Praise for Dogs of the Deadlands:
'This wonderful novel deserves to receive the literary equivalent of the starlight barking to ensure its read by all.' The Times
'This book! It broke my heart and then splintered it back together again. Imagine Watership Down meets The Animals of Farthing Wood but fiercer.' Hannah Gold, author of The Last Bear
'A multilayered tale of loss and renewal with elements both topical and universal. Kirkus Reviews 'This book is special. Its far from a difficult read, yet at the same time it is deeply profound. It is about many things; survival, friendship, abandonment, disability and love. It speaks of a deep affection for the natural world whilst recognising its uncompromising cruelty. Only a truly great storyteller could write this book and Tony McGowan is the finest one we have.' Phil Earle 'Birdlands is Anthony McGowan at his best: warm, funny, pacy, and immaculately written. I loved it.' Sarah Crossan 'I literally fell in love with this book! It reminded me of the classic animal tales I adored as a child ... Birdlands had me utterly in thrall and I was completely in love with Beaky, Herman and Pidge, who will stay long in my heart. Just the most beautiful, extraordinary book by a writer who just seems to get better and better!' Catherine Bruton 'Birdlands is an exquisitely written novel from one of our finest writers - a story of humour and tenderness, threaded with hope and the fierce instinct to survive. Think The Incredible Journey, but with birds.' Hannah Gold 'In Birdlands, McGowans deft characterisation, empathic animal portrayal, and trademark humour create an outstanding story for young readers. Beaky, Pidge and Hermans journey is unforgettable, not only in the obstacles they face, but for its quiet insistence on the value of all creatures, however small.' Gita Ralleigh 'In this beautifully simple tale about three struggling wild birds Tony McGowan has given us a story for our troubled times that is filled equally with joy, sorrow and hope.' Mark Cocker 'Wonderful storytelling, unforgettable characters, high adventure and a depth of emotion which all add up and make it impossible to quit reading. But what else do you expect from a writer as extraordinary as Anthony McGowan? Book of the Year!' Keith Gray 'One of the best animal stories you are likely to read for a very long time - thrillingly red in beak and claw, with not a trace of sentimentality and yet radiant with heart, hope and joy ... its unbending admiration at the will to survive against all the odds, the whole miraculous wonder and mystery of nature [ is] brought out so finely through the single journey of three brave birds that you will never ever forget.' Piers Torday
