The Severed Land

"A masterclass in plotting and elegant writing with turns of phrase that are genius" - Napier Courier

The Severed Land by Maurice Gee is a gripping, page-turning fantasy adventure that immerses readers in a perilous quest through a divided world. The story begins high in the branches of a towering tree, where a young girl named Fliss watches as soldiers relentlessly attempt to breach an invisible wall separating their land. The wall's magic holds strong, but amid the chaos, a drummer boy makes a desperate bid for freedom. Just as he is about to be shot, Fliss bravely reaches through the wall and pulls him to safety.

However, Fliss's act of heroism does not bring the satisfaction she expected. Instead of a fellow wanderer, she finds herself rescuing an overfed rich boy. Her dismay intensifies when she learns she must aid him on a vital mission that requires journeying back through the treacherous wall to rescue a figure known only as the Nightingale.

The journey that follows is fraught with danger. Fliss and the drummer boy must navigate a world teeming with predatory thieves, ruthless slave masters, cunning beggars, sneaky pickpockets, and the enigmatic wall-men. This land is also riddled with hidden threats posed by ruling families locked in a lethal struggle for power. Amongst this turmoil, trust becomes an invaluable yet scarce commodity. Will Fliss be able to overcome her disdain for the spoiled boy? Can they forge an alliance built on mutual respect and necessity?

A vivid tapestry of richly drawn characters and settings awaits readers of The Severed Land. Maurice Gee's storytelling prowess shines through with every twist and turn, keeping readers on the edge of their seats. Who is the Nightingale, and why are they so important? The truth unfolds in a breath-taking adventure that will captivate the imagination and question the very nature of bravery and loyalty.

Embark on this extraordinary journey with Fliss and the drummer boy and discover whether they will make it back alive. Each page of The Severed Land promises suspense, excitement, and the elegance of masterful storytelling.