Author:Amos Oz,Sondra Silverston
In a village far away, deep in a valley, all the animals and birds disappeared some years ago. Only the rebellious young teacher and an old man talk about animals to the children, who have never seen such (mythical) creatures. Otherwise there's a strange silence round the whole subject. One wretched, little boy has dreams of animals, begins to whoop like an owl, is regarded as an outcast, and eventually disappears.
A stubborn, brave girl called Maya and her friend Matti, are drawn to explore in the woods round the village. They know there are dangers beyond and that at night, Nehi the Mountain Demon comes down to the village. In a far-off cave, they come upon the vanished boy, content and self-sufficient. Eventually they find themselves in a beautiful garden paradise full of every kind of animal, bird and fish - the home of Nehi the Mountain Demon. The Demon is a pied piper figure who stole the animals from the village. He, too, was once a boy there, but he was different, mocked and reviled, treated as an outsider and outcast.
This is his terrible revenge, one which has punished him too, by removing him from society and friendship, and every few years he draws another child or two to join him in his fortress Eden, where he has trained the sheep to lie down with the wolves, and where predators are few. He lets the two children return to the village, telling them that one day, when people are less cruel and his desire for vengeance has crumbled, perhaps the animals might come back...
Storytelling that will get readers hooked
—— GuardianWitty and inspired. Gripping, touching and deliciously satirical
—— The TimesLots of action and quirky humor will lead kids to do just what libraries encourage them to do: keep reading
—— Washington PostCharming in every sense of the word. Beautifully written and at times highly comic, it is an extraordinary achievement
—— Books for KeepsSure to be as popular with both children and adults as all his other books
—— Croydon AdvertiserLively wit, sly wisdom and compelling narratives
—— Leicester MercuryPratchett's usual mix of uproarious comedy and deceptively serious thought
—— Southern Daily EchoHe's probably the funniest writer in English today . . . great themes with huge doses of comedy
—— South Wales Evening PostFunny and winning as ever
—— Nottingham Evening PostCrackles with energy and humour
—— Leicester MercuryFrom the shadow of dementia, a brilliant novel shines: Terry Pratchett's last book is a funny, fearless farewell . . . This is a book worth reading twice in quick succession.
—— Christopher Stevens , Daily MailA joyful sign-off from a master of fantasy fiction . . . High-octane literary enjoyment.
—— Nicholas Tucker , IndependentTerry Pratchett was never so witty, direct and generous as in this, his final Discworld novel.
—— Amanda Craig , GuardianThe Shepherd’s Crown is a sometimes sad, often funny and eminently suitable testament to the life and career of Terry Pratchett.
—— David Barnett , IndependentA crowning achievement for Terry Pratchett and his Discworld . . . This is a book for all ages, the tour de force of one of the English language’s greatest authors, who, in the midst of encroaching darkness and facing so many terrors of his own, has contrived to astound us one last time with his craft.
—— The ConversationPratchett's final work is a tour de force of compassion, great wit, and gleeful storytelling.
—— Publishers Weekly (starred review)A worthy crown to Terry Pratchett’s phenomenal artistic achievement.
—— Michael Dirda , Washington PostThe last Discworld offering is a poignant farewell, both to Pratchett's readership and to his extraordinary world.
—— Imogen Russell Williams , MetroAs ever in Pratchett's work, empathy and compassion are foregrounded. With its humour and humaneness, it reminds us, too, that its author, as Tiffany says of her deceased friend, 'is . . . was . . . unfollowable.'
—— James Lovegrove , Financial TimesSomething to treasure
—— Kirkus ReviewsFunny, sad and extremely moving . . . most will likely consider it one of the strongest, and certainly one of the most – possibly the most – moving [of the Discworld novels].
—— Juliette Harrisson , Den of Geek
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