Book Review: Espiridion; DOPS IV by C.S. Walkingheart

We all need somewhere to escape, somewhere we can go and let all our worries disappear. For me that place is reading, and in particular, reading the books from the “The Days of Pilothead Sound” series by C.S. Walkingheart. If you’d like to read my reviews of the first 3 books from this series the links are below:

• Book 1 Dogs of Pilothead Sound
• Book 2 The Song of Pilothead Sound
• Book 3 Night-Trails Through Pilothead Sound

In Espiridion, the fourth book of the series, we get to know more about the gents from Pilothead Sound; with some juicy secrets revealed by both Cass and Lawrie. We see the lives of them develop alongside their relationships with each other. This is, as always from C.S. Walkingheart, beautifully written and leaves you certain that you know each and every one of them on a personal level & that they are true friends of yours.

We also get to go on an Amazon adventure with Abel, who we learn a lot more about in this book than the previous 3, both in terms of his personality and his history (as well as that of his family).  The level of description used, particularly in these sections, means that you can perfectly visualise the surroundings, you can hear the noises of the Jungle and you can almost smell the South American wonderland.

There are new characters introduced in Espiridion, all of which are fabulous and fast became firm favourites of mine.

Espiridion contains twists and turns that none of us ever saw coming, with a particularly huge one concerning the lighthouse (which I would move in to tomorrow!). It is a privilege to see friendships develop, history unearthed and mysteries unravelled alongside these fabulous people.

This is the fourth book in the series so far, and it is the longest, but don’t let that put you off! Commit yourself to the story, let yourself be drawn in and I promise you it’s worth it. It’s almost the summer (despite the weather) and if you only read one book this year, let it be this one! I’d happily relax on the beach with this engrossing story any day.

C.S. Walkingheart is an incredible writer, and don’t even get me started on his beautiful illustrations which grace the pages of his books. But he has completely surpassed himself, yet again, with Espiridion. This wondrous story will make you laugh, it’ll bring tears to your eyes, and it’ll set your mind spinning!

I’d just like to share with you a favourite extract of mine, which perfectly sums up my attitude towards reading: “>> today’s bestsellers are pretty much sensationalist junk; there just aren’t any more Gone with the Winds or Grapes of Wraths or even any more Sounds of Musics; these days the things that sell best are quick-reads, ‘cuz people just won’t sit still long enough to get through quality literature.”

I cannot recommend Espiridion to you enough, in fact buy all of them, start your way at the beginning and work your way through, it’s the perfect summer project! You won’t regret it, that I can guarantee.

You can buy Espiridion (and the other books in the series) from Amazon.co.uk.

Here’s a final extract from the book, which really hit a chord with me, we’ve all loved and lost but it’s not the end: “Love remains, timeless and eternal, until all that is lost is once more renewed, when the cycle of its time and season comes around again.”

Stay safe lovelies, and please buy this book! x