Crafting a new series of children’s books designed to draw middle readers in to a brand new world and capture their attention for the long haul while utilizing the appropriate vocabulary level can be a tricky business. With ASH FOREST (AND THE KING’S GOLD), author Stephen R. Pratt creates a very original cast of characters in an alluring fantasy world that often times is engaging, though it does at times also fall prey to expository stating of action and emotion rather than fleshing-out tangible scenes which could more effectively unfold to place readers right there within them. The debut novel is strongest when it bucks the tide of convention via adventures experienced by its differently-abled hero, and when the plot dips into a powerful emotional pull between characters.
Set in an era when the Bronze Age is giving way to a coming Age of Iron, the tale is colorful with giant wolves and spiders, White and Black Witches, a magical sword known as Gun Ronin, a moat filled with man-eating crocodiles, and greedy King Luxurous who rules over a rather buffoonish kingdom. Opening with a character initially identified only as Feral Boy who is surviving alone in the forest, the story begins as Feral Boy happens upon a wagon by the town’s front gates within which sits radiant Prudence. From that moment on, Feral Boy is transfixed, though as someone regularly bothered by bullies, any kind of connection between Feral Boy and another human being will take time to build, so the pacing of this aspect of the story is good. Equally fun is a consistent thread of kid-savvy humor, jokes, and magical rhymes running throughout. Conversely, the story feels way too long for a genuine middle reader and is at its weakest when heavily relying on overplayed concepts, such as generals of war with armies arriving in the nick of time to solve personal/political problems and save the day. As there are also many unusual character and place names that seem similar and/or begin with the same letter (Ashville, Ash, Arakin, for example; Efscott, Sir Sudley, Slipnor; Pound, Prudence, Pularax, Prince Perfeyn), this can become confusing. Additionally, with Prudence being 12 years old as the story begins, some parents/educators may find the idea of her having a ‘boyfriend’ objectionable, though nothing distasteful occurs. As well, the capture of children along with threats of murder and bloodletting may appeal to some readers while not appealing others.
ASH FOREST (AND THE KING’S GOLD) by Stephen R. Pratt highlights the adventures of its differently-abled hero and provides an introductory foundation for a potential new early-to-middle reader’s series.
~C.S. Holmes for IndieReader