The Other Book

by Philip Womack

Book Overview

Edward Pollock lives an ordinary life at his ordinary boarding school, where the food is bad and the teachers are way too serious. But one day he's inexplicably drawn to a strange and powerful book,... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 159990201X
• ISBN13: 9781599902012
• Release Date: February 2008
• Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
• Length: 272 Pages
• Weight: 0.85 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 5.4" x 8.0"
• Age Range: 12 years and up
• Grade Range: Grade 7 and higher

Customer Reviews

A dark but exciting adventure

Philip Womack's debut novel, THE OTHER BOOK, starts off with an introduction so involving it's almost disorienting. A boy stands in a medieval hall, Oldstone Manor, surrounded by the destruction wrought by his power-mad father and the mysterious book that was the cause of his downfall. Just as readers are settling in to this gruesome medieval setting, they are whisked away just as quickly to the present, to a modern-day Oldstone Manor that now houses the strict boarding school attended by Edward Pollock. Edward has always felt at odds with his surroundings, convinced he can see supernatural beings and happenings at the edge of his consciousness, haunted by vivid dreams (like one about a medieval boy and his power-mad father) that seem a little too real to be mere figments of his imagination. But soon Edward finds himself inexplicably drawn to an ancient, ominous Book in his school's library, becoming absolutely convinced that he must keep this tome safe from the beautiful but menacing trustee of the school, Anne de la Zouche, and her nebulous lackey. Is it possible that Edward might not just be seeing things after all? Could it be that he is just more sensitive than other mortals to the nefarious creatures of the Other world, those who would do everything in their power to cross over into this world and wreak havoc? Edward is convinced that the book he possesses (and that soon possesses him) holds the answers. At times Womack's first novel seems almost to collapse under its own weight, as he plainly introduces elements and characters that will only come into their own in the book's planned-for sequels. Womack also freely incorporates existing fantasy elements (especially Arthurian legend) that have been handled, perhaps with greater facility, by more experienced authors. That is not to say, though, that THE OTHER BOOK is disappointing or merely derivative --- instead, it is simply promising. Womack's vision of a book with such great mythical import that it becomes, in effect, a character in its own right is one element that readers will hope to be explored more fully in future series installments. Edward is also a fascinating character; by turns melancholy, furious, frustrated and overwhelmed, he exhibits great potential as a heroic figure for Womack to explore more fully in subsequent books. The author already shows great talent at plotting; in addition to the dynamic opening described above, he incorporates many plot twists, revelations and moments of genuine suspense. Given the brief glimpses of the Other world with which Womack teases his audience in THE OTHER BOOK, this menacing place --- peopled with horrific creatures and morally corrupting powers --- is one that will likely make this eventual series even darker than its shadowy debut. Readers who are eager to grapple with metaphysical puzzles and moral enigmas, however, will find much to ponder in THE OTHER BOOK --- and much to anticipate from newcomer Womack. --- Reviewed by No

Courtesy of Teens Read Too

Oldstone Manor is a strange old place all by itself. When you add in a boarding school where Greek and Latin aren't dead languages, it gets just plain weird. But something particularly strange, even for Oldstone, is going on. The problem is that no one, other than Edward, seems to be noticing. Well, maybe not no one. It started with the crazy recurring dreams. Dreams about places he recognizes even though he's never been there, people who seem familiar even though he's never met them. Then there's the strange Lady that suddenly comes to stay and teach. As intimidating as she is, her companion, Mrs. Phipps, is one hundred times creepier. And then there's the book. The one that calls to him, invades his sleep, and magically disappears as if Edward somehow absorbed it into his body. If only someone would listen to him! That is, someone who wasn't locked up in an insane asylum or someone who wanted to kill him. This is a creepy, dark book. There is magic, drama, danger, and chills. It may be a bit slow to start, but once it gets going... It's like a roller coaster; you might want to stop and get off, but there's no way you can. Reviewed by: Carrie Spellman

Little book big story

If you think a book with a low page count can't satisfy think again. There's nothing 12 year old Edward Pollock likes more then a good book, a fact that is about to change his life forever. It began with Merlin and Viviane, and a book. A book that contains Merlin's wisdom and Vivane's magic. A book capable of wonderous good and unimaginable evil. The de la Zouche bloodline, decendents of Merlin and Viviane have been the gaurdians of The Other Book for centuries. until one of their own currupts the books purpose, which is to protect humanity from the foul creatures of the other world. A dark prophacy is set in motion. The pure one must find it, find it, guard it and return it to the rightful de la zouche heir. But there's a problem, onther of the de la Zouch line has been serching for The Other Book for years, her very blood is drawn to it. She will stop at nothing to possess the power. Can Edward stand against her or will her be distroyed by the very book he's protecting. I was engrossed after only a few words, In his debut novel Womack goes straight for the Jugular and doesn't let go till the end. Seriously good!