Darkwing
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Price:
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$21.99
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On Sale:
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16/08/2007
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Formats:
Hardcover
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Before there were bats like Shade, Marina or even Goth, there was a young
chiropter—a small arboreal glider—named Dusk. . . .
It is 65 million years ago, during a cataclysmic moment in the earth’s
evolution, and Dusk, just months old, has no way of knowing he will play a
pivotal role in creating a new world. What he does know is that he is different
from the other newborn chiropters. Not content to use his large sails to glide
down from the giant sequoia tree, Dusk discovers that if he flaps quickly
enough, he can fly. But this strange gift that makes him feel like an outcast
from the colony will also make him its saviour. After most of the colony is
savagely massacred by the felids—the earth’s first mammalian carnivores—Dusk
must lead his fellow chiropters to a new home, and a new life.
Against a tableau of disappearing dinosaurs and the ascent of the mammal
kingdom, Oppel has created an adventure fantasy that sets the stage for the
birth of the bats, the story of the forebears of Shade, the beloved hero of the
Silverwing series. As with all Silverwing books, it is impossible to
simply read Oppel’s Darkwing; each of us enters a world of convincing
characters, warring theologies, incredible natural history and a story that
roars through head, heart and imagination. A tale that can be read as a stand-
lone or as a prequel, Darkwing will be a welcome new classic for the
millions of Kenneth Oppel fans.
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Author Extras
Reading Guides:
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Critical Praise for
Darkwing
"Oppel writes with keen insight and empathy about the condition of being "other" in the context of a richly plotted, fast-paced story.... Captivating reading from beginning to end."
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Booklist
"Lively prose and sheer imagination make Oppel's fourth bat story another winner."
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Kirkus (starred review)
"[Darkwing] is a thrilling page-turner that will captivate young and old alike.... Fans of the Silverwing series will find this prequel immensely satisfying and will be clamouring for more."
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Quill & Quire (starred review)
Reader Reviews from First Look
Darkwing is very well written, and will compel you to keep reading. As you turn the pages quicker and quicker, you will realize that as things in the world that long ago were racing towards change, you also will find yourself racing for the end of the book.
This book can either be seen as a prequel to the Silverwing trilogy, or as this reviewer hopes, the first in a new series about the bats from long ago. Either way Darkwing is a book to be enjoyed again and again.
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Steven R. (Waterloo, ON)
Darkwing is very well written, and will compel you to keep reading. As you turn the pages quicker and quicker, you will realize that as things in the world that long ago were racing towards change, you also will find yourself racing for the end of the book.
This book can either be seen as a prequel to the Silverwing trilogy, or as this reviewer hopes, the first in a new series about the bats from long ago. Either way Darkwing is a book to be enjoyed again and again.
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Steven R. (Waterloo, ON)
FANTASTIC!!! Once I started "Darkwing" I could not put it down. Oppel explores many teen issues in this book in a non-threatening manner; feeling different, conflict resolution, and the consequences of decisions are just a few. An excellent read, thank you.
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Kris (Ridgetown, ON)
Before I even had a chance to review Darkwing my youngest child scooped it up followed by my oldest. We all loved the it. For any one who was ever different, how life changes whether you want it to or not. We found this book heart warming and touching .
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Melinda (Ashmont, AB)
I really enjoyed this book! I had no idea what I was getting into! A surprisingly delightful read and one I'd reccomend.
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Brittany (Winnipeg, MB)
Very exciting! Any Silverwing fan would be proud.
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Kayla (Carstairs, AB)
Both my sixteen-year-old daughter and I read Darkwing and we loved it. It is a wonderful expansion of the Silverwing saga. Kenneth Oppel has created another world through the eyes of bats and this fantasy has marvellous twist on the history of the creatures. I had to wrestle the book away from my son in order to read it and I am very glad I did. We would recommend it to people of all ages!
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Kathy (St. Albert, AB)
Kenneth Oppel has done it again. He has created a unique world that kids will flock too. Fast-paced with lots of adventure. Highly recommended to kids and adult fantasy-lovers alike
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Rachel (Toronto, ON)
Darkwing brings to life the hauntingly poignant memories of Kenneth Oppel’s previous works. As the fourth book describing the incredible tales of lifelike bats, it sets itself apart by bringing with it a sense of wonder and imagination that far surpasses its predecessors. It is remarkable how the vivid adventures of the protagonist are not only able to capture the audience’s attention but also able to win over the hearts of minds of the readers. Darkwing is the rare type of novel that can be enjoyed by everybody, regardless of their inclinations.
Simply put - Darkwing transcends the borders of age and preference and establishes itself as a fiction worth reading and keeping.
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Annie (Toronto, ON)
I had no idea what to expect when I picked up this book. It was definitely an interesting read! I have a few friends who teach senior elementary and junior high and I will definitely be recommending this book to them as one to share with their students!
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Emily (Stouffville, ON)
Once I started Darkwing it was easy to forget these were not humans as they lived such vivid lives with strong emotions. This book has mass appeal for the Young Adult and Adults alike. No matter the species this coming of age book will touch your heart.
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Jessica (Miramichi, NB)
Darkwing is a real page turner. It has excitement from the very start and is constantly keeping you on the edge of your seat. Just when you think it is all over, BOOM! something else happens. Excellent read.
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Scott (Georgetown, ON)
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