Synopses & Reviews
After centuries of undisturbed slumber, the Stoor Worm -- the World Eater -- is waking. A creature of monstrous proportions and unimaginable evil, the Stoor Worm must be destroyed. Already its murderous hatchlings are bringing terror and destruction to every corner of Britain. And an odd trio--a Fool, a Maiden, and a Horse -- is desperately trying to convince one quite ordinary boy that he alone can save the world.
Drawing upon the centuiries-old lore of Britain's Old Magic, acclaimed novelist Geraldine McCaughrean has created a bold, original fantasy. Richly textured, this gripping tale of perilous adventure is filled with unforgettable scenes of terror, heroism, and treachery in the timeless fight between good and evil.
It was from out at sea that Phelim got his first glimpse of the Stoor Worm: Alexia pointed it out to him. A mass of land thrust out into the sea, interrupting the smooth curve of the coast. Within it and behind it, the land was far higher than round about, and it had a reddish tinge to it. There was no eye, no ear, no claw, no thorny tail. It was simply a piece of land. How can you be afraid of a piece of land? Phelim, who had been expecting the fright of his life, felt absolutely nothing. The Stoor Worm was simply a morsel of legend, untrue. "It doesn't even look like a dragon," he said, half laughing with relief.
"Well, that is only the snout," Alexia said.
Review
“Readers will cheer…a whopping good read.” Bulletin of the Center for Children' s Books
About the Author
Geraldine McCaughrean is the winner of England's most prestigious children's book award, the Carnegie Medal, for a pack of lies. She is also the author of many other prize-winning books for young readers, including
The Pirate's Son, Gold Dust, and
Forever X, which was short-listed for the Carnegie Medal. She made her debut on the HarperCollins list with the stones are hatching, which Publishers Weekly called an "evocative and profound fantasy" in a starred review. Her most recent book, the kite rider, was a 2001 Nestle Smarties Book Prize Bronze Medal winner and was chosen for the 2002 Carnegie Medal shortlist.
She received a degree in education at Christ Church College, Canterbury, and now writes full-time. Ms. McCaughrean and her family live in Berkshire, England.