Reviews

Dark rise by C.S. Pacat

Bestselling Australian author C.S. Pacat is back with a new young adult fantasy series. Dark Rise is the first in a proposed trilogy set in an alternate early nineteenth century London. It follows Will, a sixteen-year-old dock boy who is on the run after the murder of his mother. Will does not know why she was killed or why the murderers are still pursuing him, he only knows that they are getting closer and time is running out. He is guided towards a mysterious organisation named the Stewards and discovers that he may be key to a brewing war of good versus evil.

Pacat made her name with the highly acclaimed yet controversial – and extremely sexually explicit – Captive Prince series. Dark Rise is a toned-down iteration of Pacat’s writing stye, more suitable for an older young adult audience. However, the characteristics that won Pacat so many fans with her previous work – clever dialogue, fraught and forbidden relationships and excellent world building – are also present in this novel.

While Dark Rise is most definitely not for the faint-hearted, or for younger audiences, Pacat has turned her hand very successfully to young adult fiction. Dark Rise is sure to win her a legion of new fans, eager for the release of the next in the series.

Themes Fantasy, Historical, Romance, London, Magic, Good vs Evil, War, Violence, LGBTQIA+.

Rose Tabeni

Kid President totally rules! by Jack Heath. Illus. by Max Rambaldi

Kid President Totally Rules!, written by Jack Heath is a story with humour and wit that will keep the reader wondering what could possibly happen next. If you enjoy reading David Walliams, Liz Pichon and Andy Griffith you are sure to love this story too.

Jaxxon Mauriz is not your average students by any stretch of the imagination and he certainly is the last person you would nominate as president of anything. He is forgetful, lacks focus and is all about finding the easy way to do something and having fun. However, when he is suddenly thrown into presidency of his country, he moves into action fast. From creating skate parks to free ice cream, redesigning the presidency residence as a go cart track to creating a laser skirmish fortress, everything he wants he can have and all his dreams have come true! Or have they?

When Jaxxon learns his new role has important responsibilities and there are some awful things happening that are damaging the world, he decides to take action.  He is beginning to really enjoy his new role and embrace the new challenges as they arise. Even when world peace is in jeopardy, he manages to cleverly and creatively manoeuvre to diffuse the situation. Jaxxon begins to change the world for the better, much to the disgust of a young trillionaire who has been controlling the country and his own Vice President who wishes to gain power. He is in for the ride of his life and will need to use all his kid skills to outwit these two. Will Jaxxon be able to survive his time in power and right the wrongs that have already occurred or will others’ greed and evil triumph!

This is the second stand- alone comedy novel by Jack Heath. Again, he has created highly entertaining characters and intertwined many layers of humour. Combined with terrific illustrations by Max Rambaldi, readers will be thoroughly engaged with the storyline and adventures. This is a story that will keep readers eager to find out what will happen next and keep them amused and interested until the very end.

Themes Problem solving, Democracy, Rights and Responsibilities.

Michelle O'Connell

The three happy lions by Louise Fatio. Illus. by Roger Duvoisin

A new edition of a classic tale, the last in a series of three, is all about family dynamics, as the parents wonder what their child will be when he leaves home.

With its mid century illustrations, full of movement, colour and humour covering each page, the wit of the text will engage readers as they follow the tale of the baby lion and the careers he attempts. Called Francois after the zoo keeper’s son, at first he becomes a rich lady’s pet, but in growing to be a big strong animal, can no longer jump onto her bed as he has in the past. So he is given to a circus, where despite the efforts of the ringmaster, his nature is not one that can frighten the circus crowd.

As a result he comes back to the zoo, where his parents welcome him warmly.  He spies Francois doing his work, that of gardening at the zoo, and decides that this is the job for him. So the two Francois plant, mulch, nurture and weed all the gardens at the zoo. And are watched by happy, proud parents.

A wonderfully warm theme of families and their concerns, the parents go through a list of jobs their offspring could do, but many of them are simply not for him, while the two careers he does take up proving incompatible with his nature and size, so it is back to the zoo to find a niche.

Children will love thinking about what they might like to do in the future and the pathways open to them, thinking about the skills they have and how they can be useful. They will also see a happy family unit with needs and concerns, contentments and happiness just like their own families, following the path of a young lion working out what is best for him.

Scallywag Press was founded in 2018 with the purpose of bringing entertaining and memorable books to a worldwide audience.

They publish distinctive, amusing and quirky art, publishing work by talented newcomers as well as some from the past.

Three happy lions is a joy to hold, read and savour. And I loved the French background and sprinkle of French phrases.

Themes Careers, Lions, Zoos, Circus, Gardening, France, French language.

Fran Knight

The man who died twice by Richard Osman

Those who enjoyed The Thursday Murder Club, as I did, will welcome The man who died twice. Elizabeth’s old colleague and ex-husband turns up at the retirement home living in a safe house and enlists her aid to stay hidden from a mobster, whose diamonds have been stolen. Elizabeth of course enlists the help of the old gang, Joyce, Ibrahim, and Ron, and together they face a killer and must solve a murder.

Readers familiar with the first book will be happy to see more of these retired sleuths. Elizabeth, exceptionally canny and intelligent, leads the group, while Joyce narrates what is happening, and this time, comes into her own, making some remarkable insights. Ibrahim, who is mugged, struggles to leave his home; Ron is still a risk taker and even involves his grandson Kendrick, while Bogden shines. Chris, Donna and Patrice also have a role to play.

The writing is witty and amusing and Joyce’s entries will have readers laughing out loud, while the action moves along at a swift pace, with more violence than in the first book. I was kept guessing about what the Thursday Murder Club participants would come up with next and just who they could trust. Their constant friendship and regard for each other stood out while they all used their various skills to solve the mystery. Could they ensure that Ibrahim’s mugger went to gaol, and would Ibrahim ever leave his home again? How could they catch the murderer and get rid of the mobsters? And what happens to the diamonds?

An easy to read, humorous story that is sure to be as popular as the first in the series, and fans will be clamouring for more to be written.

Themes Murder, Theft, Secret Service.

Pat Pledger

Fire truck Santa by Nic McPickle and Nathaniel Eckstrom

A great Aussie Christmas book that everyone will appreciate! Fire Truck Santa is a beautiful picture book that readers of all ages will enjoy throughout the festive season. Encapsulating kindness, care and love, this book is dedicated to all our wonderful volunteers around Australia.

Beginning with the traditional verse “Twas the night before Christmas….” it diverts off into a great Australian adventure. Santa, in his old and worn out fire truck, is delivering presents to all the children around the town. Each time something on the truck breaks, but every time the children work out how to solve the problem to fix his truck. They each provide Santa with something to help, offer him luck and of course he can’t go any further without a yummy cookie. The children are in the Christmas spirit and so is Santa! But what is he to do when suddenly an almighty POP seems to have completely broken the town truck for good? What will the town do without a truck and how will Santa deliver his presents in the future?

Nic McPickle and Nathaniel Eckstrom have combined together to create a great Christmas story for everyone to enjoy. Sharing the true essence of Christmas, this story is sure to remind us of kindness, hope and goodwill throughout the festive season. The painted illustrations beautifully support and compliment the story line. This picture book is sure to be highly engaging and enchanting for all young children when read aloud. As they listen and enjoy the rollicking and rolling rhyme and rhythm, this is an Aussie Christmas tradition with a twist!

Themes Christmas, Volunteers, Kindness, Problem solving, Community.

Michelle O'Connell

The school between winter and fairyland by Heather Fawcett

Autumn is 12 years old and lives as a beastkeeper for the neighbouring school for trainee magicians. Sadly, her life has been ripped apart since her twin brother, Winter, went missing the year before. Autumn holds out hope that he will reappear, even though most around her assume he is dead, the victim of the Hollow Dragon. Into her world of sadness arrives Cai Morrigan, a young student magician who has been prophesied to save the neighbouring forest and the  magician’s world… and defeat the Hollow Dragon, and maybe even restore Winter to his sister. Cai becomes a true friend and Autumn’s determination and fierce attitude links with his gentle nature to reveal truth and solve the magical mystery of his life. Autumn’s beast-husbandry skills are not in the same echelon as Cai’s star-wielding magical skills, but they grow to depend on each other in their quest to find and release Winter and to solve the prophecy that rules like a cloud over Cai’s life.

This is a fantasy saga that is full of incredible monsters and magical powers and it is written with a dusting of humour, intrigue and the power of family and friendship. For lovers of fantasy this will be another enigmatic escape. It is written well, with monsters and magic that do not dominate but have their own ‘charm’.  It is the interpersonal drama between the young protagonists that is the strength of the story, with friendship across class lines explored. This is a powerful fantasy and could be recommended to readers aged 11-16 who have enjoyed the Harry Potter and Morrigan Crow series.

Themes Fantasy, Magic, Friendship, Dragons.

Carolyn Hull

Lakesedge by Lyndall Clipstone

Lakesedge is the story of Violeta and Arien Graceling, a brother and sister who have clung to each other through a lifetime of uncertainty, loss and pain. Found abandoned in the woods as young children, they are raised by an adoptive mother who quickly turns abusive once she learns of Arien’s strange and dark abilities; abilities that he cannot control.

This darkness has been a secret shame binding the family together for years until it is discovered by Lord Rowan Sylvanan, a man with his own violent and shadowed history. Whisked away to Rowan’s manor, Violeta fights for Arien’s safety and her own growing feelings for the mysterious lord.

Lakesedge is a dark fantasy that ticks all of the Gothic boxes: isolated location, young and vulnerable heroine, recalcitrant hero with a tragic past and a mysterious evil force which threatens to keep them apart. It is authored by debut young adult writer Lyndall Clipstone, a former youth librarian who lives in the Barossa Ranges of South Australia. While at times Clipstone pushes the Gothic stereotypes just a tad too far – from atmospheric to histrionic – Lakesedge is an enjoyable monster mystery with a good dash of romance thrown in. It is recommended for young adult readers.

Themes Family, Magic, Monsters, Mystery, Romance, Fantasy, Gothic fiction.

Rose Tabeni

Frankie goes to Kindergarten by Peta Baxter and Connie Hemmens. Illus. by Marjory Gardner

A charming story of what kindergarten means is shown to readers through the eyes of Frankie the dog, who goes to kindie each week day morning. Based on a real life dog, Frank, who goes along to a real kindergarten in Queensland with his owners, Peta and Connie, the image of a happy friendly dog on the cover will intrigue readers, especially when thy spot a cat in the background, looking equally happy and pleased with itself. Readers will know that in the main dogs and cats do not mix, so with have a frisson of excitement as to how the two get along.

It is a bright sunny day and Frankie is keen to go to kindergarten. The first thing he does is greet all the pets, so readers will see the array of other animals that live the kindergarten: mice, fish and chickens, and then Frankie greets the people bringing their children to the rooms.

Each page shows a different activity done at a kindergarten, with Frankie joining in. Astute eyes will have spotted the cat’s appearance and then try to discover this animal on each successive page. Readers will love discovering the wealth of things to do at kindergarten and for younger readers this will acquaint them with what will happen next in their lives. After all the activity it is time to pack things away and have a rest period, before tidying up and preparing for home.

For all readers this overview of what happens at kindergarten, told through the dog’s position there, will add to their knowledge of the things they learn there without really being aware that they are learning. The subtle learning of getting along, of being inclusive and non threatening, all have a place in this kindergarten where Frankie is a focus for children to learn these skills.

Themes Kindergarten, Animals, Dogs, Inclusivity, Friendship.

Fran Knight

My brother Ben by Peter Carnavas

This is a moving, positive story about two brothers growing up near a creek who dream of having a boat to explore their world from the water.  Luke is the main character and narrates the story which begins with them finding an injured magpie and nursing it back to health. He is a timid boy who shares his love of birdwatching with his aunty Gem and loves to draw. He can identify most of the local birds by sight and bird calls and this part of the story adds so much for readers who enjoy nature and the world around them.  In contrast his older brother Ben, who has just started High School, is confident and reckless, and fiercely protective of Luke. 

The story follows the boys in their quest to create the winning entry to win a boat in a local competition that challenges them to make something that celebrates Cabbage Tree Creek. The boys decide to make a guidebook featuring Luke’s bird drawings of as many of the birds they can find near the creek. But Ben’s attention seems increasingly to be taken by a new girl who has moved into the area.

The story explores the dynamics between these three characters, the changing aspects of a family whose parents are separated and the frustration Luke feels as his older brother grows and changes. It is an important story for all boys to read with short chapters and simple dialogue making it accessible to a wide range of reading abilities. The inclusion of bird sketches throughout the book is a welcome addition to an outstanding novel.

Themes Siblings, Trust, Birds, Drawing, Boats.

Gabrielle Anderson

Escape from Falaise by John Flanagan

John Flanagan is an amazing author, and his Ranger’s Apprentice and Brotherband series are loved universally by young readers. Escape from Falaise  is the next book in the off-shoot series, The Royal Ranger, and it again has action, drama and conflict as the Royal Rangers, or more particularly Will and his young apprentice Maddie must escape capture and rescue a young Prince from the Baron Lassigny. They use their amazing Ranger skills and expert thinking skills to outwit the Baron despite all opposition.

The start of this book launches into the drama with little or no pre-amble or recap, so it is assumed that readers will have come to Book 5 after reading the other books in the series. You could never say the story is dull. Conflict and commotion, action and arrows, wit and wisdom and overcoming the witless and woeful opponents of the young Araluen Rangers happens at great speed. This is a rollicking adventure and will be devoured by readers of the Ranger’s Apprentice series. As an adult reader, I was also impressed at the way that Flanagan maintains the plot progression and makes a story that even adults can enjoy, even though these books are aimed at younger readers. And although young male readers have always loved this series, Maddie the young Ranger’s apprentice connects this series to a female audience too. 

Themes Adventure, Historical Fantasy, Rescue.

Carolyn Hull

Pig the monster by Aaron Blabey

The ever-popular Pig is back and he's up to some serious tricks, desperate to get his hands on as much as Halloween candy as he can. His outfits are scary and inspirational: Frankenstein's monster, a two-headed Pig and a zombified bumpkin are just some of his getups. But scarier than his costumes is his greed; he's snaffling whole baskets of treats and avenging anyone who stands in his way; eggs are being thrown at front doors, cars are being toilet papered and paint is being thrown. The tricking shenanigans are seriously astounding and children will especially love the paper bag of stinky poo left at a front door. This is Pig at his dastardly finest and the vocabulary used by Blabey is superb. He is a 'mummy unhinged' and a 'gluttonous goblin', he is on a 'monstrous rampage' and his payback is 'unprecedented'. This is so rich with infrequently used vocabulary, yet so effortless and pleasing to read-aloud.

The problem with Pig's greed is exposed when he ignores Trevor's warnings and munches on a tasty chocolate treat. In predictable Pig style this ends with a torrent of disgusting chocolate vomit. The illustrations are absolutely hilarious and integral to the storytelling. As he often does, Blabey manages to sneak in a reference to another of his books with Trevor dressed as Thelma the Unicorn. This is one of the best Pig books and a true treat for the eyes and the ears. It will appeal to all Pig and Blabey fans, young and old, and particularly to Halloween lovers. It might also provide some fabulous ideas for Halloween costumes...but hopefully not for Halloween tricks!

Themes Halloween, Greed, Sharing, Humorous Stories, Rhyming Stories.

Nicole Nelson

The flip out by Sam Kerr and Fiona Harris

The Flip out is the first book in a series that will be sharing some of Sam Kerr’s personal stories of growing up, pushing the boundaries, and chasing her dreams.  The book is written in first person and documents Sam’s journey as she Code Hops from Aussie rules football to soccer with the help of her family and friends.  The voice in this book is unmistakably Sam Kerr, honest, forthright with lots of self-doubt and humour thrown in.  Middle primary children will enjoy discovering how tough it was for Sam to learn all the positions and rules of her new game and how she overcame her fear of failure, dealt with a bully and persevered until she succeeded.  The interactions with her family, her feelings about her journey and interactions with her friends make it straightforward to read and interesting for students of this age group.  The next book in the series, A new Knight, is sampled in the last few pages of the book.

Themes Soccer, Friendship, Resilience, bullying.

Gabrielle Anderson

Echoes of war by Tania Blanchard

Giulia Tallariti lives in a traditional coastal region in Calabria. Her desire is to be a herbalist healer like her Nonna, but her father only sees marriage as her destiny. Giulia though is feisty, forthright and independent and is desperate to follow her own path and resist her father’s traditional views for her life. Against the backdrop of the approach of World War II and the focus of Mussolini to grow Italian influence in the world, Giulia and her family resist fascist and local Mafia ideals and attempt to live their lives simply. Giulia leaves home to train with a renowned healer in a monastery, but cannot escape her father’s plans and arrangements for her marriage.  Caught in the dilemma of her gender she must accept the twists of fate and overcome heartache to forge ahead with the perils of war as a constant threatening presence. Love does find a way, but not without complications and griefs along the way.

The hero of this story is the insight into Calabrian life, it is full of familial warmth and Italian traditional culture. This is an adult family saga covering many years, with war, love and grief, and ending with migration to Australia. There are references to Wartime history and political manoeuvring from an Italian perspective, which will appeal to those interested in War history. The social history and gender relationships are intriguing. Relationship and sexual exploration are also explored.  This book will be enjoyed by adult readers with an interest in Italian culture and history; it is an entertaining read.

Themes World War II – Italian history, Family saga, Relationships, Calabrian culture, Gender stereotypes.

Carolyn Hull

The magic ball of string by Chelsea Hardi. Illus. by Olya Badulina

The front cover will draw any young girl into the story immediately, with the beautiful princess upon the white horse, and the castle in the background. The illustrations throughout the book capture all the subtleties of the story.

This Australian, seven-year-old, author has done an amazing job at storytelling. Being aware of this fact may encourage other budding storytellers out there, knowing that if someone else can do it, they can too.

The story revolves around a family of three daughters and their father, the king of the land. The princesses want to travel and explore the kingdom with him, rather than stay at home. They certainly have an adventure they weren’t expecting! They each find themselves alone and worried for each other. The king issues orders for every abled man to help look for his three daughters. Being as loved as they are throughout the kingdom, they all agreed politely.

I thought the story would be all about a magic ball of string, however, the magic ball of string is not mentioned until towards the end of the story. I was a bit disappointed with this story until I found out the age of the author, and this is what will probably draw other readers to pick up the book.

Themes Fairytales.

Natalie Fisher

Shackleton's endurance: an Antarctic survival story by Joanna Grochowicz

Adrift on the Antarctic pack ice with no means of escape and no hope of rescue, Ernest Shackleton and his men are surely doomed.

I’m just cold thinking of this book and reading the true story about Ernest Shackleton’s journey on the Endurance. Joanna Grochowicz has managed to write a thrilling adventure that all readers would like. I could actually visualize the scenes that Joanna wrote about, especially because there are so many new movies and series being available on streaming services to watch. I thought I was pretty clever knowing Shackleton’s expedition when the boys in my family decided to watch some of the programmes. Well done Joanna in making a book read like a documentary the YA and adults would enjoy to read.

The book takes us back to 1914 when the world was at war and Ernest Shackleton and 27 men set sail for Antarctica, where their plan was to cross the Antarctic by foot. Only thing was their ship, The Endurance became trapped in the sea ice in the Weddell Sea for nine months. The crew lived aboard The Endurance before they abandoned her in order to make it home alive and spending another six months on shifting ice floes. In this time the Endurance sank. While battling ice, hunger, exhaustion and ocean the men finally reach the desolate refuge of Elephant Island. From here Shackleton and five of the men began another sea journey to South Georgia to bring rescue to the other survivors. With all this adventure it’s hard to believe that they never reached Antarctica.

Not only did we read about the expedition we also learnt about the different men that were aboard the ship like Frank Worley and Perce Blackborow just to name a few. We learnt about the disgusting food and the poor penguins and of course the puppies they took with them. The living conditions were …. what can I say, you have to read the book.

Themes Historical adventure.

Maria Komninos