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Murder, mystery, and adventure aren’t your typical birthday presents . . . But for Theo, anything that breaks up his ordinary routine is the perfect gift. A mysterious “illness” and Theo’s guardians force him into a life indoors, where gloves must be worn and daily medical treatments are the norm. When Theo discovers a suspicious package on his birthday, one person from the past will unlock the secret behind Theo’s “illness” and change his life forever. Molded into an exhilarating steampunk adventure that gives birth to the next great fantasy hero, Theo Wickland, Candle Man: The Society of Unrelenting Vigilance is the first book in a trilogy by debut author Glenn Dakin. Visit Theo's Facebook page here. 
Candle Man has been nominated for the Nominated for the Great Stone Face Book Award!:
CATEGORY: FANTASY & SCIENCE FICTION - MIDDLE/ELEMENTARY
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ABSORBING TO THE ENDThe opening chapter of this is one of the most gripping you'll encounter all year… I do like the world of this novel - its smoky darkness, its descent into pitch black sewers, its mysteries dripping with intrigue and the bizarre… it has the power to absorb to the end. FROM QUIRKY TO GRUESOMEThe humour in this book is perfectly suited to middle grade readers. It varies from quirky, to dark, to gruesome - `Sorry, sir, but I thought you might like to know. Your face is melting' is a one-liner worthy of a classic Bond film or Carry on Screaming! QUICK WITIt was very elegant in its imparting of messages and it was full of quick wit … I am really looking forward to seeing where these books are headed... UNIQUEThe first book in a planned trilogy, "Society of Unrelenting Vigilance" is a page-turning adventure that's unique in a world full of copycats. Full of imaginative characters, both human and mystical, it's a great mix old-fashioned detective work and fantastical magic. TIED IT ALL UP PERFECTLYTheo for a boy who has been sheltered from the outside world for all of his life was never dull, never self loathing but took everything in his stride and everything was a great interest to him. This is a testament to Dakin himself. He wrote the story with a few subplots but never did they get in the way of the major story and in the end he tied it all up perfectly.What I also liked about the story were the creatures that gave the book a fantasy feel to it. Gone are the usual dwarves, orcs and elves; they are replaced with smoglodytes, extinct creatures and the forgotten gargoyles (with a twist). I can’t wait to see how much attention this book will get because it is right up there in terms of quality with books like Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief. Enchanté, aka Jon Snow, Best Fantasy Books. GREAT VILLAINSDakin’s well written blend of twists and turns in Candle Man kept me turning the pages to uncover the mysteries surrounding Theo’s ability and his importance to The Society of Unrelenting Vigilance. This book is a great start to a series with a great cast of characters and a thrilling plot. This book also has some interesting creatures - smoglodytes (foul creatures that can only survive in the smog) and garghouls (gargoyles) not to mention some great Villains that build even more excitement throughout the book. It will be very interesting to see what the next adventure for Theo and The Society of Unrelenting Vigilance embark on in the next installment. GLEEFULLY GHOULISHDakin skillfully brings moral ambiguity into the narrative, giving the writing a more sophisticated flair than standard superhero fare. Fast-paced action, gleefully ghoulish monsters and intrigue keep the narrative flowing… Theo's refreshing ignorance of the world successfully engages readers and invokes their sympathy. A bright light in the fantasy genre, this debut novel will leave fans eager for further illumination. (Fantasy. 10-14)Kirkus Reviews THRILLING CLIFFHANGERSThe first in a trilogy of Candle Man escapades, MURDER, MYSTERY & ADVENTURE...Candle Man, Book One: The Society of Unrelenting Vigilance by Glenn Dakin ($16.99). Murder, mystery, and adventure aren' t your usual birthday presents, but for an orphan raised in a Gothic mansion that borders a condemned cemetery, the gifts are most welcome. Theo is kept a virtual prisoner in the house, experimented on daily and forced to wear large cumbersome gloves at all times. When his birthday arrives and he is allowed out of the house for an outing to the cemetery, he discovers a secret message that is sure to change his life. Ages 8 - 12 |
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‘People hear about the Candle Man and not long
after… they disappear.’
‘Then why haven’t I heard of him?’ Brady asked.
‘It was all covered up – made into a secret. It was
too horrible.’
GLENN DAKIN INTERVIEW
FANTASTIC BOOK REVIEW
22nd October
READ HERE
FEEL THE POWER OF THE CANDLE MAN..
IF YOU DARE!
Get melted at:
www.powerofthecandleman.com
