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The Fisherman's Son

1
By Marilyn Peake

Children's fantasy adventure novel, first in a trilogy. Available formats: Paperback, eBook, and audio book. Audio book is a Finalist in the 2006 ForeWord Magazine Book of the Year Awards.

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Description

THE FISHERMAN'S SON- -first in a trilogy of children's novels- -is filled with fantasy, adventure and the heroic qualities of a brave, young boy. At the same time, it includes accurate and beautiful descriptions of life under the ocean, villages similar to those of real nineteenth century island villages, and cities similar to those of ancient Greece and Rome. Part of the book is based on research accounts of what may have happened to Atlantis if it once existed. The main character is a twelve-year-old boy named Wiley O'Mara. He lives on an island far up north where it is very cold, around the beginning of the nineteenth century. The island scenery and culture in some ways resemble that of Ireland around the same time. After meeting a dolphin who allows him to swim underwater, Wiley takes part in an extraordinary adventure through which he and the dolphin accomplish an incredible rescue mission. Along the way, Wiley and his friend encounter both real and imaginary creatures- -the real fish, dolphins, coral reefs and changing depths of the North Atlantic Ocean, as well as imaginary creatures in the island forest and ocean depths surrounding Wiley's home. THE FISHERMAN'S SON is available in paperback, eBook, and audio book. The AUDIO BOOK of THE FISHERMAN'S SON is a Finalist in the 2006 ForeWord Magazine Book of the Year Awards.

Reader Comments

Adventure and Learning for the Young Reader

For those who have a love of the sea and Celtic landscape, "The Fisherman's Son" will be a particularly enjoyable read with your children. As for your little ones, they'll have a rich story of fantasy filled with oceanic learning.

When 12-year-old Wiley O'Mara's mother dies, his journey to fetch the nearest priest in a hamlet far from his own sets him on a completely different path than he intended. He can expect no help from his alcoholic father; abusive when at home, which is rare.

Ah, but like any good tale worth its salt, the travails of this adventure lead to the challenges and rewards of an even greater one. Wiley's trial takes him through the vast landscape of his Gaelic homeland into the beauty of the ocean depths. In this fantastical coming-of-age drama, Wiley learns who he really is, the strength of his mettle and that his destiny is to help the people of his land realize their full potential. And isn't that the destiny of each of us? It's an old theme always worth revisiting, particularly in children's fiction.

This is a book that will appeal to "tweens"; but especially to children aged eight through ten since Wiley is a storybook hero they can look up to. These younger of the "tweens" can certainly read "The Fisherman's Son" on their own, but there are a few large words that may have them coming to mom and dad. A good story that also encourages learning new words is always a plus.

Likewise, you may want to talk with your children about Wiley's home, very much like nineteenth century Ireland, though the author never puts a name to the island (all the more appropriate for a child's fantasy). As the story moves into the briny deep of the North Atlantic Ocean, there's even more to pique your child's intellect along with his/her imagination.

But all along Wiley's far journey , your child is in store for deeper learning. Strength of character. Honor and ethics. Belief and confidence in self and the ability to face great adversity, whether in the family or in the world. They're all within these pages.

K.L.Nappier
Author of "Full Wolf Moon," "Voyagers," "Bitten" and more.
Please visit www.KLNappier.com for more author info, reviews and interviews.

K.L.Nappier | Thu, 05/03/2007 - 17:20