Sorrowline

“Pure brilliance. Every word of this book captivated my attention from the very beginning. Go get your copy now – go go go.”

Sorrowline, Book One of the Timesmith Chronicles, is my debut novel, a fantasy adventure for children. Sorrowline is published in the UK by Andersen Press and has been translated and published in Germany, Brazil and Thailand.

Twelve-year-old Jack Morrow is used to life being complicated. His mother died five years ago, and his father is now headed for prison. But then Jack discovers he’s a Yard Boy – someone with the ability to travel through Sorrowlines, the channels that connect every gravestone with the date of the person’s death – and he is quickly pulled into an adventure beyond anything he could have possibly imagined.

Finding himself in 1940s war-torn London, with his then-teenage grandfather, Davey, Jack soon realises that his arrival in the past has not gone unnoticed. The evil forces of a secret world are determined to find him – and to find out all he knows.

As Jack struggles to survive, he comes ever closer to unlocking the dark secret at the heart of his family, and to – just maybe – changing his own destiny . . .

• Publisher: ‎ Andersen Press 1st edition (3 January 2013)
• Paperback, Ebook: ‎ 352 pages

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Buy Sorrowline in the UK

You can order Sorrowline from your local bookstore. Or you can buy online.

Amazon.co.uk

Amazon.com

Praise for Sorrowline

‘What a terrific idea for a creepy time-travel thriller – wish I’d thought of it!’ – Stephen Cole, Doctor Who and children’s book author.

‘A very different time-travel story that really brings the past to life.‘ – Wendy Cooling, children’s book author.

‘Sorrowlines are a wonderful concept – a time-travelling method tapping into the sorrow that links every person’s gravestone with the time of their death. It makes absolute emotional sense and adds depth and layers to this fast-paced, high-stakes adventure.’ – Ann Coburn, author & playwrite.

Awards & Nominations

Winner – Northern Promise Prize, Northern Writers Awards 2011.

Short-listed – Warwickshire Secondary Book Award 2014

Short-listed – Spellbinding 2014, The Cumbrian Secondary Schools` Book Award

Long-listed – Blue Peter Book Awards 2014

Long-listed – Branford Boase Awards 2014

Reviews

‘This book is a terrific, scary time-travel thriller!’    – Guardian.co.uk

‘Pure brilliance. Every word of this book captivated my attention from the very beginning. Go get your copy now – go go go!’    –  Don’t be Rude. Read

‘It was one of the best books I’ve ever read and I’d happily say that a million times. I think Niel Bushnell will become the next J.K.Rowling, he’s a rising star. I cannot wait for the sequel, Timesmith!’ – Adrian (Goodreads)

‘I thought this book was fantastic.’ – SJ O’Hart

‘This is a thrilling story with a clever premise’ – The BookBag.co.uk

‘I loved it from the first page.’ – Zoe, age 11. (Waterstones)

‘This book was very hard to put down, it is a brilliant story and I would recommend it to all teenagers.’ –  Shea Devlin, age 13 St. Colm’s High School, Draperstown Co. Derry N.I. (LoveReading4Kids.)

‘I borrowed this book from ‘Discovery Club’. It was awesome and I didn’t want to give it back!’ – Joey, age 11. (Waterstones)

‘This is a real action-packed fantasy adventure with lots of time travel.’ – The Children’s War Blogspot

‘The descriptions of the second world war are absolutely brilliant. I recommend this book to any lovers of Percy Jackson or Doctor Who.‘ – Pearse Kelly age:12 School :St.Coms High School Draperstown N.I. (LoveReading4Kids.)

‘It had enough gore to keep me interested.’ – Nathan, age 10. (Waterstones)

‘It is action-packed and crammed full of emotive, frightening and heart-warming adventure. A tale of love, loss and living life to the full.‘ – Lily Fitzgerald, age 11. (LoveReading4Kids.)

‘It was really exciting. There should definitely be a sequel.’ – Charlotte, age 10. (Waterstones)

‘I would recommend this book to anyone 10 years and over and I give it 9/10 It’s a good book, I really enjoyed reading it.’ – Seth, age 13. (LoveReading4Kids.)

‘It was scary and gory in places but I like that.’ – James, age 11. (Waterstones)

‘Sorrowline is a fast, action-packed book, filled with time travel and adventure. This book has great vocabulary, great for extending the knowledge of children’s words.’ – James Newbery, age 10. (LoveReading4Kids.)

‘A high octane journey that is full of adventure and will keep you on your toes until the very last page. A must read for 2013 – it leaves you thinking about what might be coming in the next book.’ – Mr Ripley’s Enchanted Books.

‘I sat down to read just a few pages and the next thing I knew the afternoon was gone and I’d reached the last page.’ – Juniper’s Jungle

‘The blend of fantasy world, time travel and modern day adventure will appeal to the kids who enjoy Rick Riordan’s Percy Jackson.’ – 100 great books before lunch

‘I’m HOOKED. IT. IS. AMAZING.’ – Robyn’s Nest