Review by Rob Stuart

Living on the Edge

Whilst Harry Potter was rocking the world's youth following the publication of The Philosopher's Stone, a smaller scale revolution was taking place after the release of Beyond The Deepwoods, the first book in the epic Edge Chronicles.

The 'main protagonist' of the series is Twig. I use inverted commas because, although Twig features prominently in books 1 - 3, in Cloud Wolf, a story written for National Book Day, focus shifts to Rook Barkwater. Disappointingly, I preferred Twig to Rook, but that's a mild tribulation as I would read these books even if the Cheeky Girls became the central characters.

The Edge Chronicles set themselves apart from lesser fare through Chris Riddell's strikingly intricate illustrations (the Edge Map being a thing of superlative imagination). These pictures are not only worth the price of the book alone, they also add context, helping us to visualize Paul Stewart's surreal creation.

My favourite aspect of the books is that of the sky ships. These structures, able to fly due to buoyant rocks created in the StoneGardens, provide the most exciting story lines, and some of the most iconic images in the books.

On reading these books, a thought has always struck me; when will they make this wonderful series into a film? I have raised this question by letter and in person when I met the authors at the 2004 Brighton Festival. The answer; they have been approached but no concrete plans have been set. I guess only time will tell. Until then, I will have to content myself with the latest installments.

Stories in the series include:

Beyond the Deepwoods
Stormchaser
Midnight Over Sanctaphrax
Curse of the Gloamglozer
Cloud Wolf
The Last of the Skypirates
Vox
Freeglader
Winter Knights

Review by Amy Sutton

Beyond the Deepwoods - Book One
I first came across The Edge Chronicles during a desperate hunt for a friend's birthday present. Before I wrapped Beyond the Deepwoods, Book One in the series, I had a peek at the first chapter - and read the whole story in one night!
With countless memorable and lovable (or, indeed, despicable) characters, The Edge Chronicles, offers a fantasy world that's easy to become a part of and a story that never loses pace. It follows two young adventurers: Twig, a boy who travels from the Deepwoods and Rook, a young knight librarian in a fantasy land called The Edge. The stories are packed with tension, adventure and excitement, but still feel real. This realism is key to the book's appeal.
The Edge belongs to an elite group of literary magical worlds and although the books in the series are aimed at early teens, they are written with a maturity that would keep older readers engaged. This is also one of the few books where pictures, drawn magically by Chris Riddell, really enhance the story rather than distract from it.
Anyone with a love for adventure, fantasy, or just looking for a really good read should try one of The Edge Chronicles. They are a fantastically written set of books guaranteed to live on in the hearts and bookshelves of many.

This has to be the greatest series ever written. When I'm not re-reading one of the books I'm waiting impatiently for the next one to come out.

The combination of amazing pictures and bizarre storyline make this series completely irresistible. Everything is so far-fetched but at the same time believable that you really get sucked into this world and its characters. All three of the protagonists: Twig, Quint, and Rook, have their own unique personalities. This shapes the three series into really unique books with a common thread.

I am currently waiting for book 9 to come out here in the states (93 days left!!!!)

I absolutely LOVE the edge chronicles...I think they are one of the best books of my time...

I love Twig, Rook, and all the other fascinating creatures that live in Twilight Woods, Over the Edge, Undertown and the other various places...Does anyone know how I could contact Chris Riddell or Paul Stewart?

I love these books and their characters! I hope that somebody will make the movie! In Romania, only 2 books have been translated, but I hope the other books will appear in my country!

I love the Edge Chronicles because they take me on a journey. I've read lots of books because I love reading, and I think the edge chronicles are better than Harry Potter and are just as good as Lord of The Rings books. If it were up to me, I'd go to the Edge World and never leave.

I absolutely love the Edge Chronicles! My favourite book is Beyond the Deepwoods and my favourite character is Twig.
I was introduced to the Edge Chronicles after my friend bought
me the Twig Trilogies and after reading Twig I carried on reading them until now i have read all the Edge Chronicles!
They are much better than Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings!
the Edge Chronicles rule!