In a feudal future, two boys escape the strict boundaries of a cruel world to embark on an adventure along an old Roman Road. There they meet with Nightjar, a strange being who introduces them to the wonders of Man, Magick, Nature, and the promise of adventure and treasure in the town of Sandye.Nightjar, though, is not all he seems. Of the trees and driven by a quest for love eternal, he has his … he has his own reasons for befriending the boys. As a fractious Search Party of strangely drawn characters hurry to rescue them, the boys are unwittingly drawn in by an ancient danger that is and was and always will be.
The world is older and more dangerous than we think.
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Pure immersive and original literature that reads much like a classic…
This is a truly unique read that will whisk you away to a world that sits somewhere between fantasy and folklore. Paul Jameson has crafted and constructed a story that is written in the style of a classic while being highly readable and enjoyable.
Set in a ‘Feudal Future’ where not many will stray from home because of superstition or perhaps because their clan elders say so; two boys ‘Cord’ and ‘Tuppance’ do just that and embark on a journey of adventure. Early in their travels meet a figure of mystery known as ‘Nightjar’. This somewhat magical character goes by many different descriptions, just who he really is will keep readers turning pages but this ‘man in motley’ carries a magical type of presence letting the imagination run wild. He acts as their guide through a world they have never seen, from crossing ford’s to huge old oak trees all the way to abandoned settlements sunken in time. Those back at home whether they are common types and later on the somewhat sinister ‘Brotherhood’ eventually embark on a search for the missing boys which makes for the story.While some believe he is of ‘Daemon’ origin or even a pagan God, the chase is on for what they perceive to be a rescue effort full of page turning drama.
Although the author describes ‘Nightjar’ as a simple tale it has everything from surprises, drama, mystery and even some tragedy all of which is enveloped in a wonderful writing style I haven’t seen in a modern book before. The use of language and description stirs readers imaginations while also giving it room to flow freely much like the story. This is a book I would highly recommend.
Reminiscent of old English poems and Scottish Folklore, this story is captivating in its entirety. Filled with a group of miscreants and “uglies”, the story will keep you hypnotically reading until the very end.
The story begins with two innocent boys playing hooky for a day of adventure and perhaps a little mischief. While on their journey, they meet a strange man who calls himself Nightjar. Nightjar convinces the boys to accompany him in his search for hidden treasure in an abandoned and cursed town known as Sandye.
In their absence, the holy Brethren that rule the townsfolk with an iron fist demand a search party assemble to find the boys and bring them home. The Brethren pick the least (or most) objectionable of characters for the task, and mostly against their will. This strange cast of characters equally as innocent in mind as the boys they search include a prostitute, a crippled, a known liar, a mentally challenged man and a butcher/barber of humans.
Story Flow:
The story flows like the notes of a flute, told in a plethora of purple prose and poetry, choppy sentences and multiple POVs, and takes the reader on a floating journey from one person to the next, weaving the stories of all involved.
From the perspectives of the boys out for adventure, to the Daemon with his own mysterious agenda, to the townsfolk too afraid to turn back, the reader has no choice but to continue on the journey with all involved and see where it might take them.
Character Development:
Both boys, Tuppence and Cord are brilliantly written. They are simple and innocent in mind, but strong, each in their own right. Each looking for acceptance for their shortcomings, the Daemon Nightjar plays them like he does his own personal fiddle.
Nightjar is a mystery that, at times, the reader feels sorry for, especially when his agenda is revealed, and we learn about his past, both good and bad, and how he too was played for a fool.
Ma Dorter, Bourbon, Orsen and even Felton and Picket are described in such a way, that even at their most vile, the reader can’t help but feel sorry for them, their life, and the pitiful task they’ve been given.
Plot Holes:
Everything is revealed in the end, though it’s uncomfortable at best when the reader learns the fate of the characters involved. Terrible things happen to good, bad and every type of person in between. These characters are no different.
Overall:
Though it was mildly difficult at first to get into the rhythm of the story telling, once you do, it’s easy to be swept up and completely captivated by the story woven within. A definite must read for anyone who enjoys folklore, mystery, dark poetry or dark nursery rhymes.