I rushed through The Wolf Tree, caught up with the eerie atmosphere of Eilean Eadar, a small island off the Scottish coast and the isolation of its island inhabitants. Detective Inspectors Georgina (George) Lennox and Richard Stewart are sent to investigate the death of eighteen old Alan Ferguson. Initially it had looked as if he had committed suicide by throwing himself off the top of the island’s lighthouse. However the postmortem results show some anomalies. Arriving at the island, the detectives are met with suspicion from many of the islanders. News travels fast and even the children turn away from them. What are the secrets that are hidden in this close-knit community?
McLusky is adept at building up suspense, ensuring that the reader is caught up in the gripping story. There are moments of terror throughout the book – a figure with a wolf face peers in at George late at night and there are frightening noises that sound like wolves howling. Many of the houses have strange symbols above their doorways and there is an atmosphere of distrust of the police. The local priest is ever present, ensuring that he is with each person that the detectives question. A local woman who knows everything about everyone is friendly and helpful and wants George to investigate the disappearance of three lighthouse keepers many years ago. Is there a connection between the death of the young man and their disappearance?
George is still recovering from a brutal attack and is relying on strong pain medication to keep going. Even though her boss and fellow DI Richie are afraid that she cannot cope, she continues to rely on her impulsive nature to follow danger, rushing after the figure in the wolf mask without backup and entering a wild wood alone in the darkness.
Although there are clues scattered throughout the book, the final denouement is still shocking.
The Wolf Tree is engrossing and is sure to appeal to readers who love a Scottish island background, some frightening superstitions and a gripping mystery. Highly recommended.
This genre-defying publication follows Solli Raphael’s earlier Limelight and Spotlight, and maintains the same up-beat life-affirming attitude found in his earlier books. Starlight splits into two parts: the first a kind of self-help activity workbook followed by a selection of his latest poems.
The first section could be used privately, individually, to work through ideas of identity and purpose; or alternatively it could be used as a class project on identity, as there are many ideas that a teacher could draw on for exploration in class to challenge thinking and encourage writing. An example is the creative activity asking the person to write from the perspective of an object in their life, from the perspective of a photograph, or their bicycle. What would it see, and what would it tell? Another example is writing about contrasting aspects of identity, personal identity, and shared group identity. There are many interesting activities exploring the ideas that Raphael introduces. Each section of the workbook ends with a summary of the key takeaways. The theme that runs throughout is self-knowledge and self-understanding.
Solli Raphael is a slam poet and activist, who at the age of 12 won the 2017 National Slam Poetry title in an all-adult poetry competition. He writes that as a young person he envisaged the person he wanted to be and set about achieving that. His poetry is an inspiration to think about your identity, think about what is important, and act to achieve your vision. There is just a hint in one of his poems in this book about the obstacles he has had to overcome, about being ‘severely bullied for what feels like an eternity before somehow befriending everyone and becoming school captain’. This is never dwelt on; the overwhelming message is incredibly positive, that with an idea of oneself, each person can achieve what they want and together we can all make the change the world needs.
He writes . . . Dare to be you / dream big and not small / keep your eyes on the ball / and things might work out alright after all.
Beginning with an Aboriginal perspective of the creation story with the viewpoint of the value of country and the place of the living things on land, this is the story of the relationship between the dingoes and the people who connect to them. Totem animals have special spiritual relationships with humans and Calla has a close connection with the cheeky dingo pup, Chichi. With some Dreamtime mystery, Calla passes through time aging naturally, but dingo pup Chichi remains in a time when the land is hard for dingo survival, but then passes into a future time through the mystery of Dreamtime spiritual power. Their connection also gives hope for the survival of the environment through the generations.
This book is written simply, weaving Aboriginal folklore and Dreamtime mysteries together with environmental concerns. It values an Aboriginal perspective for country and a future where animals and humans can co-exist. The story has a realism and mythology connection that is more like a fantasy tale, but with Aboriginal tonal quality. Being able to communicate with dingoes is not something that contemporary city-dwelling children would consider as ‘usual’, but with an Aboriginal sensitivity it is entirely plausible. Children aged 6-8 who are exploring Aboriginal and environmental perspectives will enjoy this story which is more than a modernised Dreamtime story. Its exploration of an Aboriginal understanding is refreshing. Teacher's notes are available.
It is easy to slip into the final episode in the Legacy of Orisha trilogy which began with Children of blood and bone, and followed with Children of virtue and vengeance; you don’t need to have read the first two novels to enjoy the third. Zelie, a descendant of magic makers, along with her companions, is a captive of the Skulls, warriors with human bone masks led by the ruthless King Baldyr. The challenge of the outside invaders means that Zelie, Amari, Tzain and Inan have to overcome their past differences to unite to save the people of Orisha.
Adeyemi is an accomplished writer of action scenes, and the fight sequences are brilliantly described over multiple pages. The only problem is that one battle inevitably leads to another and the novel seems to become one long sequence of gory battles without end. There are also some shifts in character development that don’t meld well with previous depictions. It is as though the author was at a bit of a loss what to do with the characters she’d created and where to take them.
For those that were really invested in the fantasy world created by Nigerian-American writer Tomi Adeyemi, this book will bring all the tangled threads to a final conclusion, though some may find it all a bit rushed and disconnected from the vision of the first two novels.
Themes Fantasy, Magic, Sacrifice, Slaver.
Helen Eddy
Revenge of the toxic space potato by First Dog on the Moon
Allen & Unwin, 2024. ISBN: 9781761066771. (Age:8-14) Recommended.
When zombie uranium robot scorpions emerge from under a chair in a locked dentist’s room at the Flapadoodle Plaza Shopping Wonderland and Stuart the Wobbegong’s friend Worried Norman is sitting in the chair; there is no time to let the reader know what is going on. You, the reader must just keep reading while the superheroes think of a plan. Luckily they happen to have a suitcase full of strawberry marshmallow friands which are poisonous to zombie uranium robot scorpions and the friends overpower them just in time to see giant snorkel suckers terrorizing shoppers in the mall. Here the reader refuses to read another page without some explanation, and we meet the Indefatigable Enviroteens through their collector cards. They set about using their superpowers to track down the source of the snorkel suckers and discover that TV villain Captain Greenwash and Recycling Girl’s wheelie bin army are helping Space Baron Kartoffelpoffen’s plans to suck up all of Earth’s water to terraform Mars.
Fast paced and packed with action the colourful cartoons are wonderful. Great characters, like Beverly the sourdough starter, consistent throughout, I particularly loved Stuart the Wobbegong’s distinctive camouflage. The play on words adds another dimension and there are some fun glossaries at the end of the book. The author even manages to insert interesting science into the story, I now know that onchyophora, or velvet worms, use super digestive worm saliva to liquefy their prey. Placing the reader into the story is a masterstroke of empowerment, delighting our 10 year old reader Luke, and what librarian could resist a book which champions the library as a place to find the last remaining croissant recipe and save the earth. More Enviroteen adventures are promised and in the meantime First Dog on the Moon website has a wealth of links to find more cartoons and background about this award winning cartoonist.
Liz Pichon, the brilliant mind behind the beloved Tom Gates series, delivers a fresh and vibrant first graphic novel with Meet the Mubbles. This lively and engaging story is packed with colorful illustrations, a fun-filled storyline, and an uplifting message about positivity, teamwork, and harmony. Young readers are in for a delightful adventure as they step into the world of the Mubbles, an endearing community that thrives on joy and cooperation.
The Mubbles live on the Isle of Smile, a place bursting with color, happiness, and harmony. Life here runs smoothly because everyone plays a role in keeping the island balanced. A particularly charming detail is how plants flourish when the Mubbles sing special songs to them, emphasizing the novel’s whimsical and magical tone. However, their idyllic existence is suddenly challenged when something mysterious lands behind the “Uncertain Curtain.” Faced with an unexpected distraction, the Mubbles must decide whether to stay focused on their responsibilities or succumb to curiosity and temptation. Will they manage to maintain the harmony of their beloved home, or will their world be thrown into chaos?
Pichon’s signature comic-style layout makes Meet the Mubbles an absolute visual treat. The pages are filled with bright, expressive artwork that perfectly complements the cheerful and playful nature of the story. The dynamic illustrations enhance the humor and charm, making this book especially appealing to young readers. The mix of text and imagery creates an immersive reading experience that feels more like an animated adventure than a traditional book.
At its core, Meet the Mubbles carries an important message about the value of teamwork, responsibility, and staying positive even in uncertain times. The book encourages children to embrace joy, work together, and appreciate the world around them. With its fun-loving characters, engaging storyline, and stunning visuals, this graphic novel is sure to be a hit with young readers who enjoy energetic and lighthearted storytelling.
Overall, Meet the Mubbles is a fantastic debut graphic novel from Liz Pichon. It’s an uplifting, entertaining read that perfectly captures the magic of childhood imagination, making it a must-have for fans of humorous and visually captivating stories.
Rock Beast is an action-packed instalment in the popular Boy vs Beast series, perfect for young readers who enjoy fast-paced adventure, high-tech gadgets and thrilling battles. Written in a large, easy-to-read font and interspersed with engaging illustrations, maps and diagrams, this book is ideal for early independent readers or reluctant readers who crave excitement on every page.
The story follows 12-year-old Kai and his robotic dog, BC, who serve as border guards protecting Earth from the monstrous creatures of Beastium. When a powerful beast from Rock Land breaches the border, Earth is thrown into chaos. It’s up to Kai and BC to stop the creature before it causes destruction. But this isn’t just about saving the world - Kai also competes to earn points in the battle. Will he outscore the beast and complete his mission?
One of the standout elements of Rock Beast is its dynamic storytelling. The combination of text and visuals keeps readers engaged, and the straightforward language makes it easy to follow the action. The book’s structure, featuring short chapters and clear explanations of Beastium’s world, ensures accessibility for younger readers.
The story emphasizes problem-solving, teamwork and courage as Kai and BC strategise to defeat the beast. The battle scenes are exciting but not too intense; striking the right balance for young readers. Fans of adventure, technology and beasts will love diving into this high-energy world.
Overall, Rock Beast is a fantastic pick for kids who enjoy action-packed stories with a gaming-style twist. With its engaging format and thrilling storyline, it’s sure to keep readers turning the pages and eager for the next battle in Boy vs Beast.
Themes Themes: Fantasy, Adventure, Problem Solving, Battles, Survival.
Mariel and her mother Gena have fallen on hard times. Gena lost her job after COVID and the pair were living out of their car until it was impounded and now a new strain of the corona virus named Crown Royale, with an even higher death rate, is spreading. Practical realist, Mariel, reasons that they should mix with people and risk getting the virus while the hospitals can still cope. There could be an added benefit; recoverees of this virus are happy, they become content and selfless. Gena is in denial, believing their situation just a temporary setback and a stolen credit card gets them a room. In a strange twist of fate they meet Ron, or Tiburon Tigre Escobedo, the son of the third richest man in the world, Blas Escobedo. Blas is fearful of the virus which could cause him to give away his money and power. Also Ron’s colour blindness is likely to make him more vulnerable to the virus so Blas keeps him doing menial tasks away from risks like managing the B&B Mariel and Gena rent. Ron feels his life is meaningless but is drawn to Mariel and two become friends.
In a parallel story Dame Havilland has for many years used her fortune to exercise her spite and ego from her lush English estate. She uses charities and tax breaks to build wealth and now wants to eradicate Crown Royale before she becomes infected and loses her entrepreneurial agency or her life. To ensure continuity she finds Morgan Willmot Wu, young, brilliant and ruthless, to take over the Havilland Consortium in the event of her becoming infected.
The story follows the three main characters, Mariel, Ron and Morgan, as well as multiple other minor characters and stories, mapping different ways the virus affects them. The premise is original and interesting but in considering the many ways such a threat would disrupt social interaction and the world economy, the narrative loses its way. The many characters are not well developed and the fragmentation of the various strands lost me before I was halfway through the book. Billed as a thriller, there was little pace or excitement; it really would have worked better as a collection of short stories.Neal Shusterman has a strong following and no doubt those readers will enjoy this addition.
This is book one of a series starring disabled 12-year-old Cosima (Cos), who has spent her whole life at the Home for Unfortunate Girls. The residents of the Home are all disabled girls who are deemed unfit to be seen in polite London society in 1899. The most unfortunate thing about the Home is that it is run by a callous, money-hungry brother and sister (the Stains) who treat the girls appallingly.
Cos overhears a wealthy explorer negotiating with Miss Stain to adopt (or, more accurately, buy) all of the 'unfortunates'. They don't know why Lord Fitzroy wants a group of disabled children - he is powerful but seems dangerous. So the girls spring into action, concocting an audacious plan to steal a priceless diamond to buy their own freedom before Lord Fitzroy comes for them. But for girls who have never been allowed out and about on their own, this is a bold and almost unthinkable undertaking with many steps and pitfalls to plan for.
Through all of this runs a thread on discovering clues leading to Cosima's identity. She is desperate to find her family but needs to prioritise and balance the welfare and goals of the group against her own personal desires. Cos has mixed success with this and the group dynamic is sometimes affected due to her missteps.
There are two stand-out aspects of this story. The first is that the girls all have their own special talents as well as their own individual limitations. They work brilliantly together in encouraging and supporting each other - coping and balancing out each others strengths and weaknesses. The teamwork, relationships, empathy and genuine respect for their differences is a wonderful example for readers.
The second stand-out is the representation of disability as a matter of fact part of each character, not their whole 'personality'. The range of disabilities covers physical (eg one is a wheelchair user, Cos has a joint disorder often meaning she is tired or in pain and must walk with a cane) and psychological (eg panic attacks, anxiety) and the point is made that the severity of a disability can vary from day to day. This is particularly validating for young readers who might need extra assistance some days but seem completely fine other days.
Cartoony black and white illustrations add to the story throughout. The only downside of this book, to me, was the editing. There are several errors which pulled me out of the story, having to flick back to check that I hadn't misread the first time. It's possible a younger reader won't notice this.
After recently reading Case histories the first in the Jackson Brodie series I rushed through the rest of the books finishing with Atkinson’s latest, the sixth book, Death at the Sign of the Rook. Brodie is hired to track down the disappearance of a painting, The woman with a weasel, by two siblings who accuse a young carer of stealing it. Meanwhile this is not the only painting that has gone missing. A Turner has vanished from Burton Makepeace, the country mansion of Lady Milton. A young woman, Sophie the housekeeper, disappeared the same night and is believed to have stolen it. Brodie and his able assistant DC Reggie Chase turn up to investigate, finding themselves snowbound for the night and embroiled in a murder mystery weekend show that has been hosted to make money for the upkeep of the mansion. Meanwhile a convicted murderer is on the run on the moors around the manor.
As always Atkinson pens a complex, witty and hugely enjoyable mystery, with engaging characters and a thrilling plot. Atkinson uses characters that could have come from an Agatha Christie novel – Simon, a vicar, Lady Milton and an Army major and this adds to the pleasure of the story. The background of art theft and fraud is fascinating as is the character of the young woman who has posed as a carer and housekeeper in both cases.
Death at the Sign of the Rook is an outstanding mystery, as are others in the series. It could be read as a stand-alone but readers will gain insights into the characters if the books are read in order. I hope that Atkinson continues to write books starring Jackson Brodie and Reggie Chase.
Amazing! This is the 60th book in the Eve Dallas thriller series by J.D. Robb who produces a new police procedural and plot to engage her many fans. This time she gives the reader background information on the urban wars of the 2020s and on Summerset, who has been an enigma in many of the books. Dallas is tasked with investigating the murder of Giovanni Rossi, an Italian citizen, who has flown into New York to meet a friend. As she investigates the crime, she uncovers information about a secret underground organisation called The Twelve that had fought clandestine battles against the enemy in the Urban Wars. Summerset is himself one of The Twelve and together with his remaining compatriots he must reveal his past to help Dallas find the killer.
Bonded in death is gripping and could be considered as one of the best in the series. The background of the Urban Wars and the part that The Twelve played in it was fascinating. Summerset’s role in the wars and his subsequent dedication to Roarke also gave depth to his character which in past books has been shown mostly as an irritable butler. The reader now sees him as a clever organiser and crucial in bringing the Urban Wars to an end, as well as rescuing a young boy in Dublin and bringing him up to be the man that Dallas loves.
Eve follows the trail of the killer, using the knowledge that the remaining members of The Twelve have of his habits and personality. She interviews each of them and gradually builds up a picture of where he could be hiding and when a young boy is kidnapped the stakes get even higher in the race to find the murderer.
This is another strong police procedural with themes of treachery and betrayal, revenge and war. The plotting is tight and suspenseful, keeping the reader unwilling to put the book down, and the characters are very engaging. I look forward to the next in the series.
Jack Ryan is the President of the USA and he brings his sharp intellect to the role, but it is his daughter Katie (the Military Analyst) who must exercise her skills and military powers to thwart a potentially catastrophic disruption in global peace. China’s leader has replaced his ‘rule for the people’ with a personal agenda to leave a legacy on the world, and it will mean disaster for Taiwan and the world. The implications are weighty for Chinese officials and military leaders and when at least one chooses to defy the direction of the leader there are effects that embroil spies and special forces agents. The naval might of USA and China, with Taiwan’s defence systems, are all in a critical ‘dance’ that could threaten global stability.
This is an incredibly tense action drama and Tom Clancy’s ghost writers' ability to relate complex military actions in a believable way make this a profoundly compelling story. The spy network, CIA operatives and special forces personnel all play significant roles behind the scenes and there are real life-or-death consequences in the conflict. Having loved the Jack Ryan movies based on Clancy’s books (The Hunt for Red October, Patriot Games etc), this is a book for those, like me, who love the adventure surrounding military conflict and analysis. (And the threats of Chinese might and power are very contemporary in their focus.) This story combines threat and fear, weaponry and technology that defies civilian understanding (and can leave some of us confused with defence terminology and acronyms), and incredible bravery and sacrifice, all wound up in a very believable scenario. Small decisions for all the operatives can have profound consequences. This book is compelling and will be loved by Jack Ryan followers (and Katie Ryan fans) and any readers who have yet to discover them.
Themes Adventure, Military action, Warfare, China-American relationships, Espionage.
Winner of the Alex Award 2025 and Goodreads Choice Award Nominee for Readers' Favorite Fantasy (2024) The Dead Cat Tail Assassins is a unique fantasy, with a striking cover, that is sure to appeal to fans of the genre.
The Dead Cat Tail Assassins are not cats. Nor do they have tails. But they are most assuredly dead.
Eveen the Eviscerator is a Dead Cat Assassin, one who has been resurrected and wiped of her memories. She has been given a just contract from her guild which is headed by the goddess, Aeril, The Matron of Assassins. This is an assassination that she must carry out or face painful consequences. When confronted with her victim, she unexpectedly finds she is unable to perform the task because a memory has come back. She recognises the face!
In 213 pages, Clark packs a punch, building a world that is easy to imagine, with its strange food, wonderful festivals and powerful guilds. His characters are well crafted. Although an assassin, it is easy to relate to Eveen who is intelligent and determined. The snarky dialogue between her and her intended victim, Sky, brightens up some dark moments and clever plotting keeps the suspense alive as the reader is left wondering whether Eveen and Sky will survive the machinations of the Great Patriarch and the judgments of goddesses.
Readers will want to pick up A Master of djinn by Clark, winner of the Nebula and Locus Awards in 2022, and those who like books about assassins are sure to enjoy His fair assassin series by Robin LaFevers and The dagger and the flame by Catherine Doyle. I can’t wait for more original stories by Clark.
Themes Assassins, Goddesses, Deception.
Pat Pledger
A good kind of trouble by Brooke Blurton and Melanie Saward
Blurton and Saward’s novel opens with a page in a diary writing assignment by Jamie to her English teacher. Even in these first pages the reader gets the sense of a loving extended family. Jamie’s mother is somewhere else, Jamie is living with her aunt and uncle, her older brother Poss, and her younger cousins. Everybody pitches in, they all have responsibilities, and they all care for each other. It is this supportive and unconditional love that sustains Jamie through her problems at school.
Jamie is Noongar, Western Australian, and the new girl in class, Stella, is Murri, from Queensland. When Stella stands up with Jamie when she questions the version of Australian history being taught in school, the two of them forge a friendship that leads to a combined project to challenge inherent racism and change the school curriculum.
Not only is Jamie Aboriginal, she is also a self-declared ‘queer’ or bisexual. She has to stand up to bullies on both accounts. The book becomes a strong advocate for taking pride in oneself, standing strong, and taking action for change. It is an inspiring story with similar values to another recent Indigenous debut novel Brightest wild by Tania Crampton-Larking, those of family and caring, good friendships and positive attitudes, though the latter was written for a slightly younger readership.
The other theme in this book, not to be ignored, is football! Jamie is a star football player and fights a battle to be included in mixed teams, hoping eventually to be selected for a football scholarship; another inspiration for girl wannabe football players.
A good kind of trouble by Indigenous authors Blurton and Saward promises to be a series. It will be interesting to see where it goes next. It’s certainly off to a good start, and is a welcome addition to the new authentic voices making their mark in YA literature. Teacher's notes are available.
I am a fan of Elly Griffiths’ mysteries especially the Ruth Galloway series, so was thrilled to see a new series begin with Ali Dawson, a detective specializing in cold cases, as the lead character. The frozen people is a departure from Griffiths’ traditional series which were set in modern times. This time she sends her detective back to the Victorian era to investigate whether a MP’s ancestor has murdered women in the past. She gets stuck in 1850 arriving to find the body of a murdered woman at her feet. Meanwhile her son Finn is accused of murdering the MP in the present. How will she return to modern London and has someone from the past murdered her son’s employer?
As a fan of both mysteries and science fiction I had no trouble with a time travelling detective and was delighted with the depth of detail about Victorian times that Griffiths gave as a background to her story. However it was the depth of character that gripped me and made me very reluctant to see the end of The frozen people. Ali Dawson’s back story was fascinating. Married three times, bringing up her son as a single mother working as a cleaner, she finally entered university as a mature student, valuing the gift that education has given her and never forgetting her working class roots. There are subtle glimpses of class barriers, especially of those who have attended a comprehensive school and those who were privileged to go to a private school. However, Ali who subdues her flamboyant red hair to travel back to 1850, disregards these, intent on her job of investigating the past, and loving her son Finn and her cat Terry, who is a character in his own right.
Readers who enjoy Griffiths’ clever dialogue and in-depth characterisation will easily plunge into The frozen people and like me, may find themselves wishing that the next in the series was already published.
