'Bran Hambric' - the new 'Harry Potter'?

Many children (and adults) fell in love with the 'Harry Potter' novels when they first made an appearance. I must admit, when I finished Book 6 of that series I really wanted to read Book 7 straightaway (and I was able to because I hadn't bothered buying either as soon as they were released).

However, since the novels have finished, I'm sure many have felt a kind of void from not being able to escape to another world filled with magic and fun. Is this the solution?

Bran Hambric is just a normal, average boy who, at the age of 6, was found in a bank vault one morning, and so belonged to the person who found him from then onwards. (He has also lived with this family from that point to the present.) Skip eight years, and Bran still has no idea about his past - his memory was wiped the moment he was sent magically to the vault. 'The Farfield Curse' is about Bran finding out about himself, his past, and the choices he has to make to create a positive future for himself as well as those around him.

The book is full of wonderful puns and quips relating to everyday life. There is magic occurring in a city that has outlawed magic (and gnomes). There is a family that really needs their heads banged together to give them a little sense. There are interesting villains that, well, at the end you're not so sure what their game actually is. There is courage in many shapes (and sizes). And a curse that makes for a thrilling climax.

Now, Kaleb Nation (the author) is bringing out 'The Specter Key' on Sunday, 10th October, 2010 (10/10/10). This is a sequel to 'The Farfield Curse' and should prove very interesting, especially for Bran who thinks things have finished at the end of the first novel. With the countdown to his book's release, Kaleb started a '30 Days to Bran' daily vlog. With 7 days to go, he released a vlog of him reading the first chapter of 'The Specter Key'. Also, there is an official 'Bran Hambric' website.

'The Farfield Curse' was a great read, and I recommend it for anyone who had fun reading 'Harry Potter' or any other books that contain magic in them, especially children. Hopefully my copy of 'The Specter Key' will arrive in Australia very shortly.

* Warning: There are guns and death in this book. Nothing major, but some of you parents out there might like the heads up. It says on the back of the book it's suitable for ages 9+.

UPDATE: Received 'The Specter Key' in the post yesterday! Already started reading it, and enjoying it. Only made the second chapter, though...Life keeps interfering!!!