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Having lost his father at an early age and wanting to support his family, Anthony joined the Royal Air Force in his teens, where he soon discovered a talent for computers. After the RAF, he worked for IBM as an engineer on very big computer systems, both in the US and UK, and was then head-hunted by Memorex as a trouble shooter, travelling extensively in the US and Europe.
Then, everything changed! Feeling restless and unchallenged, he left the real world and security to open a crystal shop in an ancient Tudor house - the 'House that Moved' - in Exeter, Devon. More shops followed, and during this time he became a self-taught silversmith, with his own unique maker's mark at the London Assay Office.
In his spare time he hunted for crystals and minerals, explored old mines, cut and polished agates and geodes, panned for gold, gained his pilot's license and played his melodeon in folk bands! More details can be found on his website.
Combining his highly descriptive and humorous writing style with an in-depth knowledge of crystals and minerals to produce his first children's trilogy, “Star Sapphire and the Land of Gems”, Anthony is now working on a sequel. His adventure stories are spellbinding and fun to read, but also educational. They enthral children and adults alike.
Anthony is married to Suzanne, and together they live happily in the far South West of England, near the sea, where they spend their days writing and exploring.
Reviewed by Rich Follett for Readers' Favorite
In Star Sapphire and the Land of Gems: Book Three – The Crystal Cavern by Anthony Pardoe (in collaboration with Suzanne Pardoe), mythology meets geology in a delightful adventure unlike any other available to young readers. All of the familiar components of the quest are present: a displaced heroine (Star Sapphire) and her undersized-but-clever trusty sidekick (Jasper Pebble) are trying to return home to the Land of Gems, against impossible odds and with all of the requisite benisons, obstacles, allies, foes, and plot twists which make such a tale compelling. Anthony Pardoe’s storytelling is rooted in epic tradition, with a surprising and enchanting infusion of real science for enrichment and added interest. Young readers will come away from this adventure with a firm grasp of the names of various rocks and crystals, their composition, and their unique properties. This combination of masterful storytelling and practical science results in a top-notch reading experience that is as enthralling as it is educational.
Another delightful feature of this third book in the Star Sapphire and the Land of Gems series is that the two central characters continually reference past events and reminisce about the adventures they have shared as the trilogy has unfolded, the result being that readers become familiar with Star and Jasper on a personal level and become engaged with the overarching story line in such a way that they will undoubtedly develop a keen interest in reading the rest of the series. It is a rare and wonderful thing to pick up a ‘third book in a series’ and not feel left out or confused. Pardoe has accomplished a small miracle in this regard. As if this were not enough, the book is supported by an online resource with additional scientific information about the rocks and gemstones featured in the text. This interactive component ensures a level of engagement seldom seen in books for young readers.
In addition to its aforementioned sterling qualities, The Crystal Cavern is chock-full of positive messages about teamwork, self-esteem, courage, compassion, community, creative problem solving, resourcefulness, and humanity (these rocks are a great deal more humane than most people). Star and Jasper model real friendship and loyalty in a highly imaginative fantasy that will keep adolescents (and adults alike) turning pages long enough for positive values to sink in.
To find a thrilling book for young readers that educates while it entertains, encourages children to rely on imagination and to cultivate a sense of wonder, reinforces the power of faith, and fosters belief in the innate goodness of humanity is akin to turning over a spadeful of earth in the garden and discovering a jewel of epic proportions. Star Sapphire and the Land of Gems: Book Three – The Crystal Cavern by Anthony Pardoe is a true gem in every sense of the word.
