The Twig Trilogy :
The Edge Chronicles No. 1-3

Paul Stewart and Chris Riddell

Average Rating 8/10 (1 Review)

The Twig Trilogy brings together the first three books of The Edge Chronicles: Beyond the Deepwoods; Stormchaser; and Midnight Over Sanctaphrax.

Beyond the Deepwoods
The story of young Twig's quest to discover his roots, not among the trees in Deepwoods, but high in the skies.

Stormchaser
Now a crew-member on his father's sky pirate ship, the Stormchaser, Twig's dreams of exploration seem fulfilled. But a much higher destiny awaits him.

Midnight Over Sanctaphrax
Young Twig, now a sky pirate captain, is the only one who can save the Edgelands from disaster. But the task is daunting: his crew lost and his memory shattered. Can he make the journey back into the Deepwoods to recover his memory and take action?

Young Twig lives in the Deepwoods, among the woodtrolls, but he isn't one of them. In a brave attempt to find out where he truly belongs, Twig wanders into the mysterious, fascinating and sometimes hazardous world beyond the Deepwoods. In his travels he encounters myriad peculiar creatures, like his wise guardian, the Caterbird; the Slaughterers, a peaceful race who butcher animals for their livelihood; and the vicious, bile-swilling Rotsucker. Always mindful of the Gloamglozer, whose presence haunts the thoughts of all the inhabitants of the Edge, Twig pursues his quest until he discovers his roots, not among the trees, but in the skies. With his new allies, Twig prepares for his next adventure...

Stormchaser. Since his childhood in the Deepwoods, young Twig has always longed to soar above the forest canopy and explore the sky. Now a lowly crew-member on his father's sky pirate ship, the Stormchaser, his dream seems fulfilled. But a much higher destiny awaits Twig as plots and treacheries from many years ago bring the lofty city of Sanctaphrax - home of the Edgeworld's most learned academics - to the point of disaster.For the city is built on a giant rock, floating high in the sky, And only a ship such as the Stormchaser could risk entering the Storm...

Midnight Over Sanctaphrax: Far over the Edge, the Mother Storm is brewing - a storm more terrifying than any seen in the lifetime of any Edgelander.Sweeping in from the open sky, it must strike the source of the Edgewater River to bring new energy to the land. But in its way is Sanctaphrax - a magnificent city built on a floating rock and tethered to the land by a massive chain...Only one person can save the Edgelands from certain disaster: Twig, the young sky pirate captain who had dared to sail over the Edge - but returned with his memory shattered and his crew flung far and wide. But to recover his memory and take action, Twig must first find his lost crew. And this means a journey back into the Deepwoods - and beyond...

Review by Jessica (070108) Rating (8/10)

Review by Jessica
Rating 8/10
Far away from the busy Undertown and the floating city of Sanctaphrax, lies the mysterious Deepwoods. A place that is home to many a woodtroll but also the home of Twig. When Twig was born his mother, Spelda, knew he was different. With high cheekbones, green eyes, smooth-skin and lengthy legs, it was obvious young Twig was no woodtroll. What was he for sure? And who was his father who abandoned him as a young child? The answers lie far away from the Deepwoods, far away from the Twilight Woods and into the world beyond.

Twig decides he must go on a dangerous, hazardous quest to find where he truly belongs. However, as soon as he leaves the safety of his home nestled amongst the trees, his strength is tested. Long distance trekking tires poor Twig but he must stay awake for the Deepwoods are not safe. It seems that behind almost every tree lurks unknown danger. Mysterious creatures reveal themselves as Twig ventures on.

Twig meets his protector, the Caterbird, and comes face to face with the deadly Bloodoak, a flesh-eating tree. Although Twig suffers many highs and lows, he eventually spots a Skyship which takes him high above the towns and woodlands. There on board Twig learns about his past as the big twist unfolds.

Venturing onwards his quest takes him to other places he never thought existed in his country, The Edge. He meets more creatures who befriend him, the warrior goblin, who was once a guard, called Bogwitt who I couldn’t help but compare to The Lord of The Rings' Gollum. Although Bogwitt is not an evil goblin but one there to help Twig on his adventures. I found him an unforgettable character and loved him so much.

There is also the mysterious Stone Pilot, who doesn’t show his/her face until the middle of this volume. I felt rather disappointed to be honest when the Stone Pilot did reveal their identity, although surprised none-the-less. There is also the Professor of Light, he too is a little like one of the wizards out of TLOTR. Wise and old but very noble and trust-worthy, although a little mysterious at times. I just felt it was such a shame that the wizard later met his fate.

I loved all the Banderbears. Although these creatures are supposedly fierce, Twig manages to befriend many of them and comes to realise they are just big soft old bears. Very lovable creatures like a teddy bear is to a child. I’m pleased that the authors didn’t kill off Goom, one of the Banderbears, it would have been a shame as many of the creatures in the book did died and I feel children and young adults who read this book will instantly fall in love with the bears.

I also hated the fact they got rid of the Oakelf Spooler. Why did they do that? He was a fine asset to Twig and his other friends. With Spooler’s sharp vision, I felt he was one of those characters needed to bring the whole thing together…and yet.

Apart from these mistakes that I really didn’t want the authors to have done, the whole volume is just brilliant, especially for the younger readers. Kids will love the story and the twists and turns it takes, the characters, and rejoice as peace is restored and the villains killed.

This trilogy completely got me hooked in a world full of mystery and danger. I think anyone who wishes to read this fantasy/fiction should make sure they get all three books of the Twig Trilogy or just buy the special edition volume where all three books are included.

And of course, let’s not forget the amazing artwork within these pages. Although it is easy to do so with such an amazing storyline that grabs at the reader the pictures that are illustrated in ink are stunning.

There are bound to be so many favourites among readers. I rather liked the bullfrog, with its spotty body and long knobbly fingers. This is such a vivid picture that it almost jumps out at you from the page. Another perhaps is of Bogwitt with his sword and long flappy ears. There are so many others that I could mention…but don’t let me be the judge, choose for yourself. A wonderful book to add to your collection.
Jessica (7th January 2008)