The Dawn of Adonis: follow-up to When the Sky Falls

By Author / Illustrator

Phil Earle

Genre

Historical Fiction

Age range(s)

Publisher

Andersen Press

ISBN

9781839134197

Format

Paperback / softback

Published

05-06-2025

Synopsis

From the bestselling author of When the Sky Falls comes the heart-wrenching story of a baby gorilla, Adonis, born into captivity, and the 12-year-old girl who risks everything to rescue him.

In 1911, before the start of World War One, London's docks thrum with underhand deals, none so great as the arrival of a valuable, rare and exotic animal - a baby silverback gorilla. The baby gorilla stands to make one man very, very rich. Heaven help anyone who gets in his way. But then one night a 12-year-old girl is unwittingly drawn into his criminal underworld. Can she find a way to escape and rescue the baby gorilla?

The hotly anticipated follow-up to the multi-award-winning story about the incredible friendship between a young boy and a silverback gorilla in the Second World War, inspired by a true story: When the Sky Falls.

'This richly atmospheric adventure . . . confirms Earle as a master of his craft' Daily Mail. 'Nobody writes striking, heartfelt adventure like Phil Earle. I loved it!' Ross Montgomery. 'It's a tremendous nail-biting read, tender and terrifying in equal measure' Jacqueline Wilson

Praise for When the Sky Falls: A magnificent story' Philip Pullman. 'Deeply felt, movingly written, a remarkable achievement' Michael Morpurgo. Perfect for fans of War Horse, I Am Rebel and The Last Bear

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Reviews

Linda

The Dawn of Adonis is the powerful prequel to the deeply moving story, When the Sky Falls. Once again this magnificent children's writer feeds the reader a rollercoaster of emotions with this emotive, nail biting read…

The novel explores the heart-wrenching story of Adonis, a rare baby silverback gorilla born into captivity, and Nettie, a brave 12-year-old girl who risks everything to save him. When Adonis is smuggled into the city as part of a shadowy underworld deal, Nettie is pulled into a web of greed, violence, and secrecy. What unfolds is a compelling rescue mission, brimming with suspense and emotional tension.

Nettie and her unlikely companion,Toff, are thrown together by circumstance, their bond deepening as they navigate the treacherous streets, shadowy alleyways and the bustling docks of Edwardian London. Their evolving friendship and character growth are one the novel’s many great strengths.

While the story is aimed for readers aged 9+, it doesn’t shy away from darker themes and intense moments. The narrative is layered, the pacing perfect, and the stakes always feel real. The Dawn of Adonis is packed with action and tension and is deeply moving, making it a captivating read for older children; a perfect book for intervention groups, book clubs or as a class read. It is a story about bravery, loyalty, and fighting for what is right.

The Dawn of Adonis is an easy recommendation, you will not be disappointed as the story will stay with you long after you have finished.

240 pages / Reviewed by Linda Brown, school librarian