Rating: 
Summary: Great read.....(I read the Starscape young adult version)
Review: Obernewtyn is the first in a series of books written by award-winning Australian writer Isobelle Carmody. It is a postapocalyptic story set on an earth in which many children are born with enhanced mental abilities.
Those with these abilities are termed Misfits and are sought for either extermination or service in Obernewtyn. The story follows Elspeth Gordie, a young girl with the gift to read minds and communicate with animals. Discovery of her powers by members of the Council lead to banishment to Obernewtyn where Elspeth must learn to control her powers in order to save her friends, and herself, from the evil being wrought there.
Ms. Carmody's books have just recently made their way across the shores and are among a number of books that are following a recent trend: being printed unabridged in both children's and adult versions. My initial impression was that the book was slow but by the time I finished the first chapter I was really into the story and finished the book in a day. The story moves along at a pace that keeps you interested in what is about to happen without being overwhelming. Ms. Carmody allows the reader to get to know her characters in such a way that you are interested in their respective fates. This is an appropriate story for children aged 10 and above but is by no means a "kid's" story. I believe that the success of the Harry Potter novels has encouraged publishers to market books like the Obernewtyn Chronicles to children as well as adults. I would give the book 4 and 1/2 out of 5 stars...
Rating: 
Summary: A Gulag of Misfits
Review: Obernewtyn is the first novel in the Obernewtyn series. Death fell from the skies during the Great White, leaving lingering radiation and chemical destruction over much of the land. During the Age of Chaos, those fortunate enough to live on untainted land ruthlessly slaughtered refugees who poured from the cities. Thereafter, mutations among men and beast were frequent, so the Council decreed that any who born with abnormalities were to be burned. The Herder Faction, a fledging religious order who worshipped Lud, were appointed to perform the burnings. Gradually the law and dogma fused to condemn all technology other than simple farm implements. Later the Herder Faction announced that some mental aberrations did not show at birth, but manifested later. These mutants were called Misfits.In this novel, Elspeth Gordie is a Misfit who has been raised in orphanages following the execution of her parents for Sedition. Now she and her brother, Jes, are residents of the Kinraide orphan home. Jes has just become a Herder assistant and wants to advance in the Herder Faction, but this career would be ruined if she is accused of being a Misfit. She cannot have any friends, due to the danger to herself and them, except Maruman, the mutant cat. Maruman has visions, once telling her that the mountains will call for her. Another time he confessed that a Guanette bird had told him that his destiny was twinned with hers. For the rest of the time he was haughty, conceited, full of opinions about everything. Maruman was instrumental in discovering the extent of her telepathic powers; one day she scared away a bird that Maruman was stalking and Maruman said a rude comment into her mind and she responded in kind. Every since then, she has been bonded with Maruman. Maruman predicted that a "darkOne" would come from the mountains seeking her. Elspeth knew the mountains meant Obernewtyn, the most remote work farm. An ancient institution in the Western Mountains, Obernewtyn accepted only the worst afflicted of the Misfits and those Misfits sent there were never heard of again. The Obernewtyn keeper arrived three days later. Madame Vega detects some small part of Elspeth's ability, but that is enough to send her to Obernewtyn. There she meets other Misfits, the working staff, and the supervising triumvirate: Alexi, Ariel, and Madame Vega. Later, she meets the nominal director, Doctor Seraphim. This post-apocalyptic novel is much like Norton's The Stars Are Ours in several respects, including theocratic restrictions by the government and underground resistance to those repressions. Moreover, there is the element of hope at the end. Subsequent volumes in this series further develop the mental powers aspect as well as the the role of the mutated animals. Recommended for Norton fans and anyone who enjoys a well-crafted novel of suspense and adventure in a SF setting.
Rating:
Summary: A Gulag of Misfits
Review: Obernewtyn is the first novel in the Obernewtyn series. Death fell from the skies during the Great White, leaving lingering radiation and chemical destruction over much of the land. During the Age of Chaos, those fortunate enough to live on untainted land ruthlessly slaughtered refugees who poured from the cities. Thereafter, mutations among men and beast were frequent, so the Council decreed that any who born with abnormalities were to be burned. The Herder Faction, a fledging religious order who worshipped Lud, were appointed to perform the burnings. Gradually the law and dogma fused to condemn all technology other than simple farm implements. Later the Herder Faction announced that some mental aberrations did not show at birth, but manifested later. These mutants were called Misfits. In this novel, Elspeth Gordie is a Misfit who has been raised in orphanages following the execution of her parents for Sedition. Now she and her brother, Jes, are residents of the Kinraide orphan home. Jes has just become a Herder assistant and wants to advance in the Herder Faction, but this career would be ruined if she is accused of being a Misfit. She cannot have any friends, due to the danger to herself and them, except Maruman, the mutant cat. Maruman has visions, once telling her that the mountains will call for her. Another time he confessed that a Guanette bird had told him that his destiny was twinned with hers. For the rest of the time he was haughty, conceited, full of opinions about everything. Maruman was instrumental in discovering the extent of her telepathic powers; one day she scared away a bird that Maruman was stalking and Maruman said a rude comment into her mind and she responded in kind. Every since then, she has been bonded with Maruman. Maruman predicted that a "darkOne" would come from the mountains seeking her. Elspeth knew the mountains meant Obernewtyn, the most remote work farm. An ancient institution in the Western Mountains, Obernewtyn accepted only the worst afflicted of the Misfits and those Misfits sent there were never heard of again. The Obernewtyn keeper arrived three days later. Madame Vega detects some small part of Elspeth's ability, but that is enough to send her to Obernewtyn. There she meets other Misfits, the working staff, and the supervising triumvirate: Alexi, Ariel, and Madame Vega. Later, she meets the nominal director, Doctor Seraphim. This post-apocalyptic novel is much like Norton's The Stars Are Ours in several respects, including theocratic restrictions by the government and underground resistance to those repressions. Moreover, there is the element of hope at the end. Subsequent volumes in this series further develop the mental powers aspect as well as the the role of the mutated animals. Recommended for Norton fans and anyone who enjoys a well-crafted novel of suspense and adventure in a SF setting.
Rating:
Summary: a woderful book
Review: Obernewtyn is the start of a fantstic series by Isobelle Carmody. The theme and setting of the book is original and thought provoking. The characters have depth about them and are not usually what they seem. Elspeth (the main character) does not reveal much about herself in this book, but she does when she is older in the following books.
If you like Obernewtyn you will love the next three books in the series. This is because the other books are better written as Isobelle Carmody stared writing this book when she was 14. However, it is a great start to a fantastic series. Please read it as it will change your life!
Rating:
Summary: Hooray for Carmody!!!
Review: One of my friends recommended this book to me when I was 13, and I have always been grateful. I hope I can do the same for you!! I had never really liked fantasy before I read 'Obernewtyn', but that soon changed! Carmody's main character, Elspeth is wonderful -strong, intelligent and intriguing. The dark world that Carmody creates is hard to be drawn out of and I read the entire book in about a week!! Apart from being the beginnings of an excellent story, 'Obernewtyn' also addresses important issues present in our world. Predjudice, the building, usage and testing of nuclear weapons, and corruption among the establishment are shown from a most terrible perspective. I'm not certain anyone who has read this book could refuse the Tokoyo Protocol, or advocate the development of weapons of mass destruction.
Carmody's books have been a wonderful part of Australian literature for years. I'm glad that her books have finally been opened to an international audience.
Rating:
Summary: Obernewtyn
Review: This book drew me into a whole different world where I could walk the roads Elspeth walked. When I pick up this book I'm escaping reality and embracing fantasy. Thank You Carmody for
the help.
Rating:
Summary: THIS IS THE BEST BOOK I HAVE EVER READ YOU MUST READ IT!!!!!
Review: This book is the greatest!!! I have read all Isobelle Carmody's books and she is my favourite author!! Obernewtyn is a fantasy a sci-fi and a mystery all in one. It tells a story of a girl, Elspeth with amazing abilites she can telepath kind of stuff etc. She lives in possibly a futre world after a great disaster were tales of the cruel old world excist and people are confused. Magic lurks around the corners but the rulers punish or even kill people who perform unusual or different things. Elspeth is at the equivalent of an orphanage where she tells no one of her amazing powers except her brother and her cat Maruman (who she can speak to). One day her world is changed when she goes to Obernewtyn where people like her are being experimented on but she and her new found friends change Obernewtyn for the better. A wonderful book for 12 to whatever age (my mum is reading it)or people younger who like good books and are good readers! Read the other books in the series and Darkfall, Scatterlings and the Gathering. If you do not read this book you have certainly missed out on a thrilling expierience.
Rating:
Summary: Obsolutely Amazing!
Review: This book most cetainly was the best book i have ever read i i do hope that u read it! If you are the person who love fantasy/sci fi, then this is the book for you!
The beginning of this book has a bewitching atmosphere, which definetly sets the pace, and enexpected events that Elspeth Gordie has to confornt and tackle, and the fate mysterious fate she must walk!
It also arised thoughts about the high standard of development at which chemical and biological warfare has come to. It also made me relieze what the concequences could be if war did breack out! (complete obliviosness)! It alwso made me wake up fromt mr dreary monotonous life, and made me think of what i am doing with it!
Without doubt i certainly recommend that you read this book, for your ownsake!
Rating:
Summary: SUPERB SERIES -- COULDN'T PUT DOWN EACH BOOK!
Review: This is an unusually well-written series, with unique characters and a fascinating story line. Isobelle Carmody is a gifted writer. I have read a lot of fantasy/scifi, and often the plots or aspects of the plot are similar from one book to another (find a portal, travel to another world/time, etc). This series is not only creatively different, it is thought-provoking. I could not put down each book in the series, reading late into the night (which I usually avoid doing). I will not recapitulate the plot here, because so many others have done so. I do want to contradict one of the reviewers that was cited on the cover of the second book of the series (Farseekers), who stated that the book was likely more appropriate for adolescent females. I am 45, and I have found this series to be one of my all-time favorites. Order your copy of Obernewtyn today, and set some time aside!
Rating:
Summary: SUPERB SERIES -- COULDN'T PUT DOWN EACH BOOK!
Review: This is an unusually well-written series, with unique characters and a fascinating story line. Isobelle Carmody is a gifted writer. I have read a lot of fantasy/scifi, and often the plots or aspects of the plot are similar from one book to another (find a portal, travel to another world/time, etc). This series is not only creatively different, it is thought-provoking. I could not put down each book in the series, reading late into the night (which I usually avoid doing). I will not recapitulate the plot here, because so many others have done so. I do want to contradict one of the reviewers that was cited on the cover of the second book of the series (Farseekers), who stated that the book was likely more appropriate for adolescent females. I am 45, and I have found this series to be one of my all-time favorites. Order your copy of Obernewtyn today, and set some time aside!
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