Neverdark [Kindle Edition]

Review written by Natalie aged 9:

Absolutely brilliant! One of the best books I've ever read! I found the part when Lord Darkwater started talking to the flower pot hilarious and I loved all the adventure. My favourite character was Sparky the firefly. I loved the cartoony illustrations that popped up during the book too. A fantastic modern fairytale for both boys and girls with lots of humour and adventure!
This is now my favourite book EVER!:-)

My daughter read this over 2 days and could hardly put it down. She has been showing us all the pictures in it, which definately added to her enjoyment. Not to mention following me around the house and reading out her favourite parts to me - always the sign of a great book!
It's exactly the type of book she loves to read - a fun fantasy adventure that's unpredictable and unusual.
We'd both recommend it unreservedly.

From the minute I picked up this fantastic little book, I was entranced. I posted up the prologue here, because I loved it so much. I am so glad I got to read this amazing adventure story, a special thanks to C.S. Einfeld, who was kind enough to send me review copy.

The story starts in the kingdom of Southnut, Princess Feira is having a tantrum. Her father King Utor Goldenoak has informed her that she is to marry Lord Darkwater. This is the last thing in Great Oak that Feira wants to do.

Lady Gooseberry, has always looked after Feira, since her mum has not yet awakened from her sleep, that all mothers have, they don't awaken until their children's wings harden (when they reach maturity). Lady Gooseberry tells Feira the whole sorry story about Lord Darkwater, and she must leave immediately to seek out the aid of Old Mother Oak.

You see Lord Darkwater is not a very nice faerie at all, he has been rigging up nearly all of the great oak tree, to extract the Oak syrup that all the faeries live off. The Oak syrup is running out fast and the tree is dying, some of the animals are already leaving. Lady Gooseberry says Fiera must seek out old Mother Oak and ask her for help. She sends Fiera off in secret, with her adorable little firefly Sparky, on their dangerous adventure to the top of the Great Oak.

Fiera's journey is full of adventure and danger, she makes lots of friends easily with her kind and loving nature. She is courageous and smart and is a real joy to read about.

But can Fiera make it to the top of Great Oak? Can she seek out the Old Mother Oak and save the tree, the animals and her people in time? Well I don't want to give anything away, so I won't say any-more, You will have to pick up this amazing little book and find out.

Neverdark was a breath of fresh air for me, really beautifully written. I really enjoyed it and will definitely go back and read it again. The illustrations were a lovely addition to the book, Great job to Aaron Einfeld. My daughter couldn't believe my book had illustrations and I ended up having to tell her all about them. C.S. Einfeld has brought something unique to the table, I really can't praise Neverdark enough. I will definitely be keeping an eye out for more books from C.S. Einfeld.

This is a classic fairy tale with a contemporary feel and I read it in just a couple of sittings. Aimed at tweens, this beautiful feisty little book kept me (aged 42) totally absorbed and entertained.

Fiera is a fairy whose life and home is under threat and who must embark on a quest to save all she holds dear. The format isn't new, but the telling is fresh and funny. Einfeld's voice jumps off the page with humour, originality and a sense that you are in the company of a born story teller.

I instantly bonded with the characters - all distinctive and wonderful. (Manuel the crow is my favourite). I could picture this as a Pixar movie - there's comedy, pathos and adventure in spades. Added to this, Aaron's illustrations made my heart skip a beat every time one appeared on the page.

If you have children, I urge you to get them a copy. If you don't, then read it yourself. What an absolute treat!