Pan Macmillan, 2020. ISBN: 9781529046519.
(Age: Adult/Young Adult). Highly recommended. Christopher Paolini,
author of the much beloved young adult Eragon series,
appeals to a different target audience with his adult debut To
Sleep in a Sea of Stars. This is a science fiction novel of
truly epic proportions. At almost 900 pages, To Sleep in a Sea
of Stars is a serious (and weighty) undertaking that may
intimidate some fans. However for readers determined to tackle this
behemoth, an enjoyable space opera awaits.
Kira Navarez is a xenobiologist living approximately two hundred and
fifty years in the future. Happy, newly engaged and working in her
dream occupation, her life is interesting and fulfilling. Kira is
completing an assignment on the moon of Adrasteia when she uncovers
an ancient and mysterious relic. What she has found will have
consequences that will change her life and the galaxy as she knows
it forever. Kira has discovered that humans are not alone in the
universe and that she is now at the centre of a war for the very
survival of her species. To Sleep in a Sea of Stars is a hugely complex and
multi-layered story. Paolini worked on the novel for almost a decade
before its release, a fact that is evident in the level of
world-building and characterisation achieved. It will tick the boxes
for any fan of hard science fiction as well as those who enjoy
action, adventure and many, many human emotions. While certainly not
a quick or always easy read, this novel highly recommended.
Themes: Space, Space Travel, Planets, Astronauts, Aliens, War,
Solitude, Identity, Humanity.
Rose Tabeni
Noah Wild and the floating zoo by Alexander McCall Smith
Bloomsbury, 2020. 120p. ISBN: 9781526605542.
(Age: 7+) Adventure. The scene is set for a classic children's book.
There are no responsible parents, only eccentric aunts and uncles.
Noah & Hattie are living happily enough with Aunt Smiley when
their pirate Uncle Loafy, having closed his Zoo, invites them to
help re-locate his last four wild animals to their homelands.
Monkey Robertson, Henrietta Alpaca, Mrs Roo, a tiger called Ram and
four humans, set sail on a magnanimous quest, investing time and
money to ensure the well-being of all species. After the
practicalities of fixing the Ark and the obligatory storm, the
expansiveness of travel is a steady learning curve . . . and as
always they're dogged by the enraptured reader.
The author ponders many different versions of the nature vs nurture
conundrum: Mistaken identity is a thing. Upbringing counts.
Sometimes genetics and animal natures are insurmountable. And when
the roguish Monkey Robertson proves incapable of rehabilitation, we
must accept that he is a higher species trapped in the wrong body.
Children's authors sometimes write best-selling adult literature.
Alexander McCall Smith has proven the reverse is also possible. In
future, adults may not draw parallels to Noah Wild's musings when
compelled to turn the pages of The Life of Pi, or when
shedding tears at the treatment of lab animals in We are All
Completely Beside Ourselves but Smith's brushstrokes on an
early literacy canvas will have played a part.
Deborah Robins
Shadow Sands by Robert Bryndza
Kate Marshall book 2 . Little Brown, 2020. ISBN:
9780751572759.
(Age: Adult - Senior secondary) Recommended. Kate Marshall and her
offsider Tristan Harper are back in another exciting adventure. The
duo first appeared in Nine Elms and continue with their
successful sleuthing in Shadow Sands. When Kate and her son
are diving in the Shadow Sands reservoir, Kate finds the body of a
young man floating above the sunken village. The body has extensive
injuries and even though he is identified as a swimmer capable of
going to the Olympics, the authorities deem it to be an accident.
When the victim's mother contacts Kate, she and Tristan gradually
uncover the fact that people have been disappearing from this area
for years. Then a young lecturer from the university disappears and
the hunt is on.
Bryndza has the happy knack of writing in a very easy to read style,
with engaging characters that are relatable. Kate is a recovering
alcoholic, who only sees her teenage son Jake in holidays. Both must
deal with the fact that Jake's father is a convicted serial killer.
Meanwhile Tristan has some personal issues to deal with as well.
Both Kate and Tristan come across as highly intelligent and capable,
and the reader will enjoy all the clues that they pursue.
The setting of a reservoir as the dumping ground for bodies is
unusual. Add a very thick fog that rolls in over the land and a
desolate, empty old club which was the last place some of the
victims were seen and readers can expect to hold their breath. A
rich and powerful local aristocratic family raises issues about
class and the wielding of power and influence.
The case is concluded with some surprise twists and turns, and
heart-stopping moments and readers can expect to see Kate and
Tristan in further investigations.
Pat Pledger
Leave the world behind by Rumaan Alam
Bloomsbury, 2020. ISBN: 9781526633095.
(Age: Adult / Senior secondary) Highly recommended. Clay and Amanda
and their two teenage children, Archie and Rose, head off for a much
needed family holiday staying in a luxurious Airbnb far off the
grid. It's just what they all need, comfortable, with an
entertaining area, French doors to the deck, a swimming pool, spa
bath, and forest scenery with turkeys and deer in the background.
Then the next evening, whilst relaxing after a day spent at the
beach, there is a knock at the door. A genteel black couple claim to
be the owners of the house, returning back to their home because of
a huge power outage across the east coast. Is what they say true?
From here, this highly original story spirals out beyond anything
you might expect. I was gripped, reading each short chapter after
the next. Not wanting to give away any plot surprises, I can only
say that Rumaan Alam draws readers into an overwhelming sense of
dread, in the beginning reminding me of the 2007 psychological
thriller Funny games. However Alam's novel isn't that kind
of sadistic horror; instead it cleverly shines a spotlight on
ourselves, our class divisions, prejudices, stereotypes, self
interest, dependence on technology, in fact the whole modern world;
and asks of us, if faced with the end of the world as you know it
how would you behave, what would you do?
Themes: Dystopia, Social commentary, Human condition, Ethics.
Helen Eddy
Elizabella breaks a leg by Zoe Norton Lodge
Illus. by Georgia Norton Lodge. Walker Books, 2020. ISBN:
9781760652555.
(age: 9+) Recommended. The fourth in this new series by the Norton
Lodge sisters will delight fans of this zany Year Four student.
Elizabella goes to the theatre with her year four class and teacher,
Mr Gobblefrump. She is with her friend Huck and they have left their
parents home with Toddberry, Elizabella's brother. Huck and
Elizabella are a bit off about his mother and Elizabella's dad
dating, but Tod tells them to get over it. The play proves a turning
point for Elizabella. She adores it and cannot stop talking about
the magic she has witnessed on the stage. She approaches Mr
Gobblefrump the next day about staging a play of their own. He
consents but tells her it is very costly and unless it is free,
cannot go ahead. A challenge has been issued. Meanwhile,
Elizabella's best friend, Minnie keeps wanting her attention and
finally blurts out that she is off to New York where her mother has
secured a job. Elizabella's world comes crashing down.
Light hearted, fun from beginning to end, Elizabella is a bright
vivacious girl with lots on her mind. From working out how to grease
down her dreadlock so the people behind her can see the stage, to
making an undie flag to run up the school flagpole, to getting her
friend join her and not be sad about leaving, the situations are all
close to home, things younger readers can relate to, involving
family and friends, school life and family concerns. And all told
with a large dollop of humour inspiring readers to seek out the
other three stories and hope for number five.
Illustrations by younger sister, Georgia add another level of humour
to the tale.
Themes: School, Drama, Family, Friends, Relationships.
Fran Knight
The great realisation by Tomos Roberts
Illus. by Nomoco.HarperCollins, 2020. ISBN: 9781460759806.
(Age: 4+) Recommended. An optimistic look at the follow on from the
COVID-19 year that we have all had, is revealed as the author
strives to help children learn from the effects of the virus which
has swept the world. Some would love the world to go back to simpler
times, and revisit times past where things always seem to be so much
greener, and this author's attempts at encouraging children to see
an alternative path are commendable.
A spoken word poet, film maker and performer, New Zealand born
Roberts wrote his poem in response to the pandemic sweeping the
world, worried that children would be affected with the negative
avalanche surrounding us all.
His poem, viewed 60 million times on youTube, was an instant success
and snapped up by HarperCollins who enlisted Japanese artist, Nomoco
to apply her glorious watercolour images to the words. So the book
has been published, ready for children to read and think about life
after the pandemic. The book will encourage discussions around the
post pandemic world, and what children think can be done better.
Prior to COVID-19, the world's people had become too neglectful of
each other in their wasteful, instant lives, clicking on their
phones for goods, and despite the cities growing bigger and some
societies having access to all they could want, many people were
just alone. When the virus hit, people were told to stay at home.
And here, people reverted to the old ways: smiling, clapping for
thank you, talking to each other, going for runs, leaving the car
keys untouched.
A positive image is given of people keeping in touch, watering the
garden, growing vegetables, dancing, singing and baking. The
question at the end of the book 'so why did it take a virus to bring
the people back together?' will be one talked of in many
classrooms, as children dream of a better tomorrow.
Theme: Pandemic, COVID 19, 2020, Fear, Hindsight.
Fran Knight
Rain before rainbow by Smriti Halls
Illus. by David Litchfield. Walker Books, 2020. ISBN: 9781406382358.
(Age: 4+) Recommended. A girl and her dog sit rather pensively on
the front cover, looking forward, seeing a newly formed rainbow
peeping through the trees. Light shines around them urging the
reader to open the book to see how the story unfolds. The title is
repeated on page one, followed by 'clouds before storm' alerting the
reader to a rhyming pattern that will entreat them, encouraging them
to read on. The dog looks forward, the girl hesitatingly looks
behind, but over the page they have a light to guide them as the
words tell the reader the 'old day is done'. By now readers will be
in tune with the direction the book is taking, that of reminding all
readers that there is darkness before morning, and that they must
look forward to a brighter day rather than hesitate in the gloom.
With mental health such an issue for adults and children alike, more
books are being published which encourage a positive attitude
amongst younger readers. This one with its double pages of luminous
colours will intrigue readers as they follow the girl's journey from
darkness to light, night to morning. The words remind us that there
are mountains to cross and journeys to take, decisions to make, and
sometimes the dark will be upsetting, with dragons to fight and
worries to overcome, there are ways to get over these fears. They
can seek out friend and pathways, journeys, maps, ropes to hold on
to, and finally a new day will dawn that is full of light and
promise. And all of this is brightly reflected in the accompanying
colour filled illustrations.
The rhyming pattern will enthral readers as they predict what the
rhyming word might be, ready to call out a rhyming word at the end
of each page, learn some of the lines to call out when the book is
read again. Read out loud or in small groups, the whole will
encourage positive attitudes, allowing children to discuss some of
their fears, and give them pathways to help themselves maintain
hope. Teacher's
notes are available.
Themes: Courage, Hope, Mental health, Depression, Friendship.
Fran Knight
Ernie's journey by David Woodland
Berbay Publishing, 2020. ISBN: 9780648785149.
(Age: 4+) Recommended. The spotlight falls on the power of
storytelling in this new book from Berbay which publishes 'clever
books for curious kids'. Woodland, a debut author uses his
considerable skills honed in the film and animation industries to
produce a story which highlights the way in which the telling of
stories can influence others. Eli loves listening to Uncle Ernie,
especially his stories about his travels and adventures. He has been
hang gliding over the Great Dismal Swamp, used a cactus mobile to
cross the Gobi Desert, skated across Antarctica and now home,
wearing his bed socks and glasses, tells his nephews and nieces
about his adventures. Eli asks him about one particular adventure,
that of helping the occyphants and so the story unfolds of how Uncle
Ernie helped them stop floating in the air with a simple change to
their diet. Eli then asks for a story he has not heard before, and
Uncle Ernie tells him about the chameleon mice. Eli then responds
telling his own story about his big adventure with a giant crab, and
when the cousins question the truthfulness of the story, Uncle Ernie
points out the two large crab claw scratches on Eli's shell.
Uncle Ernie then tells the children of the time he was in the cave
with the snakes and spiders, where all you could do was run away.
Each story focusses on a different type of adventure: helping
others, testing your endurance, being creative and knowing when to
retreat.
Uncle Ernie gives Eli his golden compass with which to go on his own
adventures, and so he does, following in Uncle Ernie's footsteps and
seeing the stories for himself.
Children will envisage a future where he now rests in his bed socks
and tells an appreciative audience of his adventures.
This delightful tale of the power of storytelling, of imagination
and creativity will be a hit read aloud to younger children. They
will delight in the unusual creatures and machines Uncle Ernie
meets, the adventures he has, the problems he solves.
The curiously understated illustrations with whiffs of Shaun Tan,
Steven Woolman and Paul O'Sullivan, are engrossing in their detail
and array of creatures which kids will love finding. I loved the
compass endpapers and the scary caves in which the snakes and
spiders lived and so will the readers.
Find out more about David Woodland and his work on the author's site.
Themes: Courage, Storytelling, Adventure, Family.
Fran Knight
Jumbo the most famous elephant who ever lived by Alexandra Stewart
Illus. by Emily Sutton. Bloomsbury, 2020. ISBN: 9781526608581.
Highly recommended. Many, many years ago, there was an elephant
named Jumbo. His story is one that has been told thousands of times
over the years, and has lead to major changes in the realm of animal
welfare. In this book Alexandra Stewart tells us the most amazing
story about Jumbo's life and trek from the Sahara all the way to
this his final resting place in America's National History Museum.
I was really enthralled by this book and read it from front to back
as soon as I got it. I have now read it to my children, family
members and other staff at my school!
We learn about how, in the 1860s, an elephant was shipped, trained
and shipped again across the world! How his life varied in the zoo
and the circus and eventually how modern science has allowed us to
learn many new things about the magnificent Jumbo. Alexandra Stewart
also tell us about the people involved in Jumbo's life, especially
Mr Scott an extra special keeper/handler in the elephant's life.
Woven in to the pages is also information about the London Zoo, the
difference between Asian and African elephants, and the lasting
effect of his legacy in today's animal welfare and conservation
efforts.
Overall, this book is one of my favourites! The story is engaging
and full of interest at every page turn. I loved learning about
Jumbo and how he was looked after over 100 years ago.
I cannot leave this review without talking about the illustrations.
Emily Sutton has really created something special. Every page is
beautiful. Her use of watercolours with pencil outlines shows the
animals' emotions and brings them to life! I particularly love the
pages depicting the London Zoo and the final page of the elephants
in the sanctuary.
5 out of 5 for this book, especially great for the animal lover in
your life.
Lauren Fountain
Fox: A circle of life story by Isabel Thomas
Illus. by Daniel Egneus. Bloomsbury, 2020. ISBN: 9781526600776.
(Age: 5+). Highly recommended. Fox is a thoughtfully written
factual picture book. The story begins and ends with the reader
being encouraged to look and listen closely. There is life stirring
in the shadows. The journey of the fox searching for food to feed
her young is written in short sharp sentences e.g. 'Rabbits nibble
fresh green shoots. Then freeze. Ears stiffen. Noses twitch. Fox
creeps, then leaps.' This simple text will appeal to younger readers
but also encourage the reader to look carefully at the clever
illustrations which further enhance the meaning of the story. It is
evident that the author has studied foxes and knows their traits as
she has described the movement of the adult fox and the way her cubs
play beautifully. She has cleverly introduced the reader to the
unfamiliar word of 'gekkering' which is to make a series of
stuttering throaty vocalizations in the manner of foxes when
encountering a rival. This story though is ultimately one about the
circle of life. The adult fox dies on the road, the cubs find their
way safely back to the den and the body of the fox decomposes in the
way nature intends it to. The death of the fox is sensitively
addressed and the author is quite honest in the description of what
happens to the body. At the completion of the story are important
facts about what happens when something dies. The illustrations by
Daniel Egneus seamlessly complement the text. Fox is perfect for reading aloud in the classroom or sharing
at home. A welcome addition to both public and school libraries.
Themes: Foxes, Life Cycle, Factual picture book
Kathryn Beilby
A time for mercy by John Grisham
Hodder & Stoughton, 2020. ISBN: 9781529342338.
(Age: Senior secondary/adult) Recommended. Small town Mississippi
lawyer Jake Brigance is given a case no one else wants. Popular
Deputy Stuart Kofer has been shot and killed. It's Jake's duty to
defend an immature 16 year boy who has admitted to pulling the
trigger.
The town of Clanton in Ford County Mississippi is not large, but it
does have a sheriff with a number of deputies as well as a city
police force. Surprisingly its sheriff, Ossie Walls is black. He
like other elected officials including the judge is up for
reelection in the coming year. Mississippi in America's deep south
is church going and conservative, they have the death penalty and
many believe the gas chamber is not used often enough.
Twice divorced Kofer has been living with Josie and her two teenaged
kids for a number of months. She has a history; pregnant at 15, a
few unhappy and dysfunctional relationships, a couple of drug
convictions, some time in prison, her kids in care and a life, at
times, of living out of her car. Josie jumped at the chance of some
stability, a roof over her head and food on the table. Kofer seemed
like a great choice. But Stuart had a dark side especially when
drunk, which was becoming more frequent.
Opinion in the town, from law enforcement, the Kofer family and the
God fearing community was that who ever shot Stuart Kofer should go
to the gas chamber. Jake Brigance has been leaned on by Judge Omar
Noose to be the state appointed attorney for young Drew Gamble. He
is about to become the most unpopular guy in town.
The facts of the case seem straight forward, an open and shut case.
But as Jake gets to know Josie Gamble and her son Drew and daughter
Kiera, the sympathy he has with the family grows as does his concern
for the well being of Drew. Drew, though 16 has not yet hit puberty.
He is small thin and looks 12. After his arrest he is withdrawn and
hardly seems aware of what he has done. He is locked in the Clanton
jail, a hostile environment with no facilities for a juvenile
especially one with significant trauma. Kiera on the other hand,
though 14, is physically mature and attractive, though timid and
inhibited.
Jake Brigance has the support of the law firm and a few stalwart
friends, but there has been a loss of business and threats to his
family for his defence of Drew Gamble. He successfully gets Drew out
of jail for psychological assessment and counselling and is able to
arrange for Josie and Kiera to be cared for by one of the local
churches.
When the trial begins Jake proves to be a consummate court room
performer. He is able to use the few assets the Gamble family
situation provides with skill like a chess player and keeps facts
from the prosecution until the trial.
Grisham has written many books, many of them court room dramas, but
A Time For Mercy seems fresh, riveting and eminently
readable. Politics, the legal system, "the South", prejudice,
religion and the human condition all blend to make this novel a joy
to read.
Themes: Crime, Court room, Lawyers, Murder, Mississippi, Death
penalty.
Mark Knight
Through the night sky by Anita Ganeri
Illus. by Charlotte Pepper. Dorling Kindersley, 2020. ISBN:
9780241355459.
(Age: 8+). Highly recommended. Through The Night Sky is a
stunningly presented non-fiction book which captures many and varied
aspects of what happens in the night sky. It is described as "A
collection of amazing adventures under the stars." The striking
contents page is presented in a whimsical horizontal format across a
double page. The headings are:
1. Night flight
2. Lighting the dark
3. Seeing with stars
4. A night of flowers
5. Heavenly lights
6. The moon
7. Into darkness
8. Happy New Year
9. Signs in the stars
10. A journey to Earth
11. A visitor from above
12. Eyes to the sky
13. Our base in space
14. Seeing the Solar System
Each topic has a double page spread with simple yet informative text
and further explanations and labels when required. The book contains
a wide range of topics including historical information and relevant
and recent facts about space, technology and nature. For example
there is information on comets, the planets in our solar system,
meteor showers, eclipses, the moon, flowers at night and nocturnal
animals. The identification of the more noticeable constellations in
both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres are beautifully
illustrated and will appeal to those young budding astronomers.
There is a detailed index for a quick search of topics.
The illustrations by Charlotte Pepper seamlessly complement the text
and are quite exquisite. Photographic images add to the enjoyment of
the book.
Through The Night Sky is perfect for sharing in the classroom
or at home or browsing by an individual both young and old. It would
make a very special gift. Themes: Nocturnal Animals, Planets, Moon,
Stars, Time.
Kathryn Beilby
Dragon Mountain by Katie and Kevin Tsang
Simon & Schuster, 2020. ISBN: 9781471193071.
(Age: 8-10) Dragon Mountain is a simple but imaginative tale
that could be useful for introducing younger children to the fantasy
genre. The setting is a mountain in rural China in contemporary
times. The formula is that of young heroes who are sent on a camp by
their parents in order to develop personal strengths and correct
certain individual weaknesses. Each child bonds with a dragon that
is matched to that child's particular self. As a team which relies
on togetherness, they go on a quest to save both the world of humans
and the world of dragons. The book concludes with a cliff hanger and
if children are interested they must wait for the next book in the
series.
The human characters represent different but complementary
strengths. None are fully developed to the extent that children
could strongly relate to them but that may come with the second book
in the proposed series. The dragons who are matched to each child
have their own distinctive capacities and personalities.
The authors have been sensitive about responding to current concern
about gender and cultural representation. They have therefore
ensured that there is gender balance and also mixed cultural
representation including a bi-racial child in the cast of
characters. Because of this some young readers who may not have seen
themselves cast in a storybook role may enjoy an identification with
the characters.
Many wonderful books have been written about quests and dragons
including Carole Wilkinson's Dragon keeper series which
takes readers back to the time of the Chinese Han Dynasty and the Wings
of Fire series by Tui T. Sutherland which has attracted many
eager fans. Dragon Mountain is an action packed read with a plot that
proceeds at a cracking pace.
Suitable for 8-10 year olds.
Wendy Jeffrey
The relentless moon by Mary Robinette Kowal
Lady Astronaut book 3. Tor Books, 2020. ISBN: 9781250236968.
(Age: Adult - Senior secondary) Highly recommended. Award winning
Mary Robinette Kowal returns with another Lady Astronaut, Nicole
Wargin, in her alternate history about flight to the Moon. Following
The
calculating stars and The
fated sky, Earth is facing problems with the Space
program, with sabotage and demonstrations arguing against it. With
her husband, the Governor of Kansas, she uses her intelligence and
skills to try to keep the program going and is thrilled when she is
chosen to make another trip to the Moon colony. However, she faces
danger as things begin to go wrong and it is clear that someone from
the crew and colony on the Moon wants to disrupt life there. Will
she be able to survive and help save the program?
The story is narrated in Nicole's voice, and the reader can easily
relate to what she is feeling and thinking and get to know the other
characters that surround her. It was different to have an older
woman, in her fifties, with arthritis in her feet and a difficulty
with eating when under stress as the main character. Despite her
health difficulties her will power, skill with piloting, and sheer
intelligence for working out complex problems came across clearly.
The setting of the Moon base, the personalities of the people who
inhabit it, and the science around living on the Moon, all are
described in a credible way. Each chapter has a news story about
disasters that are happening on Earth and they add to the suspense
as the reader finds out how badly the Earth is suffering.
With a mystery to solve, some heart-wrenching moments, an alternate
history that is fascinating, codes and ciphers and a heart-warming
marriage, as well as themes of racism and feminism, The
relentless moon is a wonderful read. The conclusion was
wonderful and unexpected. And for those who are wondering about
Elma, the heroine from the first two stories, there are hints about
what happens to her.
This is a really good science fiction series, with The
calculating stars winning the Hugo Award, Nebula Award
and Locus Award in 2019. The relentless moon is as well
researched and finely written and could well be a contender for more
awards for Kowal.
Pat Pledger
A deadly education by Naomi Novik
The Scholomance, book 1. Random House, 2020. ISBN:
9781529100860.
(Age: 14+) Highly recommended. Easier to read than Uprooted
and Spinning
silver, which I loved, A deadly education is set
in the Scholomance, a school for those with magic. El is a mouthy
heroine whose magic is so strong that it could be disastrous for
everyone. And Orion Lake is a young man whose whole purpose in life
is saving people from the deadly creatures that haunt the school.
When the two clash after Orion saves her life, secrets begin to show
themselves, and El must find a way to stay alive and maybe save
others at the school.
El is a grumpy, sarcastic heroine whose asides will have readers
grinning, but at the same they will begin to relate to her as her
life story gradually unfolds. Orion Lake too is a hero who is only
appreciated for his magic powers and El is the first person who has
seen him as lonely and needing real friends. El has always been
aloof, but when the Scholomance is under threat she must find some
allies and work with Orion to help defeat the monsters.
The descriptions of the life that the pupils must endure in the
Scholomance are fascinating. Everyone needs mana (magic) to survive
and there are unique ways of obtaining it, the dark magic is malia,
and those who wield it to master spells pay for it later in life.
Novik also explores the class system that operates in the school.
There are privileged people who belong to enclaves, coming from rich
and powerful families. Those who do not have these connections
scurry around looking after them, in the hope that they will be
accepted into an enclave after graduation.
Readers who enjoyed the Harry Potter books and the Magisterium
series (Iron
trial by Holly Black and Cassandra Clare) will be happy
to move onto this series, as will those who liked Sorcery
of thornsby Margaret Rogerson.
An eye-opening cliff-hanger conclusion will ensure that anyone who
has read the first book will be eagerly waiting the next in the
series.
Pat Pledger
