The Critics Have Been Raving About
Faerie Wars.
THE SEQUEL IS OUT!!!! FIND OUT MORE ABOUT 'THE PURPLE EMPEROR' AT HERBIE BRENNAN'S BOOKSHELF

			Or in Europe you can get it here
	If you are in the United States you can get the book here

Available in Japan here

World wide list of publishers

Here's What They Had To Say

In the UK and Ireland

Nicholas Tucker, The Independent

'Updated fairy tales tend to suffer from the archness that led Kipling to inveigh against "painty-winged, wand-waving, sugar-and-shake-your-head set of impostors". It is a pity he was not around for Herbie Brennan's brilliant Faerie Wars, a crossover title from which few readers of any age would wish to cross back.

'Mixing a contemporary plot with another, often brutal world of beleaguered emperors, malign demons and unreliable faeries, Brennan writes with all the dash of an Irish storyteller at the peak of his form. Inventive as Harry Potter, dark as Gormenghast and as intelligently probing as Philip Pullman, here is a title to brighten the dreariest of winter days...

'Unlimited melodrama in contemporary writing often ends up choking on its own rhetoric, but Brennan avoids this by infusing his story with affectionate irony as characters are brought down to earth by humour. When Silas Brimstone is told by Beleth that he has to eliminate Pyrgus, his response is anything but Tolkienesque: "Piece of piss!"

'Despite moments of serious intent, this is a story intended to entertain rather than convert: fluent, self-confident, sometimes garrulous but always transfixing.

'By linking domesticity with the vastness of a hidden world, Brennan brings into his fiction the sort of imaginative leap common in adolescent fantasies and, very often, well beyond into adulthood. At 368 pages, his novel is still not long enough: read it, and enjoy.'

The Booklover

'A wonderful, gripping, page-turning read that will have its readers young and old holding their breath.'

Independent on Sunday

'Herbie Brennan's Faerie Wars is, like Artemis Fowl, a thriller based on Irish legend, and endorsed by Eoin Colfer. A rebel faerie prince, Pyrgus, gets into trouble and is exiled to our own world where he is befriended by Henry, a boy whose parents have just announced their separation because Henry's mother is having an affair with another woman. Fantasy is interwoven with the kind of difficulty older children of 10+ respond to. A switchback of twists, steeped in magic and a smattering of physics, it starts slowly with a mundane family breakfast and escalates to a nail-biting climax in which Pyrgus is about to be burnt alive by an evil Prince of Darkness. Exciting, romantic and very clever, it has you gagging for the sequel.'

Victoria Neumark, Times Educational Supplement

'In this excellent, fast-paced but touching tale, Brennan matches contemporary adolescents' worries about parents' divorce, school and spots with a 'faerie dimension' ...

'Brennan has fun with the names and the particle-physics techology he creates to account for translation between dimensions, and the family dynamics afflicting Henry his human hero , and Prince Pyrgus, his faerie hero. Both are in mid-teens and are fired up for action, as is the reader of one of the best fantasy works to hit the shelves in a long time.'

Lindsey Fraser, The Guardian

'Brennan is a terrific writer with a grasp of his intricate plot that ensures that readers are swept along. His central characters are feisty and vulnerable and utterly convincing... It certainly is compelling.'

Niall MacMonagle, Irish Times

'Faerie Wars by Carlow-based Herbie Brennan is the big book in this batch. Ambitiously, impressively and marvellously plotted, it begins in realistic mode and, when Henry Atherton's headmistress mum, Martha, left his dad for another woman, I thought I was in a Woody Allen movie. But paralleling Henry's troubled familiar world is Crown Prince Pyrgus Malvae's, the Purple Emperor's son. When Henry rescues what he thinks is a butterfly in Mr Fogarty's shed our world and another reality meet. "Einstein figured there were about a billion universes next door to this one," says straight-talking Fogarty. Though complicated, the telling is crystal clear. With its gutsy details, terrific descriptions and great storyline Faerie Wars is a winner - an inspiration, never perspiration. And don't take my word for it. Several 12-year-olds I know, boys and girls, have read it; their verdict: brilliant!'

Damian Kelleher, Evening Standard

'A streetwise tale about rebel fairies and terrifying demons... Though he may not be as familiar a name as J.K. Rowling, Brennan is massively popular. His adventure gamebooks and Grailquest series are best sellers with sales topping seven million... Brennan's fairy world is a mixture of mythical beasts and hi-tech wizardry that has engaged kids' imaginations... Considering Faerie Wars only took six months to complete, Brennan's certainly not suffering from writer's block. Good thing too!'

Martina Evans, Irish-i

'This book is suitable for any child over the age of 10 and is guaranteed to keep them totally spellbound... Herbie Brennan's knowledge of the paranormal enriches this book with its intricate and interesting plot. It is the wonderful characters and the sure grip of the real world that makes the story so effective.'

Anne Johnstone, Evening Herald

'An imaginative tour de force, underpinned by encyclopaedic knowledge of science and science fantasy.'

Books for Keeps

'This is a lengthy, exciting novel that glitters with a jigsaw of bizarre characters and situations. It gallops along with wit and suspense and it thrills with imaginative magic and invention. Yet is is grounded in situations, Science and the language of the 21st century. There's a strong hint of a sequel at the end, which I for one will warmly welcome. Recommended for older fantasy lovers looking for the thrill of the new, this is a book of which much will be heard!' (Five Star Review.)

Families South East

'And you thought a gripping thriller starring hardnut fairies couldn't possibly exist. I hear Vinnie Jones has optioned the film rights. Great stuff.'

Children's Bookseller

'Faerie Wars is a masterfully crafted adventure story that takes a cheerily sideways look at our view of "faerie folk"--this is not the saccharine fairyland of nursery stories but one of dark deeds and ruthless ambition.'

Education Library Service

'This engaging fantasy blends mythology and science in the tradition of Artemis Fowl but with darker overtones.'

Sue Polchow, LRE

This story begins with only the barest hint of the heady mixture of fantasy and science to come....the adventure gains momentum at a terrific pace. Prepare to be thouroughly entertained. And yes, if you enjoyed the Artemis Fowl trilogy - you'll relish this! Readabilty Rating: Excellent

In the U.S.

New York Times, Elizabeth Devereaux

'A fantasy with all the trimmings... Faerie Wars, which begins like a problem novel is, in fact, escapist fare... Henry Atherton, a middle-class teenager living in a small town in England has just learned that his mother has fallen in love with his father's (female) secretary. Busily cleaning out a garden for the crotchety old man he works for, Henry is dumbfounded to see Pyrgus Malvae, a tiny winged figure. The heir to a Faerie kingdom, Pyrgus has already fled an evil lord's henchmen, his sadistic guards and even more sadistic owners of a glue factory with abominable practices and an eight-foot horned demon prince - and this is only the beginning... Brennan, a well-established author in Britain...is a master of the hairpin turn, leading readers in one direction and suddenly reversing their expectations... (he) excels at maintaining suspense.

Publisher's Weekly

'Two worlds collide in Brennan's humorous tale of warring Faerie factions and their impact on the "real" world. Young Henry Atherton, troubled by the impending disintegration of his parents' marriage, stumbles on the discovery of a lifetime when he saves a faerie, Pyrgus Malvae, from the clutches of a cat... As heir to the throne of the Faerie Realm, Pyrgus must hide from the agents of the Faeries of the Night... And if Pyrgus didn't have enough problems... the evil Silas Brimstone is also after him. Brimstone must be one of the nastiest villians in recent memory... Brennan adeptly uses the fish-out-of-water element to make political and social commentary (e.g. Pyrgus is an ardent animal rights activist whose arguments echo many that readers will reocgnize); he also gently handles some difficult topics (Henry's parents are on the rocks because his mother is having a lesbian affair.) Less militaristic and more artistic than Eoin Colfer's wildly successful Artemis Fowl books, this will still bring much pleasure to fans of that series, and to fantasy readers in general.'

Richie Partington, Richie's Picks

'This book will be a big one for young readers waiting around for HARRY V (which means damned near everyone)...In the same way that we can all imagine being the kid stuck living under the staircase, we can imagine being Henry Atherton, a typical kid whose family is crumbling. How Henry and Mr Fogarty eventually become involved in Pyrgus' Faerie World and in the coming Faerie Wars makes for a great read (and a sleepless night). Mr Fogarty is an especially complex character. And by the end of this wonderful tale Henry has become a young man who is ready to navigate his own route through the waters of his parents' marital discord. FAERIE WARS will delight both fantasy readers as well as the kids who never thought they'd be caught dead reading about faeries.'

Mai Lin Li, Achuka Children's Fiction

'Brennan pins his version of faerie lore onto a plausible scientific framework. The idea that faeries only appear as winged little people in our mundane 'analogue' world is witty and persuasive, as is the explanation of the true origins of UFOs...entertaining and humourous.'

John McLay, Carousel Guide

'Brennan's much-awaited longest work of fiction for children and young adults is not a disappointment. Complex, involving, exciting - it takes the reader to faraway worlds and fantastical places and yet brings them back to earth again with a gritty contemporary storyline. Henry's escape from his family strife is unusual. He hooks up with a band of fairies that have accidentally crossed from their realm into his garden, and goes back with them to help fight the mother of all fairy conflicts. If Artemis Fowl was 'DIE HARD with FAIRIES' you could say this is like 'TERMINATOR with FAIRIES'...with black magic and the devil thrown in for good measure

Children's Book Council

'A vivid fantasy set in a world where nothing is quite what it seems and no one can be trusted.'

Kirkus Reviews

Kirkus Reviews
'A clever, sly fantasy with immediate intrigue and plenty of science. Henry begins in England, crushed and wobbly over his parents' impending breakup. Pyrgus begins in the Realm of Faerie, trying to save a cage of kittens from being boiled in glue. Soon Pyrgus's life is threatened and he is "translated" into the Analogue World, where he meets Henry. Various sorcerers, slimy businessmen, and a demon prince from Hael are all after Pyrgus's life. Henry, Henry's elderly oddball friend with mysterious scientific brilliance, and Pyrgus's fiercely loyal sister, Blue, help Pyrgus return home and defeat the forces of darkness. Twists and turns provide real surprises along the way; touches of gore are occasional but vivid. The portals between worlds and the overlapping of science with religion may owe a debt to Philip Pullman, but they are welcome here as well. Aside from unjustifiably archaic gender roles, this is the perfect choice for Harry Potter fans who don't know what to read next. (Fiction. 10-14)'

Midwest Book Review

While Faerie Wars was marketed with a young adult audience in mind, all ages will find it a remarkable, swift-paced fantasy which leaves no stone unturned and which excels in strong characterization and a satisfying plot.

Mysterious Galaxy Junior Reviews

'Brennan's smooth merging of science and magic to explain the unexplained is one of the major charms of Faerie Wars.'

BC Parent

A fast-paced, magical adventure story that will have readers engaged from beginning to end. Faerie Wars is full of original characters that have real issues and face adversity head on. A great book for tween readers.

Torfein Leisure

'A great new read for fans of Harry Potter and Artemis Fowl.'

Jabberwocky Top Ten

'A fast-paced, exciting novel with some dark humour.'

Sally Estes, Booklist

'Enough solid adventure in the Faerie realm to keep readers on the edge of their seats.'

Sarah's Fairy Book Reviews

'Herbie Brennan creates a wonderfully vivid world full of interesting characters and events that keep the reader wanting to know what happens next. Brennan creates a world that both children and adults will enjoy. Characters like Mr. Fogarty and Blue are well developed and Brennan keeps you guessing what will come next with them. .. If you are looking for a great story that involves fairies and their place in our world, this novel will defiantly give it to you. Brennan's idea on how fairies came into our world and what they are is truly an interesting and plausible scenario. If you are looking for pictures, this book has none, but read it anyway.'

Multnomah County Library Kids Page recommendation.

'Why: An amazing plot. Action, mysteries, wonderful writing. One of my favorites. I would recomend this book to anyone who likes fantasy, non- fiction or great stories' - Laurel , age 11

Homewood Public Library Young Adult Specialist

Don't begin this book unless you have lots of time 'cause you won't want to stop!

2003 Teens Top Ten Books Nomination

'Demons in spaceships are after Pyrgus, Prince of Faerie, and only ordinary English schoolboy Henry can help in this "hilariously decent book that surpasses Harry Potter."'

VOYA - Teens' Top Ten nominator, age 12
'It caught my curiosity, focusing on different characters rather than just one. It's mysterious and very suspenseful, the most exciting book I have read.'

International (and other) Reaction

Thomas Horler, Cape Argus

'An irritating thing about fantasy fiction is how often things just happen by magic, with no further explanation. Not so here, where magic is interpreted in terms of science. So spells are not just words, they are tangible objects that must be activated. It's more complex than the average fairy story, and while small children might enjoy its themes of bravery, friendship and adventure, it's also a dark tale of treachery, espionage and assassination.

'This exhilarating novel blurs the borders of fantasy and reality. It is one of a developing genre of science fantasy, as opposed to science fiction, that is becoming more popular.

'Even though it is aimed at younger readers, I thoroughly enjoyed it.'

What Other Authors Have Been Saying...

Juliet Marillier

Funny and exciting... Guaranteed to make any young reader reassess exactly what faeries are!

Amanda Craig

Fantasy is interwoven with the kind of difficulty older children of 10+ respond to. A switchback of twists stepped in magic and a smattering of physics, it starts slowly with a mundane family breakfast and escalates to a nail-biting climax...

What Readers Young and Old Have Been Saying...

Let's face it, in today's world children grow up with all types of disfunctional family situations. This book identifies with those children who do not grow up with a perfect life - and identifies with the need in all those children to escape their life for a little while. Much like the Harry Potter stories, the main character of this book does not have a perfect life but extraordinary events will bring out the best in him. I'm looking forward to the next book (as suggested by the ending!) - Reviewer from San Francisco, CA USA

tHiS iS aN aWeSoMe BoOk!!!!!!!! I love it so much! - Jaime Nichole

This book is amazing and a deff must read! If you like fantasy you'll love this book! I would deff reccommend it!- Scotti LeeMarie Comrie, a high school student & kewl nerd.

Great Book!!!!
this book is a terrific book. its a combination of science fiction, fantasty, mystery, suspense, and adventure. the plot is absolutly excellent. Faerie Wars involves two different worlds; the faerie world - where most of the story takes place - and the anolouge world - our world. in it Pyrgus is sent to our world in an attempt to save his life from some evil followers. while there he meets Henry and Mr. Fogarty who - along with Blue, his sister - help him save his empire from the demon prince, Beleth. although i found the part about demon world a little far featched, it was an extremely good book and i would recomend it to just about anyone over the age of 10 (because of the constant scene changing). Herbie Brennan, you have written a terrific book here and i can't wait for the next one to come out.

'A Book That Needs To Be Known. This book is one of perfection. It skips between stories that are all intertwined in some magical way. How magic is mixed with science shall always amaze the reader and shall forever bring the story closer to reality.'- Five Star Review for Barnes and Noble.

'Riveting, evocative and ingenious... This is an astoundingly good read. I felt as if I had been subjected to a spell, as the words held my eyes to the page. The pace is blistering, the characters both lifelife and fantastical and Herbie Brennan manages to mix a beguiling number of themes which will excite both children and grownups. If you enjoyed JK Rowling and Philip Pullman you will love Faery Wars.' - Five Star Review for Amazon.co.uk.

'This is fantastic in all senses: it is a fabulous and a true fantasy adventure story. Herbie Brennan has woven an imaginative and creative tale that holds the attention from start to finish. It is the kind of book that you simply can't put down. I loved it and have passed it around my family, with similar reactions from all ages. I can't wait for the sequels.'- Five Star Review for Amazon.co.uk.

'Faerie Wars has everything a good faerie book needs; adventure, a young faerie with an attitude, wizards, trolls,etc. It's about a boy named Henry who mets up with prince of the faeries, Pyrygus Malvae and along with old Mr. Fogarty they start off on a quest to save the prince's world. Won't say anymore or I'll ruin it! This book is the greatest, plus there's going to be a sequel, I can't wait!'- 5-star reader review for Amazon.com.

'Awesome for Fantasy Lovers. I picked this book up when I was in Canada. If you like fantasy, you will certainly love this book. I read it in two days and found it quite exceptional. Its about a boy named Henry who eventually meets a faerie named Pyrgus, and has to help the faerie back to his own world where the threat of war is stirring. This book held me entranced, and I especially loved all the charactors in the book because they were very interesting and had strong personalities. I absolutly recomend this book to those who liked Harry Potter and tales of faeries.'- 5-star review for Amazon.com.

'A remarkable, swift-paced fantasy. Henry Atherton helps Mr. Fogarty clean up the house and discovers an unexpected benefit: the world of Faerie and a crown prince who has escaped into the human world. While Faerie Wars was marketed with a young adult audience in mind, all ages will find it a remarkable, swift-paced fantasy which leaves no stone unturned and which excels in strong characterization and a satisfying plot.'- 5-star review for Amazon.com

'Eoin Colfer was right . . .On the back cover of this wonderful read is heady praise from Eoin Colfer (author of Artemis Fowl):"I meant to read this book at my leisure; I ended up missing two meals and an important phone call..." I can say that what was to be a casual read over the next few weeks has ended with me writing my first ever review after turning the last page. Having purchased the book this afternoon I can attest (at 5am today) that this is one of those rare gems that truly can't be put down until its conclusion. If you're looking for adventure, mystery and even a few moments of suspense, Faerie Wars packs them all in with an ease and grace that leaves you hungry for a sequel.'- 5-star review for Amazon.com.

'A gripping adventure.The result is an excellent conclusion begging for a sequel. You'll enjoy this book.'- Toronto reader.

'I couldn't put it down. I read it in two days. I haven't read anything as good since Harry Potter. It was excellent!!!! I definitely think Faerie Wars will make an excellent movie and Playstation game. Please write a sequal!!!!!!!' - Natalie.

'This book was about an empire of people in a seperate world from ours that send their crown prince accidentally to England in our world through a portal they built. I loved this book!! I thought it was very interesting, and I liked that it was kind of a science fiction book mixed with fantasy. I think this book should definitely be on the best books list.'- Karlie, aged 13

'I really, really, really liked this book. It had all of the componenents of the type of story that I like.What can I say, it was an amazing book. It totally blew me away.'- Teenager comment on Faerie Wars nomination for Best Book for Young Adults List, 2004.

Am now 3/4 of the way through the book and loving it. I had a very long coach journey so I read decided to read it. It's brilliant!! I especially like the line when the father is driving and Henry asks him to slow down because he has the heir with him, wonderful! Have got up to the bit where the Purple Emperor has just met Fogarty. Loving it!!!! Thought the lesbian bit was great comic relief. Excellent book.- Toby, aged 15.

'A story of fantasy in which Brennan enters a world of Demons, encounters beasts in this story of fantasy which you can't put down.' Ryan, aged 12.

'I recommend this book: for mainly older readers who have experienced reading longer words, such as kids 12-15 years of age.
Rating: I would give this book a 5 out of 5 and I thought that the book was a blend of science, fantasy and magic and I really enjoyed reading this book.' - Taifa Ahmed, Class 7A.

'This excellent novel by Herbie Brennan is as imaginative and entertaining as Harry Potter. The author obviously loves his craft and derives pleasure from the clever use of names. The plot is fast moving but with all the necessary detail... I would recommend the novel for lower secondary as some of the themes are a little mature... Highly recommended.' - Donna French, Holy Rosary School, Tasmania.

'Suitable for Secondary students, I'd recommend "Faerie Wars" to any school or library interested. It has an enticing cover (colourful and embossed), entertaining storyline, and engaging characters. Some of the ideas are on the adult side of understanding, but students aged 12 up should be able to grasp them.' - Emma Goninan, Ogilvie High School, Tasmania.

'Lots of action, feisty heroes (and heroines), menacing villians, magic and a large dollop of humour make this fantasy an exciting read for upper primary on.' - Sue Crocombe, The Glennie School, Queensland, Australia.

What the International Book Trade Has Been Saying...

'I was very excited when this book fell into my hands. Since it did, I haven't been able to put it down. With magic, murders and treacherous schemes plus a dose of teen angst it's definitely one for Harry fans.'- Trina Rix.

'If you thought you were having a bad day, you should be glad you're not Prince Pyrgus. This is a thrilling book full to the brim with magic, suspense and loads of demons. Perfect for teenagers.'- Ottakers, Dundee.

'In this fast paced and thoroughly enjoyable tale, faeries belong to another universe and have access to this world through portals harnessing volcanic power. Darker than the Artemis Fowl books with a clever blend of science and mythology, this is most suitable for secondary age.'- Abbey's, Sydney, Australia.

'A wonderful fantasy with a terrific story full of cliffhangers - kids will be reading with baited breath till the very lasy page. This is really a crossover novel that will have real appeal to adult fans of fantasy fiction. Fairy folk with a thoroughly modern edge.'- Leading Edge (Australia)