Blog Tour: Eren by Simon P. Clark

Title: Eren

Author: Simon P Clark
Series:  n/a
Pages:  208
Publisher: Constable & Robinson
Date of Publication: 18th September, 2014
Source: Publisher for review*
Synopsis from Goodreads: People are keeping secrets from Oli - about where his father is, and why he hasn't come to join them at his uncle's house in the country.

But Oli has secrets too.

He knows what lives in the attic. Eren - part monster, part dream, part myth. Eren who always seems so interested, who always wants to hear more about Oli's life. Eren, who needs to hear stories to live, and will take them from Oli, no matter the cost.

My Thoughts:
I purposely did not read up about Eren before I started reading it, in order to avoid any preconceptions or expectations. I went in to the novel knowing very little, just knowing that it was a story about stories. I think that this made the book better for me - I enjoyed the mystery and the intrigue, so to keep that for you I won't say too much.

Oli has left his house in London with his mum, to live with his uncle in the countryside. The reasons for this are kept secret from him, but he's a smart kid - he knows there's something fishy going on with his dad, but frustratingly, no one will tell him anything. However, his family is not the only one who's keeping secrets. Oli has one of his own - Eren.

I enjoyed reading about Eren. Having finished the novel I'm still not entirely sure what Eren is - the novel is quite ambiguous, not gonna lie (so sorry if this doesn't make any sense!). I liked the mystery and hint of menace that surrounded him, and it was really interesting to read through the story and try to work him out. At the beginning of each chapter there's a small section where Oli and Eren are talking about telling stories and these bits, while perhaps a little abstract, were very engaging.

The rest of the chapters were Oli telling the story of his new life in the countryside, with his new friends Emma and Takeru, and his family. I liked the bits with Em and Tak most, when they were playing in the orchard and harvesting the apples, or telling stories and running through the woods. His home life I found to be a little tiresome because his mum refused to tell him anything and I think that they made quite a big deal of the whole dad thing when it was actually quite predictable and not overly interesting. It was a catalyst for them to move house to the country but storywise it didn't add that much - I was much more interested in Eren and the stories.

Overall though, Eren was an enjoyable read. I think it's best aimed at younger readers, however it's still good for a few hours relaxation on a Sunday afternoon, no matter your age. If you're in the mood for something mysterious and something just that little bit different, then this is the book for you.

*Huge thanks to Constable and Robinson for sending me this in exchange for an honest review! In no way has this affected my opinion of the novel.

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