The Emerald Atlas:The Books of Beginning 1

Editorial Reviews

"With more than a nod to J K Rowling and C S Lewis, there are orphans, wicked witches, dwarves and dark magic aplenty in Random House's major new fantasy series, which is getting a big global launch." - Fiona Noble, The Bookseller

"The Emerald Atlas is a magical roller-coaster of a read as three siblings discover an old leather book that unlocks a powerful prophecy and enables them to move through time and different worlds." - Vanessa Lewis, The Bookseller

"...Bologna's most talked about book. First in a trilogy from US screenwriter John Stephens, it is jam packed with fantasy staples such as dwarves, wizards, orphans and prophecies, and will be backed with a major marketing campaign." - Fiona Noble, The Bookseller

"Ambitious, entertaining, magical and whimsical, this marks a strong beginning to a new trilogy,
invoking just a little Harry Potter and Series of Unfortunate Events along the way." - Realms of Fantasy magazine, USA

"It's bright and energetic and has some exciting set pieces." - Patrick Ness, The Guardian

"Stephens spins a tightly paced, engaging yarn http://www.nytimes.com/2011/04/10/books/review/childrens-books-the-emerald-atlas-by-john-stephens.html?_r=1" - New York Times

"A great fantasy quest story, with a good balance in its three central characters, each of whom have flaws to overcome. Kate is so used to taking care of her younger siblings, she finds it difficult to be open and to relinquish control of events. Geeky Michael lacks courage. And feisty Emma is impetuous and pugnacious. The supporting cast are all vivid and eccentric, just as they should be. The goodies show real heroism and the baddies are incorrigible. It's pacy and tense and I loved the rollercoaster feel of it - as one battle is over and you breathe a sigh of relief, another crisis begins. The writing is perfectly judged for the tween market - as a television writer, John Stephens knows how to make things visual, and it's accessible but not too simplistic. Junior fantasy fans are going to love this book." - Jill Murphy, www.thebookbag.co.uk

"'A great story is all in the telling, and in The Emerald Atlas the telling is superb....First-time novelist John Stephens has created a vicarious adventure for children ages 9-15-the first in a trilogy-filled with unexpected twists and marvelously distinct and vivid characters. With exceptional skill, Mr. Stephens weaves the resulting pathos into the children's characters and into their sibling relationships'" - Meghan Cox Gurdon, Wall Street Journal

"With magic, humor and unforgettable characters, John Stephens' remarkable debut novel follows Kate, Michael and Emma as they attempt to outwit the Countess, rescue the children and maybe even save the world in the process. Unanswered questions and two more books to locate ensure a sequel and more robust adventures ahead." - Angela Leeper, BookPage (US)

"The Emerald Atlas kind of encompasses all my firm favourites, His Dark Materials, The Chronicles of Narnia and of course Harry Potter. It was a thrill to read." - Askew's Library Service