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  • Published: 1 May 2010
  • ISBN: 9781407047898
  • Imprint: Penguin eBooks
  • Format: EBook
  • Pages: 400

Heroes of the Valley




Blood feuds, epic battles and a undersized hero come together in this brilliant fantasy adventure from the author of the bestselling Bartimaeus trilogy.

Listen then, and I'll tell you again of the Battle of the Rock. But none of your usual wriggling, or I'll stop before I've begun . . .

Halli loves the old stories from when the valley was a wild and dangerous place - when the twelve legendary heroes stood together to defeat the ancient enemy, the bloodthirsty Trows.

Halli longs for adventure but these days the most dangerous thing in the valley is boredom. He tries to liven things up by playing practical jokes. But when one of his jokes goes too far, he reawakens an old blood feud and finds himself on a hero's quest after all. Along the way he meets a ruthless thief, a murderous rival, and a girl who may just be as fearless as he is . . .

Jonathan Stroud has created an epic saga with a funny, unique spin, and an unforgettable anti-hero.

  • Published: 1 May 2010
  • ISBN: 9781407047898
  • Imprint: Penguin eBooks
  • Format: EBook
  • Pages: 400

About the author

Jonathan Stroud

Jonathan Stroud was born in Bedford in 1970. After studying English Literature at York University, he moved to London, where he worked as an editor in a publishing firm. He is also the author of the best-selling BARTIMAEUS sequence, which is published in 35 languages and has sold 6 million copies worldwide, and also of four other novels: HEROES OF THE VALLEY, THE LAST SIEGE, THE LEAP and BURIED FIRE. He lives in Hertfordshire with his family. He has yet to see a ghost, but is keeping his eyes open.

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Praise for Heroes of the Valley

A high adventure with any twists and turns

Derby Evening Telegraph

An author who can rightly be dubbed a master storyteller . . . Heroes Of The Valley is . . . epic, vibrant and colourful

Phil Hewitt, Bognore Regis Observer

An entertaining book full of boyhood adventures, heroes and excitement

Caroline Davison, East Anglian Daily Times

As always, Stroud writes like a dream, passing from instant amusement to a sense of real suspense with apparent ease. Those who eagerly awaited this next novel after his super Bartimaeus trilogy will not be disappointed

Books for Keeps

It is certainly an action adventure but the great fight scenes are tempered by humour and humanity and for that reason, although an excellent read for boys, it will be read by adventurous girls too

Carousel

Jonathan is already building up a strong fan base among young lovers of fantasy fiction and his latest novel will certainly not disappoint his young readers

Hertfordshire Life

Written out of a deeply felt world and with a taut, disciplined voice that knows its Sir Gawain and the Green Knight as well as its Harry Potter, Jonathan Stroud's new book is, quite simply, stunning

Guardian

While it is a totally new direction and a different type of tale to what pulls you right in, proving that the cream will always rise to the top

www.sci-fi-london.com

This latest novel will certainly not disappoint his young readers

Hertfordshire Life

This is an entertaining book full of boyhood adventures, heroes and excitement

Bradford Telegraph and Argus

This is a real treat that will have children of 10 and over seeking out Stroud's other novels

Toby Clements, Daily Telegraph

The language is equisite in places and landscape is brilliantly evoked throughout the story

Rachel Bowler, School Library Association

Stroud peppers his story with tales reminiscent of ancient Norse myths, giving this book the feel of an epic saga. Halli is a great lead character . . .

Flipside