The story of Adonis in When The Sky Falls captivated me when I read it in 2021 (you can read my review here), so when the chance arrived to discover how the great ape ended up at the zoo in London, I took the first opportunity to dive in (I'm so grateful to Phil for sending me a signed copy).
The story is set in Edwardian London where the streets are full of danger and the docks even more so. Goliath is a man nobody messes with so when he set his sights on acquiring an animal that will make him rich, he gets what he wants. However, he ends up with far more than he bargained for: in fact he gets a heavily pregnant and dangerously ill female ape and it's only thanks to his ill-treated 'nephew' Toff that the creature gives birth before it dies. But this involves an innocent vet and a twelve year old girl called Nettie - a girl who is determined that this baby isn't going to spend it's days at the mercy of someone as vicious as Goliath. And so begins the most unusual friendship and a race against time across London.
I began The Dawn of Adonis on Sunday morning and did little else all day other than pour through the pages - I just couldn't put it down. Nettie is an incredibly spirited and determined character, fuelled on by grief and her desperate desire to do the right thing. Having lead a decent life by Edward London's standards, she is suddenly thrust into a world that is completely alien to her; one where she is reliant on Toff for help and her wits to carry her across London in any way she can. Her love for the ape is undeniable and is the driving force in everything she does. It leads to a remarkable and unusual friendship with Toff, whose life has been very different to hers, but they are bound by a common goal and their relationship is wonderful to read.
London in all its grime and crime is brought to life by Phil as the pair make their desperate race through the streets and, at times, I could almost smell the stench as I read. The book highlights the plight of so many in the city at the time and the lengths they had to go to to make ends meet.
Publishing on the 5th June, The Dawn of Adonis has a gripping plot and readers will find themselves willing Nettie and Toff on in their quest to save the baby ape. It's a story full of empathy with touches of humour peppered between the danger. Friendship, loyalty, grief and determination weave through the pages and will fill your heart - I absolutely adored it. My proof copy will be heading into school in the morning and there is already a waiting list for it!
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