Scottish Book of the Week: Journey to the Comet

For this week’s instalment of reading my way around Scotland through children’s books, we are back in Edinburgh with Journey to the Comet – A fantastical adventure, by Simon Madine. For full disclosure, the author is my husband, but all views of the book are my own.

Book Details

Title: Journey to the Comet – A fantastical adventure
Author: Simon Madine
Genre: Historical Sci-fi Adventure
Recommended reading age: 12+

Scottish Setting

Where in Scotland is it set? The first third of the book is set in Edinburgh, before the story moves to Iceland and then into space. The story ends again in Edinburgh. Well-known local landmarks mentioned include Blackford Hill and the Royal Observatory, Holyrood Palace and Holyrood Park, Arthur’s Seat and The Crags, Dunsapie Loch and Leith Harbour. Those familiar with Edinburgh will also recognise place names such as Queen Street, Princes Street, Newington and Stockbridge.

“As I entered Holyrood Park which surrounds Arthur’s Seat, I saw a tall silhouette make his way up the path that came around The Crags from the direction of Holyrood Palace.”

Plot Summary

Journey to the Comet is set in 1904 and follows young astronomer Nathaniel Malmborough, who discovers that a comet believed to be on a collision course with Earth may not be quite what it seems. His investigations lead him to the eccentric explorer Sir A. Armstrong Armitage and an extraordinary plan to travel to the comet itself. What follows is a classic adventure involving ingenious inventions, scientific discoveries, unexpected dangers and a little sabotage. Told through Nathaniel’s journal, the story has a wonderfully old-fashioned adventure feel, while still offering plenty of excitement for modern readers.

“The reason I came here today was not to debate this matter, it was to propose a scientific expedition. Me, my crew and a couple of willing science adventurers in a ship. Into space. Onto the comet. Who’s for it?”

Conclusion

I really enjoyed Journey to the Comet (and I’m not just saying that because I’m married to the author!) It has a distinctly Jules Verne feel to it, particularly in the way the science and technology are presented: completely fantastical, but explained with enough confidence and apparent logic that you find yourself thinking, ‘actually, perhaps this could work’. Combined with the adventure, humour and vividly imagined setting, it makes for a fun and imaginative read. I’d recommend it to readers who enjoy classic adventure stories, particularly those with a love of science, invention and exploring the unknown.

Journey to the Comet is available as an eBook from uk.bookshop.org (Affiliate Link), or you can order printed copies from Amazon (Affiliate Link) or through your favourite indie bookshop.