What do you think?
Rate this book
Jack Dawkins
After Oliver Twist intervenes to save Jack Dawkins - the legendary Artful Dodger - from transportation to Botany Bay, Jack embarks on what proves to be a perilous quest to discover his roots. Before he can say 'Fagin!' he's battling to survive a devastating flood and rescue beautiful black-haired, green-eyed Lysette Godden, the girl of his dreams, from the hands of murderous villains. Jack and Lysette, searching for Jack's parents, head to France and have an adventure there which tests their mettle and mutual love to the utmost and changes their lives for ever.
Brilliantly and evocatively written, Jack Dawkins is a worthy sequel to Charles Dickens's immortal masterpiece Oliver Twist.
Hampered by her tendency always to want what she hasn't got and an apparent inability to let go of the past, will Lucy ever find her elusive happy-ever-after? This witty, amusing, highly entertaining and fast-paced novel is sure to make you feel Lucy's dilemma, and warm your heart.
Brilliantly and evocatively written, Jack Dawkins is a worthy sequel to Charles Dickens's immortal masterpiece Oliver Twist.
Hampered by her tendency always to want what she hasn't got and an apparent inability to let go of the past, will Lucy ever find her elusive happy-ever-after? This witty, amusing, highly entertaining and fast-paced novel is sure to make you feel Lucy's dilemma, and warm your heart.
Kindle Edition
Published May 20, 2018
1 person want to read
About the author
Terry Ward
70 books2 followersTerry Ward describes himself as being a life-long bibliophile and scribbler who likes nothing better than discovering what's beyond the next hill.
He has won two creative writing awards, is married, has two sons and lives in Rochester, Kent, near Gad's Hill Place, where Charles Dickens spent the last years of his life.
He has won two creative writing awards, is married, has two sons and lives in Rochester, Kent, near Gad's Hill Place, where Charles Dickens spent the last years of his life.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
May 4, 2019
I was a little bit skeptical about the book "Jack Dawkins" by Terry Ward. As the blurb says what happened to "Jack Dawkins" after Oliver Twist by Charles Dickenson. And frankly speaking, I haven't read that classic. Terry Ward has taken the character of Jack and created a completely new world for us. I felt a strong attraction towards book cover while selecting this book, it was giving me feeling of Sherlock Holmes. So I thought of giving benefits of doubt to the book.
The story is written in Era when Britain was waging war or I would say defending against Napoleon Bonaparte of France. Fagni (a notorious gang leader) was sentenced to death. One of his helping hand was Jack, our protagonist. Jack was ordered to be transported to a remote place and not to come back for the next 10 years. Jack was waiting for his turn to be transported when one of his good deeds came to his help. He got a second chance due to Oliver's help and he was sent to the countryside to join a good man called Godden. Godden daughter had attracted Jack during his stay with them. Being free from clutches, Jack wanted to trace his mother and father. But things didn't go smooth, a dark past of Jack had attracted dark people in his current. Read the book to know more.
It is not easy to write a book in the historical timeline when you write something in your timeline, you are actually living it. You know language usages, slags, the price of stuff, culture and much more. But writing it in timeline more than 200 years, you need to recreate them with proper research otherwise it will come out as flawed. Thankfully Terry has done wonderful work in all such aspects. You can imagine yourself in the 1800s' when you will read the chapters.
Coming to language, it is a simple first-person (Jack) narration style in the present tense. 250+ pages book is tightly coupled to the to-the-point story. You won't find a single paragraph out of the context. Language usage is also straight and simple. Even middle grader can easily read the book.
This book has everything that a person wants - humor, satire, action, love story and mystery. A medium paced book, one can take during travel. I finished it in 3-4 sittings. Those who love to read classic or historical era book that this could definitely entertain them.
Detailed Review Link - https://chevusread.blogspot.com/2018/...
Author Interview Link - https://chevusread.blogspot.com/2019/...
The story is written in Era when Britain was waging war or I would say defending against Napoleon Bonaparte of France. Fagni (a notorious gang leader) was sentenced to death. One of his helping hand was Jack, our protagonist. Jack was ordered to be transported to a remote place and not to come back for the next 10 years. Jack was waiting for his turn to be transported when one of his good deeds came to his help. He got a second chance due to Oliver's help and he was sent to the countryside to join a good man called Godden. Godden daughter had attracted Jack during his stay with them. Being free from clutches, Jack wanted to trace his mother and father. But things didn't go smooth, a dark past of Jack had attracted dark people in his current. Read the book to know more.
It is not easy to write a book in the historical timeline when you write something in your timeline, you are actually living it. You know language usages, slags, the price of stuff, culture and much more. But writing it in timeline more than 200 years, you need to recreate them with proper research otherwise it will come out as flawed. Thankfully Terry has done wonderful work in all such aspects. You can imagine yourself in the 1800s' when you will read the chapters.
Coming to language, it is a simple first-person (Jack) narration style in the present tense. 250+ pages book is tightly coupled to the to-the-point story. You won't find a single paragraph out of the context. Language usage is also straight and simple. Even middle grader can easily read the book.
This book has everything that a person wants - humor, satire, action, love story and mystery. A medium paced book, one can take during travel. I finished it in 3-4 sittings. Those who love to read classic or historical era book that this could definitely entertain them.
Detailed Review Link - https://chevusread.blogspot.com/2018/...
Author Interview Link - https://chevusread.blogspot.com/2019/...
September 30, 2018
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
In a fun and surprising twist (pun intended), author Terry Ward has given the world the sequel to a book no one ever would have thought they needed, Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens. The book is called “Jack Dawkins”, and follows the legendary “Artful Dodger” as his story picks up after the events of the classic literary hit. Here’s the synopsis:
The Synopsis
After Oliver Twist intervenes to save Jack Dawkins - the legendary Artful Dodger - from transportation to Botany Bay, Jack embarks on what proves to be a perilous quest to discover his roots. Before he can say 'Fagin!' he's battling to survive a devastating flood and rescue beautiful black-haired, green-eyed Lysette Godden, the girl of his dreams, from the hands of murderous villains. Jack and Lysette, searching for Jack's parents, head to France and have an adventure there which tests their mettle and mutual love to the utmost and changes their lives for ever.
Brilliantly and evocatively written, Jack Dawkins is a worthy sequel to Charles Dickens's immortal masterpiece Oliver Twist.
Hampered by her tendency always to want what she hasn't got and an apparent inability to let go of the past, will Lucy ever find her elusive happy-ever-after? This witty, amusing, highly entertaining and fast-paced novel is sure to make you feel Lucy's dilemma, and warm your heart.
The Review
This was a breathtaking and beautiful story that readers need to have in their lives. Oliver Twist is a literary masterpiece and classic, as many fans of author Charles Dickens knows. The legend of the Artful Dodger continues in this epic story of love, adventure and growing up in the face of great adversity. Taking a look at the classic literary character and giving him a heroic journey like no other, author Terry Ward has given the character a chance to truly complete his story.
The writing was amazing in this book. Capturing the voice and tone of Charles Dickens while giving the story a refreshing new direction, Jack Dawkins is poised to regain his legendary status in the literary world. Set against the backdrop of the return of Napoleon Bonaparte and the looming war with France, this story sees one young man forced to prove his worth against a world who seems to only see a criminal and a dead man walking. In a world where people are still judged guilty and hopeless at such a young age and never given a chance to thrive, this story is much needed and gives readers everywhere the chance to rejoin the Artful Dodger like never before.
The Verdict
Overall this was a truly amazing sequel and novel that I never knew I needed, but one that I could never go without. The imagery brings that era of English history to life in a way that keeps the reader engaged and brings a sense of classicalism to life like never before. If you enjoy the works of Charles Dickens, like historical fiction or want to see what happened to The Artful Dodger after the events of Oliver Twist, then Jack Dawkins by Terry Ward is the book for you. Pick up your copy today!
In a fun and surprising twist (pun intended), author Terry Ward has given the world the sequel to a book no one ever would have thought they needed, Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens. The book is called “Jack Dawkins”, and follows the legendary “Artful Dodger” as his story picks up after the events of the classic literary hit. Here’s the synopsis:
The Synopsis
After Oliver Twist intervenes to save Jack Dawkins - the legendary Artful Dodger - from transportation to Botany Bay, Jack embarks on what proves to be a perilous quest to discover his roots. Before he can say 'Fagin!' he's battling to survive a devastating flood and rescue beautiful black-haired, green-eyed Lysette Godden, the girl of his dreams, from the hands of murderous villains. Jack and Lysette, searching for Jack's parents, head to France and have an adventure there which tests their mettle and mutual love to the utmost and changes their lives for ever.
Brilliantly and evocatively written, Jack Dawkins is a worthy sequel to Charles Dickens's immortal masterpiece Oliver Twist.
Hampered by her tendency always to want what she hasn't got and an apparent inability to let go of the past, will Lucy ever find her elusive happy-ever-after? This witty, amusing, highly entertaining and fast-paced novel is sure to make you feel Lucy's dilemma, and warm your heart.
The Review
This was a breathtaking and beautiful story that readers need to have in their lives. Oliver Twist is a literary masterpiece and classic, as many fans of author Charles Dickens knows. The legend of the Artful Dodger continues in this epic story of love, adventure and growing up in the face of great adversity. Taking a look at the classic literary character and giving him a heroic journey like no other, author Terry Ward has given the character a chance to truly complete his story.
The writing was amazing in this book. Capturing the voice and tone of Charles Dickens while giving the story a refreshing new direction, Jack Dawkins is poised to regain his legendary status in the literary world. Set against the backdrop of the return of Napoleon Bonaparte and the looming war with France, this story sees one young man forced to prove his worth against a world who seems to only see a criminal and a dead man walking. In a world where people are still judged guilty and hopeless at such a young age and never given a chance to thrive, this story is much needed and gives readers everywhere the chance to rejoin the Artful Dodger like never before.
The Verdict
Overall this was a truly amazing sequel and novel that I never knew I needed, but one that I could never go without. The imagery brings that era of English history to life in a way that keeps the reader engaged and brings a sense of classicalism to life like never before. If you enjoy the works of Charles Dickens, like historical fiction or want to see what happened to The Artful Dodger after the events of Oliver Twist, then Jack Dawkins by Terry Ward is the book for you. Pick up your copy today!
December 12, 2018
It has been a very long time since I have read Oliver Twist. I have read many of Dickens’ works as I find them to be really good stories. I was glad for the short reminder at the start of Jack Dawkins reminding me of the end of the tale so I could remind myself of it. But don’t despair, if you have not read Oliver Twist you can still easily enjoy Jack Dawkins as it does stand on its own quite well.
The book opens with a prologue and within is a letter from Mr. Jack Dawkins himself so some of the ending is foreshadowed. From that point the tale follows the Artful Dodger as he reforms back into plain old Jack Dawkins through the good offices of his friend Oliver Twist and his benefactor, Mr. Brownlow. But the path to a life of freedom and comfort will not come easily to our former street urchin but the getting there is a good story indeed.
Jack is wasting away in Newgate Prison when he receives a very surprising offer from his old friend Oliver’s guardian Mr. Brownlow – he is to be paroled to work on a sheep farm. Jack isn’t to sure about this work thing but he is willing to try anything rather than to stay in prison. Along the way to his new position he befriends (surprisingly) a copper who offers to help him find his mother. For finding his parents is now his Number One desire.
Jack moves into the country and meets his new sponsor’s daughter and it is love at first sight – at least for him. He starts to learn the lay of the land but as things usually work out for him, life is not a straight and narrow path. I’ll not spoil the good and the bad and the worse that happens as it’s well worth the read to find out for yourself.
Mr. Ward does an excellent job of bringing that Dickensian world to life through description and dialog. That’s not to say that this isn’t it’s own story. It was a riveting tale at times trying to keep up with Jack and the trouble that seemed to follow him wherever he went. He is, at heart a good boy who happened to be born at one of the worst times in Britain’s history for the lower classes.
If you are a fan of Charles Dickens you will certainly enjoy Jack Dawkins. If you want a good story, you will find one here.
4.5
The book opens with a prologue and within is a letter from Mr. Jack Dawkins himself so some of the ending is foreshadowed. From that point the tale follows the Artful Dodger as he reforms back into plain old Jack Dawkins through the good offices of his friend Oliver Twist and his benefactor, Mr. Brownlow. But the path to a life of freedom and comfort will not come easily to our former street urchin but the getting there is a good story indeed.
Jack is wasting away in Newgate Prison when he receives a very surprising offer from his old friend Oliver’s guardian Mr. Brownlow – he is to be paroled to work on a sheep farm. Jack isn’t to sure about this work thing but he is willing to try anything rather than to stay in prison. Along the way to his new position he befriends (surprisingly) a copper who offers to help him find his mother. For finding his parents is now his Number One desire.
Jack moves into the country and meets his new sponsor’s daughter and it is love at first sight – at least for him. He starts to learn the lay of the land but as things usually work out for him, life is not a straight and narrow path. I’ll not spoil the good and the bad and the worse that happens as it’s well worth the read to find out for yourself.
Mr. Ward does an excellent job of bringing that Dickensian world to life through description and dialog. That’s not to say that this isn’t it’s own story. It was a riveting tale at times trying to keep up with Jack and the trouble that seemed to follow him wherever he went. He is, at heart a good boy who happened to be born at one of the worst times in Britain’s history for the lower classes.
If you are a fan of Charles Dickens you will certainly enjoy Jack Dawkins. If you want a good story, you will find one here.
4.5
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews