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Eden Chronicles #1

The Power and The Fury

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Set in the evocative heart of England amongst the ancient villages of the Yorkshire Moors, you're invited to lose yourself in a fabulous adventure story... "These books should be mandated in schools."
" What a story. It's full of life and strife, it'll make you laugh and bring tears to your eyes. Come and get lost in James's world for awhile, you won't regret it."
“This book. The entire series. Uber creativity and style!"
“An amazing book and a brilliant choice for our Book Club! We read it, discussed it, loved it .” Pick up your copy of The Power and the Fury to start a journey of adventure, wonder, and thrills. A classic action adventure fantasy book series that delights adults and children alike.
More Praise for Eden
"A fantasy adventure so fresh and richly descriptive. I can see it as a film already."
“I was transported to a fabulously exciting, brilliantly written and imaginative world.”
“… a roller-coaster adventure with magic spiders … loyal friends, school bullies, gnarly old folk and a lot of water!” James Erith's Eden Chronicles Books
Truth - A prequel
1 - The Power and The Fury - Now with Audiobook
2 - Spider Web Powder – Now with Audiobook
3 - The Chamber of Truth
4 - The Dragon's Game
5 - The Eyes of Cain
6 - The Key
Book Set Books 1,2,3
Book Set Books 4,5,6

278 pages, Paperback

Published March 8, 2019

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About the author

James Erith

25 books31 followers
Restless after schooling, James traveled and experienced plenty of adventures. He has been shot at, scaled Pyramids, climbed mountains, been through earthquakes, police detained and even swum with beavers.

James specialized in getting lost quite a bit, like in the Canadian wilderness in bear season, as well as experiencing hypothermia, dysentery, muggings, altitude sickness, thefts, a broken neck, desert breakdowns, etc.

Inadvertently these experiences set James up for a big writing journey. (If only I’d gone into real adventuring like his old school-friend, Bear…)

In the 1990s James worked as a journalist for the financial pages of the Yorkshire Post, scooping the infamous Gerald Ratner; ‘Crap’ story.

James designed and built gardens for several years in London before upping sticks to a small village between the Dales and the Moors of North Yorkshire.

The inspirational landscapes of bleak hills, old monasteries, and expansive views were an ideal choice for the setting of the Eden Chronicles series. James commenced writing the series in 2007.

Following a brief and rather embarrassing appearance on ITV’s‚”Honeymoons from Hell” TV show (fleeing a psychotic African safari operator), James became an extremely minor celebrity. Fortunately, this happened pre-YouTube!

As a youth, James had his sights on playing the game of cricket for England, but a long list of injuries and a genuine lack of talent forced the issue. However, a notable sporting triumph in 2013 saw James row the English Channel and the 21 tidal miles of the Thames in aid of MND and Breakthrough Breast cancer.

James retains his childhood passion for making dens, tall stories, and stargazing.

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Community Reviews

5 stars
72 (36%)
4 stars
54 (27%)
3 stars
43 (21%)
2 stars
13 (6%)
1 star
14 (7%)
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
1 review
January 14, 2014
This book was gripping from the moment I finished the first chapter...I just didn't want to put it down as there was intrigue as to what happens next from the very beginning.

I was the second to read this book as it was passed onto me by my 10 year old Godson who absolutely loved it and read it cover to cover in 3 days flat over Christmas

The book is a really quick read and thoroughly enjoyable for all ages from 10 to 40+!. Can't wait for the next instalment in the Eden Chronicles - hopefully soon!

Well done James Erith more please
1 review1 follower
January 1, 2014
What a great read - I couldn't put this down, it was a real page turner. The story draws you in from the very beginning, and as the characters develop and the plot thickens it makes for compelling reading. The passionate and descriptive writing draws you into the story - a book which you don't want to reach the final page of. This is a book for all the family - I can't think of an age range it wouldn't appeal to.
Looking forward to the second installment (soon please!).
Profile Image for Neil Forbes.
4 reviews2 followers
January 6, 2014
Absolutely loved The Power and the Fury: gripped from page one, wonderful characters, intriguing (extremely) story, great pace, evocative locations... Oh, and funny, clever, surprising, insightful, moving - this is A Very Good Read Indeed. This clearly talented author has made a superb debut, and my children and I are looking forward to the sequels. ASAP please!
1 review
February 12, 2014
Really enjoyed this first installment of the Eden Chronicles. The pace is snappy but leaves room for some beautiful writing, which paints some truly remarkable scenes and images for us. Plus the way that the epic world of Eden -- Dreamspinners, Cain, and more -- opens up in clever, unexpected layers as we read, was such as cool adventure that I caught myself saying 'OK, just one more chapter,' well into the night. More than anything I think James Erith struck a fine balance between the ordinary wonders of kids growing up -- school, relationships, little pleasures -- and this extraordinary world that hits them, literally, like a bolt of lightning. I'd recommend it to anyone, young adult or adult who's young at heart. Bring on the second chronicle!
Profile Image for Lana.
2,904 reviews61 followers
February 18, 2019
This series is a young adult fantasy with dystopic overtures. I just love the innovative concept behind the Chronicles of Eden, the story in the Bible about the floods, and the end of the world are about to happen once again and the Heirs of Eden have to save the world! The problem is that the heirs are three young teenagers, Archie and his twin sister Daisy and their elder sister Isabella and they have been visited by the dreamspinners, and have been dreaming of floods and a massive storm but unless they can understand what the dreams portend, the world as they know it will be wiped out. Furthermore they first have to survive the storm, but can three young kids do this? The world is in for a complete wipe out and change unless all this is somehow prevented from taking place. Old Man Wood should be their guide but he is so ancient and has forgotten so much of why he is there in the first place, can he serve his purpose? Their dreams could save our lives! They are the ones who have been chosen and marked by blood and birth and they have been given some gifts by the spinners but will these be enough to face off such a catastrophe? What an awesome novel, wow I just could not put the book down once I started reading, it is exciting and interesting and very mysterious with characters from ancient biblical times cropping up, adding more spice to this adventure!
Profile Image for Liesbeth.
333 reviews8 followers
August 8, 2020
I must say I was attracted to the beautiful cover of this book. As for the story...

The story is to biblical, to philosophical for my taste. Also I like stories written from one point of view, the main character in the story. In this one, there are to many characters taking the spot and sometimes it looses the plot. Even though there is a lot of action, and that makes it exciting enough, there is also some boring episodes where I just rush through to read it.

But in overall, especially at the end, the flow of the story gets better and leading you to more anticipation on how it is going to end. But the ending is not really an ending, but an invitation of what lies ahead for all the characters involved.

I love that it is set in England, the description of the English country is beautifully rendered. There are many characters but the overall focus is on the three children, now the Heirs of Eden and they don't even know it. They have to fight against heavy rain, floods and lighting strikes and it seems to follow them. They have but one goal, to survive the night? Will they survive against all odds? Nobody seem to believe in them. They are mere children.

It is a biblical disaster story with a lot of action and adventure and an element of fantasy to it. It is a nice read.
Profile Image for Billie.
5,793 reviews71 followers
April 29, 2019
"There is a shift happening, a shift in time, a shift in the way of the universe and it is happening right here, right now..."
Meet the unsuspecting Heirs of Eden - the eccentric de Lowe children. They are laid-back Archie and his twin - footballing goddess Daisy, and their hot-headed, science-mad big sister, Isabella.
A series of confusing, shocking nightmares turns their world upside down. But little do they know their dreams represent an ancient prophecy which marks the dawn of a new time.
Will the Heirs understand their dreams in time to change the course of mankind? Or will the forces of nature get the better of them?
Your world is about to change forever. The Power and the Fury has begun.

A gripping story full of adventure, mystery, an intriguing plot and great character-building.
Twists and turns abound with unexpected surprises that make for one fantastic experience. The characters and scenes are written with such realism it really pulls together beautifully.
This is a book for all ages and it is amazing.
Can't wait to read the next one!
I can wholeheartedly recommend this novel to anyone that likes epic fantasy.
634 reviews17 followers
May 4, 2019
This is such a good story! It’s action packed, full of adventure and mystery, and it’s beautifully written! There is never a dull moment and I couldn’t put it down! I love the setting in the moors. James Erith does such a good job of describing the beautiful landscape and ruins so that I can easily picture it in my head. And the descriptions are so well done it is never boring or long and drawn out. I loved the characters, the twins Daisy and Archie, and their big sister Isabella. They are all well developed and have unique personalities and interests. I am intrigued by the connections to the Bible, the flood, and Adam, Eve and Cain. The dreamspinners are also a very interesting addition to the plot. Who would have thought that spider-like creatures could be so interesting! (I really don’t like spiders, but the dreamspinners are pretty cool) I can’t wait to see what will happen next in the story!

I recommend The Power and the Fury to anyone and everyone! It’s suitable for middle grade and young adult readers but will appeal to all ages that like fantasy, mystery and adventure.
Profile Image for Kaye.
7,177 reviews75 followers
January 1, 2019
ONE INTERESTING EXPERIENCE!!!
Wow! Talk about out of the frying pan into the fire. This is one exciting, action packed, fast paced, nailbiting, hard hitting, pulse racing, heart pounding, page turning dynamo that keeps you riveted to every word. Drama, fear, uncertainty, danger and suspense increases while tension spirals as the plot thickens. An incredible storyline that keeps your focus centered and your rear on a razors edge. Twists and turns abound with unexpected surprises that make for one fantastic experience. The characters and scenes are written with such realism it really pulls this bad boy together beautifully. James did an amazing job bringing this read to life. Awesome job James, thanks for sharing this little guy with us.
1,020 reviews12 followers
May 27, 2020
At the very start I was unsure about reading this book. The three main characters are children and I prefer a more mature characterisation. Even with the uncertainty I read a couple of chapters, with a promise to myself to give up if necessary. I was hooked! This beautiful beautiful story is worth every bit of praise that can be given. Every one of the characters is strong, quirky, and leaps off the page. Some to dive into your heart. And I love Isabella, Daisy and Archie. The author has magic in his fingertips as he draws action and fear and love onto the page. Especially love. Not just between sibling and friends but also a strong current, unseen perhaps but definitely felt. I feel this is the first novel in a classic series in the making.
Profile Image for odedo1 Audio book worm. .
803 reviews9 followers
November 20, 2018
This is a first for me, a book for all ages and an amazing one at that !

James Erith have truly done an amazing creation on this one, I’m totally speechless.
What a Beautiful imagination if I could only live in that brain of his I believe that I would be forever content
There is so much that I want to say here but I’m not a poet and I feel that what I’ll write will not be enough so all I’ll write is that while listening to this book I was full of joy and wonderment!
Together with Rory Barnett narrating a masterpiece was born.

I full heartedly recommend this book for all !!!
5 reviews
October 15, 2018
Wonderful story and fascinating characters

Looking forward to reading with my kids when they are a little older, hope the rest of the series holds the bar as high. We all love an unsuspecting/underdog hero, especially when the mantle is thrust upon them and they have a wize old mysterious man to guide them, throw in a bad guy who everyone thinks is dead but wants to take over the world and you have a recipe for a franchise, and my personal cup of tea.
Profile Image for Frank Geimer.
514 reviews8 followers
November 4, 2018
I really loved this fast paced fantasy story. The world building and plot sucks you into the story and you start identifying with a character. Most of the time you don't know what the hell is going on, but you know that you can't stop fighting. I can wholeheartedly recommend this novel to anyone that likes epic fantasy.
Profile Image for Shanna Tidwell.
755 reviews7 followers
December 26, 2020
I liked this book, I can’t say I loved it. I think kids and teens would love it though. I would continue the series. There are a lot of questions left unanswered for me.
Narration by Rory Barnett was wonderful.

I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
Profile Image for Jam Daniel.
7 reviews2 followers
June 14, 2018
Nice

This was a lovely story with engaging characters I will be interested to read future books by this new author
2 reviews
January 4, 2019
Interesting

I can’t wait to read the next book to see how he’s combining the different genre aspects of fantasy and religion.
679 reviews5 followers
March 3, 2022
Lovely easy reading fantasy. I love the characters especially Old Man Wood. Looking forward to next installment.
178 reviews1 follower
August 2, 2018
Great plot

This is a fantastic story for all ages. A bit of mystery and magic, three children thrown into a storm and epic danger they have to survive to save the world!
Profile Image for Kelly Gkountani.
12 reviews13 followers
December 1, 2017
A gripping story full of adventure, mystery, an intriguing plot and great character-building.

This is a book about three kids fighting a cataclysm and this is what you'll find in this book:
1) An amazingly unique storyline with incredible plot depth about the End of the World and the three unlikely champions to save us.
2) A brilliantly woven mystery with clues so intriguing that finding just one more becomes an addiction.
3) A fast-paced, action-packed adventure in such good writing that it easily blends together with great scene-building and powerful images.
4) Wonderful characters beautifully developed with distinct outlines and remarkable depth. You will love the deLowe teens, you will find a soft spot in you for Kemp and you will be amazed to discover Adam, Eve and Cain (yes, those Adam, Eve and Cain!) beneath their disguises.
5) Food for thought on the power of dreams, the turning points in the evolution of mankind and our legacy as humans since the dawn of our race, oh, and on Good vs Evil and the weight of our choices of course.
6) Last but not least, you'll also find special powers, magical powders, an ancient prophecy that opens the Garden of Eden, along with magical creatures, ghosts and legends still alive since the first human set foot on earth.
What you will NOT find is a reason good enough to put this book down before it's over.
I highly recommend it for every home with members from 9 to 109!
Nothing short of a favourite!
Profile Image for Emma Katherine.
271 reviews16 followers
March 29, 2020
Read my full review here: https://lifesanovelty.blogspot.com/20...


Opinions: I absolutely adore prophecy stories. In fact, I may consider them my all-time favourite type of book. The Power and The Fury did not only hit that bullet point, it was a great book all around: intriguing and contrasting characters, flowing and fun plot, and easy-to-read writing style. I didn't hesitate giving this book five stars for a moment! It makes it into my list of Top Ten Favourite Books.

My Favourite Thing: If I have to choose a favourite thing, it'd be the plot and conflict. Like I said above, I love prophecy stories, and this was the perfect one! These unsuspecting and random children are the Heirs of Eden; an original idea about a topic not ever discussed in non-religious books. The book is formulaic (though not in a bad way): we are introduced to the characters and the oddity of their life, their personalities and situations are developed, Cain is introduced, and the climax. It was fantastic! Erith is a very talented writer who is clearly very passionate about his writing.

My Least Favourite Thing: In all honesty, I don't think there was a single thing I disliked about The Power and The Fury. See below to read more of the notes I took while reading and notice that they are all positive!
Profile Image for Dawn.
1,211 reviews53 followers
August 18, 2015
I received a copy of this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.

On the back of the books it says: "Children and adults alike will be mesmerised by the first instalment of the Eden Chronicles." True. There's enough complexity to hold the attention of adult readers, and I can imagine children lapping it up.

"The Power and The Fury" is a very good story, and James Erith can certainly write.

So why only 4 stars? For me, there were too many problems with spelling errors (the completely wrong spelling is used at one point, words are doubled up, a plural is used when it shouldn't be, etc.), punctuation problems (incorrectly used, some missing, and inconsistent), and at one point the wrong character is giving the credit for speaking... Hopefully, these problems have been addressed in the eBook and subsequent print editions.

Normally, so many problems would make me give a low rating - but the story is too good.

On to book 2.

Profile Image for Daniale.
57 reviews3 followers
August 22, 2014
I received this book for free through Goodreads Firstreads. I couldn't get into it. If I finish it later, I will update this.
Profile Image for Phyllis.
28 reviews
Read
September 23, 2018
Aside from the allegedly questionable glowing reviews regarding this book by other readers, the story and characters to me are not remotely engaging. I would not compare the premise with other famous fantasy books.

I find it annoying and sometimes confusing when the POV changes on a dime without demarcation. Not defining a POV disrupts the flow of the story while the reader has to pick up a new train of thought before reengaging into the plot.

The story may be fine for children who like Biblical stories, but I wouldn't recommend it to adults, even those who usually like fantasy.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews