Reviews 4UbyU 2006

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Boudica: Dreaming the Serpent Spear by Manda Scott

Reviewed by Alex

When I finished “Boudica: Dreaming the Hound” I thought it was an odd way to finish a trilogy but acceptable seeing that the history of Boudica is enshrouded in mystery. Thus I was elated to learn that there was a fourth and final book in the series. “Dreaming the Serpent Spear” is the perfect finish to this epic set of novels detailing a possible history of the Britannic rebellions against the Roman Empire.

“Dreaming the Hound” finished with Breaca and her daughters being flogged, and raped by the Roman legions for insurgency and almost being crucified before her brother Bàn/Valerius saves them. At the start of “Dreaming the Serpent Spear” the Britannic tribes are becoming disillusioned as Breaca struggles to recover from her wounds both physically and mentally. With no clear heir to Breaca’s leadership she must regain her lost charisma and battle presence if Britain is to ever be free of the Romans. And there is little time for them to achieve that, as the Romans are advancing on the island Mona - the spiritual home of Britain - and if it is lost then the nation will have been dealt a cruel blow. So the tribes must gather their spears and train the young, inexperienced warriors to do battle and hope to drive out the mighty Roman army.

“Dreaming the Serpent Spear” is the culmination of decades of fighting and preparation by Breaca and her cohorts, and also the climax of the story that author Manda Scott has spent years creating. The care and passion of the author for this series is clear in the fine detail that runs throughout this series and makes these books a pleasure and a thrill to read. There is no recorded history of Boudica’s life (except with small mentions from Roman historians) - such details have sadly been lost in the sands of time - but this fictitious series presents an amazing possibility full of emotion that history books can never achieve. The series is as accurate as possible in regards to the known details and is truly magnificent. A good read for anybody.

May 2006

Red Leader Down by Ken Catran

Reviewed by Min

Red Leader Down is a great book that takes you right into the lives and dangers of second world war fighter pilots. At its heart is a mystery about what actually happened to Matt's grandfather near the end of the war when he was shot down, but leading up to that point there's lots of action and realistic description of life at war.

The book is essentially written in three parts. In the first part Matt's granddad dies and he feels guilty that he didn't spend much time with him - but then he starts hearing Granddad telling his story. Mystery ensues when Granddad's house is turned over and some medals stolen. Matt gets the medals back but this leads into the second part of the book - Granddad's memoirs form the war which is the bit that I enjoyed best. This is where you find out about the unresolved questions about what happened in Holland. Finally the book returns to Matt who heads off to the Netherlands to try to find the truth.

This book isn't just for guys - it doesn't get hung up on detailed descriptions of weapons and equipment, and its not a history book so you don't get bored by the whens and wheres of the battles and all that. Mostly its about the men themselves and how the war changed them. I think that anyone would enjoy it.

Riding Tycho by Jan Mark

Reviewed by Tehnuka

This book - which looked quite small when I first picked it up - turned out to contain some rather intense reading. The story itself is straightforward; Demetria, an eleven year old girl, lives on High Island (named only in relation to the 'Low Island' nearby where prisoners are kept). Her society is one where women are little more than slaves, her life filled with rules and restrictions. It is when a political prisoner is billeted with her family that she learns of a world outside her own and starts questioning the traditions of her island.

A lot of clever writing is involved, because unlike most typical novels, where the heroine has always been different or rebellious, Demetria gives the sense that she is mostly the same as the other girls on the island. It is the prisoner, Ianto Morgan, who through his wonder - and horror - at her barren homeland, opens her eyes. But a friendship with a prisoner isn't acceptable and when he bends the rules to spend time with her and show her the joys of his own world, the trouble really starts.

It is rare to find such a mixture of ideas; human rights, conservation, and politics, in a book so well suited to people of all ages. The sentences are simple and easy to read; the bulk of the novel comes from the amount of thought that the reader puts in - as much or as little as you like. Ianto's shock at finding that Demetria has never heard a song before; her scepticism when he tries to tell her what a bird is; and the wry humour of the prisoner which we can understand while Demetria cannot, and the contrast between his longing for his family and the abuse she receives from hers make the story both touching and powerful.

There's nothing about dolphins in here, by the way, so don't let the title put you off. Tycho is one of the two currents which sweep around the island in opposite directions; the other is called Kepler. (If you understand the significance of these names, then the book will make sense on yet another level - otherwise, it will all be made clear later on!)

With few books of such a genre around - Lois Lowry's The Giver comes to mind - Riding Tycho manages to find a niche and fit right in. While there are many futuristic novels around for adults, there are not many well-written ones for younger readers, especially one which is reminiscent of so many classics and yet isn't quite like any of them. I strongly recommend Riding Tycho for anyone over the age of ten.

Another key point about this book is that it seems to be leading up to some great event. There is a climax at the end of this book, but many questions are left unanswered. The sequel, Voyager, was released earlier this year, but sadly Jan Mark passed away soon afterwards. Riding Tycho was a beautiful story from a talented author.

March 2006

Voyager by Jan Mark

Reviewed by Tehnuka

If you've already read Riding Tycho then you've probably been eagerly awaiting this book. Otherwise, while you may pick up the context, it's worth reading Riding Tycho first.

Demetria, after her desperate escape from her island, is picked up by a ship with a friendly crew - however, they're from Laurentia, and their government is on the lookout for Baltican spies. Playing mute, Demetria is passed about through the hands of friends and foes, not knowing who to trust, only that she must avoid being sent home at any cost. Even when she finally finds allies - people who know Ianto Morgan, the prisoner who built her a kite - they aren't about to coddle her, and there is still a difficult decision to be made. Having never been off High Island before, Demetria copes surprisingly well, and learns more about her island in the context of the planet which she has been living on without knowing it; and as readers, we find out a little more about the history and politics of Demeter.

Compared to Riding Tycho I would have to say that Voyager was in fact an easier read, with less information to absorb; also less engrossing but by no means boring. There are still small nuances of style and imagery which subtly guide the writing, and the writing itself is even easier to cope with. Again we are left with a sense of anticipation - there is still a lot unexplained, and Demetria's situation is almost as precarious as it was at the end of the last book. While it is sad to think that the trilogy will not be completed, don't let this stop you from reading the first two books.

March 2006

The First Casualty by Ben Elton

Reviewed by Alex

Douglas Kingsley is a dangerous man. Not only is he one of Britain’s best police detectives, he is in fact a criminal. Why? Because he will not fight for his country in WWI on the grounds that the war is illogical. This stance sees him sentenced for two years of hard labour while staying at Wormwood Scrubs - one of England’s most notorious prisons and a place where many men eagerly await the arrival of the man who in turn put them behind bars. But Kingsley is not the only man having troubles with the war: Viscount Abercrombie (or Captain Abercrombie as he is in the war) - an inspiring war poet - is shot while fighting in France. However, this is no typical wartime death. For Abercrombie has been murdered by someone on the allies’ side! To solve this case the detective would need to be a man of the utmost scruples: one who would not distinguish between patriots and communists; one who would see that the true culprit is brought to justice regardless of rank. Thus Kingsley, as his only chance to escape a certain death in prison, is enlisted to join the military police with an alternate identity and go to the heart of the war to unmask the murderer of one of Britain’s heroes.

This is a wonderful whodunit set in wartime Europe, written by Ben Elton - the man who crafted such legends as Blackadder. Because of this there are light traces of humour throughout the book (with tendencies towards black humour). Thankfully, although this is a war novel, Elton has avoided both glorifying and “gorifying” war - he simply includes descriptions where needed (or to occasionally create a laugh). The main reason for this is simply because Kingsley doesn’t spend much time in the front trenches themselves.

A thrilling tale filled with twists and turns as Kingsley wades through a mire of loyalty, procedure, public relations, cover-ups, women and mud. This book is highly entertaining and gripping, and you don’t want to put it down until you know whom the murderer is. Further more, despite my earlier comments on the inclusion of humour, the book does also make the reader consider what murder is and also what justice is when hundreds are being slaughtered daily. I’d say anyone could enjoy “The First Casualty” provided they like murder mysteries, don’t mind wartime descriptions, and can laugh at (or at least overlook) the very occasional bit of morbid humour (or maybe that's just my interpretation of the words...).

March 2006

Fly By Night

Frances Hardinge reviewed by Tehnuka

Mosca Mye is twelve when she finds herself running away from her home village following a incident involving a mill, an oil lamp, and a lot of flames. She travels to Mandelion city with her companions: a gander which can only be described as vicious, and Eponymous Clent, whose personality is as ridiculous as his name. Hoping for a better life where she can go to school and sate her appetite for words and books, Mosca instead finds herself in the midst of a conflict which threatens the city, involving the different Guilds, the Lady Tamarind and her brother the deranged Duke, and - increasingly - herself. Her sharp wits prove useful to all of the different parties involved, as she spies for each of them in turn, with the key purpose of achieving her own survival; and while her mercenary loyalties don't increase her lovability, they do frequently save her life.

The author has a brilliant command of language, but the floweriness of the descriptions becomes overpowering at times; there are only so many similies and metaphors a sentence can take. Fortunately the volume of imagery is reduced at some point, and the action takes over ('action' being anything carrying a criminal charge, from murder down). Mosca, a typical sassy, book-loving heroine, could do with a bit more unique personality, but at least the book doesn't depend on one character for all of its charm. The dialogue is witty and the setting - often reminiscent of 1700s England - is fascinating, most notably the floating coffee houses.

While 'Fly By Night' would appeal most to those aged 8 - 13, it's a great read for anyone who likes an adventure. You'll be left agreeing with Mosca when she thinks "I don't want a happy ending. I want more story."

February 2006

Battlers Bluffers & Bully Boys: How NZ’s Prime Ministers Have Shaped Our Nation by Richard Wolfe

Random House @ 39.95 Reviewed by Alex

This book contains all you could ever wish to know about New Zealand’s Prime Ministers and more. Starting with NZ’s very first Premier, Henry Sewell, it covers every Prime Minister this nation has had right up to (and including) our current leader, Helen Clark.

While all in chronological order the people mentioned are also divided into smaller groups, with each group having a historical overview of their period in history noting the key political achievements and undertakings that occurred. Also included are short biographical accounts (plus photos) of each Prime Minister looking generally at their childhood and personal life, their reasons for politicking and their rise to (and often fall from) power.

Thankfully Richard Wolfe has maintained his professionalism in this book and kept it as unbiased as possible. The facts are laid out as they are with no gloss or cover-ups.
It is plainly written, easy to understand and relatively short, making it certainly any student’s first stop when researching this nation’s leaders and general political history. In fact, if other history books are seen as too hefty to read, every New Zealand citizen should read this book to realise just what has gone into forging our country.

January 2006

Viking Book 3: King’s Man by Tim Severin

Random House Reviewed by Alex

Thus concludes one of the best historical series I have ever had the pleasure to read. It is immaculately presented, seamless, thoroughly believable (for the most part), and totally enjoyable.

King’s Man throws the reader right back into the action with the death of the Basileus - understandably this Empire is no different from any other with treason and treachery running rampant. During all of this intrigue a band of Scandinavian warriors arrives in Constantinople - led by a man who is to become King of Norway - seeking fame and fortune. It is with these people that Thorgils invades Sicily and travels as far as the Holy Land before returning to the more familiar surrounds of Northwest Europe - where he still can’t live out his days in peace as he is herded from one famous event to another by greater powers…

The most bizarre (and humorous) moment in this book is when Thorgils briefly becomes involved in the author’s hypothesis of how one of Shakespeare’s plays came to be. I won’t ruin the surprise by saying which one, but it is with encounters such as these, and with other known historical people and events that this series has been made believable. By forming a tale around such people, we have a face-in-the-crowd view on how history was made - and while it may be simply a fictional account, it nonetheless makes you appreciate just how much has happened during human existence and aspire to play your own part in history.

This series is momentous, immaculate, humorous, believable and gripping - everything you could want out of historical novels. If there are other periods in time that Tim Severin may wish to reanimate they are eagerly awaited.

January 2006

Memoirs Of A Geisha by Arthur Golden

Random House reviewed by Rachel

This book was first published in 1997 but is now going through a major revival because of the movie - which I’m glad about otherwise I might have missed reading it (being only 9 years old back then!) It’s one of those fact/fiction type of novels where you learn a lot about stuff you never knew but in a really interesting way. I’d only ever seen pictures of Geishas and had a vague idea that they were some sort of high class prostitute but it was way more than that. This book is set in the 1920s in Japan and follows the story of Chiyo who is sold as a young child to ‘Mother’ and is trained up to be Sayuri, a really popular Geisha but she has to go through a lot of really awful stuff to get there. It gives you a great insight into another culture - one that’s so different from our Western one. The book was great. I really hope the movie’s as good.

January 2006

Paradise End by Elizabeth Laird

Pub: Macmillan reviewed by Tehnuka

This is the typical story of a unlikely friendship between a down-to-earth middle class girl, Carly, and glamorous, rich Tia. Both girls, however, envy each other's lives. Carly has long dreamed of living luxuriously in the mansion owned by Tia's family, and when she befriends Tia she finally has the chance to enter Paradise End. While Carly thinks her own life boring and constantly complains to us about her siblings, she also tells of Tia's lonely existence, with a paid housekeeper for her closest companion, and comes to appreciate her own family.

While I couldn't pick out anything particular which made me enjoy this book, it wasn't easy to put down. The plot wasn't entirely cheesy or predictable, and some parts were quite amusing. In essence, Paradise End is a bittersweet story about the values we place on life, family, money, and friendship. It is an easy and entertaining read, especially for girls aged 10 - 14.

January 2006

The New World Order by Ben Jeapes

Pub Random House @ 29.95 reviewed by Tehnuka

I don't think I've ever come across such an unusual book: a crazy yet successful fusion of historical and science fiction. We start off with the seige of Donnington Castle by Cromwell's troops in 1645, but from there the plot goes off in a completely different direction to established history. An alien army, the forces of the Holekhor, have entered England through a gateway between worlds, and their intention is to take over and colonise the country. Airships, explosives, rifles, all become the norm for 17th century England as the Puritan Roundheads and the men of King Charles I try to set aside their differences and fight the common enemy.

The New World Order falls down a little on the emotional side, with the relationship between Dhon Do and his son not having much credibility, but more than makes up for it with the frequent moments of hilarity, and some unforgettable characters such as Charles II and ;his mistress, the actress Dolly Witherspoon, whose attempts at reciting Shakespeare are quite shocking. And despite this I found myself drawn into the story with a serious concern for most of the characters.

Ben Jeapes has taken a risk in introducing such a random element into history, and it has certainly paid off. The language isn't particularly complex and you don't need to know much about the Civil War between King Charles I and Parliament to understand the story -most of the background explains itself. Finally, the epilogue has a nice surprise - an explanation of just who the Holekhor are… but to get to that, you have to read the book!

I strongly recommend The New World Order for all fans of sci-fi or fantasy aged 14+; and if you like historical fiction, it's a good alternative story of what might have happened if there just happened to be gateways between worlds through which an alien race decided to invade England in the 17th century.

January 2006

Here In Cold Hell by Tanith Lee

(Book 2 of the Lionwolf Trilogy)
Pub: Macmillan reviewed by Alex

To put it simply this is an amazing work of fantasy fiction. Tanith Lee has surpassed the standard fantasy conventions and produced a book that not only creates a vivid world and characters but also looks into the nature of humans on a more spiritual level.

Here in Cold Hell is the second instalment in the Lionwolf Trilogy - a series claiming to be an embellished translation of some ancient scrolls. Set in a southern ocean with only snowy lands these scrolls detail the life (and surrounding events) of the hero Vashdran (translated as Lionwolf). In the first book Lionwolf had led an attack against the capital city of the Ruk - a rich and magical nation. Realising they could not win, the Rukarian magicians released a devastating spell that destroyed most of the invaders but also caused a deadly magical plague to be released on their own city (rather reminiscent of a nuke…). Although he survives that, Lionwolf is then killed by his father, the evil god Zeth Zezeth Zzth (well any god with that many z’s MUST be evil) and sent to what is both a warrior’s heaven and a hell. This icy place is even colder than the snowy lands of living, and life there revolves around fighting, feasting and taking women to bed.

However, that is but one story line contained within this book, as life is also continuing up in the lands of the living. In total I would say there are about 6 different intermingled story lines but they are all really easy to follow in what becomes a gripping and thrilling tale like no other. But what makes this book stand out for me is its potential for a deeper philosophical look at human nature to be made by the reader. It is hard to describe, but for anyone willing this contemplation is there waiting to be tapped into.

I’ll end as I started by stating that this series is truly amazing, and I strongly recommend it to anyone who likes fantasy but also advise that there is more to be had out of this trilogy if you are open to a bit of philosophy.

January 2006

Judas Unchained by Peter Hamilton

Pub: Macmillan reviewed by Alex

When I was sent this book I was told that it was a “huge sci-fi book.” I took that as meaning a brilliant story. I should have interpreted the words more literally as this book is a colossal 948 pages long, and the sequel in the Commonwealth Saga. Having not read the first book (Pandora’s Star) I was slightly lost for the first hundred or so pages as I struggled to come to grips with the quantity of characters involved and all of their separate plot lines.

Despite all the various plots there is a key essence behind the book. Set a number of centuries into the future, the human civilisation has colonised a huge number of planets, developed cheap and fast space travel, created worm holes, and discovered a means by which you can live forever (involving growing a clone of yourself and transferring your memories into it - provided you keep updated records of your memories, death is nothing more than an inconvenience). In this advance era, humans, while exploring deep space, encounter a barrier around an entire star system and through their mere presence, it seems, the barrier fails and a vicious, expansionist race - the Primes - are released. In one fell swoop they conquer about 30 human planets and are poised to continue their universal domination.

With a total human population of many billions and so much to do it is no surprise then that the number of important characters is well over 20. But fear not, as all the pieces that make up this book fall very neatly into place by the end.

Despite its size this book is pretty good and captures the reader in a maelstrom of activity. I would advise reading the entire saga to get a more complete picture, but if about 2000 pages of total story is slightly deterring the series can be picked up from Judas Unchained. This is a solid piece of science fiction and although anyone could enjoy it, it is probably more suited to the people out there who are used to long-haul reads.

January 2006

The Ellie Chronicles Book 2: Incurable by John Marsden

Pub: Macmillan reviewed by Kim

FOR ALL THOSE JOHN MARSDEN FANS OUT THERE………
John Marsden succeeds again in this fantastic book, Incurable. This is the second book in the Ellie Chronicles series which follows on from the Tomorrow series. Reading this book made me think about my life compared to Ellie's and how terrible it would be living with no parents and looking after a younger boy. This book is incredibly addictive and is broken into chapters which link well. I thoroughly recommend it to any readers who have read "While I Live" because it may be very difficult to read Incurable out of order. All ages would enjoy it. It is reasonably easy reading with a lot of drama, action and suspense throughout. .

Incurable leads Ellie into some very gripping adventures including losing Gavin, hanging off a cliff and fighting for her life. Gavin becomes somebody in her life who she would find hard to live without. There are some fantastic twists in the story which make it even harder to put down. For those of you who haven't read the Tomorrow or Ellie Chronicles series start now and you’ll be up to this book and waiting for the third in no time!!!

January 2006

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Reviews 4UbyU 2006

Boudica: Dreaming the Serpent Spear by Manda Scott

Red Leader Down by Ken Catran

Riding Tycho by Jan Mark

Voyager by Jan Mark

The First Casualty by Ben Elton

Fly By Night

Battlers Bluffers & Bully Boys: How NZ’s Prime Ministers Have Shaped Our Nation by Richard Wolfe

Viking Book 3: King’s Man by Tim Severin

Memoirs Of A Geisha by Arthur Golden

Paradise End by Elizabeth Laird

The New World Order by Ben Jeapes

Here In Cold Hell by Tanith Lee

Judas Unchained by Peter Hamilton

The Ellie Chronicles Book 2: Incurable by John Marsden

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