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The Stranger's Guide To Talliston
Abandoned and alone, thirteen-year-old Joe's world is shattered when he enters a deserted council house and becomes trapped within a labyrinth protecting the last magical places on earth. There, Joe discovers a book charting this immense no-man's land, without time or place, its thirteen doors each leading to a different realm. Hunted by sinister foes, the boy is forced ever deeper into both the maze and the mystery of his missing parents. What will he find at the labyrinth's centre, and can it reunite him with the family he so desperately needs?
Crossing through diverse landscapes from Victorian Britain to fifties New Orleans, The Stranger's Guide to Talliston is inspired by the internationally famous house and gardens dubbed 'Britain's Most Extraordinary Home' by the Sunday Times.
It is a classic YA tale of adventure that introduces readers to an otherworld hiding in plain sight, cloaked in magic and steeped in imagined history. Yet beyond its fearsome huntsmen and battling magicians dwells the secret that lies within all of us - the power to live extraordinary lives.
Crossing through diverse landscapes from Victorian Britain to fifties New Orleans, The Stranger's Guide to Talliston is inspired by the internationally famous house and gardens dubbed 'Britain's Most Extraordinary Home' by the Sunday Times.
It is a classic YA tale of adventure that introduces readers to an otherworld hiding in plain sight, cloaked in magic and steeped in imagined history. Yet beyond its fearsome huntsmen and battling magicians dwells the secret that lies within all of us - the power to live extraordinary lives.
- GenresYoung AdultFantasy
384 pages, Hardcover
First published July 11, 2019
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81 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
July 20, 2019
TW: this book contains references to incest and rape
*I chose this on Net Galley*
2.5 Stars
This book was... a lot.
I really liked the premise of it (I think the fact that Talliston is a real house is really fun) and the idea of the doors connecting the realms of magic was really fun.I am all for the idea of the magic being within you and someone having to go on a journey to realise how much of a badass they are. The premise of this book is wonderful and I was so excited to get approved to read an arc. But there is just so much happening in this book that it became hard to discern what details are important and what truly has happened. I feel like I've missed something as while I understand the ending I think it is a bit of a waste and there are so many unresolved questions (to me anyways) about who lived and who died.
The one thing that really got to me was how badly this book needed sensitivity readers. The first PoC in the book occurs 1/4 of the way through and they are a black woman that hexes someone and then dies. The later PoC and their cultures seem to be written by someone who has a desire to do them justice but perhaps does not have the language to do so. In the book the narration says things like "savages in the woods," "Orientals" and other terms that should really not be used at all but especially by white people and especially without a commentary that these words aren't okay. I feel like this book is really lacking in positive diversity that does not personify tropes and also female characters that aren't either evil or nurturing figures. I also felt that the rape and incest references were totally unnecessary and really should not have been there as they do not add to the story and the relationship could have been defined without it. I'm sure it was not the intention of the author to reduce women and PoC as caricatures but this was what tended to happen.
I think the ideas are there and the writing style is engaging but there were too many problematic elements and too many nonsensical (and not in an Alice in Wonderland way) points for me to truly enjoy this book. I'm sure the author had the best of intentions but I think perhaps they got a bit skewed.
*I chose this on Net Galley*
2.5 Stars
This book was... a lot.
I really liked the premise of it (I think the fact that Talliston is a real house is really fun) and the idea of the doors connecting the realms of magic was really fun.I am all for the idea of the magic being within you and someone having to go on a journey to realise how much of a badass they are. The premise of this book is wonderful and I was so excited to get approved to read an arc. But there is just so much happening in this book that it became hard to discern what details are important and what truly has happened. I feel like I've missed something as while I understand the ending I think it is a bit of a waste and there are so many unresolved questions (to me anyways) about who lived and who died.
The one thing that really got to me was how badly this book needed sensitivity readers. The first PoC in the book occurs 1/4 of the way through and they are a black woman that hexes someone and then dies. The later PoC and their cultures seem to be written by someone who has a desire to do them justice but perhaps does not have the language to do so. In the book the narration says things like "savages in the woods," "Orientals" and other terms that should really not be used at all but especially by white people and especially without a commentary that these words aren't okay. I feel like this book is really lacking in positive diversity that does not personify tropes and also female characters that aren't either evil or nurturing figures. I also felt that the rape and incest references were totally unnecessary and really should not have been there as they do not add to the story and the relationship could have been defined without it. I'm sure it was not the intention of the author to reduce women and PoC as caricatures but this was what tended to happen.
I think the ideas are there and the writing style is engaging but there were too many problematic elements and too many nonsensical (and not in an Alice in Wonderland way) points for me to truly enjoy this book. I'm sure the author had the best of intentions but I think perhaps they got a bit skewed.
July 8, 2019
https://thecaffeinatedreader.com/2019...
Starting this novel, I wasn’t sure what I was in for, and I’m glad of that. This book had so much to offer and I was really pleased with Tarrow’s take on this YA fantasy.
In Joe, we find a young boy who is alone and struggling to follow the rules his parents made to keep him safe. With his parents not around and the hiding place no longer safe, Joe finds himself starting an adventure that he never imagined could even exist as he tries to locate his parents and get ‘home.’ Wherever home is.
There’s so much depth and research put into this and the creativity was fun to watch unravel if not a bit anxiety fueled as I kept wondering what’s in store, when is it, and where, in the labyrinth is he in regards to Joe and his journey.
Thanks to Anne Cater for having me on the tour and thank you to John Tarrow and Unbound for sending me a copy and allowing me to honestly review this! Full review can be found on my blog
Starting this novel, I wasn’t sure what I was in for, and I’m glad of that. This book had so much to offer and I was really pleased with Tarrow’s take on this YA fantasy.
In Joe, we find a young boy who is alone and struggling to follow the rules his parents made to keep him safe. With his parents not around and the hiding place no longer safe, Joe finds himself starting an adventure that he never imagined could even exist as he tries to locate his parents and get ‘home.’ Wherever home is.
There’s so much depth and research put into this and the creativity was fun to watch unravel if not a bit anxiety fueled as I kept wondering what’s in store, when is it, and where, in the labyrinth is he in regards to Joe and his journey.
Thanks to Anne Cater for having me on the tour and thank you to John Tarrow and Unbound for sending me a copy and allowing me to honestly review this! Full review can be found on my blog
August 1, 2019
I can't say enough good things about this book. It was an adventure, a journey into the unknown and an effortless piece of story telling that weaved wonder and magic into every chapter. The story of Joe and his adventures in the mystical place called Talliston is unique, incredibly detailed and researched and in reading this, I learnt so much about the world around us and how we can see it in a truly different light. You can tell the author has lived this story, has passion in his soul and has brought it to fruition in a fabulous piece of work. The fact this house actually exists and you can visit it, is mind blowing. Guess where I'll be journeying to because to see the story come to life by visiting the actual place it was set can only be the ultimate adventure for anyone. Congratulations to John for writing such an epic piece of magical fiction and I can't wait for the next book. At least, I hope there is a next one!!
November 21, 2020
I had really high hopes for this book. I met the author and we spoke about the book at length and so I bought it as it was right up my street. A YA novel about a magical labyrinth based off a real house right near where I live?
Heck yes.
I’ll start off by saying I enjoyed the first half of the book, we’re learning about our character, there are lots of questions about his life etc. So I was excited to unravel everything. I noticed half way through as we travelled through the labyrinth to each room, place and time it was the same plot over and over in each chapter. Joe meets someone, has a task to do, bad guys show up, he leaves and finds the oracle to the next room just in the nick of time.
Joe is never in one place for too long, so building a connection with any other character is out of the question. He seems to really fall for Serene but why? He hardly knows her, we hardly know her either!
The story was jumping all over the place and too much was packed into these 400 pages to fully grasp my attention.
I got 3/4 of the way through the book and I was finding myself so bored. This didn’t feel like YA at all, more like a children’s book. I really tried to finish it, with only a 100 pages left I literally couldn’t care less about what would happen to Joe. There wasn’t anything about his character to grasp my attention, no humour, no fun, no wit. He was one of those vanilla characters like Bella from Twilight.
Not to mention I cringed so hard every time they said “Joseph Elijah Darkin” 🥴.
I skipped to the last chapter just so I could see what happens and it’s revealed Jin-Lin was his mother. First of all.... what? I genuinely thought Jin-Lin was a Japanese shrine maiden, although she is described as having red hair, Japanese women can still dye their hair. She spoke in Japanese, wore Japanese robes so how on earth did she have a white son? I was so confused. It’s never specified what her race is but her name also bothered me.
Jin-Lin is not a Japanese name, and it’s also not really a European name either! I feel like the author had a lack of research when it came to other cultures.
Her entire explanation of time and this magical tree made absolutely no sense. She spoke in riddles for pages upon pages and asked joe several times “do you understand?” To which his answer was “no.” Same Joe, same.
One line that also really stood out to me was “they were clad in Japanese armour. They were Samurai or ninjas, whatever Oriental warriors were called”.
John Tarrow, did you not do some basic research? Still using words like “Oriental” or not bothering to check the name of Japanese warriors? The sentence could have been left at “they were clad in Japanese armour” - why is your ignorance showing?
Another example was the introduction of Nirromelhe, he is described as being from “the Caribbean or Africa.” These are two different continents in different parts of the world with multiple and vastly different countries within them. Which one is it? It’s like a very round about way of telling us this character is black.
Culture is brought up in a very stereotypical way which annoyed me. This is a fantasy novel, Tarrow could literally make up countries and cultures without having to write characters based off of ignorance.
Incest and rape were briefly mentioned and was quickly brushed over. It wasn’t an integral part of the story so it’s mentioning a traumatic experience and brushing it off as nothing, then moving on with the rest of the plot until we bring it back up again in the last chapter. Joe just threatens the rapist (Gunner) and he runs off. What was the point of this boy being in the story in the first place? He disappears as soon as we reach the first room in the labyrinth so we learn nothing other than, he raped his own sister.
On the back of the book are rules: Nowhere is safe, always have a way out, be invisible, don’t make friends and do not talk to dead people.
Joe says he lives by these rules everyday, not only is that a complete lie - he only remembers these rules when he is stuck in a situation where he has already broken the rules.
Before going into a room or having a plan for an escape route, he walks in blindly, gets trapped then tells himself “ALWAYS HAVE A WAY OUT!”
He makes a friend, who can help him figure out where to find the oracle and tells himself “DO NOT MAKE FRIENDS” after he’s already spent a few days with this person. He can’t figure anything out on his own. For a boy who says he lives by these rules and probably has spent a long time in his own company, he can’t seem to figure out anything by himself.
It’s literally only just under 400 pages and I really struggled to get through this story that I gave up and skimmed the end. The ending wasn’t even worth it so I am glad I didn’t try reading on.
Heck yes.
I’ll start off by saying I enjoyed the first half of the book, we’re learning about our character, there are lots of questions about his life etc. So I was excited to unravel everything. I noticed half way through as we travelled through the labyrinth to each room, place and time it was the same plot over and over in each chapter. Joe meets someone, has a task to do, bad guys show up, he leaves and finds the oracle to the next room just in the nick of time.
Joe is never in one place for too long, so building a connection with any other character is out of the question. He seems to really fall for Serene but why? He hardly knows her, we hardly know her either!
The story was jumping all over the place and too much was packed into these 400 pages to fully grasp my attention.
I got 3/4 of the way through the book and I was finding myself so bored. This didn’t feel like YA at all, more like a children’s book. I really tried to finish it, with only a 100 pages left I literally couldn’t care less about what would happen to Joe. There wasn’t anything about his character to grasp my attention, no humour, no fun, no wit. He was one of those vanilla characters like Bella from Twilight.
Not to mention I cringed so hard every time they said “Joseph Elijah Darkin” 🥴.
I skipped to the last chapter just so I could see what happens and it’s revealed Jin-Lin was his mother. First of all.... what? I genuinely thought Jin-Lin was a Japanese shrine maiden, although she is described as having red hair, Japanese women can still dye their hair. She spoke in Japanese, wore Japanese robes so how on earth did she have a white son? I was so confused. It’s never specified what her race is but her name also bothered me.
Jin-Lin is not a Japanese name, and it’s also not really a European name either! I feel like the author had a lack of research when it came to other cultures.
Her entire explanation of time and this magical tree made absolutely no sense. She spoke in riddles for pages upon pages and asked joe several times “do you understand?” To which his answer was “no.” Same Joe, same.
One line that also really stood out to me was “they were clad in Japanese armour. They were Samurai or ninjas, whatever Oriental warriors were called”.
John Tarrow, did you not do some basic research? Still using words like “Oriental” or not bothering to check the name of Japanese warriors? The sentence could have been left at “they were clad in Japanese armour” - why is your ignorance showing?
Another example was the introduction of Nirromelhe, he is described as being from “the Caribbean or Africa.” These are two different continents in different parts of the world with multiple and vastly different countries within them. Which one is it? It’s like a very round about way of telling us this character is black.
Culture is brought up in a very stereotypical way which annoyed me. This is a fantasy novel, Tarrow could literally make up countries and cultures without having to write characters based off of ignorance.
Incest and rape were briefly mentioned and was quickly brushed over. It wasn’t an integral part of the story so it’s mentioning a traumatic experience and brushing it off as nothing, then moving on with the rest of the plot until we bring it back up again in the last chapter. Joe just threatens the rapist (Gunner) and he runs off. What was the point of this boy being in the story in the first place? He disappears as soon as we reach the first room in the labyrinth so we learn nothing other than, he raped his own sister.
On the back of the book are rules: Nowhere is safe, always have a way out, be invisible, don’t make friends and do not talk to dead people.
Joe says he lives by these rules everyday, not only is that a complete lie - he only remembers these rules when he is stuck in a situation where he has already broken the rules.
Before going into a room or having a plan for an escape route, he walks in blindly, gets trapped then tells himself “ALWAYS HAVE A WAY OUT!”
He makes a friend, who can help him figure out where to find the oracle and tells himself “DO NOT MAKE FRIENDS” after he’s already spent a few days with this person. He can’t figure anything out on his own. For a boy who says he lives by these rules and probably has spent a long time in his own company, he can’t seem to figure out anything by himself.
It’s literally only just under 400 pages and I really struggled to get through this story that I gave up and skimmed the end. The ending wasn’t even worth it so I am glad I didn’t try reading on.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 20, 2019
When I was a child I loved nothing better than exploring second-hand bookstores or book stalls at summer fayres, hoping to find a magical story I hadn't read before. Holding the stunningly beautiful cover of The Stranger's Guide To Talliston reminded me of the sense of anticipation I felt when I made a particularly exciting discovery.
That feeling continued as I turned the pages of this wonderful book; Joe might have a Wolverine action figure and he flees on his bike from his pursuers who are in a sleek black car but there is something timeless about John Tarrow's YA fantasy. It encapsulates that sense of wonder and intrigue expressed in the best stories, the sense that magic is just behind a door, just out of reach for most of us, save those brave or lucky enough to find the entrance.
It is clear from the very start that Joe isn't quite an ordinary boy, despite his name. For a start, although he is only thirteen, he lives alone in an abandoned school bus in the middle of a roundabout. He spends every day following the rules his father made him memorise before his parents disappeared,
RULE #1: NOWHERE IS SAFE
RULE #2: ALWAYS HAVE A WAY OUT
RULE #3: DON'T MAKE FRIENDS
RULE #4 DO: NOT TALK TO DEAD PEOPLE
and the most important rule of all,
A GOOD BOY TAKES HIS MEDICINE.
Joe has been diagnosed with a rare heart condition which means he has to take medicine every thirteen hours or he will die but his supplies are running dangerously low. Forced to run from unknown foes, he finds himself in the gardens of an derelict council house and is given little choice but to explore further when another teenage boy, Gunner bullies him to enter the old building.
What follows is a magical story which sees Joe needing to find the oracles in order to pass through the doors into the various rooms of the labyrinth. Each new room is in a different country but in various times and so he may move from Norway in 1986 to Ireland in 1933 or Canada in 1948 to a futuristic Japan in 2282. Along the way, he is hunted by the terrifying Grim Grotesques but makes friends too as he slowly tries to understand what Talliston is, and who he can trust. He is forced to make difficult decisions, including some which change him irrevocably and there is much danger and plenty of shocks in store for the boy as he explores the mysterious labyrinth.
He is aided by a strange book, 'The Stranger's Guide To Talliston' which helps him negotiate some of the realms in this world without time or place but whoever wrote the guide doesn't seem to have been through every door and there are some where Joe must work things out for himself. Fortunately he does have help along the way, perhaps most notably from various birds but he is assisted by some humans too, including several really strong and diverse female characters. I particularly liked the courageous Evangeline and the three women in Ireland who together are the sun, moon and stars. As he travels from door to door, he not only makes discoveries about the labyrinth, he also learns more about himself and just what he is really capable of achieving despite the barriers placed in his way.
The Stranger's Guide To Talliston features talismans and crystals, rhymes and curses, nature and the elements, bravery and evil. It's one of those very special books which allows readers to believe that perhaps magic really does exist and it's thanks to stories like this that it's kept alive. The conclusion is exactly how a tale like this should end, not with a final 'happy ever after, but with the suggestion that the story will continue, changing according to whoever is next to discover the magic within.
Forged in Fire. Carved in Ice.
Rooted in Rock. Wild as Wind.
Shielded in Shadow.
The Walls of these Rooms ward us.
The Power of these Doors protect us.
The Magic of these Moons encloak us.
Wherever we are; whenever we are; Talliston is.
I absolutely loved it!
That feeling continued as I turned the pages of this wonderful book; Joe might have a Wolverine action figure and he flees on his bike from his pursuers who are in a sleek black car but there is something timeless about John Tarrow's YA fantasy. It encapsulates that sense of wonder and intrigue expressed in the best stories, the sense that magic is just behind a door, just out of reach for most of us, save those brave or lucky enough to find the entrance.
It is clear from the very start that Joe isn't quite an ordinary boy, despite his name. For a start, although he is only thirteen, he lives alone in an abandoned school bus in the middle of a roundabout. He spends every day following the rules his father made him memorise before his parents disappeared,
RULE #1: NOWHERE IS SAFE
RULE #2: ALWAYS HAVE A WAY OUT
RULE #3: DON'T MAKE FRIENDS
RULE #4 DO: NOT TALK TO DEAD PEOPLE
and the most important rule of all,
A GOOD BOY TAKES HIS MEDICINE.
Joe has been diagnosed with a rare heart condition which means he has to take medicine every thirteen hours or he will die but his supplies are running dangerously low. Forced to run from unknown foes, he finds himself in the gardens of an derelict council house and is given little choice but to explore further when another teenage boy, Gunner bullies him to enter the old building.
What follows is a magical story which sees Joe needing to find the oracles in order to pass through the doors into the various rooms of the labyrinth. Each new room is in a different country but in various times and so he may move from Norway in 1986 to Ireland in 1933 or Canada in 1948 to a futuristic Japan in 2282. Along the way, he is hunted by the terrifying Grim Grotesques but makes friends too as he slowly tries to understand what Talliston is, and who he can trust. He is forced to make difficult decisions, including some which change him irrevocably and there is much danger and plenty of shocks in store for the boy as he explores the mysterious labyrinth.
He is aided by a strange book, 'The Stranger's Guide To Talliston' which helps him negotiate some of the realms in this world without time or place but whoever wrote the guide doesn't seem to have been through every door and there are some where Joe must work things out for himself. Fortunately he does have help along the way, perhaps most notably from various birds but he is assisted by some humans too, including several really strong and diverse female characters. I particularly liked the courageous Evangeline and the three women in Ireland who together are the sun, moon and stars. As he travels from door to door, he not only makes discoveries about the labyrinth, he also learns more about himself and just what he is really capable of achieving despite the barriers placed in his way.
The Stranger's Guide To Talliston features talismans and crystals, rhymes and curses, nature and the elements, bravery and evil. It's one of those very special books which allows readers to believe that perhaps magic really does exist and it's thanks to stories like this that it's kept alive. The conclusion is exactly how a tale like this should end, not with a final 'happy ever after, but with the suggestion that the story will continue, changing according to whoever is next to discover the magic within.
Forged in Fire. Carved in Ice.
Rooted in Rock. Wild as Wind.
Shielded in Shadow.
The Walls of these Rooms ward us.
The Power of these Doors protect us.
The Magic of these Moons encloak us.
Wherever we are; whenever we are; Talliston is.
I absolutely loved it!
September 21, 2019
I finished this book yesterday and I am still processing what happened and trying to organize my thoughts. This book is full on, described as YA (young adult) epic fantasy – they were not lying!
The Beginning
We meet Joe, aka the boy, after something disastrous has happened to his family. He is hiding out and waiting for them to find him. He is living by the rules set down to keep him safe, rule number 6; A good boy takes his medicine. There is one problem, Joe is out and needs to get some more.
As he is setting out, he gets attacked and ends up stumbling upon Talliston and gets sucked into the labyrinth. So much happens in the initial chapter, that from the off I had so many questions. What happened to his parents? Why the rules? Just who is he running from? What’s the medicine for? This instantly grabs your attention and makes you want to keep reading.
The Labyrinth
In order to exit the labyrinth Joe must travel it. I loved the whole set up of this, each doorway needs something magical in order to open it. Something that has to found and activated. Joe is transported in time and place every time he steps through a door.
Magic is a finite supply and the labyrinth protects the last magical places on earth from those who wish to seek it and use it for their own ends. Through the maze Joe is chased by The Wild Hunt who for some reason wish to kill Joe – yet another mystery that needs to be solved. These are truly hideous creatures; I certainly wouldn’t want to bump into one.
Every place Joe visit’s is beautifully described, you get a very vivid sense of where Joe is and what he is experiencing. His fear and hopelessness are palpable as is his growing sense of courage and determination. Through the book he retains the core of himself but realizes there is so more much he can do that he never dreamed possible.
Unanswered Questions
One thing that frustrated me a little where all the unanswered questions you are left with, some I understood. For example, in every new part of the labyrinth Joe meets new people. He spends a relatively short but intense period of time with them. Due to this you get to know their characters really well, when Joe leaves it is inevitably in chaos. What happens to those he leaves behind?! I need to know! But you can’t because Joe has moved on, so must you. I get that.
However, there were a few loose ends that I didn’t feel were covered to my satisfaction. I can’t say what they are due to spoilers but I have been left with a small level of frustration.
The Stranger’s Guide
Throughout the labyrinth Joe is guided by The Strangers Guide. The book within the book, I really enjoyed this idea and it added a whole new level of mystery. Who left it where Joe found it and who wrote it? This was one mystery I wanted to solve. So many times, I thought I worked out who had written it, FYI, I did not. The reveal at the end had me thrown and I would love to know how it all came together.
Final Thoughts
The book is marketed as a YA novel, I agree, however there are a couple of things that are hinted at, that I would feel are not suitable for young teens. Nothing is gone into in detail so it may go over some heads.
The book itself is gorgeous, the cover art and end pages are beautiful and I am very pleased I have the hard-back version. This book is very high energy and has fabulous pacing. It is very full on and some parts were a little confusing. Overall this story captured me like the labyrinth captured Joe. Is was a thoroughly enjoyable adventure. If you enjoy a magical adventure, pick this up, I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.
My thanks to John for sending me a copy of his book to review. This is as always my honest opinion.
The Beginning
We meet Joe, aka the boy, after something disastrous has happened to his family. He is hiding out and waiting for them to find him. He is living by the rules set down to keep him safe, rule number 6; A good boy takes his medicine. There is one problem, Joe is out and needs to get some more.
As he is setting out, he gets attacked and ends up stumbling upon Talliston and gets sucked into the labyrinth. So much happens in the initial chapter, that from the off I had so many questions. What happened to his parents? Why the rules? Just who is he running from? What’s the medicine for? This instantly grabs your attention and makes you want to keep reading.
The Labyrinth
In order to exit the labyrinth Joe must travel it. I loved the whole set up of this, each doorway needs something magical in order to open it. Something that has to found and activated. Joe is transported in time and place every time he steps through a door.
Magic is a finite supply and the labyrinth protects the last magical places on earth from those who wish to seek it and use it for their own ends. Through the maze Joe is chased by The Wild Hunt who for some reason wish to kill Joe – yet another mystery that needs to be solved. These are truly hideous creatures; I certainly wouldn’t want to bump into one.
Every place Joe visit’s is beautifully described, you get a very vivid sense of where Joe is and what he is experiencing. His fear and hopelessness are palpable as is his growing sense of courage and determination. Through the book he retains the core of himself but realizes there is so more much he can do that he never dreamed possible.
Unanswered Questions
One thing that frustrated me a little where all the unanswered questions you are left with, some I understood. For example, in every new part of the labyrinth Joe meets new people. He spends a relatively short but intense period of time with them. Due to this you get to know their characters really well, when Joe leaves it is inevitably in chaos. What happens to those he leaves behind?! I need to know! But you can’t because Joe has moved on, so must you. I get that.
However, there were a few loose ends that I didn’t feel were covered to my satisfaction. I can’t say what they are due to spoilers but I have been left with a small level of frustration.
The Stranger’s Guide
Throughout the labyrinth Joe is guided by The Strangers Guide. The book within the book, I really enjoyed this idea and it added a whole new level of mystery. Who left it where Joe found it and who wrote it? This was one mystery I wanted to solve. So many times, I thought I worked out who had written it, FYI, I did not. The reveal at the end had me thrown and I would love to know how it all came together.
Final Thoughts
The book is marketed as a YA novel, I agree, however there are a couple of things that are hinted at, that I would feel are not suitable for young teens. Nothing is gone into in detail so it may go over some heads.
The book itself is gorgeous, the cover art and end pages are beautiful and I am very pleased I have the hard-back version. This book is very high energy and has fabulous pacing. It is very full on and some parts were a little confusing. Overall this story captured me like the labyrinth captured Joe. Is was a thoroughly enjoyable adventure. If you enjoy a magical adventure, pick this up, I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.
My thanks to John for sending me a copy of his book to review. This is as always my honest opinion.
August 22, 2019
We begin as all stories do...with foreshadowing of bigger things to come while we try to outrun the current situation we're in. Here, we've a young lad nervously awaiting his parents return after an ambush in the woods and explicit instructions were issued for him to GO, STAY, and WAIT. Well, can you guess how THAT turned out? Yeah...probably...but in truth, it wasn't completely his fault. Things got out of hand, and when he ran, he HAD to run; he just didn't know the open arms he was running into belonged to a mysterious house that seemed ordinary enough, and yet was beyond ordinary to the umpteenth degree! What happens after he crosses over the gate, the people he meets, the places he goes...are beyond explanation, but not comprehension. It's a place where the past, present, and future are somewhat fluid, and yet there is a method to the seemingly unending madness that circles within. There are puzzles to solve, souls to save, friends to make, and hearts to break, but above all, there's the truth of YOU to discover (or rather the truth of those within the tale...maybe...but then again)...and once the maze's path is seen for the treasures it holds, there's no turning back.
By book's end, I felt like I had traversed seven worlds and the great beyond...and I regretted nothing! Well, okay...so maybe I would have liked to see a little more detail in some areas when different lands/times were being explored, but yeah...it would have definitely needed to be made into two or more books to dive in that deeply. Then again, I wouldn't have complained about having more time in this world! Joe was an amazing lead, even when he wasn't so much leading as being guided, and traversing the many lands of the labyrinth with him while uncovering the truth of the lessons he was discovering made this journey one to remember.
**ebook received for review; opinions are my own
By book's end, I felt like I had traversed seven worlds and the great beyond...and I regretted nothing! Well, okay...so maybe I would have liked to see a little more detail in some areas when different lands/times were being explored, but yeah...it would have definitely needed to be made into two or more books to dive in that deeply. Then again, I wouldn't have complained about having more time in this world! Joe was an amazing lead, even when he wasn't so much leading as being guided, and traversing the many lands of the labyrinth with him while uncovering the truth of the lessons he was discovering made this journey one to remember.
**ebook received for review; opinions are my own
May 25, 2020
I’m not quite sure how to review The Stranger’s Guide to Talliston. It’s a big, mixed up jumble of things. There’s a YA book in there, shamanic mysticism and promotion for a venue in Essex at the very least.
The story follows Joe, a thirteen year-old boy who flees from place to place with his parents. Suffering from a mysterious illness, Joe is left in an old derelict bus at the centre of a roundabout.
Fleeing the authorities, he finds himself in an overgrown house, where he can travel in time and space – if only he can gain the right artifacts and means – through the thirteen doors.
At first I found the book quite repetitive; it’s a bit like “Quantum Leap” – a kid goes to another time and place, finds a thing, flees bad people, meets good people, travels to another time and place. Everything is quite brief; Joe gets attached to other people really quickly, and some of the encounters happen really fast. There are some interesting settings and encounters as Joe hops from Italy to Norway to Louisiana.
The book does get a broader plot by the seventh chapter, but I was starting to get a bit tired of the somewhat arbitrary jumps by this point. There’s an interesting sub-theme about using up magic in the world and the power behind it, the power within yourself and so on, but again, it’s not quite clearly explained. I also found that even after the ‘real plot’ was revealed, a lot of the language is so mystical that I only really had a dim impression of what was going on.
I liked the premise and really wanted to like this more; it’s a gorgeous book, all Celtic knotwork and beautifully illustrated endpapers – and it’s clearly been a labour of love. The long list of Unbound backers shows just how much support John has had for this book. But for some reason, I just wasn’t as immersed as I wanted to be; perhaps it was the constant hopping, the slightly jarring encounters or the odd ending, but I left Talliston feeling a bit unsatisfied.
The story follows Joe, a thirteen year-old boy who flees from place to place with his parents. Suffering from a mysterious illness, Joe is left in an old derelict bus at the centre of a roundabout.
Fleeing the authorities, he finds himself in an overgrown house, where he can travel in time and space – if only he can gain the right artifacts and means – through the thirteen doors.
At first I found the book quite repetitive; it’s a bit like “Quantum Leap” – a kid goes to another time and place, finds a thing, flees bad people, meets good people, travels to another time and place. Everything is quite brief; Joe gets attached to other people really quickly, and some of the encounters happen really fast. There are some interesting settings and encounters as Joe hops from Italy to Norway to Louisiana.
The book does get a broader plot by the seventh chapter, but I was starting to get a bit tired of the somewhat arbitrary jumps by this point. There’s an interesting sub-theme about using up magic in the world and the power behind it, the power within yourself and so on, but again, it’s not quite clearly explained. I also found that even after the ‘real plot’ was revealed, a lot of the language is so mystical that I only really had a dim impression of what was going on.
I liked the premise and really wanted to like this more; it’s a gorgeous book, all Celtic knotwork and beautifully illustrated endpapers – and it’s clearly been a labour of love. The long list of Unbound backers shows just how much support John has had for this book. But for some reason, I just wasn’t as immersed as I wanted to be; perhaps it was the constant hopping, the slightly jarring encounters or the odd ending, but I left Talliston feeling a bit unsatisfied.
July 14, 2019
If you are looking for a YA fantasy thats a slow wander through a a world that’s simple yet pretty in a way that traditional fairy lands are... then put this down, and give yourself a shake before picking this up again because you are in for something so much MORE than that!
Joe is a very relatable character and I am sure that he will appeal to so many people, whether for nostalgia or because they are currently having issues following their parents rules. Whether you are sat remembering how they felt unfair, or are sat agreeing with him, understanding the harshness of life as a thirteen year old, this is a Character that will resonate with many.
The storyline was very clever and there was clearly a lot of research having gone into the various situations our Main Character encountered. Trying to get home he has a variety of adventures, the time, place and context in each room very different to the last. Each room then has a mystery of some sort, which when resolved allows the next to be opened.
I ADORED this approach, which allows the reader to dive into so many scenarios, gorgeous descriptions transporting the reader right alongside Joe, and it truly was so much FUN! I feel like I’ve spent a couple of weeks off on adventures to various times and places.
If you are looking for a YA fantasy that’s different, full of little surprises and stock full of fast paced scenes that are a wide variety of places in different eras, a wonderfully fast pace that will keep you glued from scene to scene, then this is the book for you!
Joe is a very relatable character and I am sure that he will appeal to so many people, whether for nostalgia or because they are currently having issues following their parents rules. Whether you are sat remembering how they felt unfair, or are sat agreeing with him, understanding the harshness of life as a thirteen year old, this is a Character that will resonate with many.
The storyline was very clever and there was clearly a lot of research having gone into the various situations our Main Character encountered. Trying to get home he has a variety of adventures, the time, place and context in each room very different to the last. Each room then has a mystery of some sort, which when resolved allows the next to be opened.
I ADORED this approach, which allows the reader to dive into so many scenarios, gorgeous descriptions transporting the reader right alongside Joe, and it truly was so much FUN! I feel like I’ve spent a couple of weeks off on adventures to various times and places.
If you are looking for a YA fantasy that’s different, full of little surprises and stock full of fast paced scenes that are a wide variety of places in different eras, a wonderfully fast pace that will keep you glued from scene to scene, then this is the book for you!
July 17, 2019
I first found out about the book after reading a newspaper article about the (real) semi-detached, ex-council, Essex house “Talliston” - the (joint) central “character” in the book (along with Joe).
As a middle-aged man, my excuse for buying a “young adult” book was to give it to my son who is turning thirteen in a few days (also, the book comes with a “golden ticket” with the chance of staying in the (real) Talliston house!).
As I had a few days before my son’s birthday, I thought I’d have a quick read...
There is a huge cast of characters introduced in the book. Adding many “places” and “objects” to this large cast list generally works well - even if it did get a bit confusing at times.
There is a lot of detail in the book and I’m sure I will be referring back at some point to find out more about the specifics - especially the folk-tale and astrology aspects.
For me, a powerful element to the book was how many of my senses were activated throughout. Of course, seeing photos of the “actual” Talliston makes everything that much more vivid.
Overall, I adored the book. It felt more “boys adventure” than “young adult” (if that distinction exists - sorry, I’m not an expert). It was very fast paced which worked for me and there are some very surprising twists and turns as the story chases along to its conclusion.
I’m now looking forward to finding out what my son thinks of it!
As a middle-aged man, my excuse for buying a “young adult” book was to give it to my son who is turning thirteen in a few days (also, the book comes with a “golden ticket” with the chance of staying in the (real) Talliston house!).
As I had a few days before my son’s birthday, I thought I’d have a quick read...
There is a huge cast of characters introduced in the book. Adding many “places” and “objects” to this large cast list generally works well - even if it did get a bit confusing at times.
There is a lot of detail in the book and I’m sure I will be referring back at some point to find out more about the specifics - especially the folk-tale and astrology aspects.
For me, a powerful element to the book was how many of my senses were activated throughout. Of course, seeing photos of the “actual” Talliston makes everything that much more vivid.
Overall, I adored the book. It felt more “boys adventure” than “young adult” (if that distinction exists - sorry, I’m not an expert). It was very fast paced which worked for me and there are some very surprising twists and turns as the story chases along to its conclusion.
I’m now looking forward to finding out what my son thinks of it!
July 31, 2019
This book gave me a crazy feeling. It looks and sounds like an old time adventure story in the mould of The Secret Garden. The cover gave it that leather look that looks so tactile and old, as if this is a tome that has been rediscovered on a shelf. The story though isn’t what you’d expect from such a book.
Joe is on the run, his parents have disappeared and he’s hiding. He seems to have been hiding all his life. He’s been taught to live by a set of rules and never get friendly with anyone. Then he’s discovered and runs as a hoard of me follow him. He finds himself hiding in the garden of an abandoned council house where he meets Gunner who shows him the book that is to consume his life. All he has to do is find his way through the labyrinth and all those rules he have been taught are strained as he struggles to stay alive in the strange places he gets into.
You know I really liked this book, It had that ‘just one more page’ quality that’s often missing. It’s pure adventure with a touch of morality and growing up to be done. All this is set in an amazing story that flits between the ages and around the world.I wish I could have the real book and find my own way through the maze that Joe ends up getting though. All in all a great read and a must for all young adults, and equally anyone who wants a good adventure, a bit of fantasy and an intriguing story line.
Joe is on the run, his parents have disappeared and he’s hiding. He seems to have been hiding all his life. He’s been taught to live by a set of rules and never get friendly with anyone. Then he’s discovered and runs as a hoard of me follow him. He finds himself hiding in the garden of an abandoned council house where he meets Gunner who shows him the book that is to consume his life. All he has to do is find his way through the labyrinth and all those rules he have been taught are strained as he struggles to stay alive in the strange places he gets into.
You know I really liked this book, It had that ‘just one more page’ quality that’s often missing. It’s pure adventure with a touch of morality and growing up to be done. All this is set in an amazing story that flits between the ages and around the world.I wish I could have the real book and find my own way through the maze that Joe ends up getting though. All in all a great read and a must for all young adults, and equally anyone who wants a good adventure, a bit of fantasy and an intriguing story line.
August 5, 2019
The story begins with a lost and scared little boy whose parents have disappeared, who needs to take mysterious medicine every 13 hours and who is living in an abandoned American school bus on a wooded roundabout. Running from some mysterious pursuers he falls by accident into a magical labyrinth through a dilapidated council house where he is hiding. There he meets Gunner, a scarily violent teenager who forces him into the labyrinth, So far so good and the story hooks the reader in effectively. However the narrative begins to wander as much as the labyrinth it is based upon - it is never quite clear what the whole point of the labyrinth is and what purpose it really serves. The idea that rooms in particular periods and locations across the world serve as the labyrinth is also a little confused especially as he has to retrace his steps, returning to some of the earlier rooms as he traverses the labyrinth. There are lots of atmospheric scenes and interesting characters such as Serene but the narrative meanders too much and needed to be more sharply focussed. The idea of a period circus that travels across time was also another distraction. There were lots of ideas in this story and references to old fairytales, archetypes and mythologies with a dose of Alan Garner's Elidor thrown but somehow it didnt't quite come together as coherently as it might have done.
August 20, 2025
This book gave me a crazy feeling. It looks and sounds like an old time adventure story in the mould of The Secret Garden. The cover gave it that leather look that looks so tactile and old, as if this is a tome that has been rediscovered on a shelf. The story though isn’t what you’d expect from such a book.
Joe is on the run, his parents have disappeared and he’s hiding. He seems to have been hiding all his life. He’s been taught to live by a set of rules and never get friendly with anyone. Then he’s discovered and runs as a hoard of me follow him. He finds himself hiding in the garden of an abandoned council house where he meets Gunner who shows him the book that is to consume his life. All he has to do is find his way through the labyrinth and all those rules he have been taught are strained as he struggles to stay alive in the strange places he gets into.
You know I really liked this book, It had that ‘just one more page’ quality that’s often missing. It’s pure adventure with a touch of morality and growing up to be done. All this is set in an amazing story that flits between the ages and around the world.I wish I could have the real book and find my own way through the maze that Joe ends up getting though. All in all a great read and a must for all young adults, and equally anyone who wants a good adventure, a bit of fantasy and an intriguing story line.
Joe is on the run, his parents have disappeared and he’s hiding. He seems to have been hiding all his life. He’s been taught to live by a set of rules and never get friendly with anyone. Then he’s discovered and runs as a hoard of me follow him. He finds himself hiding in the garden of an abandoned council house where he meets Gunner who shows him the book that is to consume his life. All he has to do is find his way through the labyrinth and all those rules he have been taught are strained as he struggles to stay alive in the strange places he gets into.
You know I really liked this book, It had that ‘just one more page’ quality that’s often missing. It’s pure adventure with a touch of morality and growing up to be done. All this is set in an amazing story that flits between the ages and around the world.I wish I could have the real book and find my own way through the maze that Joe ends up getting though. All in all a great read and a must for all young adults, and equally anyone who wants a good adventure, a bit of fantasy and an intriguing story line.
March 31, 2023
“The Stranger’s Guide to Talliston” introduces Joe, a thirteen-year-old living alone after his parents don’t return one day. He lives by rules his father set out for him including a necessity for medication.
First, the house in this story really exists and you can tour it. Anyone who grew up on The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe has imagined finding a magical closet or pantry door that provides a portal entry to a fantastical world. So, the premise of a fantasy book connected to a real life physical location was super exciting to me.
Overall, I was a little mixed on this tale. Joe as a protagonist was fine. He wasn’t extremely likable or relatable, but I still found myself rooting for him. The story has a definite pattern to it. Joe goes through a door, finds himself in a crazy situation where he has to figure something out in order to escape the baddies and then moves to the next door. I found many of the times and locations interesting- especially New Orleans and Ireland. Find the full blog post review at heatherlbarksdale.com
I received a copy of this audiobook story in exchange of a fair and honest review.
First, the house in this story really exists and you can tour it. Anyone who grew up on The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe has imagined finding a magical closet or pantry door that provides a portal entry to a fantastical world. So, the premise of a fantasy book connected to a real life physical location was super exciting to me.
Overall, I was a little mixed on this tale. Joe as a protagonist was fine. He wasn’t extremely likable or relatable, but I still found myself rooting for him. The story has a definite pattern to it. Joe goes through a door, finds himself in a crazy situation where he has to figure something out in order to escape the baddies and then moves to the next door. I found many of the times and locations interesting- especially New Orleans and Ireland. Find the full blog post review at heatherlbarksdale.com
I received a copy of this audiobook story in exchange of a fair and honest review.
June 24, 2019
Wow what an amazingly magical journey. I absolutely loved all the different rooms and the adventures they contained. It was so awesome that protagonist was “time traveling” across the globe and discovering the clues to unlock the next room. It so fun to try to unravel the puzzle myself as I read along. It was like I was experiencing the same awe and wonder the character was experiencing.
There were a few times I got confused as to what was going on. Fortunately some of it was sorted out as I continued to read. However, having concluded the book I still have questions about the plot and what actually happened at the ending.
As for the book itself, the limited edition hardcover is absolutely the most stunning book I have seen. The graphic design and colors are beautifully created. I highly recommend this book for teens and young adults who love adventure and magic and discovering the power that lies within.
There were a few times I got confused as to what was going on. Fortunately some of it was sorted out as I continued to read. However, having concluded the book I still have questions about the plot and what actually happened at the ending.
As for the book itself, the limited edition hardcover is absolutely the most stunning book I have seen. The graphic design and colors are beautifully created. I highly recommend this book for teens and young adults who love adventure and magic and discovering the power that lies within.
July 11, 2019
Full review featured in bonus episode 3 of our monthly podcast, Hello Fellow Kids: https://soundcloud.com/user-476178897...
A time- and space-hopping adventure through many less-discussed historical buildings in the world (and a unique real-world contest), this book is sort of like what would happen if you tried to condense the entirety of D.J. MacHale's ten Pendragon novels into a single book under 400 pages. It is filled with interesting ideas, places, and people, but has very little time to explore each one. If you can keep everything straight and are okay with big new concepts being introduced all the way through the last chapter, there's a lot here for you. For others, this will read as a very detailed pitch of a series that should have had at least four times the page count to fully realize.
Note: a free copy was provided from the author in exchange for an honest review.
A time- and space-hopping adventure through many less-discussed historical buildings in the world (and a unique real-world contest), this book is sort of like what would happen if you tried to condense the entirety of D.J. MacHale's ten Pendragon novels into a single book under 400 pages. It is filled with interesting ideas, places, and people, but has very little time to explore each one. If you can keep everything straight and are okay with big new concepts being introduced all the way through the last chapter, there's a lot here for you. For others, this will read as a very detailed pitch of a series that should have had at least four times the page count to fully realize.
Note: a free copy was provided from the author in exchange for an honest review.
October 9, 2023
‘The Stranger’s Guide to Talliston’ is a young adult action-adventure story. It begins with thirteen-year-old Joe and his determination to look for answers after his parents disappear. The mystery and intrigue takes him on an adventure no like other as he enters a place with no time or place. Joe’s personality is likable. His demeanor and how he navigates his emotions make this a really interesting young adult story. Each door Joe enters has an interesting concept, detailed scenery, and foundation. This allowed the storyline to be constantly refreshing and enjoyable to read.
The book cover is very well thought out and put together. It represented the rich content inside. There is much magic and imagination for the young mind.
I recommend this book to those who like to read adventure stories and enjoy fantastical worlds.
The book cover is very well thought out and put together. It represented the rich content inside. There is much magic and imagination for the young mind.
I recommend this book to those who like to read adventure stories and enjoy fantastical worlds.
December 11, 2019
This is the story of a young boy who gets lost in a magical labyrinth, travelling from time and place by unlocking portals as he tries to flee from forces of evil.
This is a perfect magical read. The storytelling is excellent. This is said to be a YA, but I think it suits all ages. The writing is intelligent and sophisticated, flows well and is easy to read. The world building is fantastic. The suspense of the adventure is so efficient, the whole time i was nervous for our main character Joe and rooting for him wholeheartedly. This book is full of beautiful passages and messages of deeper meaning if you care to look. It is a superb addition to any book collection, gorgeous inside and out.
This is a perfect magical read. The storytelling is excellent. This is said to be a YA, but I think it suits all ages. The writing is intelligent and sophisticated, flows well and is easy to read. The world building is fantastic. The suspense of the adventure is so efficient, the whole time i was nervous for our main character Joe and rooting for him wholeheartedly. This book is full of beautiful passages and messages of deeper meaning if you care to look. It is a superb addition to any book collection, gorgeous inside and out.
April 9, 2020
Bizarre and thrilling by turns, this labyrinthine tale follows the usual YA trop of disposing of the parents straight away and pitching its hero on a quest. Following an oddly Quantum Leap style structure, this has the feel of a Harry Potter or Dark is Rising novel and the references to children’s classics appear and appeal: the Box of Delights and Lord of the Rings who get a reference.
The zones the hero travels to are all based on a series of rooms in a real life house in Great Dunmow - must visit - each capturing a particular place and time. I can’t wait to see the Japanese one!
Well worth your time.
The zones the hero travels to are all based on a series of rooms in a real life house in Great Dunmow - must visit - each capturing a particular place and time. I can’t wait to see the Japanese one!
Well worth your time.
July 8, 2019
*Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a free copy in exchange of an honest review.*
I liked the tale of Joe Darkin, on the run with his family, who stumbles on a secret labyrinth that can travel through time and space. I loved the different settings, ranging from Victorian England to futuristic Japan and the growth that the main character went through.
The writing style didn't convinced me at all: I struggled to reach the end of the book, getting often bored. A pity, because the story is very interesting!
I liked the tale of Joe Darkin, on the run with his family, who stumbles on a secret labyrinth that can travel through time and space. I loved the different settings, ranging from Victorian England to futuristic Japan and the growth that the main character went through.
The writing style didn't convinced me at all: I struggled to reach the end of the book, getting often bored. A pity, because the story is very interesting!
April 12, 2023
Title Feedback is about being abandoned and alone. Thirteen-year-old Joe’s world is shattered when he enters a deserted council house and becomes trapped within a labyrinth protecting the last magical places on earth.
He discovers a book charting this immense no-man’s land, without time or place, its thirteen doors each leading to a different realm. Hunted by sinister foes, the boy is forced ever deeper into both the maze and the mystery of his missing parents. What will he find at the labyrinth's centre, and can it reunite him with the family he so desperately needs?
He discovers a book charting this immense no-man’s land, without time or place, its thirteen doors each leading to a different realm. Hunted by sinister foes, the boy is forced ever deeper into both the maze and the mystery of his missing parents. What will he find at the labyrinth's centre, and can it reunite him with the family he so desperately needs?
July 11, 2019
Great ideas throughout this magical tale of Joe Darkin and his adventures in the labyrinth within the house of Talliston. I think ultimately there were too many ideas and too many concepts to take on though - I was left a bit flummoxed by who everyone actually was and where they fitted in. Half the number of rooms would have made a better story, leaving room for a sequel. Not sure I entirely liked the ending either - I didn't find it very hopeful or uplifting.
July 10, 2019
This was an interesting premise and I was really wanting to enjoy this, but unfortunately the writing felt all over the place and I struggled to remain connected or interested, a shame as with a little work this could be really good
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion
October 12, 2020
It’s a fabulous tale set in the real world location of Talliston house and gardens and follows Joe, our protagonist, through a series of time travelling adventures around the world. It made me think of the work of Neil Gaiman so if a magical tale is your cup of tea I’d certainly recommend it. *3.5 stars*
August 22, 2019
An incredible, completely immersive and gripping tale. Somewhere between Narnia and Hitchhikers’ Guide to the Galaxy. A slice of purest escapism.
September 19, 2019
Really enjoyed it and so different to what l normally read! Now want to visit the house myself to see it in person!!!
May 4, 2025
Having visited the incredible Talliston House three times I was very keen to read the Strangers Guide. It certainly did not disappoint a fantastic imaginative fantasy tale ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
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