Storm of Sharks
Authors: Curtis Jobling
PUFFIN
3. The Shark, the Shackles and the Shanty
1. The Sea Fortress of the Kraken
The designer of
Bob the Builder
,
creator of
Frankenstein’s Cat
and
Raa Raa the Noisy Lion
, and
the author/illustrator of numerous children’s books, Curtis Jobling lives with his
family in Cheshire, England. Although perhaps best known for his work in TV and picture
books, Curtis’s other love has always been horror and fantasy for an older
audience.
Wereworld: Rise of the Wolf
was shortlisted for the 2011
Waterstone’s Children’s Book Prize.
www.curtisjobling.com
Explore Wereworld if you dare
at
www.wereworldbooks.com
(in reading
order)
For Matilda Rose Cullen
PUFFIN BOOKS
Wolf:
‘A promising start to an excellent new
series’
–
SFX
‘… superior to
Eragon
, and pure
fun’
The Times
‘Jobling’s characterizations are solid,
his world-building is complex and fascinating, and the combat scenes are suitably
exciting’
–
Publishers Weekly
starred review
‘… this will find broad appeal among
lovers of adventure fantasy’
–
Kirkus Reviews
‘The most exciting fantasy story I have read
for years,
Wereworld
had me enthralled from the first page until the very last,
leaving me hungry for the next instalment’
‘Incredibly highly
recommended – dramatic escapes, incredible rescues, huge battles, terrible
betrayals, human sacrifices, and all of it feels perfect!’
‘A fantastic blend of action-adventure, with a
great sprinkling of horror-magic stirred in’
–
mrripleysenchantedbooks.blogspot.com
‘
Wereworld
is a brilliant adventure
story that keeps you utterly hooked. I can’t wait for the next one!’
Shortlisted for the 2011 Waterstone’s
Children’s Book Prize
1Lackeys and Lickspittles
With winter finally relinquishing her cruel
hold over the Cold Coast, All Hallows Bay had gradually returned to life. The piers and
jetties, home to only the hardiest vessels weeks earlier, were now crowded with boats of
all sizes, weather-worn fishing skiffs bumping up against the barnacle-encrusted hulls
of their huge, ocean-going cousins. The taverns and inns, so quiet during the harshest
months, now thronged with life, sea captains and merchants haggling for bargains while
less fortunate souls drowned their sorrows. The streets thrummed with activity, spring
bringing hope to the people of the bustling port. All Hallows Bay was alive once more,
but it came at a cost.
A Lion once more ruled Westland. The newly
crowned King Lucas had reclaimed his father’s stolen throne from the young
Werewolf, Drew Ferran. The Catlords of Bast had sailed to
Lucas’s
aid, swelling the lion’s ranks with Bastian warriors, strengthening his hold over
the Seven Realms and helping to put the Werelords of the Wolf’s Council to the
sword. Shape-shifting Werelords of all colours and sizes had marched to support Lucas,
their enslaved homelands ensuring allegiance. Lucas ruled with an iron paw, squeezing
every copper from his people’s pockets and pressing them into his army of
Redcloaks. He turned wives into widows as he sought to destroy the last of the Grey
Wolves and all who supported Drew.
The Lionguard’s presence had never
been more apparent in All Hallows Bay. Many of the locals kept a wary distance, the
violent reputation of the king’s soldiers well known to all. As with every land
under Lucas’s control, the Lionguard raised a force from the indigenous
population. Though many people were reluctant to ‘take the red’, some were
happy to swear fealty to King Lucas. The Redcloaks of All Hallows Bay had a large
proportion of the latter, made up of rogues and ruffians. The odd Bastian captain or
Lyssian from more noble stock made up their numbers, but for the most part the Lionguard
were a cruel bunch. Rarely a day went by without brutality, ensuring that the locals
remained fearful of their so-called guardians.
