This is a Book Review Blitz from Mother Daughter Book Reviews, and I confess it took my eye because I know a D.S. Allen. This is the sort of book he would write if he wrote books. As far as I know, he doesn’t, and this is an entirely different D.S. Allen, who I don’t know. I really do not know him. I did get a free ebook copy to review, though.
About the Book
Title: The Headmaster’s Cave (The Adventures of George and Flanagan, Book #1) | Author: D.S. Allen | Publication Date: October 3, 2014 | Publisher: Independent | Number of pages: 172 | Recommended age:8 to 12
Summary:
No one goes into The Headmaster’s Cave.
George Stewart is no hero, but when his friend disappears, he must confront his fears to rescue Dougie and to finally uncover the mystery of The Headmaster’s Cave.
The 120th anniversary of the disappearance of seven children and their Headmaster in a local cave known as The Headmaster’s Cave is approaching. The knowledge that one of George’s ancestors disappeared with the other children has haunted him and his family for generations. When George and Dougie receive an unexpected email stating that the mystery has finally been solved, Dougie and Katie try to persuade George to journey with them. But not even the enticement of uncovering the mystery can tempt George to follow the word of a stranger to the dangerous and ‘haunted’ cave. Only when Dougie goes missing, will George and his friend Katie, accompanied with his dog, Flanagan, journey to rescue his friend.
On their way, they must not only battle their fears, but must also overcome nature’s obstacles, Old Maggie and her dog pack, and the local bullies. But that’s nothing compared to the terror that awaits them in The Headmaster’s Cave, when the mystery is finally revealed.
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My Review
“The Headmaster’s Cave is a fun and exciting read by an author who’s obviously not forgotten what it’s like to be young.” So says the Readers’ Favorite reviewer, who gave it 5 Stars.
And apart from the early emphasis on bullying, and the theme of the bullies becoming victims themselves, because they are really weak and cowardly, I wholly concur. It is very exciting, and a lot of fun. It has that mystery of going off into a dangerous unknown that belongs to much earlier MG reads, but it is wholly modern in its approach: keeping up with your friends by text and losing the signal and being disorientated without it. It has protagonists who have direct links to a deep distant past, which has coloured their lives in the small community they belong to, since everyone knows it was their ancestor’s fault, and they have inherited the guilt. This all feels very real, although I haven’t experienced anything like that myself, so more kudos to the author for bringing it so vividly to life. The exploration and the weird people encountered on the way are brilliantly realised, and after the initial slow build through the standard school issues, the plot grew wings and flew!
I found it thrilling, genuine and intriguing, and I would read more of D.S.Allen’s books any time. 5 stars from me, too.
About the Author: D.S. Allen
Born in County Antrim, N. Ireland. I grew up and lived for many years in the beautiful town of Whitehead. It lies nestled on the east coast overlooking Belfast Lough. On a clear day it is possible to see the sunny shores of Scotland.
I am currently a teacher and a writer. My profession has taken me to Scotland and Oman. I am currently living in Germany.