Advent by James Treadwell

The Advent Trilogy: Book 1. Hodder, 2012. ISBN 9781444728477.
(Suited For: 16+) Recommended. Gavin Stokes is a regular city kid from London who thinks that his parents want nothing to do with him. Ever since he was a child, Gavin has seen things that no one else will believe. Sent to Cornwall to stay with his peculiar aunt, Gavin begins to uncover the source of his visions and the magic that surrounds them. An ancient magic, lost for centuries, which is only now returning to the world once more.
With the recent conclusion of the Harry Potter series still fresh in their minds, many readers could be forgiven for being somewhat tentative to delve straight back into the realm of fantasy and magic. Though Advent contains a boy-wizard of sorts, that is where the similarities stop. Treadwell has skilfully managed to breathe some much needed air back into the genre.
With an array of colourful characters combined with Treadwell's natural story-telling ability, Advent is an enjoyable read for all ages. At times it can be perhaps slow, which may disinterest younger readers, but the reader's attention is never entirely lost. Directed at a slightly older audience than that of the Harry Potter series, Advent has the potential to attract new readers to the genre whilst fans of the fantasy-magic variety will find themselves engaged in the originality of the story.
Advent is one of the better books of the fantasy-magic genre to come along since the inception of the Harry Potter series. The originality of the story combined with Treadwell's ability to keep the reader engaged throughout the entirety of the book make Advent an enjoyable read for all ages.
I recommend this book.
Michael Adams