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The Runaway Troll
The Runaway Troll
Jan 10, 2025 5:48 AM

Author:Matt Haig

The Runaway Troll

From the bestselling author of A Boy Called Christmas, The Girl Who Saved Christmas, Father Christmas and Me and The Truth Pixie.

Samuel's not allowed to enter Shadow Forest. But what's to stop the forest from coming to him?

There's one thing every troll child dreads more than anything - and that's the Betterer, the evil troll in Shadow Forest who loves to punish his fellow trolls for their grubby and stupid habits in lots of horrible ways.

When one troll boy escapes the forest to be with his favourite human, Samuel Blink, the Betterer isn't happy. Until he realizes that the most useful thing to have in his Bettering Tower would be a real life human child. So he sets out on a quest into the human world to kidnap Samuel and the troll friend he's been hiding in his wardrobe . . .

Reviews

Children with a taste for magic and fantasy will find both - and a dollop of humour - in this second tale of Samuel Blink . . . this entertaining thriller oozes comedy and suspense in equal measure

—— Daily Mail

Fast, fun and furious action with a cast of humorous characters and creatures. A runaway hit

—— TBK

It is so good to have a children's book, full of fun and adventure . . . a well-judged adventure for young readers, told in a proper story-teller's voice. Hurrah!

—— Carousel

. . . thoroughly engaging and readable

—— www.thebookbag.co.uk

Dazzling entertainment . . . seamless storytelling

—— Julia Eccleshare , lovereading.co.uk

Like other great children's books which also entrance adults, Wolf Brother conjures up an utterly believable, yet original world where the story grips you to the very last page

—— Sir Ian McKellen

An exciting and involved space adventure which engages with big themes . . . Atmospheric illustrations are a bonus.

—— Peters Books

Like the brightest light from the furthest star, this book is a creation to behold . . . It is a breathtaking epic space adventure that will have you gripped

—— Vincent Ripley , Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books

Incredible . . . If sci-fi is your thing then Phoenix is a must-read, if sci-fi isn’t your thing then Phoenix is a should-read, trust me!

—— Raimy , Readaraptor

A rip-roaring plot . . . awe-inspiring artwork.

—— The Book Bag

An extraordinary tale of science-fiction, adventure, love and war . . . Phoenix is a remarkable novel, uniting Said’s incredible storytelling with wonderful illustrations that bring to life an entire universe of creativity and imagination. Full of suspense, intrigue, action, emotion and more, this is a fantastic read which must surely be set for great things.

—— Booktrust

Lucky is a great super hero for kids, someone who puts others first . . . The illustrations by Dave McKean were very inspirational . . . I give this book 10/10!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

—— Louis , HomeForBookwormsLikeMe

An action-packed adventure that will appeal to both boys and girls.

—— Linda Buckley-Archer , Guardian

Said is bold enough to know that sometimes, things can get scary, and young readers need that . . . [The illustration] uses the vastness and emptiness of space as a tool, filling this negative space with the movement of lines that enhance the vastness, and both the fear and joy that comes with being alone in it . . . A beautiful and awesome mythology, . . A remarkable adventure story for any age.

—— Dork Shelf

This book kept catching my eye in bookstores . . . The writing, as well as the illustrations, bring the story to life beautifully. . . Lucky is unforgettable.

—— Books and Writers JNR

There were some genius twists that kept me guessing at the ending. There’s no way I could have ever predicted the last chapters. They were heartbreaking, yet hopeful, and so beautiful . . . HIGHLY recommended for any sci-fi fans, fantasy fans, out there - and also anybody who wants a new favourite book.

—— Books and Writers JNR

It is layered with depth and meaning right from the get go . . . These multilayered themes and ideas, reinforced by strong characterisation, make this book shine . . . The result is a touching, meaningful story for children and adults alike.

—— Barbara Melville , Interzone issue 249
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