Wranglestone
| Author | Darren Charlton |
|---|---|
| Language | English |
| Genre | Young adult fiction |
| Published | 2020 |
| Publisher | Stripes Publishing (Little Tiger Press)[1] |
| Publication place | United Kingdom |
| Pages | 384[2] |
| ISBN | 978-1-78895-121-0 |
Wranglestone is the first novel from British author Darren Charlton, published in 2020 by Stripes Publishing. A post-apocalyptic tale set in a zombie-infested island in the United States, it was positively reviewed.
Synopsis
[edit]Wranglestone follows the burgeoning relationship between two boys, Peter and Cooper, in a post-apocalyptic America ravaged by zombies. The novel tracks the survival of an island community living within a fictional national park and the threat winter poses once the water freezes allowing the Dead to cross the ice.
Publication
[edit]Wranglestone was published by the Stripes Publishing imprint of Little Tiger Press as part of a two-book deal that included its sequel.[1] The follow-up installment, 2022's Timberdark,[3] was originally planned for 2021.[1]
Reception
[edit]The novel was a "Best Children's Book" nominee at the 2020 Costa Book Awards.[4] The Guardian called it "an achingly tender love story",[5] while Dublin's Sunday Independent found it "surprisingly well written...creepy, compelling and cute all at the same time. What more could you want?"[6] Martin Axford of The School Librarian said, "The horror elements in [this unusual] book will appeal to some readers, just as they will turn others off."[2] Sophie Brown of GeekMom was favourable with the premise and worldbuilding, but found the plot convoluted and rushed for a title of its length. "[A lot goes on in this book;] the romance between Peter and Cooper was one of the plot elements that suffered because of this," she said. "[Still, this is] an interesting and unique take on both an LGBTQ romance and a zombie apocalypse story, throwing both elements together with a good pinch of politics and prejudice that make for a real page-turner."[3]
References
[edit]- ^ a b c Eyre, Charlotte (28 September 2018). "Stripes signs LGBTQ+ thriller by debut writer Darren Charlton". The Bookseller. Archived from the original on 1 May 2024. Retrieved 1 May 2024.
- ^ a b Axford, Martin (Summer 2020). "Review: 'Wranglestone'". The School Librarian. 68 (2). Wanborough: School Library Association: 20. ISSN 0036-6595. Retrieved 21 August 2024 – via ProQuest.
- ^ a b Brown, Sophie (29 June 2021). "Pride Month 2021: 'Wranglestone' by Darren Charlton". GeekMom. Archived from the original on 1 May 2024. Retrieved 1 May 2024.
- ^ Flood, Alison (24 November 2020). "Costa book awards: Susanna Clarke nominated for second novel after 16-year wait". The Guardian. Retrieved 1 May 2024.
- ^ Noble, Fiona; Carter, Imogen; Empire, Kitty (13 December 2020). "The best children's books of 2020 for all ages". The Guardian. Retrieved 1 May 2024.
- ^ Carbery, Justine (22 March 2020). "A selection of new teen titles for the 'Twenties". Sunday Independent. Dublin. p. 15. Archived from the original on 22 August 2024. Retrieved 21 August 2024 – via ProQuest.