UNDERCOVER - CHILDREN'S BOOK MAGAZINE
'A funny and exciting first novel'
FLIPSIDE
'entertaining'
What makes this novel special is the fey, fantastical atmosphere it creates. It uses mythological treasure troves with brio…to show how a bullied schoolgirl can find unexpected reserves of courage.
Amanda Craig The Times Saturday March 8 2008
Midsomer meets Middle Earth in Hootcat Hill, an everyday tale of village folk caught up in strange events when old and new magic meet in the town of Wyrmesbury. There is a lot going on here, but Coats keeps a firm hand on her prose and brings a leavening humour to proceedings that turns her first novel into something more than a run-of-the-mill fantasy.
Valerie Coghlan Books for Keeps no 169 March 2008
The people at Orion books have outdone themselves by producing what can only be described as a modern artefact. Everything, including the cover, line drawings, font and layout have been done to thrilling perfection. This book is well written. Coats has a masterful command of language…the story is fantastic and world is well conceived.
From: Jason Curley writing at www.thebookbag.com
A lyrical fantasy full of old, dark magic entertainingly bound up with ordinary life.
Nicolette Jones The Sunday Times Best Children’s books for Easter
Since Harry Potter, the stigma of adults reading books aimed at teenagers and young adults has diminished and Lucy Coats’ debut novel is a perfect example of why. A coming of age tale, Hootcat Hill combines touches of Celtic mythology with personal growth, engaging characters and ancient magic. Magic and the modern world make for a thrilling tale, and the book is accentuated by talking badgers, mystical owls (or ‘Hootcats’ as they are sometimes called in East Anglia), fey folk and the essence of magic. But the story also includes real life troubles that make Linnet’s personal journey so much more heartfelt. While magic and modernity have been clashing in novels for a few years now, Hootcat Hill is one that feels more realistic. The author’s own experiences have clearly coloured her writing, making it a book to treasure for both younger readers and adults who don’t want to grow up.
From: Lesley Smith writing at www.dwscifi.com
Charming, enthralling and probably suitable for almost anybody under 11.
Matt Warman ‘Escape to the Mythosphere’ The DailyTelegraph March 2008
Hootcat Hill is a delightful read…this book comes highly recommended.
From: Maggie Georgopoulos writing at www.waterstones.com
This is an assured debut novel, set in a familiar-but-different world, steeped in myth and legend. Linnet is an engaging heroine.
Dinah Hall The Sunday Telegraph March 2008
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