The Half Torn Page by David Palin
17th Century Bavaria–Ilsa Wlich, a striking, mysterious woman of indeterminate age and steeped in lore, ancient and modern, arrives one fateful evening in the beautiful, but remote town of Reimersberg at the end of the Adventurer's Road. The town, deep in the mountains and wolf-inhabited forests of the Valley of the Witches, is seldom reached by outsiders and not particularly welcoming to them. Proud of their traditions, the people frown upon change and those who bring it.
Ilsa saves the life of a sick boy, Karl, but is suspicious of the cause of his illness; a fact she keeps from the townsfolk for fear of causing panic. She earns the boy's undying love, but also the enmity of some Town Elders, in particular the incompetent doctor and the mayor, Meister. Both feel as threatened by Ilsa as she feels wary of them.
Weary in mind and body from years of travelling, still charmed by the old town and some of its friendlier inhabitants, but also concerned for their safety, Ilsa asks to settle in Reimersberg. Her presence there awakens a long-hidden darkness and her own future is put at risk by those who suspect her of being a witch. She finds herself, together with Karl, treading paths far more mysterious, bloody and perilous than anything the Adventurer's Road could conjure if they are to survive.
Described by readers as 'a fantastic and atmospheric read', 'a Grimm tale for our times', and reminiscent of Philip Pullman and JRR Tolkien. REVIEWS
"An awesome read from page one to the last."
"Absolutely loved this book and found it difficult to put down."
"If you love a riddle, a mystery, Philip Pullman or Tolkien, you'll love this."
FIVE STAR REVIEWS
"An awesome read from page one to the last."
"Absolutely loved this book and found it difficult to put down."
"If you love a riddle, a mystery, Philip Pullman or Tolkien, you'll love this."
An awesome read from page one to the last
Amazing book, had me hooked and wanting to keep reading right to the end of the story. Would love more books based in this setting and theme
18th century witch tale set in Germany; what's not to love?
I knew as soon as I read the description that this book was right up my street, and I was not disappointed. A fantastic and atmospheric read with great historical nods, an encroaching haunted forest, a remote but beautiful town and a little bit of witchery. I was half way through another book when this arrived; I read the first few pages and just had to put the previous novel on the back burner and finish The Half Torn Page.
I will now be working my way through the author's other works
Unusual and Gripping
The book is a page turner. It's plot has some ideas and subjects we are all used to, but re imagined in a really different and novel way. I genuinely could not guess how it was going to end and is definitely ripe for a sequel or a prequel to be honest. There is a big universe that needs further expanding. I hope they do come as I would like to further explore some of the characters.
A super holiday book to wile a way a few hours on the balcony, poolside, snug.
Excellent reading
What I appreciated most was how the story unfolded at a steady pace, keeping me interested and curious about what would happen next. The characters felt well-developed and believable, and I found myself becoming invested in their journeys. David Palin does an excellent job of combining mystery, emotion, and thoughtful storytelling.
Overall, I found The Half-Torn Page to be an enjoyable and memorable read. It's a book that stayed with me after I finished it, and I would happily recommend it to anyone looking for a well-written and engaging story
