The Secret Country

by Jane Johnson and Jane Johnson

Book Overview

This first installment of "a wonderfully offbeat and original series" (Clive Barker) introduces Ben Arnold, who learns his new pet--a talking cat--has been kidnapped from his home in the magical realm of Eidolon, in a devious magical-creature-trafficking scheme. Illustrations.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1416907122
• ISBN13: 9781416907121
• Release Date: April 2006
• Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing
• Length: 336 Pages
• Weight: 1.00 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 6.1" x 8.5"
• Age Range: 8 to 12 years
• Grade Range: Grades 3 to 7

Customer Reviews

Incredible! Can't wait for the sequel!

Though it may seem like something of a ripoff of Harry Potter, The Secret Country: The Eidolon Chronicles truly stands alone as a brilliant novel, seemingly 'inspired' by Harry Potter, Tolkien etc. Written in third person, Jane Johnson A.K.A/ Gabriel King A.K.A/ Jude Fisher, takes the reader through an enchanting tale of the adventures of a boy named Ben Christopher Arnold, who, in his infancy, accidently changed the color of his right eye. Then, some years in the future, he sets his sights on two Mongolian Fighting Fish. When he finally raises the money, he is 'convinced' by a talking cat, to buy it instead. The cat, Ignatius Sorvo Coromandel, (you can call him Iggy) turns out to be from another world, and 'wandered' into Ben's (Note: This does take place on earth) world, where he was promptly kidnapped. Everything from there onward is perfect blend of adventure, humor, horror, possible romance, and friendship. This is a genius book for both boys and girls, and a sequel is in the making. This is a must read for anyone who likes: fantasy, action, cats, dogs, most magical creatures and talking cockroaches.

harry potter meets septimus in socratic reality...can it get much better?

Gotta love a "children's" story that introduces the basics of platonic ontology (not entirely guised, either!) to my kids! Started reading: ran into talking creatures, then a world that is "more" real (via magic) than the "shadow" world that our protagonist lives in (socrates' analogy of the cave), where suffering and evil conflict as compassion and love eventually engages and empowers our just-your-average-kid hero into a reluctant but necessary struggle to keep the powers of blinded brute force at bay. Started reading as bedtime story (anyone else use that excuse to keep reading our kids' books??) but had to finish book myself just because it was impossible to put down. From notes on author (whose other great gift to us was helping JRR T. get published?!) could expect no less...Still was completely blown away by how engaging the narrative was! Have read Magyk and Septimus of late, and found that this was an wonderful cross (between harry potter's England and the fantastical magical world of the former. BRING IT ON! Need more in this series please...and a couple of movies would be just honky dory fine. ENCORE! ENCORE!

Eidolon's Magic (by Micah)

This story is about a boy named Ben Arnold who is relatively normal, but then he buys a talking cat named Iggy. Iggy is from a magic country called Eidolon, where there's dragons, magic, talking animals, and fairies. Ben finds out that his mother is the Queen of Eidolon, so he is prince, even though is father is from earth. "The bad guy" in this book is the Dodman (who exists also in the human world) and Old Creepie (who is someone VERY close to Ben, but I won't tell who) and they are trying to take over Eidolon and it's magical creatures. This book was soooo good, I finished it in an hour because I just HAD to figure out what would come next! :)

Great Book!

The writing is well done, it is a fun read, and it is hard to stop reading. I read the first chapter and REALLY wanted to get back to reading it but first had to finish the other book I was reading.

My Best Book Ever

Eidolon is a secret country that is joined to Earth and is full of magical creatures. It is about a boy called Ben Arnold whose Mum is Queen of Eidolon and his Dad is from Earth. Ben is trying to save the Eidolon creatures from being caught by a man called Mr Dodds and his awful uncle Aleister. I am 8 years old and I think this book is excellent because it's a nice book for children and one of the best I have ever read. Submitted by Olivia's Dad