First published in 1968, THE GIANT UNDER THE SNOW created a fascinating world of magic, ancient evil and curses long before Harry Potter and His Dark Materials. Three children find an ornate Celtic buckle. To them it's treasure, a fantastic find. They have no idea that it has awakened a giant who has lain at rest for centuries. Little do they know that an evil warlord and his Leathermen have also awaited this moment, this chance to wield their deadly power. In a chilling tale full of menace and suspense the final battle between good and evil must be fought. This is a story that transcends age. Beautifully written, subtle and evocative, THE GIANT UNDER THE SNOW transports the reader into an intensely atmospheric world where the imagination knows no bounds.
The Giant Under The Snow
and over 1.5 million other books are available for Amazon Kindle . Learn more
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Did you know you can trade in your old books for an Amazon.co.uk Gift Card to spend on the things you want? Visit the Books Trade-In Store for more details. Learn more. |
Book Description
Product details
Would you like to update product info or give feedback on images?
|
More About the Author
Discover books, learn about writers, and more.
Product Description
Review
'has a timeless feel... contains some truly terrifying moments in an intensely exciting, evocative read.' (Becky Stradwick (Borders UK) THE BOOKSELLER 20.1.06 )
'the story has lost none of its magic and menace. Both gripping and beautifully written, it should mesmerise a new generation.' (Angela Lockton (The Golden Treasury) THE BOOKSELLER 20.1.06 )
'John Gordon's direct prose style creates a dynamic and nervous tension, driving the action forward... a very modern fantasy.' (Ferelith Hordon WRITE AWAY )
'a stirring tale of the Green Man which has not dated since publication in 1968' (Geraldine Brennan TES )
'atmospheric and chilling and sure to grip a new generation of young readers.' (WOMAN'S WEEKLY )
'full of striking images' (Nick Lezard INDEPENDENT ON SUNDAY )
'a beautiful reissue of the classic children's fantasy adventure' (Becca Pennicott FAVERSHAM NEWS )
'First published in 1968, Gordon's fantasy still remains fresh due to his finely-paired prose and lack of references dating his material. This is a book that will recall the works of Susan Cooper and Alan Garner in tis delieation of a classic clash when ancient eveil enters the present day. Gary Blythe's vignettes head each chapter, capturing the mood of a tale full of lurking menace.' (BOOKS FOR KEEPS )
'The pace of the narrative is rapid and there is a fierce and precise vitality in the descriptions... the account of the Green Man rising from the underground - at first menacing, ultimately benevolent - is stunning.' (Victor Watson INIS (Ireland) )
'the story has lost none of its magic and menace. Both gripping and beautifully written, it should mesmerise a new generation.' (Angela Lockton (The Golden Treasury) THE BOOKSELLER 20.1.06 )
'John Gordon's direct prose style creates a dynamic and nervous tension, driving the action forward... a very modern fantasy.' (Ferelith Hordon WRITE AWAY )
'a stirring tale of the Green Man which has not dated since publication in 1968' (Geraldine Brennan TES )
'atmospheric and chilling and sure to grip a new generation of young readers.' (WOMAN'S WEEKLY )
'full of striking images' (Nick Lezard INDEPENDENT ON SUNDAY )
'a beautiful reissue of the classic children's fantasy adventure' (Becca Pennicott FAVERSHAM NEWS )
'First published in 1968, Gordon's fantasy still remains fresh due to his finely-paired prose and lack of references dating his material. This is a book that will recall the works of Susan Cooper and Alan Garner in tis delieation of a classic clash when ancient eveil enters the present day. Gary Blythe's vignettes head each chapter, capturing the mood of a tale full of lurking menace.' (BOOKS FOR KEEPS )
'The pace of the narrative is rapid and there is a fierce and precise vitality in the descriptions... the account of the Green Man rising from the underground - at first menacing, ultimately benevolent - is stunning.' (Victor Watson INIS (Ireland) )
Ferelith Hordon, WRITE AWAY
'John Gordon's direct prose style creates a dynamic and nervous tension, driving the action forward... a very modern fantasy.'
What Other Items Do Customers Buy After Viewing This Item?
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
14 of 14 people found the following review helpful
By Peej Maybe
Format:Paperback
I'm thankful to Mrs Cox, from Bounds Green School London, for introducing me to this book at the tender age of 5. There's a lot of furore over books like the Harry Potter series of His Dark Materials - this book, "The Giant Under the Snow" was producing a magical and believable storyworld AEONS before either of the aforementioned. John Gordon weaves a fantastic and dark tale of magic, of ancient tumulii and curses, and of course as with any decent kids book worth its salt, the children are the star. Anti-heroine Jonquil Winters is not a glory-seeker, rather has it thrust upon her by a series of coincidental circumstances which ultimately lead to a confrontation with an ancient evil lain dormant for centuries. Yeah yeah, I hear you say "It's all been done before" but bear in mind this book was written back in the 60s by an author who's not very well known but deserves to be (and is still writing to this day, also check out "The Midwinter Watch" by John Gordon.
For anyone mildly interested in chalk figures, iron age tombs and dark mysterious magic, I cannot recommend this book highly enough. If you can find a copy (it's out of print) you're lucky. It took me 25 years to find one..!
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful
By Wordy
Format:Paperback
'The Giant under the snow' is the tale of three children who find themselves pulled against their will into the final battle of a secret war that began thousands of years ago. In the last few days before christmas, Jonquil discovers an ancient belt buckle on a strange earth mound in the forest. It quickly becomes clear that the buckle is more than it seems, and there are dark forces who will do anything to possess it.....as the snow falls and the fog descends, the children realise they have no choice but to see it through to the end.
Beautifully written and wonderfully atmospheric, the author taps into that sense of how different the world feels when thick snow and fog change the landscape. A normally busy street can feel very creepy on a dark foggy night. Particularly when you realise a mysterious black hound is trailing your every move...... The book has a genuinely unsettling and claustrophobic feel that actually might be a bit much for younger children.
In reality, the story is based around a mixture of viking and celtic legends. Many of the locations in the story are based on real sites in the authors' home county of Norfolk. I am really pleased to see this back in print - it was one of my favourite childhood books,and is every bit as engrossing for children now. You won't be disappointed.
Beautifully written and wonderfully atmospheric, the author taps into that sense of how different the world feels when thick snow and fog change the landscape. A normally busy street can feel very creepy on a dark foggy night. Particularly when you realise a mysterious black hound is trailing your every move...... The book has a genuinely unsettling and claustrophobic feel that actually might be a bit much for younger children.
In reality, the story is based around a mixture of viking and celtic legends. Many of the locations in the story are based on real sites in the authors' home county of Norfolk. I am really pleased to see this back in print - it was one of my favourite childhood books,and is every bit as engrossing for children now. You won't be disappointed.
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful
By Philip Rigg
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase
This was my favourite book as a child, I first read it when I was ten and was entranced (as well as being terrified from time to time!). Sadly, I lost my copy (never lend your books to ANYONE!). The descriptions in this book are vivid and beautifully written, especially the flight sequences, the author has the ability to truly stimulate your imagination (a rare gift). When I re-read it I could still see the scenes that I had first imagined thirty years ago (you do the maths). Buy a copy for your children, they will be very grateful, or if you haven't got kids buy it for yourself. Personally, I'm looking forward to reading it to my daughters on winter evenings in a few years time - it's that sort of book.
Would you like to see more reviews about this item?
›
Go to Amazon.com to see all 11 reviews
4.9 out of 5 stars
Were these reviews helpful?
Let us know
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Perfect
Simply one of the best children's books ever written. I first read it when I was a child and bought this copy to give to a young friend of a similar age. Read more
Published 16 days ago by Suzanne Boyce
5.0 out of 5 stars
Once read, never forgotten.
As I write it's December, almost Christmas, and there's still one book which for me is the perfect read for this time of year: The Giant Under the Snow. Read more
Published 5 months ago by JB
5.0 out of 5 stars
a touch of class
when i was a infant (i am 41 now) this story was read to me and the class by a great teacher who was a wonderful story teller. Read more
Published 6 months ago by charles craig
5.0 out of 5 stars
even after all these years
i stumbled across this book a couple of years back while rummaging through my parent's attic. it must have been nearly thirty years since i read it, but when i picked it up and... Read more
Published on 17 Feb 2009 by Cyanide Bunny
5.0 out of 5 stars
Sure Fire Hit
In the 70's and 80's I used to read this to entire classes of 11/12 year olds in late Autumn term from November onwards. Read more
Published on 16 Dec 2007 by J. Pitt-Pladdy
5.0 out of 5 stars
This is THE childrens book!
I first read this when I was about 9 years old and in the following two years took it out of the library and read it about 8 times. Read more
Published on 11 Oct 2007 by P. Corner
5.0 out of 5 stars
Like a Dream....
I discovered this novel in a classroom bookcase in 1981. Perusing it on account of its slightly sinister cover illustration, I began reading what raplidly became my favourite... Read more
Published on 17 Aug 2007 by Tony Walker
5.0 out of 5 stars
Brilliant childrens fantasy
I first read this aged about 9 and it gave me nightmares - that was 26 years ago & this book has lost none of it's brilliance.
But what about modern kids? Read more
But what about modern kids? Read more
Published on 5 July 2007 by C. Musgrave
4.0 out of 5 stars
It grows on you!
When I first read this book, aged about twelve, I found it an enjoyable enough fantasy/adventure story, but not one that I would go back to re-read. Read more
Published on 13 April 2007 by Alexa
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great writer!
John Gordon is an amazing writer, able to tap into the inner fears of childhood...and scare the adults as well! Read more
Published on 6 Feb 2007 by Road Apple
Customer Discussions
|
This product's forum
Active discussions in related forums
Search Customer Discussions
|
Related forums
|
Listmania!
|
|
Look for similar items by category
Feedback
- Would you like to update product info or give feedback on images?
- I am the Author, and I want to comment on my book.
- I am the Publisher, and I want to comment on this book.
