Description
The first book in the Elementals series
JAKE WALKER learns the hard way what it means to be the companion of an elemental, a guardian of the Earth, billions of years old. All he wants to do is keep his head down and get on with his life, but if he doesn’t help soon, the world will be destroyed. Only the elemental can stop it. And only with Jake’s reluctant help.
To learn more about this new science fantasy novel, go to the micro-site at www.theelementals.net
Also available on Kindle, iPad and other ebook formats at Smashwords and Amazon
What people have been saying
This is an excellent first novel which had me gripped from the off. The characterisation is excellent, the Peak district locations are tangible with some brilliant and telling details and the narrative is superbly judged. I can heartily recommend Dark Peak for any sci-fi fan, or for that matter anyone interested in a thoroughly engrossing read. Top notch. – Amazon.co.uk, 5 out of 5 stars: Big hit
I don’t usually read fantasy novels but, as this was a gift Kindle book from a friend of the author, I made an exception and am glad that I did! Jake and Bett are likeable teenage characters the reader cares about, even when they are being ejits. The story is well crafted… there is a credible underlying message about the real dangers of man’s arrogance and disregard for “mother earth”. There is an intelligence to this novel that reminds me of the Harry Potter series and Dark Peak has the same kind of building excitement as the plot moves along. I plan to buy more copies to give as gifts to my teenage nieces and to my adult friends. Buy this book and hope JG Parker is already working on a sequel. – Amazon.com, 4 out of 5 stars: Can’t wait for the next Elemental
And don’t miss…
Stone and the Flower Dragon… on all ebook formats (free short story) click here for more information.
Hylda –
Beautifully landscaped in the UK’s Peak District of Derbyshire, Dark Peak is an intriguing page-turner. Its hero is teenager, Jake, on holiday with his mother and younger sister in this ancient region. The story deals realistically and very believably with the affections and tensions in the family following the recent death of the father. But this is essentially a sci-fi story – a myth: the other hero is a dragon, older than time, the spirit of ancient limestone, battling the evil forces that would destroy the planet. He enlists Jake’s help. Read on… a wonderful adventure story for young adults and older readers too.
(First reviewed on Amazon)
Susan L –
I don’t usually read fantasy novels but, as this was a gift Kindle book from a friend of the author, I made an exception and am glad that I did! Jake and Bett are likeable teenage characters the reader cares about, even when they are being ejits. The story is well crafted: while the scifi parts are just that, science fiction, there is a credible underlying message about the real dangers of man’s arrogance and disregard for “mother earth”. There is an intelligence to this novel that reminds me of the Harry Potter series and Dark Peak has the same kind of building excitement as the plot moves along. I plan to buy more copies to give as gifts to my teenage nieces and to my adult friends. Buy this book and hope JG Parker is already working on a sequel.
(First reviewed on Amazon)
Lucy –
Dark Peak is a gripping adventure story with a serious environmental purpose. The clear, lively language propels the story forward and the characters are rounded and totally convincing. This is not to say that the reader doesn’t have to work too. S/he isn’t insulted by over-explanation. There’s plenty of opportunity to participate imaginatively and to think for oneself. This is a book that engages the reader at many levels: intellectual, visual and imaginative. It’s not just about action. There are some lovely descriptive pieces – not to slow down the pace but rather to place you in a specific locality with your senses wide open:
The village gave way to a wooded copse and a bank of grass as the river reappeared. Bog-stars, rock-roses and Devil’s-bit scabious sprang up in a swell of colour. A brown and white cat perched itself on a rotting stump and watched the bees and butterflies until something bigger came along to entertain it. Jackdaws called and swooped, hunting for food. (p137)
The story is also psychologically convincing and again without over-explanation. We know how the protagonists are feeling by their thoughts, actions and gestures:
Jake stood up sharply. This was too much for him to think about. He thought they’d come to find out how to kill a monster and instead he finds out that humans were killing themselves and nothing could be done to stop it.
He stepped up to the table and riffled nastily through the books and papers. (p169)
I really enjoyed reading Dark Peak and think it can be appreciated by all age groups: from thinking teens upwards.
(First reviewed on Amazon)
Maria –
This is an excellent first novel which had me gripped from the off. The characterisation is excellent, the Peak district locations are tangible with some brilliant and telling details and the narrative is superbly judged. I can heartily recommend Dark Peak for any sci-fi fan, or for that matter anyone interested in a thoroughly engrossing read. Top notch.
(First reviewed on Amazon)