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Sally
Williams (25/07/2004) Shadowmancer
is a joy to read, it is new and inventive. It ranks above recent authors
in its literary style and use of language. It is a tale of Good versus
Evil with a vicar as the proverbial bad guy. The one that is expected to
be a villain, turns out to be a saviour to the fugitive children (trying
not to spoil it for anyone here). It
is a literary accomplishment and one hope that it will bring the message
of Good to many whom it had previously deserted. I am an atheist myself
but found myself questioning my own beliefs after reading this. Don't know
if this was intended by the honourable reverend, but I feel that it worked
everywhere that the book was read. Teresa
Shewell aged 12. (23/07/2004) I
really loved Shadowmancer as there was lots of drama and suspense.The
children can't have known who to trust, but with the help of new friends
and from knowing the area well they managed to get the keruvim, thwarting
Demmurral's plan and saving the world from Pyratheon and a terrible fate.
I couldn't put the book down as I was so absorbed in the story, I was
walking round the house, banging in to things and tripping over my cats.I
felt like I was there watching it happen, even feeling like it was
happening to me. I could almost feel the characters emotions. From your
fan teresa shewell aged 12. Harvey
Sheard (22/07/2004) I
have now read both Shadowmancer and have almost finished Wormwood, and I
think that they were both brilliant. I
have read al the Harry Potter books, along with the Lord of the Rings
trilogy and I think that your books are easily as exciting and I can’t
wait for your next release. My
dad says that you may be making a movie out of Shadowmancer, please try
and make it as good as the book as I felt that the Harry Potter films were
not as good as the books. Dane
Violet (21/07/2004) Dear
G.P. Taylor, I
read you book and I thought it was well written and and if I was to give
it a rating it would be 10/10!
Very well done. Can you please write a sequel? Yours
Truly, Ian
Sharpe (21/07/2004) I've
just finished reading the Shadowmancer, it is a fanatastic book to read, I
felt my faith strengthened as I read and was only disappointed that the
book had to end. Thomas
Buttress (20/072004) I've
just finished Shadowmancer and I must say what a wonderful read it was
too.. I'm 39 also 40 waves the walking stick ;) But I have to say I really
enjoyed your book.. And
in fact will be starting Wornwood which I saw you said on page 219 of
Shadowmancer.. I have so far Signed by you Shadowmancer, 1st Hardback and
Wornwood.. In
fact you signed one Pub Date at Waterstone's and I was lucky to get a
T-shirt at the signing.. But Graham what I would like to know is the 1st
Hardback I read the end of that was that the only part added... ??? Or was
that an after thought you had ??? Anyway I just wanted you to know that I
thought you have done a great job Keep up the good work.. Karolyn
(20/07/2004) Loved
it. It is a fast read. If you know anything about what's to come HI, my
name is Kristina Kowalski. (19/07/2004) When
I read your book Shadowmancer I loved it. And
right off the top I thought that it would be
a wonderful movie. I
did so much research and Web surfing I thought my head would explode! But
now I realize that you are already making a movie. I just hope I'm not to
late to ask about getting the role of Kate. :) Eleanor
Freeman (17/07/2004) I
listened to your interview on Five live and was enthralled by your
enthusiam and openness about your work - I bought Wormwood and I enjoyed
it immensly - I could not put it down and read it over three evenings. Any
plans for any more - I thought the book was very thought provoking and
certainly made me think twice about my attitudes about life etc. Not only
did I read a spectacular book but have the added bonus that it was a copy
signed by yourself - I bought it from Waterstones at the Metro Centre
Gateshead. Thank you for producing such a refreshing book - I have
recommended it to several friends who like myself enjoy reading. In fact
it is such a passion for me that at the last count I had over 500 books in
my study (now groaning with the weight). I come from a family who read all
the time and television was a luxury - a habit which I have passed to my
son and hope to pass it on to any children he has in the future. Thank
you and good luck with the film and future books Christina
Welch - big mistake. I found the writing unsophisticated, with odd phrases and events that didn't really connect with much else - why did Crane come to the church? Why did the children ignore going to the church after being told to by I AM and go to the house instead - the literary equivalent of a women in her undies going to the cellar during a power cut perhaps, very trite? And all the very obvious references to God and Jesus through the fish and red wine, and mustard seeds, what about allegory? Children can comprehend complex constructs, they do not need to be patronised. Further, despite the authors interest in folklore I found nothing that really drew on this rich source (unlike the excellent Alan Garner who I can wholeheartedly recommend and Susan Cooper's Dark is Rising sequence - another fabulous children's book) and what there was, was misinterpreted. Although set in the 1700s Taylor utilised contemporary neo-pagan concepts - wicca did not really exist until fairly recently and has nothing to do with wickermen, and I found Taylor's connecting the earth goddess with evil quite insulting bearing in mind indigenous forms of Christianity, which are firmly rooted in the land. Overall I feel that Taylor needs an editor to improve his writing and a little more understanding of other forms of Christianity. This book will do nothing toward aiding Pagan/Christian inter-faith dialogue and by setting God firmly outside the world reinforces the Cartesian dualisms that are rife in our society. Also, why does God have to always be a woman in this book, what about Sophia (although, judging by the strange actions of the main protagonists, maybe wisdom isn't a characteristic they have much in common with)? The distinct lack of strong females is another criticism - Kate, although initially described as strong, is constantly in tears - Taylor may disagree theologically with Philip Pullman but at least he gives us Lyra. I shall look with interest to see if a Mary Mag. type figure appears in the next book, or whether Taylor continues to ascribe to patriarchy!
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