Book Review: W.A.R.P - The Reluctant Assassin By Eoin Colfer
This
is certainly one of the most anticipated new books to be published this
year. The great Irish storyteller, Eoin Colfer, has developed a new
series. W.A.R.P, which is an acronym for Witness
Anonymous Relocation Programme, is the
title of this new and exciting series. The Reluctant Assassin is the
very first book - it is very different from any other story that Eoin
has previously written. This book will certainly reach out to a new fan base and entice many more readers to enter the world of Eoin Colfer.
There
are some fantastic combinations in this story that will captivate the
reader. It's a time travel adventure that's both steeped in conspiracy
and intrigue. Partly set in Victorian London, but also within modern day
London, the story weaves between the two eras. Riley, a Victorian boy,
finds himself suddenly plucked from his own time and transported into the
twenty-first century where he is accused of murder and on the run from his
master. He finds help and friendship in Chevie,
one of the youngest FBI agents, who is a very interesting and complex
character. She's certainly one not to be trifled with at any cost!
Assassin-for-hire,
Albert Garrick, is brilliantly written. He is one of the best
characters that I've read in a long time. He serves up a nice slice of
terror,
which adds to the dark and delicious backdrop of 19th century London.
He is fantastic to follow adding an edgy chill to the story which was
quite unexpected and certainly created a new dimension to Eoin's
writing. Riley and Chevie find themselves having to stay one step ahead of Garrick. They need to try and stop him from returning to his own time with the knowledge and power that could change the world forever.
As
Riley and Chevie are pursued through time, a great portal
of imagination is created - Oliver Twist meets H G Wells 'The Time
Machine' with a little added sprinkling of The Matrix. This story is
told by a great storyteller - Eoin has definitely rocketed up in my favorite author's list.
I'm
sure that you'll fall in love with this book. I was definitely hooked
on so many different levels. The sinister world of Otto Malarkey's den
is mesmerising to read. This Hidey-Hole of hell is a place filled with
bad-blooded people - thieves, cut-throats, wastrels and lifelong blaggers (all elite members of The Battering Rams) who bet and fight their lives away. A new world has been created which is full of nasty characters written in a slightly disturbing and graphic nature.
This
is certainly one of my best reads so far this year. This story is full
of Eoin's trademark wit. It is a swashbuckling high adventure which is
full of magic. It will certainly transport you to the fantasy world that
Eoin Colfer has brilliantly depicted. This is a book that will gain
many a new follower and, perhaps, a slightly older reader. Packed full
of action, original ideas and, with a laugh or two along the way, this
book is a sure fire winner. I know that my followers will be itching to
read this book and they will not be disappointed. Due to be published by
Puffin from early April onwards, this new series delivers so much in
the very first book.
Comments
It's certainly a new direction for Eoin Colfer
Thanks for the comment.