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A u t h o r S p o t l i g h t
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N M
Browne was born in the North of England to Welsh parents. She was educated at Oxford, Cambridge and
Manchester Universities due to a chronic inability to fill out forms. A writing
career follows a brief flirtation with teaching, an MBA and a stint in
industry. She has also worked as a shop
assistant selling shoes, ladies fashion, ladies lingerie and cheese, a
waitress, a packer of pills and sterile solutions in a hospital, a bar maid and
trainee accountant. Given a choice between these possible careers, writing wins
hands down. Nicola
now lives in Richmond and is the mother of four children (so far) and spends
her time writing, dressing and feeding children, avoiding housework and waking
up at 4am with her baby daughter. Nicola’s Welsh
parentage gives rise to a fascination with all things Celtic and an interest in
how earlier societies survived the bleakness of a northern winter. If you combine this with a long term passion
for fantasy fiction, it is easy to unearth the roots of Warriors of Alavna. It has taken
some years for N M Browne to get round to exploring these interests.
Quotes
Warriors of Alavna: 'an engrossing time-travel story' Independent on Sunday
'This is an exciting story full of action and magic which'll keep you turning and wondering what happens next' Mizz
'This is an interesting and unusual time-slip novel... it is well written and original. N.M. Browne is a striking new voice and someone to watch out for' School Librarian journal
'Riveting adventures in a story which is also crammed full of historical interest' Independent (50 best books for children)
‘The central characters are fully developed and likeable. The plot is great. The world-building, in which ecological, historical, and cultural elements both support and energize the plot, is masterful. The mysterious beginning and the plot’s brisk progress will catch the interest of YA readers; the development of unlikely friendships among the very different characters add the coming-of-age story will sustain it – author victorious.’ Kirkus Reviews (US)
Hunted
“Suspense, excitement and full-blooded adventure make this sophisticated and gripping novel for older children, which blends an engrossing fantasy world and real world, with both totally believable.” Waterstone’s Books Magazine
“This is a challenging, intelligent piece.” Books Magazine
‘Hunted is an extraordinary second novel by N. M. Browne. This is a fascinating and unusual fantasy, which keeps the reader guessing at the outcome until the final chapter.’ Financial Times
‘A complex and thought-provoking narrative…With many shades of grey between the hero and the villain, a happy ending is not possible for everyone, although the reader will be happy with an excellent story.’ School Librarian
‘This book is really exciting and full of action andmystery.’ Teen Titles
‘Browne cleverly mixes fantasy and action. The mythology and culture of Mowl’s realm are fascinating, and the fight scenes, escapes and revelations will swiftly proper readers through to the conclusion.’ Publishers Weekly (US)
‘Clever and compelling.’ Kirkus Reviews (US)
‘This dark fantasy, enlivened by fight scenes and Karen’s strong sensory experiences as a wild animal, will appeal to fans of the genre. The ending is surprising but satisfying.’ Kliatt Magazine (US)
‘Intriguing storytelling and a fascinating fantasy world are built up in earthy detail in this novel. The fantasy is another rich vein of imagining where historic injustices must be righted amongst a community aware of the power of spirits and the presence of the girl within the fox.’ Books for Keeps
Warriors of Camlann
‘I really feel N.M.Browne is something quite special, and Warriors of Camlann lived up to its predecessor. The characters of Dan and Ursula are so well-drawn, and the deepening of the moral dilemmas in their adventure made them even more rounded. I also thought the use of Arthurian legend, which so many writers founder on, was brilliantly twisted. She blends history, myth, archaeology and psychology like no writer I've read since Rosemary Sutcliff.’ Amanda Craig (Independent on Sunday)
‘As the story reaches its dramatic and bloody conclusion you’re left wishing it would never end.’ Waterstones Books Quarterly
‘A fast-paced arms and armour time-travel adventure.’ Manchester Evening News
‘Highly readable and packed with interesting historical details; it will find a ready audience in school libraries.’ School Librarian
‘Browne offers that rarity: a sequel more polished and engrossing than its predecessor. Browne skilfully integrates details from the first adventure into this story as plot events require. Like the first instalment, this is a page-turner that will leave readers panting for the next in an exciting young adult fantasy series.’ Kirkus (US)
‘A fascinating and thrilling story’ School Library Journal (US)
Basilisk
‘I devoured Basilisk and thought it one of the most original, well-written and enjoyable fantasy novels I've read for some time. The different worlds of the Combers and Above were rendered with great assurance and conviction, and the characters of Donna and Rej particularly well worked-out.’
Amanda Craig, Children’s reviewer for The Times (review in The Times to follow)
“She attempts no pyrotechnics, no outrageous plot twists, but relies on her solid storytelling skills – to construct an intriguing mystery to create believable and likeable characters and a fully realised world – to tell a gripping story…a memorable and satisfying read” Vector (British Science Fiction Association magazine)
“This book has a really good story, especially once you got used to the fact that it was set in another time and place. It had a bit of everything in it, intrigue, murder, romance and adventure. I couldn’t put it down” Teen Titles Issue 30
“Browne brings this world vividly to life for a powerful young adult fantasy unusually rich in atmosphere” Locus May 2004
Basilisk by NM Browne
'Itis rare to find a fantasy depicted with the passion, vigour and intelligence of this one...Browne weaves a thrilling adventure that you want to reread as soon as it's over.' The Times
"'Margaret Atwood meets George Orwell meets Rosemary Sutcliff…a fine, exciting and totally uncompromising read" School Librarian
US REVIEWS:
‘A taut mystery…appealing teen characters, the cast of refreshingly complicated adults, and the palpable details of their divided world will keep fantasy devotees firmly anchored in the story…the sounds and sights of Lunnzia are as vivid and memorable as anything in Philip Pullman’s alternate-reality Oxford.’ Booklist
‘Readers will enjoy the spooky atmosphere, intriguing and often-untrustworthy characters, and the bizarre final duel.’ SLS US
‘A gripping story that mixes jealousy and love with myth and fantasy.’ Big Issue
SHADOW WEB is Nicky's latest book, and tells the story of Jessica, who meets up with her namesake after googling her name. An unforeseen set of circumstances lead to the two girls exchanging places, and our heroine finds herself in an alternative Britain reminiscent of our Britain between the two great world wars. What makes this so interesting is how Jessica has to adapt to survive. From being an outgoing, cheerful character in her own world, she becomes browbeaten, bullied and victimised by people she recognises as having alter egos from her own world but who have significantly different characters in this one. Lots of people have written alternative world and alternative history stories, but I found this one particularly enjoyable because of the way Nicky had the characters change once they were taken out of their own familiar (and comfortable) environment. Jessica flirts with considerable danger in this terrific adventure, and although you may be fairly confident she will make it back home to her own world and time, the tension is built very well and the read is most enjoyable.
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