Many Layers Within
Dreadnought by Robin Bennett is a gripping novel set in the near future but with its’ roots firmly in the past.
The world is on the brink of World War III as a family move from London to the North Yorkshire coast, near Whitby, as they stay in the family home on Dreadnought.
Here, the veil between the past and present draws thin. Seven-year-old Cass is in touch with those whom the adults cannot see. The whole area has a dark and brooding presence. Three generations of the family inhabit Dreadnought.
Dreadnought seems to be a place of secrets. Ancient voices from the past, call out as the fog rolls in.
Cass is amazingly brave. She faces her fears in order to free her friend.
There are elements of the Gothic horror tradition found within the novel – strange creatures lurking in dark corners; sea mists; caves; and of course, the folk lore of Dracula surrounding Whitby Abbey.
The tale is told over several different voices and in several different time periods. As we read, we wonder how it all hangs together – until we reach the jaw-dropping moment towards the end of the book! All the pieces slot into place.
Dreadnought pulls the reader in from the start as we hang onto every word in the tale. Robin Bennett has constructed a superb story that, like an onion, has many layers to it.
I received a free copy via Rachel’s Random Resources for a blog tour. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.
JULIA WILSON
Dreadnought
A child sees things she’s sure don’t exist. The adults call it trauma. They’re both wrong.
On a remote Yorkshire headland known as Dreadnought, seven-year-old Cass Delaval begins to glimpse figures and fragments tied to a past that refuses to stay buried.
As the world edges toward conflict, Cass is drawn into a family mystery stretching back to the Second World War: a missing boy, a hidden weapon, and a family secret.
Because whatever has lain dormant on Dreadnought goes deep into our past … and it isn’t finished with us yet.
Dreadnought is a story of loyalty and hope, where the courage of one small girl may be our last defence.
Purchase Link – https://amzn.eu/d/0iKBv9i1
Author Bio –
Robin Bennett is an author and entrepreneur who has written over twenty-five books for children. He has also written books on the swashbuckling world of business: How to Make a Good Living Running Your Own Business, Kicking the Property Ladder and Start up Smart, all published by Harriman House.
In 2024 Cracking was shortlisted for a Week Junior Book Award and Sunday Times Sports Book of the Year for Children. His YA novel ‘XII’ was shortlised for a British Book Award in 2023 and his very popular Monster Max Series is a Book Trust pick and won Coventry Inspiration Book Awards in 2022. Picus the Thief, won the Writer’s News Indie Published Book of the Year Award in 2012.
When Robin grew up he thought he wanted to be a cavalry officer until everyone else realised that putting him in charge of a tank was a very bad idea. He then became an assistant gravedigger in London. After that he had a career frantically starting businesses (everything from dog-sitting to cigars, tuition to translation)… until finally settling down to write improbable stories to keep his children from killing each other on long car journeys.
When not writing or starting companies, Robin plays most sports. Poorly.
Social Media Links –
https://www.instagram.com/robinbennettauthor
