by David Barker
In Pax and the Forgotten Pincher, the second book in the London Falling series, I wanted readers to experience more of life in New London itself. Having earned themselves privileges at the end of book one, Pax and his friends are allowed to explore the city at weekends. And much of the adventure takes place outside the school (see previous blog on Scholastic Parliament).
To help get a handle on what life is like in New London I began by drawing an outline of London with the Wall surrounding the main area, plus the course of the River Thames through its centre. Then I stripped away all other landmarks and imposed my own stamp on the city. At its heart, of course, had to be Scholastic Parliament and a headquarters for the mayor – Guildhall.
“I didn’t say New London was a happy place!”
Since the King has been exiled, Buckingham Palace has been repurposed as a lodge. Many of the parks have been designated as agricultural land. And apartment blocks have been converted into verti-farms. The citizens have to eat somehow!
In Pax & The Forgotten Pincher, Pax and his friends get to enjoy a ‘pub’ – a puberty bar where teenagers can hang out enjoying sugary drinks, sweets, loud music etc. I called it the Candyman in a nod to the Charlie & The Chocolate Factory film. Along the way to the pub, Pax gets buzzed by surveillance drones disguised as wasps. And the friends get approached by a recruitment officer of the worshipful company of carpenters who are always on the look-out for new apprentices.
Pax passes a sad gathering of adults commemorating the life of a citizen about to be thrown out of the city because they’ve reached the age of sixty. It’s like having a wake before you die, and it’s called a ‘walk’ because that’s how you leave the city: taking the Long Walk through the city gates. I didn’t say New London was a happy place! Woe betide any citizen who dares to complain, though. The mayor rules the city with harsh efficiency through his departments: the Eye (surveillance), the Arm (enforcement) and the Mind (research and innovation).
You might well be wondering what’s beyond those gates, on the other side of the Wall. You’ll just have to wait until book three to find out…
Pax and the Forgotten Pincher by David Barker is available now in paperback, hardback, and eBook. The book is available from all good bookshops, and online from Bookshop.org, Amazon, and Waterstones.
Pax and the Forgotten Pincher is the sequel to Pax and the Missing Head, and the second book in the London Falling series.
About Pax and the Forgotten Pincher
Pax has made it through the trials of his first year at Scholastic Parliament, but any hopes of a quieter second year are quickly dashed when he makes a shocking discovery in the school’s basement. A new student joins the school, acting suspiciously and muscling in on Pax’s friendship with Samuel. At least being reigning champions in the Parliamentary Polls allows Pax and his friends to explore the city at weekends. But drone raids and cyber-attacks disrupt life in New London while a paranoid mayor cracks down hard on terrorism.
Unwittingly, Pax helps an innocent man get captured. Driven by guilt, he seeks out the Underground resistance movement and is given a mission to steal some codes from the mayor. In the process, Pax uncovers the shocking truth about a new factory that threatens the lives of millions of people. He is torn between stopping this latest sinister plot and focusing on schoolwork to keep alive his dream of becoming an engineer. To achieve both, he’ll need help. But who can he trust in a city full of falsehoods? What sacrifices will he need to make? Find out in the latest instalment in the London Falling series.
About David Barker
David Barker is the author of the London Falling series. He has been writing stories for over ten years, after many years working as an economist. He is a graduate of the Faber Academy, a member of the Society of Authors, and SCBWI.
David lives in Berkshire with his wife and daughter. When he’s not writing or reading stories, he loves to play tennis and golf, watch films or play board games.