Escape to the Moon Islands

Escape to the Moon Islands by Mardi McConnochie (Allen and Unwin) PB RRP $14.99  ISBN 9781760290917

Reviewed by Daniela Andrews

I’m grateful nobody took a photo of me reading this novel for I must have looked a funny sight … eyes wide open, face alarmed (though I wouldn’t have noticed if they had because I could barely look away from the page!) This fast-paced novel, the first in a new adventure series titled Quest of the Sunfish, is delightfully intense.

The story, for 9–12 year-olds, is set in a dystopian future where a terrible Flood (caused by rising sea levels) has altered the world. Will and Annalie, twin siblings, set off on a dangerous sea adventure in a quest to find their missing father, Spinner. Annalie’s friend from school, Essie, accompanies them, along with Graham (their talking parrot). They also pick up another crew member along the way – the mysterious Pod.

The world is under the control of the Admiralty, a powerful navy that governs and patrols the oceans. The children discover their father has allegedly stolen something from the Admiralty, and is hiding from them. As a result, they themselves are at threat, and they learn that the Admiralty is not as trustworthy as it seems. While trying to find Spinner, the children seek clues and crack codes to work out what it is that he has stolen and why.

The short chapters are full of action and suspense as they escape from pirates, cannibals and navigate stormy seas, all the while trying to keep out of sight of the Admiralty. Each character is very different, providing much tension in the novel. Their friendships and loyalties are challenged.

Mardi McConnochie, well-known scriptwriter and author of several books (including Melissa, Queen of Evil, a winner of an Aurealis award) has delivered a gripping new adventure story. A second novel in the series will be published in April 2017.

Phantom Wings over the North

Phantom Wings over the North by Desmond O’Connor (A&A Book Publishing/ Short Stop Press) PB RRP $ 19.99

ISBN 9780994329462

Reviewed by Anastasia Gonis

Part of the Australian Adventure Series, this compact pocket book of 64 pages is a fast-paced and exciting adventure set in the outback Pilbara region.

Paddy is an experienced prospector. He is alert and observant. That is why he is suspicious about the mobile laboratory staffed by men from Eastern Europe, about which little is known. Who are these men, and what is their real reason for being in this part of the Pilbara?

Paddy is also uneasy about the sounds of aircraft flying at night, especially when there’s a full moon. He discusses his concerns with best mate Bluey as he hates enigmas. He is also dedicated to the protection of flora and fauna of the region.

These concerns coincide with an arranged visit from his twin niece and nephew. They are to spend a holiday with him, learning about and putting into practice gold prospecting under Paddy’s direction, with Bluey as second man for safety.

‘Move around purposefully’ is Paddy’s advice. And the twins do, discussing any abnormalities with each other. When things don’t add up, Paddy and the twins investigate. What they uncover is an unexpected and horrifying act against the wildlife of the area.

Here is a fantastic fiction adventure that gives the reader lots of information about prospecting and the Pilbara region; and the importance of its flora and fauna. It’s told in an instructive tone without being didactic.  As an added background story Bluey is badly hurt and is saved by the Flying Doctor Service. Attention is called to the threat on the area’s wildlife by well organised international illegal traffickers that stop at nothing for monetary gain. I look forward to reading more stories from this interesting series.

 

The Last Thirteen Book 12: 2

The Last Thirteen Book 12: 2 by James Phelan (Scholastic Australia)

PB RRP $14.99

ISBN 978-1-74283-195-4

Reviewed by Jenny Heslop

13 books. 13 nightmares. 1 destiny.

2 is the penultimate book in this adventure series about a group of children, the thirteen chosen Dreamers, who are prophesised to save the world.

As the world plunges further into chaos – nightmares plague the general population - the media attention on the Dreamers and UN protection makes it harder for Sam and his friends to do what they need to in order to ensure the Dreamers’ Gate stays hidden from Solaris, Stella and all those who would use it for power and dominance.

Sam and Eva leave Australia to search for Alex, the twelfth Dreamer, who is lost somewhere in Antarctica. With a powerful storm closing in, and Stella, Hans and rogue guardians searching as well, it is a dangerous version of hunting for a needle in a haystack.

But Alex has made an amazing discovery under the ice which will lead them closer to the end of the race. If only they can get out alive with betrayal all around.

This fast-paced series The Last Thirteen is an edge of your seat thrill ride with plenty of suspense, action and cliff-hangers. The series needs to be read in order, but these slim volumes are written for speedy reading and each will be consumed with pace. With only one to go, the conclusion is very close.