The Road to Apple Dumpling Bridge

by K.L. Knowles

It’s 1939. The woodland creatures of Gosport are enjoying their annual fete at Fort Rowner, with dancing, cake-baking, and a dazzling air display by the Red Sparrows. But war will soon shatter their joy. Admiral Gizor, the evil grey squirrel that rules Portsmouth, dreams of a ‘pedigree’ society and invades Gosport in order to exterminate its red squirrels. Gosport is alluring for another reason Gizor has long suspected that an ancient holy relic - an acorn carved by Hudsonicus, the animal god - is hidden there. With that in his grasp, he could rule the world.

Agatha Mumby, a feisty red squirrel, joins a small band of resistance fighters. With her comrades - a moody mole, a dopey white rabbit and an eager-to-please seagull - she sets out on a perilous journey that will take her into the heart of enemy territory. Armed only with a riddle given to her by a friendly squirrel monk, can she crack the code in time?

In this gripping novel for young adults (12+) and adults too, K L Knowles draws you into a world where the landscape seems familiar - from the Alver Valley and Priddy’s Hard to Portsmouth Dockyard and Portchester Castle - but is not the world you know.

281 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 4, 2019

Reviews

[Anonymous · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can honestly say I have not read a book for a large number of years and therefore can safely say I am far from a book worm. This book has changed my views about reading and the joys that can be gained from reading such a well written novel. The animals come to life and you can't help but loose yourself in your imagination. The story has so many twists and turns and clever riddles to try and work out. It keeps you wanting to read more and it has such a lovely underlying moral of the importance of kindness. The story is so captivating yet educational. Each of the characters are so well described you become so attached to each of their personalities and their journeys throughout. I honestly could not put the book down and found myself finding any time to just read a 'few pages' which suddenly turned into a few chapters. I highly recommend this book; it has changed my outlook on reading and the magic of a good story.

[Lisa Thresh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having known the author as a friend for nearly 20 years I never knew she had a book in her. Having read other reviews comparing it to Watership Down I was cautious as I read the first few pages but not disappointed. The book was nothing like I imagined, it was better. The characters draw you in from page one as they go on there adventure of an animal War within the confines of Portsmouth and Gosport, you can’t help but fall in love with the good guys. Whilst the setting is one of the books selling points, not being from the area made no difference to me at all I was quite happy using the authors descriptions and my own imagination to create the scenes. I for one hope this will not be the only booked penned by K.L. Knowles. X

[Lace]

This book genuinely surprised me. The characters were endearing, and the plot was well-executed.