I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again – writing a book with a limited word count is a hard thing to do.  Fitting a complete story with a beginning, middle and end, a setting that feels real from page one, and rounded, believable characters into such a small space is tough – and it doesn’t always work.  Freak of Fortune by Ali Sparkes, however, is a book that does it all brilliantly.

There’s a rule in story telling that you get into the tale as late as you possibly can – and Ali achieves that wonderfully by introducing us to Nic and Rav mid-argument.  We can instantly tell that these guys are friends who have drifted apart and that matters have finally come to a head between them.  For some authors, that confrontation would have been enough – but then have both boys swept off the bridge they’re fighting on in a flash flood, and you’re dragged along for the ride.

I don’t want to give anything away, but the adventure continues in a very unexpected way that not only shines the spotlight on the relationship between the boys, but their entire community as well.  As I keep saying – this isn’t an easy task to begin with, let alone in a short (yet, perfectly formed) book.

The titles in this Edge series from Franklin Watts are perfect for reluctant readers who would ordinarily be put off by thicker, heavier books.  They are a great reintroduction to reading for kids who have come to see picking up a book as a chore and simply need a fast-paced adventure to remind them of the joy of storytelling.  Highly recommended.

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