The Silver Child

Silver Sequence #1

by Cliff McNish

Six children leave the comfort of their homes. They are drawn to Coldharbour - an eerie wasteland of wind, rats, seagulls and rubbish tips. Emily and Freda, the twins, scuttle bright eyed and insect-like in search of the others. They find Thomas on a food tip. The gentle giant boy Walter joins them and so does Helen, who can read minds. And at the centre of it all is luminous Milo, his skin hot and bright with silver.
Each of them has a unique gift, but they must learn to use their skills fast. Drawing ever closer in a maelstrom of fury is the Roar, something vast and dreadful that wants to destroy them all.

Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult, Science Fiction, Fiction, Childrens, Middle Grade, Paranormal

192 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 2003

About the author

I was born in Sunderland, a city in the north-east of England.
I don’t recall too much about my first 8 years of life other than I loved being outdoors especially in the woods near our house. I came home every night covered in scratches.
My first real book memory is being given C.S. Lewis’s The Magician’s Nephew by my English teacher, Mrs Baldwin. I loved that, and all the other Narnia books.

So how did I become an author?
As a parent I was used to making up short and funny stories for my daughter, Rachel. When she was about ten, however, she wanted a story about a really, really nasty witch. This time I put pen to paper and what started off as a tiny scrap of an idea got bigger and bigger and BIGGER. It became The Doomspell.
After I finished it, I continued my love affair with fantasy by creating The Silver Sequence which I still think is probably my best and definitely my most original work. Following that, I tried to scare everyone half to death with a couple of ghost novels – Breathe and The Hunting Ground.

I could tell you more about myself, but the truth is that perhaps the biggest gift we can give anyone is our imagination and everything important I have to offer you about that is in the novels.

Reviews

[N · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't even know how to start this review. The Silver Child haunted my childhood. When my friend and I picked it up in the library when we were ten, we read the beginning, and I couldn't get it out of my head. It horrified me. I am not usually repulsed by grotesque descriptions, but there was something about this book. We didn't know what to do about it, so we hid it. We hid the book behind the shelves in the back corner of the library, our secret spot. That response caused the book to stay with us. One day, a few years ago, we picked it back up. She read it first, and told me I had to read it as well. I am glad I did, because it was amazing!
Children from different backgrounds start to...change, and come together to discover...something. I really can't say too much about the plot without spoiling the book, so just read it.

[Levi V. · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm 12 years late to the party, but this has got to be one of the weirdest books I have ever read. I picked it up at a local used bookstore after checking out the gr rating, and that seriously did not prepare me.

The concepts in this book are, to me, very advanced for the intended age group. Metamorphosis??? MURDER??? Just WHAT is going on???

This book was an experience. I still can't decide if it's good or not based on just how overly different and weird it is. 10/10 on creativity and also just fucking haunting me.

[Dominique · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book a long time ago. And when I say a long time ago, I mean a loooooong time ago. So long ago, in fact, that I should have probably forgotten all about it by now. But for some strange, inexplicable reason The Silver Child by Cliff McNish has stuck with me.

Funnily enough, I don't really remember the Milo-wolfing-down-his-dinner scene everyone in the review section is talking about. And by that I mean: I remember it vaguely but don't count it among my "impressive" memories of the book. Sure, it was creepy but let's just stop and talk about the roar for a moment. Now THAT was some exhilarating stuff. All of Steven King's books put together never intrigued me half as much as the idea of that roar did. Just picture it! You're sitting in your room at night minding your own business and suddenly this monumentally aggressive, completely incomprehensible sound that no one in the immediate vicinity can hear blasts right into your ears! And the bonus is you're not going crazy! It's for real! The other weirdos in town are peeing their pants too!

C'mon, thats a priceless idea. If I could give out prizes for ideas, this one would win the gold.

But ok. Moving on to the next great thing about the book. I couldn't write a decent review without mentioning the heartbreaking relationship between (what I consider to be) the two main characters, Milo and Thomas (It's Thomas, right? XD I lost my copy of the book in an unfortunate series of events but I could swear that character was a Tom). As a well read ten year old, I was surprised at how serious (in the non-romantic sense) that relationship was. And how human. These weren't two kids arguing over who got to be the hero or discussing which rabbit-hole they should dive down first. These children were being portrayed as small human beings agonising over a problem that went far beyond their maturity level, a problem that - to be honest - I think even adults would find challenging. Tom, a prepubescent boy, is faced with a choice: help the dying Milo stay alive or abandon him to his fate. Though seemingly straightforward, Tom soon discovers there's a catch. In order to save Milo, he must sacrifice his own health. And he does. Tom helps Milo to the brink of oblivion, where his morality is finally overrun by his desire for self-preservation (personally, I was impressed that he lasted that long). At that point, McNish does something with Tom that I've never seen any kid-writer do (it blew my little, ten year old mind to pieces). He made Tom, the protagonist, a murderer. Let me rephrase that. He made the 11 year old protagonist of a children's book consciously attempt against another kids life (or, at least, thats how I remember it). And before anyone even thinks it, no, it wasn't the Philip Pullman "I-killed-him-by-accident" murder, but a "I-carried-him-to-the-river-and-drowned-him-to-save-myself" murder. Let's just take a second to digest that, shall we?

Then there's the magic. Though I like swish-and-flicking as much as the next lifelong Harry Potter fan, I really enjoy and appreciate original, imaginative magic. And that's exactly what McNish delivers, especially when it comes to Thomas's power. His "Beauty" is, hands down, one of the most interesting proposals I've ever read. Even the name he gives it is oddly poetic when you consider what Tom actually does give the person a little of what they need, what they really need . In fact, when it comes to magic, McNish actually reminds me a little of Ursula Le Guin in Gifts, which is a great thing.

In summary, I loved The Silver Child and continue to love the echoes it has left in my mind! Thank you very much Mr. McNish for writing it!

[Kirsten · Rating 3 out of 5]

Whooooaaaa weird. This is a strange and gripping book, and I am still not sure if it's actually good or not. I know I couldn't stop reading it. It opens with a bizarre and frightening scene worthy of Stephen King: a boy, Milo, is sitting down to dinner with his family when he suddenly feels a ravenous hunger and procedes to violently demolish the entire family dinner, eating and drinking everything in sight. Immediately, his body begins to change: his hair falls out, his eyes bulge unnaturally, and he flees his home knowing that this is only the beginning. It's one heck of an opener! From there, the book calms down a bit, but there is still a strong element of the grotesque all the way through.

The basic idea is that six children (including Milo) have been drawn to Coldharbour, a vast garbage dump. They all feel that they have a part to play there, but none of them are quite sure what, yet. They just know it has something to do with the frightening roaring they can feel underneath all other sounds.

As I said, I was gripped by this novel, and I think the series has some potential to be really fascinating, provided that McNish does not get too caught up in his fascination with the strange.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Six children left their home and travled to Coldharbour, a wasteland filled with dumps as far as the eye could see. None of these children knew what was drawing them to Coldharbour, but yet they knew that they had to be there. They were supposed to help someone, or something. The first to leave his house was Milo. He knew that something was changing, but didn't know what. He was growing and morphing into something absurd, a monster. Through out the book, Milo's skin changes from normal and peels back to gold. But he's not done yet. He then goes through a painful transformation from gold to silver. Nobody knows what he is turning into but the only thing keeping him alive is the beauty. The beauty is coming from Thomas. The boy that has been at Coldharbour the longest. Milo drained all the beauty from Thomas he could take. Thomas, the leader of the group is also the most cautious and has very stong opinions. He is the one that discovered the insect twins and Walter. The insect twins are two girls that crawl around on their hands and feet faster than normal. They are the two that know who and what the children are supposed to be looking for. But they don't realize it until the come across their path. Walter on the other hand is a boy that grew vigorously into a giant. All of them have found each other but someone is missing, someone important. The one that they need to help fight the roar. Her name is Helen. Helen can read minds and wonders to Coldharbour because she heard a boy shrieking for her help. But she turns back and runs home. Her overprotective dad then lets her go back to Coldharbour, but only with him by her side.
Towards the end of the book, Milo knew he was the first one that had to try and defeat the roar. As he flys into the sky, searching for the roar, thousands, maybe millions of kids come running out of their house to Coldharbour. They too don't know why they had to be here, but they knew they did.

[Stefanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book when I was younger and it stuck with me for years, this image of a boy eating everything on the table and dashing into the night at the whim of some higher power, calling to him. As other children slowly leave their comfortable homes and find their way to him, you are given a glimpse of the sound of roaring, a distant beast coming to claim our world. McNish builds suspense slowly and carefully, setting the stage for what is sure to be a furious battle to come.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Completely haunting and unsettling. Unputdownable brilliance.

[Kiara Nelson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Five children leave the safety of their home, all because of a roar. They end up going to the “Coldharbour”, which is describe as a scattered dump. While being “called” there, they start to change from being able to read minds, to walking like insects. There they learn about their abilities and come together as one.

Because there are two other books in this trilogy, character development is very important, which the author nails. At times it’s gotten boring, but when it wasn’t it was rather weird and sometimes uncomfortable. It all happens so fast, but so oddly that sometimes I’m not sure whether or not I actually like it are am just reading it because it’s so creepy. Other than that, I don’t think that it’ll all be worth it with the second and third book. I’d recommend to ages 9+

[Atlantis · Rating 2 out of 5]

Admittedly, I skimmed this. This was a donation to my LFL and my kids read this so I perused it for that reason. As a mother, children surviving without the support of their families or the creation of such dark times and images where the fate of the world lies in robbing them of their innocence, is almost unpalatable. I can see the appeal for it but I’m not attracted to it. I read in a online review this book was compared to “The Neverending Story” but at first glance I didn’t get that impression.

[Ryan Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Magical is the perfect word to describe this but still doesn’t give it justice. A perfect example of a kids book that will appeal to all ages. An absolutely original idea that doesn’t fall into the usual mistake of an original idea where the core concept is excruciatingly designed but the fringe ideas are very light. The Magic system and world building is intricate with that Cliff Mcnish signature mix of fantasy/sci-fi. Heavy themes handled that will be understood at whatever level the reader is at, makes it worth a re-read as you will enjoy it on a different level.

[Jackie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I first picked up this book at the library when I was in elementary school, and I just remember loving it. I just reread it, and if I was grading based on nostalgia, it’d get 5 stars for sure. Unfortunately, the book is riddled with inconsistencies and minor plot holes that constantly took me out of the story. Stylistically, it just isn’t a great book; it needed more editing.

That being said, I devoured this book back in the 2000s and I devoured it now. I’d recommend it to a kid who likes reading about kids with superpowers and can handle some gore.

[Brittney Haase · Rating 2 out of 5]

I honestly found myself reading this book mostly to try and figure it out. The story begins very randomly and nothing is ever really explained. I also was a bit confused by the randomly changing view points, but only between two of the 6 characters. It just seemed poorly structured. Only at the end does everything finally make sense, and honestly, I am still curious what exactly this series is about and what is going to happen. Shall I continue? Probably. We shall see how it unfolds.

[Alise · Rating 3 out of 5]

All I can remember is that this book confused me and messed me up as a 3rd grader. I've been looking for it for years, as I've never forgotten it. It was so strange, freaky, frustrating, yet intriguing. I would have read the other books in the series if my elementary school library had them, but alas they didn't. I need to reread this book and then the next ones in the series to give a proper review. Just know, from what I remember of the book.... WTF haha

[Dominique · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was scared this book wouldn't hold up to my childhood memory of it, but FUCK was I wrong. I LOVE it today as much at 29 as I did at 13. I completely understand now why I've never been able to forget it. How could I? This is *everything* and I mean *everything* I look for in a book. 10 billion silver stars to Mr. McNish!

[Stephanie · Rating 1 out of 5]

I read this novel, back when I was an elementary school, and decided I was ready to dive into chapter books. This novel left me so confused and irritated. I hated everything about it. The characters, the setting, the pacing. Throughout the entirety of the book I was bored and lost. It’s had such a lasting impression on me for the past 6-7 years though, so I’ll give the author that.

[Sydney · Rating 3 out of 5]

So initially when I was younger I read Silver World without realizing that it was the third book in the sequence, and sadly, that is affecting the way I viewed this book. I am not saying it was bad, just odd based on how my previous experiences with the series went.

[Keely · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was weird, and made me wish I had read it as a child? I think as an adult, I just found myself confused and lost of to where the message or the story lied. On a brighter note, every new page shocked me with unheard of information, so that kept me on my toes.

[Morgan Louer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Honest to god, I distinctly remember reading this in elementary and there were 6 kids near some type of water in the cold with super powers. Spent years trying to find this book! Maybe I’ll revisit this odd story that stuck with me through the years. :)

[Lilly · Rating 2 out of 5]

It's an interesting story but has alot of disturbing content

[Sumiha · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book because it was really unique and different kinds of kids get together to defeat a monster.

[cynthia ✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

For the majority of the time, I had no idea what was happening to Milo-

[Cara Patel]

Not for me. Maybe I'm too old for this, but it just seemed to be trying to hold the reader's interest by being overly grotesque.

[Hedaa · Rating 2 out of 5]

very strange and unique book

[Henry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Recently rediscovered this book from my childhood. A compelling read even for adults.

[Donnie Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Used to love this book series as a kid, after years I’ve finally found it again!!

[Woff · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very strange and possibly amazing?

[Adelaide · Rating 4 out of 5]

The mystery is answered

[Chloe Senior]

Strange concept but had me hooked. A real page turner

[Maddi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kind of disturbing, actually. Definitely not a favorite. Not something I would recommend reading.

[Rabea · Rating 3 out of 5]

Seemed very Kafkaesque to me which isn't really my thing. But I guess if it is, you'd really appreciate this book, which is otherwise very well written and has an original plotline.