Book Review: Podkin One-Ear ARC

In September, I received an Advanced Reader Copy of a book that was about to be published for the first time here in the United States. The book was Podkin One-Ear, by Kieran Larwood (Clarion Books, September 2017). Originally, released in the UK about this time last year, the book has finally reached America's shores and bookshelves. 

Set in a world, where rabbits are the predominant species and have evolved not only the ability to speak, but have divided themselves into clans. Each clan has a burrow akin to the castles in medieval stories, which acts as the central point for the surrounding areas. The book follows the adventures, heartache, and coming of age of three siblings, children of the Chief of their clan. The second eldest, and heir apparent, is Podkin, who is completely happy in his role as a spoiled prince. He, his elder sister, and their baby brother are forced from their home after a clan of rabbits known as the Gorm attack. The rest of the story follows these three as they meet new friends, encounter unexpected enemies, and are forced to face the reality of life outside their burrow and without their family. 

Podkin One-Ear is very much like the Redwall series by Brian Jacques and I immediately drew a similarity. However, it is much darker. The Gorm represent the evil that lingers just beneath the surface of the world, and there is violence, kidnapping, threats, and more. While the story is entrancing (I read it in one sitting), the author doesn't sugarcoat what the Gorm are known to do. They pose a very real threat and are terrifying in the few illustrations throughout the book. This book is as much of an adventure and a good vs evil narrative, as it is a coming of age. Honestly, I would probably recommend this book for preteens 10 and up. 

If you are a fan of Redwall or you love a good coming-of-age fantasy novel, then this is a great book and I recommend you pick it up. 

4 Stars out of 5!