Russell KirkPatrick.com

'The first thing you notice when reading the book is the impressive job of world building that he has done. But at ConTour it became obvious that what is in the novel is just a fraction of the background detail that he has developed. Now this is not unique, you only have to look as far as the linguistic background that Tolkein developed. Having said that, I have never actually seen anything as detailed as the landscape that Russell has charted in his maps. The level of detail is quite extraordinary.'
- Ross Temple, Phoenixene

'Skilful use of language, believable characters, and settings which are a blend of Scandinavian and New Zealand combine to produce a willing suspension of disbelief which draws the reader into the storyline.'
- Gisborne Herald

'New Zealander Kirkpatrick has a long standing fascination with maps, and this first novel of a trilogy reflects that. He describes the geography and nomenclature of his world in great detail – every natural feature has local and common language names, and the terrain through which his characters travel is richly drawn. This can be distracting if your preference is for human interaction, however the solidity of the environment provides reassurance that this is a world that can sustain a grand epic adventure, which is what Kirkpatrick promises.'
- Infinitas

'No one is what they initially appear to be – especially the brothers and their missing parents – and along the rough path to rescue values and lives are irrevocably changed as events unfold.'
- The Saturday Express

'As Lord of the Rings mania winds down, fantasy buffs will be looking for something new to satisfy their cravings, and Across The Face Of The World fits the bill... With action and adventure. With vistas. It has one of those extensive glossaries at the back. What more could a self-respecting Tolkienite ask for?'
- The Melbourne Age

'Russell Kirkpatrick’s maps include projections, reliefs and three-dimensional views. This New Zealand author and professional mapmaker can write, too, with the ease of someone born to the epic. He takes us on a race across his beautiful maps with Leith and Hal, two village boys who find themselves holding the fate of their world in their hands. They are helped by a mixed bunch of vividly portrayed characters.'
- Adelaide Advertiser

'Mr Kirkpatrick presents us with a world so well evolved, the different customs and beliefs of the people that populate his world so right, that half way through the novel I felt as if I had seen all these places myself, and was anxious about what was to come. I found the end to be satisfyingly good, whilst leaving me all the more eager to get hold of the next installment.'
- FantasticQueensland.com