The Fail Safe

The Fail Safe by Jack Heath (Allen and Unwin) PB RRP $16.99

ISBN 9781925266078

Reviewed by Daniela Andrews

Fero and Cormanenko are back! Bestselling author, Jack Heath, has delivered an exhilarating sequel to The Cut Out. Readers of the first book will be expecting another page turner, another late night … and they won’t be disappointed.

The novel begins with Fero helping his ‘parents’ move boxes of potassium iodide into an underground bunker. He has had a bit of time to process Cormanenko’s startling revelation at the end of The Cut Out. Though it pains him to play the role of an unsuspecting son who is loyal to Kamau, his feigned ignorance is keeping him alive.

The pace of the novel is a bit different to the prequel, in that the action scenes are interspersed with Fero’s sudden flashbacks to life as Troy Maschenov. The author cleverly keeps the reader in suspense but uses the scenes from the past to drive the story forward, often in a different direction.

Repelled at some of his memories, Fero’s loyalty to Besmar and to Vartaniev quickly deteriorates. He turns to Cormanenko, an equally disillusioned agent working on a powerful plan of her own. ‘I need you to be my fail safe’, she tells him, and though Fero thinks he understands what she means, it is not until the end of the story that he truly learns.

Fero’s character development in this novel is completely plausible. I was impressed with the way Jack Heath allowed Fero to find himself without the narrative ever lagging in action.

This novel will appeal to readers aged 10 and up. Its themes of war (and its senselessness), border control, immigration, government deception and the power of social media make it an interesting novel for class discussion. Though the beginning of the novel briefly summarises what happened in the prequel, I would definitely recommend reading The Cut Out before starting this one. (Better to lose yourself in the story without trying to piece together what has already taken place!)

The Tale of Rescue

The Tale of Rescue by Michael Rosen, illustrated by Stan Fellows (Walker Books) HC RRP $ 19.95

ISBN 9780763671679

Reviewed by Anastasia Gonis

Michael J. Rosen is a spectacular storyteller. Without even looking at the illustrations, every movement, every feeling, was set before me with his words.

This is a deeply moving story told in third person, of a cattle dog and how it saved a whole family from dying in the snow. It wasn’t a rescue mission as such. It was a response to a whistle, a return of a herd. The dog did what he was trained to do: he sought out and brought home the lost.

It is also about a boy, who returned years later, to find the dog that saved his family’s life.

In this divine and inspiring tale of loyalty, Angus the dog has a strong sense of self. He knows his role in life and what he was born for, and follows that given. The characteristics he owns -- dedication, adherence to rules, and a certainty that allows no doubt -- can be seen as human behaviour as well.

This is a story of hope and perseverance, which also brings into strong focus, the unique way animals communicate with humans.

The stunning illustrations by Stan Fellows add to the beauty of the whole presentation. Produced in hardcover with an exceptional jacket, apart from its textual worth, it is an ideal gift for lovers of working dogs and dog stories, or others with interest in meaningful stories that go straight to the heart.

Ralf

Ralf by Jean Jullien (Walker Books)

HC RRP $19.99

ISBN 9781847808189

Reviewed by Anastasia Gonis

Although Ralf the dog is small, he is quite long. At times this causes problems and his owners get a bit cross with him for taking up so much space. He gets upset when they tell him to get out from under their feet. The only place that seems to be safe is stretched out in his kennel. But it’s lonely being alone. It’s harder being a long sausage dog.

On one of the days when Ralf’s in his kennel stretched out and in nobody’s way, with thoughts flooding his mind, he smells smoke. He rushes to the house to investigate but gets his backside stuck in the dog door.  He pulls and pulls. An amazing thing happens. Ralf stretches and stretches himself through the gap. He must get help. But no one wakes although he licks and barks.

Luckily the fireman understands what he’s trying to communicate. Can Ralf, now a much stretched out dog, be the family’s saviour?

This delightful book is about the unswerving loyalty and dedication of animals for humans, even when they are chided for getting underfoot. It will resonate with readers who have pets that demand attention and love being constantly close to humans.

The illustrations in bold lines, strong colours and simple drawings resembling children’s art, will draw readers of the 3+ age. Beautifully presented, it’s another publication from Frances Lincoln, famous for their outstanding children’s books.

The Spires of Kurrong

The Spires of Kurrong by Malcolm Wells (Morris Publishing Australia)

PB RRP $20, EB RRP $4.99

ISBN 978-0-9942463-1-8

Reviewed by Liz Ledden

The Spires of Kurrong is a sci-fi/fantasy novel aimed at the YA market. It is set in an alternative universe in a continent divided, with a population inhabiting twin domed spires set atop extinct volcanos. For generations they have been unaware of the population and happenings on the planet’s surface, led to believe that it is inhabited by Daemons. However, when doomed lovers Markus and Filona risk everything for a new life on the surface, they soon uncover more about the two communities, unravelling everything they have been taught to believe.

The novel spans some big themes, from race, class, war, morality and the interesting inclusion of the drug trade, to loyalty and deception. For such an all-encompassing novel, it feels as though more evocative description is warranted at times, and there is a lot of telling the reader rather than showing. The second half of the narrative appears to move at a pace too fast to really develop some of the new characters who are introduced. Filona appears frustratingly naïve at times, and it would have been interesting to learn more about her and the tensions that would inevitably ensue in her and Markus’ relationship, which is glossed over at times. Overall, Wells has created an ambitious novel with a compelling premise.

The Curse of the Buttons

The Curse of the Buttons by Anne Ylvisaker (Walker Books)

HC RRP $19.95

ISBN 9780763661380

Reviewed by Anastasia Gonis

This third book in the Button family saga is a prequel to the Civil War. It’s a wonderful adventure story for the 8+ age group. Having enjoyed the themes, storyline and characters in The Luck of the Buttons, I was thrilled to get my hands on this one.

News comes with the steamboat about the onset of the War Between the States. The setting is Keokuk, Iowa 1861. We see Ike as an eleven-year-old boy whose brothers and other male relatives join the army. He is desolate at being left behind with all the women. From the moment of the men’s departure, he is consumed with the idea of finding a way to join them as a drummer boy.

Albirdie is Ike’s best friend. The daughter of the town’s pastor, she is level-headed, intelligent and supports her father’s view on the abolition of slavery. Although Iowa is a free state, aiding or harbouring slaves is a punishable offence.

The women consolidate their living arrangements with the hope of using Ike’s now empty home as a boarding house. Life is now a constant flurry of activity for all but Ike. He wants to be like his Uncle Palmer, the yard stick that the Button men measure themselves by. But even those on pedestals can have feet of clay.

He continues to scheme and dream of taking part in the war. He hatches a plan but needs help to execute it. He turns to two untrustworthy tricksters who know how to get things. They demand all but give nothing in return. Gypped and humiliated, Ike is unprepared for the change of plans life maps out for him.

Ike’s conscience is tested by his discovery of the runaway slave Mary, and her two sons. Drawn into a plan by Albirdie, her father, and Mr Jenkins to secret the slaves to a safe place means the boy is temporarily distracted from his obsession. But he’s fully aware that the bounty hunters searching for the runaways have no conscience or scruples when it comes to punishing people who get in the way of their reward. Here the women rally together again, to see justice and equality rule.

Fictional characters have been built into factual historical events pertaining to the American Civil War. This excellent novel with themes of friendship and loyalty, human equality and justice, has a strong sense of place and outstanding characters, particularly that of Albirdie. I saw more about her by what was left unsaid, than about Ike who was the more active, leading character.

The author’s note gives an overview of the history and research used to create this book. She encourages readers interested in that subject and era, to look further as she did, and discover more information on slaves, which is how she came to write this book.