Review:
The rat and the raven by Kerry Greenwood.
Lothian, 2005. Stormbringer Book One 240
p. pbk.
ISBN 0 7344 0808 0
14+ Kerry Greenwood has written a compelling science fiction book for
more mature and older teens. It is set in a future Ballarat, now called
Rat Town, which is ruled by a bandit tyrant called the Rat. The world
as we know it has been destroyed. The story follows Scathe, a young
person who is the voice of the blind prophet Jocasta. When Jocasta
makes a prophesy that “The Raven will feast on the Rat”, Scathe is
drawn into intrigue and trouble as Bran, aka the Raven, arrives from
the university to rescue enslaved students, one of whom is the sister
of Swart, a member of his band.
This is a gripping story that has all the elements that will appeal to
readers: a quest to defeat evil, high adventure, charismatic characters
with tense relationships, a malevolent villain and violent battles.
Humour is introduced with twins who finish each other’s sentences.
Greenwood has interspersed her story with references to Greek mythology
and other literary references which will interest the discerning reader.
This book is quite sophisticated and could be disturbing for younger
teen readers. The themes of incest, rape, and androgyny are integral to
the plot but are not usually found in a book of this length (240 pages)
and with this type of cover. However older readers who enjoy science
fiction and fantasy will find it engrossing.
Pat Pledger
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Consulting, 2007