The Curse of the Gloamglozer

The Edge Chronicles: The Quint Saga #1

by Paul Stewart, Chris Riddell

Fourteen-year-old Quint Verginix is the only remaining son of famous sky-pirate Wind Jackal. He and his father have journeyed to the city of Sanctaphrax – a great floating rock, bound to the ground below by a chain, its inhabitants living with their heads literally in the clouds.

But the city hides a dangerous secret: deep inside the great rock, something horrible lurks. With his father away, Quint may be the only one who can save Sanctaphrax from the dreaded curse of the gloamglozer . . .

The Curse of the Gloamglozer is the first book of the Quint Saga – first trilogy in The Edge Chronicles, the internationally best-selling fantasy series, which has featured on the UK and the New York Times best-seller lists and sold more than 3 million copies. There are now 13 titles and four trilogies in the series, but each book is a stand-alone adventure, so you can read The Edge Chronicles in any order you choose.

Genres: Fantasy, Fiction, Young Adult, Middle Grade, Childrens, Adventure, Steampunk

370 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2001

About the author

Paul Stewart is a highly regarded author of books for young readers – from picture books to football stories, fantasy and horror. Together with Chris Riddell he is co-creator of the bestselling Edge Chronicles, which has sold more than three million copies and is available in over twenty languages. They have also collaborated together on lots of other exciting books for children of all ages. The Far-Flung Adventure series includes the Gold Smarties Prize Winner Fergus Crane, and Corby Flood and Hugo Pepper, both Silver Nestle Prize Winners. Then there are the Barnaby Grimes books, two Muddle Earth adventures, and the sci-fi Scavenger and fantasy Wyrmeweald trilogies. For younger readers there is the Blobheads series, while for the very young, Paul has written several picture books, including the Rabbit and Hedgehog series, In the Dark of the Night and, his latest, Wings.

Other authors by this name disambiguation Note:
Paul Stewart - business and management books

Reviews

[Charlotte May · Rating 4 out of 5]

"A Gloamglozer? Surely they are only characters in myths and fairy-tales. A Gloamglozer doesn't really exist."

3.5 ⭐️

I enjoyed my trip back into The Edge Chronicles. Having the the Twig Saga (Beyond the Deepwoods, The Edge Chronicles 5: Stormchaser: Second Book of Twig and The Edge Chronicles 6: Midnight Over Sanctaphrax: Third Book of Twig) I was really interested to read the rest of the Chronicles starting from the beginning.

Maris is the daughter of the Most High Academe of Santaphrax. He is in charge of all the academics and their relevant schools. When he rose to this position he was determined to mend the rift between the Earth-studies scholars and the sky-scholars; but recently he's been distracted. Having discovered a great secret that has been hidden for hundreds of years within the stone comb (mysterious rock walkways, built like honey comb). Linius now spends all his time there. So when his old friend comes to visit, and brings with him his young son Quint - Linius sees a perfect opportunity to get himself an apprentice, to help ease his workload.

However, as Linius spends more and more time down in the Stone Comb, Quint and Maris start to get nervous. What is he doing down there? And why does he come back so weak and frightened each time? What is revealed is wonderfully inventive, creepy and gripping. A fantastically imaginative tale. Now onto the next one!

"I shall spread mayhem and chaos.' it said. 'I shall lure. I shall cheat. I shall lie. I shall tempt and deceive. And feed off the pain and despair I create'...'And off the fear."

[freddie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I haven't read The Curse of the Gloamglozer since I was like eight years old, I think? A lot of fond memories and nostalgia for this one - can't wait to re-read!



Rating it 3.5* for now. Still trying to figure out a rating system smh - was supposed to be done with that by the end of 2018, but here we are!

RTC!

Two more books left in the Quint trilogy and then I'll be able to read one of my childhood favourites - Beyond the Deepwoods. Can't wait!

[Kitty G Books · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a really fun book which revolved around Maris (the daughter of the Most High Academe) and Quint (son of Wind Jackal who is the Captain Sky Pirate on the Galerider ship). These two characters are both intelligent, resourceful and full of life and fun which makes for an enjoyable storyline as their paths cross when Quint is Apprenticed to Maris' father.

This story has a lot of really cool things in it such as glass creatures (Tweezle), Gloamglozers (demon shape-shifters), Professors, Sky Pirates and much more. There are all sorts of peculiar creatures from all over the world, and the whole book is filled with unique quirks and funny characters. Also, a huge bonus of this book and series is that it's illustrated by Chris Riddell which is a LOT of fun and his artworks really bring the entire story to life and give a very fun feeling to the book.

This is a light-hearted adventure story which shows some wonderful moments between young friends and enemies. I think there were some very wonderful teaching moments (as this is a children's book) but equally it was a very fun read and the moments of investigation and mystery were both exciting and intriguing.

This book was by no means totally care-free and there were some darker and more sinister moments which really helped to set the tone and mood, overall it was whimsical and enchanting to read. It seems as though it's a great start to a fun series and I will probably pick up the next one sometime soon :) Recommended for anyone who likes a fun children's read with fantasy elements! It didn't blow me away, but it was fun, and that's key to a great children's story!

[Gavin Hetherington · Rating 4 out of 5]

My reading vlog for the entire Quint Saga: https://youtu.be/3TFW_kGa35Q

The Curse of the Gloamglozer was a lot darker than I anticipated, with quite a bit of death and action. Out of the Quint Saga, this one is probably my favourite, just because I enjoyed the mystery of the Gloamglozer and there were quite a few memorable moments.

[Sanaa · Rating 5 out of 5]

[5 Stars] Re-Read 2015
I adore this series so much, and this one along with Stormchaser may be my favorites of the bunch! I adore how whimsical, dark, beautiful, and haunting this series is. I also think the series has one of the most unique worlds ever! I love it! I particularly enjoyed the way this book subtly discusses mankind's tendency and wish to play god for lack of better word. I think the way it discusses science's capabilities and drawbacks and moral code in such an interesting way. I also love how we see Maris and Quint's friendship develop. If you want a darker middle grade fantasy book then definitely consider giving this series a try!

[Blake the Book Eater · Rating 4 out of 5]

Huge thanks to Gavin from How to Train Your Gavin for opening up a portal in my mind and reminding me that these books exist. Because let me tell you, these books were probably the MOST influential series to me that I read (besides Goosebumps and Percy Jackson) while growing up.

Now this book is slightly weird because it's a prequel to the Twig Saga (which I read first because it came out first) but it's now recommended as the start to the Edge Chronicles, which now spans THIRTEEN books.

The Edge is a basically an entire world on this massive cliff. The Deepwoods (where Twig's story begins) is more inland, and towards the edge of the Edge, a massive floating city hangs in the sky: Sanctaphrax, where our story takes place.

This being my first read of this series in well over a decade, I wanted to see if it would be a good entry point for new readers, and since I had forgotten most everything, I was basically a new reader.

...and it was AWESOME!

We open with a sky pirate battle (ships utilizing the floating rocks of the same kind that supports Sanctaphrax--yes this world building is so damn cool)!!!! Apparently this was a separate short story that was later added in to this edition, but it's so seamless and I think it's the perfect intro to the zany, wild world.

Quint is the son of the Wind Jackal and he wants to be a sky pirate like his dad, but after his father is summoned by the Most High Academe of Sanctaphrax, Linius, they head to the city. And Quint is made Linius's apprentice. Most of the book follows Quint learning things about the city (and the various backstabbing and cutthroat nature of its scholars) and also befriending Linius' daughter Maris. They don't get along at first, but the way their relationship develops is touching.

The main plot of this novel kicks in when Quint and Maris discover that Linius is keeping a secret deep in the heart of the stone that supports Sanctaphrax, and they head to investigate.

I loved these characters and their adventures so much, and something that surprised me the most was HOW DARK THIS BOOK IS. This is a MIDDLE GRADE novel, where people die (onscreen), most of the main character's family was killed in a fire (which is remembered by Quint in fairly gruesome detail), and also MONSTERS THAT SUCK THE MEMORIES OUT OF YOU UNTIL YOU DIE.

So yes, I loved this series as a kid because it wasn't condescending and yes it may have given me nightmares because of the pictures when I was younger, but adult me just loved that stuff. I am so so excited to read the rest of this series now. Definitely going to be bingeing them all so watch out for that!

Go read this series <3

[Mikayla · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great start to The Edge Chronicles and can't wait to start reading the second in the series (The Winter Knights). I'm excitedly waiting until it's delivered.

The writing is fantastic and the illustrations even more so. This book is utterly awesome, and good for all ages.

When reading review I was confused when people where saying this is the fourth book in the series. This is untrue, If you look in the books it will give you this order:

The Curse Of The Gloamglozer
The Winter Knights
Battle Of The sky Galleons
Beyond The Deepwoods
Stormchaser
Midnight Over Sanctraphrax
The Last Of The Sky Pirates
Vox
Freeglader
The Immortals
The Nameless One

Just so you are aware, when you do read The Twig Saga as the first saga, and expect The Quint Saga to involve Twig, then you'd be wrong. It's more based on his father, and his life rather than anything with Twig at all.

[Andy · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Twig: Fluch über Sanktaphrax" ist der vierte Band der Klippenland-Chroniken und der erste Band der Quint-Saga. Der Titel ist leicht irritierend, da Twig so gar nicht mehr vorkommt bzw vorkommen kann, denn es gibt einen Zeitsprung und wir erfahren etwas über seine Vorfahren. Der englische Titel ist da viel besser:
"The Edge Chronicles 1: The Curse of the Gloamglozer: First Book of Quint (The Edge Chronicles: The Quint Saga #1)"

[Michelle F · Rating 4 out of 5]

So much fun! Stellar world building and adventure, and chock full of made-up words that you just really have to pause and say aloud - like "Gloamglozer."

My only disappointment is that I do not have more of these books on my shelves! I have only one more, and it is nowhere near next in the series, no matter which order you are reading them in. Someday!

[Chloe · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is such a well written middle grade fantasy with a very unique world and interesting world building! I'll be reading the rest of the series on ebook because there's just so many; if I decide I really love the whole series when I finish I'll get them in the new paperbacks!

[Sanja_Sanjalica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Captivating plot, marvelous illustration by one of my favorite illustrators, well developed characters and a fascinating world that I have only begun exploring. Can't wait to read the sequels.

[Charlie Gill · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars.

I read these series when I was younger and this was a nostalgic read for me. Stewart's Edge Chronicle world is so brilliantly inventive and so deeply invested in its ecosystem of interactions. It is a twee statement, but his writing eludes to so much beyond it, the world feels so alive. The story is obviously aimed at children, with simplistic strokes and character motivations, with characters falling into relatively binary moral 'right and wrong' sides, and meeting just endings based on this. Despite this Stewart does not hold back with the vocabulary he uses.

But...

All of these aspects of the liveliness of the world are so amazingly elevated by Chris Riddell's delightful and distinctive illustrations. I truly adored these books because of these illustrations being so incredibly full of character. Everything from the creatures, the clothing, the ships, the architecture, is so wholly evocative. The Edge Chronicles is Paul Stewart and Chris Riddell, and it is a bloody delight.

[Alžběta Bílková · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jak já tenhle svět miluju. Doteď si pamatuju, jak moc jsem se Šerolichotníka děsila, jak mě první dobrodružství Quinta bavilo, a jak byl jeden z mých prvních knižních crushů. <3 Prosím, zkuste Zeměkraj, celá série je výborný mix humoru, tajemna, lehkého hororu (jen fakt lehounce) a fantastiky, to všechno doprovázený božími ilustracemi, díky kterým Zeměkraj ožívá na stránkách.

4,5*

[Markus · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cool fun great illustrations nostalgia bonus all that

[Alex Allen · Rating 4 out of 5]

back in my 2008 bag

[Star Shining Forever · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maris, lonely daughter of the Most High Academe of Sanctaphrax. Quint, ambitious son of a famed sky pirate. And the Gloamglozer that brings them together in the adventure of their lives.

This is a divided Sanctaphrax, with Sky-scholars in control and Earth-scholars in disregard. The Most High Academe, Linius, desires peace and cooperation between the factions, which makes him unpopular. Whispers, lies, plotting and intrigue fill every corner in the city.

Quint isn't happy about being left in the stuffy city of Sanctaphrax, but Linius needs an apprentice to do certain tasks for him. Linius's daughter Maris doesn't appreciate the attention her father gives this newcomer, but the two youths are soon thrown together as they try to save Linus' life. Their adventures include forays into the ancient, abandoned Great Library, with trees and branches climbing up and out, all full of parchments containing knowledge; and spelunking journeys into the great floating rock Sanctaphrax is built on, a maze of twisting tunnels. These tunnels hide terrifying monsters, and a mysterious entity responsible for stunning happenings.

It turns out the Most High Academe has been experimenting with a very dangerous science indeed: the creation of life. This is clearly shown to be divine work, beyond the reach of mortals. The marvelous work of glisters, seedlings of life, being blown in from over the Edge, meeting with the Mother Storm, and becoming life -- this is nothing that can be recreated in a laboratory, as the ancient scholars found out. They left a chilling testament to this in the records, but Linius assumes he can avoid their mistakes; his pride goes before his fall. So what he creates, though seemingly useful and tame, is revealed to be foolish dabbling in something deadly. You can't control the evil you create.

That brings us to the evil itself: the monstrous Gloamglozer. Considered an ancient myth by virtually everyone, the horrific being actually comes to life through the efforts of Linius, and is inadvertently released by Quint in his efforts to save Linius. The Gloamglozer feeds off fear and pain, thus it seeks to perpetuate all kinds of evil and misfortune wherever it goes. This is truly a terrifying consequence to playing God, and a good reminder that we can do nothing good on our own. It's also a pretty accurate representation of the evil that abounds in our world; it's necessary to know that "our enemy the devil walks about as a roaring lion, seeing whom he may devour."

As always, there's everything I love about the Edge Chronicles: an easy read, depth and mystery, imaginative settings, memorable characters, action and adventure, and moral values! Quint and Maris marry later (see the family tree in the end of some books), but they're just friends in this book.

[Anne Patkau · Rating 4 out of 5]

Text "trembling like a wispen leaf" p 299 and art are both poetry as always. Fine detailed lines bring life to both a deserted awesome cavernous Great Library of bark-scrolls, and jolly woodtroll nursie (British, as in nannie) Welma whisking frothy light woodapple spiced scone batter. Mmm. Can smell and taste caramel crunchiness, then smoky charcoal remains. Funny later to imagine burnt buns progressing through transparent stomach tubes p 133. Pointy elfin ears, adorable button noses, kiss-pucker lips invite us to tweak tiny cheeks. Provoking opposite emotions is done as easily - a dying skull, blind-white eyes stare above yellow-teethed grimace Bungus p 333.

Maris ~13 is jealous when her busy father Linius Pallitax, the Most High Academe, takes on a new apprentice. Quint 14 is the only family left to skypirate Wind Jackal, after fire takes the rest, leaving the boy desperately fearful of flame. Transparent giant ancient spindlebug Tweezel 180 p 17 guards his master from poisoned green sapwine cordial brought by plotting Seftus Leprix, Sub-Dean of the School of Mist. But corrupt flat-head goblin Bagswill cuts the chain dangling fragile sky cage that transports Linius to the constantly re-forming stonecomb maze of tunnels. Many scary claustrophobic chases.

Long ago the Ancient Laboratory p 227 was sealed after the scientists created a rogue glister. The throbbing red malevolent entity sucks dry the victim of blood, memories, and soul, feeding most on fear. Kindly old librarian Bungus is in the nick of time to save Maris, Quint with his vial of chine granules, and Linius with his potions.

Linius unlocks the Lab with his Great Seal of Office and creates life from a tiny glowing glister. The evil big-eyed shape-shifter learns and grows into a monstrous horned gloamglozer from myths. Appearing helpless, it tricks Quint into letting it free. Later when the Palace of Light burns down, it imitates Linius to lure Quint onto the flaming rooftop, and curses him "You unleashed me" p 364.

The worst moment is when Bungus sacrifices himself unnecessarily. Bungus wraps Maris in his cape, leaves the vial of chine granules in the pocket, heals her, carries her all the way out. If not for the childrens' impulsive and stubborn natures, Bungus might have lived, the Gloamglozer died. Quint picks up the cape and sneaks off. Maris insists on returning with Bungus. Bungus thinks he still has the acid sand to throw on the rogue, sends Maris onward, dies.

Satisfying retribution when Sef and Bagswill gulp their own poisoned wine and float away. Sweet final picture of two teens, in love, gazing out to their future "together we shall sail to the furthest corners of the sky .. and perhaps .. even further .. p 380.

[Alec Chu · Rating 4 out of 5]

Here is the usual problem with reading prequels: you already knows what happens. Who survives and who doesn't wasn't that hard to guess for most of the book.But when it concerns the gloamglozer, things change and the the book does an excellent way of keeping you on edge.

*** Detailed Review Below ***

Here's what I liked about this book:
Firstly, this book draws such wonders with its imaginative world. There are fantastical flora and fauna that escapes the typical dwarves and elves. Not only that, there are unique properties in the ordinary that gives such depth to the setting. I especially liked how this book focused on the rift between earth and sky studies, and through its explanation established how sanctaphrex came to be when Twig later visited it.
But more than that, the story does an excellent job of pacing its story, making it a fantastic read even though it's a prequel. For those who've read the original Twig trilogy, you know that the gloamglozer is a deceptive creature of the void. And with the title, the genius of this book keeps you guessing who is under its influence! Although my first guess proved to be wrong, the book did a fantastic job keeping me alert during each conversation.

Here's what I didn't like about this book:
Despite a well written journey of the protagonist into the heart of sanctaphrex, the villain role seemed to be severely lacking. There seemed to be no impact concerning how the villain affects the plot, other than to illustrate the traitorous politics in the academics.

This book is an easy read, and the world it offers expands with each subsequent publish. It truly is a rare prequel well done.

[Bill · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Curse of the Gloamglozer is the first book in the Edge Chronicles and also the first book in the Quint trilogy by Paul Stewart. I have to admit that it's somewhat confusing when you look up the series to ascertain which one to start with. As I understand it, it's not critical which one you read as they all work as standalones. Anyway.....

In this introduction we meet Quint, son of a sky pirate, who is placed with the High Academe of Sanctaphrax, a great rock (planet) that floats in space. Quint will go to school with Linius Pallitax's daughter, Maris. As Quint goes to school and adjusts to the intrigues and classes in Sanctaphrax, he will also help Linius in a special secret project in the center of the big rock. This project will also almost kill Linius and will result in Quint and Maris risking their own lives to discover what it is in the center that Linius was doing.

It's a wonderful, rich fantasy, with great characters, great adventure and mystery and an entertaining story. As well you've got the excellent drawings of Chris Riddell (Goth Girl and Ottoline) to make it even richer. I've got the next two books in the Quint trilogy on my bookshelf and look forward to reading the complete Edge Chronicles. (4.5 points)

[Charlotte · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won a copy of this book as part of a goodreads first-reads giveaway, along with a postcard which I thought was lovely!

I entered the competition hoping to win a copy for my fourteen year old brother as it sounded exactly like something he would enjoying reading, it definitely looked like his kind of book.

So when I received my copy (thank you!) I gave it straight to my brother and he started reading it.

He said that he absolutely loved reading it and would give it more than 5 stars if he could.

I myself haven't personally read this book so this rating and review is totally courtesy of my brother. The only reason I haven't read this book is because it's not in the genre of books that I usually read, it's not exactly my kind of interest.

BUT thanks to my brother's praise of this book, hopefully one day (once I've got past the ton of books on my bookcase that I haven't yet read- why do I still keep buying more?!) I will read this myself despite it not being my usual kind of book.

[Joel · Rating 2 out of 5]

An interesting world with fun ideas and illustrations. However, the plot was overly simple with not much happening until the final quarter of the book. The characters were very reactionary, and it felt like most of the book they just stood around doing nothing but whining. There needed to be more to the mystery. More clues, more snooping around done by the main characters, and more interaction between the two main characters in general. While the world-building was interesting and quite original in many respects, at the same time it felt thin as if the author was just throwing any idea that popped in his head onto the page. There just wasn't much depth to it. However, this is a middle-grade fantasy so that needs to be taken into consideration, and I did enjoy parts of it. But I have read other middle-grade fantasy books that are far superior to this one. We'll see if I give the sequels a chance.

[Alley Kat · Rating 4 out of 5]

It took me longer than expected to get a feel for this book. The characters were interested, but I felt the plot was kind of dragging. It wasn't until Quint and Maris ventured out together that I really started getting into the book. Overall, it was a great book, but I felt there was a bit too much unneeded setup in the first half. I'm interested to see where the next two books in the series go as well as the other trilogies. I really hope the Gloamglozer is in some other books, as I really liked his character and felt bad for him.

[Mallory · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adore these books! They make me soooooooooooooo happy! This one is probably my favoirite of the series. The relationship between Maris and Quint is really quite sweet, and the characters are always memorable. Kudos to the artist(s), I love the monster pictures. They are just soooo real! Good read for anyone who likes adventure with a good dash of gruesome creatures, brave heroes and heroines, and creepy monsters!!!

[Allyson Shelton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was nervous starting this book because our previous main character... Well he's not born yet. I figured I might not like it as much. I was wrong. I think I liked it just as much or even a little more than the three previous books. Quint is an awesome character as well as Maris. This world is spot on amazing!

[Cassandrah Woyak · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m so glad I found this series again! I read it all the time in middle school! And somehow forgot about it over the years, until I found a couple of the books at a Goodwill Bookstore! I enjoyed rereading (in the correct order this time) these books that helped me to enjoy reading when I was younger. Highly recommend, great series!

[Fashionablyundead · Rating 5 out of 5]

The feeling when you read a book from your childhood and still love it just as much simply is amazing 🥰🥰 I'd recommend it to first time readers too though! The characters are cute and all but I'm very much in it for the world building, because in my humble dnd obsessed opinion the Edge is one of the best fantasy worlds. Fight me - you're gonna loose that fight!

[Michiel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Erg leuk om te leuk om te lezen.
Het is een beetje jeugdsentiment voor kij, maar toch. Ik kan dit boek en de hele serie aanraden aan iedereen die na Potter, weer eens goed en vermakelijke fantasy wil lezen.

[Vicky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute book. I love the illustrations, they follow the story exactly. I will certainly continue reading this series.

[Mdv Wills · Rating 5 out of 5]

its one of my favourite books / series

[Agatnik · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would give it 10 stars, if I could!