The Book of Secrets

by Philip Caveney

A brand new stand alone Middle Grade adventure from the author of SEBASTIAN DARKE, Philip Caveney.

Boy rides across the desert on a ‘borrowed’ horse. His destination? The great city of Cherabim. He carries with him The Book of Secrets, which contains his late father’s brilliant inventions, one of which could change the world forever.

But Boy falls in with brigands who rob him and leave him for dead in the harsh desert sands. Then along comes Lexi with her group of eccentric travelling players -and it just so happens they are looking for a new leading man…

Can he help them out by starring in their latest show? And can they help him out by tracking down the all important Book of Secrets.

A rollicking medieval romp where laughter and action abound in equal measure… and where danger lurks around every corner.

296 pages, Paperback

Published April 2, 2020

About the author

Philip Caveney was born in North Wales in 1951. The son of an RAF officer, he spent much of his childhood travelling the length and breadth of Britain and spent several years in Malaysia and Singapore.

He attended the Kelsterton College Of Art where he obtained a diploma in Graphic Design. Whilst there, he became drummer (and latterly vocalist) with rock band, Hieronymus Bosch.

After leaving college, he worked extensively in theatre both in London and Wales and wrote the lyrics for rock adaptations of The Workhouse Donkey and Oscar Wilde’s Salome.

His first novel, The Sins Of Rachel Ellis, was published in 1976.

Published Works for Adults

The Sins Of Rachel Ellis: St Martin’s Press/ Robert Hale/Berkeley Press. ‘a spine chilling debut.’ – Doubleday Book Club magazine
Tiger Tiger – ‘ St Martin’s Press/Granada ‘…an intriguing tale of rivalry and honour ‘– Flintshire Chronicle
The Tarantula Stone – Granada - ‘breathtaking action.’ Kirkus
Cursery Rhymes Cornerhouse Books– ‘wickedly funny’ – City Life
Speak No Evil – Headline/Headline Review/ ‘cracking summer reading.’ City Life
Black Wolf – Headline/ Headline Review/ nominated for WH Smith Thumping Good Read award.
Strip Jack Naked – Headline/Headline Review - ‘a triumphant thriller’ - Evening Post
Slayground – Headline/Headline Review ‘,,, breakneck pace’ – Daily Mirror
Skin Flicks – Headline/headline Review – ‘Caveney uses the central image with considerable skill’ – Sunday Times
Burn Down Easy – Headline/Headline Review – ‘the fiction equivalent of standing on Semtex’ – Pure Fiction
Bad To The Bone – Headline/ Headline Review ’10 little Indians on speed!’ Tangled web
1999 – Headline/Headline Review ‘more than just a return to form.’ City Life
Love Bites – Xlibris – ‘a frighteningly funny read!’ Tregolwyn reviews.

Published works for Children

Cursery Rhymes(with Bob Seal) (Cornerhouse Books)
Sebastian Darke - Prince Of Fools (2007) (Random House)
Sebastian Darke: Prince of Pirates (2008) (Random House)

Coming soon…

Sebastian Dark: Prince of Explorers (2009) (Random House)
Alec Devlin: The Eye of The Serpent (2008) (Random House)
Alec Devlin: The Kingdom of the Skull (2009) (Random House)

He wrote the screenplay for the short film Dream Factory, directed by Philip Davenport and has recently written his first full-length screenplay The Sick House for director Curtis Radclyffe.

He is also an advertising copywriter and has been the co-ordinator for the Manchester Writers Workshop for over twenty five years.

Reviews

[Susan Brownrigg · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Book of Secrets is a brilliant, funny, feel good adventure.
Vivid storytelling with a fabulous medieval setting and a likeable hero.
I loved the theatre troupe who feel like a family especially Lexi, Pompio and Grud.
This story is perfect for kids 9+ who love acting, drama and a touch of romance.
Another superb book from Uclan Publishing.

[Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one was so much fun! I'd especially recommend it to anyone who is a fan of Dungeons and Dragons or similar RPG games, because some of the world build and especially the hilarious and heartfelt inter-party dynamics between the main characters reminded me of the best DnD games, in a really good way.

Seriously, the world in this story is so cool and imaginative and I'd definitely love to read more stories set here. Fingers crossed that there's a sequel on the horizon :)

[Mrs B · Rating 5 out of 5]

I know this book is aimed at 8-12 year olds but I, as an adult, found I wanted to know what was happening next. It definitely kept me intrigued. I think Philip Caveney has a real skill in making his characters feel alive - even when set in a different era. I would defnintely recommend it for any youn reader (and adults!)

[Elizabeth Emily Browne · Rating 3 out of 5]

First of all a big thank you to Netgalley, the author and the publishers for sending me a copy of this book to read and review.

This was super fun and I really enjoyed it. This was a quick read and is a really well written read. Really good medieval story telling.

[Helen Ferneyhough · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent read, would recommend to your young readers!

[Vincent Ripley · Rating 5 out of 5]

A review with a view coming on www.mrripleysenchantedbooks.com sometime soon!

[Bryony · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty sure it's a kids book but as an adult I still enjoyed it

[Tilly · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was my ‘read to get to sleep’ book. It was nothing astonishing, but still enjoyable.

[Eleina · Rating 4 out of 5]

While there were some unnecessary words in there, I loved the novel nonetheless. It's a great read with a good story and even better comedy!

[Tori · Rating 4 out of 5]

such an easy read — even though I know how the story will unfold, I still enjoy it nonetheless :>

4.2/5