Evenfall: The Golden Linnet - Alexander Armstrong

Sam lives with his father in their house in Durham.  Life has been difficult since the death of his mother and he spends a lot of his time caring for his father who is unwell, with only Ken who works at the university where his dad is employed, who regularly comes round to help.  Along with his only friend, Ish, Sam is able to cope, just.  When he turns thirteen, however, strange things begin to happen and his life takes a dramatic turn.  Discovering that he is part of an ancient secret society who have protected the world for decades changes his world forever.  He now needs to get to grips with his new powers and find the other members of the Order of the Evening before the power they have falls into the wrong hands. 

Wow!  I am going to say from the start that this book absolutely blew me away and is undoubtedly one of the best books I've read this year.  I'm generally wary of celebrity authors but it is clear that Alexander Armstrong has talent when it comes to writing middle grade fiction.  I had heard nothing but good things about Evenfall: The Golden Linnet from book buddies, and their praise was absolutely warranted.  

The book is set largely in Durham (where Alexander went to school).  Being from the North-East, it was clear to see that he knows the city well and it was great to be able to visualise events as they unfolded.  It's an incredibly clever and intricate plot that weaves between locations (New York and Cambridge as well as Durham) and people (Sam, as well as those intent on seizing the power from the Order of the Evening, and those trying to protect it) and it's a book that will keep readers on their toes in the very best way - I was torn between savouring the book and being unable to put it down.  

Sam is a hero in so many different ways: he cares for his father without question or grumbling, he is calm but a quick thinker and he longs to have the sort of family life his friend Ish has (Ish is a brilliant character, by the way!).  Readers will warm to Sam instantly.  

I really don't feel that I am doing this book the justice it deserves so I will simply say that The Golden Linnet is a book that you have to pre-order before its publication on the 12th September (I read my copy on NetGalley and can't wait for my physical copy to arrive).  I haven't read anything like it in middle-grade fiction (think DaVinci Code for middle grade) and its intricate plot and brilliant world-building will captivate and intrigue in equal measure.  With stunning illustrations peppered through the book, The Golden Linnet comes with just one warning from me: once you start reading it, you won't be able to put it down so make sure you cancel your plans before you begin!