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Children of Madness by Jarrett Brandon Early
“An unflinching, riveting quest with plucky kid heroes and exhilaration at every turn.”—Kirkus Reviews
“Children of Madness is an addictive epic fantasy that tugs at readers’ emotions, makes us question our own prejudices, and reminds us that all cultures and peoples are worthy of simple compassion… epic fantasy readers will want to make sure this book is placed at the top of their to-be-read piles.” — Reedsy Discovery
“Stranger Things meets Lord of the Rings in a new generation’s classic fantasy epic… feels like it could be read straight from a leather-bound book with gold leaf edges and all. Timeless.” — Independent Book Review
FOR A WORLD GONE CRAZY, ONLY THOSE RAISED AMONG MADNESS CAN HELP
The Imperator of Quaan restlessly awaits the centennial arrival of the Snail-Gods to cure the Gloomtide, a shadow of melancholy blanketing the Titian Empire. But when the Supreme Helices finally make landfall, they do so just out of reach of the distressed monarch, beyond a poisonous grove that separates man from messiah.
Fincher Bugg leads the Sour Flower Gang, the preeminent child harvesters of the Stenches, a town of outcasts condemned to diminished lives toiling away in toxic conditions. As Fincher and his four friends endure external abuse from outsiders, internally they also suffer, watching as their parents slowly succumb to the Maddening. Despite the solace of unbreakable friendship, life is unrelenting.
When a desperate king makes a seemingly magnanimous offer to a hopeless population, the Sour Flower Gang sets out on a harrowing expedition to find God for the very people who cast them aside.
During a journey in which the children encounter the unimaginable—both beautiful and nightmarish—a terrifying question takes shape. Are the Snail-Gods here to once more save mankind, or is the Gloomtide that has enveloped Quaan a precursor to humanity’s deserved end?
Chick Lit Book Café:
In Jarrett Brandon Early’s Children of Madness, you’ll join a group of kids called the Sour Flower Gang who have no choice but to harvest Moon Tears at the risk of their lives. Their burden may already be heavy, but they grow up quickly when a terrible disease called “The Madness” begins to sweep their land.
Ash, Fincher, Ditto, and Sammi are some kids with grit who stick together—no matter what. Whether it be harvesting Moonflowers and fighting Ghost Pumas, or saying the saddest and final goodbye to someone they love, they’re in it together. But they have no idea just how far their rare friendship is about to take them. Ash already lost half of her arm to a puma, and the gang’s dear friend Hana met a much worse demise. Terrible things could come to them if they embark across the land on a quest that only children can accomplish. But they have to. It’s up to them to help save everyone.
Wow–Jarret Brandon Early is an incredibly good writer. At first, you may wonder why a book like this is 664 pages long, but with all the story’s complexity and astounding plot, it needs every one of those pages. And it’s a good thing too, because its length makes it a thoroughly satisfying read. I loved that these kids (a few of whom are teenagers) who have more courage than adults. The things that they have to do are what no person, whether child or grown-up, should have to do. As if their story wasn’t amazing and intriguing enough, Jarrett Early also sprinkles in a lovely bit of romance, which makes this book all the more enthralling.
With empires, quests, legendary higher beings, and a compelling group of characters, this is not a fantasy you can miss out on! Chick Lit Book Café recommends Children of Madness by Jarrett Brandon Early. Book reviewed by Micah Giordonela for Chick Lit Book Café – Multi-Genres Literary Reviews.
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Jarrett Brandon Early
