When Alun Davies created Barry the Spider, he immediately knew he’d crafted something unconventional. After all, how many times does young adult fiction manage to embroil the reader in the world of Spiders through a remarkable and compelling adventure?
But that’s what ‘Barry and The Chronicles’ and ‘Barry and 4 Part 2's’ are all about.
Synopses
‘Barry and The Chronicles’ - Barry encounters an evil force of Witches intent on capturing the minds of young children with a view to making themselves more and more powerful. Barry finds other Spiders along the way to help him stop their plans and together they battle for the upper hand.
Throughout the story there are constant references to The Spider Chronicles because it is a book of instruction, philosophy and meaning whose teachings are to be both followed and believed if good is to prevail over evil. Readers of all ages will discover many messages as the plot unfolds.
The way Barry's life evolves is quickly read but hard to forget; there are many threads to follow and weave. The story could stay with you for years to come.
‘Barry and 4 Part 2's’ - This book has 4 short stories from the early life of Barry the Spider. They are separate but connected if the connections are recognised; the reader can decide what is to be discovered. Each story is set at a time when Barry was starting to realise that special things are possible and he could help make them happen, but even he had no idea of the part he was destined to play in the lives of so many others. That particular story is recorded elsewhere.
If Barry has a lesson to teach us it would be to understand the significance of our surroundings, but that is only possible by recognising that some tasks are never completed. Each of the tales relating to Barry can help you to see the space others have created for your mind to occupy.
The first story describes a game you cannot play, the second takes you on a journey, the third introduces you to a language and the fourth begins a search that may never end, time will tell.
“I initially wrote the first book for friends and family, who then persuaded me to have it published,” explains the author. “I was asked if there were any more stories, and there are many from the early years of Barry’s life before The Chronicles begin. I have now published 4 of those but already there is a demand for more. When I am asked what I hoped these books will achieve I explain that within them are mysteries which are so subtle they can easily pass you by but, as an example, alongside everything else going on, the first book uses one word once- what is it? There is no need to guess, follow the clues- if you want and if you can. Chapter 1 of The Chronicles has been animated- you can find it easily on You Tube. It may persuade you to learn more, or perhaps persuade you otherwise. Your choice, but again through demand I may release The Magic Song because I’m constantly being told it should be more widely heard. The animation keeps it private between you and your imagination, yet the reality exists.”
Reviews have been outstanding. Donna writes, “This is a really fun story! It flows very well it is easy to follow and understand and has some great characters and Barry has even partially converted me from my hatred of spiders! The pace is spot on for the story and overall this is such a great concept and it is really well executed, the narrator used to tell the story is great and it gives the whole thing an added lift. I can definitely see this one becoming a firm favourite that is read time and time again. Four stars from me - it was a genuine pleasure to read and I highly recommend it!”
Another adds, “This book is a charming tale of a spider who battles the forces of the evil witches, with the help of other spiders. It is told in a way that challenges the young reader to delve into the messages within the story, of what it takes to be brave and stand up for others. Overall I enjoyed the story, which was told in a way most young readers could follow. It has grand themes which will excite them and a hero who is brave and determined, without using language they may struggle to read. I like Barry and I think young readers will to, because he is simply made of the stuff that heroes are made of, bravery and a sense of adventure.”
One critic loved the relationship between the spiders and witches, writing, “The whole spiders vs. witches aspect of the over-arching story is definitely a fun spin. Witches are so commonly used in British literature it sometimes feels overdone, but it is nice that this one focuses more on the spiders as a foil to witches as opposed to an aid (the two of them often being connected as allies in a Halloween-esque sense). Barry is a delightful main character as a young spider who learns early on he has powers and, in a paladin-ish way, feels compelled to act on them and use them to help his community (that begins with his people-family & the creatures in his home and rapidly expands to include all of spiderkind and beyond).”
Both volumes are available now:
‘Barry and The Chronicles’ - https://amzn.to/3aTB09c
‘Barry and 4 Part 2'S´- https://amzn.to/2ZNt8zS.
About the Author:
Alun Davies grew up in the valleys of South Wales. He has worked as a submarine cleaner, a civil servant and a consultant on international trade before forming his own business advising many of the largest companies in the world on imports/exports. Now retired he has the time to spend on his hobbies of writing words and music.
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