The Other Side of the Whale Road by K.A. Hayton (Review)

Hi guys!!

I finally have my review for The Other Side of the Whale Road by K.A. Hayton. Back in August I took part in a blog tour organised by Dave @The_WriteReads, but was unable to get my review written up in time but I can now finally share my thoughts, So here goes!!

Format: Paperback

Source: Received from @The_WriteReads

Publisher: Lightning Books

Genres: Young Adult, Fantasy

Publication Date: 2nd September 2021

Synopsis/Blurb (Taken from Goodreads):

“YOU KNOW HISTORY IS REAL WHEN IT’S RAZOR-SHARP AND AIMED AT YOUR NECK

THE STORY OF KING EDMUND’S LAST BATTLE WITH THE GREAT HEATHEN ARMY BROUGHT TO LIFE FOR YOUNG ADULTS

‘The Vikings are better armed than we are. They have long, heavy axes that can take a man’s head from his shoulder. I know this because I see it happen’

When his mum burns down their house on the Whitehorse estate, sixteen-year-old Joss is sent to live in a sleepy Suffolk village.

The place is steeped in history, as Joss learns when a bike accident pitches him back more than 1,000 years to an Anglo-Saxon village. That history also tells him his new friends are in mortal peril from bloodthirsty invaders. Can he warn their ruler, King Edmund, in time?

And will he ever get home?”

My Thoughts & Review

This is a book that I wasn’t planning on reading but when a copy landed on my door, thanks to Dave @The_WriteReads I had to give it ago. I have to admit it’s not a book I would necessarily have picked up myself, but I did end up liking it!!

The Other Side of the Whale Road follows Joss, a teenager who’s life hasn’t been the easiest. His juggling life and school while looking after his younger twin sisters, as his mother doesn’t seem to be capable to so. His been trying hard to keep family safe and together, until one day when he mother burns down their family home, and he is sent to live in Suffolk with a couple who will be his new foster parents. Until his mother can prove she is capable to look after her kids once again. Things get interesting for Joss’ when an accident takes him back in time. He wakes up to find himself in the Anglo-Saxon times.

I enjoyed the premises of this book and although fast paced most of the way through, I have to be honest I did struggle in places. It was here were I felt the writing wasn’t as smooth as it was throughout the rest of the book. It was also at this point where I may have skimmed through a few paragraphs.

As for the main character Joss I found him very likeable and could relate with him. Liked how he came across as resilient and brave, but I do feel his character could have been a little more developed. The same goes for the other characters. Saying that I still enjoyed reading and following them through the book.

Overall a fun and interesting read, that I ended up liking. If you’re looking for a young adult time travel read then this a book that’s worth giving a go.

My Rating