The Oaken Throne

The Deptford Histories #2

by Robin Jarvis

The second book of the Deptford Histories brings readers into a time when a series of dark wars between the bats and the squirrels has raged for years. The squirrel leader, the Starwife, has been betrayed and poisoned. As she lies dying, she summons a falcon to take the magic Silver Acorn to safety. Far away, the squirrel maiden Ysabelle is unaware of the devastating events. But she rescues the Silver Acorn and embarks on a perilous journey to return it. Along the way, she meets Vespertilio, a young bat who has dreamed of waging battle against the squirrels. In this gripping prequel to the Deptford Mice trilogy, the battle of good and evil reaches new heights as Vesper and Ysabelle desperately attempt to save their lands from destruction.

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

382 pages, Hardcover

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

[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.

[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.

[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.

[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.

[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.

[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.

[Cara]

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

[Alan · Rating 5 out of 5]

BLOODY HELL. I might never recover from that ending.

[Set Sytes · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Claire Gladman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Re-reading books of my childhood, loved this one, much darker than I remembered, but full of adventure! My only dislike was the sad ending, Vespertilio deserved better!!!

[The Alien Observer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is legendary! A beautiful book! So wonderful and masterfully written I didn't care it was about bats and squirrels!

[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! :)

[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.

[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.