By Yvonne Marrs

Cover Blurb:

You know that house near you, the one at the end of the road? The one that looks a bit scary? The one you always walk by really quickly?. But only walk – never run – as if you run, he’ll chase you and get you. But back to the house. It’s an old house, set back from the road. It’s thin and tall, with tall and thin windows. In the middle is a crooked green front door. The paint is peeling from the door and the window frames. The mortar is crumbling from between the brickwork, and the whole house smells of damp and decay. It’s partly hidden behind a high stone wall, with a metal gate as the only way in. The gate is warped and rusted, and never closed. It swings freely in the wind, banging and clanging against the gate post. Sometimes it swings freely when there is no wind. The garden is overgrown, with weeds up to your ears, no matter how tall you are. The long broken path twists and turns its way from the door to the gate; and turns and twists from the gate to the door. Depending on which way you are going. It’s never sunny in that garden. No flowers grow and grey clouds seem to forever hover above the houses roof – even on a hot summer’s day. And there’s never any light at the windows, except in the top room on the third floor – and the light that is sometimes seen is a faint amber, that flickers like a flame. Every now and then as you pass, you think you see out of the corner of your eye a shadowy shape pass a window. But when you turn and look you see nothing at all. No one comes and goes to the house. No post is ever delivered. No parcels ever arrive. No visitors knock on the door. No one is ever seen entering or leaving the house. But the house is never up for sale, or rent. Kids never try to vandalise it, no one tries to break into it; and no one, NO ONE, visits it for trick or treating. Somehow everyone knows, although no one knows, that it’s occupied. But occupied by whom? Or What? What happens if one dark winters day, on the way home from school, three children encounter a vampire (sorry, vampyr, rhymes with dear)? A very strange, quite scary but very lonely vampyr, who at first wants to drink them. Can they convince him not to drink them ? And maybe get to know him and his strange views on the mortal world.

Varney the Vampyr Book 1 The Feast of Glood By Author David Lowrie – Book Review

Adventure story featuring the three children of the Bannerman family, a spooky old house in the neighbourhood, and supernatural characters who get by without being noticed. The main characters of the Bannerman children, George, Flora and Henry, meet Varney the Vampyr (rhymes with cheer, beer and fear), but what happens to them upon meeting paranormal beings is anything but usual.

Additional interactive ‘gamebook’ at the end of the book features one of the characters guides the reader through a separate Choose-Your-Own Adventure of their own. A great way to spark creative play and parent-child interaction.

The first book in the ‘Varney the Vampyr’ series by David Lowrie is aimed at the wide ranging audience of 8-18 years. Sketch-style illustrations within enhance the storytelling in a brilliant supporting role to the easy going flow of the narrative. Humour and intellect play a part in creating a great read, on a topic that ‘bends’ the stereotypical thought that vampires are horrific blood sucking beasts. 

This not only allows development of the main character, Varney – but also allows the more nervous of readers to follow the story through. Such a notion is continued with Mr March, and other characters, to excellent effect. This may encourage readers to learn more about supernatural, magical beings not of our race. Friendships and family relations, the importance of keeping an open mind when faced with other species, and using your own natural talents are the learning points in this story.

I’d recommend this book for children in the suggested age range safely, either to read alone to help develop skills, or as a group or bedtime read. Parents can use the action in this sibling adventure as separate discussion and learning points. Plus create fun supplementary learning activities, including the interactive gamebook at the end of the book.  Overall I award 5 stars.

1. Storytelling and Narrative Quality 4.5 Stars

Reader interest is held steadfast throughout, with an engaging plot, several twists we don’t see coming, and multiple interesting elements.

2. Character Development 4.5 Stars

Characters in a supporting role to Varney develop and interact well with each other. Representations are not ‘the norm’ and therefore of more interest to broaden the appeal to the younger end of the recommended reader range.

3. Educational and Developmental Value 5 Stars

This book does support holistic child development and encourages critical thinking. 

4. Illustration Quality 5 Stars

Illustrations complement the story and help make the tale more vivid in the imagination.

5. Emotional Resonance and Impact 4.5 Stars

The impact of this book overall encourages readers to have empathy among other  emotional reactions, and leaves a positive lasting impression.

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