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Wickit Chronicles #1
Ely Plot
Pip lives in a medieval abbey, surrounded by monks and miles of swamp — pretty boring. Until he meets Perfect, a small stone gargoyle, and the two find themselves in the middle of an assassination attempt against the king, and being chased across the fens by a man bent on killing them. Boring? Not any more.
128 pages, Paperback
First published April 24, 2007
3 people are currently reading
85 people want to read
About the author
Joan Lennon
43 books17 followersI live and write in the Kingdom of Fife, overlooking the silvery River Tay, with a view of trees and grey slate roofs and a skyscape it would be hard to better. Also resident in the flat are an unruly crowd of characters, including a Victorian detective girl, a miner boy from an alien planet, a ferret princess, a medieval orphan, a talking gargoyle, a short Viking and the occasional flying horse. I enjoy their company and do my very best to keep up with their stories.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
August 25, 2022
Pip has been brought up in the monastery of Wickit in the middle of a great English swamp since he was brought there as a baby in the arms of a woman dying of fever. Now he learns Latin and singing from the Abbot, does chores for the other monks and spends the balance of his time getting into mischief. One day, while scrambling around on the roof of the abbey, he discovers a gargoyle hidden inside the squat tower – and it discovers him. Perfect (short for Perfect Parting Gift) has been waiting a hundred years for a friend like Pip. Shaped like a dragon, she can actually fly and even swim, despite being made of stone. But mostly, she hides inside Pip's tunic, since discovery would probably lead to accusations of witchcraft.
Things are going about as well as they can for a boy and his gargoyle in medieval England until a trip to the cathedral city of Ely puts him on the spot. First, he's singled out for his singing talent, which puts the head choirboy's nose out of joint. Second, he and Perfect witness a plot to poison the teenage king, and are forced to go on the run with all the king's men (and some who aren't on his side) in full pursuit.
It's a charming and fun adventure full of historical color, magic, danger and characters who pop off the page despite being drawn in swift strokes. If I had to complain about anything, it's how quickly the story comes to a close, with some of the action actually happening "offstage," so to speak. I thought I saw potential here for a more extended adventure with Pip and the young king dodging danger and court intrigue coming to the backwater abbey. Instead, they make their narrow escape and that's about it – other than a tease of possible adventures to come.
This is the first book of "The Wickit Chronicles," which continues with Fen Gold, Ice Road and Witch Bell. Joan Lennon is the Canadian-Scottish author of such children's titles as The Ferret Princess, The Night of the Kelpies, Planet Hell, Walking Mountain and the "Slightly Jones Mystery" quartet. For another series of children's books featuring living gargoyles, may I suggest The Gargoyle in My Yard by Philippa Dowding?
Things are going about as well as they can for a boy and his gargoyle in medieval England until a trip to the cathedral city of Ely puts him on the spot. First, he's singled out for his singing talent, which puts the head choirboy's nose out of joint. Second, he and Perfect witness a plot to poison the teenage king, and are forced to go on the run with all the king's men (and some who aren't on his side) in full pursuit.
It's a charming and fun adventure full of historical color, magic, danger and characters who pop off the page despite being drawn in swift strokes. If I had to complain about anything, it's how quickly the story comes to a close, with some of the action actually happening "offstage," so to speak. I thought I saw potential here for a more extended adventure with Pip and the young king dodging danger and court intrigue coming to the backwater abbey. Instead, they make their narrow escape and that's about it – other than a tease of possible adventures to come.
This is the first book of "The Wickit Chronicles," which continues with Fen Gold, Ice Road and Witch Bell. Joan Lennon is the Canadian-Scottish author of such children's titles as The Ferret Princess, The Night of the Kelpies, Planet Hell, Walking Mountain and the "Slightly Jones Mystery" quartet. For another series of children's books featuring living gargoyles, may I suggest The Gargoyle in My Yard by Philippa Dowding?
February 6, 2018
This is a wonderfully written middle grade novel that shares a view for those who never been to England a bit of a what is different from the every day. We learn about monks, cathedrals and how to punt down a river while being chased. Add in a magical gargoyle named perfect and you have a short sweet read sure to delight. The adventure continues in Fen Gold (Wickit Chronicles #2)
March 19, 2025
This is a cute book and I obsessed with the little gargoyle/dragon in it. Fun book and I'll be continuing the series.
December 17, 2011
Pip, saved from death by Fen fever as an orphan infant by the brothers at Wickit monastery, has lived with them ever since. His story set in the Middle Ages, Pip lives in the British kingdon and loves to sing at services, being possessed of a clear, high voice. He also likes to avoid the nagging of Prior Benet. One day, when escaping the Prior’s clutches, Pip discovers a creature in the tower of the monastery. A living, breathing gargoyle, Perfect quickly befriends Pip. Soon, they travel to Ely Cathedral to participate in Lenten services. It just so happens that the teenage King is in town for services, along with some men who plan to betray the King to his death. Perfect and Pip overhear the plot and then their real adventure begins. A splendid example of medieval mystery blended with historical fiction for children, Ely Plot fools readers with twists and turns. As a mostly-obedient boy who likes to foil self-serving and arrogant characters’ attempts to further inflate their egos, Pip is quite lovable. He tends to trust those in power a little too implicitly, but thankfully, Perfect sees everyone for who they truly are, warts and all. The author provides a question-and-answer section at the end of the book that discusses the historical aspects of the book. This section would be validated if accompanied by references, but these are not provided. The answers do help readers with some of the harder vocabulary used in the book. David Wyatt provides illustrations scattered throughout the text which lend more authority to the text’s historical setting. Monks with tonsures and habits are penciled in grays along with Perfect the dragon gargoyle and the marshes and fens surrounding their home. Highly recommended for public libraries.
June 20, 2010
This is a great choice for historical fiction/fantasy. Fantasy to keep the reader interested yet historical enough to actually learn something. I enjoyed it as an adult but could really see it being great for 4-5th graders, or a great choice for older kids with lower reading abilities. I especially liked the question/answer in the bank of the book, it shed some more light on the historical aspects in a humorous way.
The story is about a boy raised in a monastery who discovers a plot to kill the young king of England. The story is set in the medieval time period, but has nothing to do with knights! Everyday people and their lives (with a bit more excitement and a gargoyle dragon thrown in!)
I think it would be an excellent choice for homeschoolers or other educationally minded people. It's hard to find a good mix of learning/fun, especially that would appeal to boys and girls alike.
The story is about a boy raised in a monastery who discovers a plot to kill the young king of England. The story is set in the medieval time period, but has nothing to do with knights! Everyday people and their lives (with a bit more excitement and a gargoyle dragon thrown in!)
I think it would be an excellent choice for homeschoolers or other educationally minded people. It's hard to find a good mix of learning/fun, especially that would appeal to boys and girls alike.
September 1, 2010
Amber (10) and I read this aloud together, and I have to say it’s one of my favorite middle school books I’ve read recently. It’s a great mix of historical fiction and fantasy, but what sets it apart is the medieval background.
Honestly, I don’t remember reading many books with Amber that are set in medieval times, let alone a monastery in the fens. I appreciated how the author taught about the time period without diminishing the fun of the story. And no knights to be seen, mostly monks and “regular” people, and Perfect, a living stone dragon gargoyle, is the only touch of fantasy. The story, to me at least, seems to portray life at that time realistically, both for the monks and the nobles.
It’s a great book, plenty of action and adventure, fun characters. I also liked the Q&A section at the back, telling more about the World of Wickit, like the medicines and religious customs at that time, and the Old Fens.
Honestly, I don’t remember reading many books with Amber that are set in medieval times, let alone a monastery in the fens. I appreciated how the author taught about the time period without diminishing the fun of the story. And no knights to be seen, mostly monks and “regular” people, and Perfect, a living stone dragon gargoyle, is the only touch of fantasy. The story, to me at least, seems to portray life at that time realistically, both for the monks and the nobles.
It’s a great book, plenty of action and adventure, fun characters. I also liked the Q&A section at the back, telling more about the World of Wickit, like the medicines and religious customs at that time, and the Old Fens.
February 9, 2011
I found the first three books in this series, The Wickit Chronicles, at a garage sale. I loved the covers and they looked promising. I wasn't disappointed. These are wonderful books for young readers. They have illustrations of the main characters, each with an explanation of who they are, at the front of the books. The stories are engaging, with a touch of adventure, and I would thoroughly recommend these chapter books to eager, young readers. They'll come away with a touch of knowledge about medieval times, and if they are curious to know more about medieval thought, customs, places, etc., there are pages at the back of the book filled with information, fashioned in question-and-answer form especially for young readers.
December 15, 2012
Quite enjoyed this little story. Bought the whole series based on the first book, so here's hoping it continues to entertain. FULL DISCLOSURE: I am an Independent Consultant for Usborne Books & More, which now carries Kane Miller Books, including these. But I spent my own money on this series when I only really needed the first book for my business purposes. I think that counts for something of a good review! :)
March 4, 2011
I really enjoyed this book. It is an easy read for the 10-11 year old set. I have read some reviews that abhorred the idea of an evil arch bishop, but there has to be a villain and henchmen and good guys to tell this kind of story. It has some adventure and a bit of magic but it isn't too scary for the younger ones.
March 20, 2013
This is a well-written first book in the Wicket series. The story is about Pip who is an orphan being raised by Monks in medieval times. His friend, Perfect, is a stone dragon gargoyle come to life.
It is a short, easy read with plenty of adventure and fun characters. I am just not certain that the setting is one that will engage today's children.
3rd grade and up.
It is a short, easy read with plenty of adventure and fun characters. I am just not certain that the setting is one that will engage today's children.
3rd grade and up.
November 23, 2011
In this book, Pip lives in a medieval abbey, surrounded by monks and miles of swamp. It's an adventurous book for young readers. It's an easy read. I would use this book as a book to have in the classroom library for any student to read.
October 22, 2014
A favorite middle school book. It’s a great mix of historical fiction, fantasy and medieval times (not the restaurant but the time period).
It’s a great book with action and adventure and fun characters. The question and answer section is great for discussing the book with your child.
It’s a great book with action and adventure and fun characters. The question and answer section is great for discussing the book with your child.
May 29, 2009
Historical fiction/fantasy about a young boy who discovers, with the help of his trusty gargoyle, a plot to kill the young king.
November 20, 2009
this book looked cooler than it was. I did really like the main character Pip and how humble he was. won't be reading any more of these
March 10, 2010
Loved this little book about a young orphan being raised at a monastery with a pet gargoyle/dragon who becomes embroiled in a plot to assassinate the king.
January 12, 2011
I pre-read this for my second-grader. He is currently reading it and really likes it. I love that it has rich vocabulary. It has really gotten his mind working!
September 17, 2011
Plain horrible. The medieval/fantasy theme is poorly represented.
December 9, 2012
Slow start but stick with it because the adventure is worth it.
February 17, 2016
very good
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews