The Oaken Throne

The Deptford Histories #2

by Robin Jarvis

'The Oaken Throne' charts the dark wars between the bats and the squirrels. Vesper, a young bat, and Ysabelle, the squirrel maiden are unaware of the events that will sweep them along on a nightmarish journey.

Genres: Fantasy, Fiction, Young Adult, Childrens, Animals, Horror, Middle Grade

460 pages, Paperback

First published September 30, 1993

About the author

Robin Jarvis (born May 8, 1963) is a British children's novelist, who writes fantasy novels, often about anthropomorphic rodents and small mammals—especially mice—and Tudor times. A lot of his works are based in London, in and around Deptford and Greenwich where he used to live, or in Whitby.

His first novel—The Dark Portal, featuring the popular Deptford Mice—was the runner up for the Smarties book prize in 1989.

Reviews

[X · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think I should learn that Jarvis's books are very close to being dark fantasy/horror. I was surprised by how dark this book was, but it was very good. It's a dark fantasy/quest story with animal protagonists, but it is also a story of friendship, prejudice, religion and fate vs. freewill. I cared a lot about the main characters (very unfortunate in any Jarvis book, I am learning), and through out the book was never sure which of the other characters were good or bad.

Very good, very dark, and certainly not for all tastes.

[Becky · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the second Robin Jarvis novel I've read, and I continue to be amazed at how dark and depressing a story about squirrels, bats and mice can be. I enjoyed the characters and the world Jarvis created, but the evil forces presented in the book are truly frightening.

[Mariel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to have Robin Jarvis come to the Secondary School I was in, and do a talk about writing to encourage us kids. He also had a sale of his books at the end and signed any we bought for us. From his descriptions of Vesper the bat, I just knew I had to get a book with that character in it, and thus bought this one (not caring it was the second part in a series). I still have and treasure that signed copy, and re-read it from time to time.

His writing brings the scenes to life to the point I can see them now as I write about the book. The story is about families of bats and squirrels at war with each other, at a fight for who will rule on the Oaken Throne. If you liked Redwall or the Deptford Mice series, this is one for you.

[Isaiah Erby · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think that there should be an entire series dedicated to this book alone. I personally want to continue reading what happens to the characters. When people read books they can become one with the characters and I need another story until then I am frozen in time and just going through the motions.

[Erica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dark, but engrossing. Lots of action, and ends with a tragic twist. Don't expect daises and sunshine from the Oaken Throne. Do expect murder, cannibalistic rituals, conniving squirrels, freaky hares, interspecies love, ghosts and other ghastly things, pure evil shooting up from the ground, and one hell of a ride.

[Tim · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED this book - this is one of Jarvis's best.

Nothing like becoming engrossed in a story with a twist which takes your breath away, and an ending that brings a tear to your eye! Beautifully written and one of my favourite books.

[Alphaniir · Rating 4 out of 5]

WOW

I did not to expect to enjoy this nearly as much as I did. But man, I loved this book. The characters are all so charming; the characters of Tysle and Giraldous were certainly my favorite pair. Their story is so sweet and…Oh man Tysle…Loved that little guy. My heart breaks for him.

The gothic horror elements were fantastic. The cult of Hobb is absolutely horrific and demonic one every level. They make the Word cult of Duncton Quest seem civilized by comparison. I loved the setting of Medieval times, and the more Shakespearian dialogue definitely brought me into the time period. Another thing I loved is that I could easily distinguish a character’s dialogue tag before I saw who spoke; masterfully done, as there have been cases where I struggle distinguishing characters in other works. Also, the dialogue reminded me a bit of the Book of the Dun Cow, which I also enjoyed. Oh man…What else? OOOh a treacherous villain??? Loved him; what a bastard he was. While I did suspect who he really was early on, I still smiled from ear to ear when he revealed his true self to the heroes as a gloating maniac. It has been too long since i had reveled in a villain’s evilness.

While it was still a quest-story (A subject I’m not particularly drawn to, notably if that is all the story is), I was engaged from beginning to end, and I had no idea where it was heading. The characters and their stories had my every investment. As for the faults, I would’ve liked to have more politics explored in a Game of Thrones way, with a few of the other squirrel Noble Houses getting some mention or some kind of subplot. What were the other squirrel kingdoms like, for example? And honestly with such a huge scope this story demanded, I feel it was too short; at least two more installments would’ve been perfect! But, considering the hellish chaotic world they lived in, it probably wasn’t needed; it’s about the characters and their own journeys, which it delivered well. While I think it would’ve made for a great trilogy if the author had gotten a bit further with it, it still works as a stand-alone. Not everything needs to be epic trilogies, after all, and I need to remember that.

I don’t want to spoil too much, but that ending…I was not expecting. You’d think all would be happy, especially after all that hell they went through, but staying true to its dark thematic tone, it really rips out your heart in the final paragraph.

After so many okay or average reading, this was such a pleasant surprise.

8\10

[Felix · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just found my new favorite book.

[Mandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've always preferred Robin's humanity-based books to his woodland creature features, but I have to say this one was uncommonly good; almost a miniature Lord of The Rings of The Forest. Twists and turns aplenty, as you'd expect from the master, and every one of them signposted to high heaven when you go back to check if you've been duped or not. But Robin, Robin, Robin - and I need to write this carefully to avoid spoilers - what you did to him at the end, oh, that's so cruel. So, so cruel. It's why I love your books, but it's also why, in my heart of hearts, you make me despair.

Lovely stuff! :)

[Matthew Hodge · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little bit Shakespeare, a little bit Canterbury tales, a little bit Tolkien. One of Mr Jarvis' more unusual outings, it tells the back story of the animosity between the bats and the squirrels that is hinted at in the original Deptford Mice trilogy.

Might not be everyone's cup of tea (because there's some bloodthirsty stuff in there) but some of the chapters are surprisingly powerful.

[Tim Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great kids for all ages book. This book follows the adventure of the squirrel world.

[Winifred · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this book. Good against evil in the animal world. Characters strive to get to greenreach, which is like the holy place.

[Edward Davies · Rating 4 out of 5]

You start to expect twists in Jarvis's books by this stage, and this doesn't disappoint. A dark quest which shows the reasons behind the loathing felt between the squiirels and the bats.

[Alan · Rating 5 out of 5]

BLOODY HELL. I might never recover from that ending.

[Patricia Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of my most favorite books of all time. Those looking for a strong female character will find one in Ysabelle, the main protagonist who goes on a perilous journey to take her place as queen regnant of the squirrels. Along the way she learns powerful lessons about love, loyalty, and duty. It's unfortunate that this book is not well known. I think many people would enjoy it and benefit from reading it. It might be about anthropomorphic rodents, but don't be put off by that and think it's just for kids. There are some very intense, dramatic, and sometimes violent scenes.

[Cara]

it's probably been 15 years since I read this book but I still remember the ending because it ruined me emotionally.