How many people have a tattoo that teaches them magic? While trying to outrun the local bully, Abel trips over a stone slab and something wakes up. Looking back - he must have been concussed or enchanted - because after it helps him escape, Abel breaks the binding seals and lets it out, finding himself apprenticed to Ferryl Shayde. When she moves into a tattoo on his arm, Abel can see the magical creatures that live alongside us every day. Not the ones of folk tales, but their scruffy, slimy, fanged cousins. Worse, he finds that the pact that should keep them under some sort of control has failed.
Magic is easy, controlling it can be lethal, and by letting Ferryl Shayde out Abel has aroused the unwanted interest of others.
If only it was just a board game, like the one he is creating with his friends. Unfortunately, it turns out the other way round and the players begin to discover real magic.
Vance Huxley lives out in the countryside in Lincolnshire, England. He has spent a busy life working in many different fields. Eventually Vance tried writing though without any real structure. Then he actually sent one off to be read. As an editor and beta readers explained the difference between words and books, he tried again.
Now he tries to type as often as possible in spite of the assistance of his cats, since he is no longer mobile. An avid reader of sci-fi, fantasy and adventure novels, so his writing tends towards those genres.
From every life, a little magic escapes. So, where does it go? It is collected by the magical creatures invisibly all around us. So, what happens when the magical and earthly beings collide? You get the adventure of Ferryl Shade and Abel.
This story is entertaining and original making it an interesting read. The author does a good job of creating a world where magic and non-magic coexist until the non-magic world becomes aware of magic. The catalyst for this discovery is a boy (Abel) trying to escape a couple of bullies and accidentally awakening a trapped magical being looking for freedom.
There are many characters and beings and I didn't get "lost" trying to keep them all straight. It was rather entertaining (and a little creepy) to think about invisible creatures climbing all over my food or gathering in my cabinets, or helping to keep my house clean. Maybe I need to practice levitating a leaf and awakening the magic in me so I can see them!
As a fan of fantasy, I enjoyed this story and it's basic concepts. There were a few times I felt that the story dragged a little, but then it got going full steam toward the end. While most things were resolved at the end, it did leave the reader hanging a bit and awaiting a sequel! I give this book two glyphs up!
It seems that at least half the writers of YA fantasy rip off Harry Potter. Happily, this novel is an exception. Good idea, flawlessly executed. This one is a winner.
From the very first page, the adventure shoots off into a world of magic and action.
All Abel wants is to escape getting clobbered, but when the only retreat leads him through the town's creepiest property, he wonders if he should be more afraid of monsters and ghosts. The last thing he expects to run across is a sorcerer, who's been trapped for over a hundred years. She wants to be freed, but by doing so, life gets a whole lot more interesting than he bargained for.
Abel is a character on the end of the food chain, and the first scene shows just how horrible he's bullied. It's not a gentle beginning, and the violence hits hard. A lot happens quickly, making this a very fast paced read. There were a couple spots, where I had to go back and read through again to make sure I didn't miss anything. So no boredom in these pages!
Imagination takes flight in this tale, and it was exciting to see all of the different creatures cursing the town. The mythical monsters peer out of the most unexpected corners, and keep the tale on its toes.
The sorcerer has quite a bit of personality, and having her placed in a tattoo in the form of a girl in a cat costume is humorously unique. The interactions between Ferryl and Abel make both easy to like, although their personalities are so different. The building of trust and teamwork was evident and added a nice touch to the story. There's also a great character development in Abel as he turns from a fearful, uncertain child into a self-assured magic wielder, who saves the town. This alone is a great message for the intended audience.
Summed up, this is an entertaining read which will keep kids ages 8 to 12 on the edge of their seats.
I received a complimentary copy and wanted to leave my thoughts.
I have loved everything I have read by Vance Huxley and this book is no exception! Whilst running away from the town bully, Able finds himself in the gardens of Castle House, the creepiest house in the area. Hiding in the overgrown weeds and bleeding, Able hears a cracking noise. This is the start of an exciting and life changing adventure for Able and his friends Rob and Kellis. Magical spells,creatures and tattoos make this tale both exciting and mesmerizing. I found it hard to stop reading Ferryl Shade and hope there will be a second book. This book will thrill both young adult and adult readers. I feel that younger children might find it a little scary. Thank you to Vance Huxley for another amazing book and to Entrada publishing for letting me read it! I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I adored this book! It had a very magical feel, enchanting and visual. I certainly hope there is a sequel; I became quite attached to the characters and want to know what happens next! The perfect book for YA or adult, those who like to dip their toes into fantasy.
Ferryle Shayde is an interesting idea, a sorceress trapped in a tattoo and an average boy protecting his village, but it falls flat. Abel is our main character, but I couldn't connect with him. He didn't have a unique personality and he just kind of exists. This goes for all the characters, with the exception of Kelis and Ferryl. Kelis is interesting because she hides herself. She has real depth. She only lets her friends see the true her after her father is arrested. Ferryl I liked because we know next to nothing about her. I kept trying to decide if she was good or bad, but she keeps you guessing, which was interesting to read. I think my biggest problem with this book is that it dragged on and it was so slow. Most of it is boring exposition that does nothing to advance the plot. The kids' game plot was weird and kind of pointless. There's no central conflict, at all. There are a couple subplots, Kelis's dad, the sorceress, protecting the village, learning magic, but there was no main plot that was really interesting. Kelis's subplot was probably the most interesting, but after her father is arrested, it's never mentioned again. And the sorceress never makes another appearance after almost killing Abel, Rob, and Kelis. Not to mention the Church vicars that come in twice and are never explained. And the pages and pages devoted to Abel putting up wards around the town, what was the point of that? Most of the creatures, while ugly, are mostly harmless to humans. Why is it such a big deal to have them wandering around? I did like Henry's subplot with Abel finally showing him up at the end, but it was kind of tacked on to the end and felt a little out of place. Then there's Abel's dad. He is not mentioned for over half the book, making me assume he's either dead or out of the picture, I think it's even mentioned he was dead, but I can't remember and I didn't bother looking through the book to find out. But then at the Christmas party, he pops up out of nowhere, then never mentioned again. The pacing was so slow that I skimmed through entire pages of exposition, mostly the kids talking about their game or Abel explaining magic to someone, again. The style was a little weird, at some parts I wasn't sure who was speaking. And, mind you this might just be me as an American, I had trouble deciphering all the British slang, which was kind of humorous. Overall, it's not a terrible book, it has some redeeming qualities, but it's too slow to be worth rereading and the characters were flat. Read more of my reviews at: www.ofwonderandmagic.blogspot.com
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Short story and interesting enough for young adults. The story begins after Able (a typical young boy) is seeking refuge form the neighborhood bullies. As Able looks for a place to hide, he finds himself running away from his bullies and into Ferryl. After being tucked away under a glyph in the Chrystal Garden home for more than a decade, Ferryl seizes the opportunity to break free. After Able accepts Ferryls offer to help him defeat his bullies, Able agrees to set Ferryl free. Ferryl then finds a new home in a tattoo engraved on Abel’s arm. Imagine, sharing your body like an Air B&B with a magical being you don't really know? While the story starts out interesting, it eventually slows down a bit. The language used in this story makes it a bit difficult to stay wrapped up in the story. The unfolding of events remained somewhat flat with brief moments if excitement here and there. I will say that there isn't really one main point of conflict. The story is somewhat scattered between Able and his friends creating a game, Ferryl helping him to develop his magic and other random magical moments.
With all of that being said, I will say that the author does do a good job at helping the reader see through magical lenses while navigating everyday life. By looking at everyday objects and events, the author is able to highlight how magic co-exists in a non-magical realm. While it is a little creepy to think there could be invisible creatures inhibiting our homes, crawling in our food, sharing our bed at night and messing with our electronics; this book also makes me think about investing in quality materials where hexes have been activated to keep such critters away. LOL
As a fantasy novel, I would say it’s funny and entertaining. However, if you do not enjoy reading fantasy books, I would not recommend this novel for you. You might find it a bit slow and scattered.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Ferryl Shayde is a sorceress that attaches herself – both literally and figuratively to a teen named Abel. Abel is fascinated with magic, so much so that he and two of his friends (Rob and Kelis) work together to create a magic game together. The literal part of Shayde’s attachment to Abel is in the form of a tattoo. Abel’s mom is none too pleased with her 15-year-old son having a tattoo, but then again, she doesn’t (at first) know the half of it.
This book has been compared to the Harry Potter stories, in that it involves young people and magic. I’m not at all familiar with the Potter books or movies, but I can see where young people would be attracted to Vance Huxley’s novel. The story opens with Abel being bullied by Henry and Tyson Copples, two neighborhood meanies. So, in a sly way, Huxley’s story deals with the contemporary social problem of bullying among young people. Abel’s friend, Kelis, must deal with an alcoholic, abusive father. Here, too, societal ills work their way into this modern-day fantasy story.
Abel and his friends learn about real magic, not just the game kind, which they get plenty of opportunities to experience. Huxley’s story is fun and heartfelt, and fast-moving. It’s also not scary, which means it’s appropriate for teens and even some pre-teens.
Along the way, Huxley also explains a lot of terminology, including glyphs (drawn or etched patterns used to control magic) and Globhoblins (warty, glopular creatures up to the size of a football with multiple legs ending in clawed feet). Such things may be common knowledge among experienced fantasy readers, but Huxley’s explanations are quite helpful to novices.
This book’s subject matter can make for heavy reading in others’ hands, but Huxley has found a way to mix magic with youthful innocence, which makes it a great read.
Do you want to know a trope I'm an absolute sucker for? Hidden magical communities. Groups of people and creatures with fantastic abilities that live alongside non-magical beings and people. Magic performed out in the open under the guise of games or protection of glamours. Write that book and I will lap it up.
Vance Huxley took that trope and cranked up the dial. All of the characters start out with absolutely no knowledge that magic is real. And, by the end... well, I don't want to give any spoilers. Suffice it to say that I got a warm and fuzzy community-building feeling throughout most of the book.
But Huxley doesn't stop there. He adds in a ton of intrigue, which has become a bit of a calling card in his work. There are "bad guys" but everyone we see is a "level one" at best. Yet even as the characters fight them, we know something bigger and badder is lurking just out of sight. And I, for one, cannot wait to find out who or what it is. And, as usual, this is due in large part to Huxley's characters.
I generally don't read YA but Huxley writes compelling enough stories peopled with empathetic characters. So I gave his YA a shot and I am so glad that I did. I will admit that I found the casual racism towards Rromani people troubling. And I don't know if that trait was supposed to say something about the characters or is the norm for British youth. Either way, it was the one point that kept pulling me out of the story and leaving a very bad taste in my mouth.
All in all, it's a great book with a lot of dangling threads that I cannot wait to get to the end of!
"Ferryl Shayde" was a book that left an interesting impression on me. My opinions vary as I feel this book presents both good and evil information.
This book is definitely geared toward a young (adult) audience, and I feel the author created a wonderful storyline to relate to his readers. It contains bits of different devices that all help give this story a realistic and visual touch. The author is very skilled at a key element-dialogue, which really allows this book to stand out as being rare in value. Additionally, the plot is written in a way that allows you to feel as if you're in this fantasy world with the characters.
This story introduces many issues that today's young people face and fictiously grants them a hope; however, I feel the hope spoken of is false. This book relies heavily on satanic forces, which I feel is a hindrance to the book's potential. With this element in the book, it won't be suited for everyone as some people, including myself, highly oppose this idea. On top of that, I don't think this is appropriate content for children who are interested, but are not fully informed of the dangers in believing some of the ideas mentioned. Nonetheless, this is just my outlook on the book, though I would recommend readers take caution while reading.
Ferryl Shade by Vance Huxley begins with Able running from the town bullies. Hiding in the overgrown gardens of Castle House he accidently and breaks the binding seal imprisoning the sorceress Ferryl Shade. They strike a deal that Able shall release her, but only if she protects him and teaches him magic. She agrees and takes up residence as a tattoo. Thus begins a great adventure for Able and his friends Rob and Kellis as Ferryl helps them to uncover a world of magic and invisible magical creatures cursing the town. Fun fast paced book full of magic and excitement. Great middle school read.
In Ferryl Shayde by Vance Huxley, starts out with Abel trying to outrun a bully. Abel trips over a stone slab and something wakes up. After helping him escape Abel returns the favour by allowing Ferryl Shade to take up temporary residence as a tattoo on his arm. After this Abel can see magical creatures and also has aroused the unwanted interest of others. Through the tattoo she, Ferryl, starts teaching Abel magic. If only it was just a board game like the one he is creating with his friends but those that play start to discover real magic too... Ooops. This great book that I received through bookfunnel is available on Amazon
I found this book on Amazon the other day and read it in two sittings found it to be a kind of bizarre fantasy read --- A little too juvenile for my usual reads but would highly recommend for younger readers. I started reading science fiction in the late 1950's and have read at least a ten thousand books since then. Being a kindle unlimited and a Amazon prime member I will be reading the next as this book kept me my interest long enough to finish quickly
The storyline was good and the characters were interesting but the grammar and errors are horrendous. The pace is off, something's happening and then its off on something else. Its crazy. It reads like a 1st draft, very rough and bumpy which is a shame cause it really can be a great tale. I want to know what happens next but I just don't think I can stand another round.
This is why I try free books. This book is terrific. It is by an unknown author who started writing in his retirement years, probably as a hobby. The result is a perfectly pitched YA book, ideal for middle and high school ages. The characters are well formed and likable. The plot is clever, with scary moments, but also a good deal of tenderness. There is teen angst, but it isn't overdone. The British accent and vernacular rings as purely authentic, yet easy for non-Brits to follow. I'm already into the next book and so far it is meeting the high expectations set by this first one.
Three (four?) main characters begin a series with enough of the supernatural, mystical, folklore and fairyland characters to remind many of a 7 book series from years gone by. I'm on to the next in this series!
I really loved this book. Loved the way the magical world worked. The gaming community becoming the university for young magic users is awesome. Loved the flow of your story. And let's not forget about young love. Great start to a series.
Definitely not the same old, same old when it comes to fantasy novels. The storyline is believable, the characters are well developed, and the book us highly entertaining. I am excited to jump right in to the second book!
Story is awesome! If you can ignore the grammar mistakes.
Story is awesome! If you can ignore the grammar mistakes. There are a lot of them but I really like how the story is clean enough for kids and intriguing enough for adults to read.
Great adventure into escaping magic as these adventurer on their journey seek good vs evil. I highly recommend this for young teens that is into magical adventures.
Although a book on magic , this one read as every book should. It's fast-paced and an excellent plot. The characters were believable and the first kisses were memorable
En voilà un roman qui sort de l’ordinaire. Ferryl Shayde ne ressemble pas aux autres histoires que j’ai pu lire. Il a un petit quelque chose qui fait que je l’ai bien apprécié. Bon ok, il n’a pas le max de points mais il mérite cette bonne note.
Globalement de quoi ça parle ? De magie principalement et aussi d’amitié, mais là encore… ça reste en second plan. Abel est un garçon de 15 ans qui n’a pas la vie facile. il vit avec sa mère et est le souffre douleur de deux crétins. Et quand il croise le chemin de… de… Pung Humstfun (oui, oui c’est un nom) aka Ferryl Shayde, son destin prend une autre tournure.
Ouais, pour prendre une autre tournure, elle la prend. Ni en bien, ni en mal. Il y a de l’action mais pas assez pour être bien dans l’histoire. On se prend au jeu mais… ça reste moyen quand même. La relation Ferryl et Abel n’est pas à son top niveau selon moi. Il leur manque un certain dynamisme. Pourtant…. l’idée qu’a utilisé l’auteur pour montrer leur amitié était bien trouvée. C’est ce qui a fait son charme, je dirais.
Abel n’est pas seul au monde ceci dit, il a quand même des amis qui…. euh… « l’aide » (?!) Ouais, ça reste un petit mystère car on ne les voit pas beaucoup mine de rien. Mais bon… à part cela. L’ambiance magique était très présente et ça… big point. Ce n’est pas la magie comme on le connait (enfin si un peu beaucoup quand même) et c’est sympa de voir cette univers à la fois moderne et féérique.
Au final, ce livre m’a quand même laissé sur ma faim, parce que je m’attendais à une suite. Puis, je me suis souvenue qu’il se terminait en un tome. Dommage. Qu’importe, Ferryl Shayde est un bon roman qui peut plaire. Merci Vance Huxley ❤
Fifteen year old Abel lived in a sleepy village called Brinsford in England. The story is set in modern times but way before gadgets took over people’s interests and the advent of social media. Young Abel and his 2 best friends Rob and Kellis spent most of their free time creating a board game similar to Dungeons and Dragons.
And just like everyone who had to go through puberty, Abel and his friends had to deal with the school bully Henry and his older brother Tyson. One day, the brothers ganged up on poor Abel and let loose their hound on him. In his bid for escape, Abel accidentally awakened a magical entity who had been imprisoned beneath the grounds of an old abandoned house in their village. Forced to make a pact with the entity to survive, Abel freed Ferryl Shade and finally managed to win the encounter with his nemesis.
And thus began his magical adventure.
Ferryl Shade awakened in him magic and the ability to see beyond the natural world. Creatures like goblins, fae, gargoyles and creatures he had only read about came to life in his very eyes. And they were roaming the streets and leaving their slime everywhere, even crawling all over food that people ate!
Day to day life had definitely changed for Abel.
Under Ferryl’s tutelage, Abel slowly learns magic and masters the craft. A stroke of genius came to him and he incorporated the game he and his friends were creating to explain away the strange things he had to do to accomplish his training.
But secrets are meant to be found…and shared when Kellis discovered Abel bending air. Rob came next. Then before the trio know it, more than a handful of their friends joined their team.
This is definitely aimed to a younger audience, preferably those who play board games or something similar. This is a refreshing take on magic and sorcery. Fast paced, action packed and full of likable characters. A few hard truths were touched upon like bullying, abuse and mental illness. All explained from a young person’s point of view. A touch of violence here and there but nothing modern youth can’t handle.
It ended with a promise of more to come…and from the sound of it, of darker adventure than this first offering.