Ferryman by Claire McFall

He sat on the hillside and waited.

Another day, another job. Before him, rusting tracks disappeared into the depths of the tunnel mouth. In the grey gloom of the cloudy day, the light barely penetrated beyond the stone arch of the opening. His eyes never left the entrance. He was expectant, but jaded.

Published in March 2013 by Templar Publishing.

Goodreads Summary

When Dylan emerges from the wreckage of a train crash onto a bleak Scottish hillside, she meets a strange boy who seems to be waiting for her.
But Tristan is no ordinary teenage boy, and the journey across the desolate, wraith infested wasteland is no ordinary journey.
Life, death, love-which will Dylan choose?

*******

When I first heard the premise of this book it sent a tingle down my spine. I knew it would be a book that I would love and I wasn’t wrong. The premise is original and breath taking. The legendary tale of the ferryman taking you to your final destination is one that you can only dream is true. I am a big believer in the after life so I honestly couldn’t wait to read the book.

The author writes beautifully. Her prose is almost poetic in nature as the words flow off the page. It’s rich, deep and absorbing. Her descriptive passages full of original metaphors and similes. Her characters vibrant. You can’t rush through this book, as the writing is too filling to allow you. You want to savour every sentence.

The story is told in third person  and alternates between Dylan and Tristan, who dominate the book all the way through. This story isn’t just about life after death, it’s also about everlasting love; finding your soul mate in the last place you would ever think of looking.  Dylan is a really strong female character who accepts her situation maturely but will fight for the boy she loves. Tristan will warm your heart as quickly as his own melts. This has to be the most unusual love story I have ever read. I believed it could happen, against all the odds that were telling me it was doomed.

The ending took my breath away. I wouldn’t ever have considered the ending chosen, yet on reflection no other ending would have worked and it was the right one for this book.

I can see this book winning awards over the next year, because it is one that will touch your heart and make you believe that there is more to life than what we can see.  A stunning original debut from an author we will need to watch out for in the future.