This is a story for 8 to 12 year old readers. I have been uncompromising. This is the story I would have loved to read at that age. I enjoyed writing it and some readers will love it.
It tells the story of a French Bulldog who ends up going into space with Finbar Cool, a very dodgy street trader and uncle to Tom and Seren, the twins who accompany him. Finn brings his daughter, Abby, along too.
On the planet they go to there is a group mind which is shared by Gai - sentient tree-like creatures - the Veck who are humans but have mastered unpowered flight and the people of Ardin who are small but perfectly formed. They worship death.
The group mind is not shared by creatures known as the gnarl who are warlike and largely live underground.
It is an adventure story in which the powers of all the characters are tested to the maximum. Abby realises her selfishness is holding her back. Seren eventually comes to realise that Abby can change. Tom finds out that he really doesn't know everything. Finn realises the futility of war. Alfred's bravery and his powers of hearing and smelling make him into a hero. Like all French Bulldogs, he has the power to understand what humans (and other creatures) are thinking.
In the end good triumphs over evil. The heroes succeed in averting a war which would have cost thousands of lives. In doing so they also introduce the gnarl to the joy of storytelling. They prove that it is possible to win a battle by surrendering.
-- http://derekmcmillan.com
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