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.
| 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 |
Synopsis
editWranglestone 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
editWranglestone 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
editThe 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.