ReadPlus

Review:
The rat and the raven by Kerry Greenwood.
Lothian, 2005. Stormbringer Book One 240 p. pbk.
ISBN 0 7344 0808 0

14+ Kerry Greenwood has written a compelling science fiction book for more mature and older teens. It is set in a future Ballarat, now called Rat Town, which is ruled by a bandit tyrant called the Rat. The world as we know it has been destroyed. The story follows Scathe, a young person who is the voice of the blind prophet Jocasta. When Jocasta makes a prophesy that “The Raven will feast on the Rat”, Scathe is drawn into intrigue and trouble as Bran, aka the Raven, arrives from the university to rescue enslaved students, one of whom is the sister of Swart, a member of his band.

This is a gripping story that has all the elements that will appeal to readers: a quest to defeat evil, high adventure, charismatic characters with tense relationships, a malevolent villain and violent battles. Humour is introduced with twins who finish each other’s sentences.

Greenwood has interspersed her story with references to Greek mythology and other literary references which will interest the discerning reader.

This book is quite sophisticated and could be disturbing for younger teen readers. The themes of incest, rape, and androgyny are integral to the plot but are not usually found in a book of this length (240 pages) and with this type of cover. However older readers who enjoy science fiction and fantasy will find it engrossing.

Pat Pledger

Home