The Fifth Planet

The Fifth Planet by Antoinette Connolly (self published) PB RRP $16.00 ISBN 978-0 9775860-5-9. Copies from a.conolly@optusnet.com.au

Reviewed by Lucinda Gifford

The Fifth Planet is Antoinette Connolly's sixth science fiction novel for children. The enterprising self-published author has also written "The Cauchemar Series", as well as "A Key To Time". The "Fifth Planet" follows the adventures of Abby and Matthew as, after a dramatic electrical storm, they find themselves on an alien ship destined for the planet of Zorgon. Rather than imprisoning the children, the furry, vegetarian, telepathic alien crew of this space shuttle enlist their help in finding a new planet to inhabit, as their own world is politically and geologically unstable. The fantastical adventures that follow encompass travel to planets in our own solar system (which harbour unexpected surprises), wormholes, and the dark side of our own moon. 

Children who are interested in space travel, science fiction – and even geology – should enjoy this book.

Alien Wizardry

Alien Wizardry by Antoinette Conolly 

PB RRP $25

ISBN 9780977586042

Reviewed by Sandra Park

Author Antoinette Conolly was compelled to write Alien Wizardry as the readers of the Cauchemar Trilogy would ask her what happened next. Alien Wizardry is the first book in a sequel trilogy and once again Zachary travels to Cauchemar. He is called to the magical world by his friend Mactavish, a ginger cat and Zachary’s previous travelling companion who remained in Cauchemar and is now a powerful wizard. However, one of the most powerful wizards, Malfactorius, is intent on destroying Cauchemar through an ancient prophecy.

According to the prophecy, though, alien help will save the world. And that is where Zachary and his new cat companion Taffy come in. Through the powers of a magical stone, they travel back to the Cauchemar and link up with old friends and new including Magenta the witch, Bijour the dragon and Ulysses the unicorn to thwart the prophecy. They travel to lands which have the most unusual inhabitants such as musical instruments and walking flowers. It is in these lands that the solutions to the prophecy are found and they are linked to the senses. However, it is the final sense that is the most difficult to work out. It is only at the very last, when it seems that Malfactorius has indeed triumphed, that they work out the final sense – a sense of humour!