"The Exotic Adventure" by Martin Edhouse: A Book Review

Gather Member Martin Edhouse has crafted an enchanting children's tale for adults in his new book, The Exotic Adventure. This story, like so many stories from childhood, centers around a competition; in this case, that competition occurs between awkward teenage Ned and Lord Plenty for the hand of the mayor's daughter. To win the desirable maiden, each hunter must go into the Exotic Woods and locate as many species of "exotics" and return to the village green no later than 5 o'clock at which time the mayor will declare the victor.

As you may suspect, it's the exotics and their goofy likeability that make the story what it is. Exotics are magical creatures, and each species is endowed with a single magical characteristic that makes it both frustrating and helpful to our hero Ned along his way. These exotics can be downright frustrating in their simple-minded thinking, as are some other townsfolk of Betwixt. Indeed, at times it seems that only Ned has put on his thinking cap for this adventure, but this also lends great charm to this story.

British author Martin Edhouse uses language and storytelling to create gentle humor with this tale. Its sweetness is never cloying, but rather always on pitch. The exotics become more endearing as the story progresses, and truly one can imagine a whole set of adventures for these crazy, crafty creatures. Their story will appeal to readers in the 10 years and up category and is still sophisticated enough for any adult who doesn't mind a mild skewering of society today. It's a perfect story for the whole family to share.

The only caveat for American readers is that some British jokes may be missed by the language differences. References to "spotty" (pimply) teenagers and Hobnob biscuits (a popular British cookie) may be lost on some readers in the United States; however, Edhouse's story is universal, and even these minor language differences cannot detract  from this charming tale and exotic adventure.

The Exotic Adventure is available for sale at www.ExoticAdventureBooks.com.