Forever Fairies Book Review

 

Forever Fairies – Nova Shimmers by Maddy Mara 

Scholastic

ISBN: 9781761521577 

$14.99

Nova Shimmers is the second book listed in the Forever Fairies series. However, having not read the first book, this book still stood on its own merit and was just as easy and enjoyable to read as a stand-alone book.

Nova and her friends must pass a particular fairy challenge that allows them to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of fairy medicine. With the unexpected resistance from some trolls, Nova and her friends learn a couple of other important lessons as well.

With short chapters, well-spaced lines and scattered illustrations, this book has a great layout for any reader to enjoy. Throw in a mix of fairy folk, trolls, magic spells and a high stakes challenge; Nova Shimmers has delightful appeal for anyone who loves the fairy world.

Mara has also included some subtle reminders in the book through the Forever Fairies about friendship, teamwork and the importance of cooperation to work together and get any job done. Mara also reminds the reader that as Nova and her friends, Lulu, Coco and Zali find their way through the tryouts, we each have our own strengths which are important to recognise and nurture.

Forever Fairies – Nova Shimmers is suitable for a 7+ readership.

Princess of Thieves Book Review

Princess of Thieves by Mari Mancusi 

Scholastic Australia

ISBN: 9781761520921

RRP $17.99

If you think you know the story of Robin Hood and his merry men, think again. This twisted tale turns everything you think you know on its head! It is a brilliantly retold tale of murder, greed, outlaws, danger and love.

The war is over, and Maid Marion returns to her uncle, King Richard’s homeland. When she arrives, she discovers that the king has tragically died and his younger brother, Prince John, has taken over the reign of the country. His tactics are as questionable as Sir Hiss, the slippery snake that seems to have an unknown power over the prince.

Mancusi sets up the strength of character of Maid Marion early in the story, and makes no secret that she is willing to get her fox fur dirty if it means making a stand against the wrath and power of Prince John. Mancusi uses well known elements of the story of Robin Hood to re-write this twisted tale to put Maid Marion front and centre of the action. She even includes the trusty lady maid, Lady Kluck. One fiercely protective chook!

Unwittingly, Maid Marion begins helping those whose living conditions have been impacted by high taxes and outlawed family members. She begins stealing riches to share with the poor. Unfortunately for her, Robin Hood, her childhood friend and long-time crush who is already outlawed by Prince John, gets the credit for Maid Marion’s exploits.

This is a cleverly written story, and the action is this novel is continuous. There are twists and turns aplenty to keep the reader entertained. Even though Maid Marion must keep her wits, this is an entertaining story of girl power that reminds every reader that we are responsible for our destiny, and we all have the power to make a change, even in the fairytale world of Nottingham.

Whether you know the story of Robin Hood or not, this story stands up on its own merit and the outlaw, Maid Marion, will be the new princess everyone wants to be. Princess of Thieves is suitable for a 10+ readership.

The Fairfleet Affair Book Review

The Fairfleet Affair by K. H Saxton 

Union Square Kids

ISBN: 9781454950134 

RRP $16.99

Missing millionaire. Secret Clues. Historical artefacts. Four suspects. Two tenacious detectives. This book has the perfect mix for a mystery that needs to be solved! Each clue links to the next one and will keep the reader guessing about how they are all connected and what each clue means. Because no sooner is one clue solved than another one demands to be uncovered to ensure all the clues blend together.

When Dr. Alistair Fairfleet disappears, it soon becomes clear this is not a normal missing person case. Not only do four people (soon to become suspects) each receive a letter about the disappearance, so to do Asha and Alex of A&A Detective Agency. These two twelve-year-old sleuths must use their wit and knowledge of the Fairfleet Institute, as well as their significant investigative skills, as they decode clues and interview the suspects likely to be behind the disappearance.

Saxton weaves an intricate web of mystery as each character involved solves specific clues through their own personal knowledge to try and help solve the mystery. However, each suspect has some kind of motive. Along with a little help from Asha and Alex who are very good at their detective work, these motives are slowly revealed as the story unfolds.

Alex and Asha work well together, and it was enjoyable to get to know each character and their personality as they both committed to solving the disappearance. They are mature for their age and Saxton creates a good balance between including adult support and having the young detectives use their strengths to interpret the clues.

There are terrific turns and tantalising twists until the story arrives at the dramatic conclusion. So, who is responsible for the kidnapping of the eccentric director of the Fairfield Institute? You will just have to read this delightful mystery to find out!

This book is a fabulous blend of action, mystery, friendship and perseverance. The Fairfleet Affair is suitable for a 12+ years readership.

Signal Erased Book Review

 

Book Review

Signal Erased by Adele Jones 

Rhiza Press

ISBN: 9781761111433 

RRP $19.99

It must be said that the front cover of this book is exquisite! It is difficult to tell from the picture, but the detail is fantastic, and the embossed title and image is incredible. Amazing work by Carmen Dougherty and the design team at Rhiza Edge.

Signal Erased will have you hooked with its intrigue from the very beginning. So much so that it will be difficult for the reader to stop once they begin. Anna has a gift for singing, but she doesn’t realise how much of a gift until she alters a scientific experiment using song. The people involved will stop at nothing until they get what they want from her. Even if it means Anna’s very existence might disappear forever.

After being bridesmaid at her sister’s wedding, Anna accepts a lift from the popular and good-looking guy, Chase, from her school. But after some reckless driving, Anna finds herself making her way home alone, only to be kidnapped for a science experiment that leaves her invisible and unheard by those around her. Jones creates a realistic science fiction parallel within the storyline that continually raises the stakes for Anna before she disappears forever.

Anna’s situation becomes more complicated as she is forced to rely on Rennie, her new brother-in-law, who up until now has been relatively invisible to her. The connections between the characters in this story are very well written and enjoyable to read as they unfold. Not forced or rushed but caring and tender. Adding a lovely level of sensitivity to the high stake’s storyline.

You don’t need to understand anything about science fiction or frequency waves. This book will nevertheless keep you wondering about the outcome until the very end. Jones’s writing style is easy to read, humorous at times, and always well crafted to create a seamless flow throughout the story.

This book is a high-stakes, action story that also leans into relationships and being vulnerable. Signal Erased is suitable for a 12+ year readership.

I'll Be Waiting For You Book Review

Book Review

I’ll Be Waiting for You by Mariko Turk 

Allen & Unwin

ISBN: 9781760526603 

RRP $19.99

Natalie and Imogen are the best of friends who every year spend the summer break together at the famously haunted Harlow Hotel. That is until one day Imogen tragically dies from an undiagnosed heart condition. Natalie’s grief is unbearable as she tries to navigate a world without her best friend.

The book fast forwards twelve months to the first summer without Imogen. It sees Natalie return to the hotel, along with her school rival, Leander, both working on their senior project. The two have their own reasons for investigating the supernatural the hotel has become famous for. Leander is determined to show the resident medium for the fraud he believes she is; however, he has his only family issues to deal with.

Turk moves the storyline along at a good pace over a short time span, and we get to know both Natalie and Leander quite well. However, Turk shows what an accomplished writer she is by also developing Imogen’s character as the story unfolds, even though Imogen dies at the beginning of the story. It is this character development and the use of flashback stories that contribute to the present storyline that helps Natalie to evolve and begin to deal with her grief.

Whilst both Natalie and Leander are initially solid in their disbelief of the supernatural, Natalie soon starts to waver. Turk’s subtle insertions of signs from the spiritual world are essential to the story as Natalie tries to move forward without her best friend, grieve her loss, and overcome some of the guilt she feels.

Turk’s writing is entertaining but also tender as she taps into the grief process of a teenager through Natalie and what that could look like. The rivalry between Leander and Natalie slowly becomes a possible love interest which is also important as it allows Natalie to experience some joy and happiness for the first time since she lost her best friend.

This book is a lovely, heartfelt, and uplifting story. I’ll Be Waiting for You is suitable for a 12+ years readership.

The Cave Book Review

 

Book Review

The Cave by Victor Kelleher 

Eagle Books

ISBN: 9790645378863 

RRP $19.99

After a disastrous encounter with the Beast, Irian and Ulana find themselves fighting for survival in a prehistoric world. Along the way they meet an unusual woman, Trug. The three form an unlikely team as they fight to survive every day against the elements, and ferocious prey that hunt them.

As the three characters continue their journey, we meet new characters who are just as important to the storyline. Pivotal in fact, so that Irian, Ulana and even Trug can find their way in the harsh world in which they live. The journey each makes takes them on a path to a new world, a new existence, and new future.

Kelleher creates a prehistoric world in a way that is both familiar and unfathomable. He leads the characters on a journey where the descriptive writing is detailed enough that the reader can easily imagine being on the journey with them. The characters he has created are so unique, so individual and so enjoyable that they will each stay with the reader long after the final page has been read. Trug is like the grumpy grandma that everyone loves, even with her spiky comments. A perfect addition of wise and witty to young and serious personalities.

There are some topical, as well as hard-hitting themes within this novel that could be unpacked with the right target audience. Trauma and grief is one such heavy theme that could easily be discussed through Kelleher’s sensitive approach to writing Irian. Another discussion could be around kin verse community: what really makes a family? This could be discussed at length with many examples offered throughout the novel.

This book has a great blend of action, adventure, tension, and humour. The Cave is suitable for a 12+ year readership.

Deep Is The Fen Book Review

Book Review

Deep Is the Fen by Lili Wilkinson

Allen & Unwin

ISBN: 9781761066863 

RRP $24.99

Merriweather Morgan is happy living in Candlecott with her Da and two best friends, Teddy and Sol. That is until Teddy decides he wants to join a secret society of Toadman. Merry will do everything in her power to stop him, even if that means joining forces with her academic nemesis, the arrogant snob, Caraway Boswell. But what seems a simple agreement to help each other soon turns into a life and death battle of higher powers for everyone she loves.

Merry is a feisty, smart, independent, and determined girl on the cusp of adulthood with a university scholarship to look forward to. She lives in a world where magical powers are illegal, except for a few pre-approved spells. So, with a gift like Merry’s that allows her to read the mettle (life being) of others, she must be careful.

Caraway comes from wealth, prestige and a world far removed from Merry’s. Yet she finds herself drawn further and further into his world. One that becomes darker and more dangerous the deeper she goes. In his world she must determine truth from lies, magic from reality, loyalty from deception and love from lust.

Wilkinson’s ability to build a world of magical realism is extraordinary. She weaves a completely new language into a world of supernatural lives and traditions, but one that is easy to follow and understand. Wilkinson also provides the description of the characters, surrounds and events with such detail, it is easy to imagine Merry’s world of ancient Toadmen, mystical Deeping Fen and the glamours used to disguise the real world and what unfolds in it. The world building in this novel is exquisite!

This novel has themes of family, friendship, loss, loyalty, humour, romance, and magical realism that complement each one completely. The story will be devoured in its entirety because once you start reading, you will not stop until the final and dramatic conclusion. Deep Is the Fen is suitable for a 13+ years readership.