Quotations from Readers
Sarah - Aged 19 (was 11!)
Hi!
I've been a fan of The Key to Chintak since I was 11. And i mean a HUGE fan! I
tried messaging you a few years back, wondering about the sequel, but I never got
a response. Anyway, I wrote a blog post about Chintak on my book blog - sorry
it took me eight years to do so! Click here to read.
Thank you for writing such a great book. Just to let you know, I'm studying to
become an astrophysicist... in part because I had a certain fantastically smart
twelve year old girl as a role model, who pushed me into science fiction and
physics. So... I know this is very late... but thank you.
Note from author - Sorry didnt get that mail! I've replied to this one though!
Jade - Aged 14
I thought the book was great. I thought the way the tension built up made it so exciting and I would give it 10 out of 10. Absolutely brilliant.
Bianca - Aged 12
I loved this book so much. All the action and adventure was very thrilling. The second I picked the book up I couldn't put it down. I think people of all ages would absolutely love this book.
C. Sanders - Aged 13
loved the book it was amazing! had me gripped to the end! just wondering, though, when is the next book coming out as no one seems to know thanks !!
Emily Y - Aged 12
This book was soo good and I was so sad when it finished because I wanted to read more and I cant wait til the next one. I am telling all my friends to read this book and some of them have got it already.
Ben - Aged 11
Amazing!!! I hope your other books are coming on as good as the first.
Serefina C - Aged 12
Wow I love this book! My favourite! It is so great how the tension builds up and it makes you want to just read on and on! I have recommended it to my friends and family! Is there a second book in the series? I would love to read what happened next! You're a great author, do you have any other books? I bet they are great too! My school has visits from authors, I wish you came! I think everyone will enjoy this book!
Leyla - Aged 11
I really, really enjoyed this book. I had been looking for a good book to read for ages and this was perfect. There was so much adventure, mystery and magic in it. I just could not put it down. Once I was reading it and my mum had to come and stop me reading at twelve o'clock at night! I can't wait for your next book!
Olivia - Aged 14
I thought the book was fantastic the best book ive ever read even better than the alex rider books.
Loretta - Aged 41
Hi, have written to you before asking about this book as I think it was fantastic, kept me reading it from chapter to chapter. I would love to know if you have written a sequel to this book as it is eagerly awaited and I am waiting with baited breath to find out what happens. My daughter got me on this book from her school and she is just as eager to read the next one of this fantastic book... hopefully soon I hope... :):):)
Nikita - Aged 12
I absolutely adored the book!! It was amazing, astonishing, astounding, stunning, extraordinary, incredible, remarkable, sensational, fantastic, phenomenal, staggering, stupendous and unbelievable!
I told my friend Clair and she agreed really quickly to read the book. (I suspect it was the cover!) Anyway, as you might have guessed, this is the best book I have ever read up till date!!!!!!!!! I am a very serious bookworm and can be know to read till 4am in the morning! However, I forced myself to slow down a bit with this book because I wanted it to last. That was difficult though, as I wanted to know what was happening next, each second!
I found this book in my school's library and fell in love with it instantly. I only read books which have good covers and if the blurb sounds good. Usually for me, it was one or the other, but this book was just the absolute best-it had an excellent blurb and cover!
I learnt so much about the different continents too! For example, I am Indian, have been to see the Ta Mahal and did not know anything about a handle for the door! That is amazing. I didn't know anything about Uluru, the NASCA Lines or anything like that. I actually hate history, but I learnt about all this and I didn't even realise it was history, it was so fun! Thanks, please write the next book out fast- I am absolutely dying to read it.
Karis - Aged 12
I love this book I sleep with it under my pillow each night because my mum wants to read it even though I am still reading it again! and I don't trust her to let me finish it before she nabs it!
Daniel - Aged 11
This was so interesting I just need to read on!!!!!!!
Neve - Aged 7
I read this with my dads help. Great book. I loved it.
Sarah - Aged 12
I really enjoyed this book and I cant wait for the sequel. I think millie is really cool and really brave to face what she had to face. she is the same age as me but I dont think I could have been that brave.
Luke - Aged 11
It is astounding, the best book ive ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever read. John write the next book NOW!
(Ca)Milla - Aged 12
It's the best book I ever read I have just finished it this second. I read every single word, just to make sure I didn't miss a thing. I love it and my nan promises to buy me the second book as soon as its out. And she better. The only annoying this is because I read it all the time and every where I finished it so quickly now I'm sad its over.
Renee - Aged 14
Hey!! Well, first of all, I really really REALLY like your book!! I had SUCH a good time reading it!! And, secondly; when oh when oh WHEN is the sequel coming out?? I can't wait, I really REALLY need some cool books to read!! PLease please please write and get it out SOON (very soon ;)) or just let the eager readers know SOMEWHERE when the sequel is coming out... Can't find it anywhere!!! (poor me poor me:P)
Alasdair - Aged 12
I thought the book was really good I would recommend it to everyone, it was EXCELLENT!!! I could not wait to get to the end of the book. I am a slow reader and sometime I do not finish a book but I liked this one because of the adventures in it. I will look out for your next book.
Amy - Aged 10
It was a fantastic book, one of the best I have read. It really felt as though you were in the adventure, please do a sequel !!!!!!!!!! P.S The book was so good I recommended it to all my friends!
Laura - Aged 13
It was so good that when I was on the bus I was concentrating so hard on it that I nearly didn't notice when we got to my bus stop!
Kate - Aged 59
As you see I am 59 years young. I work in a Primary School, Foxfield in Woolwich, as a Behaviour Mentor and enjoy a test run on children’s books. A large number of behaviour problems I deal with are due to lack of self esteem due to an inability to read and I find that reading great books with these children helps to improve their reading skills and instil a love of books. Yours definitely fits as a Great Book and I will share it with some of them also with my Grandsons Josh 10 & Harry 7 as they both enjoy books. I am looking forward to the sequel.
Osman - Aged 16
This book was one of the best books that I have ever read. I have read it at least five times already. Is the next series of the book out? If not when is it going to come out and what is it called?
Ryan - Aged 12
A few days ago was my birthday and I had some money so I decided to buy a book. When I saw The Key to Chintak my mum told me what a good write up she had read on it so I bought out of interest although I was not sure whether I would enjoy it. As soon as I got home I began to read it and thought it was a great book! My sister and I loved it and found it hard to put down.
Hope - Aged 10
I loved the book, I will definitely read the rest of the chronicles.
Louise - Aged 28
Hey I read the book. A brilliant read which I've recommended to many people. Are you releasing a second in the series - I'll be straight to the shops when available can't wait to see what happens next!!!!
Mikey - Aged 11
This is one of the best books I have ever read because I felt like I was in the book with Millie and Arthur, plus I can't wait until the next book is out.
Pat - Aged 60
I just wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed your book. I know it is a Children's Book, and I am (somewhat older !!!!!), but I found it to be a compulsive read, and can see that children will really love it. It has all the mystery, suspense, and imagination that make it a very exciting read for children, and the way you have incorporated some facts of historical content in the story is an added bonus for them. I wish you the very best of luck with this book John,and having read your "Latest News", it seems to be doing very well and I do hope you get to have a film made. I agree with G.P. Taylor Millie does make Harry Potter look like a wimp. I am telling all my friends and nieces and nephews about it. I am also looking forward to the next one so let me know please when it will be out and I will buy it.
Jess - Aged 11
WOW! What an excellent book I read it in 3 days I was on holiday at the time and even on the beach I was still reading the book! My dad has even read it! I love the build up of mystery and tension. (I hate really girly books, eg: the ones by Jacqueline Wilson)! I cant wait for the next book i'm sure they'll be a great success.
Mel - Aged 34
When is the next book out as I read the first one after a weeks' study school for relaxation and loved it.
Jonathan - Aged 12
Absolutely thrilling, an exciting Zamorian book. one of the best books I have ever read!!!!!!!! You are the best John!!!!!!!!!!!!
Flo - Aged 12
I think you would need a 1000 Harry Potter Holographic Replicators before they would be brave enough to encounter what Millie has to!
Chaz - Aged 15
I just wanna say ive read your book and it was fantastic it was as good as harry potter. It was filled with so much adventure and creativity, so congratulations your book was the best there was never a dull or boring part when I was reading it was so brilliant if I may say it was well written and contained the most incredible ideas ever. I understand now that only millie can read it as its written in that language. please please tell me when the next one will be out cos I really wanna know. Thank u it was so amazing to read I actually felt part of the book so keep writing.
Amy - Aged 12
I really enjoyed the book. I learned lots of new things about the world form it !!!!!! I couldnt put it down !!! My English teacher had to take it off me to stop me from reading it in the lesson!!! When is the next book comming out???
Declan - Aged 10
AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Maureen - Aged 24
I loved the book even though it is targeted to children but I enjoyed it all the same, I was horrified to find that the end wasn’t really the end and so, when and where can I get the next one??? I must read on!
Jackie - Aged 45
Bought the book for my 12 year old daughter to try to encourage her to read but I read it first. It was a brilliant read could not put it down now its my daughters turn then my son…
Rose - Aged 13
It was a brilliant book. I adored it!! Harry Potter will be forgotten 4ever!!!!:))))
Kayleigh - Aged 17
This book is amazing, ive nearly finished it, when we went on holiday last yr to spain we met a couple, and their son and they gave my dad this book and told us what it was about, my dad loved it and I remembered about it the other day and started to read it for the 1st time (no doubt ill read again!!) this is a reaaaally good book!!! :) thought id let you know how I got the book anyway hehe :)
Becca - Aged 15
WOW I REALLY LIKED IT WHENS THE NEXT ONE OUT?
Emily - Aged 12
Wow. What a great book. Millie is so amazing! I wonder if there really is an underwater city of mu....
Deirbhile - Aged 13
I thought that they Key to Chintak was a different kind of book, set out from the crowd. It was really interesting and it sort of grips you so that you can hardly put it down and if you do then you keep on wondering what’s going to happen next. (I used to read it through meals and late into the night so I'd be exhausted the next morning). I must admit that The Key to Chintak has been one of the most thrilling books that I have ever read in the whole 13 years of my life. I really really enjoyed reading this book!! It was adventurous, magical and so thrilling!!!! I would most defiantly recommend it to all my friends and ! am now so excited about what happens to Millie!!!! It's like you just have to know what happens next!!!!
Alice - Aged 12
It's brilliant! Ive read it loads of times an I never tire of it. I can't wait 'til the next one is out. I hope it's soon.
Beth - Aged 8
I loved reading this book - it is one of the best books I've ever read! I can't wait for the sequel. PS - my mum loved this book too - she is a teacher and was doing some research! AND her mum, Shelley followed this up with a mail saying I loved your book!
Mary - Aged 68
Amazing story - couldn't put it down - have recommended it to all my friends and family ( and grandchildren ! ) - but they'll have to buy their own copies as mine's a signed copy and very special. Can't wait for the next one.
Ione - Aged 11
I think the book is really good, even though im only halfway through. Its one of the best books ive ever read. Its really interesting and exciting. The book is absolutely BRILLIANT!!
Lesleyann - Aged 12
Brilliant book - so many great adventures. Great story and characters. Keep up the good work. Even my mum read this book before me and she is 40 and said what a great book it was, she took it to work every day and read it on her lunch! When is the next book comng out?
Rebecca (Teacher)
I decided to use The Key to Chintak as my class read for the autumn term. I was given the book as a gift. I knew none of the children had encountered it, which was great for developing predicting skills. The book was a great success. We spent many a literacy moment recounting and unpicking the wealth of detail. A fantasitc read! Thank you from all in year 5. When is the next one coming out?
Alexander - Aged 10
I think this is a great book, with a lot of historic facts and adventures in the modern world!
Mellisa - Aged 17
My younger brother bought this book for his birthday. NOOOOOO I do not read his books normally!!!!! But he would not stop on about it so I did. What a great, great, read. Its about time this sort of thing hit the shelves. Same again please next time. YESSSSS I will buy my own this time!
Bradley - Aged 10
Brilliant can’t wait for more.
Ndella - Aged 12
I think this book is wicked! It was really exciting all the way through and there are some really nail biting parts where you wonder what's gonna happen next! I can't wait to read the next one.
Craig - Aged 13
You book was good!
Jake - Aged 9
I got bogged down a bit at the start but then I was amazed at how much action could be on paper. How did you do it. The best ever. Hurry up with the next one.
Matthew - Aged 12
I thought the book was amazing couldn’t put it down. Can't wait for the next one. I told the library could they order one so they might have it by now.
Megan - Aged 11
Never wanted it to end. Fantastic!
Amber - Aged 18
WOW that was the best book that I have ever read what’s the next one and where can I get it. Thank you for the best read since Harry potter!!
Laurie - Aged 12
It was really amazing. The blurb was right I think it was better then Harry potter. Can’t wait for the next book.
Rosy - Aged 78
I liked it, Mr John Howard. Really super.
Rose - Aged Closer to Arthur’s than Millie’s!
I had to comment even though I’m far from being a child. I just needed to read on to find out how Millie (and poor Arthur) got themselves out of seemingly impossible situations. The history lesson is subtle. Well done.
Jazy - Aged 8
What a cool book so far. I am reading it with my mummy and she loves it to, can’t wait for the next chapter.
Vickki (Teacher) - Aged 32
It was the children’s faces, recounting the details of what had gone before the twinkle in their eyes and the sharp gasps of breath - wonderful!
Maddy - Aged 11
It was an amazing book and i loved it! It has so much amazing description. You were soo mean with the ending though so i hope you will finish the next one so i can stop thinking about the cliff hanger. The book was just so brilliant and so is John Howard!
Holly - Aged 13
I really really enjoyed it and I raced through it and I did not with the last Harry Potter
Alice - Aged 56
I loved this book it was just great. I loved every minute it was fun. I would highly recommend it.
Sarah - Aged 39
Hello John, I had to tell you how fantastic this book was. I finished it yesterday and loved it all. Can't wait for the next installment.
Rosie - Aged 12
Dear John Howard, The Key to Chintak is the best book I have ever read (and I read a lot). I was reading under the table all day today in order to finish it. You met my best friend laurie in a shop and signed his book. He read it and persuaded me to read it. Once I started it I couldn't stop. Please write the next one soon I just wanted to tell you how much I loved your book. P.S love the female main character AND I am completely desperate to read the next one that you write, and please say that it will be soon. mille is great, to many books today have male leads. (e.g. Harry potter, which isn't as good as the zamorian chronicles anyway). Pure genius!
Wendy (Mother) - Aged Not telling
I only read it to stop my kids pestering me as I’m not a fan of children’s fiction. Now I’m glad I did. The images it conjures up are so vivid. I'll have to fight them to read the next one now.
Emily - Aged 11
I saw you in Marmaduke bookshop in battle and you signed my book I read it and it was really good it's the best adventure book I have ever read!
Rebecca (Teacher) - Aged 39
The children really identified with Millie, and they were always willing to be involved in her dangerous but exciting journey. As for me, well I found myself reading on after school so I guess that says it all.
Becky - Aged 16
I found your book really good. I really liked it. I thought the characters were well done and the whole book really. I loved it!!
Chris - Aged 10
I think it was one of the best books I have ever read (which is a lot of books!) I really enjoyed reading it and can’t wait for the next book to be written.
K - Aged 11
This was a great book. I really enjoyed it! I like your writing style and your little comments before and after the text "Wow, I'm a dad!" Lol
Jacqui (Teacher) - Aged yes!
The children thought it was great fun and they thoroughly enjoyed the adventures of Millie; it certainly captured their imaginations - and it isn't often I get a quiet and attentive class!
Anna - Aged 19 (from Gibraltar)
I am actually quite sad that I have finished reading the book. I started reading it on the first day of the holidays and instead of reading it all in one day which comes easily to me, I intentionally made sure to stop myself every night in order to leave more to read the following day!
The Key to Chintak in my opinion, should be read by adults and children of all ages because there truly is something in there for everyone. I am fascinated by the amount of historical and geographical aspects that I have been able to learn about from the book. As I read along each chapter I was more and more intrigued by the world wonders and actually had to sit down online to do some research. I have even considered a trip to the famous Nazca Lines as well as to the Great Pyramids. I think the book is an excellent teaching tool in that it inspires and motivates you to carry out further research as well as providing an enjoyable and entertaining reading experience.
I particularly enjoyed the chapter on Gibraltar, being my homeland I felt extremely proud and found myself reading bits of it over and over. People have always said to me that I have a very creative and vivid imagination and The Key to Chintak is an inspiration to me. It is unique and every piece of the puzzle unfolds perfectly to form an otherwise unimaginable story.
Millie and Arthur are perfect, they bring intellectual, formal, friendly, intriguing and humorous conversations into the story. I understand that a sequel is to follow and just cannot wait.