Grimsdon

Grimsdon

Grimsdon is in ruins.

Three years ago a massive wave broke its barriers and the sea flooded this grand city. Most were saved, others were lost and some were left behind.

Isabella Charm and her best friend, Griffin, live with three other children in the top of an opulent mansion. They've survived with the help of Griffin's brilliant inventions, Isabella's survival skills and their vow to look after each other.

But what will happen when a thrill-seeking newcomer arrives in his flying machine? When bounty hunters attempt to capture them? When Byron P. Sneddon, the self-appointed protector of the flooded harbour, demands obedience?

What if the danger is even greater? Something they can't see coming - something below the floodwaters?

Review: Grimsdon is the perfect story for all young adults; it is fast paced and easy to follow and the main characters are relatable yet, inspiring, for all readers.

Grimsdon is a fascinating town partly flooded after a disastrous tsunami. A group of five find shelter in a mansion after Grimsdon is flooded; they survive with soft-hearted knowledge from intellectual Griffin and his inventions and Isabella's strong fighting skills. That is until charming Xavier Stone arrives wowing all, but Griffin, with his home-made flying machine and promises of exciting adventures.

Xavier claims that he wants to join the group of five, because he is lonely after his parents died in the floods. After a vote, Xavier joins the group and the cheeky mysteries begin.

The themes of Grimsdon include important global issues of climate change and recurring themes of loss, friendship and love with the added touch of irritating adults. Grimsdon tells a fun and interesting tale of suspense and adventure that begins from the opening line. - Brooke Hunter

When Deborah Abela was young, she spent her time imagining she was on great adventures all over the world. When she grew older, she went on them for real. She slept beside alligators in Zaire, sailed down Venetian canals and was thrown in jail by heavily armed men in Nigeria before bribing her way out. After three years she came home and worked in kids' TV at Network Ten for seven years before leaving to write novels about a girl who goes on adventures all over the world. Deb is the author of the Max Remy Superspy and Jasper Zammit (Soccer Legend) series. Her latest book is The Remarkable Secret of Aurelie Bonhoffen.

Grimsdon
Random House Australia
Author: Deborah Abela
ISBN: 9781741663723
RRP: $16.99

Interview with Deborah Abela

Question: How did you come up with the idea of Grimsdon?

Deborah Abela: I became really furious about how governments all around the world were doing very about climate change....some of them even denied it was happening! I thought, what if scientists warned a big city like Grimsdon that they had to do more to help the planet but the government refused to listen and something happened to change that city forever.


Question: There are several issues raised in this book, such as climate change, loss and friendship. Was this deliberate or did the story evolve this way?

Deborah Abela: Friendship is always important in my books and in this one, friendship and loss are crucial. What if we lost something we really cared about...how would we cope and what would we do to survive.....the kids left behind in Grimsdon have lost their homes and their families but what they have is each other, like a new family, and they'll do anything to protect that, including fighting evil harbour lords and sea monsters.


Question: How did you ensure that the main characters, in Grimsdon, were relatable for all readers?

Deborah Abela: I wanted characters that care about each other and the planet. I wanted them to be curious and intelligent, like so many kids are, but also to feel sadness and fear, even when they most want to be brave.


Question: Are the characters based on anyone you know?

Deborah Abela: The main character, Isabella Charm, is based on a wonderful girl called Edyn Fawcett. When I met Edyn a few years ago, Isabella was only just starting to form in my mind. After becoming very good friends, I realised Edyn was one of the bravest people I knew and so caring about other people. She was also very sick but never once complained. Edyn passed away earlier this year and never got to read the final copy, but Isabella is every ounce as brave and graceful and protective and wonderful as Edyn.


Question: Which of the children in the book do you like the most? Which one is most like you?

Deborah Abela: I love Isabella because she reminds me of Edyn but I also love her best friend Griffin who is shy, incredibly smart and also has a huge crush on Isabella but is too afraid to let her know it. Ohhhh most like me? I have to say bit of Isabella. But not the sword-fighting bits.