Magical mystery adventure story set on a wild Scottish
island.
Fraser and his brother Dunny befriend a Texan girl Hayley
over the summer holidays. Fraser is desperate for adventure; Hayley is fed up
she's even there; while Dunny spends his days staring out to sea. He hasn't
said a word in years. But everything changes with the discovery of two bodies
on the beach: a whale and a man.
This is a touching tale of friendship and hidden strengths
with an environmental theme.
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I have just finished the sound of whales yesterday and I think it is the saddest moment of my life. This book was so thrilling, adventurous, eye catching and even heart warming. I have to admit it took a while to get into it and warm to the characters but once I had at about chapter 3 or 4 I could not put it down- I have never read a book so fast (which is a shame really because I wanted it to last longer!)
ReplyDeleteThe characters were all really individual so you could relate and even feel upset or excited for them. My favourite character was probably Dunny because he had a sense of mystery a you somehow felt like he was constantly trying to tell you something even though he not even real!
I really liked the part when there as a twist on the conclusion and who the criminal was-(I will not spoil the ending). This was good because it was so unexpected it intrigued you to read more to get as many answers as the other characters wanted!
The plot was very unexpected and suspending the entire way through making you want to read onto the next page with every sentence you read! It was not however confusing and made sure that you were not unsure of what was happening or confused by any thoughts of the characters. I did like the cliff-hangers though!
I was very happy with the ending because it was not like some books where you are annoyed with how it was all unexplained. It rounded up all the loose ends that were created during the story and even left it on a suspending note which I am sure was leading on to a schedule- ( which I will defiantly be looking for)!
I really enjoyed this book because I have never read something like this and it realy opened me upu to a new genre and a new author whom I will be defiantly looking for in the future! the book also stretched me with my vocabulary which was good because it also made me always looking words up in a dictionary- which I like doing!
This was my first book out of the EBA books however I already feel this is going to be my favourate. A reaalyy good read with some thrillingly epic moments!
10/10
Grace A
The Boswells School
The Sound Of Whales is full of mystery and i have only just finished Chapter 5 and can not wait to read more!!!I think Dunny is very mysterious and interesting character that is going to have a lot of secrets.
DeleteLH King Harold Academy
I also have to say I loved the drama workshop day! the acting really let you understand the stories and get ready for the reading ahead!
ReplyDeleteGrace A
The Boswells School
I agree, however I was a little disappointed that some of the book's plots were given away...
DeleteCharlotte B
Boswells
This is a very mysterious and interesting book about Fraser. Elissa,GBHS
ReplyDeleteyeah
Deletethis book is all about a boy called Frazer who lives on an island which is not very busy and nothing much happens. but that all changes. and thing that started on the other end of the earth get frazer tangled up in something he doesn't much understand.
I rate the book 9/10
I recommend it for all who like mystery , suspence and shock!
lauren
GBHS
I completely agree with the first comment, it's a really great book. Elissa,GBHS
ReplyDeleteThis book has a mysterious beginning with a timeless feel. As the story goes along you get to know more about the characters and see things from different points of view. The characters are vivid but how they appear is left to your imagination.
ReplyDeleteThe characters are all unique and react together in different ways. And the place is remote enough for the people smuggling in the book. Kerr Thompson realistically describes the way of life and paints the image of Hayley not wanting to be there at all and being fed up with her Mom and Dad separating.
Dunny is a mysterious character at the beginning when you think he is there for variety rather than to have a large part in the story but he is a vital character and without him the story would not work otherwise.
The whales are intriguing and described well and are mesmerising and Dunny’s relationship with them is explained well. The story also has an interesting ending that everyone agrees with and the ending may even leave room for a sequel.
This is overall a unique book with a story line and is one of the best out of all of the EBA books I have read.
10/10
Matthew W. KEGS
A magical adventure story with 3 main characters; Dunny, Fraser and Hayley. The story begins when a whale is washed up after a storm and then the adventure begins...
ReplyDeleteThe mystery, characters, whales and adventure that unfolds is absolutely brilliant. I loved the way the story was written and how the reader becomes completely absorbed in this book. I just loved reading it and was so disappointed when I finished it, although I certainly was not disappointed with the ending, it was superb! I would simply describe it as magical!
Definitely my favourite book.
Mrs M - Tendring Technology College - 10/10
This is a great adventure story set on a remote Scottish Island. It is the sort of summer adventure that every child dreams of having, with an element of folk law thrown in which is so believable but could almost pass for magic. Not all the characters are as they at first seem to be and this helps to spin out the suspense wonderfully. For a story set on such a small island it manages to deal with some worldwide issues, some of which are currently in the news. A great read and worthy of its place on the EBA shortlist.
ReplyDeleteMrs Smy, Librarian, BCHS
the sound of whales was a sad but suspense was lurking on every next page it is a very good book
ReplyDeletethe sound of whales was a very sad book but it was very louring and it just made me want to read more
ReplyDeleteReece
ttc y7
looks great CAN'T wait to read it
ReplyDeleteBenji KEGS
I absolutely loved this book! I picked it up because I thought it was going to be the most boring one. But that changed after I read it. I got really excited when Fraser found Jonah because I thought of how he was going to get out without being seen! I was also really surprised when Dunny went out to sea on his own
ReplyDeleteThis book was epic! I picked it up because I thought it was going to be the most boring one. But that changed after I read it. I got really excited when Fraser found Jonah because I thought of how he was going to get out of Scotland. I was really worried when Dunny went out to be with the whales and it was really brave that Fraser went into save him! I honestly think that this book is a winner.I rate it 8/10
ReplyDeleteSummer Louise Green
Sweyne Park School
The Sound Of Whales was my final book, and I think it is as good as If You Were Me. It had a gripping plot but some parts were a bit cliche, like when Ben is the bad guy, or Hayley and Fraser fall in love, or when Dunny, the silent guy, has a mystical power. However, it was still a good read
ReplyDeleteI rate this book 8/10
William S- KEGS
I loved reading this book. I just couldn't help but read more of the book,the suspense just drew you to it. When I first picked it up I thought it would be really boring but it was the complete opposite. My favourite character is Hayley because I loved her moody teenage character.I would never of guessed that Ben was the one after Jonah. Fraser was so brave to save his brother, when he went missing. I think this book definitely could be a winner. I rate this book 8 out of 10
ReplyDeleteLucy Barnard
Boswells school
It was a very sad story of Dunny who had a special whale and when it died he was feeling more weirder than ever but when Fraser and Hayley wanted to solve the mystery Dunny forbids them and doesn't want them to solve it . This book was a favourite of mine because its a bit like a investigation to see how the man and the whale died.I would recommend this book to anyone who likes sad stories and who likes to solve investigations . But the only bad thing is that Jonah sort of drowned Fraser.
ReplyDeleteJesbin- Tendring Technology College 10/10
im pretty sure that jonah didnt drown fraser at any point
DeleteThere Was No Real Evidence That Dunny Had a Connection To The Whale, Just He Knew Something About What Was Going On
DeleteThe Sound of Whales is the first eba book that I have read this year. If I had to describe it in one word, it would definitely be mysterious. Throughout the book, there is a trail of never-ending mysteries: it even ends in a cliff hanger! Sometimes, this was frustrating. For example, I constantly had to re-read certain parts of the book very closely to find out details about the characters, and I still don't have a clear picture in my head of what any of them looked like except Ben. However, in many ways, this is a good thing. It left me to fill in the blanks, which I really enjoyed and it made me feel as though I had a role in the book. The plot was full of moments where I had no clue what was going to happen next! I always made predictions of what was to happen next (including that Jonah was a were-whale) but never got it right. This made it extra exciting when I turned the page and discovered the answers to my questions. I think Kerr Thompson is a very talented writer and I look forward to reading more of Thompson's books in the future. One thing I found a little confusing was that a few of the main characters had similar names: e.g. Willie McGreggor and Mr Wallace were one and the same in my mind, and I frequently had to remind myself of which was which. Also, Duncan and Dunny Dunbar (while it was obvious which was which) had very similar names, which confused me a little bit at first. However, as the book went on, it became increasingly clear who was who. Dunny was probably my favourite character, as he was the most mysterious of all and was a key part to the plot. As much as anyone who has finished the book might disagree with this, I think Ben was my second favourite, as he introduced a HUGE twist in the plot which made me even more stuck into the book.
ReplyDeleteIn total, it was a great book and I would gladly read it again. I felt that it got a little bit too magical by the end, but I still enjoyed it. A great book to start on, and I would recommend it to everyone.
8/10
Charlotte Baker
The Boswells School
I agree with you. I really loved the book and the plot line was excellent I agree that the plot was really twisting and unexpected in some places however I hadn't picked up on the part about the werewhale so thankyou for pointing it out for me. I also agree that the ending was a little bit too magical which did not fit with the genre of the book so I felt like the author did not know what to say anymore.
DeleteGrace Asher
Boswells
I would like to congratulate Kerr Thomson for writing a mind blowing book. The Sound of Whales is the first Essex book awards book that I have read this year. If I had to describe it in one word, it would definitely be mysterious. Throughout the book, there is a trail of never-ending mysteries: it even ends in a cliff hanger! It continuously kept me on the edge of my seat wanting more. Well done Mr Thomson.
ReplyDelete9.5/10
Gabrielle Morris DFS
*Spoiler Alert*
ReplyDeleteThis is a Rather Melancholy Story Set On A Remote Island In Scotland, The Island Of Nin. The Story Switches Between
Fraser, A Lonely Scottish Boy Looking For Adventure, And Hayley, An American Visitor Who Is Tired Of Being There. Together They Must Solve The Mystery Of A Man Washed Ashore, A Cut Body, Loads And Loads And Loads Of Whales And A Friend Who Isn't All That He Seems. Overall, This Is A Good Book With A Certain Charming Aspect, But Do Not Read This Book If You Are In A Bad Mood. On A Scale Of 1 To 10, I Give This An 8.5
Daniel, TTC (Tendring Technology College)
This is the second EBA book I read but I still think 'Car-Jacked' is the best. To be honest I found it hard to get into even what with the beginning with the person in the water. The Sound of Whales is a good book, however, especially with the dramatic ending. I think it starts to get interesting when the mysterious dead body with a cut stomach turns washed up on the shore. I rate it 8.5 out of 10.
ReplyDeleteKT, HACH
I started to read the sound of whales. At first I didn't really know what to think of it yet as got a bit further into the story line I gained a mental picture in my head and the book really started to appeal to me. I started to find the actual characters much easier to follow and the mental picture really started to progress into something much bigger. The main storyline,is about a young teenager named fraser who has taken up a job to help keep the beaches clean and a young lady called Hayley who is a foreigner. NOW HELP THEM SAVE THE WHALES! I would recommend this book to who ever loves saving things and helping out. I rate this book 9/10 Abigail TTC
ReplyDeleteI have just read this book and I love it! it is amazing and the details in the book are very interesting. The storyline was a bit boring at the start but as the story went on I couldn't put the book down. The end of the book was very dramatic but that's why I loved it! I congratulate Kerr Thompson for writing an amazing book that I thought was extraordinary. if I had to describe this book in one word it would be magical. I would rate this book 9.5/10.
ReplyDeleteI loved this book!
ReplyDeleteIt was really interesting and it gripped me throughout the entire book. I think that it will be a tough decision to choose between this book and the door that lead to where. The detail was extraordinary and the language was so lush.
My favourite part was where Hayley kissed Fraser as it was magical yet awkward. If I had to describe the book in one word it would probably be Suspenseful. I would defiantly like to congratulate Kerr Thompson on writing such an amazing book. Well done Kerr.
I would rate this book 8/10
When I picked the book The Sound of Whales to read I was one of the only people to pick that one up so I thought it was going to be boring. I'm so glad I didn't put it back down! Its one of those books where once you've started reading you don't want to put the book down, every page was interesting which made we want read on and on. Throughout the book there's suspense and adventure. I recommend this book to anyone interested in adventure and mystery. I rate this book 9/10 - Chinna DFS
ReplyDeleteThis was the best book I have read this year with a stunning plot and packed full of adventure throughout its wonderful storyline . It kept me at the edge of my seat and I couldn't put it down! I really liked how the author creating a thrilling book with a master piece of a end. well done Kerr Thomson on creating such a good novel. 10/10
ReplyDeleteGeorge DFS
I loved this book although it did take a while to get into it. I loved how the book was full of action and murder. To be honest I didn't really want to read it but gave it a go and am I happy that I did it cos it is one of the best yet so far.
ReplyDeleteEkkra Grays convent high school
I loved this book as it was full of action and murder. . My faviroute character would be Hailey as I liked her attitude and it suited he story but I found it quite surprising that ben was a smuggler not just a whale scientist.
ReplyDeleteEkkra Grays convent high school.
This book is brilliant. A heart-breaking novel with loads unexpected twists. An African man shows up on the Island of Nin and has no memory of what happened! Little boy, sea shells, whales and a whole bunch boats!
ReplyDeleteThomas, Tendring Technology College, 8/10
I loved this book! I couldn't stop reading it,it had an amazing storyline which was full of mystery. I also thought the plot-twist at the end was very clever and action thrilling. Although I thought there could've been more description of what happened to Haley's father and where he is.
ReplyDeleteKate
DFS
I give this book a 7/10 because I loved the way the author set out the story and the suspense the author created I just couldn't stop putting the book down. It was amazing?
ReplyDeleteEkkra
Grays Convent High School
The Sound of Whales is my fifth EBA book that I have read. It didn't seem particularly like my favourite genres after I read the blurb, and I probably wouldn't have normally chosen it, but I had to give it a go. To my surprise, it was actually quite good. It is well written and quite realistic, and has an intelligent plot. It doesn't have much tension, except at the very end, which is fine for this type of book.
ReplyDeleteAltogether, I thought that it was very interesting and a slow, yet readable book.
I would give it 8.5 out of 10
Adam F-KEGS
The Sound of Whales is definitely my favourite book so far. The mysterious body found on the beach, the way that Dunny can talk to whales, its a brilliant book. I would definitely advise this book to another person to read, its so mysterious...
ReplyDeleteOkay, it's Kerr Thomson here, the guy that wrote the thing!! Can I just say a great big thank you for first of all reading my book! And then for writing such terrific reviews...even those of you who weren't greatly impressed. Actually you have all been really positive about The Sound of Whales. It is really interesting to see how different people enjoy different aspects of the book. I still find it amazing every time someone I don't know reads my little old book. It is yet more thrilling when you enjoy it and for it to be getting 9 or 10 out of 10 is just the best! Keep reading and keep the reviews coming! Hopefully I'll get down to Essex soon. Kerr
ReplyDeleteI quite liked this book, it had an interesting and entertaining storyline- although slighly predictable?
ReplyDelete8/10
Molly
Plume School.
This isn't the sort of book I would usually read. Nevertheless, I found it thrilling.
ReplyDeleteEmma - Year 7 - Hockerill Anglo-European College
This book is amazing. It takes a while to get into, but it is full of adventure and is a really good read. It is quite real, and I didn't think that it was so fast paced that you couldn't understand it. It's like a mystery unravelling in front of you. I really enjoyed it.
ReplyDeleteEleanor - Year 7 - Hockerill Anglo-European College
A lovely tale of family, friendship and adventure.
ReplyDeleteThis book has a few unexpected plot twists, which kept it interesting. I thought that the ending was good and a slight cliffhanger.
The book explores themes of family and friendship and shows not to underestimate people or be prejudiced.
An exciting and interesting story.
Sophie - Year 9 - Hockerill Anglo-European College
I think this book was really good, and i really enjoyed reading it. i would reccomend this book to children. It is one of my favourite books i have read. May 10/10 plume school
ReplyDeleteThis book unlocks the hidden secrets of the Scottish Island of Nin. The complicated friendship of Texas girl Haley and Scottish boy Fraser takes you on a journey through the magic of whales. I did enjoy this book, however I did find it hard to get into the story from the beginning, however I persevered and it was an amazing read.
ReplyDeleteSophia
DFS
This book is my favourite one. It is very descriptive and I got into it straight away. This book is full of drama and twists. I would rate this book 9 out of 10! TTC Alina.
ReplyDeleteI thought that this book was very touching a young boy with a younger brother who has a connection with whales and chooses not to speak. As I read I felt all the emotions that the characters felt confusion, anger, upset. I would rate this 4 out of 6.
ReplyDeleteLillyanna TTC
Discoveries, dangers and dances; there are not many other books that have so much crammed into their pages. As someone who is particularly fond of mystery fiction, I love the way how, as the book developed, all of our questions were slowly answered.
ReplyDeleteWe follow a Scottish boy named Fraser, his brother Dunny and an American visitor called Hayley in their epic discoveries of the Scottish Island of Nin. How our thoughts were changed about the characters and the contrary of our minds opened up a world in which anything could happen; as is the world of reading.
Questions were thrown at us from the very first words; who is calling? what is Dunny doing? what had happened between Hayley's parents?
It is such a compelling story, displaying love, friendship and kindness. Ironically, it ended with a real cliff-hanger!
10/10
Jamie W
KEGS
I am currently part-way through this book and I'm not enjoying it at all. It is a moving story that may touch the hearts of other but its just not for me. I fell as if things happen too suddenly with no warning or long enough build up.
ReplyDeleteGBHS
This book is quite a cool book. It has a lot of mysteries, the one that does have me intrigued is the mystery about Jonah. But what actually happened between Hayley's parents. I do rate this as a 10/10.
ReplyDeleteRuby R
GBHS
I really enjoyed reading this book because I think that the further into the book the more exciting it gets
ReplyDeleteThis book has a very good story line, I like how it ends on a cliffhanger! I want to read on, i would prefer it if it had a bit more action in it though.
ReplyDeleteDeanna J
GBHS
Very enjoyable though a bit boring at the start. People from 11-16 would normally like this book. I wouldn't say it's more for girls or boys - it's kind of mixed.
ReplyDeleteMatthew - Year 7 - Hockerill Anglo-European College
The sound of whales. This book is astounding. It gripped me from the start and I now feel like I have a new group of friends. My favourite character in this story would be Hayley as she has been thrown around to different schools all her life and I can relate to that. This book opened a new part of me that I never knew existed. Dunnys compassion for the whales took me on a road of discovery and mystery. I would recommend this book to anyone. Dunnys relationship with the whales made me think about my animals and how I have a bond with them. This book has opened my eyes.
ReplyDeleteBCHS
Katie s 12
The Sound of Whales is your average mystery story - except that it's worse than your average mystery story. The plot was thrilling but predictable - it was obvious that Hayley and Fraser were going to fall in love. I expected a more shocking reason as to why Dunny was silent as well. However it was emotional and kept you hanging, so I didn't think it was that bad a book - just one of the worst EBA books this year.
ReplyDeleteI would rate it 6/10.
Oliver C - KEGS
I really would rate this book.it was a really good read and I enjoyed the way it swaps between the two main characters. I rate it 9/10.
ReplyDeleteTaylor-TTC
The Sound Of Whales was a very enchanting book that grabs peoples attention as soon as they hear the title. It was a mystery from the start and besides the fact that I love whales it was my favourite as well as the Crowham Martyrs.
ReplyDeleteLily-Tendering Technology College
This book is my favorite is my favorite so far and I love the characters.This book has a lot of good and unexpected twists and all of the characters have great personalities and are all different. I would rate this book 10 out of 10.
ReplyDeleteOlivia Plume school
The Sound of Whales is a brilliant book with a lot of characters that are told and half-way through the book there are so many questions: Why is Dunny always silent? What's happened to Hayley's parents? Who is the mysterious man living in the cave? Anyway, it also gives off a sense of mystery when a man is lying dead on an island and when Dunny floats to sea on a dinghy. This is one of my favourite books so far. 9/10
ReplyDeleteHarvey M - KEGS
This book is very exciting and thrilling. Its full of suspense and tension. The characters are full of surprise and you never know what they will do next. I loved the part when Fraser watched Dunny and his shells because it was with-drawing and wondering what he would do with his shells next. Dunny is me favourite character because despite him being silent he is a character who keeps us wondering and draws us into the book.
ReplyDelete-Loreena.N 12
This book (the sound of whales) is great because of all of the mysteries, plot twists and fascinating characters.
ReplyDeleteDunny is my favorite character because he is mute and this makes different and more interesting than the other characters.I love the mystery of how Dunny would turn out to be special and important.I also felt curious that Hayleys Mother might have had something to do with the people trafficking of Jonah.I thought Kerr Thomson did very well at making the importance of the shells gain on you and showing the betrayal of Ben who i did not know if he was innocent or not at the beginning of the book. I loved this book and found it very fun to read. I rate it 10/10 Rafi the Boswells school.
I think that this book was a very good book, due to the mystery and characters that you couldn't fully trust. I also enjoyed the mythical element when Fraser found out that Dunny was a gairmie and how Sarah and Hayley Risso were like strangers to the wild lands. My favourite character was Dunny as his actions intrigued me a lot.
ReplyDeleteFraser and Dunny (who chooses not to speak) are two brothers living in a small cottage near a beach. An immigrant, Jonah, is found in a cave, hiding from the people who demand a payment from him. He tells Fraser, Dunny and an American girl called Hayley whose mother is here for a book she's writing the story of his brother Solomon, who swallowed the diamond that was the payment to the people carriers. He drowned and he was cut open for the diamond.
The group realise that Ben is actually the people carrier, smuggling people from various places into Britain. This comes as a shock because Ben seemed like a good person at the start of the story. Dunny starts acing stranger than ever, raising his arms and making a low hum. Then we know that Dunny is a gairmie and that he can control whales.
8/10
Apurva T, Kegs
The Sound of Whales started by immersing us into action, which we wouldn't see much of again until towards the very end of the book. We are very quickly introduced to the main characters and we are almost instantly hit with the cliché of the socially inept "Scottish boy" and the conceited "pretty American girl". At this point the book becomes seemingly predictable; Hayley and Fraser enter a romantic relationship and Fraser's mysterious brother, Dunny, would inevitably have some sort of mystic power. This is essentially what happened.
ReplyDeleteThen we are introduced to Jonah, the African visitor, who, for some reason, Thompson clarified the reasoning behind his name with "Like the story in the Bible. Jonah and the whale" which I feel was unnecessary and unrealistic to be said, I think Thompson should have let the readers infer this on their own. This being said, I have to merit Thompson in the research he has clearly done into the background and context of the book, with specific facts mentioned and the dialect accurately portrayed (however the whale dissection was inaccurate as the whale would have exploded due to gases from decomposing, I guess Ben wasn't an amazing whale scientist after all).
So far it may seem like I am only berating this book, but these were my skeptical thoughts while reading the book and while I feel they are valid points, they can't purely be the source of this book review. Instead, as with all the arts, I should take into account my first emotions, my first feelings, my first reaction to the book.
I was gripped from beginning to end. I have read other criticisms here which say they felt the book had a slow start and I totally disagree. Hayley and Fraser were two dynamic, contrasting characters and Thompson did an amazing job in portraying them. He fully captured the sense of "teenage rebellion" while simultaneously showing the vulnerability of these fourteen year olds. Learning about Dunny's ability as a "gairme" was enthralling. There was a real progression throughout the book as we could see each of the characters develop; Ben became more jittery and lost more and more of his professionality, Dunny became more interactive, Fraser became more accepting of his brother's gift, Hayley became more "bedraggled". The plot was also engaging, touching on the issue of human trafficking but in a very childish way and purposefully avoiding the depths of that debate.
I would conclude to say that this book was very cliché, although clichés are clichés for a reason and my first reaction upon finishing the book was that I thoroughly enjoyed it, and as that was seemingly Thompson's aim, he accomplished it very well.
7/10
Jeshua, KEGS
The Sound of Whales is such a adventurous book! It is great to see the love of humans with animals. They have such a connection between each other and it was like they had known each other for a long time. I could imagine it as I read the words in the book!
ReplyDeleteI would recommend it for people who love animals and people who like adventures!
Jayani, Tendring Technology College
I read The Sound of Whales and was astonished by this heart-warming book. Over the first period of the book, I was initially a bit bored. However. I soon became intrigued by the plot of a boy with an ambition to see and sail with whales.
ReplyDeleteAlthough I didn't think I would like this book at first, and it wasn't the first one I wanted read, having nearly finished reading all the EBA books, this is the clear winner for me!
Florrie, The Sweyne Park School (Year 7)
I really liked this book. It had me gripped when the dead body was found washed up on the beach and I wanted to know who it was and how he got there. The story was told in Frazer's point of view, and he was a boy who lives on a remote Scottish island, where nothing much happens. Then Hayley arrives and then the dead body and then it all gets very interesting!
ReplyDeleteI found the characters believable, although Dunny was very strange and I found it weird how he kept disappearing.
The storyline kept me wanting to read on; I didn't want to stop.
I give this book 8/10
Annisha, The Sweyne Park School (Year 7)
This is a very interesting book and it really gripped me when there was a dead body that washed up on the beach. I never wanted to stop reading. I would give this book a 10/10. I would recommend this book to people around 11-16
ReplyDeleteSophie, Tendring Technology College
It was my favourite book so far. It was an amazing story and I would definitely read it again and again. I would rate this book 10/10
ReplyDeletesaskia
TTC
SHAMAZING
ReplyDeleteIf I'm honest, this was the book I wanted to read the least out of all the EBA books.
ReplyDeleteHowever, having now read The Sound of Whales, I can say that I did enjoy it and it deserves it's place on the shortlist.
What I enjoyed most about the book was the setting; I could easily picture the remote Scottish island's beaches and the vivid weather conditions.
The story revolves around Frazer and his strange little brother, Dunny, who was a mute. Nothing much happens to Frazer until the arrival of an American girl, Hannah and the discovery of a dead body of both a whale and a human on the beach near his home.
At this point, the story turns into more of a murder mystery which pleasantly surprised me. I was engrossed in Frazer and Hannah's search for the truth and I was shocked by who the real perpetrator was!
Dunny and his affinity with the whales added a touch of mystical fantasy to the storyline and it was Dunny, who intrigued me the most.
I really enjoyed this book, one that I wouldn't have read otherwise, and I would award it 8/10.
Molly, The Sweyne Park School (Year 7)
I thought this book had a very good description, and you could easily picture the setting.
ReplyDeleteNadine MHS
I felt that the book was not that exiting and needed some else but maybe it is just not my type of book however it is still a ok book.
ReplyDeleteL.H King Harold Academy
The Sound of Whales is a very moving book. I particularly liked the opening chapters, when he was at the back of the boat and he hears the cry for help and runs to the side of the boat. I thought the author described these bits so well, I felt like I could actually hear and see what was happening to them.
ReplyDeleteI rate this book 9/10
Neave, The Sweyne Park School (Year 7)
The Sound of Whales starts of quite slowly however, once you get through the first few chapters the action builds up. The plot has multiple twists in it and is full of surprises throughout. The characters have a very deep background and this adds to the suspense of the story. Also the characters reveal more about themselves as you read on and this makes you want to read on. Overall I would rate this book 8/10
ReplyDeleteBenjamin S. KEGS
My Book Review - The Sound Of Whales By Kerr Thomson
ReplyDeleteThis book described in three words would have certainly not be magical, wild or an adventure as written on the back of the book. What comes in mind when I think of this novel is slow moving, mystical and daring. But a total let down. This book takes a long time to become anything other then boring but when things do begin to spice up, your not disappointed. Several unexpected things which I would never associate with a book like this, (at first sight) are in this book, which people’s opinions vary on this unique interpretation of a widely known problem which our world has to deal with on a daily basis that no author who’s books I have read have used this in their work.
On a lonely Scottish island in the middle of nowhere, a dead whale and man are washed up on a beach, following a huge storm. Fraser - who is used to the same boring ways of the island and Texas born Hayley dragged to this forgotten place are managed to be pulled into matters, soon making the duo question what they have wandered into. But, Fraser’s younger sibling - Dunny is hysterical by this incident. A mute, who’s behaviour is becoming more and more out of the ordinary. The sea links all these events in more way then one. But what will happen when they find out how?
Although the book’s pace in which the events occur is incredibly slow. The clues do come together, if somewhat haphazardly, in a rather fascinating way. Though for me I certainly wouldn’t recommend this or read it again. Due to the expectations which people have nowadays, I really don’t think this matches my standards as if I wasn’t such a diligent reader. I would have surely given up on this book by the time, things actually began to become interesting, making me cling onto the pages - wondering what was going to happen next. It does have rather a lot of interesting twists and varying genres. Personally I believe that if it was worded in a different way then it could have been a bestseller. So, I was disappointed, especially by the ending, which could have been so much more then it actually was.
Overall I believe that Thomson didn’t fully explore the different levels and audiences which he could have reached out to in his book. There are so many ways that he could have appealed to the reader but I (as I reader) failed to see the true potential which The Sound of Whales has. Although, I did like the originality of the book as in it you can obviously see the background research he put into the making of this book. Which can be seen clear as day, in a wonderful revelation to the reader at the end which I won’t spoil! Overall, I believe that this book is worthy of a... 6 out of 10! This is due to his applaudable effort and the uniqueness. Though I won’t be reading this again.
By Grace Pashley - Brentwood Ursuline Convent High School
Once you've met Fraser and Hayley, that's it, you're hooked. One chapter you're bitter and angry as Hayley, next you're excited as Fraser. I felt betrayed, hurt, I cried, I was awed, I was ecstatic. There's nothing like a happy ending!
ReplyDeleteLearn what it's like to live with a brother like Dunny, and if you don't know what I mean, hurry up and read it!
Philippa Chelmsford County High School (year 8)
This is the most gripping and involving story that i have ever read. It has you trapped in the first chapter and you can hardly put it down. The writing itself can make you feel like any of the other characters and this helps you to connect and understand hem even more. I absolutely love this book and hope that anyone else that reads it will feel the same way!
ReplyDeleteHoly Simpson,year 7, Chelmsford County High School
This book is a very good book which can be promoted to everyone. It is about an American girl moving to the Scottish island of Nin. She met the Scottish boy, Fraser and his speechless brother Dunny. One day they found a survivor from Africa, Jonah. The children try to help get the African to London. In the way they discover tha Dunny is gairmie, a person who can summon whales.
ReplyDeleteThis book is very good and I was having a nice time with it. I can easily recommend this book.
Ola St Helena
This book is set on the fictional island of Nin in a town called Skulavaig and it mainly follows three characters: Hailey, an American student from Texas who is visiting as her mum is researching her new book on the island, also there are the brothers Fraser and Dunny. Fraser is a keen whale enthusiast who often goes out to sea with a Scientist, Ben. At the start of the boy Ben and Fraser are in a harsh storm and Ben is sure he has heard someone cry for help. He is also suspicious of his brother, Dunny, who doesn’t speak, as he had started to sneak out of the house and is humming peculiar songs.
ReplyDeleteThe adventure starts for Hailey and Fraser when a dead whale washes up on the beach, followed by a dead man who has been stabbed. They work together to find out what had happened and stumble upon Jonah who is a person who has be trafficked illegally as he seeks a better life away from his home.
The link to people smuggling, explored nearer the end, is an interesting and topical theme in the news at the moment. Also The Sound of Whales gave an insight into an island life. However, I found the role of Dunny in the book was predictable which slightly spoiled my enjoyment, although there was a twist which involved Hailey’s Mum which was unexpected. Throughout the book I formed questions which weren’t answered until the end and the ending was a little unclear but it still kept me engaged in the book. I would rate the book a 9/10
Lucy, HACH
This book was a great adventure story but a bit difficult to get into at the start because it started off lacking any mystery. However, it did develop further on and I liked it afterwards because the suspense got better and better. However, I gave a 3.5 because I felt it could have been better if the mystery and adventure had developed earlier on in the book and if some parts had been clearer as I felt they were slightly lacking in description.
ReplyDeleteI think a good part of the story was the 3 main characters – Hayley, Fraser and Dunny because their relationship was very interesting as it was broken at the start but developed majorly as the story continued. I particularly liked Fraser because his bond with the other two characters individually was strongest.
Overall, I found it quite hard to get into this book at the beginning but gradually started to really like it as the story unfolded.
I gave this book 3.5/5
Erfan HACH
This is the second EBA book I read but I still think 'Car-Jacked' is the best. To be honest I found it hard to get into even what with the beginning with the person in the water. The Sound of Whales is a good book, however, especially with the dramatic ending. I think it starts to get interesting when the mysterious dead body with a cut stomach turns washed up on the shore. I rate it 8.5 out of 10.
ReplyDeleteKT Harris