by Marcus Sedgwick (Author), Marcus Sedgwick (Author)
In the bitter cold of an unrelenting winter Tomas and his son, Peter, arrive in Chust and despite the inhospitability of the villagers settle there as woodcutters. Tomas digs a channel of fast-flowing waters around their hut so they have their own little island kingdom. Peter doesn't understand why his father has done this, nor why his father carries a long battered box everywhere they go, and why he is forbidden to know its mysterious contents. But when a band of gypsies comes to the village Peter's drab existence is turned upside down. He is infatuated by the beautiful gypsy princess, Sofia, intoxicated by their love of life and drawn into their deadly quest. For these travellers are Vampire Slayers and Chust is a dying community - where the dead come back to wreak revenge on the living. Amidst the terrifying events that follow, Peter is stunned to see his father change from a disillusioned man to the warrior hero he once was. Marcus draws on his extensive research of the vampire legend which permeates traditions throughout the world and sets his story in the forbidding and remote landscapes of the 17th century. Written in his usual distinctive voice, this is also the story of a father and his son, of loss, redemption and resolution.
Format: Paperback
Pages: 224
Edition: 1st. Edition
Publisher: Orion Children's Books
Published: 26 Jul 2006
ISBN 10: 1842551833
ISBN 13: 9781842551837
Children’s book age: 12+ Years
Book Overview: Back to familiar gothic territory for Marcus. Vampire myth and legend always popular. Original take on well-known horror story with wide commercial appeal to attract a bigger audience. Same distinctive writing style. His books have sold over 225,000 copies in the UK and are published in 13 languages. 'one of our finest contemporary children's authors' The Bookseller.
Prizes: Winner of Booktrust Teenage Prize 2007. Shortlisted for Carnegie Medal 2007.