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Little White Hands (Garlan Greatheart Book 1) Kindle Edition

4.5 out of 5 stars 42 ratings

Almost five hundred years have passed since the Seasons were at war. Half a millennium since Winter defied Spring, and lost. Generations have come and gone, not knowing the bitter freeze and howling snows of Winter ever existed. But now, after centuries of silence, the participants in this ancient struggle have resurfaced and reignited their feud on the doorstep of an unassuming little kitchen boy. Garlan’s dreams of being just like the knights he idolizes may not be as impossible as he has always been led to believe, when he is chased from his home and thrust headlong into the kind of adventure he had only ever read about in books. Setting out on a journey that spans the entire kingdom of Faeland, Garlan will traverse impossible mountains and stormy seas and battle terrible monsters, all to keep the world he knows safe from an enemy who will stop at nothing to bring about a never-ending winter. With a cast of fantastical characters to aid him in his quest, can Garlan overcome his self-doubt and find the courage he needs to rise above his humble station and become the hero he always dreamed of being? The fate of the world rests in his hands.

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Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B08Z6RKYF9
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Independently published
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ May 1, 2021
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 6.1 MB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 341 pages
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Book 1 of 2 ‏ : ‎ Garlan Greatheart
  • Reading age ‏ : ‎ 10 - 18 years
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.5 out of 5 stars 42 ratings

About the author

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Mark Cushen
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Mark Cushen has loved the fantasy genre since he accidentally stumbled onto Ray Harryhausen’s stop-motion masterpiece, “Jason and the Argonauts”, while channel-hopping one Christmas-time Saturday afternoon, somewhere between the ages of 5 and 8.

Ever since then he has been obsessed with sword-wielding heroes battling monsters in fantastical lands, and now, after spending a few years writing his own Goosebumps fan-fiction as a child, he is attempting to create such stories of his own.

When he is not working his day job or sitting at his desk (ok, on the couch) writing, he can usually be found walking through the woods, either listening to a podcast about an obscure subject or the OST of The Last Samurai on repeat.

Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
42 global ratings

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Fairytale fantasy
4 out of 5 stars
Fairytale fantasy
I received a copy to review for BBNYA, and my review has been withheld until after the competition ended. I also grabbed a paperback copy, as I prefer to read physical. And what a beautiful cover. This is a fun mix of elemental-esque magics, as the seasons are at war with winter. The big bad is so bad that he is locked away and still posing problems. One of the most enjoyable things, is that while the stakes are high, world-endingly so, the entrance of our de facto hero is in the king’s kitchens as a lowly kitchen boy. He does desire to be a knight, but he’s just a boy. One with nearly no experiences in life. Through the novel, the author shows Garlan as he leanrs, experiences, and grows. He has to experience danger, loss, near-death activities (several times), and even new friendships. He is not infallible, nor is he invincible, he feels both real and knightly. Although the ending does really deliver on the whole battling seasons plot line, I did find some of the other stops/action sequences to feel a bit uninvolved. They served the purpose of teaching Garlan, but at the same time didn’t always tie back to winter. Personally a 4/5* for me. As this is more so whimsical than many other fantasies, as well as featuring such a young protagonist, the fairytale-esque style of storytelling did make this read a little overlong for me.
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on July 1, 2023
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    Although I know this is intended for children/young adults, I was so enchanted with this story I've already ordered the next one in the series lol.
    It's been nearly 500 years since the war of the High Seasons, when the Lord Winter decided not to return to the Season Tree, thereby keeping the world in Winter indefinitely. Although Lord Winter lost the battle, and has been entombed for half a millennia, Winter has once again reared it's icy head after an attack on the farm where the High Seasons pass their designated time on earth. When a knight dies in the arms of an eleven year old kitchen boy, he is set on a quest to notify the other High Seasons of the attack, and the possible release of Lord Winter....to prevent another war that could potentially destroy the earth. And so begins a quest of epic proportions that will change his life forever.
    The book has everything! Floating heads and talking animals, mages and fairies and goblins and slithering serpents in the deep. It has evil witches and enchanted forests, specters that teach life lessons, pirates, and a catfish the size of a dragon! Through all his trials and travels, little Galen makes new friends, faces hardships he never dreamed could exist, and learns not only what he's made of, but what kind of person he wants to be.
    Absolutely wonderful book! One of the sweetest MC's I've ever read, but with enough action and drama to keep even me on the edge of my seat lol. Highly recommend it!
    One person found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on March 17, 2022
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    This was cosy read for me. It reads like middlegrade (although, some scenes are darker in tone).

    I enjoyed reading it, but didn't end up loving it.
    One person found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on June 30, 2023
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Initially, I was drawn to this book by the cover. Once I started reading, the story really got me hooked! The descriptions and imaginative world took me to a different place. The main character is lovable and easy to root for, as were his companions. The pacing was slow enough to build a rapport with the characters but fast enough to prevent it from "dragging."

    I hope some "minor" cast members (the scarecrow, the Highlander, and others) make an appearance in the next book! If I had to be nitpicky, I would say the only thing I did not enjoy was the seemingly huge power-balance difference between the four seasons (one appearing to be a HUGE force of destruction, two appearing to have 1/3 of his power, and one appearing to have no power at all).
    However, we might get a glimpse into more powers of some of the seasons (again, this is being super nitpicky. I loved the book). Well done, Mr. Cushen!
  • Reviewed in the United States on August 24, 2024
    Format: Kindle
    Thank you to Mark Cushen for providing me with a copy of this book! I voluntarily leave this review!

    Over the roaring flame of the hearth and bubbling food pots in the palace kitchen, Garlan dreams of becoming a knight. Despite the harsh words of others, he continues to train with his wooden sword, unwilling to give up his dream. When an injured man stumbles into town warning of future disaster at the hands of Winter, Garlan is unknowingly caught up in a quest. Lord Winter, sealed away after the war between seasons, seeks to return and plunge the world into a forever winter. Standing between him and success is Garlan.

    What can one kitchen boy do to protect the world? Everything within his power to make sure those he loves are safe. Garlan is kind and has a big heart, but his journey will be riddled with challenges and hardship. There are times when the odds will be stacked against him allowing guilt and self-doubt to creep in. But the friends he meets along the way will stand by his side when able, and encourage him to continue.

    As Garlan and his friends forge their paths forward, readers will be entertained by the creative settings and encounters. From meeting small fae and their colorful forest guardians to fighting those who would turn Garlan into stew, there are so many delightful and startling experiences in store.

    Little White Hands is a wonderful novel for mid-grade readers interested in adventure and fantasy settings. The conflicts throughout the book are exciting and tailored for a younger audience, yet adults will also find this a joy to read. Not to mention the themes of friendship and never giving up resonate within the writing.

Top reviews from other countries

  • kindle customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Absolutely fantastic
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on June 5, 2024
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    There are so many things I loved about this book.

    The two that jumped out were the characters and the world. Both were well written and had so much depth. I found myself more invested in the character's journey than the actual story. Garlan's path to find his bravery and courage was definitely a highlight.

    The fight between him and the antagonist has one of the best lines in a book. One of those classic moments that is perfectly set up throughout the story.

    It was truly a fantastical adventure. I can easily imagine this being a film. A tale for both old and young.

    Highly recommend it. Already picked up book 2 and will be reading it straight after this review.
  • Eve
    4.0 out of 5 stars Enjoyable read
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 12, 2021
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    I’d recommend this book to any fantasy/YA fantasy fans. Hopefully the beginning of Garlan’s adventures as I’ve become invested in what will become of him.
    I felt it had strong world-building and descriptions throughout that painted vivid pictures of what was happening in the book - I felt this particularly in the sea voyage.
    All in all an enjoyable read with little to fault it.
  • James Gilmartin
    5.0 out of 5 stars A fun read for all ages
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 27, 2021
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    A very gripping tale filled with adventures, suspence and emotion.
    There is no holding back on the descriptions of many events in the story, which create brilliant imagery whether violent or otherwise, and many of the characters remind me of other fictional characters in some ways, but all with their own unique peersonas at the same time.
    A very warm read which gets better by the chapter.

    Really enjoyed this and can't wait to see what the future holds for Garlan.

    Would make an excellent gift to anyone who enjoys a good fantasy slasher.
  • Jacqueline h mchugh
    5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful Read
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 10, 2021
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    What a magical, mystical exciting read.

    I loved it and adored the characters. The imagery conjured up in my mind took me right into the book with the characters, I could see what they looked like, see what they saw and felt how they felt. I got excited, felt the tension and I may have even shed a tear of joy! Characters had development and a story to tell and I hope to find out more about Garlan and his adventures!

    If you love all this magical, Faeries, monsters and wizards with adventure packed in... This is for you!
  • Roxy Eloise
    5.0 out of 5 stars A perfect gift and a perfect introduction to books for a new reader.
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 1, 2021
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    A coming-of-age adventure fantasy novel about a young boy who always dreamed of becoming a knight. But it is so much more. It is beautifully imaginative, and the descriptions transport you right into their world. In one particular scene, I pictured a large tree, until Mark Cushen’s detailed description transported me into the pages until I was standing under the overgrown roots of a gigantic majestic tree. I absolutely loved the Dryads, and I could read this section over and over again.

    Who SHOULD read it?
    Young readers who love adventures, fantasy, and unusual characters.

    Who SHOULDN’T read it?
    With the majority of characters being male, anyone looking for a feminine read with a romance. But you will love the romantical realm of the dryads.

    Roxy Eloise’s added insight:
    This is the most perfect gift for a new reader. It’s imaginative and a brilliant introduction to books and how reading is so much more immersive than watching TV.

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