The Doomspell Book

If Hollywood ever decides to make a film of The Doomspell, they're going to need an awfully big budget. In his first highly imaginative novel, Cliff McNish has created a story so large in scope, so plentiful in amazing characters and containing so much colourful magic that even Steven Spielberg would have a hard time doing justice to it on the large screen. At the heart of The Doomspell, proclaims the cover, is a battle between good and evil. What it fails to mention is that it is an enormous battle that begins the moment Rachel arrives unexpectedly in the frozen ice world of Ithrea. Along with her brother, Eric, Rachel has been sucked through a terrifying portal to this unhappy world by a witch called Dragwena. A loathsome creature--with blood-red skin, tattooed eyes, four sets of teeth and a writhing snake-mouth filled with purple-eyed, armoured spiders--Dragwena has been seeking her perfect partner for centuries. And now, her quest for one to rule by her side and to help spread her twisted hate to other planets has reached fever pitch. Rachel has been chosen. She has powers beyond her wildest dreams. Skills she never thought she had or would ever need. Abilities she must learn to utilise fast--or face the consequences of being overpowered by pure evil... The book is a magical read, full of danger, treachery and excitement. It doesn't shy away from the occasionally gory results of Dragwena's wrath, but this thrilling read would not be complete without such honest detail. A page-turner, and sometimes a stomach-turner, The Doomspell never fails to enthral and captivate and is recommended for the bravest readers who do not flinch from such raw adventure. (Ages 10 and over) --John McLayRead More