Pax, Journey Home

A year has passed since Peter parted from Pax and although each has moved on with their lives, neither has forgotten the other. Now living with Vola, Peter has built his own cabin and plans to join the Junior Water Warriors, but he is deeply scarred by the loss of his parents and his separation from Pax. Pax is now living in the wild where he and his mate, Bristle, have three kits- two male and one female.

Although he often thinks of his previous life, his family are the focus of his care and attention. But when the little female falls ill, Pax turns to the one human he trusts to help. Told from alternating viewpoints, this is a powerful and emotive story, exploring love, loss and self-forgiveness.

Loss and guilt have taken their toll on Peter, who has actively hardened his heart against any who might cause him further pain and is preparing to live away from others. He regularly forces himself to reimagine the scene of his discovery of Pax where he ends the kit’s life instead of rescuing it, forming the deep bond which now causes him so much pain. However, his interactions with Jade and Samuel, members of the Water Warriors movement, start to find chinks in his self-imposed armour and the healing power of love and nature start to work.

Pax: Journey Home also has a strong environmental theme with the negative impact of war and humans on the nature constantly explored. The countryside gas been decimated and the water poisoned with devastating effects on wildlife. Pax’s own kit is a victim of drinking this. A deeply poignant, unforgettable story. I am not ashamed to say I cried.

256 pages / Reviewed by Sue Wilsher

Suggested Reading Age 11+