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Peter: A Darkened Fairytale (Vol 1) by [William O'Brien]

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William O'Brien

Peter: A Darkened Fairytale (Vol 1) Kindle Edition

by William O'Brien (Author) Format: Kindle Edition

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Book 1 of 14: Peter: A Darkened Fairytale

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A cauldron of descriptive imagery, surreal places and characters create an exciting and imaginative 'off-the-wall' fantasy trip.
Books in the series:
Peter: A Darkened Fairytale (story)
Peter, Enchantment and Stardust (full poetry)
Peter: The World - Short Poems & Tiny Thoughts (Vol 1)
Surreal Peter - Short Poems & Tiny Thoughts (Vol 2)
Peter: Crank's Time - Short Poems & Tiny Thoughts (Vol 3)

A children's novel- PETER: A Darkened Fairytale
Rough age range 11-13, fun for adults too!

In a quiet sleepy place nestle a few tiny houses, a bridge, and a handful of shops. Unknown to Peter, on one particular morning - the morning of his tenth birthday –will reveal more than just the usual collection of presents. Stumbling into a secret place, he travels through many hidden worlds and embarks upon a fantastic journey. Hally the lifelongian, Arnica the maiden, Wind Sail the white witch and a beautiful elf called Slip will all guide him on his quest.

Searching through the Purple Forest, Peter makes haste to rescue a friend, which proves more difficult than Peter could ever imagine. The gentle tale soon finds its way into some very dark places as the evil Cirinian and her followers try to thwart Peter’s progress. Guards, ghosts, spirits and vampirism add to the unknown dimensions that Peter encounters.

A creation of surreal places and characters, Peter: A Darkened Fairytale is an exciting and imaginative fantasy trip from beginning to end.
_______________________________________________________________

A drawer is a drawer, and a door is a door, one way in and one way out. What… not sure? A time in space has now arrived for some readers passing by and travelling through in a blip of time, goes so quick, like this rhyme. The thoughts one thinks may not be real and sometimes they will make you squeal. Biting, scratching, tastes hang true, inside this story you’ll meet things new. Must be careful, for if you fall those evildoers will seize all. Taking bodies and minds of prey, trapped, entombed as darkness flays. If by chance you are done, chase the light chosen one. Staring from those eyes so bright, view things given with new sight. For all that see, avoid the dark, a new path is shown near the park. A secret there for all that be, if you’re brave enough, open me!
_________________________________________________________________

For all those imaginative souls

A fascinating tale takes the reader on a true flight of fantasy into amazing far-off lands, dramatically expanding the imagination and touching the heart. An exploration of the senses is tantalised through the many unusual characters, while exploring alternate realities. A placid opening of the mystical realms should not be underestimated as they soon lead off and reach into some of the darkest corners of the mind.

A gentle fairytale twists along its path into an unusual and disturbed adventure.
_________________________________________________________________

Reading age

9 - 18 years
Print length

148 pages
Language

English
Grade level

5 - 12
Publication date

December 6, 2013
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Editorial Reviews

Review

The theme is reminiscent of 'Alice in Wonderland'. The language is rich and exquisite and that adds tothe colorful appeal and visual aspect of this captivating story. The chapters are short and the story moves quickly. Thenarration is crisp and clever - an enchanting read for everyone. 5***** Mamta Madhavan for Readers' Favorite

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Dennis Waller - TOP 500REVIEWER
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Amazon Verified Purchase 5*****
A Richly Descriptive Story
The writing style ismasterful in creating strong mental imagery. The depth and layering of the storyline is reminiscent of theworks of C.S. Lewis. If words were paint, then I would say William O'Brien uses them like MarcChagall uses paint in conjuring feelings of awe. Peter's experiences throughout his journey arecontagious as we the reader are spellbound by the marvels that are revealedpage after page. Very classical in technique and flow, simply great writing.

Another characteristic to the story is the sublime nature hinting at anallegory leaving you in contemplation of the deeper meaning to the story, muchlike C.S. Lewis. Shrouded within this fairytale of wonderment are traces oftimeless wisdom that caught my eye.

While this may be a YA novel, it is written in such a way that would appeal toanyone, regardless of age.

This is one of those books that you can read over and over and find somethingnew every time. In closing, I offer this last bit of wisdom from the story, "Listen withan open heart," he heard the flower speak." It just doesn't get anybetter than this...

From the Author

Peter book series:

Peter: A Darkened Fairytale (story)
Peter, Enchantment and Stardust (full poetry)
Peter: The World - Short Poems & Tiny Thoughts (Vol 1)
Surreal Peter - Short Poems & Tiny Thoughts (Vol 2)
Peter: Crank's Time - Short Poems & Tiny Thoughts (Vol 3)
Next Peter story due for release later this year.

From the Inside Flap

_______________________________________________________________

A drawer is a drawer, and a door is a door, one way in and one wayout. What... not sure? A time in space has now arrived for some readerspassing by and travelling through in a blip of time, goes so quick, like this rhyme. The thoughts one thinks may not be real and sometimes they will make you squeal. Biting, scratching, tastes hang true, insidethis story you'll meet things new. Must be careful, for if you fallthose evildoers will seize all. Taking bodies and minds of prey,trapped, entombed as darkness flays. If by chance you are done, chasethe light chosen one. Staring from those eyes so bright, view thingsgiven with new sight. For all that see, avoid the dark, a new path isshown near the park. A secret there for all that be, if you're braveenough, open me!
_________________________________________________________________

For all those imaginative souls

A fascinating tale takes the reader on a true flight of fantasy into amazing far-off lands, dramatically expanding the imagination andtouching the heart. An exploration of the senses is tantalised throughthe many unusual characters, while exploring alternate realities. Aplacid opening of the mystical realms should not be underestimated asthey soon lead off and reach into some of the darkest corners of themind.

A gentle fairytale twists along its path into an unusual and disturbed adventure.
_________________________________________________________________

From the Back Cover

In a quiet sleepy place nestle a few tiny houses, a bridge, and ahandful of shops. Unknown to Peter, on one particular morning - themorning of his tenth birthday -will reveal more than just the usualcollection of presents. Stumbling into a secret place, he travelsthrough many hidden worlds and embarks upon a fantastic journey. Hallythe lifelongian, Arnica the maiden, Wind Sail the white witch and abeautiful elf called Slip will all guide him on his quest.

Searching through the Purple Forest, Peter makes haste to rescue afriend, which proves more difficult than Peter could ever imagine. Thegentle tale soon finds its way into some very dark places as the evilCirinian and her followers try to thwart Peter's progress. Guards,ghosts, spirits and vampirism add to the unknown dimensions that Peterencounters.

A creation of surreal places and characters, Peter: A DarkenedFairytale is an exciting and imaginative fantasy trip from beginning toend.

About the Author

Living in a small village in Lancashire, England, the authorhas written his second book, Peter, Enchantment and Stardust. In the1990s, the author had twenty-one articles published, both nationally and internationally. After gaining an honours degree in Geosciences, doingpost-graduate study in Occupational Health and Fitness, and earning amasters degree in Science Communication, he developed an interest forsimple communication. A passion for writing again emerged, and combining various interests in fine art, museum exhibition display, biology,geology, poetry, and the mystical led to the story of Peter: A DarkenedFairytale. The author still retains a childlike vision of the world,which is conveyed throughout his books.

ASIN : B005JTAP4S
Publisher : Devic Rise (December 6, 2013)
Publication date : December 6, 2013
Language : English
File size : 2223 KB
Text-to-Speech : Enabled
Screen Reader : Supported
Enhanced typesetting : Enabled
X-Ray : Not Enabled
Word Wise : Enabled
Print length : 148 pages
Lending : Enabled

Best Sellers Rank: #703,899 in Kindle Store (See Top 100 in Kindle Store)
- #575 in Children's Time Travel Books
- #613 in Children's Intermediate Readers Books
- #1,940 in Children's Intermediate Readers

Customer Reviews:
129 ratings

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Top reviews from the United States

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Jacob A J Taylor

Peter: A Darkened Fairytale

Reviewed in the United States on August 14, 2013

Verified Purchase

While reading "Peter: A Darkened Fairytale" I felt I was inside a turbulent nightmare within a maze. The pace of the narration quickens in a fashion similar to the changing of gears in a sports car. Every chapter is accompanied by lots of curves and gears shifting forward, merciless accelerating words and sentences. The book starts like that same sports car: parked, still, almost motionless, but soon it begins to move and it will not stop until the end.
The chapters speed up and, even when introducing new characters and situations, continue to pick up the pace, giving the impression of not wanting to grant the reader a respite. The characters and situations are as unique as "Alice in Wonderland" but on steroids.
The book has some intriguing statements -the tell-tale signs of a good writer-: "I am the Path of Information, so just ask what you need to know." It also has other darker declarations, much darker: "Spilling evil into the world is an act of mercy." There is also the question of having to give up. At least that is the impression I had from the following line: "All of the souls deserve help, but some are out of our reach."
Finally, one can find in poetic-like statements things like: "An honest stranger becomes now a friend..." This is most intriguing because it is also true. Aren't many of us looking for honest strangers to befriend?
Nice, stimulating reading: four stars
Jake Taylor

23 people found this helpful

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Joss Landry

IMAGINATION AT WORK!

Reviewed in the United States on August 31, 2013

Verified Purchase

IMAGINATION AT WORK!

Reading O'Brien's fairytale, I couldn't help thinking how wildly our imaginations throbbed before the arrival of television and the onset of electronic games.

Of course, this story is not your ordinary, run of the mill fairytale. The word `Darkened' in the title is not there for mere decoration. In fact, I don't consider this a children's story--more like a wondrous escape for teens and adults. Even this squeamish grownup had to skip over some parts, yet William O'Brien managed to hold my interest to the very end, which is not a small feat--during the US Open, while Serena Williams is playing, and I could not tear myself away from the book.

Why? Well, you encounter Mrs. Kipple, a warm hearted old lady, the owner of an antique shop where all sorts of keen, special objects glitter and sparkle for Peter to explore.

Then there are many lessons you learn along the way, in the Jester's house, and on the journey to the fairy's grotto which mimics our own world, exposing many clever similarities:

Seebright, the bird in a lavender vest with pink spectacles to see the world in a positive way. The mouse that needs Peter's help as he is too small to reach.

Shylong who is so shy, he disappears into the background when people are present, but whose kindness gives him the measure to balance the power between evil and good, a form of our `rainy day people'. In fact, the whole adventure is about saving Shylong.

The lifelongians who live long by not making waves and keeping the status quo, even becoming invisible.

The path of information that gives Peter knowledge on anything he wants, a little like our own World Wide Web. As you wonder if he will ever get home, you read: "Doubt is unacceptable and should not enter you; it is merely evil trying to divert you and increase the difficulty of your task," and you change a little. I highly recommend.

16 people found this helpful

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ToBeRed. Love it!!!!

Fantastical fairy tale with amazing characters

Reviewed in the United States on August 16, 2013

Verified Purchase

Peter is a ten year old boy who discovers the key to a fantasy world that is both enthralling and enchanting. He is given a mission to help save
the sacred Shylong who is held captive in the fortress.
I loved all the bright vibrant characters and the descriptions of this fantasy world. From the fish that walk to Hally
Peter's disgusting friend who pongs!!!
There are so many lovely fairy-tale themes in here, from the fairy dust to the magical plants and animals, it runs at a very fast pace and holds the reader's interest.
I can see lots of young kids enjoying this, and I can see lots of adults enjoying it too.
A great read.

12 people found this helpful

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Warrior Princess

Made Me Think Outside the Box

Reviewed in the United States on August 19, 2013

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Like the Chinese shop that the young protagonist of this novel visits, this imaginative novel by William O'Brien is "crammed with all sorts of unusual things." The story starts with a perfect setup for an adventure: we have a ten-year old curious and smart boy Peter who is prone to daydreaming, and a mom who is preoccupied with daily tasks.

But this is no ordinary adventure. The author, William O'Brien, uses his diverse experiences, from a degree in geosciences to a master's in science communication, in combination with his childlike vision of the world, to create a fascinating, mysterious, and multi-faceted world for Peter to explore. He brings in elements from a variety of disciplines and ways of knowing to weave this tale, providing the readers with a wide scope of possibilities to explore and ponder.

Peter is fascinated with boxes, especially boxes with secret compartments, holding keys to adventures. Unlike a toy designed for a specific purposes, a box is an open-ended play object that leaves it up to the child to decide what to do with it. It allows for both control and imagination - great things for any child unless that child gets trapped in a box. Then, it could be on to Skinner-style experiments.

The theme of new possibilities seems to be central to this story: there are doors to open, staircases to explore, strange creature to meet, and new experiences to have. And that's exciting. But you don't have to believe me. Explore this book for yourself.

4 people found this helpful

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Top reviews from other countries

Sibyl Mory

BREATHLESS THRILLS!

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 6, 2013

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A delightful story that takes us on a breathless series of thrilling adventures which are smoothly and imaginatively described. Peter, ten years old, already a bit of a daydreamer, accompanies his mother to visit the antiques shop run by old Mrs Kipple. He cajoles his mother into buying a cheap old box which, he discovers at home, has a secret compartment containing an old velvet pouch. In that pouch Peter finds a key with the number 402 engraved on it. Later he comes across a clock in the shop adorned in a similar manner to his key. When his key is inserted into the lock it opens up a world of voyages, fantasy, dreams, magic, enchantment and discovery. We are exquisitely led on a series of adventures which involve spells, dragons, fairy grottos, fairy dust, fortresses, invisibility potions, demons, scrolls, elves, ghosts, and an array of fantastical characters. I couldn't put it down. A superbly-written story suitable for children of all ages.

9 people found this helpful

Rosie Morgan

Read and enter a world more different than you could possibly imagine.

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 20, 2013

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Do you like a dark, visual tale?
Do you like a storyteller who can paint pictures with his words?
Do you like the slightly weird and wonderful?
And what about Mr Dahl's stories?
Or Tim Burton's films?
If the answer to any, or some of these questions is 'yes', then read Mr O'Brien's book.

18 people found this helpful

Kindle Customer

Madcap, surreal adventure with a dark twist

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on July 11, 2014

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By turns weird, wonderful, surreal, poetic, bloody and beautiful, Peter: A Darkened Fairytale is a tale that will not easily slip away from your memory. It's one of those strange books in that I did not enjoy every aspect of it, but still think it easily rates 5 stars. Relentlessly imaginative and populated with zany characters, it certainly is a thrill-ride!

What I enjoyed: the unusual word choice, the detailed and specific imagery, the little snippets of wisdom hidden here and there within the story, the madcap, surrealistic nature of the story as it twists and turns through the world Peter enters.

What I didn't enjoy as much: the tale felt emotionally shallow, Peter simply takes everything in his stride and never bats an eyelid even at death and loss, at times the number of adjectives (always well-chosen, however) seemed to overwhelm the narrative.

All in all, however, a highly recommended read!

Reading is for fun

Engage the young mind!

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 19, 2015

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A Darkened Fairytale starts off as a gentle tale, much in the style of Enid Blyton and is highly descriptive throughout. The more you travel through the world of Peter, the darker it gets as you meet, ghosts, goblins, vampire fairies and even demons or the mind.

Full of morals and snippets of wisdom it reminded me of C.S. Lewis and Narnia, but with the twists and turns of Alice in Wonderland. The author certainly knows how to capture the imagination of the reader and I have never been pulled through so many characters and worlds since the Alice tales.

Well written with so much vivid detail and all designed to engage and stimulate the young mind. Great animal characters too!

Sophia Gampton

Enchanting!

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 12, 2013

Verified Purchase

This story is a beautifully narrated tale for adults and children alike. Adults will enjoy the memory of books from their childhood in the way this story is woven like a traditional fairy tale. Children will enjoy the endearing and range of characters which exist in the fantasy world which Peter enters on his adventures.
Surrounded by an array of strange beings, both good and bad, Peter has to find his way through the land beyond the antiques shop and it reminded me of a cross between the tales of Narnia and Alice in Wonderland.
The reader will not be disappointed by this rich offering.

3 people found this helpful

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