Clash of the Sky Galleons:
The Edge Chronicles No. 9

Paul Stewart and Chris Riddell

Quint is travelling with his father, Wind Jackal, on a mission to track down and bring to justice Turbot Smeal, the man who started the fire that killed their family. Having left behind his studies at the Knights Academy, Quint is now eager to learn what it really means to be a sky pirate and to learn from his father. But Wind Jackal is consumed by his desire to capture Smeal - and his judgement is flawed. His actions endangers the lives of his crew - and his son. As they travel from the taverns and backstreets of Undertown and the wonders of the shipbuilders' yards, to the dark dangers of the Deepwoods, where Quint and Maris become separated from the rest of the crew and encounter some terrifying creatures - and finally to the mysterious, ghostly sky-wreck in Open Sky, where they discover the truth about Smeal - and face a new terror...

'So exceptional . . . I’d bet good money on it still being in print a century from now.'

'Stunningly original.'

Review by Jessica (070108) Rating (7/10)

Review by Jessica
Quint Verginix is back with his father Wind Jackal, on a quest to bring justice to the evil Turbot Smeal who murdered his and his father’s family.
Leaving his teaching behind at Knights Academy, Quint can’t wait to see what life is really like as a sky pirate. He looks up to his father a great deal so he is desperate to know all there is. However, he does go against his father’s wishes on some occasions and trusts his opinions too much. Jackal’s true self is wrapped in hatred for his arch enemy Smeal, so how can he teach his son the best all of the time?

Together, however, they are enrolled on a journey through the harsh skies of The Edge. The epic battles within this stunning book are as dramatic as you can hope for. There are lots of strange creatures too, from waifs to urchin-birds. Of course we still have all of our favourite characters included, Spillins the little Oakelf creature with his gnarled fingers and pointy ears. Maris too is there, Ratbit also, oh and let’s not forget Smeal…

There were not as many illustrations in this book as some of the other chronicles I’ve read. Chris Riddell could have perhaps added some more with the wonderful talent he has. There are some lovely drawings of the Banderbears though. Also a truly wonderful, vivid drawing of a Halitoad.

This is another wonderful book, although not as good as some of the others.
Jessica (7th January 2008)