The Thorn Ogres Of Hagwood [Paperback]

Robin Jarvis (Author)

Product Details

• Paperback
• Publisher: Puffin Books (2008)
• ISBN-10: 014130085X
• ISBN-13: 978-0141300856
• ASIN: B001KTOHOA
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Chilling, enthralling fantasy, September 26, 2002

By 

E. A Solinas "ea_solinas" (MD USA) - See all my reviews
(HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)    (TOP 100 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Thorn Ogres of Hagwood: The Hagwood Trilogy, Book One (Hardcover)

Robin Jarvis, author of the Deptford Mice trilogy, is becoming increasingly well-known in the US as he is in Britain. And "Thorn Ogres of Hagwood" shows his gifts at their best -- imaginative, spinechilling, and written with lush detail.

The werlings are a race of small, peaceful people in the Hagwood, keeping themselves safe by "wergling" (shapeshifting into animal forms). Gameliel is a clumsy, shy young werling, who is generally disdained by other werlings -- with the exception of the brilliant, kindly Finnen. Finnen shares a common bond with Gameliel -- and a secret that could ruin his life.

But a small group of werlings spot a beautiful woman, the Lady Rhiannon of the Hill, and her corps of goblins, thorn ogres, and other hideous creatures. She has lost something vitally important to her, and will do whatever is necessary to get it back, and preserve her own life by doing so. A Smith with a magical knife may help the werlings, but ultimately it falls to Gameliel and the disgraced Finnen to stop the thorn ogres and the Lady.

Robin Jarvis's imagination is evident in his creation of the werlings -- he doesn't make them too complex culturally, but he makes them different in subtle ways. The idea of using a sample of animal fur to transform into that animal is an intriguing one, as is the simplicity of the Lady and her hideous creatures. Jarvis gives us explanations about Rhiannon, but thankfully does not make it complete enough that we like her.

The werlings make this book a little too lightweight to be a genuine dark fantasy, like Garth Nix's "Sabriel," but there is plenty of darkness and ugliness that will send a chill down the spine. Aside from the thorn ogres, there is also the ghastly Frighty Aggie, a werling who got stuck in a half-insectile form and now remains as a warning legend -- until she makes an appearance that will startle readers. And the atmosphere and occasional goriness of this book add to the overall impression of darkness and closing-in evil. The writing style is detailed and insightful, and the dialogue is quite realistic, aside from one or two odd moments.

Gameliel is a sweet hero, a timid little guy with more courage than anyone expects and pretty much no ego. Finnen is a little harder to empathize with at first; though readers will like him for his kindness to Gameliel and an aging mouse, they may be slightly worried about his shameful secret. Kernella is a pain in the backside. And the tough Smith with his magical knife will definitely get the attention and liking of the readers. Master Gibble, on the other hand, is even more loathsome in his jealousy and cowardice than the Lady ever is.

Possibly surpassing the Deptford Mice and Wyrd Museum trilogies, "Thorn Ogres of Hagwood" is a wonderful fantasy read that promises more werling adventures to come.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Exciting, Awesome New Fantasy, August 18, 2003

A Kid's Review

This review is from: Thorn Ogres of Hagwood: The Hagwood Trilogy, Book One (Hardcover)

This book is one of the greatest books i have ever read. EVER.

However, one part is a little predictable-
Gamaleil is the klutzy kid who never gets anything right-
i could tell right away he will do something very courageous and important.

Other than that miniscule flaw, this is an exciting adventure that will leave you wondering what could happen in the next book. Robin Jarvis leaves you kind of hanging at the end. I highly reccomend this book to anyone!!!!!!!!

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars familiar, January 18, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Thorn Ogres of Hagwood: The Hagwood Trilogy, Book One (Hardcover)

Quite charming really, but for the most part seemed to scream "Lord of the Rings!!!" in both characters and plot.