In this, the ninth book of the series, Jack and Quint slip through a rift into the Monster Dimension in their bid to stop the utter destruction of their post-apocalyptic world. Armed with Jack’s Cosmic Hand, Quint’s inventiveness and small pink sticky, Globlet’s capricious assistance they blunder about, lurching from one cliffhanger to another, pursued by Frankenstein creatures bent on their destruction. There are enhanced mad monsters from previous books and they find unusual modes of transport like the rotting monster corpse raft and a taxi mounted on a hand. The friends don’t judge by appearances and some of the most fearsome monsters turn out to be misunderstood and they find allies in the strangest forms. The newsprint format doesn’t do justice to the energetic, expressive illustrations located within the text, including some very squishy monsters, with added speech bubbles. There are ruthless female monsters and so many inventively named characters it is hard to keep up, but the pace is so fast that it doesn’t seem to matter. The added deprecating humour and fun word play make this a winner and of course it leaves readers with more questions than answers, setting us up for the tenth book. Readers new to the series will still enjoy the ride but will want to go back and read the previous books or just catch up viewing the Netflix series.
This is a small hardback pocket-size collection of aphorisms and instructions related to kindness. Designed for young readers, the green and white pages contain small quotes related to kindness. It is a simple reminder book for 8–11 year-old children. It is cute in size, visually appealing and encouraging. Collated by a child psychologist, it could easily sit in a school counselling office or on a teacher’s desk for the ‘just right moment’ for a little kindness.
“Hired by companies to break into buildings and hack security systems, Jack and her husband Gabe are the best penetration specialists in the business. But after a routine assignment goes horribly wrong, Jack arrives home to find her husband dead. To add to her horror, the police are closing in on their only suspect – her.” Publisher. Almost paralysed by grief, Jack initially cooperates with the police who interview her at the station but it becomes increasingly apparent that she is the only suspect. She contacts her sister Hel for support as well as Cole, her husband’s best friend but does not want to put them into danger. Deciding to go it alone to find the killer she follows a trail of clues but the police keep tracking her down. Why did her husband take out an insurance policy in her name shortly before he died? Who can she trust? Who is the killer?
The background of Jack and Gabe’s business is fascinating and the early chapters of the book will keep the reader enthralled as Jack sneaks inside buildings to find the weaknesses in their security systems. The technology used to track Jack down is fascinating as well, although the thrill of the chase, told in a countdown of eight days, keeps the adrenaline pumping as Jack races from one crisis to another to keep ahead of the police and find the murderer.
This is a thriller that is very hard to put down. It is fast paced, with a feisty heroine who is immediately engaging and a clever twist at the end. A perfect escapist read. Fans may like to try Turn of the key another thriller by Ruth Ware or The murder rule by Dervla McTiernan.
Themes Thriller, Technology.
Pat Pledger
Standing in the shadows by Peter Robinson
Hodder & Stoughton, 2023. ISBN: 9781529343175. (Age:Adult - Young adult)
In 1986 Nick Hartley is living in a typical student share house when his ex-girlfriend, Alice Poole, who has the upstairs flat, is found murdered in a nearby park. Detectives interview Nick intensively, especially as the Yorkshire Ripper had recently struck nearby. Nick is eventually discounted but he has his own suspicions as Alice’s boyfriend, Mark Woodcroft, has disappeared. The unsolved murder nudges Nick towards a career in investigative journalism. When an archaeological dig in 2019 at Eastvale near the A1 uncovers a human skeleton that is definitely not Roman, Detective Superintendent Alan Banks must work out the identity and find the killer from the meager forensic information gleaned from the remains. Banks draws his team together to first identify the body then look into his past for clues as to how he came to be murdered. The two threads are well constructed with authentic details that identify the settings, especially the 1980’s student digs, protest rallies and the impact of John Lennon’s death. The characters of Banks and his team have been developed over the previous 27 stories and fans will recognize references to events in the previous books, like the skeleton discovered “In a Dry Season”. Banks’ love of vintage vinyl is showcased and there is a general feeling of nostalgia like when he recognizes the theme from the TV series Z Cars, reflecting “he was probably the only person in the pub who knew what it was” p. 202. There are some lovely descriptions of the Yorkshire Dales scenery and some clever plotting so the book does stand alone successfully. This final book from Peter Robinson, who died after completing it, will be treasured by fans who have been following Banks and his team in books and in the TV series for many years.
Nate Bass, already nicknamed ‘Mr Fish’ by his future students, has come to Port Flinders, on a short term replacement teaching position, staying in very basic camp accommodation close to dark threatening mangrove swamps. It’s a fishing town renowned for its annual drowning girl festival where a female figurine is cast into the ocean and pelted with stones until it sinks, in order to bring in a good fishing season. The problem is that perhaps some people take the tradition too seriously, and that is maybe why there have been a number of recurring drownings not investigated as fully as they could have been.
It also becomes slowly apparent that Nate is not a newcomer to this town; it is a place where he has spent some time in his childhood, and there are repressed memories that could be connected to the mysteries that linger on. Things become confusing when a drowned body is recognised as the same girl that died 15 years earlier. How could that be?
Lando keeps the chapters moving along, with the story told mostly from Nate’s perspective, but with interleaving accounts of the experiences of a group of boys 15 years ago. Gradually the two threads connect. The plot is not an easy one to follow, as there are many surprises along the way that will keep the reader guessing. Nate has a fellow investigator in his developing friendship with Irena, the bar manager who has stayed on to film the annual drowning event.
For me, the set-up where the author has the characters examine and explain events to each other is a technique that doesn’t sit well - it’s like the author has to put into words the things the reader probably has failed to follow or understand. But it is certainly required in this context as there are so many twists to the storyline that it would be difficult to be presented in any other way. This is a book for readers of detective novels, who enjoy the challenge of sorting through the possible scenarios and motivations, with a conclusion that defies any conjecture.
It is also a novel in the budding Australian genre of detective fiction where the hero or investigator has their own flawed past history, and I’m sure that the many readers who enjoy this book and its predecessor The whispering will be waiting for the next offering from Veronica Lando.
The first in the Elemental Blessings series, Troubled Waters introduces us to the world of Welce where babies are given blessings when they are born. The blessings are divided into Elay (air/soul), Hunti (wood/bone), Sweela (fire/mind), Coru (water/blood), Torz (Earth/flesh), with three Extraordinary blessings of synthesis, triumph and time. Zoe Ardelay is Coru, keeping her village always supplied with water. She is devastated by the death of her father, Navarr Ardelay, and when Darien Serlast arrives to take her to Chialto, the capital of the country, she follows him believing that she has been chosen to be the fifth wife of the king. She manages to slip away and hide on the shores of the mighty Marisi River, where she comes to the realisation that she is the Coru Prime with extraordinary power over water and blood.
Shinn’s authorship strength lies in her ability to build up a completely believable world that combines magic, intrigue and a country that is just beginning to leave the horse drawn form of transport behind, with the introduction of elaymotives. Her stories are always character driven. Zoe is a young woman, just learning to be independent and to control her power, while trying to understand Darien Serlast, who is Hunti, strong and determined. Their romance simmers slowly, but never overtakes Zoe’s story.
Danger faces Zoe and the royal princesses as her Coru abilities start to unravel the secrets that the royal family are hiding. There is intrigue, attempted murder and bitter rivalries at the court, and readers will delight in Zoe’s growth in maturity and skill.
Troubled waters is followed by Royal airs, Jeweled Fire, Unquiet land and Whispering Wood, and is a favourite series when I need feel good books to colour my life.
Mick Herron is well known for his gripping spy thrillers. This stand-alone work will have the reader in the grip of intrigue, bewildered by the extent of the corruption at play in the political world and at times on the very edge of their seat.
The book opens with “The worst smell in the world is dead badger” and quickly envelops the reader in a thrilling chase that ends with depositing the reader within the hidden halls of the British Secret Service. The language is sumptuous and the witty dialogue is at once darkly humorous and loaded with hidden meanings or sarcasm. The reader is invited to keep reading between the lines to pull threads together and uncover the hidden mystery.
Mick Herron has crafted a nuanced plot and added depth to his richly drawn characters who, though flawed, are deeply interesting for the reader. While some of the characters are truly suffering under the weight of career despair and political idiocy/malevolence, there is a humanity that shines through. This is important as the stakes are high in this book. An inquiry into the secret service is under way. The ‘Monochrome’ inquiry led by civil servants Griselda Fleet and Malcolm Kyle was promised unrestricted access to confidential information, however the fine print revealed another truth.
The intricate and complex storyline moves seamlessly between the conspiracies and tragedies of 1994 Berlin and present-day London. We learn the language of the spooks (joes, dogs and milkmen) along with the lure of power, the perils of ambition and the price of vengeance.
This is an immensely entertaining and satisfying read.
Themes Espionage, Relationships (friends, romance), Mystery, Crime, Suspense, Cold War.
The tyranny of faith is the second book in the Empire of the wolf series, sequel to The justice of kings. In this book, we follow Sir Konrad Vonvalt and his allies Helena, Bressinger and Sir Radimir who having survived the Battle of Galen's Vale in book one, now must return to the capital city Sova to deal with intrigue, rebellion and ultimately a quest that releases dark and truly disgusting and terrifying powers.
This action book is not for the fainthearted. If it were released to the movies, it would have a highly restrictive classification as the violence is visceral beyond what this reader could endure - it was quite enough to cope with the evocative imagery created through the written word. Examples will certainly not be given in this review as this reader is trying to erase them from her head:)
Author Richard Swan has created a page turner with every chapter ending with cliff hangers like... "It was a decision I would come to bitterly regret."..." And then I was falling down into oblivion." "...she stopped abruptly as Vonvalt collapsed to the floor." The subject matter deals with violent and strategic battles and other challenges for the Sovan Empire (map in front of book) which our hero Vonvalt and his comrades have to negotiate and fight their way through. Richard Swan appears to be well acquainted with a number of disciplines as The tyranny of faith draws richly and deeply from history, literature, architecture and theology. Echoes of many of the major world beliefs, bureaucracies and religious and political structures including rituals, creeds, orthodoxies and orders can be found mirrored in a confronting manner in this book. The age old construct of the quest is married with murder, kidnap and necromancy. Unearthly hideous powers are unleashed through the practices of evil men and the results are graphic.
The action is seen through the eyes of Helena. She is a resolute, loyal and fearless character who in The tyranny of faith is developing from apprentice level towards what the reader imagines will be higher station if not the highest in the empire as she is required to survive and save others in formidably dangerous situations. But... as in all good series one cannot find out everything about where Helena is headed in book two! Helena's allies are well rounded characters and in the nexus between the human and magic world and the death and bloodshed that results from crossing boundaries between these worlds there is sometimes the chance for the relief valve of humour, particularly with Sir Radimir's very human use of the F...word ( which defuses horrific situations)
This reader has to agree with reviewer Nicholas Eames. The tyranny of faith is "Utterly compelling...thoroughly engrossing." Richard Swan is a Sunday Times bestselling author for good reason. His descriptive power builds atmosphere and tension and the depth of detail in the construction of the medieval like human world aswell as coexisting other worlds is impressive. The reader can expect a thrilling, credible, well-structured plot, fine characters, riveting action and cinematic settings.
Lovers of fantasy, murder and the supernatural will be waiting on the final instalment of Empire of the wolf to be released in February 2024.
Themes Medieval battles, Faith, Loyalty, The after-life, Dark power.
Gods of the Wyrdwood is a dark fantasy story from critically acclaimed British author R J Barker. The first in a new high fantasy trilogy Forsaken, Gods of the Wyrdwood is perfect for fans of epic and immersive tales.
We meet the lone forester Cahan du Nahere, a man who was taken from his family as a boy and spent years training to fulfil a violent prophecy. Interestingly, Barker eschews the bildungsroman element such a story might indicate and rather than watching Cahan grow into adulthood, we meet him as a man in his thirties. Disillusioned and bitter, Cahan only wants to be left alone at his small farm in the woods to tend his animals and try to forget the past. He has forsworn any use of the powers and training that once meant he was to destined to be powerful person in the land. Unfortunately for Cahan, despite his vow not to become involved in the struggles and machinations of those around him, he cannot stay hidden and isolated forever. Against his will, Cahan is drawn into a battle against vicious forces where he will have to finally decide what is more important: his freedom or his conscious.
Gods of the Wyrdwood is a dark and violent read but it is an excellent one. Barker has created a vivid fantasy world of which, in this first book, we are only allowed to glimpse a small part. Compelling characters, intricate plotting and a superb twist in the novel’s final pages means that it will feel like a long wait until the next instalment of the series arrives on shelves.
Themes Fantasy, Epic Fantasy, Dark Fantasy, Religion, Nature, Magic, War, Power, Identity, Friendship.
Whether you are a massive fan, or new to the work of Patricia Cornwell, this latest book in the Kay Scarpetta series will have you churning with suspense as you fly through the pages.
The story jumps straight in to Kay Scarpetta leaving for the scene of two brutal and extraordinary deaths. Scarpetta is working in difficult circumstances, not always amongst friends. The reader hears her internal thoughts as she navigates a political world that is as dangerous as the suspects she is closing in on.
This gripping thriller has the reader enthralled from the first page. Patricia Cornwell includes cutting-edge forensic technologies in her work along with the latest in AI technologies. The high stakes implications of AI in the work of criminals and law enforcement are seamlessly woven through a complex narrative that keeps the reader guessing until the end. The reader also receives a crash course in avoiding thermal imagers. Signature management is another evolving area of military and defence organisations.
Patricia Cornwell is a master at writing crime and her much loved character, Kay Scarpetta, is feisty in this latest story. Kay effectively questions and reflects on the mysterious and the malevolent, as the reader remains conscious of a watching presence across the book. Kay is also showing maturity and wisdom in her relationships in this book – taking care to maintain and nurture her relationships with colleagues and family while experiencing tremendous pressure and adversity.
The book ends with the reader knowing this story is not quite completely resolved and eagerly awaiting the next book.
Random House Childrens, 1984. ISBN: 9780385755184. Highly recommended.
Regardless of one's religious beliefs or lack of them, I believe that it is an important part of our role as teachers to enable students to understand the origins of a time of year that claims our attention like no other. This book which uses the text from the King James version of the Bible is the perfect introduction. Superbly illustrated by Jan Pienkowski using silhouettes against the most stunning backdrops, it portrays the story in a unique way that does not interfere with any preconceived, more classical images the reader might have.
The illustrations bring the text to life, giving it meaning where there may have been none because of the unfamiliar syntax of such long-ago words. Pienkowski has interpreted the text in his own way with much detail that even being in silhouette form evoke emotion and movement and intrigue. And there is whimsy such as the two small figures on the poop deck of the Wise Men's ship, who are pointing in different directions and plainly arguing about which way is East. As well as the exquisite illustrations, the pages are embellished with all sorts of delightful touches that make the reader feel they have one of those illuminated books of old in their hands.
This is the perfect book for beginning the Christmas Countdown - as classic as sharing 'Twas the Night Before Christmas on Christmas Eve.
Themes Nativity.
Barbara Braxton
The first Christmas by Jess Racklyeft
Penguin, 2019. ISBN: 9780143796909.
The First Christmas is a beautifully illustrated book, that tells a children's version of the story of the Nativity.
The story is told in a simple way that will allow children of many ages to understand and engage with the text. It provided the reader and listener with the key points, however does not make it out to be a religious story, allowing families of all faiths and beliefs to read and enjoy this story. Jess Racklyeft has done the most beautiful job of illustrating this book, using water colour and acrylic to provide texture and shade to her images. The characters have nice expressions and the animals are very cute too! The bright new star to signify the birth radiates on many pages, with Jess Racklyeft giving it a prominent place when necessary.
This is a story that I hadn't really told my children for a long time, and both of them were interested and engaged with this book. They loved the illustrations and asked lots of questions throughout the story. Miss 5 particularly loved the animals that are throughout the pages, naming each one she saw and then counted them on the second read. Master 9 remembered hearing the story of the Nativity when he was younger - he said that this story filled in the gaps from what he had forgotten. Overall this book is illustrated well, the story is nicely written and was easy to understand. This would be a good book to add to any collection of Christmas themed stories.
Lauren Fountain
An Aussie night before Christmas by Yvonne Morrison. Illus. by Kilmeny Niland
Twas the night before Christmas; there wasn't a sound. Not a possum was stirring; no-one was around. We'd left on the table some tucker and beer, Hoping that Santa Claus soon would be here.
So begins this iconic salute to Christmas in Australia drawing on the familiar sights and sounds of a night that is usually so hot and it's hard to sleep because it's still daylight outside, never mind 'dreams of pavlova' dancing around heads. And when there's a ruckus outside that needs to be investigated, who would be surprised that it's Santa in a rusty ute pulled by eight mighty kangaroos? Kangaroos called Kylie, Kirsty, Shazza and Shane, Kipper and Skipper, Bazza and Wayne?
There are many stories that put the Aussie spin on Christmas, but this is such a rollicking good yarn, funny and engaging that it's still available nearly 20 years since it was first published.
Accompanied by the distinctive illustrations of Kilmeny Niland, this is the perfect story to read to the little ones before they settle down, and the perfect story to end our Christmas Countdown.
A wonderfully infectious rhyming text about Grinch wanting to share his newly found love of Christmas will delight younger readers as it is read out to them or they tackle it for themselves. Most children will have heard of the Grinch and many will have read the first book, How the Grinch stole Christmas (1957) by Dr Seuss, so will be intrigued with the sequel by Heim and Ruiz, using the same style as Seuss, which shows another aspect of Grinch’s character. He still lives in a cave on Mt Crumpet, and has realised that he loves Christmas and wants to show his new attitude to the people of Who-ville, a village at the bottom of the mountain. After seeing a Christmas Tree competition on a poster he heads to Who-wood and selects a tree. He decorates it with an array of baubles and ribbons, tinsel and bunches of bows, anything reddish or green is to be added.
He takes it to the village ready for the competition the next day, Christmas Day and is dumbfounded when his tree is judged second. He takes his tree and trudges back to his cave, his heart growing colder the higher he climbed. But Cindy-Lou calls out to him, asking him to put a decoration on her tree just as all the other residents of Who-ville had done.
He thinks about it and his heart grows warmer as he realises that she has included him as a resident of the village. He goes back and places his offering on the tree, and helps crown the winner, Cindy-Lou.
A heart warming story for Christmas, showing the positive aspects of sharing, not only the tree and its decorations, but the coming together of people, particularly those who have been neglected or isolated. This story will find fans amongst all those who love Seuss’s work, and also those looking for a Christmas book which supports the virtues that Christmas inspires.
Themes Christmas, Dr Seuss, Sharing, Christmas tree, Inclusivity, Competition.
Fran Knight
Peter Rabbit: The Christmas star by Beatrix Potter
Another in the series of the books with Beatrix Potter’s perennial favourite characters: Flopsy, Mopsy, Cotton-tail and Peter having an adventure told in a strong board book with lots of colour for the younger child to hold while it is read to them.
Flopsy, Mopsy, Cotton-tail and Peter have an idea. Christmas is coming so to surprise their mother they decide to decorate the tree themselves. All works well as they take all the fittings from the boxes, and put them in the special places on the tree. But when they get to the last box they find the most important piece is missing. Perhaps it has gone back to the sky says a wistful Peter after they have searched the house for the star. They decide that they should make a star themselves.
And this is what happens. But it is not as easy as they thought. All their efforts are rewarded when Mrs Rabbit comes home and is singularly impressed with their undertaking.
This book, easily held by young hands is full of life and colour as the rabbits try their hardest to find the star, then make it themselves. They work together, encouraged by Peter Rabbit who urges them not to give up when the first star breaks.
The warmth of the family setting will appeal to readers as the family prepares for Christmas. Children will love seeing the array of customs shown, showing them that Christmas is on its way.
They will be able to list those things that mean Christmas for them and their family, as well as enjoy the use of Beatrix Potter’s beloved characters.
