The Golden Linnet was Alexander Armstrong's brilliant debut novel (you can read my review here) and one that blew me away when I read an early copy. It was also an absolute pleasure to have hosted Xander at school for his very fist author visit and it felt very special to hear him read an extract to a packed hall of students and teachers. Having chatted to him before the talk, I knew that the second book was already well underway, so it's been a rather impatient wait to see what was in store next for Sam, Ish and Goz.
There really is no let-up for Sam and his friends in this book as the action begins right from the start (by the way, I love that the prologue gives you a reminder of book 1). He needs to come to terms with his new-found powers and the fact that the order is there to quietly protect the world from evil. And evil isn't far away in the form of Georgie who, quite frankly, is a terrifying madman, intent on wrecking havoc on the world. With the ability to travel through time, he is incredibly tricky to track down, yet Sam and his friends have no choice but to do that if they are to save Sam's uncle and the rest of the world.
I loved that The Golden Linnet was largely set in and around Durham so I could picture where the action was taking place. And The Tempest Stone was no different; as well as Durham and Northumberland, I was thrilled to discover Lagrasse and the surrounding area in south-west France appearing (somewhere I can highly recommend a wander round if you're ever in the Occitania region of France). Armstrong uses the setting wonderfully to convey vivid pictures of events as they unfold; whether that's present day Durham or historic France, readers will delight in the imagery created.
Armstrong once again, weaves magic, folklore and fantasy in a thrilling battle between good and evil. The rich and intricate plot is a heart-stopping adventure with twists and turns that will keep you on the edge of your seat right to the very last page!
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