Wylah the Koorie Warrier: Custodians by Jordan Gould and Richard Pritchard

Custodians is the second book in the series Wylah the Koorie Warrior and is as equally engaging as the first. In this story, Wylah is desperately searching for her whole village who have been stolen by dragons to work in gold mines in a faraway land. This time though Wylah has the support of the five united Guardians and her animal companions and friends as she navigates dangerous lands in search of her tribe. With her Grandmother now in the Dreaming, Wylah has become the Koorie Warrior with all the responsibilities of such an important role and the others look to her for guidance and protection.

Throughout the trek the friends face one perilous situation after another. They meet the aggressive Alinta who is Custodian of one of the lands they travel through and who challenges Wylah and Pippy to a contest of speed. There are fierce and fiery drop bears, thieving baby yowies and their formidable mother, a giant red Yara-ma-yha-who that swallows Jayden, a stranger who joined the group early on but whom Wylah does not quite trust, a great Emu who is protecting her eggs and tries to squash them, attacked by Ngarparuts (growl rats) and finally a terrible battle with fire-breathing dragons. In each of these challenges Wylah must call upon her Guardians to help and her companions all bravely join in the battles. Unfortunately, things do not go according to plan and Wylah and her companions are betrayed.

For the reader there is the opportunity to learn about First Nations culture and language, their deep connection to Country, their spiritual beliefs and strong family relationships. This is a fast-paced and exciting read. Strong, brave characters with humour abounding and excitement on every page. The publisher has provided an activity sheet. Book 3 will be out soon.

Themes: First Nations, Dragons, Megafauna, Culture, Danger, Adventure, Family, Loyalty, Fantasy, Humour.

Kathryn Beilby