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Stig's Flight of Encounters
Stig is eager to test out his Spiral Drive, a power unit built for his clockwork plane. He’s so eager that he ignores his fellow inventor’s words of warning. It’s a decision that changes his life and tests whether he has enough fortitude and skill to survive.
Stephan von Clinkerhoffen’s City of Chelldrah-ham: Stig’s Flight of Encounters takes readers on a journey to Chelldrah-ham, the city of riches Stig calls home. They travel with him to strange and beautiful lands as his test flight goes astray and crashes into a wooden pod on a mission.
Stig’s trip back home isn’t going to be that easy. Soon he discovers bat-like creatures called the Bach that threaten the pod’s homeland. He escapes the encounter but will have plenty more to face.
Stig must rely on what he finds in nature and the help of new friends like Meg, whom he meets on his trek. He’s got his clockwork skills and a map that his father had given him. But is that enough to help him get back home?
Stephan von Clinkerhoffen’s City of Chelldrah-ham: Stig’s Flight of Encounters takes readers on a journey to Chelldrah-ham, the city of riches Stig calls home. They travel with him to strange and beautiful lands as his test flight goes astray and crashes into a wooden pod on a mission.
Stig’s trip back home isn’t going to be that easy. Soon he discovers bat-like creatures called the Bach that threaten the pod’s homeland. He escapes the encounter but will have plenty more to face.
Stig must rely on what he finds in nature and the help of new friends like Meg, whom he meets on his trek. He’s got his clockwork skills and a map that his father had given him. But is that enough to help him get back home?
214 pages, Paperback
First published November 25, 2014
1 person is currently reading
667 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
March 22, 2016
Author: Stephan Vin Clinkerhoffen
Published: 25/11/2014
I finally got to read this book thanks to the author and I just couldn't wait to dive straight into the book. I thought that this was a really great book that was beautifully written, accompanied with brilliant artwork. The characters that feature in the novel are all very well described which means that the reader can close their eyes and picture the characters for themselves.
The characters each bring their own unique personality into the novel which gives it great depth and even though it is a fantasy novel, once you have read the book you really appreciate nature more. You get characters which are good and bad but all of them are very likeable and some are relatable. The detail of description that the author uses to describe the world that he has created really brings the book alive and draws the reader into it, getting them hooked right from the beginning!
I cannot wait to read the next book!
Published: 25/11/2014
I finally got to read this book thanks to the author and I just couldn't wait to dive straight into the book. I thought that this was a really great book that was beautifully written, accompanied with brilliant artwork. The characters that feature in the novel are all very well described which means that the reader can close their eyes and picture the characters for themselves.
The characters each bring their own unique personality into the novel which gives it great depth and even though it is a fantasy novel, once you have read the book you really appreciate nature more. You get characters which are good and bad but all of them are very likeable and some are relatable. The detail of description that the author uses to describe the world that he has created really brings the book alive and draws the reader into it, getting them hooked right from the beginning!
I cannot wait to read the next book!
March 9, 2015
Loved Stig's adventure. Although set in a fantasy world, it makes you think about how wonderful nature really is. The characters were really brought to life, each with their own distinct personalities. A great first novel Stephan, can we have more please
May 17, 2017
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my review in any way and the thoughts expressed are my own.
I found this book confusing at times. In places it changed character's Point of View from one paragraph to another. Basically, it's about a young boy, Stig, who goes on a flight in his plane and crashes hundreds of miles from home then finding his way back. I liked the Bach, the evil creatures, they looked unique while the enormous flowers were awesome. Some are the size of a room! The people use the plants' pollen as food and the leaves of clothing. The book focuses a lot on how people should be a part of nature and care for the environment, not destroy it. I loved the almost symbiotic relationship between people and nature.
I found Stig's journey home quite slow, even though things did happen it seemed the events all happened it clumps rather than spread out. Overall, it all felt quite slow. The plimph creatures, a mix between a terrier dog and an otter, were very cool. People couldn't own them or name them along with their behaviour made them feel every cat-like. The comparison to those living in the city of Chelldrah-ham and those that live in the forest was very interesting, it really showed the differences in their attitudes towards nature.
I found this book confusing at times. In places it changed character's Point of View from one paragraph to another. Basically, it's about a young boy, Stig, who goes on a flight in his plane and crashes hundreds of miles from home then finding his way back. I liked the Bach, the evil creatures, they looked unique while the enormous flowers were awesome. Some are the size of a room! The people use the plants' pollen as food and the leaves of clothing. The book focuses a lot on how people should be a part of nature and care for the environment, not destroy it. I loved the almost symbiotic relationship between people and nature.
I found Stig's journey home quite slow, even though things did happen it seemed the events all happened it clumps rather than spread out. Overall, it all felt quite slow. The plimph creatures, a mix between a terrier dog and an otter, were very cool. People couldn't own them or name them along with their behaviour made them feel every cat-like. The comparison to those living in the city of Chelldrah-ham and those that live in the forest was very interesting, it really showed the differences in their attitudes towards nature.
February 5, 2017
ForeWord Clarion Reviews 4 stars (out 0f 5) —"Strange creatures, exotic landscapes, and an innocent inventor make this story a welcome addition to the genre." Read full review at https://www.forewordreviews.com/revie...
Readers Favorite (5 stars out of 5) —"There is a lovely magical feel to the story - everything seems to have a purpose: even pockets in special clothing will decide whether or not to open! A great story for YA fantasy fans and I sincerely recommend it.” Read full review at https://readersfavorite.com/book-revi...
Readers Favorite (5 stars out of 5) —"There is a lovely magical feel to the story - everything seems to have a purpose: even pockets in special clothing will decide whether or not to open! A great story for YA fantasy fans and I sincerely recommend it.” Read full review at https://readersfavorite.com/book-revi...
December 20, 2014
Very well written and beautifully illustrated.
Written for young adults but also enjoyed by those of a more mature age.
You really become immersed in Stig's story - what is going on with the Bach? how do you make Figur Wine (I want some!)? what will Arn and Stig build next and how much trouble will they get in?
When is the next one coming out?!
Written for young adults but also enjoyed by those of a more mature age.
You really become immersed in Stig's story - what is going on with the Bach? how do you make Figur Wine (I want some!)? what will Arn and Stig build next and how much trouble will they get in?
When is the next one coming out?!
November 30, 2017
This was an enthralling epic fantasy with a touch of science fiction thrown in. The young boy named Stig is a genius creating gadgets, especially out of clockworks. But his invention of an airplane takes him to lands unknown with creatures both frightful and friendly. Young adult and adult readers will love this book.
June 6, 2018
This book was entered in The Wishing Shelf Book Awards. This is what our readers thought:
Title: Stig's Flight of Encounters
Author: Stephan von Clinkerhoffen
Star Rating: 5 Stars
Number of Readers: 19
Stats
Editing: 9/10
Writing Style: 9/10
Content: 9/10
Cover: 7/10
Of the 19 readers:
19 would read another book by this author.
12 thought the cover was good or excellent.
18 felt it was easy to follow.
19 would recommend this story to another reader to try.
13 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘plotting a story’.
6 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘developing the characters’.
18 felt the pacing was good or excellent.
19 thought the author understood the readership and what they wanted.
Readers’ Comments
‘I liked all the inventing. This is a fun story that is well-written.’ Boy, aged 15
‘This author has a ton of imagination, like Roald Dahl. The cover is a bit messy; it’s difficult to read the title.’ Girl, aged 15
‘This is an amazing fantasy story. So much happens ALL of the time. There are lots of twits and turns, and the stuff the boy invents is super-clever.’ Girl, aged 14
‘I liked that the boy is smart. The monsters are creepy, but he meets plenty of good characters to help him on his adventure.’ Boy, aged 15
‘Surprisingly mature for a children’s book. I’m fifteen, and I thought it was excellent from the very first page.’ Boy, aged 15
To Sum It Up:
‘A twisting, turning fantasy adventure. A FINALIST and highly recommended.’ The Wishing Shelf Book Awards
Title: Stig's Flight of Encounters
Author: Stephan von Clinkerhoffen
Star Rating: 5 Stars
Number of Readers: 19
Stats
Editing: 9/10
Writing Style: 9/10
Content: 9/10
Cover: 7/10
Of the 19 readers:
19 would read another book by this author.
12 thought the cover was good or excellent.
18 felt it was easy to follow.
19 would recommend this story to another reader to try.
13 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘plotting a story’.
6 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘developing the characters’.
18 felt the pacing was good or excellent.
19 thought the author understood the readership and what they wanted.
Readers’ Comments
‘I liked all the inventing. This is a fun story that is well-written.’ Boy, aged 15
‘This author has a ton of imagination, like Roald Dahl. The cover is a bit messy; it’s difficult to read the title.’ Girl, aged 15
‘This is an amazing fantasy story. So much happens ALL of the time. There are lots of twits and turns, and the stuff the boy invents is super-clever.’ Girl, aged 14
‘I liked that the boy is smart. The monsters are creepy, but he meets plenty of good characters to help him on his adventure.’ Boy, aged 15
‘Surprisingly mature for a children’s book. I’m fifteen, and I thought it was excellent from the very first page.’ Boy, aged 15
To Sum It Up:
‘A twisting, turning fantasy adventure. A FINALIST and highly recommended.’ The Wishing Shelf Book Awards
June 24, 2017
In a land of great riches, with inhabitants who live to be centuries old, lives a boy, Stig. Stig is quite good at inventing tools and gadgets with the use of clockwork mechanisms. One fateful day though, his inventive tinkering leads him to a life-altering discovery. While taking a test-run in his new flying machine, he experiences a crash-landing. His accident, however, may prove to be a blessing in disguise as he soon learns his beloved city of Chelldrah-ham is in danger. But returning home to forewarn the people of Chelldrah-ham proves to be a challenge far greater than he could ever have imagined. Stig becomes embroiled in a sequence of riveting events all of which make for an engaging series of fantasy fiction for young readers.
Each of the three books in this magical collection are full of wonder and imagination with delightfully multi-faceted characters and a plot which keeps readers enthralled throughout this dynamic series. With a background in engineering and art, author Stephan von Clinkerhoffen lends a unique perspective to this enchanting series which he both wrote and illustrated. Imaginations will soar from one captivating page to the next as readers indulge in this fanciful set of books. The Hidden City of Chelldrah-ham fantasy fiction series is highly recommended for home and school libraries and has earned the Literary Classics Seal of Approval.
Each of the three books in this magical collection are full of wonder and imagination with delightfully multi-faceted characters and a plot which keeps readers enthralled throughout this dynamic series. With a background in engineering and art, author Stephan von Clinkerhoffen lends a unique perspective to this enchanting series which he both wrote and illustrated. Imaginations will soar from one captivating page to the next as readers indulge in this fanciful set of books. The Hidden City of Chelldrah-ham fantasy fiction series is highly recommended for home and school libraries and has earned the Literary Classics Seal of Approval.
August 21, 2017
By combining mechanicals, nature, and total fantasy, von Clinkerhoffen has created a world to get lost in - literally. In Stig's Flight of Encounters, A boy, Stig becomes lost in a world containing evil and new friends while trying to return to the lost city of Chelldrah-ham, his home. His encounters with evil are heartbreaking and overwhelming, yet he succeeds in finding friends, learning to trust, and seeing the world for what it is. While I have not read all of the series, I am sure children and adults who enjoy worlds of total fantasy will be enthralled with Stig’s future adventures.
November 1, 2017
REVIEW:
THE HIDDEN CITY OF CHELLDRAH-HAM Stig's Flight of Encounters
5 STARS
The Hidden City of Chelldrah-Ham: Stig's Flight of Encounters, by Stephan von Clinkerhoffen, is a delightful and whimsical fantasy about adventure and doing the right thing in difficult situations. It was a pleasure to read and to experience the journey of a young boy into a fantasy world.
THE HIDDEN CITY OF CHELLDRAH-HAM Stig's Flight of Encounters
5 STARS
The Hidden City of Chelldrah-Ham: Stig's Flight of Encounters, by Stephan von Clinkerhoffen, is a delightful and whimsical fantasy about adventure and doing the right thing in difficult situations. It was a pleasure to read and to experience the journey of a young boy into a fantasy world.
April 23, 2018
I received this book from goodreads for an honest review. I just didn't get into it sorry.
November 18, 2016
Really good loved the story the whole way through the book
April 15, 2017
Summary
Fast paced, action packed story, tempered with plausible inventions and imaginary creatures. Exquisitely detailed fantasy lands that make you think you can touch the forests. Totally recommend this book.
I felt drawn in to the story alongside the main characters with a sense of comradery. Action right from the start!
Stig, the main character, loves inventing and experimenting, especially when it comes to machines he can ride on. I know some people like this, which make it seem even more believable. He’s also a bit of a “greenie” at heart and respects nature.
There are strong relationships between groups of characters for example:
Stig and Arn – lifelong friends who get into some scrapes, and have to engineer ways out of them.
Stig’s family – close knit and caring for one another, especially for his sick mum.
Stig and Meg – who become close and learn from each other. Meg has skills for living in the forest by working with Nature. Stig has mechanical skills and can build and repair his way through adversity. He’s happy when he can take the slowest of machines and turn it into a fast one and ride it. Meg finds she also enjoys the speed after a ride or two and encourages Stig. With Meg’s help Stig is able to work with Nature and this empathy brings rewards.
There are some interesting twists and turns to the story, which make you think outside the box. Stig meets and interacts with different characters on the journey, some beneficial others perilous. There are some gory scenes and some funny ones too.
The main story unfolds in chronological order, with flash backs to relevant sub stories which I found built depth. There are short italicised sections, these reveal certain details from another perspective and I thought this worked well.
The series title “The Hidden City of Chelldrah-ham” suggests concealment and the story reveals more about this. The book title “Stig’s Flight of Encounters” tells of Stig’s encounters following a flight. It becomes a tale of a hero’s journey with trials and tribulations, and describes the ingenuity he uses in his quest to get back home.
Quotes – funny, sad or typical of the characters
“Stig picked up his golden toothbrush, wound the key, and flicked a switch on the side, and the clockwork motor whirred into life, brushes spinning wildly at the end.”
“Stig had a passion for machines of any sort no matter how large or small, especially the ones you could ride, and the faster the better.”
“The landscape here was strange. It was some type of forest, with giant vines that grew into spirals, round and round, growing up fifty metres toward the sky. They were massive. Some were fifteen metres across, narrowing as they rose.”
“Hivan had nodded off, his chin resting on his chest.
Windy gave him a nudge with her elbow, saying, “Wake up.”
He did, exclaiming, “I wasn’t asleep. I was just resting my eyes!”
Stig and Windy laughed.”
“There were birds everywhere, all with different songs. Some were like bells, while others had calls that were so soft, you could only just hear them. A few were so loud they hurt your ears. It was like an orchestra of bells all practicing at once. Some were dinging and donging faster and faster and then slower and slower; others were tringing and pinging. Another type were just ringing, like a hand bell being wildly shaken, but it was all at different pitches. It sounded like church bells being played at a wedding, pealing up and down, but there were hundreds of churches, all playing different tunes at different times. It was the most beautiful thing he had ever heard.”
Conclusion
I like a book that has a conclusion and this one does!
I am keen to uncover Stig’s next adventure and understand there are two more books in the series.
As a fellow animal and nature lover I can identify with the philosophy portrayed in this book and might even have “greened up” a bit more.
I would recommend this book for all ages.
Fast paced, action packed story, tempered with plausible inventions and imaginary creatures. Exquisitely detailed fantasy lands that make you think you can touch the forests. Totally recommend this book.
I felt drawn in to the story alongside the main characters with a sense of comradery. Action right from the start!
Stig, the main character, loves inventing and experimenting, especially when it comes to machines he can ride on. I know some people like this, which make it seem even more believable. He’s also a bit of a “greenie” at heart and respects nature.
There are strong relationships between groups of characters for example:
Stig and Arn – lifelong friends who get into some scrapes, and have to engineer ways out of them.
Stig’s family – close knit and caring for one another, especially for his sick mum.
Stig and Meg – who become close and learn from each other. Meg has skills for living in the forest by working with Nature. Stig has mechanical skills and can build and repair his way through adversity. He’s happy when he can take the slowest of machines and turn it into a fast one and ride it. Meg finds she also enjoys the speed after a ride or two and encourages Stig. With Meg’s help Stig is able to work with Nature and this empathy brings rewards.
There are some interesting twists and turns to the story, which make you think outside the box. Stig meets and interacts with different characters on the journey, some beneficial others perilous. There are some gory scenes and some funny ones too.
The main story unfolds in chronological order, with flash backs to relevant sub stories which I found built depth. There are short italicised sections, these reveal certain details from another perspective and I thought this worked well.
The series title “The Hidden City of Chelldrah-ham” suggests concealment and the story reveals more about this. The book title “Stig’s Flight of Encounters” tells of Stig’s encounters following a flight. It becomes a tale of a hero’s journey with trials and tribulations, and describes the ingenuity he uses in his quest to get back home.
Quotes – funny, sad or typical of the characters
“Stig picked up his golden toothbrush, wound the key, and flicked a switch on the side, and the clockwork motor whirred into life, brushes spinning wildly at the end.”
“Stig had a passion for machines of any sort no matter how large or small, especially the ones you could ride, and the faster the better.”
“The landscape here was strange. It was some type of forest, with giant vines that grew into spirals, round and round, growing up fifty metres toward the sky. They were massive. Some were fifteen metres across, narrowing as they rose.”
“Hivan had nodded off, his chin resting on his chest.
Windy gave him a nudge with her elbow, saying, “Wake up.”
He did, exclaiming, “I wasn’t asleep. I was just resting my eyes!”
Stig and Windy laughed.”
“There were birds everywhere, all with different songs. Some were like bells, while others had calls that were so soft, you could only just hear them. A few were so loud they hurt your ears. It was like an orchestra of bells all practicing at once. Some were dinging and donging faster and faster and then slower and slower; others were tringing and pinging. Another type were just ringing, like a hand bell being wildly shaken, but it was all at different pitches. It sounded like church bells being played at a wedding, pealing up and down, but there were hundreds of churches, all playing different tunes at different times. It was the most beautiful thing he had ever heard.”
Conclusion
I like a book that has a conclusion and this one does!
I am keen to uncover Stig’s next adventure and understand there are two more books in the series.
As a fellow animal and nature lover I can identify with the philosophy portrayed in this book and might even have “greened up” a bit more.
I would recommend this book for all ages.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews