Synopsis: “A teenage shape-shifter called Eo. A boy from the 6th century called Adom. And a girl from the 24th century called Jay. What do they have in common? More than you can possibly imagine. Because one careless mistake by Eo has led to a time-travelling challenge that could cost them their lives. And now they’re being hurled back and forth through time in a game in which there can be only one winner. Beautiful, soul-sucking demons will ravage Eo’s world if they fail. But Eo, Adom, and Jay are ready to face whatever the seven tides throw at them. They hope…

Review: The story starts as Eo, a young teenager who pays less attention than is good for him, accidentally causes a rip in the wall between his world, and that of the Kelpies – demons who feed off souls. The only way to stop them is for Eo to win a challenge called ‘The Seventh Tide’. He will be transported via the ‘vortex’ to six different times in history. He will remain in each time period for the duration of one turn of the tide, and from each place may take one gift (in the form of a person, an object, or some wisdom) which may help him in the final challenge. What the Kelpies don’t realise is that Eo’s tutor, Professor Hurple, a shape-shifter locked into the form of a ferret, has stowed away in his bag.

The first gift Eo acquires is a staunch companion named Adom, a much-abused, almost-novice monk from Iona. He is travelling in a party with St Columba until he meets Eo and is literally swept away with him to the next destination – 24th century Glasgow. Due to climate change, Glasgow is now submerged below the sea. Here they meet Jay, a girl their own age who is hungry for adventure and, more urgently, for freedom from the rigid forms of social control which pigeonhole inhabitants according to mental aptitude, and dispense drugs to anyone who is less than perfectly calm. As the children progress from world to world, or tide to tide, they embark on a journey of self-discovery as challenging as the greater quest. They have to work to overcome their own limitations and to open their minds, as well as to survive the Kelpies’ traps and trials and save Eo’s world. Above all, they have to help and rely on each other. For example, when Adom describes the way in which he suffered from never being able to learn to read or write, Jay realises he is dyslexic, explains that this is viewed very positively, and uses futuristic neurotechnology to maximise his potential, much to his delight. Although the future has its advantages, the teenagers realise that the past has much to offer too, as Jay – who has spent very little time above the ocean’s surface – feels delight at a bonfire on a prehistoric beach.

 Throughout the story, the Scottish locations are vividly evoked. The characterisation is warm and rich. Events are compelling, inventive, exciting, and poignant by turns. The humour is frequent, intelligent, and genuinely funny. ‘The Seventh Tide’ is an outstanding fantasy adventure, very highly recommended. And there’s even a heroic librarian!

2008-05-11