Description
I am how I've always been.
My name is Auden Dare.
I am eleven years old.
Auden Dare has an unusual perspective on life: he cannot see in colour. He's always had this rare condition - and life is beginning to get harder for Auden. The war for water that is raging across the world is getting a little closer all the time. It hardly rains any more, anywhere. Everyone is thirsty all the time, and grubby, and exhausted. Auden has to learn to live without his father, who is away fighting, and has had to move to a new town with his mother, and start a new school, where everyone thinks he's a weirdo. But when he meets Vivi Rookmini, a smiling girl bright with cleverness, his hopes begin to lift.
It soon becomes clear to Auden, though, that there are some strange things afoot in his new hometown. He and his mother have moved into the old cottage of his recently-dead uncle Jonah Bloom - a scientist and professor at the university. The place is in disarray - and although Auden's mother tells him it's because Jonah was a messy old thing, Auden knows differently. Someone else did this - someone who was looking for something of Jonah's. Auden had heard too that Jonah was working on something that could cure Auden's condition - could this be it?
Then Auden and Vivi make an extraordinary discovery. Hidden away under the shed at the bottom of Jonah's garden is an engimatic and ingenious robot, who calls himself Paragon. A talking, walking, human-like robot. Apparently built by Jonah - but why? The answer to this will take Auden and Vivi on a thrilling journey of discovery as they seek to find out just what exactly Paragon is - and what link he has to Auden - and find that the truth is bigger and more wonderful than either of them could have imagined.
A boy, a robot and an extraordinary adventure
About the Author
Zillah Bethell was born in a leprosy hospital in Papua New Guinea, spent her childhood barefoot playing in the jungle, and didn't own a pair of shoes until she came to the UK when she was eight. She was educated at Oxford University and now lives in Wales with her family. Zillah has written three adult novels for a small Welsh press. A WHISPER OF HORSES is her first children's book.
Reviews
Fresh, original, funny and moving * The Bookbag *
Zillah Bethell's writing is terrifically engaging, confident and highly entertaining. I found it nigh-on impossible to guess the ending which was met with tears of joy. A thoroughly enjoyable read, I was totally involved throughout - in turn laughing out loud, and biting my nails; wincing with every threat and grinning inside with every glimmer of hope * Family Bookworms *
A captivating, futuristic adventure about friendship, family and hope. A wonderful gift and perfect for book club discussion * South Wales Evening Post *
A war story like no other. A mystery story that keeps you guessing on every page. A sci-fi story of friendship, family and unity. This book has it all! While aimed at 8-12 year olds in my opinion, I would recommend this book to anyone as a fantastic read, however, I think it would also make an excellent class read aloud and would prompt many topical discussions. This book genuinely exceeded all of my expectations * Reading Zone *
a thought provoking novel and a definite must for those that like mystery, intrigue and science elements. * Munchkin Megan *
I loved this book. It is extremely funny, but also very moving. It made me think about our own society, and the value of friendship. * Scoop Magazine *
Book Information
ISBN 9781848126084
Author Zillah Bethell
Format Paperback
Page Count 384
Imprint Piccadilly Press
Publisher Bonnier Books Ltd
Weight(grams) 281g
Dimensions(mm) 198mm * 129mm * 22mm
