Book review
Written by William Horwood
Macmillan hardback
Release date 5 February 2010

As a ‘giant-born’ living among the superstitious Hydden, Jack is no longer safe at home and must venture into the world of humans to protect himself from those who seek to harm him. While there, his destiny reveals itself and he soon becomes part of a far greater operation that entwines the worlds of human and Hydden, where everyone has their agenda and ‘Spring’ is their main motivation...

Some books are destined to be read on the train, some for that hour before falling asleep. Others fill lunch breaks at work, while many provide a distraction from unwanted chores. William Horwood’s latest is none of these. This series starter does more than fill a gap in the day. It demands that you find an armchair, grab a blanket and accept you won’t be moving until you’ve finished. This is a return to the traditional; an intimate, delicate and delightfully written novel that instils a sense of the ‘Old English’ like no other.

Hyddenworld tells the story of Jack, a Hydden born too big for his world and who is consequently kicked into the human one next door. It’s not long before destiny comes knocking though, and Jack must return to the Hydden and fulfil his appointed role as dictated by his wyrd (fate). While there, things become complicated, but with the help of a handful of colourful friends he embarks on a memorable adventure, encountering murderous politicians, a ruler with a sweet tooth and the perils of canal transportation.

Although Horwood’s miniature creations do initially scream ‘Hobbits’ (Hydden average around 3½ft in size), the presentation of their world, and its accompanying mythology and folklore, makes them different beings entirely.

The denizens of Brum – a parallel city that buzzes beneath and between the streets of Birmingham – are a courageous, dangerous, yet loveable race whose quaint and captivating presence brings the novel to life. Lord Festoon and his chef Parlance are particularly well-drawn characters, and their partnership provides many amusing and touching moments. Master Stort’s individuality adds an infectious flair to the pages, while Jack and Katherine are solid characters that are convincing, if not fascinating, creations.

Using Spring as the basis for the novel makes for some beautifully descriptive sequences that invoke a sense of both realism and wonder, making it reminiscent of the author’s earlier Duncton Wood series, despite the shorter nature of the chapters and differing structure. Readers of mythic fantasy, particularly Robert Holdstock, will also find much to like here, and as the first in a series it promises many more exciting encounters. Alice Wybrew

VERDICT: 8/10
An enjoyable start to a promising new series, Hyddenworld will have you looking at the world in a whole new light.