Obernewtyn: The Obernewtyn Chronicles 1 [Mass Market Paperback]

Isobelle Carmody (Author)

Book Description

Series: The Obernewtyn Chronicles | Publication Date: December 9, 2008

In a world struggling back from the brink of apocalypse, life is harsh. And for Elspeth Gordie, it is also dangerous. That's because Elspeth has a secret: she is a Misfit, born with mysterious mental abilities that she must keep hidden under threat of death. And her worries only multiply when she is exiled to the mountain compound known as Obernewtyn, where—for all her talents—Elspeth may finally and truly be out of her depth. Then she learns she’s not the only one concealing secrets at Obernewtyn.

Editorial Reviews

Review

“Engaging characters, pacing, and plots.”—Publishers Weekly

“Blends graceful storytelling with appealing characters.”—Library Journal

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 12 and up
  
• Mass Market Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers (December 9, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0375857672
• ISBN-13: 978-0375857676
• Product Dimensions: 4.3 x 0.7 x 6.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #165,632 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A great book, an even better series, January 16, 2009

By 

kellie (perth australia) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Obernewtyn: The Obernewtyn Chronicles 1 (Mass Market Paperback)

The Obernewtyn Chronicles Book 1 is the start of a fabulous series by Isobelle Carmody, a series that has been entertaining people for over ten years. Meet Elspeth, a young girl living in an orphanage in post apocalyptic times, struggling to survive through an oppressive regime trying to weed out and destroy "mutants"- those with physical or mental deformities brought about as a result of the Great White- otherwise known as the Apocalypse.

Elspeth was the child of Seditioners (rebels essentially) who were burned for their "crimes" by the Council, and was sent to an orphanage with her brother. Despite their recent dislike of each other (he is trying to impress the Council and get his Normal Certificate, whereas Elspeth hates them with a passion), they have always managed to stay together, until the "Madam" of Obernewtyn arrives to pick out potential candidates (Misfits- children with hidden "mental abilities") for her isolated compound outside the city limits. Elspeth's only friend is Maruman, a strange looking cat who she can communicate with through her thoughts, and who has premonitions of things surrounding Elspeth's future.

When Elspeth is labelled a Misfit, she is shipped off to Obernewtyn, sure that there is worse to come. She is mistrustful of everyone and maintains a strict "block" on her powers, as far as she is concerned, the less you know the safer you are. Obernewytn is meant to be a complex for Misfits to live safely (working of course), whilst the Doctor finds a cure for their "diseases".

Things are not as they seem, however, and Elspeth soon discovers that something sinister is happening at Obernewtyn. Children are dissapearing for long periods of time without knowing where they were and escape attempts are becoming more frequent. The more that happens, the more certain she is that the Madam and the Doctor are searching, for something, and someone, and the more determined she is to figure out what is going on. Fraught with danger, intrigue, plot twists and suspense, the first in the Obernewtyn series is sure to leave you wanting more.

The reason i have given it 4 stars instead of 5, is because i felt that i had to constantly refer to the beginning to check the reference of a certain word (ie- seditioners), having said that though, once i understood all the terms i found the book quite easy to keep up with. I also feel that some characters werent neccessary to the storyline, as in they were overdeveloped for the roles they played, whereas there were some characters that i felt had more to do with the story development who were underdeveloped. It almost felt that the author wanted to show so much about all these characters in one hit rather than developing certain characteristics and flaws throughout the series, like bam she can read minds, bam now she can talk to animals, bam she is cautious for half the book but all of a sudden she is seeking trouble without there being a compelling enough reason (remember this is from Elspeth's point of view, so surely if she was going to change so much something would have had to effect her in quite a significant way).

Also, i felt that the ending was a bit rushed and that some things could have been tied up differently (for me in an obvious way). At the same time, the way it was written kept me up till 2am trying to finish, desperately wanting to know what happened next. The main characters were developed enough considering that this is the first book in the series, although at times i questioned whether they would really have behaved in certain ways. I liked the fact that there were some references to things that you as a reader would know, whereas Elspeth wouldnt (dont have an example at the moment but you will know what im talking about when you read it). I think based on the fact that it is such a bestseller down here, i was expecting a bit more from it, even though the author wrote this in highschool and it has been out for close to 12 years. I think if i was to read it again though, knowing what i know now, then i would probably see that things make more sense and i will probably enjoy it more. I am going to read the rest of the series first before re-reading book one.

Overall, this book was extremely entertaining, and i cant wait to read the next one. I highly recommend this book. You dont neccessarily have to like sci-fi/fantasy genre (i prefer historical fiction to be perfectly honest) but there is something compelling about this book that makes you want to keep turning the page long after you have finished it. Good book.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A truly different read, December 14, 2008

By 

ceilthegreat - See all my reviews

This review is from: Obernewtyn: The Obernewtyn Chronicles 1 (Mass Market Paperback)

This is an excellent and different book that doesn't follow all the cliched ESP or post-apocalyptic themes that many others fall into. The main character, Elspeth, has depth and a consistent personality throughout the whole series. Carmody's books are fast-paced and exciting, with plenty of action and adventure. The world Carmody describes is both disturbing and intriguing. I have yet to read a book by her that I haven't enjoyed. The whole series has been great so far.
One thing: don't expect a quick ending to this series. Seems Carmody has a LOT of story to tell.
The Farseekers: The Obernewtyn Chronicles 2, Ashling: The Obernewtyn Chronicles 3, The Keeping Place (The Obernewtyn chronicles), Wavesong: The Obernewtyn Chronicles 5, The Stone Key: The Obernewtyn Chronicles 6

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Original story; wonderful start to series, May 26, 2009

By 

Susan (Minneapolis) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Obernewtyn: The Obernewtyn Chronicles 1 (Mass Market Paperback)

Although this book is labeled young adult, this adult found it utterly absorbing. We meet Elspeth in an age where technology has been lost and the world is ruled by a totalitarian regime set on purging the world of anyone with psychic abilities.

The post-nuclear-apocalypse Earth is slowly revealed through Elspeth's life of trying to keep her psychic abilities hidden, and then once found out, through her experience in the prison camp, Obernewtyn. As Elspeth learns that there may others like her, she also uncovers some truths about the "Beforetime" (before nuclear apocolypse) and her role in freeing herself and others like her from oppression.

Readers who enjoyed "His Dark Materials" trilogy may enjoy this series--though the Obernewtyn does not have the same religious overtone, nor is it as richly detailed as Pullman's epic tale.