Book Launch - The Lost Loot of Lima

The Lost Loot of Lima has officially sailed into the big wide world of books!

To everyone who came along to celebrate, to everyone who sent messages of support, to everyone who has supported this writing journey -THANK YOU!

Special shout out to Wombat Books and the Queenscliffe Maritime Museum

Publication Day!

The Lost Loot of Lima
Written by Melissa Wray
Illustrated by Sandy Flett

One of the best parts about writing for me is editing. So, I am excitedly working on the final edits and proofs of my new middle grade fiction book, The Lost Loot of Lima, published by the fabulous team at Wombat Books.

I can’t wait to share more information with you, especially the inspiration behind the story. And I am thrilled to bits to have the incredibly talented Sandy Flett illustrating this book. Wait until you see her artwork!  

Publication countdown is on - May 7, 2025

We Do Not Welcome Our Ten Year Old Overlord Review

We Do Not Welcome Our Ten-Year-Old Overlord by Garth Nix

Allen & Unwin

RRP $17.99 

ISBN: 9781761180491

Kim and Eila have the normal sibling rivalry happening, but this soon escalates when a globe is plucked out of the local lake. The two quickly discover that it has otherworldly powers. Kim senses the danger immediately but Eila is quick to dismiss Kim’s concerns. Instead, she is drawn to the globe, fondly named Aster, and assists it to learn more. Kim is soon desperate to make his sister see the danger but when she refuses to, he knows he will need to do something before it’s too late,

There are themes of dungeons and dragons in the story, but the reader does not need to be familiar with this game to enjoy the references included in the novel. While Kim and his friends are engrossed in playing Dungeons and Dragons they are also impacted by Eila and Aster and use their game knowledge to try and combat the increasingly powerful globe. This tactic in the story was very clever and merged the two nicely.

Nix has created a world that is relatable for the reader, includes some science fiction elements to push the boundaries, but also increases the risks for the characters involved, creating a terrific balance of action, tension and consequences. Before long, it was difficult to take a breath before the next wave of challenges had been laid for the character.

The writing style flowed easily, making this a terrific, page turning read. We Do Not Welcome Our Ten-Year-Old Overlord is a high stakes, action-packed story, suitable for a 9+ years readership.

Road To Freedom Review

Road to Freedom by Gabrielle Davis

Hawkeye Publishing

RRP $28.95 

ISBN: 9781923105201

Issanka has been trained as a spy from a young age. With no family, caste or social standing, she finds ways to blend in with those around her. She is also able to draw from light and shade to really merge with the shadows and be completely unseen by those around her.

After an unexpected deception and a one-sided trial, that would otherwise sentence her to death, Issanka finds her life spared. Instead, she must journey the country with the King’s army and one of the most feared commanders. Along the way she realises things are not always as they seem and that there are very few people she can trust. Also, that she has much to learn and that the alliances around her might be deadly.

Davis has created a magnificent world full of power battles, alliances, and a caste system that stacks everything up against the main character, Issanka. The world building is structured through the caste system, creating a setting for the reader to become completely immersed within. Davis cleverly sets the scene for Issanka using these two strategies, but also gives her a hidden strength that works in her favour: magic drawn from the shadows. This special solitary power is both a blessing and a curse as Issanka soon discovers along her journey.

The situations in the story changed continuously ensuring a fast paced, action-packed storyline. The writing style flowed easily making this a terrific, page turning read. Road to Freedom is a perfect blend of mystery, magic and mayhem. Suitable for a 12+ year readership.

Alba Review

Alba by Verity Croker 

GenZ Publishing

RRP $15.00 

ISBN: 9798339568339


Rebecca is a sixteen-year-old girl who is angry at her mum for leaving them for another family. She is also mourning the tragic death of her boyfriend, Alistair, whose relationship was secret at the time. This makes it difficult for those around her to fully understand the depth of her grief. To complicate matters further, her best friend Callum is Alistair’s brother. Callum is also trying to navigate the loss of his brother which adds another layer to their increasingly complicated friendship.

Together they uncover a diary written by 16-year-old Martha in the 19th century. Rebecca and Callum agree to work together and decode the diary and try to uncover the secrets exposed. The reader is drawn into the historical world with enough detail and mystery to really care about Martha and what happened to her. Rebecca realises that just like the secrets kept back in the 19th century that caused hurt and turmoil, so is the secret she is keeping about her and Alistair’s relationship.

Croker has woven a terrific web of connecting characters set in the Scottish Highlands that joins Rebecca’s world with Martha’s world. It has the right blend of a dual storyline whilst also addressing the delicate subject of grief and how those left behind cope. Croker demonstrates great sensitivity when addressing the fall out of broken families by using the, at times, delicate mother/daughter connection.

Alba is an enjoyable tale of mystery and intrigue and is suitable for a 13+ years readership.

The Tempus Imperium Review

The Tempus Imperium by Juliet A. Payne 

Rhiza Edge

RRP $22.99

Charlie is just trying to save enough money for university by working as many hours as she can at the local fast-food outlet. One night she arrives at her Grandma Penny’s house only to discover her gran has been killed by someone or something.

What follows next is a strange series of unexplainable events until Charlie discovers some information about her grandmother’s past, a past that Charlie had no idea about and was never spoken of by her grandmother. Charlie is soon thrust into the world of time travel and a secret organisation of time travellers as she seeks answers for the death of her grandmother and to understand the strange events around her.

Paine creates a delicate blend of Charlie’s current, modern world as well as the time travel worlds that Charlie finds herself transported to. Throughout the story Paine cleverly crafts characters, clues, and events that link the secrets Grandmother Penny has been guarding most of her life. These secrets and what links everything together keep the reader and the pages turning!

The Tempus Imperium includes well-known events in history that the reader can connect with but gives them new meaning and significance based on the importance of the job of the time travellers who are tasked with maintaining order to avoid any catastrophic outcomes for the world. The fast-paced storyline and action-packed adventure make The Impus Imperium suitable for a 12+ year-old readership.

The Skin I'm In Review

The Skin I’m In by Steph Tisdell 

Pan Macmillan Australia

$26.99 

ISBN: 9781760984977

Layla is preparing for her final year of secondary school. She is trying to get ready for the most important year of her school life, not fight with her mum, work out her friendship circle, and get used to her troubled cousin Marley coming to live with them for a while. Oh, and work out how her indigenous culture fits in with her world.

Layla’s rocky road of being a teenager and finding her identity is a road that many teenagers will connect with. Making the right friends, going to parties, getting schoolwork done, and having crushes are all part of the teenage years. Layla makes some impulsive choices, but she also shows her vulnerable side in the choices and the angst that comes with some of them. Tisdell can write with a direct yet vulnerable style, so it is easy to become a fan of Layla and hope that things work out for her.

Tisdell creates Layla’s world with a gritty dose of reality. She doesn’t sugarcoat the complexities of growing up as a teenager and adds another layer of additional challenges for Laya who is not only a teenager but an aboriginal teenager in a predominately white world.

Tisdell has woven some big personality-supporting characters into Layla’s world that both challenge and support Layla as she navigates the world around her. The Skin I’m In has quick and easy-to-read chapters and is suitable for a 13+ year-old readership.

My Brother Finch Review

My Brother Finch by Kate Gordon

Simon and Schuster

ISBN: 978064586937 

RRP $17.99

How do you continue your life when a member of your family disappears?

Wren is about to begin high school. She should be excited and looking forward to this milestone event. But it’s been three long years since she saw her younger brother and now everyone knows her as the girl whose brother went missing.

Gordon has created a tender story about older sister, Wren, who doesn’t quite know how to move on without her younger brother, Finch. Nobody knows what happened to him. Or to another girl Ava who also disappeared on the same day, in the same place as Finch. Her family were wealthy and got most of the attention. Finch was slowly forgotten.

Gordon doesn’t shy away from the sadness felt in different way by all members of the family. Nor does she avoid the guilt that weighs heavily on this young character. Gordon’s masterful writing tackles both strong issues of guilt and depression with care and consideration that creates an even bigger impact on the reader.

The story is told through Wren’s point of view, but scattered throughout the story are conversations she has with her missing brother. This clever and unique approach is used by Gordon to facilitate conversations between Wren and her brother. He tries to encourage Wren to make friends with the new girl, Freddie, check up on the other strangely quiet girl Ava, and most importantly, keep living her life. There is also a third narrative as Wren’s wrestles with her subconscious and the conversations she has with herself. All three are carefully constructed with just enough conversation that it doesn’t slow the overall storyline down; instead supports it to move forward. Each dialogue included has a distinct voice, along with a certain font printed within the book which is helpful and enjoyable.

This story will keep you curious until the very end. It will also pull on your heart strings. Keep some tissues handy!

My Brother Finch is suitable for a 12+ year-old readership.

The Other Shadow Review

The Other Shadow by Tania Ingram 

Scholastic

ISBN: 9781761203251 

$15.99

Thomas has a friend that only he can see, a shadow that supports Thomas whenever he needs it, especially since his dad died. But what will happen if the shadow disappears? How will Thomas cope?

Thomas has the weight of the world on his shoulders as he tries to look after his younger sister, especially when his mother spirals out of control. She suffers from mental health challenges and the effects on the two children range from forgetting to buy food to unwashed clothes to leaving her children alone for days.

Ingram has tackled several big hitting topics in this book and has done so with compassion and sensitivity. Topics like neglect, mental health, child protection and foster care are very real topics and much needed conversations about some of our most vulnerable people, yet they are rarely found so eloquently within young adult storylines. Ingram has responded to these gritty and uncomfortable areas through the creation of a beautiful young character called Thomas, whose strength and vulnerability is portrayed in a heart wrenching combination.

Thomas tries to be a good son for his mum when she is well but is even more desperate to be a good older brother for his sister Tilly when his mum is unwell. It is often around these moments that the other shadow quietly arrives and provides support and guidance for Thomas. The introduction of the other shadow to Thomas’s world after his dad dies is a beautiful metaphor that the reader can interpret in many ways. It would be a great discussion point for secondary school age readers or any book club.

Ingram has also woven some strong supporting characters into the storyline. But the strength in her storytelling shines in the way she addresses Mum’s mental health challenges. It is very well done and sensitive. This story will break your heart and raise you up again and again. Make sure you have the tissue handy!

While The Other Shadow uses a younger main character, the mature themes of child protective services and mental health issues might mean some confronting storylines. For this reason, I suggest The Other Shadow is suitable for a mature 12+ year-old readership.

Liar's Test Book Review

Liar’s Test by Ambelin Kwaymullina
Text Publishing
ISBN: 9781922790873
RRP $24.99

The Risen Kingdom needs a new queen, and Bell Silverleaf is one of the chosen to compete for the honour. But first she needs to work out who to trust and what she really wants.

Seven girls are selected to compete in a series of challenges that, if they survive, will narrow down who will rule across the Risen Kingdom for the next twenty-five years. Bell doesn’t really want rule. What she wants is revenge against those who hurt her people, the Treesingers. But if she takes this opportunity, she might just be able to have her revenge as well.

Kwaymullina has created an intricate fantasy world full of mystery, history, intrigue and action. The main character Bell has different shades of toughness, strength, kindness and vulnerability. A perfect combination! The journey created by Kwaymullina for Bell Silverleaf enables her to show these wonderful traits in her character. For that reason, the careful and detailed writing to craft this character mean that as the reader, you really hope Bell succeeds in all the challenges.

The storyline moved quickly between high stakes action, important details surrounding events, increased stakes and drawing all the threads of the storyline together to work out where it was going. It really keeps the reader guessing page after page.

Liar’s Test is book one in the Silverleaf chronicles. There is no release date for the next book as yet, but it will definitely be worth the wait! Inspired by strength and power of Aboriginal women, this story will keep the reader mesmerised by the fantasy world and every character in it.

Liar’s Test is suitable for a 12+ year-old readership.

Beasts Of War Review

Beasts of War by Ayana Gray

Penguin\

ISBN: 9780241532591 

RRP $19.99

One servant, one warrior. Two friends racing towards their destiny, but neither understanding what that will be or how that will change their world.

Everyone carries a past with them. For Koffi, her past drives her to keep moving forward and find a way to put an end to her former captor once and for all. Ekon offers unconditional support to Koffi, but his past drives him in a different way. Unfortunately, his past cannot stay in the past forever.

Gray has weaved an epic adventure story that is entwined with power and mythology but through links to ancestry is underpinned by family and friendship. Koffi is brave, strong and determined to succeed, and she sets off on an impossible quest. Ekon displays a quiet manner but no less brave, strong or determined to help Koffi succeed and ensure that each member of their group remains alive throughout the quest.

Gray paints a beautiful setting with her words throughout this story. The mystical creatures, the frightening creatures and the support characters are complimented throughout with time taken by Gry to build a world with meticulous detail for the reader to be immersed in and enjoy.

The story is mostly told through the two person POV of Koffi and Ekon. However, a third character, Akande, is included sporadically that reminds the reader there is a power at play greater that the two younger characters. The purpose of Akande’s story is kept a mystery throughout, but the sense of importance does not diminish as the story progresses until the all-important revelation.

Whilst Beasts of War is the third and final book in the Beasts of Prey trilogy, this reviewer had not read the first two books and found it easy to pick up the storyline without having read the first two books but still enjoy this exciting conclusion.

Inspired by Pan-African mythology, this story will entertain, excite and enthrall the reader from the flashback beginning until the action-packed ending.

Beast of War is suitable for a 12+ years readership.

Two Sides to Every Murder Review

 

Two Sides to Every Murder by Danielle Valentine
Penguin
ISBN: 9780241722046
RRP $19.99

Two teenage girls have grown up with no knowledge of the other. However, their lives are more complicated and connected than they could ever imagine. What is the link and why is it so important they uncover the secrets kept by their parents?

Olivia was born and raised in the shadow of the infamous Camp Lost Lake murders. Reagan has been raised on the run by her mother, accused of a murder she claims not to have committed. One night these two teenagers will take actions that force their paths to cross and their worlds to be changed forever.

Valentine creates mystery and intrigue from the very beginning. She sets up Reagan’s motive from the start. She is determined to clear her mother’s name, but Valentine does not make it easy for this feisty character. The mystery for Olivia is revealed in a much more subtle manner, but no less intriguing. Valentine ensures both characters drive their own questions and thirst for answers forward, but both have different reasons.

This novel is written in a two person POV which allows the reader to understand each character and their motivation before this is revealed within the story. This style of writing allows the reader to become deeply invested as they try to guess where the story is going and what will happen next. Valentine throws in plenty of clues but holds back just enough information to make this a gripping mystery for the reader.

This is a high-stakes, action packed, murder mystery that will keep the reader turning the pages until the climatic ending that will leave the reader with all the loose ends tied up for a satisfying ending.

Two Sides to Every Murder is suitable for a 12+ year readership.

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.

Cora Seen and Heard Review

Cora Seen and Heard by Zanni Louise 

Walker Books

ISBN: 9781760657666 

RRP $17.99

New town. New School. New girl. When Cora moves to a small town in Tasmania so her father can rebuild a run-down theatre, she is determined to be different. More confident. More seen. More heard. But things don’t go to plan, and it quickly becomes obvious that Cora 2.0 is going to struggle to reinvent herself.

Cora tries to find her place in a new school and make new friends, however her shy and quiet nature seems to hold her back. Her frustrations grow as she tries, and fails, to be the kind of popular, confident person she wishes she could be. It doesn’t help that her parents are arguing more since the move and that she is mad at her mum most of the time.

Louise carefully crafts a version of Cora that the reader can see doesn’t need to change, but that the character is blinded by her desire to be more. Her writing delicately addresses the fears that many young people have around self-identity and where they fit in with their peers and in the world. Having worked with many teenagers, this reviewer sadly sees this battle regularly. Louise captured the angst, torment, self-doubt and anxiety of this age group perfectly.

Cora is a likeable character who uses some secret letter writing as a means of expression. She reveals herself, her fears, her frustrations and her vulnerability to a pen pal who was once a famous performer at the theatre. Little does she know that she might not be the only one who has such feelings. Or that her letters will not remain secret for long.

This book highlights that everyone wants to be seen and heard and that we should all take the time to look and listen. It mixes family, friendship and identity together to remind us of the importance of just being ourselves, because that is always going to be the best version. Cora Seen and Heard is suitable for a 10+ year-old 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.