Faerie Wars

by Herbie Brennan

Book Overview

When Henry Atherton helps Mr. Fogarty clean up around his house, he expects to find a mess and a cranky old man; what he doesn't expect to find is Pyrgus Malvae, crown prince of the Faerie realm, who... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1582348103
• ISBN13: 9781582348100
• Release Date: April 2003
• Publisher: Bloomsbury U.S.A. Children's Books
• Length: 368 Pages
• Weight: 0.70 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.3" x 5.3" x 8.1"
• Age Range: 12 years and up
• Grade Range: Grade 7 and higher

Customer Reviews

Awesome book

Loved this book. I couldn’t put the book down. Can’t wait to read the rest of the series.

An Excellent Book, Parents Calm Down

I found this book to be an excellent read. You can get a quick summary from other reviews - I'm really just here to make a point of the other reviews. If you look, all the children who have reviewed this book enjoyed it. Kids, especially in 7th-9th grade, enjoy a fast paced, thought provoking read. Hints at satanism, kitten-drowning villains, a lesbian family drama - are these things that make parents want to shield their children from a masterful piece of literature that's perfect for many kids who are ready for a little challenge in their reading? Parents need to grow up, and stop shielding their "sensitive" children. If we heard it from the children of these negative adult reviewers, I believe we would get a different picture. I would also like to agree that publishers should quit with the "perfect for potter fans" balogna. It makes it seem that no YA book can be as good as Harry Potter. This is ridiculous - the real reason Harry Potter is so successful is because it appeals to a wide audience, and does a good job of not stepping on any too-uncomfortable issues. I definitely have a great time reading the Potter books, but the Bartimaeus trilogy, the Devil's Armor trilogy (this one is a little on the adult side), the Shannara books, the Magician's Guild books by Trudi Canavan, the Faerie War books (hopefully to become a trilogy)are all far better books if you're a 7th to 9th grade kid, that likes to read and is sick of the boring old formula written kids books. Though many of these classify as adult, a mature 13 year old should be fine with these books. Even if somebody isn't ready for all these titles, there is nothing wrong with Faerie Wars for an 11 or 12 year old. I realize I've been long-winded, but parents need to stop making a crisis out of thought provoking and enjoyable books. My hat is off to Herbie Brennan, and to all the other kids (I'm 13) that've reviewed here in defense of an excellent novel.

One of the greatest books in it's genre.

First off, I have to note a complaint towards several of the reviewers who have criticized this book on the grounds that it "is not for children", and is thus too controversial for young children and their parents to enjoy. Well, there's a reason that it's filed under YOUNG ADULT!!! Just because a book has the word 'Faerie' in its title, doesn't necessarily mean it's written for kids. Young adult covers a variety of ages, generally ranging (at the youngest) from thirteen or fourteen all the way up to eighteen years old, however, this book is also thoroughly enjoyable for adults.With that said, "Faerie Wars" is one of my favorite books, and for a very specific reason. It's unique and funny without straying and becoming overly tongue-and-cheek or childish in the process. This book covers a lot of ground in its 367 pages. The main characters are compelling, one with a fiery heart and strong motivation, the other a person who lacks those very two qualities, which makes for an interesting and fun character dynamic. The atmosphere in the book is incredible. Herbie Brennan cultivates a world so rich in detail, colors, scent, taste, etc. that you wish you were there, despite the evils that threaten to engulf it. (Hey, it's a fantasy book. What would a fantasy book be without the threat of an overwhelming evil on the horizon, right?) However, Brennan even finds a way to twist this, creating villains who aren't what they seem, and change, very realistically and surprisingly, more than once.Another distinguishing factor that makes this book great, is voice. Herbie Brennan manages to convey the events that are taking place through the eyes of the character while at the same time injecting the thoughts of the narrator skillfully amidst the thoughts of the character. Brennan also manages to deftly juggle the story line from one character to the next, not leaving every break between characters with a cliff-hanger, but with just the right touch of suspense, compelling you to keep reading. The combined effect of these techniques results in a vortex-like effect, sucking you in and holding your attention until either you fall asleep from exhaustion, your light source runs out, or you read all the way through to the end. All in all, I can't think of hardly anything that weighs this book down, but the pro's go as follow.PRO'S*Enjoyable characters and character dynamics*A world so rich in detail and atmosphere, you won't want to leave.*Villains whose wickedness holds your attention, and who's unique personalities almost outshine the main characters'. In short: thoroughly enjoyable bad-guys.*A plot line that keeps you guessing, smiling, tense and enthralled all at the same time, boasting an amazingly minimal amount of plot-holes. Three cheers for Herbie Brennan!*Skillful transitions from character to character and easy flowing changeovers from voice to voice.CON'S***Note: this con will vary from person to person. It all depends on what bothers you****S

FAERIE WARS - no age is too old to enjoy this book.

I don't think this book is strictly for grades 6-8...I am 16, and just recently read it. And I am not an immature 16, I read A LOT. I'd say this book is enjoyable from sixth grade all the way up to twelfth...if not higher. Even adults who love fantasy will be engrossed in this witty and compelling book. I fell in love with the characters almost at once; the moment I openned the book and read the first few lines, I was hooked. I read it in 2 days. It would have been less, but I read it at Borders, and I was only there for a few hourse each day. I wont get into the characters, although they were just awesome, because you already have reviews talking about the story. I meerly wanted to point out that this book can be enjoyed by those older than eighth grade, as the way it is written is by no means simple, and the story is a real winner. Take it from a sixteen year old female voracious reader. :-D Thanks for reading this.

Eoin Colfer was right . . .

On the back cover of this wonderful read is heady praise from Eoin Colfer (author of Artemis Fowl):"I meant to read this book at my leisure; I ended up missing two meals and an important phone call..."I can say that what was to be a casual read over the next few weeks has ended with me writing my first ever review after turning the last page. Having purchased the book this afternoon I can attest (at 5am today) that this is one of those rare gems that truly can't be put down until its conclusion.If you're looking for adventure, mystery and even a few moments of suspense, Faerie Wars packs them all in with an ease and grace that leaves you hungry for a sequel.

a fantastic faerie novel

faerie wars has everything a good faerie book needs; adventure, a young faerie with an attitude, wizards, trolls,ect. It's about a boy named Henry who mets up with prince of the faeries, Pyrygus Malvae and along with old Mr. Fogarty they start off on a quest to save the prince's world. Won't say anymore or i'll ruin it! This book is the greatest, plus there's going to be a sequel, i can't wait!enjoy!