‘A highly enjoyable page-turner’
Author Jerry Ibbotson signs copies of his novel Featherfall at Ivybridge Bookshop(Image: Submitted)
Author Jerry Ibbotson is receiving rave reviews for his debut novel – including from an internationally acclaimed comic and graphic novel writer.
Garth Ennis, whose work has been turned into hit TV shows including The Boys and Preacher has given a seal of approval to Jerry’s book Featherfall, describing it as “a highly impressive debut’.
Featherfall tells the story of an angel living a human life in the suburbs of York, who is being pursued by friends and enemies.
Among those on his trail are his old boss, plus a 2,000-year-old monster-hunter and a demon in a business suit. The future of humanity depends on who gets to him first.
Jerry, who grew up in Plymouth, recently signed copies for fans at The Ivybridge Bookshop. And after reading a draft copy of the novel, Garth, whose CV includes having written for cult sci-fi comic 2000AD, said: “As soon as I began Featherfall, I knew I’d be with it all the way.”
Jerry said: ‘I was lucky enough to meet Garth a couple of months ago and asked if he’d read Featherfall. To receive praise from someone with his credentials is incredible.”
Jerry Ibbotson signs copies of Featherfall at Ivybridge Bookshop(Image: Submitted)
Jerry was born in London in 1969. His dad’s job as a meteorologist meant he moved around a lot growing up, including three years living on an RAF base in Germany.
His family roots, however, lie in Plymouth and Jerry said: “I grew up in Plymouth, living in Elburton, Plymstock, and even St Budeaux at one point.
“I went to Coombe Dean School in Elburton and worked at BBC Radio Devon a long time ago.”
Jerry writes “suburban fantasy”- with a dash of folklore. The magical marches alongside the mundane, where you can go for a pint with an angel, share a bus ride with The Green Man and hoodie-wearing demons will mug you in a dark alley.
He said his work is perfect for fans of Jim Butcher, Ben Aaronovitch and Seanan Mcguire. Featherfall is set in York, the city where Jerry has lived for more than 30 years.
Ivybridge Bookshop(Image: Submitted)
Jerry said he has always loved writing stories.
“When the other kids at primary school were struggling to write a few sentences, I was busy filling the pages of my exercise book,” he said.
Jerry’s particular passion is in the uncanny – writing about worlds that look much like the everyday but contain dark corners, secret tunnels and hidden doorways that lead to the fantastic and incredible.
He was a BBC radio journalist, working at Radio One Newsbeat, where he “shouted the news at young people”.
He’s also worked in the video games industry and in a convent. He’s now the PR man at an aircraft museum near York.
Jerry has an MA in creative writing from York St John University and said: “‘Featherfall takes place in the run up to midsummer and York is more than just a backdrop, it’s part of the story.
“The Minster plays a key part – with the climax taking place in its shadow on the shortest night of the year.
“It blends fantasy with real-life, where creatures that have plagued mankind for centuries – the things that used to lure people off to their doom in the marshes or out into the darkest parts of the woods – are hiding in plain sight.
“There’s a strong element of British folklore woven into the story.”
He added: “It’s 14 years since I wrote the first draft. It’s great to have got to this point and see it released into the world.”
Featherfall was published by Jerry and manufactured by York Publishing Services. Its striking cover was designed by Paul Moss.
Featherfall is on sale in all good bookshops, including The Iveybridge Bookshop, plus online, and is also available as an ebook and an audio book.
Featherfall – William Telford’s review
Jerry Ibbotson’s debut novel is, indeed, impressive. Featherfall is a highly enjoyable page-turner – and very cinematic.
Jerry weaves together several nail-biting narratives which converge at the end into an exhilarating climax.
Featherfall is full of tension and great action set-pieces. The characters, good and evil, are expertly drawn, and I was hugely engaged.
Although not a die hard fantasy fan, I found Featherfall impossible to put down. Mini-series makers should be beating a path to Jerry’s door. Rating: excellent.
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