Walker Books, 2019. ISBN: 9781760650346.
(Age: 4+) Highly recommended. Themes: Beach, Power, Environment.
Celine loves coming to the beach. Here she can be the queen of all
that she surveys, wanting to build a rock wall to protect and keep
safe all the animals that she sees in the rock pools. She builds the
wall, and helps the little creatures come inside. Here they are safe
from the vagaries of the sea, safe from the other creatures who may
want to eat them, safe from the marauding seagulls always hovering
overhead.
She surveys her kingdom, stunningly shown in soft watercolours,
insisting that she is the best leader the world has ever known, and
pleased that in her world things will never change.
But the water becomes murky, the seagrass no longer waves, some of
the creatures move out.
Queen Celine looks at the other kingdoms on the beach. The leaders
are happy and joyous, their subjects happy and laughing and she
notices they do not have a wall or fortress, hers is the only one.
She begins to demolish her fortress, pulling down the stones, and is
surprised to see many creatures coming along the beach towards her
kingdom. She welcomes them all, and as other children on the beach
come to play with her, she welcomes them as well.
When she returns home she leaves a sign on the beach saying that
everyone is welcome.
A cautionary tale of the perils of isolation, the building of the
wall on the beach actually harms those inside the wall, not only
repelling people outside the wall, but by stopping change within
undermines life for those inside.
A wondrous parallel for the isolationist policies seen around the
world, readers will recognise the ideas of openness and being
welcoming to people coming to their shores, and be aware that some
countries are building physical walls, while others have more subtle
restrictions about their borders.
Readers will love looking at the range of creatures illustrated on
each page, recalling their own adventures when visiting the beach.
Scroll down for activities
from the publisher.
Fran Knight
52 Mondays by Anna Ciddor
Allen and Unwin, 2019. ISBN: 9781760523480.
(Age: 9-12) Recommended. Themes: Family life, Jewish peoples, Dolls.
Anne Ciddor's 52 Mondays is a gentle evocative middle-grade
novel set in the 1960s. She reminisces about her childhood, her
family's Jewish heritage and celebrations and everyday life with her
three younger sisters. Central to the story is Anne's desire to own
an antique doll and her mother's willingness to fulfil her wish.
Ciddor's memories draw from the sights, sounds and smells of her
youth; she vividly paints school and home life, scorching summer
days, sliding across the hot car seats without seatbelts, warm
bottles of milk at recess, and days filled with simpler pleasures.
Annie's love of antique dolls comes from being enthralled with 5Hitty,
Her First Hundred Years, an historic book told from the little
wooden toy's point of view. The idea for visiting the auction house
weekly stems from the final chapter of the 1920's story. Each
Monday, Anna's mother bundles up the three sisters and off they go.
Anna's anguish, desperation and desire to own her own doll drives
the narrative.
High days and holidays, Friday night meals, families sharing the
Passover story, Anna lovingly describes her religious upbringing.
The glossary explains the Hebrew and Yiddish words and phrases used
throughout. Buying ice-creams for half a penny, and trying Deb
instant mashed potato bought from a big supermarket instead of a
local store are fun new experiences. Even Nana Nomi's Shabbat meal
cooked with kosher chicken sold plucked and cut in pieces and served
with packet noodles show the changing times.
Anna Ciddor's semi-autobiographical novel is an enjoyable and
gently-paced read, sharing her insights into ordinary family life,
schooling and after school activities. Gorgeous sensory descriptions
of preparing and sharing meals, hairstyles and clothing, sibling
fun, birthday parties, even the effects of the mumps is creatively
presented. 52 Mondays opens up the history of Australian
life in the 1960's to a new generation. It also gives opportunities
for older family members to share and reminisce about their
childhoods.
Rhyllis Bignell
Liars: No survivors by Jack Heath
Scholastic, 2018. ISBN: 9781742761930. Paperback, 235 pg.
(Age: 8-14) Highly recommended. Wow! What an action packed book
right from the opening page where a plane crashes into a house in
the little known town of Kelton. The accident is a mystery and there
are no passengers aboard the plane. What an amazing way to start a
book that is aimed for reluctant readers between the ages of 8 to
14. Mind you, everyone who picks up this book would love this
adventure. No Survivors is part 2 of a 5 book series.
Jack Heath manages to take you on a modern day, tech-savy, STEM and
danger-filled adventure which any reader will lose themselves in. It
was filled with action and many plot twists which kept me reading
till the end and now am so hanging out for part three of the series.
The main character Jarli is a very likeable boy. He invented the
Truth app in the first series. Everyone has downloaded the app and
many do not like, that people are using it everyday. Jarli's life
has been in danger since the app went online especially from an
unknown villain called Viper who is out to get Jarli. There are many
likeable characters but I must say that Bess, Jarli's best friend,
is one of my favourites especially since she doesn't let her
disability slow her down. In this series both kids befriend Doug who
is another STEM-savy genius.
I found No Survivors a very easy read that I couldn't put
down. I just had to know what would happen next. I would highly
recommended it to school kids.
Maria Komninos
Fish Kid and the Lizard Ninja by Kylie Howarth
Walker Books, 2019. ISBN: 9781760650810.
(Age: 7+) Recommended. Themes: Humour, Marine Biology, Environmental
Issues, Ocean Life, Adventures, Friendship, Problem Solving, Fish
facts. Young Bodhi lives an enviable life on a boat with his
parents, a marine biologist and an ocean photographer, who are
passionate about saving the marine environment. Unfortunately for
Bodhi he has an aversion to the ocean and the creatures that dwell
below the surface. He is home schooled but would much rather be in a
traditional classroom on land.
This trip, Bodhi's parents are researching and studying slimy sea
cucumbers. Emely, the skipper's daughter, in yet another prank,
decides to introduce Bodhi to sea cucumbers disguised in a green
smoothie. What happens next is highly entertaining as Bodhi succumbs
to illness but in the process gains secret powers. Bodhi and Emely
eventually find themselves alone on a desert island in the company
of Guapo, an intelligent marine iguana, who joins the children on
their quest to safety.
Bodhi is initially a quiet, nervous and mild character while Emely
is the feisty one. However with Bodhi's newly developed secret
powers he is able to lead both himself and Emely out of their
predicament and save Guapo. Throughout the book Kylie Howarth has
included clever illustrations and fish facts which help create a
visual context for the reader. The story is a fast moving and an
enjoyable read. Teacher's
activities are available and there is a second book coming soon
in this series, Fish Kid and the Mega Manta Ray.
Kathryn Beilby
The great Shelby Holmes and the coldest case by Elizabeth Eulberg
Illus. by Matt Robertson. The Great Shelby Holmes series,
Book 3. Bloomsbury Children's Books, 2018. ISBN: 9781408871515.
(Age: 8+) Highly recommended. Themes: Friendship, New York, Family
Issues, Separated parents, Mystery, Detectives, Problem Solving,
Figure Skating Champions, Diabetes. The newspaper calls them
'Harlem's Smartest Sleuths' and so enters 9 year olds Shelby Holmes
and John Watson on their next exciting case to solve.
After being contacted by Tatiana, the coach of a world famous figure
skater Jordan Nelson, Shelby and John are drawn into a highly
complex case involving difficult codes and intimidating characters.
Both of these young detectives must go undercover to earn the trust
of the champion figure skaters. Neither Shelby nor John can figure
skate and this provides some entertaining moments as they avoid
getting on the ice or spending as little time as possible going
through figure skating routines. Through deductive reasoning and the
deciphering of clues, the two friends eventually solve the case.
Throughout the story, Shelby's addiction to sugar and the fact her
parents have banned neighbourhood shops from selling it to her,
creates some light-hearted moments as Shelby thwarts this ban with
clever solutions. John, on the other hand has diabetes, and is very
careful with his diet. John is also dealing with his father visiting
from out of town and his passionate wish that his parents would
reunite. At times Shelby's whirlwind and single focused nature seems
insensitive to John's angst and naturally cautious disposition but
she surprises the reader with thoughtful actions in the end. There
are clever illustrations dotted throughout the book which complement
the fast paced action and enjoyable storyline.
Kathryn Beilby
The house on the mountain by Ella Holcombe and David Cox
Allen and Unwin, 2019. ISBN: 9781760636968.
(Age: 7+) Highly recommended. The House on the Mountain is a
deeply atmospheric story that follows a family's journey as they
rebuild their lives after the devastation of the Black Saturday
bushfires. Ella Holcombe draws on her most difficult memories, the
loss of her parents at Kinglake, Victoria on the 7th of February
2009. The build up to the bushfires and the aftermath of the
harrowing events is told in a beautifully lyrical style: there is a
rawness and honesty portrayed. Sights, sounds, smells are
realistically portrayed. 'The sky looks strange, dark and glowing,
and there is a distant roaring sound, like an aeroplane
approaching.' The author writes of hope rising from the ashes as the
family slowly rebuilds their lives. She explains the range of
emotions, the rawness and numbness at times, as the little girl
experiences grief, loss, anger, wonder and despair.
She begins simply with the children playing in the bush, splashing
each other in a cold bath, while the parents quickly prepare and
pack their essential emergency items. Fleeing to safety as the smoke
surrounds them and debris hits their car, the family watches from
the safety of the oval as the mountain is covered in fire. Photos of
teachers and students who lost their lives, displayed in the school
corridor are constant and confronting reminders for the other
students. Community and state supportive services, art therapy,
music sessions, counselling, well-wishers from near and far provide
comfort as well.
Life goes on, the family lives with their nana in her little white
house, where her brothers fight more often, Mum and Dad argue and
Ruby the dog follows them everywhere. This a new kind of normal,
nothing will ever be the same. Day by day as the plants' green
shoots appear and their mud brick home is built, hope rises from the
ashes.
David Cox's evocative illustrations capture the family's life in
small vignettes and then the power of the raging fire as they travel
down the mountain, surrounded by smoke. He captures the emotions of
Emma's story with dark earth tones of brown, black, greys and
purples. Light shines in the darkest times, the camp lantern's glow
and the yellow moon and twinkling stars representing hope.
The story concludes with Emma Holcombe's personal recount of losing
her parents, her dog Brittany and their home on that fateful day. The
House On The Mountain is an inspirational picture book, an
important one to share with families and classes with readers from
seven plus; opening up dialogues about life and death, hope and
despair, natural disasters and the power of the human spirit to
rebuild.
Rhyllis Bignell
A great escape by Felice Arena
Penguin Random House, 2019. ISBN: 9780143794042.
(Age: 9+) Highly recommended. Themes: Berlin Wall; Freedom; Escape.
Felice Arena has created a story about life for a young person at
the time of the separation of West Germany from East Germany during
the Cold War era. With the creation of the Berlin Wall, families
were separated and with no way to get back together, many East
Germans chose to prepare escape plans at the risk of their life. For
Peter, the young boy left behind while his family went to the
Western region of Berlin, the risks are high. With the only family
left in the East with him, his Oma and his stroke-impacted Opa, the
pull of his immediate family and the brief glimpses of his parents
and sister through the barrier create incredible tension for him. If
only he could fly over the barrier. This is a sad story about a
period of history that many Australian children know very little
about.
Written simply and with very short chapters, this book is accessible
for young readers who enjoy history and adventure. Even older
readers will be able to connect to the difficulties faced by the
young boy and the struggles of the friends around him. This is
certainly a book that could be recommended to readers that have
enjoyed Felice Arena's other historical books Fearless Frederic
and The Boy and the Spy, but also readers who have enjoyed The
Boy in the Striped Pyjamas. The naivety of young Peter and the
unfathomable circumstances of the times reminds current readers of
the difficulties that children have faced in the past.
Highly recommended for readers aged 9+.
Carolyn Hull
TC and the stinkiest story ever (in the history of the Universe) by Dave Hartley
Illus. by Peter Baldwin. Scholastic Australia, 2019. ISBN:
9781742991870.
(Age: 7+) Recommended. Themes: Friendship, Aboriginal culture,
Family, Bullies, Mystery, Humour. Set in a country town in
Australia, this light-hearted story covers the mystery of a missing
dog, daily issues children face such as earning pocket money and
bullies, all intertwined with aspects of Aboriginal culture.
TC and his best mate Lockie go in search of a missing dog, Polpetta,
owned by Mrs Mucci, the champion pizza maker of Warner Creek. In
order to track down the missing dog, the two friends use the most
obvious clue - stinky poo! The reward for finding the missing dog is
free pizza for a year! With a suspect in mind, the two boys spend
their time searching for clues and trying to solve the mystery. On
their journey they are chased by the school bullies and outwit them
along the way.
Younger readers will enjoy the reference and use of technology
during the course of the story. These include the x-box, iPad and a
very useful drone. Some of this technology is put to good use by the
boys and is vital in solving the mystery with the support of their
mob. Interwoven throughout this story is information regarding
aspects of Aboriginal life which is described sensitively and gives
the reader a further understanding of their history and culture. The
simple illustrations strategically placed throughout the story add
to the story and creates visual images to support the younger
reader. This is an enjoyable read, fast paced and action packed and
will appeal to younger readers, in particular boys.
Kathryn Beilby
Superman : Dawnbreaker by Matt De La Pena
Random House, 2019. ISBN: 9780141386867.
(Age: 10+) Recommended. Themes: Science fiction, Superheroes, Good
and evil. Having grown up with superman movies and comics set in the
50s, I found this version very refreshing as it is set in current
times. Mobile phones and laptops are common and there is no mention
of phone boxes anywhere.
Clark Kent is 17 and still discovering what he is capable of. New
powers seem to manifest themselves during times of need or stress,
though he sometimes lacks complete control over them.
In this well written and easy to read novel, Clark learns that he is
not of this world and while he wrestles with the implications of
being an alien and the super powers he possesses, he comes to
realise that he has a purpose and responsibility to earth and its
people. All this as he deals with the normal teenage issues of first
love, friendships and High school. He and his close friends uncover
an evil plot to take control of the most vulnerable in his town and
turn them into monsters against their will. This ends with Clark
having to show his true self in front of the people of Smallville to
save his friends and the day; an exciting fight ensues including
bombs, guns and taking control of a helicopter all described in
vivid detail.
In this book you will learn about some of his special powers and how
he discovers them. What his costume and cape is made of, its own
special powers and why he definitely needs it. He meets Lex Luther
for the first time in this novel, although Clark is always
suspicious of his motives they are working together in this story.
But Lex is destined to become one of Clark's most formidable
adversaries.
I enjoyed reading this story as I learned a lot about Superman and
what he can do and how he came to adopt his principles of trying to
avoid killing anyone at all costs. It kept me interested and
entertained and I would recommend it to anyone 10 years and older.
Joyce Crawford
The Genius Experiment by James Patterson and Chris Grabenstein
Max Einstein book 1. Hachette, 2019. ISBN: 9781784759827.
(Age: 10-14) Highly recommended. Themes: Orphans, Gifted children,
Inventions, Heroes and villains, Problem solving, Albert Einstein.
James Patterson and Chris Grabenstein's The genius Experiment
introduces twelve-year-old orphan Max Einstein, an amazing girl who
lives by her own rules. She's squatting above the Central Park horse
and carriage stables, attending college classes at NYU and
supporting the homeless people who live in the building with her.
She's used her home-made computer built from discarded parts to hack
into the college's systems and add her name to classes she wants to
attend. Max relies on Albert Einstein's wisdom to guide her
decisions, and all her possessions are carried in a little suitcase
filled with her mentor's quotes and memorabilia.
Two organisations are watching her every move, CMI - Change Makers'
International and The Corporation filled with shadowy sinister
people keen to use Max's genius skills for evil purposes. Typically,
they are dressed in black and out to capture and control Max. After
a brief time at a foster care facility, Max is rescued by her chess
buddy Mr Weinstock and two CMI handlers and whisked off to
Jerusalem. Before the flight, Max's able to rescue her suitcase,
feed all her friends at the stables and is pleased when she learns
they are to be taken to safe houses.
Max is guided by Einstein's wisdom, without any parental advice, she
continues a constant inner dialogue seeking answers and advice.
'Only a life lived for others is a life worthwhile.' The mission of
the CMI Institute is to solve some of the world's most serious
problems using science. Eight other young geniuses and Max compete
against each other to become the one chosen to lead a team tasked
with solving these problems. What shines through is Max's ability to
face new situations, creatively problem solve and see the world
through her scientific understandings. Ever-present are the evil
minions of Dr Zimm ready to capture the young girl.
The team's first mission involves a dangerous trip to the Democratic
Republic of the Congo to rescue children forced to work in the
cobalt mines. Max and her friends plan to set up solar energy panels
in a village setting up an alternate industry. When the Corporation
comes in to destroy their work, the young geniuses and their adult
helpers stand up and save the day. The Genius Experiment is jam-packed with exciting adventures,
twists and turns, humour and empathy. Max Einstein is a wonderfully
resilient individual who faces challenges head on, relying on her
own abilities and forward thinking, making the most of her life.
Endorsed by The Albert Einstein Archives, the authors have created a
tremendous beginning to a new series.
Rhyllis Bignell
Muhammad Ali by Isabel Sanchez Vegara
Ill. by Brosmind. Little People, Big Dreams series. Frances
Lincoln Children's Books, 2019. ISBN: 9781786037336.
(Ages: 5-9) Recommended. Themes: Determination, Persistence. This is
just one title in a huge collection of the Little People, Big
Dreams series (including Stephen Hawking, Ella Fitzgerald and
Coco Chanel). It is a great introduction to the life of Muhammad
Ali, told simply but with honesty. It doesn't skirt around the
controversial issues or provide a commentary on whether his choices
were wrong or right. It just presents the facts of his life and the
way he chose to live his life. It does present him as a champion,
but not for because of what he stood for but simply because he stood
up.
The biography is chronological, beginning with Ali's childhood in
Kentucky and his motivation to learn boxing (someone stole his brand
new bicycle) then progressing to his boxing career, his refusal to
fight in the Vietnam War and his work for charities. We see as he
takes his success in boxing and keeps dreaming bigger (from an
Olympic gold medal, to world heavyweight champion). His incredible
self-belief is illustrated through his rhymes (Float like a
butterfly and sting like a bee).
The cartoonish illustrations work really well, especially in the
boxing scenes, however, there is one double-page spread that cuts
Ali's face in half and ruins what is otherwise a very poignant
illustration. The bright colours keep things interesting and fun and
the text is a perfect length: short enough to keep young ones
engaged but with enough detail to be useful for school research for
older children.
The real message in Ali's inspirational story is that he stood up
for his beliefs no matter what it cost him personally and that comes
through perfectly in this book. It also highlights that one can have
a strong sense of self while also being self-sacrificing. This is a
difficult to understand but important message for any young person
today. Included in the back is a short photographic timeline and
slightly more detailed biography.
Nicole Nelson
You must be Layla by Yassmin Abdel-Magied
Penguin, 2019. ISBN: 9780143788515.
(Age: 12+) Highly recommended. Themes: Identity, Diversity,
Resilience, Moral values, Bullying, Humour. Layla is a very loveable
character, full of fun and enthusiasm, highly intelligent, but a
person who sometimes lets her spoken words run faster than her
thoughts, and then she finds herself in trouble for being too brash.
It's hardly a good thing on the first day at a prestigious new
school, to put your teacher offside, apologising for yelling because
you're used to deaf people, and going on to say elderly people could
still be beautiful! Her first day is a disaster, and it ends up with
her being suspended before she's even started, because she
head-butts the school bully who happens to be the son of the Chair
of the school board.
Layla's dreams of being an adventurer and amazing inventor, look
doomed from the start. But she is not a person to give up at the
first set-back. She knows that she can come up with a brilliant idea
that will win the Grand Designs Tourismo competition and re-affirm
her scholarship status.
There are some really lovely positive messages in this book: the
value of an encouraging teacher, warm and loving parents who provide
sound moral and spiritual guidance, the importance of standing
strong with true friends, sharing laughter and fun. Layla
continually strives to find the right path, find her inner strength,
and respect the values of her Muslim religion. Amid the jokes and
funny situations, there are some very poignant moments - of an
Aboriginal teacher describing the oppression of her people, Layla's
own Sudanese family facing racial discrimination, and the sadness of
another child struggling with their sexual identity. The way that
Layla thoughtfully considers these issues and tries to develop her
understanding leads to overall messages that are very positive and
life affirming, embedded in a fun easy to read novel.
The novel provides insight into the lives of migrants trying to fit
into the dominant culture but still retain the cultural values and
beliefs important to them. The daily Muslim prayer rituals are just
a natural part of the events of each day, favourite traditional
meals are relished, and common Arabic words and sayings are a part
of the day-to-day family conversation, supported by a glossary at
the end. These things are not the focus of the novel, they are part
of the ordinary backdrop, the focus is the issues that all teenagers
grapple with, dealing with problems and embarrassments, finding
personal values, and trying to work out what they want to do in
life. It is a really worthwhile book to offer young readers.
Helen Eddy
Circle by Mac Barnett and Jon Klassen
Shapes trilogy, book 3. Walker Books, 2019. ISBN:
9781406384222.
(Age: 3+) Highly recommended. Themes: STEM, Circles, Friendship,
Humour. Inventors of the quirky books, Square and Triangle,
this Californian duo have collaborated on another book, Circle.
As with the others the simplicity of the tale is beguiling; a circle
watches on each page, the size and shape of the eyes and the
positioning of the iris giving clues as to how Circle is feeling.
He and his friends, Square and Triangle are playing hide and seek
together. Circle outlines the rules, and warns them not to go behind
the waterfall. Triangle is curious and asks why. They are told that
it is dark in there, but Triangle asserts that he is not afraid of
the dark. Readers will know that Triangle will not do as he is told,
and eagerly prepare themselves for something a little scary to
happen. Circle turns her back and counts to ten but when she turns
around, Square is still there but no Triangle. Square reports that
Triangle has gone behind the waterfall. It is then up to the brave
Circle to follow Triangle and rescue him.
The following pages follow Circle's tentative search of the area
behind the waterfall. It is dark and gets darker, and Circle calls
out for Triangle in the gloom. Eventually they find each other,
after bumping into something else in the dark, and they escape,
meeting square at the entrance. All is well, a lesson is learnt.
Klassen's illustrations are pared back, using few colours to create
the background of the game with friends. His delightful shapes with
their big eyes and roaming irises distil the feelings of each of the
three friends to the simplicity of the position of the iris. Readers
will watch the iris with satisfaction able to tell exactly what the
shapes are feeling and compare these with their own feelings as
doing something they are told not to do, or being lost in a strange
place or having a friend rescue you and welcome you back. Readers
will marvel at the pages of black simply showing two pairs of eyes
in the dark, laughing with recognition at their own fear of the
dark.
Quirky and funny, Circle will be a hit with younger
students, and initiate discussions in the classroom about following
rules, mathematical shapes, fear of the dark and friendship. An activity
kit for the series is available.
Fran Knight
The secret of the youngest rebel by Jackie French
The Secret Histories series book 5. Angus and Robertson,
2019. ISBN: 9781460754801.
(Age: 8+) Highly recommended. Themes: New South Wales (1804),
Australian history, Convicts, New South Wales Corp, Irish convicts,
Castle Hill Rebellion. Young orphan, Frog, is barely surviving on
the streets of Parramatta in 1804. Life for this orphan is spent
stealing from wealthier inhabitants and giving those spoils to old
Ma Grimsby. Ma Grimsby runs a shanty tavern where orphaned children
sleep on straw and spend their time stealing from patrons who visit
the tavern. If they do not bring home stolen items they do not eat.
Life is tough until one day after stealing an apple pie, Frog is
followed to a hiding spot and meets Irish rebel Mr Cunningham who
talks of freedom from the corrupt and cruel New South Wales Corps.
His passion enthuses Frog to join the rebels and follow them to
Castle Hill. Unfortunately the rebels are betrayed and the resulting
battle is a massacre. Frog manages to escape the soldiers by
climbing a tree and is taken in by Barney Bean and his wife. There
they discover the truth about Frog and after recuperating and
learning to trust, Frog remains in the home of the Beans.
Jackie French has interwoven fiction into a period in Australia's
history that has had limited recognition. It was a time when
corruption, cruelty and poverty was rife. The Castle Hill Rebellion
is not one of the well-known battles in Australian History and to
this end the story gives the reader a powerful insight into the
desperation faced by the oppressed.
Kathryn Beilby
Four dead queens by Astrid Scholte
Allen and Unwin, 2019. ISBN: 9781760524418. 418p; p/b.
In a divided world where citizens of each quadrant must conform to
strict societal expectations, outcast pickpocket Keralie
accidentally uncovers a plot to assassinate the queens of the realms
and must try to stop it. Scholte does an expert job of keeping the
reader engaged, with compelling pacing and clever little tricks, for
example a unique use of chapter titles.
As characters deal with the burden of upholding and enforcing
outdated traditions, struggle to keep their secrets and hide their
regrets, there's plenty for readers to relate to, especially younger
readers dealing with expectations they're born into. The novel is
appropriate for a variety of ages, with the only potentially
worrisome content being mildly graphic depictions of violence. This
does not mean more mature readers will be bored however, with a
complex political plot to get absorbed into.
Fans of crime and suspense novels will find this one intriguing. It
has new twists and turns leaving the reader hooked to the very end.
Vincent Hermann
