I’m quite excited to be sharing The Headmaster’s Cave with you today. It’s a little different from our usual book reviews as it is aimed at children 8-12. However, what makes this book special to me is that I live right in the heart of where this book is set! Yep, I’m within walking distance to the cover picture (You can see the similarities when compared with Tristan’s art).
About The Headmaster’s Cave
Title: The Headmaster’s Cave (The Adventures of George and Flanagan, Book #1) | Author: D.S. Allen | Publication Date: October 3, 2014 | Publisher: Independent | Number of pages: 172 | Recommended age: 8 to 12
Summary:
No one goes into The Headmaster’s Cave.
George Stewart is no hero, but when his friend disappears, he must confront his fears to rescue Dougie and to finally uncover the mystery of The Headmaster’s Cave.
The 120th anniversary of the disappearance of seven children and their Headmaster in a local cave known as The Headmaster’s Cave is approaching. The knowledge that one of George’s ancestors disappeared with the other children has haunted him and his family for generations. When George and Dougie receive an unexpected email stating that the mystery has finally been solved, Dougie and Katie try to persuade George to journey with them. But not even the enticement of uncovering the mystery can tempt George to follow the word of a stranger to the dangerous and ‘haunted’ cave. Only when Dougie goes missing, will George and his friend Katie, accompanied with his dog, Flanagan, journey to rescue his friend.
On their way, they must not only battle their fears, but must also overcome nature’s obstacles, Old Maggie and her dog pack, and the local bullies. But that’s nothing compared to the terror that awaits them in The Headmaster’s Cave, when the mystery is finally revealed.
Amazon
The Buzz About the Book
“The Headmaster’s Cave is a fun and exciting read by an author who’s obviously not forgotten what it’s like to be young. The Headmaster’s Cave is most highly recommended.” ~ Readers’ Favorite, 5 Stars
“…In the end the truth about The Headmaster’s Cave and the events surrounding it will come as a surprise – but not until chapters of thrilling adventures, self-examination, and challenging encounters spice a read designed to draw in even the more reluctant reader, providing a vivid story that explains some events but leaves the door open for further adventures.” ~ D. Donovan, Senior Reviewer, Midwest Book Review
“Kept me on my toes and found myself not wanting to put it down, even fell asleep reading just to find a good stopping point. Great read and would defiantly recommend to those young readers interested in adventures and mysteries.” ~ Marcus W., Amazon
My Review
It’s so strange to be reading a book that’s set in our own small town! Some of the places actually do exist such as the Magic Forest and the caves (and over 100 years ago, the school teacher did live in it). Other things such as the town’s name and the layout have been changed with artistic licence, but are still recognizable to us locals.
The main characters are dealing with bullying, which unfortunately is all too common in schools around the world, but means that many children may relate better to the characters. Every family has a skeleton hidden in the closet, but when the entire town knows what that secret is, it’s a whole different story. When 7 kids and a headmaster disappeared so long ago and the rumours still run around the town; who wouldn’t want to find out the truth when given the chance?
Mr. Allen gives great descriptions of the places and people. He uses some of the local slang, but nicely explains it in context. It’s clear that he has a soft-spot for his home town and the memories he made here. It does take a little while to get wrapped up in the story, but once you get going, you’ll find a few surprises, and a couple of twists near the end that will have young readers reading after lights-out to find out how things will turn out.
This is one book my children haven’t yet read as it’s a little old for Kallista, but I’m sure Tristan will enjoy it in about a year or so. It will be really interesting to discuss it with him and get his take on it. I will have to update this review with his thoughts when the time comes.
About the Author: D.S. Allen
Born in County Antrim, N. Ireland. I grew up and lived for many years in the beautiful town of Whitehead. It lies nestled on the east coast overlooking Belfast Lough. On a clear day it is possible to see the sunny shores of Scotland.
I am currently a teacher and a writer. My profession has taken me to Scotland and Oman. I am currently living in Germany.
Amazon Author Page | Facebook | Goodreads | Twitter
