Endymion Spring by Matthew Skelton
It occurs to me today, having just finished reading my advance reader’s copy of Endymion Spring by Matthew Skelton, that my obsession with books about music may be rivaled by some people’s obsession with books about books.I can only guess about this, having no obsession of my own with books about books. It first crossed my mind when I noticed the huge popularity of Cornelia Funke’s Inkheart among both children and adults. Then I noticed that the majority of books offered in the Bas Bleu catalog were actually about books. Then Book Lust was in the news for a while, and a whole slew of other similar book-related books that I have no interest in reading became popular.
So, while I was not particularly crazy about Endymion Spring (nor was I about Harry Potter, as you might recall), I have a feeling that when it is released in August, it will find itself at the top of the lists for a long while.
Based on the author’s own research into the history behind Gutenberg’s first press and the strange coincidences and ties between the characters involved with it, Endymion Spring tells the story of a boy who finds a strange and magical book while waiting for his mother in an Oxford library. The pages of the volume are oddly blank, but within moments, they seem to quiver as if alive, words begin to appear, and only he can see them. The tale of how this mysterious book came to be and the many who have sought it and its great power over the centuries propels the story, while the boy must figure out his own role in the mystery.
It all sounds pretty exciting, especially for bibliophiles. However, I found both the plot and the language a bit forced, and ultimately, I was unsatisfied with the resolution. While the main adventure wrapped up, I still have unanswered questions about the meaning of the special book, why those that seek it will simply give up now, and what the ending means for the future of the book.
Oh wait, it all makes sense now—I suppose we can expect a sequel next year. I don’t think I’ll be reading it.
Endymion Spring by Matthew Skelton
tags: children's books book reviews Gutenburg press oxford libraries Matthew Skelton
posted by Renee at 10:30 AM
feed me
4 Comments:
Oh, thank goodness. I thought the emperor really did have clothes on. I hate this book. It's gotten such a push but almost no one I've talked to who has read it liked it. At first I thought it was just me.
Consider reading the new Ice Queen release or Elizabeth Haydon's THE FLOATING ISLAND, also heavily promoted at BEA but which is, in fact, a lovely, funny book for all ages. Thanks for confirming that I am not crazy.
I think both of you are just player hating because you don't have books out. This is an incredible book and well thought out. A very good book for young kids to read as well as older more mature kids.
Well, considering I couldn't put the book down, even to sleep, I'd say the book had a pull - a must for any good book. While I admit I do have questions regarding "The Last Book" and the resolution at the end, it still was a great read. If there's a sequel, count me in!
My14 year old, who doesn't really like to read, couldn't put this book down. Would in fact ask to stay up a bit later just to keep reading! So yes, I would say that it was in fact a great work of fiction indeed if it can get even reluctant readers enthralled!
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