Previous Finalists

'There's never a dull moment in this unpredictable, fast-paced, YA adventure. A BLAST!'

REVIEW
There's never a dull moment in Phill Featherstone's epic adventure story, Leopard's Bane. I enjoyed the first book a few years ago and I remember thinking then it was a pretty good story. And now, here I am, reading the third book in the set, ominously entitled A Hanging Moon. And, I must say, it's a thoroughly enjoyable read. The two central characters, rich boy Peglar and poor girl Yalka, have developed considerably from the first novel. And, as in all three of the books, it's packed full of danger and suspense.
In this novel, Yakla has been sold as a slave. To be honest, she hasn't got to do a lot; she only has to sit there until Peglar attempts to save her. Then the trap will be sprung! What follows is a twisting plot which might - just might - end with Peglar being hung on the night of the full moon.
There's a lot to enjoy in this novel; the writing style is crisp, the plotting is complex - but never overly so, and the pacing is, for the most part, spot on. It's also very unpredictable which is probably what I love most about it. You just never know what's going to happen next! As this is book three, I do think it's important to say that, although this novel could be read as a standalone, I wouldn't recommend it. And, to be honest, why would you when there are two other excellent novels to enjoy.
In terms of who the book is for, I suspect it'll go down best with young adults, possibly at the younger end of the spectrum. I think the typical 13/14 year old fantasy/adventure lover will find a lot to enjoy here, rooting for the protagonists, Yakla and Peglar, and booing for the antagonist, Ragul, Peglar's half-brother. As I finished this book, I got the feeling the story was coming to an end; possibly it has - or, possibly, we'll get to meet these characters in another story. I do hope so.

A 'Wishing Shelf' Book Review
www.thewsa.co.uk