The Fatal Child [Hardcover]

John Dickinson (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 8, 2009

The final novel in this compelling trilogy set in a medieval fantasy world.

Atti is the Fatal Child. Beautiful and adored, she is troubled by a recurring nightmare of violence and betrayal. She can love no one and trust no one, and she wakes screaming in the night.

Driven by his love for Atti, Ambrose, son of Phaedra, gives up his wandering existence and takes the throne. This is the story of his kingship and his attempts to remove the curse of Beyah, the weeping goddess, from his land. For while Beyah weeps, she poisons hearts, and only when the weeping stops can peace be restored to the kingdom.

Seen through the eyes of Padry, close advisor to the king, and of Melissa, maid to the queen, this is a passionate story of love and betrayal, power and sacrifice, hope and loss. Prophecies are fulfilled and story threads are concluded as Ambrose and his mother struggle to come to terms with their destinies.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Starred Review, Kirkus Reviews, August 1, 2009:
"It is immensely rewarding, for older teens or adults with the courage to make the journey."

About the Author

John Dickinson is a house-husband, touchline Dad, and writer. He is also the household cook, a struggling tenor, and treasurer for the parish church. He lives in Painswick, Gloucestershire.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 12 and up
  
• Hardcover: 560 pages
• Publisher: David Fickling Books (September 8, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0385751109
• ISBN-13: 978-0385751100
• Product Dimensions: 5.9 x 1.7 x 8.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,255,422 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A vivid fantasy for older teens, November 21, 2009

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Fatal Child (Hardcover)

John Dickinson's THE FATAL CHILD provides a sequel to CUP OF THE WORLD and THE WIDOW AND THE KING, and tells of Ambrose, Prince Under the Sky, haunted by the prophetic doom words of his ancestor. His search for the secret that will lift the curse of his life brings him into contact with a gorgeous young princess who will force him to confront his past in this vivid fantasy for older teens.

5.0 out of 5 stars Courtesy of Teens Read Too, April 15, 2010

By 

TeensReadToo "Eat. Drink. Read. Be Merrier." (All Over the US & Canada) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Fatal Child (Hardcover)

Gold Star Award Winner!

This spectacular high fantasy is the third book in a trilogy including THE CUP OF THE WORLD and THE WIDOW AND THE KING. Dickinson uses a mixture of political intrigue, frightening battles, and treacherous relationships.

The novel starts with Thomas Padry, counselor to King Gueronius, saving a mysterious young girl in the midst of a battle. Atti is a beautiful child, and as the years pass Padry finds peace in her presence.

When Atti decides she must pursue the elusive Prince Under the Sky, Padry follows. However, finding Atti takes Padry on a harder journey than he anticipated. He must ask Raymonde, a nobleman's son and a murderer, to help him on his way, and then he must trust Talifer, one of the seven sons of historic Wulfram the Seafarer. Danger, witchcraft, and dragons are just a few of the things Padry faces.

Atti's story is also told by Melissa, a teenage girl who becomes Atti's maid. Melissa's humble background is the opposite of Atti's privileged one. However, the two walk together through the journey Atti has chosen.

Atti further becomes a significant part of the Prince Under the Sky's quest as Ambrose takes over his rightful throne and attempts to save his world from the weeping goddess whose tears pollute the hearts of men, causing discord and discontent.

Readers will be drawn into this well-written tale and follow closely as Ambrose strives to bring peace back to his world.

Reviewed by: Theresa L. Stowell