The L Shaped Village - Book one: Art and the Artisans by Lee Fomes

Art Elfee is in his final year of school, and whilst trying to deal with the unexpected attentions of the prettiest girl in his year, he is also hiding a huge secret; one of his best friends is a sprite, who appeared from nowhere four years in Art's past. Art believes their very treasured friendship has remained a secret, but the appearance of a magical Amulet transports him to a strange world, and a snow-covered village, where one of it's inhabitants lets it slip that Art's sprite-friend may not be all he seems...

Arthur seems like a very ordinary boy, but over the course of his fantastical journey discovers he may just be at the centre of one of the most misunderstood legends of our time, that also turns out to be far from mythical. And although he has never been anything but amazingly unremarkable, Art Elfee could just be the boy with the coolest destiny of all. 

By Lee J H Fomes

Art Elfee is in his final year of school, and whilst trying to deal with the unexpected attentions of the prettiest girl in his year, he is also hiding a huge secret; one of his best friends is a sprite, who appeared from nowhere four years in Art's past. Art believes their very treasured friendship has remained a secret, but the appearance of a magical Amulet transports him to a strange world, and a snow-covered village, where one of it's inhabitants lets it slip that Art's sprite-friend may not be all he seems...

Arthur seems like a very ordinary boy, but over the course of his fantastical journey discovers he may just be at the centre of one of the most misunderstood legends of our time, that also turns out to be far from mythical. And although he has never been anything but amazingly unremarkable, Art Elfee could just be the boy with the coolest destiny of all.

 OK. Well.. Reading this book took a little bit of time as for once Wales has been rather sunny! This may sound a strange statement but this book is a prime example of the book that you can’t wait to curl up with, accompanied by a Stroth Brew (If only I had the recipe!!), a comfy seat and a warm fire. The perfect winter warmer, especially as its now coming up to the chilly season!

Suitability of this book covers a broad range, from the babe to the grandparents, whether it’s a bed time story book, a festive reading gift, or a feel good factor at the end of a busy work day, this is a book that manages to appeal to various readers. I say this as it is such an easy book to read and it is a gentle story. However, I feel that I must state that The L Shaped Village is more suitable for the younger generation, but honestly, as an over 30yr old I loved it so either 1) I'm very childish or 2) Lee Fomes is a very talented author.. I strongly believe in the latter! Lee has kept things simple enough to follow easily for the younger generations, whilst including enough details to keep an adult mind ticking.

You start your journey following Art  through his interesting good deeds with his little sprite friend, his first day back to school and then finding out via a piece of cake that his grandma is even more mystical than he thought possible! Lee has managed to get the reader hooked to this book from the start superbly and the following chapters do not fail to impress.

 As we journey with Art into Scem and Hite's village you realize that this story will warm your heart and make you smile. An easy read and by the end, wish I could have visited the L Shaped Village with Art... I also enjoyed the fights, the highs and lows and more importantly for me I loved the end. The informed but mysterious cliff hanger ensures that I would love to read the next book to see just what Art (and his little sprite friend) are going to do next!

This book should appeal to all but as I have said it is more suitable to the younger generation, mainly due to the actual story line. Although this shouldn't put off any older readers out there! It will bring out the inner child and have you smiling within a few paragraphs. The L Shaped Village is a book for everyone, to be shared with everyone and is heartwarming down to your very soul. Thank you Lee Fomes for reminding us all there can still be heart felt kindness and giving us all belief in this world again!

Star rating: 4 and half stars

                                                        Reviewed by Midnight Star

You may purchase "The L-Shaped Village" here :  DarkissReads Bookstore