Bats vs. Squirrels (Deptford Histories 2: The Oaken Throne (Audio CD))

Member Name: summerland85

Product:	Deptford Histories 2: The Oaken Throne (Audio CD)
Date:	08/10/01 (127 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Detailed writing, Great characters

Disadvantages: Could be a too complicated storyline for some

That is the main idea in this book. The bats have launched an attack on the main squirrel realm, Greenreach, to destroy the leader of the black squirrels, the Starwife, and take back their power by stealing the magic silver acorn amulet. Ysabelle, a squirrel maiden in the Hazel Realm, unfortunately finds the silver acorn whilst the bats are trying to find it, and it is her job to take it back to Greenreach and regain power for the squirrels. Whilst on the journey to Greenreach, she meets an injured young bat, Vespertilio. At first she takes him prisoner, but when her protectors are brutally killed she relies on him to help her on her mission. At the end of their journey they realise that they have fallen in love, but ultimately the relationship between their two races prevents them from being together forever.

This may sound like a Romeo and Juliet storyline, but it is much more than that. Along the way they meet many other characters, encounter the evil tribe called the Hobbers and delve into the magical powers of the silver acorn. This has to be one of the best books I have ever read; it combines lots of different genres (e.g. romance and fantasy) and has a great storyline. Robin Jarvis creates atmosphere amazingly, and his detailed descriptions always make you want to read on.

I have read three of his books in total – ‘The Alchemist’s Cat’ and ‘Thomas’ are also in the same series as ‘The Oaken Throne’, and are prequels to the Deptford Mice series, which I’m still waiting to arrive in the library. :) The other books also have very detailed storylines and descriptions, and I would definately recommend all of them.

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