All fantasy writers are sociologists, creating societies that contain elements of our own world and exploring the possibilities for change. For most of us, the social and political setting is background for the development of the characters. “Wakeful Wanderer” has it the other way around. The philosophies of the various groups are the main elements […]
“Lost in the Vast” by Chelsea Thornton & Travis Brown
This series is a modern YA take on Indiana Jones, an Alternate Reality about three twenty-somethings who act more like teenagers. Of course, that’s the target readership, so no one will complain. The writing style pops with colour and detail, appropriate to the jungles and ruins in which the action takes place, although it goes […]
The Old Person Curse (Between Dark and Light, Book 1) By Chris von Halle
This novel is presented as a “children’s horror story.” The main character is 12 years old. This probably means that the target readership is between 10 and 14, and I’d say the author hit it spot on. For parents and librarians reading this review, I feel that the horrors dealt with are appropriate to the […]
“The Revelation” by Jared Beasley Sharpe
I found this to be an enjoyable read in a limited sense. The main character is intimately real to us, and his motivation and reactions are realistic and engaging. However, there is an unfortunate reliance on one conflict area typical of YA fiction that undermines the suspense, leaving us with a reduced level of commitment […]
“Gene Pool” by A. E. Price
This is a story about an imaginary future where gene manipulation has created an elite class in which every child’s genetic characteristics are chosen at fertilization. The result is a heavily segregated caste system, where the non-modified are treated as less than human. This provides grist for all sorts of thematic material, but that conflict […]
“Squabble of the Titans” by Justin Teerlinck
Where to start? This book is a work of great creativity and considerable variety: part documentary, part satire, part cartoon, part Science Fiction, quasi-historical and in total quite undefinable. However, I will try. The story is revealed in a series of letters between Theodore Roosevelt, former President of the United States, his family and supporters, […]
“Straya” by Anthony O’Connor
Australians have a rather tenuous connection to the English language. They even have a name for their particular dialect, “Strine.” The nice thing about Strine for the rest of us is that it’s almost intelligible. When you see it written down, it’s quite possible, and even fun, to try to figure out where those words […]
“Red Blood” by Kaitlin Legaspi
Now that I have finished this book, I feel rather disappointed. At the beginning, I thought I was reading a pleasant, light YA fantasy. Rather too feel-good for an adult reader, in fact. There seemed to be too much time spent building up the characters and stroking each other’s egos while the readers wanted to […]
“A Murder in Malta” by Ann Crew
Friends suggested this book to me because I am going to Malta next spring, and they thought I might enjoy reading about the island. I was not disappointed. The delightful descriptions of the towns, scenery and food were a joy and a mine of information. Likewise, the characters were fun people to spend a few […]
“The Trickster’s Sister” by R. Chris Reeder
This is a YA Fantasy, following the plotline of the teenager who discovers she is not like all the other humans. In this case, it’s not all nicey-nicey like usual, because Brynn and her family are goblins. This is Book Two in the series, so the newness has worn off, and she is left to […]