What do you think?
Rate this book
Flight Of The SkyCricket: Relics of Errus, Volume 1
In our world, science and mythology are mortal enemies. But what if a world existed where they were the same thing?
In this first volume of The Relics of Errus, Flight of the SkyCricket, three sisters-Eli, Anna, and Rose Hoover-stumble through a window in the wine cellar of an old Victorian house and find themselves in Errus, a world where natural disasters give birth to mythological creatures-some harmless, some horrific. Caught up in a quest involving impassable deserts, dangerous jungles, dark mountainous caverns, and a menagerie of dwarfs, fairies, knights, and quirky scientists, they search for the mythical Well of the sea goddess Therra, which seems to be their only way home.
Trapped in a world that births fairies from windstorms and dwarfs from earthquakes, everything rests on finding the lost Well... if it even exists. Both the pious and skeptic make their case along the way, but belief may not always be something you choose-sometimes it is something that happens to you.
In this first volume of The Relics of Errus, Flight of the SkyCricket, three sisters-Eli, Anna, and Rose Hoover-stumble through a window in the wine cellar of an old Victorian house and find themselves in Errus, a world where natural disasters give birth to mythological creatures-some harmless, some horrific. Caught up in a quest involving impassable deserts, dangerous jungles, dark mountainous caverns, and a menagerie of dwarfs, fairies, knights, and quirky scientists, they search for the mythical Well of the sea goddess Therra, which seems to be their only way home.
Trapped in a world that births fairies from windstorms and dwarfs from earthquakes, everything rests on finding the lost Well... if it even exists. Both the pious and skeptic make their case along the way, but belief may not always be something you choose-sometimes it is something that happens to you.
304 pages, Paperback
Published November 26, 2019
About the author
Gordon Greenhill
32 books12 followersGordon Greenhill completed a degree in theatre and communication in his youth, then went on to earn a Ph.D. in moldy old dead European men. After fifteen years teaching at university, he became a professional audiobook narrator and discovered he liked writing fiction at least as much as lecturing on theology. Most importantly, he’s a husband and father of four amazing kids, who like his reading of Harry Potter better than Jim Dale’s… but they may be prejudiced.
www.gordongreenhill.com / www.relicsoferrus.com
PS. As I am an audiobook narrator by trade, be aware that many of the books listed here are only here because I'm the voice of the audie. Proud of that, but not to confuse anyone.
www.gordongreenhill.com / www.relicsoferrus.com
PS. As I am an audiobook narrator by trade, be aware that many of the books listed here are only here because I'm the voice of the audie. Proud of that, but not to confuse anyone.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
August 13, 2022
I loved, loved, loved this story!
For most of us, it would be a struggle to combine what we have been told with regards to mythology and science. But imagine for a moment if the two were not separate entities that could never be intertwined and, instead, could be melded to create worlds unknown? That is exactly what this book does.
The book revolves around three sisters of very different personalities: Eli (Elizabeth), Anna and Rose, whose father has been pretty nonexistent since the death of their beloved mother. He's not a bad dad by any stretch of the imagination, but work definitely takes front and center attention and keeps him from confronting a life without his loved one.
Moving all of them to an old Victorian home that is now theirs via an ancestor - a home that comes equipped with a dour woman used to running the home as it would have been run in the Victorian era and who is aghast at their decided lack of proper manners for young girls - and with a lot of secrets to boot.
Having the run of the house, they enter rooms they aren't supposed to in a "kids will be kids" sort of way - especially after finding out it's actually their house and no one can really stop them from exploring. They find a relic that they cannot explain - a compass that acts strangely.
One of the girls pockets the treasure and thus begins a new adventure that is breathtaking in scope.
The book is well written, the characters very well developed, and a world of magical and mystical beings is described beautifully.
Although young adults are the targeted readers, adults can and will enjoy this read also. I didn't want to put it down.
For most of us, it would be a struggle to combine what we have been told with regards to mythology and science. But imagine for a moment if the two were not separate entities that could never be intertwined and, instead, could be melded to create worlds unknown? That is exactly what this book does.
The book revolves around three sisters of very different personalities: Eli (Elizabeth), Anna and Rose, whose father has been pretty nonexistent since the death of their beloved mother. He's not a bad dad by any stretch of the imagination, but work definitely takes front and center attention and keeps him from confronting a life without his loved one.
Moving all of them to an old Victorian home that is now theirs via an ancestor - a home that comes equipped with a dour woman used to running the home as it would have been run in the Victorian era and who is aghast at their decided lack of proper manners for young girls - and with a lot of secrets to boot.
Having the run of the house, they enter rooms they aren't supposed to in a "kids will be kids" sort of way - especially after finding out it's actually their house and no one can really stop them from exploring. They find a relic that they cannot explain - a compass that acts strangely.
One of the girls pockets the treasure and thus begins a new adventure that is breathtaking in scope.
The book is well written, the characters very well developed, and a world of magical and mystical beings is described beautifully.
Although young adults are the targeted readers, adults can and will enjoy this read also. I didn't want to put it down.
November 30, 2019
This is an excellent and well-written book. I especially loved the creativity of the longaevi, each with their separate element, powers, and personalities. The children acted like and learned like children, which I appreciated. The societies seemed real, especially in how they interacted with and misunderstood each other. I feel like it speaks into our world in a way that fantasy can do best; the author challenges his readers to think about their beliefs and assumptions while side-stepping their defenses. I value that in fantasy and it is one of the many reasons I love the genre. This book does it well. While the story is certainly excellent for pre-teens and young teens, it is also something that ages well. I'm a 34 year old with a master's degree and absolutely loved it. I am looking forward to reading the rest of the series, and I'm impatient to hear what the prophecy actually says!
October 18, 2020
I loved that this book is written completely from 1 sister's perspective. The main character (a middle sister) had such a fun personality.
This book is so fascinating as I got to explore this new world along with the 3 sisters. It's so full and interesting and has many unexpected layers.
This book is so fascinating as I got to explore this new world along with the 3 sisters. It's so full and interesting and has many unexpected layers.
September 13, 2023
This book be fun.
Flight of the Skycricket is a sort of steampunk/fantasy book about 3 sisters who walk through a rectangle, leading them to another world. Reminds me of something else actually... Anyhoo I found this book to be fun but flawed. The world seems to be deep with lore, but the lore is explained confusedly and it becomes difficult to understand when you come back to the book after a day. The jokes are also very cheesy at points referencing other book series like Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, and even Curious George for some weird reason. Most of these jokes feel very forced like they're supposed to be little things for book nerds to see and say, "Ah, reference! Me like that." Another weird thing is how the SkyCricket, the book's namesake is introduced a third of the way through and then crashes in the middle of the story. That kind of sucks since the ship actually had a neat way of operating and it was a very creative idea. Other than that, it's a pretty standard fantasy adventure in a seemingly colorful world. I actually know the author Jeremy Grinnell from his sermons at my church and he's very interesting to listen to. The same is true in this book as well, the words fly off the page with bright colors and they grab your attention perfectly. However, weird pacing holds this back from becoming a book I would read again.
3/5, I like it, just a bit unmemorable.
Flight of the Skycricket is a sort of steampunk/fantasy book about 3 sisters who walk through a rectangle, leading them to another world. Reminds me of something else actually... Anyhoo I found this book to be fun but flawed. The world seems to be deep with lore, but the lore is explained confusedly and it becomes difficult to understand when you come back to the book after a day. The jokes are also very cheesy at points referencing other book series like Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, and even Curious George for some weird reason. Most of these jokes feel very forced like they're supposed to be little things for book nerds to see and say, "Ah, reference! Me like that." Another weird thing is how the SkyCricket, the book's namesake is introduced a third of the way through and then crashes in the middle of the story. That kind of sucks since the ship actually had a neat way of operating and it was a very creative idea. Other than that, it's a pretty standard fantasy adventure in a seemingly colorful world. I actually know the author Jeremy Grinnell from his sermons at my church and he's very interesting to listen to. The same is true in this book as well, the words fly off the page with bright colors and they grab your attention perfectly. However, weird pacing holds this back from becoming a book I would read again.
3/5, I like it, just a bit unmemorable.
April 1, 2022
Flight of the Skycricket by Gordon Greenhill has Narnian DNA but stands on its own as a middle-grade fantasy adventure. The story of three young girls who travel to another world where science and myth are the same brings Lewis’ themes into the twenty-first century. And while the novel starts with a similar plot, it quickly establishes its own world and legends.
And what is a skycricket? One of the highlights of the book certainly, providing some of the most thrilling sequences whenever it’s referenced. But Flight of the Skycricket is deeper than mere thrills and wonder. Themes such as faith versus science, the adaptation of the open mind to new experiences, and how our enemies may share more with our beliefs than first thought, and an argument about the best way to teach history are all intelligently incorporated into this novel.
A tale of portal magic, desert crossings, duels to the death, and legendary sites, the novel is packed with highly creative sequences that will keep the reader’s interest. Along with three engaging main characters, Skycricket is a promising start to a fantasy trilogy.
And what is a skycricket? One of the highlights of the book certainly, providing some of the most thrilling sequences whenever it’s referenced. But Flight of the Skycricket is deeper than mere thrills and wonder. Themes such as faith versus science, the adaptation of the open mind to new experiences, and how our enemies may share more with our beliefs than first thought, and an argument about the best way to teach history are all intelligently incorporated into this novel.
A tale of portal magic, desert crossings, duels to the death, and legendary sites, the novel is packed with highly creative sequences that will keep the reader’s interest. Along with three engaging main characters, Skycricket is a promising start to a fantasy trilogy.
June 20, 2020
Flight of the Skycricket is a fairly entertaining middle grade adventure of the Hoover sisters, Eli, Anna, and Rose. They find an old compass in their new house, and it transports them to the land of Errus, where they go on a grand adventure through the skies from the south into the north.
Skycricket is very reminiscent of Narnia. I compared it on a few occasions while I was listening to Narnia meets His Dark Materials. I think this book would have entertained middle-school me a little more than it did adult me, as I was all about the grand adventures when I was 11 or 12. As it stands, I found it quite entertaining, but a little bit overlong, if I’m being honest.
It also has really excellent narration – as one would expect from a book written by a professional narrator and then… narrated by him.
I’d recommend Flight of the Skycricket to anyone with a curious or adventurous middle-schooler in their life, especially one who likes audiobooks!
Skycricket is very reminiscent of Narnia. I compared it on a few occasions while I was listening to Narnia meets His Dark Materials. I think this book would have entertained middle-school me a little more than it did adult me, as I was all about the grand adventures when I was 11 or 12. As it stands, I found it quite entertaining, but a little bit overlong, if I’m being honest.
It also has really excellent narration – as one would expect from a book written by a professional narrator and then… narrated by him.
I’d recommend Flight of the Skycricket to anyone with a curious or adventurous middle-schooler in their life, especially one who likes audiobooks!
July 7, 2021
This is Book 1 of the Relics of Errus Series
The book starts off slow as we learn a bit of the back-story of the girls and their family life in the midst of transition after a loss. It then suddenly transports them to another world of an adventure that they never seemed possible. The author allows the audience to experience everything in real time and not knowing what will come next. I won't give any spoilers because it is a part of series, and I truly enjoy all the characters.
I listened to the audio version of the book by the author and it is fantastic listening.
The book has pieces of it that feels part Narnia (C.S. Lewis) , part Dune (Frank Herbert) and part Hobbit (J.R.R. Tolkien). It is uniquely Greenhill's style and audience that I feel it would be great for the pre-adolescent to young adolescent age group of boys and girls.
I am currently reading Plight of the Rokan Boy and enjoying that thoroughly as well.
The book starts off slow as we learn a bit of the back-story of the girls and their family life in the midst of transition after a loss. It then suddenly transports them to another world of an adventure that they never seemed possible. The author allows the audience to experience everything in real time and not knowing what will come next. I won't give any spoilers because it is a part of series, and I truly enjoy all the characters.
I listened to the audio version of the book by the author and it is fantastic listening.
The book has pieces of it that feels part Narnia (C.S. Lewis) , part Dune (Frank Herbert) and part Hobbit (J.R.R. Tolkien). It is uniquely Greenhill's style and audience that I feel it would be great for the pre-adolescent to young adolescent age group of boys and girls.
I am currently reading Plight of the Rokan Boy and enjoying that thoroughly as well.
January 8, 2022
This is an epic, sci-fi/fantasy adventure that is sure to entertain middle schoolers and YA. (Many adults will like this one too!) It is not written “young”, if that makes sense.
One of my kids met the author at a local con and surprised me with books one and two of this series. My kid also mentioned how nice and friendly the author was and how it was nice talking with him.
I was pleasantly surprised by this novel. It is very well written. I can definitely see the Narnia inspiration, but it also really reminded me of the Wrinkle In Time series.
I loved the instant bond between the girls and the scientist and knight. It was so sweet.
The beginning of the book grabbed my attention immediately. For me, it slowed down and dragged a bit during the start of their travels, but picked up nicely at the half way point. This is one that you can read in one sitting.
This is book one of a series, but this could be read as a stand alone.
One of my kids met the author at a local con and surprised me with books one and two of this series. My kid also mentioned how nice and friendly the author was and how it was nice talking with him.
I was pleasantly surprised by this novel. It is very well written. I can definitely see the Narnia inspiration, but it also really reminded me of the Wrinkle In Time series.
I loved the instant bond between the girls and the scientist and knight. It was so sweet.
The beginning of the book grabbed my attention immediately. For me, it slowed down and dragged a bit during the start of their travels, but picked up nicely at the half way point. This is one that you can read in one sitting.
This is book one of a series, but this could be read as a stand alone.
April 21, 2020
Well-written book that is sure to please younger fans and older fans. Many books written towards younger readers tend to be written down for their intended audience, and are therefore less enjoyable reading for everyone. I appreciate that Gordon Greenhill doesn't insult his readers in this way. His writing is complex but clear. The characters were interesting and the plot and settings had me captivated.
Reminiscent of Narnia, but that's never a bad thing. :)
Reminiscent of Narnia, but that's never a bad thing. :)
August 22, 2023
I really enjoyed this middle grade portal fantasy adventure. I like the variety of characters and the ways things work in the world of Errus. And I like that there’s closure for the plot of this book, while still leaving larger mysteries to be revealed over the course of the series.
November 9, 2020
A humorous mix of adventure, fantasy and even a few philosophical discussions along the way.
January 19, 2021
It was pretty fun and humorous. It was a little cheesy though.
Read
December 14, 2024Nope. Just no. Didn't really like all that world building dump.
March 3, 2020
Clever characters and conflict. Planning to teach it to my 8th graders in 2020.
October 17, 2020
Excellent read for middle school students
I am teaching this delightful novel to my eighth graders, and they love it. Many are anxious for the next volume anxiously, as am I. I appreciate the depth of character and sense of history in the World of Errus.
I am teaching this delightful novel to my eighth graders, and they love it. Many are anxious for the next volume anxiously, as am I. I appreciate the depth of character and sense of history in the World of Errus.
December 3, 2019
Fun fantasy geared toward younger readers. Reminiscent of Narnia and The Hobbit, Sky Cricket is an excellent addition to the library of a burgeoning fantasy reader.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews