Phoenix by Kelly Gardiner
The Fire Watcher Chronicles book 2 Scholastic, 2020. ISBN:
9781742994284. 272pp.
(Age: 9+) Highly recommended. What's not to love about a fascinating
time slip novel set in the London blitz and Lundenwic, where the
Saxons are facing an invasion by the Vikings? Fans of both
historical novels and adventure fantasy will really enjoy the story
of Christopher who owns an ancient phoenix ring and an anchor
pendant which have the ability to send him into the past at times
when London is facing devastation by fire.
Gardiner makes it easy for new readers of the series to catch up
with a brief summary of what happened in the first book Brimstone,
as well as reminding others of the main characters and adventure.
The historical background to London in both time periods is
engrossing. The descriptions of the London Blitz and Christopher's
bravery as a firewatcher and as a messenger between fire outbreaks
from bombs really brings the horror of the bombings to life. And
when Christopher time slips to the ruined Roman London with
Lundenwic, with its wooden buildings just across the Thames, he
meets the Vikings and readers will be holding their breath as
Christopher plays the part of Loki the trickster in an effort to
stay alive. The humour of the dialogue will bring smiles to readers'
faces as he tries to joke his way out of danger.
Gardiner's exploration of the role of women and race during war is
subtle and interesting. Christopher's father has come home from the
war badly injured and finds a different place with women taking on
many roles which he at first finds difficult to understand.
Christopher's Mum is a brave firefighter and women like
Christopher's teacher are taking on the war effort. What was of most
interest to me was in Gardiner's Author's note she writes about
research showing that there were women who were Viking warriors and
her portrayal of Longsword and the Saxon girl Elda add to knowledge
of life in London over a thousand years ago.
This is a very exciting middle grade series that is carefully
researched, and Christopher's thrilling adventures will keep the
reader totally engrossed. I can't wait for the next in the series.
Pat Pledger