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Empire of the Waves: Voyage of the Moon Child
Pel Narine is on the edge of war, and Anni Tidechild is on the brink of change. Uncertain about her past and fearful of the future, Anni lives a life of evasion; avoiding both her guardian, Wavelord Filip Able, and the voice that calls to her from the sea.
When she meets Duck Knifetooth, the new friends are catapulted into unforeseen danger: pirates, the last giant, a mysterious ship and ancient creatures of the deep.
It was a message to the Tidechild from the Pool of Fire in the Deep. Just five words ... We are waiting for you.
From an exciting new voice comes the first book in a thrilling series - an epic seafaring quest for truth and freedom.
When she meets Duck Knifetooth, the new friends are catapulted into unforeseen danger: pirates, the last giant, a mysterious ship and ancient creatures of the deep.
It was a message to the Tidechild from the Pool of Fire in the Deep. Just five words ... We are waiting for you.
From an exciting new voice comes the first book in a thrilling series - an epic seafaring quest for truth and freedom.
376 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2015
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37 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
April 1, 2017
A well-written and exciting adventure story that draws on classic fantasy and storytelling to create an in-depth world and characters that you won't want to leave behind. It's similar to series like His Dark Materials, Narnia, Harry Potter and Brotherband. What I especially liked about this were the strong female characters, which are hard to find in these sorts of kids' books. I work in a bookstore and see firsthand how children's books are very gendered -- ie, "girly" schoolgirl characters for girls and clever action heroes for boys, so it's very refreshing when something like this comes along. Anni is a girl, but she's tough and adventurous, so she would appeal as a lead to boys and girls, much like Lyra in Northern Lights. Duck, a boy she meets on her journey, is a nice foil to her and their friendship is compelling.
'Empire of the Waves' is a fun and thrilling novel for the 9 to 15-year-old market. Anyone with an adventurous spirit will appreciate it.
'Empire of the Waves' is a fun and thrilling novel for the 9 to 15-year-old market. Anyone with an adventurous spirit will appreciate it.
June 18, 2021
Such a creatively written story, a whole world and all it's creatures were created. I would definitely recommend this to everyone looking for a fun, adventurous fantasy read!!
March 10, 2017
As a writer in my spare time I have a lot of respect for authors who can build an entire world out of their own imagination. The book is an enchanting, sometime compelling read with combined themes of childhood and friendship, interwoven with graver matters such as ambition, greed and treachery. The writing style itself has a lot to recommend. From street vendors to the fish gallery, there's a lot of imaginative descriptions, light-hearted banter, magical creatures and the right amount of thrill.
A special mention on the magical creatures: it's not the usual stock fantasy set of goblins, dragons or elves. Instead we meet the diversely structured beings: some are humans (obviously) and others such as creatures of the sea, giants, wibbins and monsters.
What fascinates me most is how Christopher builds the relationship between the living beings and how that system is woven into the running of the oceanic world.
Looking forward to the next installment in the series.
A special mention on the magical creatures: it's not the usual stock fantasy set of goblins, dragons or elves. Instead we meet the diversely structured beings: some are humans (obviously) and others such as creatures of the sea, giants, wibbins and monsters.
What fascinates me most is how Christopher builds the relationship between the living beings and how that system is woven into the running of the oceanic world.
Looking forward to the next installment in the series.
January 1, 2016
Described as a maritime adventure I will admit my expectations were not high.
With a beautiful cover and the mention of pirates, voyages and adventure I plonked this onto the pile of books beside my bed - where it sat for a few weeks.
The author of this book had spoken at a meeting I attended, and I was intrigued more by his professional life then this book, but with the promise of adventure and that pretty cover (yes - I know), I flipped it open one night before sleeping and fell headlong into it.
The main character, Annie Tidechild (orphaned and living in a library), isn't like most characters I encounter in children's books. She has fire in her belly (and fiery hair), and isn't shy of fighting. The first chapter involves attacks and explosions and not long after another character (Duck) finds himself in a weaponry room (which bought Chevhov's gun to mind - if there's a room full of weapons in the beginning of the story, will there be a mighty fight later on?).
Rich language through out the book reminds me of far older books I read growing up, and mischievous pilfering of a wine bottle made me look more closely at this book. I can see links and influences to classic children's books (with 2015 being the 150th anniversary of Alice in Wonderland, I think comparisons between the two will arise or even C.S. Lewis' Narnia books), but like the teacher's notes state it's Philip Pullman's Lyra Belacqua I'm reminded of.
Could you imagine writing a children's book and then being compared to Philip Pullman?! Amazing.
And while I can't remember where I read it, I am sure this is meant to be a trilogy. But, maybe it's just Star Wars being on at the moment, the mentions and references to Anni's father Sunsword Tidechild and her pirating mother and uncle make me think there's room for prequels here.
I suspect this was not a book written purely for children originally, and this reason alone makes it rich and intriguing. With the Christmas and gift giving season now behind us, I gifted this book to a couple of people, and they ranged between 10-40 years old.
I'd recommend this book to confident year 4 readers onwards (especially girls), but would encourage adults to have a flick too. And if you are a teacher of years 5 & 6, the themes of this story fit nicely with the new history syllabus (in Australia).
Here's hoping Chris Richardson writes fast and completes series quicker then Isobelle Carmody. I don't think I could wait that long for the rest of the series.
With a beautiful cover and the mention of pirates, voyages and adventure I plonked this onto the pile of books beside my bed - where it sat for a few weeks.
The author of this book had spoken at a meeting I attended, and I was intrigued more by his professional life then this book, but with the promise of adventure and that pretty cover (yes - I know), I flipped it open one night before sleeping and fell headlong into it.
The main character, Annie Tidechild (orphaned and living in a library), isn't like most characters I encounter in children's books. She has fire in her belly (and fiery hair), and isn't shy of fighting. The first chapter involves attacks and explosions and not long after another character (Duck) finds himself in a weaponry room (which bought Chevhov's gun to mind - if there's a room full of weapons in the beginning of the story, will there be a mighty fight later on?).
Rich language through out the book reminds me of far older books I read growing up, and mischievous pilfering of a wine bottle made me look more closely at this book. I can see links and influences to classic children's books (with 2015 being the 150th anniversary of Alice in Wonderland, I think comparisons between the two will arise or even C.S. Lewis' Narnia books), but like the teacher's notes state it's Philip Pullman's Lyra Belacqua I'm reminded of.
Could you imagine writing a children's book and then being compared to Philip Pullman?! Amazing.
And while I can't remember where I read it, I am sure this is meant to be a trilogy. But, maybe it's just Star Wars being on at the moment, the mentions and references to Anni's father Sunsword Tidechild and her pirating mother and uncle make me think there's room for prequels here.
I suspect this was not a book written purely for children originally, and this reason alone makes it rich and intriguing. With the Christmas and gift giving season now behind us, I gifted this book to a couple of people, and they ranged between 10-40 years old.
I'd recommend this book to confident year 4 readers onwards (especially girls), but would encourage adults to have a flick too. And if you are a teacher of years 5 & 6, the themes of this story fit nicely with the new history syllabus (in Australia).
Here's hoping Chris Richardson writes fast and completes series quicker then Isobelle Carmody. I don't think I could wait that long for the rest of the series.
February 18, 2022
Overall, this has been one of my favourite books out of the many I've read in my life. I've loved almost every word of this book, all the dialogue and emotion and scenery. I don't even know how to describe it... Guess I'll write about each part I loved.
Characters: Anni and Duck are amazing, amazing characters. I love Anni's determination and Duck's playfulness throughout the book, it made me so emotionally invested in them to watch how they grow and change together. They're flawed but loveable, and they're the best duo!! At the sight of a sequel in the future I can't wait to see where their relationship goes. And the relationships between Anni and the other characters, how all their backstories reveal so much about the present day, it's so well written and there's so much more behind all the surface level beliefs that Anni had near the start, how she believed so many things in which the truth came to light about in later chapters.
Plot: Sort of complicated plot, but it made the story all the more exciting to see how everything falls into place. I love the story and the action, and the plot twists are jaw-dropping... I won't say them. And how dark, or sweet or so emotional and real all of the scenes are... love it. The action sequences are so fun to follow, or to dread or anticipate what happens next. All of it makes sense once you put two-and-two together, and it's so satisfying yet scary to realise where the plot was going next. And the plot is so deep and engaging, and as the stakes grow I couldn't help but read on. It really pulls you in once you start!
Humour: This is one of the only books that has made me laugh out loud, full on laughing. It was terribly funny in many spots, contrasting the dark action and plot, making it very well-balanced.
(And so much more, but this review would be too long and boring)
This is an amazing and well-written book, a hidden gem which I'm glad to have come across. It's so wonderfully made and the world inside the book is so fascinating and unique. I'm so excited to see where it goes. Thank you so much for this!! Good luck in writing the sequel <3
Characters: Anni and Duck are amazing, amazing characters. I love Anni's determination and Duck's playfulness throughout the book, it made me so emotionally invested in them to watch how they grow and change together. They're flawed but loveable, and they're the best duo!! At the sight of a sequel in the future I can't wait to see where their relationship goes. And the relationships between Anni and the other characters, how all their backstories reveal so much about the present day, it's so well written and there's so much more behind all the surface level beliefs that Anni had near the start, how she believed so many things in which the truth came to light about in later chapters.
Plot: Sort of complicated plot, but it made the story all the more exciting to see how everything falls into place. I love the story and the action, and the plot twists are jaw-dropping... I won't say them. And how dark, or sweet or so emotional and real all of the scenes are... love it. The action sequences are so fun to follow, or to dread or anticipate what happens next. All of it makes sense once you put two-and-two together, and it's so satisfying yet scary to realise where the plot was going next. And the plot is so deep and engaging, and as the stakes grow I couldn't help but read on. It really pulls you in once you start!
Humour: This is one of the only books that has made me laugh out loud, full on laughing. It was terribly funny in many spots, contrasting the dark action and plot, making it very well-balanced.
(And so much more, but this review would be too long and boring)
This is an amazing and well-written book, a hidden gem which I'm glad to have come across. It's so wonderfully made and the world inside the book is so fascinating and unique. I'm so excited to see where it goes. Thank you so much for this!! Good luck in writing the sequel <3
November 26, 2018
I read this for one of the reading groups at school - really enjoyed the first half but it got a bit silly after that. Plus - no sign of a sequel as of yet....
September 21, 2025
Horribly written book by a rude pontificating man.
February 17, 2017
A great new voice in children's literature in Australia. A friend recommended this book for our bookclub after meeting the author at a promotional event. I must admit that at first I was a little sceptical, but reading about the adventures of Anni and Duck I found myself quickly drawn into the world of Pel Narine.
Chris has such a broad imagination, and a keen sense of what kids enjoy. I remember being a child and reading about feasts in LOTR. The feasts aboard the ship rival those; I could just about taste all the weird and wonderful flavours.
The overall sense of mystery builds throughout the narrative, as the history of the world unfolds. The climax left me wanting more. I assume there will be follow up books, and against my initial expectations, I'm really looking forward to them.
Chris has such a broad imagination, and a keen sense of what kids enjoy. I remember being a child and reading about feasts in LOTR. The feasts aboard the ship rival those; I could just about taste all the weird and wonderful flavours.
The overall sense of mystery builds throughout the narrative, as the history of the world unfolds. The climax left me wanting more. I assume there will be follow up books, and against my initial expectations, I'm really looking forward to them.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 24, 2015
I really enjoyed reading this book. I found it an easy read and I think it is a fantastic book for the age group it is aimed at. It may not appeal to some demographics but I think it is fabulous for a younger reader. It has everything I would ever have wanted in a fantasy story at that age. It is set in a new world, full of fun and entertaining characters that I grew to love as the book went on.
In some ways I feel this book was an introduction to the world and the characters as the ending is left as if the main story has only just begun. Which I dare say it has, as it is the first instalment of a series. All in all I would highly recommend this book to the children of my friends and anyone older who, like me still enjoys a children's fantasy book once and a while. I can honestly say I look forward to reading more.
In some ways I feel this book was an introduction to the world and the characters as the ending is left as if the main story has only just begun. Which I dare say it has, as it is the first instalment of a series. All in all I would highly recommend this book to the children of my friends and anyone older who, like me still enjoys a children's fantasy book once and a while. I can honestly say I look forward to reading more.
July 4, 2015
Anni Tidechild, I want to be you! I'm not sure about your choices in love ;) but, everything else, that I know about you so far, is amazing.
Great writing transcends the genre that it's been boxed into, and this is what this book does. Anni, Duck, Wibbens, Theodore and the rest take you on a joyous, hilarious, sometimes confronting ride. It is a hugely accessible and brain enriching book - if you enjoy imagining, thinking, dreaming and laughing. The writing is glorious and the way Christopher has dealt with ideas about friendship, family, loyalty, difference, fear facing, risk taking, staying true to values and principles and managing life's grey areas continues to occupy my mind. I think great fiction facilitates insight into human connection and interaction, and challenges ideas that support the status quo. It does this and so much more, without you even realising it.
Great writing transcends the genre that it's been boxed into, and this is what this book does. Anni, Duck, Wibbens, Theodore and the rest take you on a joyous, hilarious, sometimes confronting ride. It is a hugely accessible and brain enriching book - if you enjoy imagining, thinking, dreaming and laughing. The writing is glorious and the way Christopher has dealt with ideas about friendship, family, loyalty, difference, fear facing, risk taking, staying true to values and principles and managing life's grey areas continues to occupy my mind. I think great fiction facilitates insight into human connection and interaction, and challenges ideas that support the status quo. It does this and so much more, without you even realising it.
August 25, 2015
This is such a delightful, enchanting and thrilling read. The whole time I was immersed in this novel I felt like I was 14 years old again, with a racing heart and smile across my face. Read it if you want to escape from the world and find some new friends... Ok, so I will confess now- the author is a good friend of mine, but he is also, despite that, quite possibly a genius.
June 20, 2024
The book was amazing, you MUST go read this now!!!
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews