My Lady Jane - the not entirely true story by C. Hand, B. Ashton and J. Meadows
Walker Books, 2016. ISBN 9781406372021
(Age: 11+) Highly recommended. Lady Jane Grey was Queen of Tudor
England for only 9 days. That much is true to history. But this Jane
is a very reluctant Queen, married off to Gifford Dudley in the days
leading up to King Edward VI's 'death' in suspicious circumstances.
A collaboration of three authors, the Lady Janies, have created a
humorous alternate version of English history. In addition to
twisting events, the authors add a pinch of magic and frequently
breach the fourth wall. Jane, Edward's heir and favourite cousin, is
a scholar and intrigued rather than disappointed that her new prince
consort is unable to stop turning into a horse each night.
You see, Jane's magical England consists of Verities (regular
people) and shape-shifting people called E∂ians. Not all E∂ians
realize they possess the ability, so the inevitable nudity after
returning to human form is a hoot.
When Edward's mad sister Mary deposes Jane, she immediately decrees
the genocide of all E∂ians. In the pursuit of both love and revenge,
Edward, Jane, Gifford, Bess and their trusted servants problem-solve
their way out of some sticky situations in order to regain the
throne.
This flirtatious fantasy romp through ye olde England is an easy
read not to be dismissed. Hopefully we can look forward to a whole
series penned by the three collaborators: Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton
and Jodi Meadows because as Napoleon Bonaparte once proffered, 'What
else is history but a fable agreed upon?'
Deborah Robins
Stories from Stella Street : 3 books in 1 by Elizabeth Honey
Allen and Unwin, 2016. ISBN 9781760292256
(Age: 10+) Highly recommended. This compilation contains 45 and 47
Stella Street and Everything that Happened, Fiddle-Back and The
Ballad of Cauldron Bay. Themes: Family; Adventure; Writing;
Relationships; Holidays.
This 3-in-1 Omnibus by Elizabeth Honey is an absolute delight to
read. Written in the voice of young aspiring writer, Henni Octon,
about her personal adventures with the friends and neighbours in
Stella Street, and begins with a wonderful adventure when they
uncover 'The Phonies' who have moved in to Stella Street. Henni's
friends and family are revealed with all their wonderful quirks and
personality idiosyncrasies, including her good friend - Zev, who has
'electric hair'. Henni, as the naively open writer of all three
stories, reveals a wonderful and innocent view of the world that
sees much and understands more about how connections in community
really work. The second story happens when multiple Stella Street
families combine in a 'life-changing' bush holiday and adventure.
Henni shares the story of simple and honest revelry of enjoying a
camping holiday, which is interrupted by an amazing storm, new life
and a group of unscrupulous locals who are bent on destroying the
pristine environment and the 'Fiddle-back' for their own gains. The
wonderful interactions between adults and children in the beautiful
surrounds are just glorious. And in the final story, Stella Street
adults and children go on another holiday to a wildly natural
beachside holiday house with all the excitement of freedom and the
stories that naturally flow when the children are free to explore
with minimal adult direction - and definitely no technology. Into
this normally wonderful Stella Street experience, a young and
troubled outsider arrives. This creates all sorts of personal
challenges for Henni, who celebrates her 13th birthday at the
beginning of the story. This book marks the beginning of the changes
in Henni and her understanding of herself, but it also demonstrates
to the reader the challenges and joys of growing up.
I have loved all these stories, and even though the first in the
series is now 21 years old, they have not lost any of their charm
and animated enthusiasm. Henni matures in the course of the three
books, but retains a careful naivety and maturity despite her years,
as she enjoys childhood with vitality and spirit. Elizabeth Honey as
author of the series does not patronise a child reader in this
series (Note: In Fiddle-back, a baby is delivered in the
bush, and the details are given in a child-friendly way, but without
avoiding detail . . . after all every mother has to deliver a
'playcentre'! And in The Ballad of Cauldron Bay, the local
surfies do use inappropriate language, but Henni records it with
euphemistic style.)
Highly recommended for aged 10+. Each book can cater for a slightly
older reader.
This compilation would also make a lovely gift for a holiday reading
marathon!
Carolyn Hull
Survivors by David Long
Faber and Faber, 2016. ISBN 9780571316014
(Age: 9+) Highly recommended. Survivors is a gorgeous
hardback book, offering a collection of survival stories. Readers
can read about known characters such as Shackleton and Mawson as
well as less known characters such as Juliane Koepcke who fell from
a plane. Each story averages 8 pages in length and because each
chapter is a stand-alone event, readers can read them in any order
and over any time frame. The stories of Mawson and Shackleton link
well to Year 4 and Year 6 Science and the story of Greg Rasmussen
surviving the Kalahari Desert is also a good link for these year
levels with the study of Africa and harsh environments. The book
would also be great for reading aloud in a classroom. Teachers could
read a story a week, investigate story sequences, created
storyboards, investigate the vocabulary and study the characters and
how they survived. The short stories are great for comparing events
and characters. The language in each chapter is descriptive and easy
to read, making this book ideal for and highly recommended for
readers aged 9+.
Kylie Kempster
The roadman boogie by Nikki Slade Robinson
Starfish Bay Children's Books, 2016. ISBN 9781760360146
(Age: 4+) Recommended.Traffic, Workmen, Dancing, Rhyming story. This
chirpy rhyming tale tells the story of a bored Roadman, standing
with his stop-go sign in the wind and the rain at the side of a busy
road. When various cars and trucks pull past him blaring their
music, his feet begin to twitch and twiddle, moving with the beats
coming from the vehicles. From rockabilly to country ballad, boogie
woogie and Latin numbers, his feet do not stop dancing, entertaining
all the people in the cars, buses and trucks who need to stop for
the roadworks. Everyone is thrilled to watch the man dance, as they
obey the signals he is giving with his sign. But as he dances, the
rain keeps on falling, necessitating him closing the road
altogether. But not to worry, he leads all the people in the cars to
a ball, where they can all dance with him, until the road is open
again.
The full page illustrations show his amazing moves perfectly, giving
a sense of movement on each page. The exuberance is infectious, and
readers will love seeing the dancing in such an unusual place, and
be thrilled with the range of vehicles represented. Along the way
they will learn the importance of road rules and see the necessity
for a road works man with a sign.
First published by Duck Creek Press, New Zealand.
Fran Knight
The mountain who wanted to live in a house by Maurice Shadbolt
Ill. by Renee Haggo. Starfish Bay, 2016. ISBN 9781760360023
(Age: 5-7) Maurice Shadbolt's unusual tale begins with a lonely
mountain, people come to climb on it, and they watch the birds
flitting in the trees. However, no one considers that it has
feelings and desires. The mountain watches over the nearby town and
longs to be inside at night, in the warmth of a house. This is a
most unusual request and as if by magic, the mountain begins to
move, towards to the town with a rumbling, tumbling sound, over the
pine forests scaring the birds and townsfolk. As they hurry away in
their cars, one young boy bravely questions the mountain looking for
an answer to the threat. Michael listens to the mountain's story of
his loneliness and watches as snow tears fall down to make two
lakes. Thomas ponders the problem and comes up with an ingenious
solution drawing from an idea about jumpers shrinking in the wash.
Washing the mountain presents a problem and so does building a
shelter, so with the help of Michael's father an artist the perfect
solution is found. Michael shows courage, determination and
creativity in this story.
Renee Huggo's paintings use earthy tones and suggestions of human
characteristics to show the mountain alive - grey clouds for toes
and a carved rocky face. This is a curious picture book for a more
discerning reader. The Mountain who wanted to live in a house provides a
starting point in class to discuss cause and effect, to write an
alternate solution for the mountain's problem and to discuss
anthropomorphism in simple terms.
Rhyllis Bignell
Lisette's Paris notebook by Catherine Bateson
Allen and Unwin, 2017. ISBN 9781760293635
(Age: 14+) Highly recommended. Paris. Romance. Art. Fashion. When
eighteen year old Lisette hits Paris for the summer holidays before
going to uni in Melbourne, she is aware that she is doing something
her mother always dreamed of doing. Mum has arranged that she stay
with Madame Christophe, a clairvoyant she met online and Lisette
will take French lessons to improve her language skills as well as
gain an appreciation of the arts and fashion, touring art galleries
and haute couture. From the start the reader is aware of some
tension between Lisette and her mother who raised her after her
artist lover abandoned her and fled to Wales.
With misgivings Lisette goes along to French lessons in her vintage
punk and Doc Martins, only to be challenged by much she sees and
hears.
Her great-grandmother was the proud owner of a Chanel jacket and
with a seamstress mother, fashion is part of her makeup.
But she does not reckon with the men she meets and readers will
laugh out loud as I did, when Lisette consents to being a model for
one of the art students at her French class, and then has a worrying
time trying to work out what to wear to disrobe.
But try as she might, this man is not for her and accidentally
meeting an Englishman in the park, begins to fall in love.
This funny, absorbing coming of age novel, full of references to
Paris, fashion, art galleries and food will fascinate teenage girls
yearning like Lisette to try all that Paris offers.
Paris invades every page: its sights and sounds, colours, fashion,
architecture and people are the thread of the novel, making every
reader want to go and capture the essence of the city, while those
who have been will wish to return.
Lisette has some real choices to make, but is always aware of her
return ticket to Australia and the looming departure date. Finding
that her dead father left her money, allows her to make a decision
that had been impossible and in ringing his widow, finds common
ground with the woman she has never met. Middle secondary girls will
love Lisette, seeing Paris through her eyes, looking at her options
as she becomes more involved with Hugo who must return to England.
Bateson has again produced a wonderfully entertaining story of a
young girl in an unfamiliar situation, potent with choices,
impelling the readers to ponder what choice they would make.
Lisette is surrounded by beautifully written characters that will
endear the reader to Lisette and her friends. Hugo is an enigma but
adorable, Madam Christophe magnificent with her tarot cards and
scarves, Fabienne stunning with her stilettos, Anders and Gabi ooze
early warning signals, while the girls Lisette meets give her
courage. All of her experiences encourage her to take her own path,
to find her own way, to be herself. And she does.
Fran Knight
Girl detached by Manuela Salvi
Barrington Stoke, 2016. ISBN 9781911370024
(Age: 15+) Recommended. Sexual content. Fiction. Romance.
Tragedy. Teenage. The book, Girl detached, falls under the
umbrella of romance and tragedy. Aleksandra (Alek) is a teenage girl
with a bad stutter. Living under the roof of her grandmother after
her mother abandoned her at a young age, Alek became a victim of her
Grandmother's strict discipline and protection in order to avoid
making the mistakes her mother made. The book details her story
after her grandmother's sudden death, when Alek is forced to move
yet again, back to where her life started. Living with her mother,
stepfather and half-brother, she struggles to find ground in her
new 'home'.
Although this book employs some very overused themes such as
romance and tragedy, it also stands out on its own. The author's
brave actions bring light to very real and serious themes that exist
for the target audience and is nothing short of commendable.
Although the book is difficult to get into and consists of raw
content, it becomes easier to read throughout the duration of the
book. The writing style is concise and vivid, allowing the reader to
become easily drawn into the reality of each scene. As a result of
this, the themes and the unfolding story resonate on a deeper level.
The book is a cautionary tale for members of the 'love is blind'
club. The morally questionable and often wrongfully considered
actions of the characters, highlights what happens as a result of
certain privileges being granted to young adults.
Overall, the raw components and educational value of the book is
what won it for me. The consistent character development and the
brutal ending also tied this book up perfectly.
Ethan Russell (Student)
The complete adventures of Figaro and Rumba by Anna Fienberg
Ill. by Stephen Michael King. Allen & Unwin, 2017. ISBN
9781760292997
(Age: 5-8) Recommended. Early chapter book. Humour. Friendship.
Adventure. With two Figaro and Rumba stories in one book, newly
independent readers will thrill to the adventures of these two
friends.
In the first story, 'Figaro and Rumba and the crocodile cafe',
good friends Figaro the dog and Rumba the cat plan to catch the Very
Fast Train to the beach. But their friend, Rat, has lost his friend,
Nate, and so an adventure begins.
King's wry illustrations set the scene perfectly, adding a level of
humour and anticipation which readers will adore.
This six chapter book will enthrall and delight as they read of this
wonderful pair of characters and their friends. Chapter four sees
them on the train at long last, but in the carriage of a very shady
character, a crocodile. With his easy charm and wonderful waistcoat,
he invites them to his cafe, redolent of Cuba where Rumba was born.
Figaro, with some suspicion of the crocodile decides not to stay,
but goes off to explore. He finds cats locked in a small shed and
ringing the police, learns that the crocodile is a cat-napper, ready
to add Rumba to his captives.
A lovely story, neatly resolved, it is full of things to take note
of: invitations from strangers, friendship, holidays with friends on
a train, learning to swim and taking risks for a friend while
learning a little about Cuba and the Spanish language. But the main
thing is the story of friends helping each other, and along with the
lively illustrations, will be sought after.
The second story, 'Figaro and Rumba and the cool cats' sees
Figaro singing along with the Cool Cats at their rehearsal. The cats
are those rescued from the crocodile's cages in the first of the two
stories. The lead singer cannot cope with Fig's howling and barking,
even if he does so very quietly. Rolando the cleaner, a small sloth
also found in the cage, listens halfheartedly to Fig's complaints.
But another friend has the keys to the singers' Catmobile, and with
Fig convinced he has seen a monster in the car, they go off on
another adventure.
Both stories have a wide appeal to readers newly attempting chapter
books for themselves and with stories like these, will be most
satisfied.
Fran Knight
Diary of a 6th grade Ninja by Marcus Emerson
Allen and Unwin, 2017 ISBN 9781760295554
(Age: 9+) Recommended. School. Martial arts. Chase talks directly to
the reader, enfolding them into his world of being a Ninja. Eleven
year old Chase has an unromantic view of himself, scrawny,
unpopular, not good at sports, a reader, but when his parents move
into a slightly bigger house, he must go to a new school, Buchanan,
and here things change. The only person he knows is his cousin, Zoe,
but he is unsure about how he will fit in. She takes him under her
wing, showing him around and introducing him to her friends, but
when he sees something flash by his eyes in the woods near the
school, she fends him off. But he is intrigued and going into the
woods finds a Ninja clan, willing to allow him into their fold after
he has passed the test. Zoe joins him, but when they are asked to do
one more test, Zoe balks, walking away. Brayden warns Chase about
joining the group but Chase is unconcerned, even if it means lying.
But when the group gives him Zoe's backpack to return to the school,
and he finds it full of money, the cash missing form the school
money drive, he is torn thinking about what to do.
Friendship and loyalty drive this story as Chase must work out just
who his friends are, and whether lying and stealing to be with the
Ninjas is worth it.
The story about choices will appeal to the target audience. Easy to
read, with chapters of three or four pages, and some illustrations
to break up the print, the series of ten books will be sought after.
Fran Knight
Stone cold by Jane Yolen and Adam Stemple
Ill. by Orion Zangara. The Stoneman mysteries bk 1. Graphic
Universe, 2016. ISBN 9781512411553
Graphic Novel. Murder mystery. Dark fantasy. Set in
Edinburgh in the 1930s this very dark graphic tale begins with a
murder and suicide rescue, and a talking Gargoyle on a local church,
and some priests who seem to have issues with one another. The young
lad whose life is saved goes on to join the investigative work of
the gargoyle - a beast trapped in stone. With frightening
progression, murder becomes common and involves evil influences in
the oppressive and gloomy streets. The young lad's work is to
collect information in order to solve the mystery of who is
responsible for the loss of life. But is he being dragged into the
evil net of the dark forces?
This is no light-hearted comic book! Rather it is a dark and ominous
fantasy that involves evil spiritual influences, but tangles this
with traditional faith contexts. Not something to recommend to a
young vulnerable reader. The black and white illustrations in
graphic novel panels are atmospheric, but it isn't always easy to
recognise or identify the characters speaking. Although the graphic
novel genre does cater for the dark story-lines of Noir fantasy,
this didn't appeal to me.
Carolyn Hull
Pax by Sara Pennypacker
Ill. by Jon Klassen. HarperCollins, 2016. ISBN 9780008124090
(Age: 11 - adult) Highly recommended. War, peace, Animals, Foxes.
When his gruff and distant father leaves to fight in the war,
motherless Peter is forced to stay with his grandfather and made to
abandon his pet, a fox called Pax.
At his grandfather's he learns of the dog his father once owned and
cared for. They were inseparable. Duty and responsibility overwhelms
Peter. He feels abject guilt at leaving his pet behind and decides
he should be with Pax. He packs his rucksack, takes some water and
food, and sets off, back to the place where he abandoned the fox,
and in alternate chapters we learn of what Pax is doing to get back
to his human.
After he falls and breaks a bone in his foot Peter meets Vola a one
legged recluse living in the woods. Through her he comes to
understand the effect of war, as he is maneuvered to use her
marionettes to tell the story of Sinbad. She killed a man in a
previous war and finding a tattered copy of the Voyages of
Sinbad in his coat pocket, carved the puppets as a memorial to
him, but now she needs to see it performed. Peter is forced to stay
with her until his foot has healed enough for him to move on, but he
is anxious to leave and she is just as anxious that he is able to
survive alone. The two rub against each other just as Pax is finding
it difficult surviving with the other foxes he meets, learning the
skills he missed as a kit,
An involving story of survival, the author is able to get inside the
fox's head to portray its survival with assured realism. She
beautifully contrasts the development of all three characters as
they adapt to the changes in their world, while Klassen's brittle,
black and white illustrations form a majestic backdrop to the
events.
Beautifully written, Pax can be read by children and adults
alike. The image of war is ever present, from the father going off
to war, the woman, Vola and her wooden leg and her mission to see
the Sinbad story performed, and the threat of encroaching war.
Peter eventually leaves to find the fox, and a heart stopping
conclusion brings the reader to rethink the idea of friendship and
challenge the concept of war and its effects on the people involved.
Allusions to Sheherazade, the tale of the phoenix, the stories of
Sinbad, the roc, and so on are throughout the book, impelling the
reader to look further into the tale. The stories behind Vola's life
too are captivating as she becomes the teacher she wanted to be,
rather than the soldier she was.
This wonderful book held me to the end.
Fran Knight
Barefoot on the wind by Zoe Marriott
The Moonlit Lands series, bk 2. Walker Books, 2016. ISBN
9781406333374
(Age: 10+) Recommended. Fantasy. This beautifully written retelling
of Beauty and the beast is a companion novel to Shadows
on the Moon, and takes the reader back to the Moonlit
Lands in a Japan like setting. Hana is a young woman, who is
confined to a remote village surrounded by a forest. The trees
whisper to her saying 'There is a monster in the forest' which Hana
knows for a fact, as many of the villagers have disappeared, never
to be seen again - one of them her beloved brother. When Hana's
father is taken, she is the only one in her village who is prepared
to try and find him. She is successful, but is determined to kill
the beast and goes off again in search of it, encountering much that
is magical and more dangerous than she could have imagined.
At the beginning of the book Marriott has written about her idea for
the book and her wish to write it from 'a feminist perspective,
asking 'What if Beauty went after the Beast of her own free will?
And how could the Beast redeem himself in order to truly deserve her
forgiveness . . . and her love?' The author is very successfully in
achieving her aim. Hana is a resourceful and clever person, who has
the strength of character to pursue what she knows is right. In
doing so she is able to forgive not only the Beast and her father
for their mistakes but she is able to come to terms with her own
actions when her brother went missing. This has a ripple effect on
the magic in the forest.
The strong imagery in the book provides an atmospheric background to
Hana's adventures. It is easy to imagine the shadowy woods, the
dense thorn hedge, the frozen lake and the evil creations that
inhabit the forest. The petty mindedness of the villagers and the
isolation of Hana also adds to the dark and brooding atmosphere.
This is a really good retelling of the fairy tale and while it is
suitable for younger readers, teens will also enjoy it for its
unusual setting and wonderful characters.
Pat Pledger
Royal rabbits of London by Santa Montefiore and Simon Sebag Montefiore
Ill. by Kate Hindley. Simon and Schuster, 2016. ISBN 9781471157868
(Age: 7+) Highly recommended. The Royal Rabbits of London is
a richly rewarding adventure story for newly confident chapter book
readers to enjoy. Shylo Tawny-Tail lives with his family in a deep
burrow in the countryside. As the runt of the litter he suffers
teasing and bullying from his three older brothers and sisters; they
constantly make fun of his eye-patch and play tricks on him. Shylo's
only escape is the secret meetings with his friend, Horatio an old
grizzled rabbit who lives at the edge of the forest. He shares
stories of the Royal Rabbits of London; a secret society of agent
rabbits living under Buckingham Palace, whose job is to protect the
Royal Family. Horatio is a true friend, who encourages his young
friend praising his fearlessness and courage for traversing the
dangerous forest and visiting the scarred old rabbit, banished from
his former home and family.
One morning, when Shylo hides in a fallen oak tree to escape from
his bully brother Maximilian, he overhears three evil rats plotting
to embarrass the Queen. The Ratzi's purpose in life is to hunt the
Royal Family down, take, and publish embarrassing photos of them.
Suddenly Shylo has a mission, a purpose for his life, and old
Horatio instructs him to travel to London and warn the protectors of
the queen, the mysterious and hidden Royal Rabbits. Their skills are
needed to foil the Ratzi's plan and make them aware of the impending
plot.
Horatio sends young Shylo off to London with clear instructions and
this encouragement. 'Life is an adventure. Anything in the world is
possible - by will and by luck, with a moist carrot, a wet nose and
a slice of mad courage!' The pace picks up when Shylo encounters the
frenetic pace of life in London, with growling dogs and busy
traffic; he leaves the safety of the farmer's cart loaded with
spring cabbages and sets out to find the Weeping Willow entrance to
a secret tunnel. The London Royal Rabbits are elegant and their
personalities unique, their world is rich in structure and
tradition, their warrens stylish and their lives quite a contrast to
Shylo's world.
The difficult journey under Buckingham Palace, the dramatic scenes
fighting with the Ratzis, and the escape from the Pack of the
Queen's dogs, is fraught with danger and some scenes are graphically
told. Shylo is a hero; he overcomes his fears, grows in
self-confidence with his physical limitations and is even
instrumental in a family reunion.
From the gold embossed jacket to the beautifully meticulous
illustrations and the rabbit paw prints that hop across the page
corners, this is a quality children's story. Kate Hindley's detailed
line drawings are intricate and emotive, they show Shylo's
vulnerability, Horatio's kindness, Belle de Paw's elegant style and
the frenetic action in the Royal Kennel.
Santa and Simon Montefiore's descriptive story is perfect for a
class novel for years 2-4, as an English text to discuss character
depiction and development and the well-paced narrative arc. In
Health and Wellbeing, this is an excellent forum to discuss the
implications of bullying and to encourage building healthy
self-esteem with an 'I can do it' attitude.
Rhyllis Bignell
The Twins of Tintarfell by James O'Loughlin
PanMacmillan, 2016. ISBN 9781743548097
(Age: 10+) Highly recommended. The Twins of Tintarfell is a
completely captivating fantasy adventure novel by author James
O'Loughlin. The plot changes directions, focuses on different
characters and their decisions and actions and is fast-paced,
delivering strong protagonists and an exciting array of animal
characters. O'Loughlin writes with a fluidity of style that will
capture the audience.
Orphaned at birth, twins Dani and Bart live as servants in
Tintarfell Castle, working in the kitchen. They have become friends
with spoilt Prince Edward and meet him on their afternoons off. King
Corolius gives his timid pony-loving son a new huge horse named
Midnight and demands that his son prove himself by riding the beast.
Fearless Bart who has a deep connection to animals, and can
communicate with them, takes Edward's place and rides out of the
palace only to be kidnapped and held for ransom. Dani makes it her
mission to rescue her brother; unfortunately, Prince Edward becomes
her reluctant assistant.
Deep in the forest, evil Lord Randling awaits the kidnapped victim's
arrival hidden in a hay cart. He understands Bart's special power
and greedily desires this ability. Dani follows the trail of hay
left by the sparrows and eventually discovers her much-changed
brother. Their dangerous journey takes them through the dark forest
where tigers and lions roam; up dangerous mountains and steep cliffs
guided by a talking fox, to Melindarah the healer's castle. Here,
Dani must choose to pay the highest price for loved twin brother
Bart.
With powerful themes of love, sacrifice, friendship, resilience,
acceptance and courage interwoven, this story challenges the reader
to consider their own beliefs. The power and manipulation of adults
and their affect on the lives of the children needs to be considered
as well. Use this novel for Upper Primary students to engage with
the fantasy genre. The Twins of Tintarfell by James O'Loughlin is an excellent
class novel for Years 5-7.
Rhyllis Bignell
Last Descendants by Matthew J. Kirby
An Assassin's Creed series. Scholastic, 2016. ISBN
9781743811788
(Age: 12+) 15 year old Owen's life has not been the same since his
father was imprisoned for a murder Owen is sure he didn't commit and
then died in prison. His mum has to work long hours and they live
with his grandparents who take every opportunity to disparage his
father and pry into his life in case he is turning out like him.
Owen has drifted away from his best friend Javier but he seeks him
out for support in his quest to clear his father's name. Monroe, an
IT worker at his school has offered Owen the chance to try the
Animus simulation developed by Abstergo Corporation which takes
samples of your DNA and allows you to access genetic memories,
entering into the lives of your ancestors. Owen asks Javier to go
with him for support but finds out that the simulation can't help
his quest as his father's DNA can only be expressed in him up to the
time he was born. They both go ahead with a joint simulation anyway
and find themselves as a conquistador and a Tlaxcaltec warrior. When
they meet with Cortez and feel him wield a powerful influence on
them Monroe abruptly ends the simulation and anxiously hurries them
away. It turns out that the powerful influence came from an object
of power that the secret societies, the Templars, who believe that
powerful people can impose order on chaos, and the Brotherhood of
Assassins, who believe in preserving the free will of the people but
who demand absolute loyalty and obedience in their members, have
been searching for and that Owen and Javier are now being hunted
down for their genetic memories. In a bid to find the object first
Monroe whisks them away to a warehouse where they meet a group of
kids their age who all have either Templar of Assassin in their DNA.
They enter into a group simulation which takes place during the 1863
New York Draft Riots to find Cortez's dagger, a powerful Piece
of Eden which they believe was taken to the Aztec Club
headquarters in the Astor Hotel.
As a phenomenally successful video game Assassin's Creed has
spawned books, games, and the recently released movie. This new book
joins eight previous successful series and is sure to find an avid
readership in the middle school age group. As a new reader I found
enough fundamental information to follow the story though there were
too many characters to really engage with them. No doubt they will
come into play in subsequent books in this series. It was good to
see some powerful female figures but this is still essentially a
book for boys.
Sue Speck
