"Age-old life-and-death magic melds with the modern world in this moving myth-fused adventure"
Kirsty Applebaum’s The Life and Time of Lonny Quicke takes a timeless folkloric concept and transforms in into a heartfelt contemporary story that will surely grip readers who enjoy adventures infused with magic.
“The buzzing shifts. Shudders down my neck. Squeezes past my shoulder, my elbow, my hand. Pushes out through the ends of my fingers.” That’s how Lonny Quicke experiences his special, secret gift. He’s a lifelong, which means he has the power to heal and bring creatures back from the dead. But, as he explains, “talents like this don’t come free, you know. There’s always a price. Give a bit of life, lose a bit of life.” That is to say, by extending the lives of others, he shortens his own, which is why Lonny’s watchmaker dad keeps him and his little brother in the forest, safe from the rest of the world.
The thrilling climax that surges during the Farstoke Lifeling Festival will keep readers on the edge of their seats, willing all to be well for Lonny and Midge as they face tremendous decisions and high-risk situations. Exploring loss and illness within its folkloric premise, this is a thoughtful tale, told with clarity and heart.
The LoveReading LitFest invited Kirsty Applebaum to the festival to talk about her books with Charlotte Crafts.
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Simply put: this is a brilliant story.
Simply put: this is a brilliant story. The book is full of unique ideas and imagination.
The main character, Lonny, is a lifeling. This means he can save lives but only at the expense of his own. When he heals others he ages. A moth might take a few seconds from his life but another human... The story is told from two perspectives: Lonny’s and the community of Farstoke who think lifelings are a myth. They even have a legend that a lifeling will appear when they are needed most. What would happen if people found out that lifelings exist and Lonny was one? This book is brimming with exciting twists and turns. It teaches you that every action has a consequence and every consequence creates an action.... Read Full Review
I love the stories they mention within this book. I believe that everyone should read this adventurous book. The illustrations are incredible and my favourite characters are Lonny and Midge.
I loved this book.
The Life and Time of Lonny Quicke is about a boy who has powers to save an animal or a person from dying but getting older more quicker. Lonny lives in the forest with his grandfather, his dad and his younger brother, Midge. One day Lonny let’s the chicken loose and a fox comes and kills all except one. After this incident, Lonny leaves the forest with his brother and travels to a town called Farstoke. Jess, the lady who comes to collect the watches every Saturday, introduces them to Erin and Katy (her grandchildren).
I love the stories they mention within this book. I believe that everyone should read this adventurous book.... Read Full Review
An amazing story full of plot twists, mystery and magic, and a tiny little bit of danger. One of my favourite books I've read so far.
The Life and Time of Lonny Quicke is about someone called Lonny who has special powers and has to live in the forest to stop people using him for his powers. If he touches something that is dying, he saves it but he loses some of his life in the process. The more life he loses, the closer he is to dying.
My favourite part of the book was when Lonny had the courage to leave and he meets the other characters. I particularly liked Erin, however I did not like her friends! I liked this part because if you carry on reading, there is a shocking twist. This book is great for those children who like books that are a little bit scary but not a full horror book. It has a bit of mystery that keeps you engaged.... Read Full Review
