Fin Butler and the Clockwork Phoenix is a fantasy adventure for children aged 10-12 and older. This first in a series opens with the trial of Fenix (Fin) Butler for arson. Accused of being ‘The Firebird,' Fin is sent to Ravenswood House where he meets and makes friends with other gifted children. There, Fin discovers a world of conflict between warring factions of ‘extranaturals', where he is forced into action to protect his friends and seek to find the truth of who he is.
Should he fail then he will face a life of slavery or death. The book is a fable of good over evil, and becomes complicated by growing emotional and ethical dilemmas as the friends discover love, coming of age, relationships and have to fight for what they believe is right. Full of sympathetic characters, wildly imaginative situations, and countless exciting details, the first instalment chronicles an unforgettable magical world and sets the stage for many high-stakes adventures to come.
Simply, I love children's fantasy books. I particularly appreciate the balance you get when you gather together young teens.
Yes, exactly. As well as facing the paranormal, magic, inner and out demons, I wanted the characters to face their own angels and demons. However, it is more than just about their emotional struggles, I try to deal with issues of faith and loss but in an action and adventure setting.
It certainly is. There are three adventures published now and more on their way.