A Reading from Ross Whitlock’s “Henge”
Ross Whitlock (TA class of 2005; UVM class of 2010) was a constant and excellent writer. When he died in 2016 from side effects of the antibiotic ciprofloxacin, he was working on two novels that were meant to kick off a young adult Furry fantasy series he described as “Redwall on steroids,” (a reference to the popular middle-grade series by English author Brian Jacques). The first book, Henge, was near enough done to see print, though it took a few years before his parents, Dean Whitlock and Sally Duston, could bring themselves to look at the manuscripts again, and a few more for the final copy edit, proofreading, and a prolonged search for the right cover artist. Finally, this June, Henge was published in paperback through Amazon’s KDP publishing service, followed by the ebook version in July.
On August 13th at 7:00 p.m., the Peabody Library in Post Mills will present a reading from Henge, followed by a discussion and Q&A with Ross’ parents, accompanied by local actor and narrator Richard Noble. Copies of Henge will be available for purchase.
If you’d like to read the novel beforehand, the Latham Library has a copy to loan, or you can purchase the book here: https://www.amazon.com/Henge-Ross-Whitlock/dp/1735551473/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3O59YKQ271OBG&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.VXsXwFdW2ETb6XSpDK_pJA.8-0KbQSCrXeHsELTnNuW73LSnkHSO-LMX5LMnSriTiU&dib_tag=se&keywords=henge+ross+whitlock&qid=1751989956&s=books&sprefix=henge+ross+whitlock%2Cstripbooks%2C67&sr=1-1
A description of the novel and some reviews:
Henge is again at war, attacked by the reptile nation of Rozcassca. With a canine nose for trouble—and to escape the legacy of her infamous mother—Claris Jaden joins the Henge army. She finds friends quickly, including apprentice firemage Kiri and Falconetti, an Elemental who seems to know more about her past than she does. She makes enemies too, for her mother’s deeds in the last war linger dark in the public mind.
Zann Felk and his twin sister Task, young reptile assassins hired by a fanatical stegosaur mage, are driven by vengeance. Their job: spy on the recruits, and kill a few too. Their employer’s unstated goal: annihilate the people of Henge.
As their paths intersect, Claris and Zann discover how much their pasts intertwine—twisting the truth, tangling friend and foe, unleashing sick magic—and dragging the world to the very edge of chaos.
Deeply imagined, exquisitely written, and haunting in the best possible way.
Incredibly written and deeply felt, Henge is a stellar example of what anthropomorphic fiction can be in the hands of a master. Highly recommended.
—Frances Pauli, Author of the Serpentia series
A well-written and fun epic fantasy adventure. I was swept up from the first page. The worldbuilding is engaging and detailed. The various races are distinct, as are all the characters.
Highly recommended reading for lovers of anthropomorphic fiction!
—Ian Madison Keller, Author of the Flower’s Fang and Dragonsbane Saga
This book is a treasure. Claris Jaden is an immediately compelling character, and the reader gets drawn right into her world, rich with magic, complicated by history, and filled with both intriguing friends and fascinating foes. The story is epic, but the world is a welcoming place that you’ll want to protect. I’ll be thinking about the world of Henge for a long time, and I wish I could spend more time there.
—Mary E. Lowd, Author of Otters in Space / Editor of Zooscape