The Perex ChroniclesPerex is a microscopic world, created by Jonathan Vance
in a secret location beneath the Yorkshire moors. Millions of people live there, but their existence is in constant peril, not least from those in our own world. The Chronicles relate the visits to Perex of Vance’s grandson Jake, and later Jake's friend Abi – their perilous adventures among the people of the little world, and their desperate attempts back home to ensure that no-one discovers its existence. The first three books are available in paperback from any good bookshop, especially Barn Owl Books in Malmesbury, The Yellow-Lighted Bookshop in Tetbury or Topping & Co or Mr B's Emporium in Bath. Also available as ebooks or paperbacks from Amazon - see links below. The fourth book, 'When Fire Came Down', will be published in October 2026. |
Book One - The Boy From The Night Sky(published in 2023 by Shellsfoot Press – ISBN 978-1-3999-5573-7)
Finalist in The Wishing Shelf Awards, 2024. When Jake discovers Perex, a microscopic world created by his grandfather, he becomes the first person from our world ever to travel there. But he has no idea how to get back - and all life in Perex is about to be exterminated. While some of the inhabitants worship him as a god, and others are intent on killing him, Jake and the courageous farm girl Sarro race against time to try and save the little world – and themselves – from extinction. 'A thrill-a-page fantasy adventure... Highly recommended!" (Wishing Shelf Book Awards) ‘What a read! I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys science fiction or fantasy.' (Hannah, Australia) ‘Such a wonderful read. The story will draw you in right from the start and I can guarantee that you will keep turning the pages… An excellent read for teenagers and not only. I absolutely loved it!’ (Alexandra, Romania) ‘Not only is this book great for YA audiences but it also holds the attention of adult audiences as well with its undertones of politics, war and religion… I can’t wait to read the second book in the series.’ (Shaina, USA) |
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Book Two - The Cloven Flame
Published in 2024 by Shellsfoot Press - ISBN 978-1-3999-8575-8 Jake returns to Perex in pursuit of the accident-prone Fergus, and is caught up in a perilous adventure with a murderous tyrant and a pair of twins who share each other's minds. Meanwhile, back on Earth, Jake’s schoolmate Abi is desperately trying to stop people finding out about the little world… 'The vivid narrative draws the reader into the story, creating a rich and detailed portrayal of Perex. The author's attention to detail and masterful use of language not only breathe life into the story but also transport the reader into a world of wonder and mystery.' (Mariel, France) 'Intended for YA readers but their elders will love it too. Brilliantly imagined and plotted. Bring on the sequels!' (NR, Canada) |
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Book Three - Beyond the Ice-White Moon
Published in 2025 by Shellsfoot Press - ISBN 978-1-0369-2249-8 Finalist in the Wishing Shelf Awards, 2025 A fantasy adventure and murder mystery combined. A cry for help sends Jake and Abi racing to Perex, where they're confronted by a mysterious kidnapping, a series of brutal murders, a pair of astronomers intent on exploring the heavens, and a cult devoted to the worship of a boy who once fell from the night sky... “A thrilling, fast-paced fantasy mystery packed with twists, danger, and heart, Beyond the Ice-White Moon is an unforgettable adventure that keeps young readers turning pages to the very end. A FINALIST and highly recommended!” The Wishing Shelf Book Awards Some comments from the judges (ages 9 to 12): "I really liked this book because there was always something exciting happening. .. The ending was amazing and I didn't guess it." "...one of those books where you keep saying "just one more chapter" and then suddenly you've read loads. I loved all the twists and surprises." "I think this is the best Perex book so far. The story is fast-paced but the characters still feel real. Jake has grown up a lot since the first book and I enjoyed seeing how he handled all the problems. There were loads of mysteries happening at once, but they all connected together in a clever way." "There was action, mystery, danger and funny parts too. Jake and Abi are great characters because they talk like real kids. My favourite scenes were when they were trying to figure out what was really going on because every time I thought I knew the answer, something else happened. I finished the whole book in two days." "What I liked most was that the book wasn't just about adventures. It also made me think about why people follow leaders and how stories can change over time. Even though those ideas are quite big, the author explained them in a way that was easy to understand. The mystery was brilliant and I couldn't work out who was behind everything until near the end. Jake and Abi are one of my favourite teams in any book series. I was sad when I finished because I wanted more." |