Crowfall by Vashti Hardy

Vashti Hardy has done it again with an exciting ecological adventure that transports readers to a world where invention and nature struggle to live side by side. Her wonderful, trademark steampunk style moves in a whole new direction in this story of hope, harmony and survival.

Meet Orin Crowfall, an intelligent, determined boy who lives on the island of Ironhold. Orin is full of curiosity, potential and the engineering legacy of his grandmother. He loves anything that grows and wants nothing more than to help the natural world to heal.

Stories of other worlds beyond the shores of Ironhold have been banned by those in power. They are told that “Industry brings Prosperity”, they must work together for the greater good, and everyone must live under the control of Commander Forge – the lead engineer. Their land is reliant on the survival of The Eard – a huge, living entity that supports the last remnants of nature hidden beneath layers of technology.

When Orin overhears a dangerous plot concocted by those in power, he and his robot friend, Cody, are forced to flee their island home. He leaves behind his family and a world that is running out of time. He must find a way to save it – and a way back home – before it’s too late.

A violent storm and a mysterious sea monster drive them towards Natura – an island they didn’t even know was there. On Natura, everything is different. The natural world flourishes and people treat The Eard with the utmost respect. It seems they know how to live in a sustainable manner that will support life forever.

Crowfall is a fascinating examination of our relationship with the earth. The two contrasting islands shine a light on humans’ place in the world and just how often we get things wrong, even when we have the best intentions. When it comes down to it, humans must stop sacrificing The Eard for their own gains and learn to protect what is most precious – to keep the life-light alive. In the battle of invention vs nature, nature must win if any nation is going to survive.

Thank you to Scholastic for this powerful book!

Books by Kate Heap (ad):

Order Fiction & Poetry and Non-fiction for Year Two on the links below: