In Mortal Danger

In Mortal Danger by Lorraine Campbell (Palmer Higgs)

PB RRP $ 24.95

ISBN 9780992549343

Reviewed by Anastasia Gonis

In Mortal Danger, the sequel to the outstanding Resisting the Enemy turns the focus from Valli and her dangerous Resistance activities, to the other main character of the story, the attractive, aloof Colonel Maximilian Von Stahlmann, billeted in Valli’s grandmother’s villa. We learn about his life as a soldier and the battles he has taken part in, what he has seen, and how it has influenced his beliefs and actions. The kind of man he has become inside due to his experiences isn’t the stiff, robotic Colonel others see him as. Although he is a German soldier under orders, he has principles he lives by, a mind of his own, honour, and the courage of his convictions.

Valli is finding it hard to fight the attraction she feels towards Von Stahlmann, who in turn, can no longer contain his feelings toward her. She is filled with self-loathing at her longing for the enemy. Nevertheless, their passion is ignited. Valli is destroyed when she learns he is married. Now her hatred toward him is justified and absolute.

When her best friend Margie, a French Jew, is betrayed and arrested, and ordered to the internment camp, Valli goes to extraordinary measures to secure her release. But there are others in mortal danger, not just Margie. The two children she saved from the streets are also at risk. Will a conflict of interests handicap Valli’s plea for help from Von Stahlmann, or will he stay true to his real self? Furthermore, does love have a place in a world full of turmoil and death?

A fantastic conclusion to an excellent two-book series set in the turbulent years of WW2 for the 16+ age group. As with the first book, there is mystery, suspense, adventure, love and passion, and a riveting story that moves between Australia and France.

Resisting the Enemy

Resisting the Enemy by Lorraine Campbell (Palmer Higgs)

PB RRP $24.95

ISBN 9780992549329

Reviewed by Anastasia Gonis

Valli, an intelligent and multi-talented young woman, has lost her brother in a road accident and her parents in a bomb blast in London. The Germans have invaded France and she is living with her grandmother in her villa. She has secretly joined a Resistance group, passionate about helping her country in any way she can.

When a young German officer is billeted at their home, she has much to fear. If she is discovered the by the Gestapo her life will be forfeited.

But there is a traitor in their ranks. Valli will do whatever it takes to discover who it is. Can she make it in time to stop her best friend from walking into a trap set by the Gestapo?

This is Lorraine Campbell’s first YA historical novel and what a good job she’s done with it. With themes of friendship and sacrifice, espionage and deceit, I became totally immersed. As the novel progressed past the back story, it increased in pace so there was no way I was putting it down. A storyline full of danger and mystery, challenges and romance, this exciting adventure is set just before and during WW2. It moves between Australia and France, with something new taking place all the time. Underlying currents of other happenings add to the tension that’s always present in Valli’s life. Discussions between the characters about classical music and opera, and the classics, are scintillating.

It is a well-researched and riveting read, and the first of a two-book series for the 16+ age group.