a thoroughly enjoyable novel whatever your age.
This is a tale of adventure as we race through the streets of London in 1911. It has all the elements that make it exciting – heroes; villains; and a precious baby that needs protecting. There really is something for everyone.
The novel is very atmospheric and emotional. “The mountain howled. The jungle cried… the sky wept.” That really spoke to my heart.
We see the bravery of young children and the desire to protect and to do the right thing, even if the right thing is hard to do.
Life for street children was appalling. Some were exploited; others ‘worked’ to support their family. There was a camaraderie amongst the youngsters.
I found The Dawn Of Adonis really exciting. The action kept me on my toes. I thoroughly enjoyed it and can highly recommend it, whatever your age – an adventure awaits.
This is a tale of adventure as we race through the streets of London in 1911. It has all the elements that make it exciting – heroes; villains; and a precious baby that needs protecting. There really is something for everyone.
The novel is very atmospheric and emotional. “The mountain howled. The jungle cried… the sky wept.” That really spoke to my heart.
We see the bravery of young children and the desire to protect and to do the right thing, even if the right thing is hard to do.
Life for street children was appalling. Some were exploited; others ‘worked’ to support their family. There was a camaraderie amongst the youngsters.
I found The Dawn Of Adonis really exciting. The action kept me on my toes. I thoroughly enjoyed it and can highly recommend it, whatever your age – an adventure awaits.
April 21, 2025
A tale of loyalty, loss, betrayal, and rebirth.
It is 1911 and London’s docks thrum with underhand deals, none so great as the arrival of a valuable, rare and exotic animal, smuggled from the depths of the Congolese rainforest. The baby gorilla stands to make one man, the shady Goliath Deeds, very, very he and his right-hand man, juvenile pickpocket, Toff Squabble. Heaven help anyone who dares stand in their way, not least the brave and innocent twelve-year-old Nettie Beecroft, who finds herself embroiled in a dangerous rescue attempt where she encounters toshers, bone grubbers and gangsters.
Whom can Nettie trust? And can she save the life this very special creature?
It is 1911 and London’s docks thrum with underhand deals, none so great as the arrival of a valuable, rare and exotic animal, smuggled from the depths of the Congolese rainforest. The baby gorilla stands to make one man, the shady Goliath Deeds, very, very he and his right-hand man, juvenile pickpocket, Toff Squabble. Heaven help anyone who dares stand in their way, not least the brave and innocent twelve-year-old Nettie Beecroft, who finds herself embroiled in a dangerous rescue attempt where she encounters toshers, bone grubbers and gangsters.
Whom can Nettie trust? And can she save the life this very special creature?
May 7, 2025
A genuinely immersive adventure. I was annoyed when it was finished because I wanted to live in the story a little bit more. Would very much like a spin-off sequel all about Toff Squabble, please and thank you!
February 17, 2025
What a beautiful book. Both a rip roaring adventure with a cast of dark and devious characters, and a wonderful, tender story of a young girl dealing with loss. I devoured this book.
May 29, 2025
A charming book which is a perfect prequel to When the Sky Falls. Lovely characters and a villain I actually detested! Brilliant read
June 20, 2025
4.5 stars
July 22, 2025
Great prequel to “When the sky falls,” where we learn about Adonis’s origins. Wasn’t as hard hitting as “When the sky falls,” but still an enjoyable (and quick) read.
August 6, 2025
Phil Earle-one of my favourite authors- did it again. Another fabulous book. I read 'When the Sky Falls' when it first came out, and I loved how this book told the story of Adonis and the start of his life. Must read!
May 28, 2025
Oh my what a book! 44 chapters may seem a lot for a children's book but like all of Phil's book they are short - perfect for bedtime reading if you can put it down - and there are only 171 pages which is also short considering the length of some MG novels.
Read the prologue - the amount of times children tell me they don't read that but you really must!
The story is set in London in 1911.
We follow Toff, a foundling child, and his "Uncle" Goliath Deeds. Nobody at the Foundling Hospital was sure but Deeds had the other half of Toff's coin necklace and said his mother passed away and she was his sister and he had come to claim the child. Toff likes to dress just so, and wears a top hat with a hole punched in the top.
But the other important person in the story is Nettie Beecroft, a vet's daughter. They lost Nettie's mother and brother during a traumatic early birth.
Toff is not happy. He is following Goliath through the backstreets of the docks. Apparently they are going to get something everyone else will want. Erasmus Gryce opens the door and lets them in...the room stinks. Inside there is a cage, inside teh cage is something hairy, smelly and alive - just.
Goliath looks, Toff looks, it moves...but it's a female gorilla not the Silverback he was promised. Goliath is angry, very angry. Toff is scared.
Later Toff watches a man and his daughter. They look well off enough, and the man has a nice watch! Nettie, the girl, runs into the road to pick up a stray cat that has been run over, the man must be a vet.
When Toff returns to the warehouse with Goliath. it's clear they can't sell the Gorilla in this condition. They enter the cage and Toff tries to clean her gently not with the bristle brush Goliath gives him. Goliath get angry as he is too slow, and tries to do it himself - but she rears up and they exit the cage. When she calms she starts doing something odd...Toff knows immediately she's going to have a baby. Goliath is very happy at this news.
Goliath sends Toff to fetch someone, but Toff doesn't collect the man Goliath wants - he fetches the vet he watched earlier.
The vet is worried, a gorilla is not something he's worked on before but all Goliath is interested in is the baby, a boy. His mother dies in childbirth. Nettie and her father are thrown out, her father is injured and Nettie has to get him home.
Nettie returns to attempt to collect the vet's bag they left behind. There is no one at the warehouse so she is safe. But she hears a cry...they've left the baby gorilla.
She scoops him up and runs.
Toff finds her, but he becomes her and the baby's saviour because she can't go home. Her father is injured and the house is being watched already. They must run, Nettie thinks of an alternative place to go. But can they get there and who will help them? Will Toff continue to help or will the wrath of his uncle mean he lets her down? What of her father concussed and alone in his house, not knowing where Nettie is?
Absolutely outstanding! I have yet to read When The Sky Falls (it's on the pile, and I've already told the Head that we need the graphic novel version when it comes out), but I've read and cried over others and this is so good. We have to get it for school.
Read the prologue - the amount of times children tell me they don't read that but you really must!
The story is set in London in 1911.
We follow Toff, a foundling child, and his "Uncle" Goliath Deeds. Nobody at the Foundling Hospital was sure but Deeds had the other half of Toff's coin necklace and said his mother passed away and she was his sister and he had come to claim the child. Toff likes to dress just so, and wears a top hat with a hole punched in the top.
But the other important person in the story is Nettie Beecroft, a vet's daughter. They lost Nettie's mother and brother during a traumatic early birth.
Toff is not happy. He is following Goliath through the backstreets of the docks. Apparently they are going to get something everyone else will want. Erasmus Gryce opens the door and lets them in...the room stinks. Inside there is a cage, inside teh cage is something hairy, smelly and alive - just.
Goliath looks, Toff looks, it moves...but it's a female gorilla not the Silverback he was promised. Goliath is angry, very angry. Toff is scared.
Later Toff watches a man and his daughter. They look well off enough, and the man has a nice watch! Nettie, the girl, runs into the road to pick up a stray cat that has been run over, the man must be a vet.
When Toff returns to the warehouse with Goliath. it's clear they can't sell the Gorilla in this condition. They enter the cage and Toff tries to clean her gently not with the bristle brush Goliath gives him. Goliath get angry as he is too slow, and tries to do it himself - but she rears up and they exit the cage. When she calms she starts doing something odd...Toff knows immediately she's going to have a baby. Goliath is very happy at this news.
Goliath sends Toff to fetch someone, but Toff doesn't collect the man Goliath wants - he fetches the vet he watched earlier.
The vet is worried, a gorilla is not something he's worked on before but all Goliath is interested in is the baby, a boy. His mother dies in childbirth. Nettie and her father are thrown out, her father is injured and Nettie has to get him home.
Nettie returns to attempt to collect the vet's bag they left behind. There is no one at the warehouse so she is safe. But she hears a cry...they've left the baby gorilla.
She scoops him up and runs.
Toff finds her, but he becomes her and the baby's saviour because she can't go home. Her father is injured and the house is being watched already. They must run, Nettie thinks of an alternative place to go. But can they get there and who will help them? Will Toff continue to help or will the wrath of his uncle mean he lets her down? What of her father concussed and alone in his house, not knowing where Nettie is?
Absolutely outstanding! I have yet to read When The Sky Falls (it's on the pile, and I've already told the Head that we need the graphic novel version when it comes out), but I've read and cried over others and this is so good. We have to get it for school.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews