Author:Humphrey Carpenter
When old Mr Jenks retires, St Barty's School advertises for a new caretaker. Unfortunately there's only one applicant - Hamish Bigmore's Uncle Wilf who is just as rude and bad-tempered as Hamish. When Mr Majeika is hurt in an accident it becomes clear that Uncle Wilf is working for the wickedest of witches, Wilhelmina Warlock! It's up to Mr Majeika to work his magic and put things right again.
A spirited defence of individuality. An enthusiatic advertisement for the delights of reading
—— Literary ReviewA beautifully plotted, well-told mix of fantasy thriller and closely observed school drama
—— TelegraphA fast and compelling tale
—— IndependentJoan Aiken is a marvel
—— Philip Pullman , GuardianAn eerie and magical collection
—— Oxford TimesAlexis Deacon is an outstanding young artist whose illustrations give
extraordinary depth and meaning to a very simple story
This is an action-packed fantasy adventure that will appeal to both adults and younger readers.
—— Colchester Evening GazetteExciting tale.
—— Junior News and MailFrom the very first sentence we are plunged into a dangerous fantasy world.
—— Amanda Craig , The Independent on SundayTeenagers will love Eragon...thrills, spills and danger...Who could resist?
—— Kati Nicholl , The Daily ExpressPaolini's dragon epic shows he's a breath of hot air.
—— Daily EchoMentions promotional event at the Cheltenham Festival
—— Publishing NewsArticle about the success of the book which is number 1 in the US charts
—— The BooksellerShort review
—— South Wales Evening PostIncluded in Cheltenham Festival round-up of the first week: "author of the much-loved fantasy adventure Eragon
—— The TimesEragon dabbles in magic - as does the author, as this book is wonderful...a real page-turner, the best adventure tale you'll ever read.
—— Scottish Sunday HeraldInterview with Christopher Paolini
—— The TimesSophisticated...a plot following Eragon's cousin is compelling.
—— DreamwatchPaolini writes beautifully of another world full of magic. This second of a trilogy is a must for fantasy fans.
—— Aberdeen Evening ExpressWith Eldest [Paolini's] writing is far more assured...there's no denying Paolini knows how to tell a story.
—— Manx IndependentIf you want a book filled to the brim with adventures, magic, fighting and a fiendishly twisty story, pick Eragon and Eldest and I guarantee it will be hard to resist the lure of these titles.
—— Books for KeepsPuts its teenage author firmly on the best-seller lists.
—— Lowestoft JournalThe scenes and characters were described so well I could create a picture in my head of everything - reader review (aged 12).
—— Irish ExaminerA most stunning piece of literature.
—— InisFluent and action-filled.
—— TelegraphPaolini has matured as a writer, but lost none of the imagination that makes this series such compulsive reading.
—— Cambridge Evening NewsBetter than the Harry Potter books... I can't wait for the next one.
—— Carlisle News & StarOlder neophytes of the genre will devour this with relish
—— Inis magazineAn impressive achivement by such a young writer.
—— School LibrarianI strongly recommend this book to anyone, young or old, who appreciates loyalty, love, friendship and bravery. Uncommonly brilliant.
—— Cork Evening EchoThis is a fantastic book
—— Joseph Wilde, Arnold School , Teen Titles Issue 39