From ordinary family life to wild adventure & back

This is a story of how siblings Dylan & Emily take their annual trip to Granddad's quirky old house and slip into a magical, unsettling, but ultimately heroic adventure. The adventure itself, I thought, had elements of Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, some Lord of the Rings style scrapes and some Alice in Wonderland magical absurdities.

I'm sure children will enjoy the magical adventure section. There is a breakneck pace to this part that help keeps the book manageably short. But as an adult I most enjoyed the skilful build up to the adventure - The family interactions of mum and dad's reassuring but preoccupied presence, the authentic sparring of the two siblings, and the imaginative eyes of Dylan that start to see the magical word that might be about to unfold before them. The setting in Grandfather's house nicely reflects another age that maybe go unnoticed by the children of today, but will be recognised by parents and grandparents of a certain age.

Philip Bartley's narration hits the right stresses of the different voices in the story and moves the tale along at a good pace.

Linda Jones has authored a really nice story that borrows ideas from some classic yarns but that moves quickly enough to old the attention of its intended audience. It sounds like there will be other adventures for Dyan and Emily to come and I like the idea of a series of stories that are on the shorter side.

I would say that Deadwood Hall will be great to listen with a parent, over a few bedtimes, or on a motorway car trip.

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1 person found this helpful

Exciting adventure for 7+

A magical adventure with fabulous baddies! A perilous snowy rescue and wonderful creatures to help. A great listen for Winter.

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A Fun Wintery Tale

A charming wintery story suitable for 7-8 year olds. Siblings Dylan and Emily are playing upstairs in their Grandfather’s house while their parents have a party downstairs. They find a toy soldier which catapults them into an adventure.
The story is fun and full of interesting creatures, and it moves along at a good pace.
Philip Battley’s narration is engaging and enjoyable.
A great story for a wintery day!

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Exciting read for young and old alike

Couldn't stop listening and laughed out loud in places. I really enjoyed the flow of the story. Such a complete and well rounded story, it never felt rushed. Philip Battleys narration is excellent he really captures the excitement. Can't wait till my girls are old enough to read the books with the illustrations are brilliant.

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Daughters - 8 & 6 - loved it!

My girls listened to this in the car, and just loved it - and to be honest, their parents enjoyed it too. A traditional set up (think Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe) where Dylan and Emily end up in their grandfather's house, and super strange things start to happen. Lots of Alice in Wonderland there too, but the kids' adventures are so kinetic and exciting (and a little scary, but in a good way) that we all wanted more! (there is more - Deep Waters - book 2. Hooray! Narration from Philip Battley was perfectly pitched for my two.

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sweet short children book

A magical fantasy adventure. It’s midwinter's eve and everything is about to change for Dylan and his sister Emily
I enjoyed this book at 46 years young so I guess younger children would too

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