The Casting Dilemma

The Casting Dilemma by Lynne Stringer (Rhiza Press) PB RRP $14.99 ISBN: 9781761113246

Reviewed by Kellie Nissen

Insecurity at any age is hard to grapple with, but for teens who are often pulled between independent adulthood and the need to fit in, it can be debilitating.

For Year 10 student, Kate, it’s her appearance that causes her self-doubt – particularly her nose. Even with encouragement from her parents and best friends, Tash and Michael, she must force herself not to let it stop her from auditioning for the lead role in the school musical.

Kate knows she performed so much better than the others on the day – even top contender, Ashleigh – but then she overhears her teachers’ conversation and her initial hopefulness is once again muddied with doubt. Will she get the role? If she doesn’t, will she really want to settle for another role?

The weeks leading up to the performance are full of highs and lows as Kate continues to struggle with self-confidence and pride.

The Casting Dilemma homes in on the internal struggles that all readers, irrespective of age, will face at least once in their lives – the fear of failure, the feeling of never being enough, and the overwhelming desire to succeed.

A school musical is the perfect backdrop to explore these emotions, which could equally apply to other settings such as sport tryouts, job interviews and writing or art competitions – anywhere you must put yourself out there to be measured up against others.

Lynne Stringer has managed to capture this internal emotional hotpot, making Kate a relatable character we instantly connect with and want to cheer on as we ride the roller coaster of self-doubt, excitement and disappointment with her.

The Casting Dilemma is another addition to the Rhiza Press ‘Rhiza Shorts’ series of bite-sized but complete narratives with strong storylines for teens who may either be reluctant readers or time-poor booklovers.

In a world where our attention spans are in rapid decline at the hands of a technology obsession, the Rhiza Shorts series – with its Minimal Words Maximum Impact promise – aims to bring reading back on the agenda.

Keeper of the Archives

Keeper of the Archives by Lynne Stringer (Wombat: Rhiza Edge) PB RRP $22.99 ISBN: 9781761111563

Reviewed by Kellie Nissen

When the first paragraph of a new book likens thick smoke to choking tentacles, you know you are in the heart of the story and it’s set for immediate action.

By the end of the first page, we know that Eden Fittell is the strength in her family, protecting her mother and her siblings, Lenny and Jed, from their drunken and abusive father who only ‘visits’ when he needs more money for drink. And, by the end of the first chapter, we are firmly on Eden’s side – albeit concerned for her welfare and wondering how this young teen is going to manage.

In the grand scheme of things, Eden’s father is the least of the family’s worries when you consider their city is being targeted by crime boss Kore Luddan, who has the terrifying freak known as Izrod on his team kidnapping the people of Sendirian City.

The stakes are quickly raised when Eden obtains a position as a junior keeper in the Government Archives – replacing Kore’s most recent victim. Her mother is concerned, but what choice does Eden have; her family needs the money.

Supervisors in the Archives are on high alert, with stringent securities in place but, as with all good suspense situations, it is soon clear that these will be no match for Kore and Izrod. The question is, will Eden be stronger?

Author Lynne Stringer brings contemporary issues to play throughout the story, including domestic violence and alcoholism, along with considering themes of family dysfunction, the power of social status and the ‘masking’ of personal fear, and deals with these in a hard-hitting but compassionate way.

With well-developed characters who feel real, Keeper of the Archives is a fast-paced, high-tension story about a post-apocalyptic world, and will definitely appeal to young adult readers who enjoy science fiction and the surreal.

The Verindon Alliance

The Verindon Alliance by Lynne Stringer (Rhiza Edge) PB RRP $19.99 ISBN: 9781925563993

Reviewed by Dannielle Viera

For centuries, the Vendel and the Verindal have fought for supremacy on their shared planet, Verindon. Although they are similar species, the Vendel have a unique ability to transform into beings with enhanced awareness, speed and accuracy, while the Verindal are masters of cutting-edge technology. When a spate of surprise attacks decimates people on both sides, each race is quick to blame the other.

Only Vashta, fifth princess of the Vendel, and Brandonin, heir to the Verindal throne, see the truth: a devastating enemy from beyond the stars seeks to destroy them all. Can the two royals overcome a history plagued by hostility to join forces and defeat the Arctals, bringing lasting peace to their planet in the process?

Teenage sci-fi lovers will enjoy The Verindon Alliance, as Lynne Stringer takes them to a beautiful new world with a rainbow sky and drops them right in the middle of a breathtaking battle zone. From the acute mental conflicts, as each Verindonian race struggles to trust the other, to the powerful physical skirmishes between the aliens and the planet’s citizens – not to mention the wrestling of emotions, as Vashta and Brandonin come to terms with their evolving feelings for each other – Lynne keeps her readers on the edge of their seat, waiting for the next thrilling twist in the tale.

Lynne makes excellent use of language in her world building, with fresh terms for time periods, animals and technology adding to the unearthly feel. Readers may be a little confused in the early chapters of the book by the similarity between the words ‘Vendel’, ‘Verindal’ and ‘Verindon’, but this difficulty eases as the story unfolds and it becomes clear that the chapters alternate between Vashta’s point of view and that of Brandonin.

With clever dialogue, credible character growth and cracking action sequences, The Verindon Alliance is a must-read for YA devotees. Lynne completes the story arc with a blissful bonding ceremony between Vashta and Brandonin, but intriguingly leaves the door open for a sequel.