Kaï-ro

Graham Marks

Average Rating 8/10 (1 Review)

In the year 2499, a strange new city has risen, hot and dusty, dotted with half-built pyramids and ruled over by a dark army. Beneath it all, forgotten statues of ancient gods lie waiting to wreak their power on an unsuspecting world. One boy will stand up and become a hero.

When the Gods go to war, it is always the mortals who suffer.

And when the sun rises on a world where once again Stekh, God of Chaos, and Horus, God of the Sky, walk the land, then battle is inevitable.

A darkness rises in Kai-Ro...

Stretch Wilson's world is a hard place. All he has, since his father was taken as slave labour, is his dog, Bone - until the fateful day when he discovers something extraordinary, deep in the heart of Bloom's Mount, a gigantic pile of ancient rubbish and waste. Something that will change his life for ever.

One boy, alone and abandoned.

Stretch doesn't know it, but he is the only person who can stop the evil that lives in Kai-ro from taking control, for eternity.

And how can a boy do all that on his own?

Brilliantly imagined, Kai-ro is a thrilling adventure story full of dark menace and heart-stopping twists and turns.

Key Stage: KS2/3 E; Age 11+

About the Author:
Graham Marks had his first collection of poetry published while studying at Harrow School of Art. He then went on to work for 10 years as a graphic designer before returning to writing. Graham is now a full-time writer both of children's books and as freelance Children's Editor for Publishing News.

'A brilliantly imagined epic adventure.'

Review by Jessica (300611) Rating (8/10)

Review by Jessica
Rating 8/10
While studying at art school, Graham Marks had his first book of poetry published. After having a rather successful career as an art director, Graham then decided it was time for a change and turned his hand to writing. He has written all sorts, from comic strips to novels. He has most recently been praised for his Young Adult books.

Stretch Wilson has grown up as a lonesome boy most of his life since his father was snatched away and taken to be a slave. The only form of company he has is his pet dog Bone. However, things are about to change when Stretch finds something in Bloom’s Mount, a massive pile of ancient rubbish, rubble and waste. This discovery will change his life forever and nothing will remain the same again.

Can Stretch stop the evil powers taking control over everything in the land of Kai-ro or is he simply out-numbered?

This is a tale where ancient Gods walk the land and battle is never far away in a world of mystery, villains, and epic adventure. This story is brilliantly put together, with a wonderful use of vivid imagery to conjure up a world that to the reader is believable and real. Kai-ro, a gripping journey with many twists and turns before the well awaited and excellent ending.

It is clear that Graham Marks has a talent in writing and let’s hope he writes more young teen fiction to keep all his fans from boredom.
Jessica (30th June 2011)