Description
Can one boy with no memories save the world?
'I loved this book - a triumphant and richly imagined fantasy as well as a compelling insight into life with seizures and memory loss. I can't wait to see where this story goes!' - Lee Newbery, author of The Last Firefox
In the Earth world, a boy dreams of faraway lands to escape life with his horrible aunt.
In the Elf world, he wakes up with a mysterious golden torch but without any clue who he is ...
except for the compass he pulls from his pocket, engraved with one name: JAYBEN
Jayben discovers that many moons ago, a giant put a dark spell on the golden torch, and the elves forgot everything that had come before. Now they hang precious memories in jars on trees, just to try to remember.
But a new darkness grows among them.
An evil villain called Null is burning down the forests, hellbent on finding the torch and becoming the most powerful being ever to live.
If Jayben can find his own magic and ignite the torch with its fierce violet flame, his power will be unstoppable ... Can Jayben save the world before the lights go out forever?
A story of courage, hope and friendship. Whatever pages are missing in your story, you can be the hero on the next page.
'A modern classic of children's fantasy with a necessary hero' - Lizzie Huxley-Jones
About the Author
At 19-years-old Thomas Leeds was hit by a London Black Cab. Whilst he was lucky to survive, his childhood memories did not. Unable to remember the places he loved as a child or to recognise faces, including those of his family, Thomas set about building a new life. Without knowing where his beginning was, he began adjusting to a future that included navigating the severe epilepsy that resulted from his brain injury. 11-years-later, creating an 80s playlist for his upcoming 30th, Thomas heard the first line of the Waterboys' The Whole of the Moon and his childhood memories began to emerge.
Thomas held on to those memories and with them came the seed of his debut Middle Grade novel, exploring and championing the power of memory and epilepsy. Nowadays, Thomas lives in Essex with his wife (the only face he can remember) and his two daughters.
Reviews
Imaginative...this is a hopeful fantasy adventure with a brave and kind young hero * The Week Junior *
An immersive fantasy series * Enable Magazine *
Spend the Easter holidays lost in a mystery * First News *
Such an adventure, it was so thrilling to read...this book has a strong message of friendship to it and the characters have such a lovely relationship with each other. I loved this book because it had so much excitement and tension. Reading it took me on a magical journey * Books Up North *
A story of courage, determination and finding yourself * K and O Bonkers About Books blog *
Loved the world building and strange creatures...was kept on the edge throughout...it was also a warm and honest look at a child who has seizures...a great magical adventure with great potential * Big Bearded Bookseller blog *
This curious, immersive fantasy is the first of a series inspired by the author's personal experience of memory loss. The world-building and plot are complex; packed with intricate detail, engaging characters and quirky creatures...readers who enjoy an exciting adventure with added depth and intensity are sure to be captivated by this funny, heart-warming and imaginative voyage into memory, meaning and identity * Booktrust *
A modern classic of children's fantasy with a necessary hero * Lizzie Huxley-Jones *
I loved this book - a triumphant and richly imagined fantasy as well as a compelling insight into life with seizures and memory loss. I can't wait to see where this story goes! * Lee Newbery *
Book Information
ISBN 9781444968637
Author Thomas Leeds
Format Paperback
Page Count 368
Imprint Hodder Children's Books
Publisher Hachette Children's Group
Series JAYBEN
Weight(grams) 319g
Dimensions(mm) 196mm * 126mm * 30mm
