Reviewed by Sarah Tegerdine
Wanderer is an upper middle
grade novel set in a striking and perilous landscape, perhaps a dystopian future.
The natural world reigns supreme, warring tribes maraud land and sea, predators
hunt and mankind cling to survive. Humanity it seems, has lost its way, almost
at least.
Dane, a young ‘keen sighted’ seafarer, orphaned
from the age of 10, now lives off the coastal fringes from his kayak. His
belongings -- sparse but crucial for his survival – include a bow, a spear, and
knife, and tucked inside the safety of his tunic pocket, is a book. Gifted to him
by his mother it’s a treasure from ‘The Golden Years,’ a lost relic containing ‘Old
Knowledge’ and is a constant source of comfort to Dane especially in the
darkest of moments.
Dane’s kayak needs repair and through his
wanderings he learns of a man named Garth, who is said to make all manner of
boats, even owning books about them too. Fuelled with this knowledge Dane sets
off to find him. Upon meeting Garth, Dane also happens to meet his
granddaughter Lana, an extraordinary girl who has an amazing gift.
It is at this moment their lives change in
an instant and they are both plunged into a deeply dangerous journey that will
push them beyond their limits.
A story of friendship, endurance, adversity,
and sheer grit determination against all odds. Wanderer is a gripping multi-layered
adventure that leaves echoes beyond the page.
Cover and internal illustrations are by
Lorena Carrington. The cover depicts two youths aboard a sea kayak in treacherous
open sea. Shadows of Orcas lays in wait in the murky depths. A lone white
albatross circles the boat from above.
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