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Fenn Halflin and the Fearzero
In a world that has been ravaged by flooding, Fenn Halflin learns the truth about his past - a secret that forces him to flee the safety of his home as he is chased across the vast sea by the ruthless Terra Firma and their cold-blooded leader, Chilstone. Finding shelter on a decaying island, Fenn is taken in by child survivors in hiding, and he begins a deadly game of cat-and-mouse with the Terra Firma, who will stop at nothing to find him. But as Chilstone's dreaded Fearzero ship appears on the horizon, and the water levels continue to rise, it seems that Fenn's hopes of escape will be washed away for ever.
- GenresDystopiaMiddle Grade
304 pages, Paperback
Published June 2, 2016
1 person is currently reading
49 people want to read
About the author
Francesca Armour-Chelu
3 books37 followersFrancesca Armour-Chelu is a novelist and short story writer.
After reading English & Drama at Goldsmiths, University of London she worked with children with disabilities and in care, before moving into libraries & museum education. When not writing, she continues to work for public libraries and runs creative writing workshops.
Her debut ‘Fenn Halflin and the Fearzero’ was short-listed for the Mslexia Children's Novel and long-listed for the Branford Boase Award. The sequel, 'Fenn Halflin and the Seaborn' was short-listed for the Mal Peet Award. Her short story 'The Starving Ghost' won the Mslexia Short Story Competition and her novel ‘Lemon Ink Over Flame' was shortlisted for the Tibor Jones Pageturner Prize.
Francesca lives in Suffolk with her husband and children, two cats; Florence and Fitz, and rescue lurcher, Didi. Her latest book; 'The Butterfly Circus' was published in June 2019 and she is currently working on a new children's story and adult novel.
After reading English & Drama at Goldsmiths, University of London she worked with children with disabilities and in care, before moving into libraries & museum education. When not writing, she continues to work for public libraries and runs creative writing workshops.
Her debut ‘Fenn Halflin and the Fearzero’ was short-listed for the Mslexia Children's Novel and long-listed for the Branford Boase Award. The sequel, 'Fenn Halflin and the Seaborn' was short-listed for the Mal Peet Award. Her short story 'The Starving Ghost' won the Mslexia Short Story Competition and her novel ‘Lemon Ink Over Flame' was shortlisted for the Tibor Jones Pageturner Prize.
Francesca lives in Suffolk with her husband and children, two cats; Florence and Fitz, and rescue lurcher, Didi. Her latest book; 'The Butterfly Circus' was published in June 2019 and she is currently working on a new children's story and adult novel.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
November 5, 2019
I really enjoyed this atmospheric tale of a dystopian society breaking down in a flooding world. The premise is a familiar one - a child save from doom to destroy a monster - but this is much grittier and harder than Theseus (or that Harry Whatsit fella, forgotten his name...). It's Mad Max meets Waterworld, but of course any and all comparisons are just cheap shortcuts: it is itself. The marshy fen setting is expertly described with real skill and knowledge, and, I might say, not without some affection, despite the doom of the sea ever-present on the horizon. The writing is sharp and has some wonderful lines in it. The characters are engaging, with warts and all, and the relationships between them draw the reader in. It's not an easy job to convince someone of the bonds between characters in a few hundred words, but Francesca Armour-Chelu does it. I've read a few children's titles recently which could learn from this.
One thing - not a criticism, but an observation - I'm not really sure who this book is for. It reminds me of Where the World Ends, in that it seeems to be aimed at a young audience, but the setting, writing, and themes are gritty and tough. It's an in-betweener. I suspect that marketing people flounder a bit with this kind of book, because it is more demanding (and less lighthearted) than some, but not at first glance aimed at Young Adults. All of that goes to show that marketing pigeonholes are lazy excuses for not selling a book on its own merits. Which is a pity, because Fenn Halflin deserves his place among the better post-apocalyptic dystopian tales. An enthralling, atmospheric, exciting read.
One thing - not a criticism, but an observation - I'm not really sure who this book is for. It reminds me of Where the World Ends, in that it seeems to be aimed at a young audience, but the setting, writing, and themes are gritty and tough. It's an in-betweener. I suspect that marketing people flounder a bit with this kind of book, because it is more demanding (and less lighthearted) than some, but not at first glance aimed at Young Adults. All of that goes to show that marketing pigeonholes are lazy excuses for not selling a book on its own merits. Which is a pity, because Fenn Halflin deserves his place among the better post-apocalyptic dystopian tales. An enthralling, atmospheric, exciting read.
September 5, 2017
Fantastic adventure story for kids through to adults. Thoroughly enjoyed it. Highly recommended.
January 29, 2018
A brilliant roller-coaster read which was genuinely scary in places. I read it in two nights and couldn't put it down; I loved the eerie descriptions of the marshlands where the Sargasson tribe have a secret hideout deep in the ancient forests, and the Shanties; an island made of rubbish, infested by Roustabouts who have turned cannibalistic!
Although it’s a futuristic world devastated by climate change, there is no preaching and you can just read it as a page-turner...or take it as an allegory on current issues, especially how we treat refugees. In addition to the main characters of Fenn and Halflin, the cunning old boat breaker who saves his life, there a wonderfully rich cast of supporting characters from the creepy Mr Leach in his rat-fur cloak, to the vengeful Chilstone, plagued by a secret whispering voice only he can hear. All the relationships between the characters ring true-there were no cardboard cut-outs or clichés which you often get in MG fiction- people are good and bad, cowardly and brave, foolish and wise… and the relationship between Halflin and Fenn was heart-breakingly real.
Obviously it’s quite a dark book in places but it’s a beautifully written tale that - at its heart -is a story of friendship, loyalty and love. Am so looking forward to reading the sequel!
Although it’s a futuristic world devastated by climate change, there is no preaching and you can just read it as a page-turner...or take it as an allegory on current issues, especially how we treat refugees. In addition to the main characters of Fenn and Halflin, the cunning old boat breaker who saves his life, there a wonderfully rich cast of supporting characters from the creepy Mr Leach in his rat-fur cloak, to the vengeful Chilstone, plagued by a secret whispering voice only he can hear. All the relationships between the characters ring true-there were no cardboard cut-outs or clichés which you often get in MG fiction- people are good and bad, cowardly and brave, foolish and wise… and the relationship between Halflin and Fenn was heart-breakingly real.
Obviously it’s quite a dark book in places but it’s a beautifully written tale that - at its heart -is a story of friendship, loyalty and love. Am so looking forward to reading the sequel!
September 5, 2016
Fenn Halflin lives in a world that has been ravaged by floods, where only the elite are allowed to live on the shrinking land and that is ruled by the Terra Firma. His adopted grandfather, Halflin keeps him hidden in a remote location for years until one night he realises danger is coming and sends Fenn off on a ship that dumps him on the shanties - a lawless community in the middle of the ocean. Fenn’s parents were resistance leaders but he has to keep this fact hidden. He makes friends and finds what he thinks are safe lodgings with other kids (Gulper, Amber,Fathom, Milk & Comfort) in a makeshift shelter with a seemingly helpful adult, Nile and his wife Mrs Leach but has to escape Nile’s plot to sell the kids. During the escape the terrifying Terra Firma ship, Fearzero destroys the shanties and the children are cast out in a flimsy boat and make their way to Fenn’s home. A great start to this adventure series, dystopia for younger children. There is plenty of excitement in the book and Fenn is an empathetic character, I’m looking forward to reading more of his adventures in future books.
February 24, 2017
Fenn lives with his grandfather in the wetlands of a flooded world. He is forbidden to swim, and he’s hidden away from sight.
The reason for this becomes clear when Fenn learns that he is the son of two resistance leaders, and the dreaded Terra Firma will stop at nothing to find him. When Chillstone, the Terra Firma leader, comes to the wetlands, Fenn is sent away and has to survive as best he can in a harsh world.
This is Francesca’s first book and she has done a good job with the characterisation and pacing. It is an exciting read featuring well-drawn, believable characters. The world is interesting, but a little more information about it would have been good. It almost felt like reading the second book in a series, and missing out on some of the world-building. It is, however, the first of two books, and ends on a cliff-hanger.
Fenn Halflin and the Fearzero is sure to appeal to children aged ten years and up who enjoy a good adventure with plenty of danger, and don’t mind some unanswered questions.
Reviewed by Penny Guy (Bookrapt)
The reason for this becomes clear when Fenn learns that he is the son of two resistance leaders, and the dreaded Terra Firma will stop at nothing to find him. When Chillstone, the Terra Firma leader, comes to the wetlands, Fenn is sent away and has to survive as best he can in a harsh world.
This is Francesca’s first book and she has done a good job with the characterisation and pacing. It is an exciting read featuring well-drawn, believable characters. The world is interesting, but a little more information about it would have been good. It almost felt like reading the second book in a series, and missing out on some of the world-building. It is, however, the first of two books, and ends on a cliff-hanger.
Fenn Halflin and the Fearzero is sure to appeal to children aged ten years and up who enjoy a good adventure with plenty of danger, and don’t mind some unanswered questions.
Reviewed by Penny Guy (Bookrapt)
June 23, 2016
Read this with my 10 year old- although he couldn't wait and read ahead! He picked it out because the cover looked quite retro and a full on adventure. This is a really fantastically good read! Its a fast paced, exciting chase story but it also delivers much more than that. It's dark and scary, but really made my son think and ask questions: it really resonates with what's happening in the world today with climate change and the flow of migrants. It's stuffed full of brilliant characters and the book really brings to life the strange and haunting locations like the Shanty Sea Forts. My son seriously cannot wait for the sequel- read the last half flat out and is talking it up to all his mates. Really, really recommended!
March 28, 2016
Exciting and adventurous. Fenn is a loyal and resourceful main character. Only the first book.
June 10, 2016
Here's My Review
July 13, 2016
A thrilling tale of friendship and bravery set in a flooded world where the vast iron ships of the Terra Firma patrol the seas hunting down the last of the Seaborn in an attempt to squash any hopes of resistance to the rival Landborn regime.
My favourite part of ‘Fenn’ was the terrifying ‘Shanties’ – the old sea forts where the Seaborn and other refugees are marooned to fight out an existence, trading rats and teeth. These towering rusty metal platforms are peopled with colourful and grotesque characters such as Waggit, the Toothtrader, creepy, fur-kimono-wearing, Nile, and his ‘grismal’ cohort, Mrs Leech. The scene where Fenn watches the Roustabouts, scraggily cannibals who hunt like spiders, peel the lid off a metal locker to winkle out their sleeping victim had me on the edge of my seat.
Set against this horror our hero, Fenn, brings a spark of hopefulness to a spirited gang of children who have got used to a life where kindness is hard to come by and putting your faith in the wrong person could get you killed. With Fenn on board they finally find someone to believe in and the tide begins to turn against the Terra Firma at last.
But there is more to this book than navigating perils on the high seas: the world after ‘The Rising’ holds a vision of how ruthlessly the powerful few decide who is worth saving and at whose expense. A warning as relevant now as it ever has been. Maybe more so.
My favourite part of ‘Fenn’ was the terrifying ‘Shanties’ – the old sea forts where the Seaborn and other refugees are marooned to fight out an existence, trading rats and teeth. These towering rusty metal platforms are peopled with colourful and grotesque characters such as Waggit, the Toothtrader, creepy, fur-kimono-wearing, Nile, and his ‘grismal’ cohort, Mrs Leech. The scene where Fenn watches the Roustabouts, scraggily cannibals who hunt like spiders, peel the lid off a metal locker to winkle out their sleeping victim had me on the edge of my seat.
Set against this horror our hero, Fenn, brings a spark of hopefulness to a spirited gang of children who have got used to a life where kindness is hard to come by and putting your faith in the wrong person could get you killed. With Fenn on board they finally find someone to believe in and the tide begins to turn against the Terra Firma at last.
But there is more to this book than navigating perils on the high seas: the world after ‘The Rising’ holds a vision of how ruthlessly the powerful few decide who is worth saving and at whose expense. A warning as relevant now as it ever has been. Maybe more so.
December 24, 2024
Fenn was born on the sea. His parents, Maya and Tomas Demaris, were the last Resistance Fighters against the Terra Firma led by Chilstone. The baby was hidden in a secret draw in their ship's cabin.
Thirteen years later Fenn was sick of being kept inside. The old man Halflin had found the baby in a ship he was sinking. That was his job. He was there learning what the old man could teach him to survive. The only link, with the boy, and the Resistance was a key on a gold chain. And the webbed feet Halflin had cut away from the infant child. Few would know to look for the scars.
They lived in East Marsh until a ship called Panimengro arrived to trade. Fenn went to look through the spyglass and saw another huge ship. The Warsprite. They were looking for the child of the legend, a survivor of the resistance. Fenn had made a friend of an animal, not an otter.
Halfin and Fenn ran to Lundy and her dog Gerlet. Lundy refused to help, Halflin turned and rushed Fenn back out. They ran to the Panimengro and the Captain Viktor. There Fenn saw Halflin offer the Captain forged papers, not marked and worth a lot. Fenn watched as the old man turned and walked away. Fenn now knew he was dangerous to be around.
Captain Viktor sent Fenn below as they began their journey to the West Isles. Viktor didn't feel happy about being the target of the Terra Firma search. He took Fenn to the Shanties. A squalid set of shacks in iron scaffolding.
This was a frightening world where nearly every person was hungry and without hope. Fenn discovered an old man who'd been trussed up and taken by human-like scavengers. He was saved from their clutches by a boy who took him to a fort. The Fort was run by Nial and his wife. As long as Fenn worked they would feed him and give him a place to sleep.
This is a tale of discovering inner strength and Fenn learning to give his friends freedom. Fenn had made friends. Would they find a way to escape? Would Fenn be strong enough to send them off away from him, for their safety?
Thirteen years later Fenn was sick of being kept inside. The old man Halflin had found the baby in a ship he was sinking. That was his job. He was there learning what the old man could teach him to survive. The only link, with the boy, and the Resistance was a key on a gold chain. And the webbed feet Halflin had cut away from the infant child. Few would know to look for the scars.
They lived in East Marsh until a ship called Panimengro arrived to trade. Fenn went to look through the spyglass and saw another huge ship. The Warsprite. They were looking for the child of the legend, a survivor of the resistance. Fenn had made a friend of an animal, not an otter.
Halfin and Fenn ran to Lundy and her dog Gerlet. Lundy refused to help, Halflin turned and rushed Fenn back out. They ran to the Panimengro and the Captain Viktor. There Fenn saw Halflin offer the Captain forged papers, not marked and worth a lot. Fenn watched as the old man turned and walked away. Fenn now knew he was dangerous to be around.
Captain Viktor sent Fenn below as they began their journey to the West Isles. Viktor didn't feel happy about being the target of the Terra Firma search. He took Fenn to the Shanties. A squalid set of shacks in iron scaffolding.
This was a frightening world where nearly every person was hungry and without hope. Fenn discovered an old man who'd been trussed up and taken by human-like scavengers. He was saved from their clutches by a boy who took him to a fort. The Fort was run by Nial and his wife. As long as Fenn worked they would feed him and give him a place to sleep.
This is a tale of discovering inner strength and Fenn learning to give his friends freedom. Fenn had made friends. Would they find a way to escape? Would Fenn be strong enough to send them off away from him, for their safety?
February 16, 2022
A real page turner which is difficult to put down. Whilst marketed for middle grade readers, the wit and engagement of the authors writing would cater for all ages of dystopia readers.
Main character, Fenn, is determined and loyal, making him instantly likeable (although, my favourite character was Tikki!). The setting is gritty and thrilling, set within a world which has been overcome by flooding and subsequent poverty. The message of determination, camaraderie and hard graft is abundant throughout, with intriguing characters set to blight the path along the way.
An excellent read well suited for fans of Lauren James and Michael Ford.
Main character, Fenn, is determined and loyal, making him instantly likeable (although, my favourite character was Tikki!). The setting is gritty and thrilling, set within a world which has been overcome by flooding and subsequent poverty. The message of determination, camaraderie and hard graft is abundant throughout, with intriguing characters set to blight the path along the way.
An excellent read well suited for fans of Lauren James and Michael Ford.
January 3, 2022
A thrilling rollercoaster! This has regenerated my love for reading. I have not been so emotionally involved a book for such a long time and this story has everything needed to take you on a real adventure!
March 7, 2023
I absolutely DEVOURED this brilliantly cinematic story - what a book! My heart was in my mouth for most of it, and I was blown away by the world-building, characterisation, and stakes involved in the plot. Brava, Francesca Armour-Chelu - this book is a staggering achievement.
January 31, 2021
What a fabulous book.
It was full of twists and turns, full of adventure.
It was full of twists and turns, full of adventure.
September 17, 2018
I thought this was a magnificent storyline; always moving quickly from one scenario to another so the reader never gets bored as it is so interesting. Complete with a map of the area helps so one can relate to the distances travelled and the proximity of all the featured places; a nice touch.
As a non author I can only look in awe and imagine how much effort goes into writing; acceptance and then final publication. It is a truly herculean effort; well done Francesca!
As a non author I can only look in awe and imagine how much effort goes into writing; acceptance and then final publication. It is a truly herculean effort; well done Francesca!
February 4, 2021
Fenn lives with his grumpy grandfather Halflin. He is harsh and strict and tells Fenn to never go outside. Fenn can’t stay indoors all the time and gets to know the swamp they live in.
Panic floods their world when Fenn sees Warspite sail into harbour. Escape and hiding are Fenn’s only chance of survival. His grandfather pushes him onto a boat with strangers.
Danger follows Fenn’s every step. He is abandoned in a dangerous world of water and desperation. Can he escape?
I enjoyed the pace and unusual world of this story. An exciting read recommended for 10+
Panic floods their world when Fenn sees Warspite sail into harbour. Escape and hiding are Fenn’s only chance of survival. His grandfather pushes him onto a boat with strangers.
Danger follows Fenn’s every step. He is abandoned in a dangerous world of water and desperation. Can he escape?
I enjoyed the pace and unusual world of this story. An exciting read recommended for 10+
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews