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Nowhere Chronicles #1
The Double Edged Sword
'Sixteen's an interesting age: not quite a fully grown man, but not a kid either. Anything is possible when you're sixteen.'
Finmere Tingewick Smith was abandoned on the steps of the Old Bailey. Under the guardianship of the austere Judge Harlequin Brown and the elderly gentlemen of Orrery House, Fin has grown up under a very strange set of rules. He spends alternate years at two very different schools and now he's tired of the constant lies to even his best friends, to hide the insanity of his double life. Neither would believe the truth!
But on his sixteenth birthday, everything changes. The Judge is killed, stabbed in the chest with a double-edged sword that's disturbingly familiar, and from that moment on, Fin is catapulted into an extraordinary adventure. Through the Doorway in Fin's London, a hole in the boundaries of Existence, lies another London -- and now both are in grave danger.
For the Knights of Nowhere have kidnapped the Storyholder, the keeper of the Five Eternal Stories which weave the worlds together. Because of the Knights' actions, a black storm is coming, bringing madness with it.
Fin may be just 16, but he has a long, dark journey ahead of him if he is to rescue the Storyholder and save Existence!
Finmere Tingewick Smith was abandoned on the steps of the Old Bailey. Under the guardianship of the austere Judge Harlequin Brown and the elderly gentlemen of Orrery House, Fin has grown up under a very strange set of rules. He spends alternate years at two very different schools and now he's tired of the constant lies to even his best friends, to hide the insanity of his double life. Neither would believe the truth!
But on his sixteenth birthday, everything changes. The Judge is killed, stabbed in the chest with a double-edged sword that's disturbingly familiar, and from that moment on, Fin is catapulted into an extraordinary adventure. Through the Doorway in Fin's London, a hole in the boundaries of Existence, lies another London -- and now both are in grave danger.
For the Knights of Nowhere have kidnapped the Storyholder, the keeper of the Five Eternal Stories which weave the worlds together. Because of the Knights' actions, a black storm is coming, bringing madness with it.
Fin may be just 16, but he has a long, dark journey ahead of him if he is to rescue the Storyholder and save Existence!
333 pages, Hardcover
First published September 16, 2010
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
July 5, 2024
"Sixteen's an interesting age: not quite a fully grown man, but not a kid either. Anything is possible when you're sixteen."
This intriguing premise is the heartbeat of this story.
Finmere Tingewick Smith was abandoned at birth on the steps of the Old Bailey, Fin's life is anything but ordinary. Raised under the guardianship Judge Harlequin Brown and the peculiar gentlemen of Orrery House. Fin navigates a strange double life, split between two very different schools. The lies he tells to maintain his secret wear thin, and his sixteenth birthday brings the ultimate upheaval.
YA, dark fantasy
Mystery/murder/kidnapping
Knights of Nowhere
Five Eternal Stories
Alternate world
The BEST friends
Wonderful side characters
SP masterfully blends elements of fantasy and adventure, creating rich, immersive storytelling. Fin's character, and his friends Christopher and Joe, are wonderfully complex.
The blend of magic, mystery, and the coming-of-age journey makes for a truly fun read. This story brought back memories of reading The Chronicles of Narnia, The Graveyard book, and Harry Potter to my kids.
He smiled. ‘What will be, will be,’ he whispered.
A huge thank you to Dan, for the gift of this series.
This intriguing premise is the heartbeat of this story.
Finmere Tingewick Smith was abandoned at birth on the steps of the Old Bailey, Fin's life is anything but ordinary. Raised under the guardianship Judge Harlequin Brown and the peculiar gentlemen of Orrery House. Fin navigates a strange double life, split between two very different schools. The lies he tells to maintain his secret wear thin, and his sixteenth birthday brings the ultimate upheaval.
YA, dark fantasy
Mystery/murder/kidnapping
Knights of Nowhere
Five Eternal Stories
Alternate world
The BEST friends
Wonderful side characters
SP masterfully blends elements of fantasy and adventure, creating rich, immersive storytelling. Fin's character, and his friends Christopher and Joe, are wonderfully complex.
The blend of magic, mystery, and the coming-of-age journey makes for a truly fun read. This story brought back memories of reading The Chronicles of Narnia, The Graveyard book, and Harry Potter to my kids.
He smiled. ‘What will be, will be,’ he whispered.
A huge thank you to Dan, for the gift of this series.
May 11, 2012
Sarah Silverwood is actually a pseudonym; the author of The Double-Edged Sword’s real name is Sarah Pinborough. For anyone who hasn’t come across Sarah Pinborough before, let me begin by telling you that she is one of the most dynamic, hard-working and versatile authors you’re ever likely to come across. Between 2009 and 2012 Sarah has published no less than nine novels and three short stories, whilst also squeezing time in to write two films and a screenplay for a television show. That’s not all though – Sarah’s pledged to publish another two novels this year and at least two more next year. Did I mention that besides all this, she never fails to attend a convention? If you plan on attending any soon, look out for her - you’ll know it’s her because she’s the pretty one who never stops smiling. Rather incredible for an author who can’t possibly sleep!
So, since her first novel was published in 2004, Sarah has become known for her abilities to write horror novels that leave readers dreading turning the lights out. By 2009 her literary talent had been picked-up-on by the BBC and it wasn't long before they got in touch and asked her to contribute a novel to their Science-Fiction series TorchWood. More recently though, it is her Dog-Faced Gods series, which are dark supernatural thrillers, that have really gathered momentum for publishers, Gollancz.
Although I wasn’t there, I guess when Sarah pitched the The Double-Edged Sword, a young-adult fantasy novel, Gollancz offices said something like, “Wow, Sarah! This series sounds like something that will really fit our list. We love the characters! We love the plot! Your world-building and your concepts of a dual world are completely unique. But, wait – don’t you write horror?” There was probably a slight pause around this point. Before someone from marketing (downstairs) cupped their hands around their mouth and called out, “How about using a different name?” People in the room would have nodded and the solution was now so, so clear. Sarah Pinborough would remain as the horror writer who could scare the crap out of adults brave enough to pick up her novels, whilst Sarah Silverwood would emerge as an author who provides younger readers with a magical world full of fun and adventure to retreat to.
Anyway, onwards with the review! The novel kicks off in modern-day London. We are introduced to a young boy named ‘Finmere Tingewick Smith’ and it quickly becomes apparent that his name isn’t even the strangest thing about him. Finmere was abandoned at birth, placed down upon the steps of the Old Bailey (Britain’s historic courthouse). He never knew his parents and it seems he never will. The only clue he has to go on is the blanket he had been wrapped in that night he was found and the strange feeling of attachment he has to it.
The Judge who found the Baby Finmere on the steps, Judge Harlequin Brown, has since become his ward and made some interesting decisions in regards to his upbringing. For a start, Finmere has had to attend two very different schools. One is a comprehensive school, full of slang-talking boys who enjoy a bit of trouble and the other is a private boarding school, where only the wealthiest of families can afford to send their children. Once a year, on his Birthday, Finmere returns back to where the Judge lives, Orrey House. Although Finmere looks forward to this visit – it always seems so strange. Whilst there he meets placid old men who seem to just stare into the distance and barely acknowledge his presence.
“All sounds very interesting” you cry, “but where’s the fantasy?” Well, I was just getting to that! The fantasy comes as Finmere, now 16 – not quite an adult, but certainly no longer a child – returns back to Orrery House for his 16th birthday. Judge Harlequin Brown says that he needs to talk with Finmere urgently and they arrange a meeting for the following day. Finmere meets with the Judge and a life-changing conversation takes place.
Finmere learns that there is more than one World. In-fact there are many Worlds and they all overlap. In many ways they are similar and yet in many ways they are different. The World that Finmere lives in (and indeed we live in) is called ‘The Somewhere’ and the closest World to us, the one that is most accessible is ‘The Nowhere’. We find out that Judge Harlequin Jones and these seemingly placid old men are Knights who govern the two Worlds. Together they ensure that ‘The Somewhere’ and ‘The Nowhere’ exist side by side in harmony. As Finmere leaves, Judge Harlequin tells him that a Storyholder holds five stories that hold all the worlds together and that there is a prophecy stating that a Dark King will rise up and try to claim this power for himself.
Finmere is obviously shaken by what he hears, but leaves comforted by the fact that Judge Harlequin Brown and his Knights are there to protect the world. When he returns to the room moments later though, more questions needing answers on his mind, he finds the Judge has been run through with a Double Edged Sword. Stabbed in his own home. As he dies, Judge Harlequin tells Finmere that only a Knight could wield this kind of sword and that Finmere will need to alert the other Knights – the old men at Orrey House. And the story gathers momentum from there.
As soon as you pick up this book you will be gripped by the fluid prose of Silverwood. The descriptions are beautiful, the dialogue is realistic and you will quite often find yourself picking up the book and putting it down 50 pages later, not realising an hour has just whizzed by. This is always going to be important for a book marketed as ‘for Young Adults’, but at the same time, as a 25 year old male, I was never condescended by the prose. You know how when you read Harry Potter you relax and feel at ease in the silky flow of the prose? Think along those lines and you won’t be far off.
Talking of Harry Potter... I certainly think that if you enjoyed that series this is a book you could pick up and feel at home with. After the success of Harry Potter it seems that Authors have taken their hats off to J.K. Rowling and bowed out of writing this kind of Young Adult Fantasy Adventure Novel. Sarah has been brave though and in my personal opinion, this first book The Double Edged Sword is just as enjoyable and as much of a page-turner as that first Harry Potter book. But what is it about this book that makes it such a page turner and such a delightful read?
At the most basic level it is what every good book has: Characters. Finmere is a character that we can really develop a close attachment to and rally behind. He knows as little about the ‘Nowhere’ as we do. We see only what he sees and therefore we share his shock, awe, delight and terror as it unravels. Not only that; we truly feel for Finmere. He is a young boy who never knew his parents and therefore doesn’t have a sense of belonging. As he grows as a person and discovers a new world that he seems a part of, we see him finding out more about himself. It all build nicely throughout the book and by the time the novel is about ready to wrap up we’d be more than willing to stand by his side and wield our own sword against the Dark King that the prophecy predicts.
In addition to our protagonist, there is a whole host of secondary characters that become as vivid to us as Finmere himself. Ted, the lovable old security guard, was my personal favourite – he is a well -rounded character who is always there to guide Finmere through both the ‘Somewhere’ and the ‘Nowhere’. He seems to be ‘Sarah's Silverwood's voice' in this novel and perhaps it is the character of Ted that makes the book such a delight to read. When someone tells you that there is a book that has a prophecy and essentially alternative realities / worlds – things should be complicated. And yet they never are. Other characters include: Chris, from the private boarding school, and Joe, from the comprehensive school. The pair works well as a comical juxtaposition that will keep readers entertained throughout the entirety of the novel. I could go on, but I'll leave you to enjoy the whole cast of Knights and various friends Finmere makes along the way for yourselves!
The enemies that enter into the book are, of course, less likeable. Sarah creates characters that you can really despise. Unfortunately, I can’t tell you too much about them without spoiling the plot – but Sarah manages to show you their motivations and their flawed reasoning for going after Harlequin and the Storyteller in a rather interesting fashion. Fairly rare for the YA Genre, we are shown the world through the enemy’s eyes on multiple occasions through the novel. We see how he treats the beloved Storyteller and we feel his coldness as he tries to extract the five stories he needs from her. For a YA novel the enemy is fairly brutal in what he does, but I do think the YA crowd will appreciate the fact that he is capable of physical hard as opposed to just threatening as is so often the case.
All in all this is a heart-warming book. It is the kind of book that you will tear through until reaching the satisfying ending. With so much dark fantasy out there in 2012, assassins, vampires and warriors taking centre stage, it’s refreshing to read about a normal boy, living in London who can go on an adventure with his friends and potentially save the World. It’s YA so of course you will find all the tropes; the prophecies, the dark lord, and the chosen one, but it's all done so well, with so many unique concepts and told through such beautiful prose that you’ll welcome them as they come.
Quite simply, Sarah Silverwood is one of the best authors writing in the Young Adult Genre today. In The Double-Edged Sword you will find everything you could possibly ask for from this kind of novel: a loveable protagonist, a vivid magical world, supernatural races, terrifying enemies and a plot that pulls you relentlessly through its pages.
With Sarah’s charming narrative voice, unique twists to familiar tropes and a hint of both comedy and horror thrown in for good measure – this’ll surely be a book that you keep on your shelf and re-read for years to come.
So, since her first novel was published in 2004, Sarah has become known for her abilities to write horror novels that leave readers dreading turning the lights out. By 2009 her literary talent had been picked-up-on by the BBC and it wasn't long before they got in touch and asked her to contribute a novel to their Science-Fiction series TorchWood. More recently though, it is her Dog-Faced Gods series, which are dark supernatural thrillers, that have really gathered momentum for publishers, Gollancz.
Although I wasn’t there, I guess when Sarah pitched the The Double-Edged Sword, a young-adult fantasy novel, Gollancz offices said something like, “Wow, Sarah! This series sounds like something that will really fit our list. We love the characters! We love the plot! Your world-building and your concepts of a dual world are completely unique. But, wait – don’t you write horror?” There was probably a slight pause around this point. Before someone from marketing (downstairs) cupped their hands around their mouth and called out, “How about using a different name?” People in the room would have nodded and the solution was now so, so clear. Sarah Pinborough would remain as the horror writer who could scare the crap out of adults brave enough to pick up her novels, whilst Sarah Silverwood would emerge as an author who provides younger readers with a magical world full of fun and adventure to retreat to.
Anyway, onwards with the review! The novel kicks off in modern-day London. We are introduced to a young boy named ‘Finmere Tingewick Smith’ and it quickly becomes apparent that his name isn’t even the strangest thing about him. Finmere was abandoned at birth, placed down upon the steps of the Old Bailey (Britain’s historic courthouse). He never knew his parents and it seems he never will. The only clue he has to go on is the blanket he had been wrapped in that night he was found and the strange feeling of attachment he has to it.
The Judge who found the Baby Finmere on the steps, Judge Harlequin Brown, has since become his ward and made some interesting decisions in regards to his upbringing. For a start, Finmere has had to attend two very different schools. One is a comprehensive school, full of slang-talking boys who enjoy a bit of trouble and the other is a private boarding school, where only the wealthiest of families can afford to send their children. Once a year, on his Birthday, Finmere returns back to where the Judge lives, Orrey House. Although Finmere looks forward to this visit – it always seems so strange. Whilst there he meets placid old men who seem to just stare into the distance and barely acknowledge his presence.
“All sounds very interesting” you cry, “but where’s the fantasy?” Well, I was just getting to that! The fantasy comes as Finmere, now 16 – not quite an adult, but certainly no longer a child – returns back to Orrery House for his 16th birthday. Judge Harlequin Brown says that he needs to talk with Finmere urgently and they arrange a meeting for the following day. Finmere meets with the Judge and a life-changing conversation takes place.
Finmere learns that there is more than one World. In-fact there are many Worlds and they all overlap. In many ways they are similar and yet in many ways they are different. The World that Finmere lives in (and indeed we live in) is called ‘The Somewhere’ and the closest World to us, the one that is most accessible is ‘The Nowhere’. We find out that Judge Harlequin Jones and these seemingly placid old men are Knights who govern the two Worlds. Together they ensure that ‘The Somewhere’ and ‘The Nowhere’ exist side by side in harmony. As Finmere leaves, Judge Harlequin tells him that a Storyholder holds five stories that hold all the worlds together and that there is a prophecy stating that a Dark King will rise up and try to claim this power for himself.
Finmere is obviously shaken by what he hears, but leaves comforted by the fact that Judge Harlequin Brown and his Knights are there to protect the world. When he returns to the room moments later though, more questions needing answers on his mind, he finds the Judge has been run through with a Double Edged Sword. Stabbed in his own home. As he dies, Judge Harlequin tells Finmere that only a Knight could wield this kind of sword and that Finmere will need to alert the other Knights – the old men at Orrey House. And the story gathers momentum from there.
As soon as you pick up this book you will be gripped by the fluid prose of Silverwood. The descriptions are beautiful, the dialogue is realistic and you will quite often find yourself picking up the book and putting it down 50 pages later, not realising an hour has just whizzed by. This is always going to be important for a book marketed as ‘for Young Adults’, but at the same time, as a 25 year old male, I was never condescended by the prose. You know how when you read Harry Potter you relax and feel at ease in the silky flow of the prose? Think along those lines and you won’t be far off.
Talking of Harry Potter... I certainly think that if you enjoyed that series this is a book you could pick up and feel at home with. After the success of Harry Potter it seems that Authors have taken their hats off to J.K. Rowling and bowed out of writing this kind of Young Adult Fantasy Adventure Novel. Sarah has been brave though and in my personal opinion, this first book The Double Edged Sword is just as enjoyable and as much of a page-turner as that first Harry Potter book. But what is it about this book that makes it such a page turner and such a delightful read?
At the most basic level it is what every good book has: Characters. Finmere is a character that we can really develop a close attachment to and rally behind. He knows as little about the ‘Nowhere’ as we do. We see only what he sees and therefore we share his shock, awe, delight and terror as it unravels. Not only that; we truly feel for Finmere. He is a young boy who never knew his parents and therefore doesn’t have a sense of belonging. As he grows as a person and discovers a new world that he seems a part of, we see him finding out more about himself. It all build nicely throughout the book and by the time the novel is about ready to wrap up we’d be more than willing to stand by his side and wield our own sword against the Dark King that the prophecy predicts.
In addition to our protagonist, there is a whole host of secondary characters that become as vivid to us as Finmere himself. Ted, the lovable old security guard, was my personal favourite – he is a well -rounded character who is always there to guide Finmere through both the ‘Somewhere’ and the ‘Nowhere’. He seems to be ‘Sarah's Silverwood's voice' in this novel and perhaps it is the character of Ted that makes the book such a delight to read. When someone tells you that there is a book that has a prophecy and essentially alternative realities / worlds – things should be complicated. And yet they never are. Other characters include: Chris, from the private boarding school, and Joe, from the comprehensive school. The pair works well as a comical juxtaposition that will keep readers entertained throughout the entirety of the novel. I could go on, but I'll leave you to enjoy the whole cast of Knights and various friends Finmere makes along the way for yourselves!
The enemies that enter into the book are, of course, less likeable. Sarah creates characters that you can really despise. Unfortunately, I can’t tell you too much about them without spoiling the plot – but Sarah manages to show you their motivations and their flawed reasoning for going after Harlequin and the Storyteller in a rather interesting fashion. Fairly rare for the YA Genre, we are shown the world through the enemy’s eyes on multiple occasions through the novel. We see how he treats the beloved Storyteller and we feel his coldness as he tries to extract the five stories he needs from her. For a YA novel the enemy is fairly brutal in what he does, but I do think the YA crowd will appreciate the fact that he is capable of physical hard as opposed to just threatening as is so often the case.
All in all this is a heart-warming book. It is the kind of book that you will tear through until reaching the satisfying ending. With so much dark fantasy out there in 2012, assassins, vampires and warriors taking centre stage, it’s refreshing to read about a normal boy, living in London who can go on an adventure with his friends and potentially save the World. It’s YA so of course you will find all the tropes; the prophecies, the dark lord, and the chosen one, but it's all done so well, with so many unique concepts and told through such beautiful prose that you’ll welcome them as they come.
Quite simply, Sarah Silverwood is one of the best authors writing in the Young Adult Genre today. In The Double-Edged Sword you will find everything you could possibly ask for from this kind of novel: a loveable protagonist, a vivid magical world, supernatural races, terrifying enemies and a plot that pulls you relentlessly through its pages.
With Sarah’s charming narrative voice, unique twists to familiar tropes and a hint of both comedy and horror thrown in for good measure – this’ll surely be a book that you keep on your shelf and re-read for years to come.
July 14, 2011
You know when you pick a book randomly from your shelves and start reading with little to no expectations, and then it just blows you away? You end up reading to the early hours of the morning and then telling everyone how much you absolutely loved it? Yes. That. That is what happened with The Double-Edged Sword by Sarah Silverwood. I already knew that I liked Silverwood's style of writing (thanks to her adult novels under the name Sarah Pinborough), but I wasn't sure that it would translate to a YA novel.
But it does! In spades! Silverwood writes a stunning adventure story that pays homage to both Neverwhere by Neil Gaiman via Harry Potter. We have the tale of a young boy discovering that he is way more than he originally seems, set in a London which explores the mystical qualities of a city that is also more that it seems.
Fin is a great character - at times vulnerable and sad, and at times embracing his destiny with gusto. He is adventurous and mischievous and street-smart. He is the kind of boy that Harry Potter wishes he can be. His two friends Joe and Christopher are just as fun to read about - and Silverwood also includes a female character who is sassy and easily the equal of the boys.
In The Double-Edged Sword, the world that Silverwood creates is just as important as a character as the characters themselves. The contrast between the Somewhere and the Nowhere is handled beautifully, with rules being built that I'm sure will become crucial in later volumes.
And that, I guess, is my one complaint about the novel. It is the first novel of a series and, as such, takes the time to bring the world and magic and history to life. The pacing never slowed down too much due to exposition, but there were some detailed conversations to explain what was happening that needed to be read carefully. I'm sure in future volumes Silverwood will be able to hit the ground running.
This is the start of an exciting new series that establishes YA urban fantasy in the mould of Kate Griffin and Neil Gaiman. Fin is a warm character that boys can really relate to. All in all, I recommend it wholeheartedly!
But it does! In spades! Silverwood writes a stunning adventure story that pays homage to both Neverwhere by Neil Gaiman via Harry Potter. We have the tale of a young boy discovering that he is way more than he originally seems, set in a London which explores the mystical qualities of a city that is also more that it seems.
Fin is a great character - at times vulnerable and sad, and at times embracing his destiny with gusto. He is adventurous and mischievous and street-smart. He is the kind of boy that Harry Potter wishes he can be. His two friends Joe and Christopher are just as fun to read about - and Silverwood also includes a female character who is sassy and easily the equal of the boys.
In The Double-Edged Sword, the world that Silverwood creates is just as important as a character as the characters themselves. The contrast between the Somewhere and the Nowhere is handled beautifully, with rules being built that I'm sure will become crucial in later volumes.
And that, I guess, is my one complaint about the novel. It is the first novel of a series and, as such, takes the time to bring the world and magic and history to life. The pacing never slowed down too much due to exposition, but there were some detailed conversations to explain what was happening that needed to be read carefully. I'm sure in future volumes Silverwood will be able to hit the ground running.
This is the start of an exciting new series that establishes YA urban fantasy in the mould of Kate Griffin and Neil Gaiman. Fin is a warm character that boys can really relate to. All in all, I recommend it wholeheartedly!
May 25, 2017
The beginning was okay, the middle was dull, but the last one hundred pages made slogging through the first two hundred well worth it.
Honestly, I think my relationship with this book was a case of it's not you, it's me. I don't read large amounts of high fantasy and, whilst this probably counts as urban fantasy, it has elements of high fantasy in it. I would compare the world building to that of a high fantasy - it's pretty in-depth and there's a fair amount of exposition.
I like character-driven books and, for the first two hundred pages, this felt very plot-driven. Up until the boys split up, I felt like Joe and Christopher were the same guy. Afterwards... well, let's just say that I liked them both when they were the same and I like them even more now. Christopher's character definitely took a darker turn, courtesy of a twist (which I totally called by the way) and a choice he has to make. For Joe, I think his plot-relevance came very close to the end. It was sudden, and I definitely wasn't expecting it, but I think it'll have huge implications in the next book. The main character - Fin - felt rather cookie-cutter at first. I mean, brave orphans are buy one get one free in fantasy, but there are a lot of questions around him so he's got me rather curious. It's inevitable, I think, that Mona will end up being a love interest for one of the boys (my money's on Christopher) or maybe more, but she was bold and fearless and has both personality and purpose without being a love interest. I think we need more girls like that in fantasy. The Storyholder was an interesting character and I'm looking forward to seeing more of the knights too.
Overall, it was a good read and I'll be picking up The Traitor's Gate as soon as it comes in at the library.
Honestly, I think my relationship with this book was a case of it's not you, it's me. I don't read large amounts of high fantasy and, whilst this probably counts as urban fantasy, it has elements of high fantasy in it. I would compare the world building to that of a high fantasy - it's pretty in-depth and there's a fair amount of exposition.
I like character-driven books and, for the first two hundred pages, this felt very plot-driven. Up until the boys split up, I felt like Joe and Christopher were the same guy. Afterwards... well, let's just say that I liked them both when they were the same and I like them even more now. Christopher's character definitely took a darker turn, courtesy of a twist (which I totally called by the way) and a choice he has to make. For Joe, I think his plot-relevance came very close to the end. It was sudden, and I definitely wasn't expecting it, but I think it'll have huge implications in the next book. The main character - Fin - felt rather cookie-cutter at first. I mean, brave orphans are buy one get one free in fantasy, but there are a lot of questions around him so he's got me rather curious. It's inevitable, I think, that Mona will end up being a love interest for one of the boys (my money's on Christopher) or maybe more, but she was bold and fearless and has both personality and purpose without being a love interest. I think we need more girls like that in fantasy. The Storyholder was an interesting character and I'm looking forward to seeing more of the knights too.
Overall, it was a good read and I'll be picking up The Traitor's Gate as soon as it comes in at the library.
September 25, 2011
Book One of The Nowhere Chronicles: The Double-Edged sword
Sarah Silverwood.
I spent a nail biting two days reading this enthralling book. I was hardly able to put it down. It is a magical story supporting the many-universe theory that shows up in most fantasy books, with believable characters and the use of day to day situations this book makes you see eye to eye with the story line. The story starts in London, Somewhere, in twenty-ten and follows the first few days of Finmere Tingewick Smith’s sixteenth year. Knotted mysteries have surrounded Fin as long as he could remember, he was an orphan left on the second step of the Old Bailey. It’s time for those knots to be untangled, both in the Somewhere and The Nowhere. With the help of his friends they fight to save the retired Knights of Nowhere. I’m sure you’ll find this book just as compelling as I did. I would recommend it for any young adults who love a complicated plot and love a read that keeps them guessing right up to the end. ‘The Double Edged-Sword’ is one of those books you’ll keep with you for months after reading.
Sarah Silverwood.
I spent a nail biting two days reading this enthralling book. I was hardly able to put it down. It is a magical story supporting the many-universe theory that shows up in most fantasy books, with believable characters and the use of day to day situations this book makes you see eye to eye with the story line. The story starts in London, Somewhere, in twenty-ten and follows the first few days of Finmere Tingewick Smith’s sixteenth year. Knotted mysteries have surrounded Fin as long as he could remember, he was an orphan left on the second step of the Old Bailey. It’s time for those knots to be untangled, both in the Somewhere and The Nowhere. With the help of his friends they fight to save the retired Knights of Nowhere. I’m sure you’ll find this book just as compelling as I did. I would recommend it for any young adults who love a complicated plot and love a read that keeps them guessing right up to the end. ‘The Double Edged-Sword’ is one of those books you’ll keep with you for months after reading.
December 17, 2016
I really liked it. very cute and eager to read the next one certainly. similar to his dark materials in that they have a sword to cut through to another world but overall I'd say it was original and good.
February 28, 2024
“When one plus one plus one is four
All the worlds shall wait no more.”
Set in (two very disparate versions of) London, England.
What a world—two worlds, in fact—that Sarah Pinborough creates here.
It takes a bit, maybe 20%, to really get cranking. Sarah lulls you into expecting this fantasy. An epic fantasy, in fact. And it opens with an Everyman sort of young man. But plunge us in, she most certainly does.
Finmere Tingewick Smith has just turned sixteen. Abandoned as an infant, Fin has been living a double life for as long as he can remember. Rotating schools every year, different friends of different backgrounds.
Joe Manning is Fin’s best friend at one of his schools (the poorer one). An estate boy with a great sense of humor and a love for soccer, Joe has Jamaican roots.
Christopher Arnold-Mather is Fin’s other best friend, at his bougie prep school.
The Traveling is so cool. The Ageing, parallel universes (The Somewhere and The Nowhere), and a rogue knight.
Judge Harlequin Brown. Ted. The sword. The ring. Hidden passageways. The Order of the Knights of Nowhere.
Incredibly impressive world-building.
Secret missions and danger everywhere. A quest to find Baxter’s friend, Andrew Fowkes. The boys get help from unexpected places.
The Storyholder—the Five Stories, the black rain, the Truthfinders. Mona. Tova, inside the mirror…
Absorbing and bizarrely captivating. Classed as YA; this is anything but simplistic or dumbed-down. Quite the opposite, in fact.
Christopher and the Magus—the exchange.
Surprise betrayal.
Awesome battle sequences. So much to track and choreograph; SP does it with ease.
Wow. Hell. Of. An. Ending. Cannot wait to pick up the next one. Fun and wild and brilliant.
“When life and death are bound in one,
The balance of all will come undone…”
All the worlds shall wait no more.”
Set in (two very disparate versions of) London, England.
What a world—two worlds, in fact—that Sarah Pinborough creates here.
It takes a bit, maybe 20%, to really get cranking. Sarah lulls you into expecting this fantasy. An epic fantasy, in fact. And it opens with an Everyman sort of young man. But plunge us in, she most certainly does.
Finmere Tingewick Smith has just turned sixteen. Abandoned as an infant, Fin has been living a double life for as long as he can remember. Rotating schools every year, different friends of different backgrounds.
Joe Manning is Fin’s best friend at one of his schools (the poorer one). An estate boy with a great sense of humor and a love for soccer, Joe has Jamaican roots.
Christopher Arnold-Mather is Fin’s other best friend, at his bougie prep school.
The Traveling is so cool. The Ageing, parallel universes (The Somewhere and The Nowhere), and a rogue knight.
Judge Harlequin Brown. Ted. The sword. The ring. Hidden passageways. The Order of the Knights of Nowhere.
Incredibly impressive world-building.
Secret missions and danger everywhere. A quest to find Baxter’s friend, Andrew Fowkes. The boys get help from unexpected places.
The Storyholder—the Five Stories, the black rain, the Truthfinders. Mona. Tova, inside the mirror…
Absorbing and bizarrely captivating. Classed as YA; this is anything but simplistic or dumbed-down. Quite the opposite, in fact.
Christopher and the Magus—the exchange.
Surprise betrayal.
Awesome battle sequences. So much to track and choreograph; SP does it with ease.
Wow. Hell. Of. An. Ending. Cannot wait to pick up the next one. Fun and wild and brilliant.
“When life and death are bound in one,
The balance of all will come undone…”
September 13, 2017
If you enjoy a rich and immersive world that takes you there for the experience then this is not the read for you. Sarah Silverwood's writing makes absolute sure you know that these words are black on white paper. Description of scenery was hollow and often lacked a reason to be written in. You quickly find a ton of information thrown your way with absolutely no explanation besides some useless exposition. Much of the first few chapters felt like filler to stretch the book to novel length. I was really disappointed that after a seven chapters, despite the pace picking up dramatically, I still had no idea what was going on.
The protagonist Finmere would not be able to hold my interest even at knife point, his personality was akin to a potato. He for the most part mutely obeys orders from adults bent on keeping him in the dark. Has no real motives aside from uncovering his history, his friends have even less motivation. The first seven chapters doled cliches constantly, the weirdly loyal best friend(s), a double life, abandoned as an infant, a strangely knowledgeable old man, secrets being revealed but not really, jewelry of significance, secret rooms, secret rooms inside secret rooms, and an untimely assassination. The plot couldn't even flow with fantasy based logic much less real logic as suggested by the original setting of modern London.
Thankfully I picked this novel up at my local library and could very easily return it.
The protagonist Finmere would not be able to hold my interest even at knife point, his personality was akin to a potato. He for the most part mutely obeys orders from adults bent on keeping him in the dark. Has no real motives aside from uncovering his history, his friends have even less motivation. The first seven chapters doled cliches constantly, the weirdly loyal best friend(s), a double life, abandoned as an infant, a strangely knowledgeable old man, secrets being revealed but not really, jewelry of significance, secret rooms, secret rooms inside secret rooms, and an untimely assassination. The plot couldn't even flow with fantasy based logic much less real logic as suggested by the original setting of modern London.
Thankfully I picked this novel up at my local library and could very easily return it.
April 28, 2021
I think it's a great introduction to an amazing😍 Fantasy✨ world.. I like the main character as he was very bold and courageous, the trops were good enough to enjoy this book..
There was something missing in this book📕, it can be impoved and the pacing was be little bit slower...
But the concept of this book was excellent💯..
There was something missing in this book📕, it can be impoved and the pacing was be little bit slower...
But the concept of this book was excellent💯..
February 3, 2018
The story was interesting and I find that I am able to connect with the main character. However, there are segments where I find the plot to be underdeveloped. Nonetheless, it was still a good read.
June 27, 2021
Fab read - engaging right from the first page. Looking forward to reading more of Fin, Christopher and Joe.
August 11, 2023
A few too many unanswered questions for 5stars but I will definitely be reading #2.
November 20, 2010
‘The Double-Edged Sword’ is the first book in Sarah Silverwood’s Young Adult series, ‘The Nowhere Chronicles’.
Our hero is Finmere Tingewick Smith. Or ‘Fin’ as he is to be known. Fin has an interesting story to go with his interesting name. Abandoned on the steps of London’s Old Bailey, he was a baby wrapped in a blanket and with nothing but a man’s ring for identification. Fin was taken in and raised by Judge Brown, and mysteriously schooled at two very different institutions. . . one school in London as we know it, and the other school in ‘Somewhere’ London, in the world of Nowhere. When Judge Brown is murdered Fin’s duality throws him into danger and chaos. . . when the Knights of Nowhere, led by St John Golden, try to take control of all parallel worlds Fin must choose where to take a stand.
“Oh, I know you, Finmere, even if we haven’t met before. As for this room. . . well, I’m not entirely sure it is here. Some rooms are like time. Funny places.” He wheeled himself a little closer. “It’s your birthday, isn’t it? How old are you now?”
“Sixteen.”
The man in the chair grinned and leaned backwards, folding his hands. A black and gold ring glittered on his finger. He let out a little chuckle, then sighed. “Sixteen, eh? That’s an interesting age for you. It’s almost like you’re stuck between two worlds.” He laughed softly as if at a private joke and shuffled beneath his blanket. A flash of metal was quickly hidden beneath the wool, but not before Fin had seen it. What was that? It looked like the hilt of a sword, but surely it couldn’t be?
Sarah Silverwood is actually the penname of Sarah Pinborough, who also writes ‘The Dog-Faced Gods’ trilogy of post financial-apocalyptic crime fiction. I really enjoyed first book, ‘A Matter of Blood’, so I was intrigued to read Pinborough writing YA as Silverwood. And I wasn’t disappointed. . .
‘The Double-Edged Sword’ is Young Adult Urban Fantasy. And when I say ‘urban fantasy’ I mean the book is luxuriating in UF conventions. The book is a wonderful blend and balance of fantasy and city, set in London. . . or at least, a parallel ‘Nowhere’ version of the London we know. Silverwood’s London is a place of fantastical steampunk proportions, an amalgamation of magic and era that blends into a wonderful character unto itself. The ‘Nowhere’ concept reminded me of Ilona Andrews’s ‘The Edge’ for the warped city reality and is a wonderful backdrop for the epic battles that takes place within its realm.
Fin is the stand-out character. I love it when YA authors write young heroic characters – when they let their characters wade into danger, stand up for themselves and prove their worth. Silverwood has written such a character in Fin. Expect to be wowed by his swordplay, stiff upper lip and charisma. He is sixteen, but you must remember that YA readers read ‘up’ so sometimes he comes across a little younger. Regardless, he’s a fine protagonist to go on this (long) journey with. I look forward to following his adventures in upcoming books.
The bad-guy fell a bit short. St John Golden is a dark Knight who is determined to take control of all parallel worlds. He’s a bit of a cardboard cut-out villain – but even though he was a little obvious, he was still fun to read and despise. And his being polar-opposite to Fin made for fun good vs. evil power-playing.
"Let's settle this like the honourable Knights that we used to be. Let these boys go and I'll meet you in St Paul's and we'll duel."
St John laughed. "St Paul's? What, the Whispering Chamber? You are such a romantic."
"Not St Paul's in the Somewhere. Here."
There is a cliff-hanger ending. . . there has to be, since this is the first of (at least) three books. Not to give anything away. . . but the ending isn’t so frustrating that *nothing* is resolved, nor is it so neatly wrapped that you’re not left salivating for the next instalment. Silverwood writes a nice balance, at once satiating reader’s curiosity while also piquing it.
Next book is ‘The Traitor’s Gate’ and is due for an April 2011 release and I will definitely be reading it.
Our hero is Finmere Tingewick Smith. Or ‘Fin’ as he is to be known. Fin has an interesting story to go with his interesting name. Abandoned on the steps of London’s Old Bailey, he was a baby wrapped in a blanket and with nothing but a man’s ring for identification. Fin was taken in and raised by Judge Brown, and mysteriously schooled at two very different institutions. . . one school in London as we know it, and the other school in ‘Somewhere’ London, in the world of Nowhere. When Judge Brown is murdered Fin’s duality throws him into danger and chaos. . . when the Knights of Nowhere, led by St John Golden, try to take control of all parallel worlds Fin must choose where to take a stand.
“Oh, I know you, Finmere, even if we haven’t met before. As for this room. . . well, I’m not entirely sure it is here. Some rooms are like time. Funny places.” He wheeled himself a little closer. “It’s your birthday, isn’t it? How old are you now?”
“Sixteen.”
The man in the chair grinned and leaned backwards, folding his hands. A black and gold ring glittered on his finger. He let out a little chuckle, then sighed. “Sixteen, eh? That’s an interesting age for you. It’s almost like you’re stuck between two worlds.” He laughed softly as if at a private joke and shuffled beneath his blanket. A flash of metal was quickly hidden beneath the wool, but not before Fin had seen it. What was that? It looked like the hilt of a sword, but surely it couldn’t be?
Sarah Silverwood is actually the penname of Sarah Pinborough, who also writes ‘The Dog-Faced Gods’ trilogy of post financial-apocalyptic crime fiction. I really enjoyed first book, ‘A Matter of Blood’, so I was intrigued to read Pinborough writing YA as Silverwood. And I wasn’t disappointed. . .
‘The Double-Edged Sword’ is Young Adult Urban Fantasy. And when I say ‘urban fantasy’ I mean the book is luxuriating in UF conventions. The book is a wonderful blend and balance of fantasy and city, set in London. . . or at least, a parallel ‘Nowhere’ version of the London we know. Silverwood’s London is a place of fantastical steampunk proportions, an amalgamation of magic and era that blends into a wonderful character unto itself. The ‘Nowhere’ concept reminded me of Ilona Andrews’s ‘The Edge’ for the warped city reality and is a wonderful backdrop for the epic battles that takes place within its realm.
Fin is the stand-out character. I love it when YA authors write young heroic characters – when they let their characters wade into danger, stand up for themselves and prove their worth. Silverwood has written such a character in Fin. Expect to be wowed by his swordplay, stiff upper lip and charisma. He is sixteen, but you must remember that YA readers read ‘up’ so sometimes he comes across a little younger. Regardless, he’s a fine protagonist to go on this (long) journey with. I look forward to following his adventures in upcoming books.
The bad-guy fell a bit short. St John Golden is a dark Knight who is determined to take control of all parallel worlds. He’s a bit of a cardboard cut-out villain – but even though he was a little obvious, he was still fun to read and despise. And his being polar-opposite to Fin made for fun good vs. evil power-playing.
"Let's settle this like the honourable Knights that we used to be. Let these boys go and I'll meet you in St Paul's and we'll duel."
St John laughed. "St Paul's? What, the Whispering Chamber? You are such a romantic."
"Not St Paul's in the Somewhere. Here."
There is a cliff-hanger ending. . . there has to be, since this is the first of (at least) three books. Not to give anything away. . . but the ending isn’t so frustrating that *nothing* is resolved, nor is it so neatly wrapped that you’re not left salivating for the next instalment. Silverwood writes a nice balance, at once satiating reader’s curiosity while also piquing it.
Next book is ‘The Traitor’s Gate’ and is due for an April 2011 release and I will definitely be reading it.
July 17, 2011
The Double-Edged Sword is the first of the Nowhere Chronicles, a new series by author Sarah Silverwood. Whilst I'm usually terribly cynical about series (seriously, if I read anymore tenuous trilogies I will weep), I found this was pretty much made for me. My dad brought me up on tales of the Knights Templar, I used to be obsessed with secret doors (trust me, you make your own entertainment in French chateaux) and when I discovered elements of both of these in The Double-Edged Sword, it made my day.
Or to be a bit more pithy : it's The Chronicles of Narnia meets The Lord of The Rings meets China Mieville's Un Lun Dun. And it's cracking stuff.
The story of Finmere Tingewick Smith and his slow discovery of the truth behind his past is gloriously cinematic in scale. It's big. Very big. There's a lot of scope here. The opening few chapters of this book have an intensely visual feel to them; certain scenes like the 'shaving' would just translate perfectly to screen. Silverwood handles her scenes excellently, creating some beautiful reading setpieces which translate brilliantly to the reader.
I can imagine that the pacing of this might prove of issue to many readers. There's a lot of scene-setting and quiet character development. Nothing "big" happens for quite a while and when the action finally kicks in, it's a little too far towards the end of the novel. However I did love this quiet, steady introduction to the story. I really did. It's a mark of Silverwood's ability that she's able to make you invest in a character when there's nothing really massive going on. It is the little character moments that make a book worth reading and this had them in spades. Hopefully this pacing won't reoccur in the second novel in the series and was just a result of the 'bigger picture' across the books.
Or to be a bit more pithy : it's The Chronicles of Narnia meets The Lord of The Rings meets China Mieville's Un Lun Dun. And it's cracking stuff.
The story of Finmere Tingewick Smith and his slow discovery of the truth behind his past is gloriously cinematic in scale. It's big. Very big. There's a lot of scope here. The opening few chapters of this book have an intensely visual feel to them; certain scenes like the 'shaving' would just translate perfectly to screen. Silverwood handles her scenes excellently, creating some beautiful reading setpieces which translate brilliantly to the reader.
I can imagine that the pacing of this might prove of issue to many readers. There's a lot of scene-setting and quiet character development. Nothing "big" happens for quite a while and when the action finally kicks in, it's a little too far towards the end of the novel. However I did love this quiet, steady introduction to the story. I really did. It's a mark of Silverwood's ability that she's able to make you invest in a character when there's nothing really massive going on. It is the little character moments that make a book worth reading and this had them in spades. Hopefully this pacing won't reoccur in the second novel in the series and was just a result of the 'bigger picture' across the books.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 10, 2013
The reason I read this book was because I had read a review on it. I thought it sounded like the kind of book I would like to read. I had read that it was a fantasy book with alternate universes.
I think that this book fills the "A fantasy book" category on the bingo board. I love fantasy books. I found this book very interesting to read because although the concept of multiple worlds is fiction, it still has very believable characters.
My favourite quote from this book is the first line. It reads "Finmere Tingewick Smith sat on the second step of the Old Bailey in the exact spot where he'd been abandoned in a small cardboard box sixteen years earlier." I think it holds a lot of information. you find out the name and age of the main character and that they were abandoned many years beforehand. I liked it because it intrigued me. I wanted to read more of the story.
Something I learned from this book is that there is a very fine line between stupidity and bravery. The main character would often take big risks that would have dramatic effects on the plot. I think that everyone should take risks but but not do anything too disastrous because it could end badly.
A setting that I liked in this novel was the alternate universe called The Nowhere. It was very strange in the way that each suburb of The Nowhere was not just in a different place, but in a different time zone. one suburb could be in the 1920's, while the one next to it could be set in the future. I thought The Nowhere was a very interesting setting.
I very much enjoyed The Doubled-Edged Sword. I think it is a good book and I really want to read the next book in the series "The Nowhere Chronicles".
I think that this book fills the "A fantasy book" category on the bingo board. I love fantasy books. I found this book very interesting to read because although the concept of multiple worlds is fiction, it still has very believable characters.
My favourite quote from this book is the first line. It reads "Finmere Tingewick Smith sat on the second step of the Old Bailey in the exact spot where he'd been abandoned in a small cardboard box sixteen years earlier." I think it holds a lot of information. you find out the name and age of the main character and that they were abandoned many years beforehand. I liked it because it intrigued me. I wanted to read more of the story.
Something I learned from this book is that there is a very fine line between stupidity and bravery. The main character would often take big risks that would have dramatic effects on the plot. I think that everyone should take risks but but not do anything too disastrous because it could end badly.
A setting that I liked in this novel was the alternate universe called The Nowhere. It was very strange in the way that each suburb of The Nowhere was not just in a different place, but in a different time zone. one suburb could be in the 1920's, while the one next to it could be set in the future. I thought The Nowhere was a very interesting setting.
I very much enjoyed The Doubled-Edged Sword. I think it is a good book and I really want to read the next book in the series "The Nowhere Chronicles".
August 27, 2012
I was delighted and excited by every page of The Double Edged Sword. I've rarely found a book that captures being a 16 year old boy very well. The confusion, the ambition, the hormones -- it's like siphoning whiskey and Red Bull on alternating hours. But Sarah Silverwood has captured the essence of teen boys' Innocence-Imbalance better than anyone I've ever read and plopped them into one hell of a yarn.
No need to go into plot summaries here. It's been done. But I can say that the story is very well crafted, with only a slight feeling of being rushed near the conclusion (though that may have been me resisting the inevitable end). The characters are all fascinating and diverse. This is part one of a three book series and I can feel the pressure building. Someone's going to die and I ain't going to like it!
The Double Edged Sword is one of those books that I could have read in two days, but I drew it out a few more just so I could be in the fascinating world a little longer.
I found Sarah Silverwood through Twitter (@SarahPinborough)and was so enthralled by her constant humor, even when not-happy-in-the-least, that I had to give her more than 140 characters to speak. I'm glad I did. Twitter tends to be a hype machine, where you're pulled in a million directions by a million unique voices selling a trillion crappy things, but Silverwood has the stuff. If you're in the US you'll have to luck upon the book in a local store, special order it or order online and wait 7 years or so. But it's worth it.
No need to go into plot summaries here. It's been done. But I can say that the story is very well crafted, with only a slight feeling of being rushed near the conclusion (though that may have been me resisting the inevitable end). The characters are all fascinating and diverse. This is part one of a three book series and I can feel the pressure building. Someone's going to die and I ain't going to like it!
The Double Edged Sword is one of those books that I could have read in two days, but I drew it out a few more just so I could be in the fascinating world a little longer.
I found Sarah Silverwood through Twitter (@SarahPinborough)and was so enthralled by her constant humor, even when not-happy-in-the-least, that I had to give her more than 140 characters to speak. I'm glad I did. Twitter tends to be a hype machine, where you're pulled in a million directions by a million unique voices selling a trillion crappy things, but Silverwood has the stuff. If you're in the US you'll have to luck upon the book in a local store, special order it or order online and wait 7 years or so. But it's worth it.
September 18, 2013
Under the guise of Sarah Silverwood, Sarah Pinborough turns her hand away from horror and urban fantasy, to a mash-up of cross-reality fantasy with plenty of swords. In places it's all very Harry Potter, with a hidden London (or should that be London's) that can be reached by secret doorways, or just by having a handy Knight on hand to whip his sword out and cut a way through. The two London's are alike in many ways and totally different in many more. The magic is there, but not running the plot, the story of Fin, Joe and Chris and their quest to find a missing Knight and help battle the forces of St John Golden is what drives the story along.
If you are familiar with Sarah (P's) style then you will recognize it here with the twists and turns she puts her characters through, you will also smile at her deft use of foreshadowing and then leaving you dangling at the end knowing you have a long way to go yet.
As a first part in a trilogy this sits well at the top of its game, there is enough wrapped up to keep the reader happy, and enough left open to draw them back for more.
If you are familiar with Sarah (P's) style then you will recognize it here with the twists and turns she puts her characters through, you will also smile at her deft use of foreshadowing and then leaving you dangling at the end knowing you have a long way to go yet.
As a first part in a trilogy this sits well at the top of its game, there is enough wrapped up to keep the reader happy, and enough left open to draw them back for more.
September 29, 2016
Since the local bookstore is closing I am stocking up on books and I was immediately drawn to the cover of The Double Edged Sword.
Right away I like the start, a bit of mystery, along with an interesting character who seemed determined to learn more about his past. Fin seems a bit resentful he was discovered as a small baby and baffled by why he was left. Under the guardianship of a judge Fin's life has always been a bit awkward. Attending two different schools, performing a mysterious task on his birthday every year, and never really knowing anything about his guardian. All that changes in an instant though and Fin finds himself thrust into the unknown along with his two best friends.
Sad to say about half way through I started losing interest in the story. Things got too complicated for me. I do enjoy heavy fantasy books but I like them to start out that way and The Double Edged Sword started out simplistic and stayed that way for a good while. Due to that I am not sure if I want to continue the series or not.
Right away I like the start, a bit of mystery, along with an interesting character who seemed determined to learn more about his past. Fin seems a bit resentful he was discovered as a small baby and baffled by why he was left. Under the guardianship of a judge Fin's life has always been a bit awkward. Attending two different schools, performing a mysterious task on his birthday every year, and never really knowing anything about his guardian. All that changes in an instant though and Fin finds himself thrust into the unknown along with his two best friends.
Sad to say about half way through I started losing interest in the story. Things got too complicated for me. I do enjoy heavy fantasy books but I like them to start out that way and The Double Edged Sword started out simplistic and stayed that way for a good while. Due to that I am not sure if I want to continue the series or not.
February 13, 2012
The Double-Edged Sword is the first book of The Nowhere Chronicles by talented author Sarah Silverwood and I recommend it to enthusiastic readers ages 12+ who love adventure and mystery. All of the characters have their individual personalities but my favourite character is Fin. I admire Fin because of his bravery, determination and thoughtfulness throughout the book.
The only negative point I have about this book is that it does take a few chapters to get into it but overall I give this book 4/5 because I thoroughly enjoyed it.
The only negative point I have about this book is that it does take a few chapters to get into it but overall I give this book 4/5 because I thoroughly enjoyed it.
December 17, 2011
This was a very good read.
From the first chapter I was very much catapulted into Fin's world of "Nowhere" and also "Somewhere".
Funny scenes blended with the right amounts of adventure and mystery adds flavor to the book.
Cannot wait for the sequel to find out what happens to Finn's two friends, Christopher's father and also if the Storyholder is Fin's mother or not
From the first chapter I was very much catapulted into Fin's world of "Nowhere" and also "Somewhere".
Funny scenes blended with the right amounts of adventure and mystery adds flavor to the book.
Cannot wait for the sequel to find out what happens to Finn's two friends, Christopher's father and also if the Storyholder is Fin's mother or not
April 7, 2011
Finally finished the awesome The Double Edged Sword by the wonderful Sarah Silverwood. Vivid storytelling at it's very best. Can't recommend this book enough, for young and old alike.
Please Miss Silverwood, can I have an advance copy of book 2?
Please Miss Silverwood, can I have an advance copy of book 2?
October 22, 2012
Well!
I thought this book was pretty interesting.
The storyline and plot were original, the world building was captivating, and the main characters were very realistic.
I wasn't super excited by the book, but I enjoyed it overall
I thought this book was pretty interesting.
The storyline and plot were original, the world building was captivating, and the main characters were very realistic.
I wasn't super excited by the book, but I enjoyed it overall
May 26, 2015
Clever!! Modern London and a slightly magical alternative London existing nearly together.
Lovely hero in Fin; Joe and Christopher are interesting enough to want to know why they're involved. And a super heroine character in Mona.
Lovely hero in Fin; Joe and Christopher are interesting enough to want to know why they're involved. And a super heroine character in Mona.
January 5, 2011
Really engaging and highly visual page turner.
January 20, 2013
A different alternative world themed story, which I enjoyed and look forward to reading book 2. Hope it doesn't get too darker though.
September 24, 2016
I struggled. I really wanted to enjoy this, but I just couldn't get into it enough.
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