The tyranny of faith is the second book in the Empire of the wolf series, sequel to The justice of kings. In this book, we follow Sir Konrad Vonvalt and his allies Helena, Bressinger and Sir Radimir who having survived the Battle of Galen's Vale in book one, now must return to the capital city Sova to deal with intrigue, rebellion and ultimately a quest that releases dark and truly disgusting and terrifying powers.
This action book is not for the fainthearted. If it were released to the movies, it would have a highly restrictive classification as the violence is visceral beyond what this reader could endure - it was quite enough to cope with the evocative imagery created through the written word. Examples will certainly not be given in this review as this reader is trying to erase them from her head:)
Author Richard Swan has created a page turner with every chapter ending with cliff hangers like... "It was a decision I would come to bitterly regret."..." And then I was falling down into oblivion." "...she stopped abruptly as Vonvalt collapsed to the floor." The subject matter deals with violent and strategic battles and other challenges for the Sovan Empire (map in front of book) which our hero Vonvalt and his comrades have to negotiate and fight their way through. Richard Swan appears to be well acquainted with a number of disciplines as The tyranny of faith draws richly and deeply from history, literature, architecture and theology. Echoes of many of the major world beliefs, bureaucracies and religious and political structures including rituals, creeds, orthodoxies and orders can be found mirrored in a confronting manner in this book. The age old construct of the quest is married with murder, kidnap and necromancy. Unearthly hideous powers are unleashed through the practices of evil men and the results are graphic.
The action is seen through the eyes of Helena. She is a resolute, loyal and fearless character who in The tyranny of faith is developing from apprentice level towards what the reader imagines will be higher station if not the highest in the empire as she is required to survive and save others in formidably dangerous situations. But... as in all good series one cannot find out everything about where Helena is headed in book two! Helena's allies are well rounded characters and in the nexus between the human and magic world and the death and bloodshed that results from crossing boundaries between these worlds there is sometimes the chance for the relief valve of humour, particularly with Sir Radimir's very human use of the F...word ( which defuses horrific situations)
This reader has to agree with reviewer Nicholas Eames. The tyranny of faith is "Utterly compelling...thoroughly engrossing." Richard Swan is a Sunday Times bestselling author for good reason. His descriptive power builds atmosphere and tension and the depth of detail in the construction of the medieval like human world aswell as coexisting other worlds is impressive. The reader can expect a thrilling, credible, well-structured plot, fine characters, riveting action and cinematic settings.
Lovers of fantasy, murder and the supernatural will be waiting on the final instalment of Empire of the wolf to be released in February 2024.
Themes Medieval battles, Faith, Loyalty, The after-life, Dark power.
Gods of the Wyrdwood is a dark fantasy story from critically acclaimed British author R J Barker. The first in a new high fantasy trilogy Forsaken, Gods of the Wyrdwood is perfect for fans of epic and immersive tales.
We meet the lone forester Cahan du Nahere, a man who was taken from his family as a boy and spent years training to fulfil a violent prophecy. Interestingly, Barker eschews the bildungsroman element such a story might indicate and rather than watching Cahan grow into adulthood, we meet him as a man in his thirties. Disillusioned and bitter, Cahan only wants to be left alone at his small farm in the woods to tend his animals and try to forget the past. He has forsworn any use of the powers and training that once meant he was to destined to be powerful person in the land. Unfortunately for Cahan, despite his vow not to become involved in the struggles and machinations of those around him, he cannot stay hidden and isolated forever. Against his will, Cahan is drawn into a battle against vicious forces where he will have to finally decide what is more important: his freedom or his conscious.
Gods of the Wyrdwood is a dark and violent read but it is an excellent one. Barker has created a vivid fantasy world of which, in this first book, we are only allowed to glimpse a small part. Compelling characters, intricate plotting and a superb twist in the novel’s final pages means that it will feel like a long wait until the next instalment of the series arrives on shelves.
Themes Fantasy, Epic Fantasy, Dark Fantasy, Religion, Nature, Magic, War, Power, Identity, Friendship.
Whether you are a massive fan, or new to the work of Patricia Cornwell, this latest book in the Kay Scarpetta series will have you churning with suspense as you fly through the pages.
The story jumps straight in to Kay Scarpetta leaving for the scene of two brutal and extraordinary deaths. Scarpetta is working in difficult circumstances, not always amongst friends. The reader hears her internal thoughts as she navigates a political world that is as dangerous as the suspects she is closing in on.
This gripping thriller has the reader enthralled from the first page. Patricia Cornwell includes cutting-edge forensic technologies in her work along with the latest in AI technologies. The high stakes implications of AI in the work of criminals and law enforcement are seamlessly woven through a complex narrative that keeps the reader guessing until the end. The reader also receives a crash course in avoiding thermal imagers. Signature management is another evolving area of military and defence organisations.
Patricia Cornwell is a master at writing crime and her much loved character, Kay Scarpetta, is feisty in this latest story. Kay effectively questions and reflects on the mysterious and the malevolent, as the reader remains conscious of a watching presence across the book. Kay is also showing maturity and wisdom in her relationships in this book – taking care to maintain and nurture her relationships with colleagues and family while experiencing tremendous pressure and adversity.
The book ends with the reader knowing this story is not quite completely resolved and eagerly awaiting the next book.
Random House Childrens, 1984. ISBN: 9780385755184. Highly recommended.
Regardless of one's religious beliefs or lack of them, I believe that it is an important part of our role as teachers to enable students to understand the origins of a time of year that claims our attention like no other. This book which uses the text from the King James version of the Bible is the perfect introduction. Superbly illustrated by Jan Pienkowski using silhouettes against the most stunning backdrops, it portrays the story in a unique way that does not interfere with any preconceived, more classical images the reader might have.
The illustrations bring the text to life, giving it meaning where there may have been none because of the unfamiliar syntax of such long-ago words. Pienkowski has interpreted the text in his own way with much detail that even being in silhouette form evoke emotion and movement and intrigue. And there is whimsy such as the two small figures on the poop deck of the Wise Men's ship, who are pointing in different directions and plainly arguing about which way is East. As well as the exquisite illustrations, the pages are embellished with all sorts of delightful touches that make the reader feel they have one of those illuminated books of old in their hands.
This is the perfect book for beginning the Christmas Countdown - as classic as sharing 'Twas the Night Before Christmas on Christmas Eve.
Themes Nativity.
Barbara Braxton
Once upon a silent night by Dawn Casey and Katie Hickey
A retelling of the nativity story is an apt reminder that its core is about love, the love of the family, of the mother for her child, of the animals that helped with the shelter they were given. A family finding no rooms or even beds left at the inn, retire to the stable to await the birth of their child. The cow offers her manger as a bed, the donkey his hay to keep him warm, the doves in the rafters will coo him to sleep, the sheep will give him some wool to keep him warm, even the stones will make a path for people to come and see. All the elements of the environment are there to help bring the baby into the world.
The love that is shown him is overarching, a concentration of support and care that sings with the real meaning of Christmas as people come together to share their love.
This rhyming text will delight younger readers as they predict the rhyming words and learn the line to be able to repeat them as the book is read. The luminous illustrations retell the story with a modern vein, the couple struggling to find a place to stay, their donkey loaded with their possessions, hinting of the journey they are making. The cold, snowy night looms up as the snow covered branches surround the stable, framing it as the angels sing on high. Others come to see the family, children singing and adults bringing light.
A Christmas story, the basis is love, that of the family, and the animals that helped revealing their compassion for this homeless family in need. But it is not only a Christmas story, the story of the nativity impels us to think outside our own family at this time of the year, to reach out to others to offer love and compassion just as the animals have in this tale, offering what they have to the new born child.
A wonderfully infectious rhyming text about Grinch wanting to share his newly found love of Christmas will delight younger readers as it is read out to them or they tackle it for themselves. Most children will have heard of the Grinch and many will have read the first book, How the Grinch stole Christmas (1957) by Dr Seuss, so will be intrigued with the sequel by Heim and Ruiz, using the same style as Seuss, which shows another aspect of Grinch’s character. He still lives in a cave on Mt Crumpet, and has realised that he loves Christmas and wants to show his new attitude to the people of Who-ville, a village at the bottom of the mountain. After seeing a Christmas Tree competition on a poster he heads to Who-wood and selects a tree. He decorates it with an array of baubles and ribbons, tinsel and bunches of bows, anything reddish or green is to be added.
He takes it to the village ready for the competition the next day, Christmas Day and is dumbfounded when his tree is judged second. He takes his tree and trudges back to his cave, his heart growing colder the higher he climbed. But Cindy-Lou calls out to him, asking him to put a decoration on her tree just as all the other residents of Who-ville had done.
He thinks about it and his heart grows warmer as he realises that she has included him as a resident of the village. He goes back and places his offering on the tree, and helps crown the winner, Cindy-Lou.
A heart warming story for Christmas, showing the positive aspects of sharing, not only the tree and its decorations, but the coming together of people, particularly those who have been neglected or isolated. This story will find fans amongst all those who love Seuss’s work, and also those looking for a Christmas book which supports the virtues that Christmas inspires.
Themes Christmas, Dr Seuss, Sharing, Christmas tree, Inclusivity, Competition.
Fran Knight
Peter Rabbit: The Christmas star by Beatrix Potter
Another in the series of the books with Beatrix Potter’s perennial favourite characters: Flopsy, Mopsy, Cotton-tail and Peter having an adventure told in a strong board book with lots of colour for the younger child to hold while it is read to them.
Flopsy, Mopsy, Cotton-tail and Peter have an idea. Christmas is coming so to surprise their mother they decide to decorate the tree themselves. All works well as they take all the fittings from the boxes, and put them in the special places on the tree. But when they get to the last box they find the most important piece is missing. Perhaps it has gone back to the sky says a wistful Peter after they have searched the house for the star. They decide that they should make a star themselves.
And this is what happens. But it is not as easy as they thought. All their efforts are rewarded when Mrs Rabbit comes home and is singularly impressed with their undertaking.
This book, easily held by young hands is full of life and colour as the rabbits try their hardest to find the star, then make it themselves. They work together, encouraged by Peter Rabbit who urges them not to give up when the first star breaks.
The warmth of the family setting will appeal to readers as the family prepares for Christmas. Children will love seeing the array of customs shown, showing them that Christmas is on its way.
They will be able to list those things that mean Christmas for them and their family, as well as enjoy the use of Beatrix Potter’s beloved characters.
Christmas Eve and Father Christmas has arrived home at the North Pole, exhausted from pulling his annual all-nighter, and, after settling the reindeer in, all of whom are just as tired, he climbs into bed. But then he discovers that there is still one present left in his sack - a gift for a little boy who lives in a hut atop the Roly Poly Mountains far, far away.
Will Father Christmas get out of bed, get dressed and make the arduous trip to deliver this gift? Of course he will, because he knows that the little boy's parents are too poor to get him a gift so the only thing he receives is what Father Christmas leaves him.
Every year books about Christmas come and go as regularly as the season itself, and it is rare to find one so good that it has endured for 30 years but this is one of those, and this is a special 30th anniversary edition.
Father Christmas decides to let the reindeer sleep and sets out on his journey alone, encountering all sorts of challenges but finding people ready to help him when he needs it, as he continues doggedly onward with no thought of not achieving his goal. Burningham's iconic illustrations add so many layers to the story so although the text is straightforward consisting primarily of Father Christmas explaining his problem and strangers offering to help, there are riches to explore and opportunities for adult and child to talk about what's really happening so they can retell the story of the return journey shown in just one wordless spread by themselves. What else could possibly go wrong? And not only will they empathise with Father Christmas finally getting back into bed, but they can speculate about what it might have been that he left for Harvey Slumfenberger.
Some of the parents of our younger readers will remember this from their own childhoods, so there is the added bonus of creating new memories as they share this with their own children. Nestling in my box of best Christmas books is the original and this one will be there too - my granddaughters will have a copy each.
Themes Christmas presents.
Barbara Braxton
The jolly Christmas postman by Janet & Allan Ahlberg
Puffin, 2021. ISBN: 9780141340111. (Age:3+)
The Jolly Postman has a busy day ahead. It's Christmas Eve in Fairy-Tale Land and there's plenty of post for him to deliver! There's a card for Baby Bear, a game appropriately called 'Beware' for Red Riding Hood from Mr Wolf, a get-well jigsaw for Humpty Dumpty and many more! But, can he deliver it all by Christmas?
In 1986 we were introduced to The Jolly Postman, who delivered the mail around Fairy-Tale Land and tucked into tiny envelopes were actual letters like a letter of apology for the three bears from Goldilocks, a postcard from Jack for the giant, and a solicitor's letter on behalf of Little Red Riding-Hood for the wolf who ate grandma. Five year later we were treated to the Christmas version and more than 30 years on this is still delighting a new generation as they eagerly await both Christmas and perhaps the postman bringing something special for them. As well as introducing them to the concept of printed cards and letters and so forth, disappearing so rapidly in these days of digital communication that Australia Post is cutting back to every-other-day delivery, it offers opportunities for them to create something special for their favourite character from the world of stories. In fact, the book has been so popular, that a quick internet search brings up many suggestions for activities that will keep little ones occupied during those times when parents are so busy.
A Christmas classic that deserves its place in any collection.
Themes Christmas, Letters, Postmen.
Barbara Braxton
Here comes a Merry Christmas by Justine Clarke, Arthur Baysting and Peter Dasent. Illus. by Heath McKenzie
Co authored by Arthur Basting and Peter Dassent, the text in this Christmas book is one by Justine Clarke, which can be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cKcUVaL7k7s (be warned it easily becomes an ear worm, but a nice one).
It is a zippy, easily learnt and absorbed song and music, so kids will readily sing along.
The newly published book contains the song as text, teamed with Heath McKenzie’s wonderful illustrations.
The text has all the icons of Christmas, including a star, Christmas tree, jungle bells, reindeer, angel on top of the tree and most importantly family and the love that surrounds them.
The family is waiting for Christmas after a long year, and see a bright new star in the sky. They know that Christmas means Santa is on his way with presents for them all. They bring a tree inside and decorate it with lights and streamers, ribbons and an angel on top. The whole family helps with this and McKenzie shows them getting all these things together from a box which has probably been untouched for twelve months, and cooking special treats for Christmas. They are all singing the many songs sung at Christmas, welcoming other members of their family to their house.
This is a wonderfully infectious song which we will all hear at Christmas, as it reiterates the basic tenets of Christmas, family love and togetherness.
McKenzie’s illustrations reprise these values of Christmas. Each page shows a loving inclusive family, doing things together: cooking, singing, laughing, welcoming visitors, watching the night sky, decorating the tree, supporting each other before the events of Christmas Day.
The faces are smiling and full of fun, and kids will recognise the tangle of the Christmas lights, the dusty box brought up from the cellar, the anticipation on every face. I loved the elegant endpaper with its deep, deep blue, a single star suspended above the earth and the moon, trails of cosmic dust sweeping across space. Its simplicity is outstanding and I can imagine many kids poring over this page, thinking lots of thoughts about life, family and Christmas.
Ever since Dasher left the travelling circus and went to live with Santa at the North Pole, Christmas has been her favourite time of the year. Impatiently she waits for the big night to come, counting down the sleeps, but one night, when she hears the sound of Christmas carols she can wait no longer and she takes off on her own. 'I'll be back before they even know I'm gone,' she says with confidence before flying off.
Knowing that the North Star will always guide her home she is not afraid, but when the clouds build and it starts to snow, she loses the sound of the music and the sight of the star and before she knows it she is lost, hungry and tired. Until she sees a little house with a tree covered in lights in the garden...
Young readers will be familiar with the legend of Santa's sleigh being pulled by magical reindeer and may even be able to recite their names first given to them by Clement C. Moore in 'Twas the night before Christmas. In the original story, they learn the backstory of these creatures and how they came to be Santa's helpers, and this is a delightful sequel. The digital illustrations that feature all that you would expect of a northern hemisphere Christmas scene have a lifelike feel to them adding to the magic and consolidating it for just a little bit longer..
The Christmas Train is a new picture book written by multi-talented South Australian children’s author and poet Mike Lucas. This is an enchanting story with stunning illustrations that will bring joy and the magic of a northern hemisphere Christmas to young and old. The striking front cover showcasing a Christmas train in the snow is bright and bold and with the shiny gold lettering will instantly appeal to all. The red and white knitted style of the endpapers will remind older readers of long forgotten Christmas jumpers and scarves and feature in the story on some very special characters.
This engaging rhyming story is about a brother and sister who join other children on the Christmas Train to the North Pole. Throughout their journey are references to Christmas traditions such as choral singers, gingerbread houses, snowmen and sleighs, frozen lakes and skaters, and beautiful Christmas lights in the night sky.
Above the dark forest, the sky is alight with pinks, greens and blues and a star shining bright.
Closer to the North Pole, the Christmas star appears and there are polar bears, candy canes, reindeers, elves, and Santa with his sleigh packed full of Christmas presents. With a little bit of Christmas magic the children find themselves back in bed waiting for Santa. Was it all a dream?
The Christmas Train will be a wonderful and much-loved addition to your home, school or public library Christmas book collection. The colourful illustrations by Sofya Karmazina are captivating and full of life - the elves and reindeers are particularly delightful. Merry Christmas!
It is Christmas Eve and the other animals are putting their presents under the tree. Kookaburra calls out to Echidna waking her, and asking what she has for Roo. Echidna is saddened as she has nothing to offer, so goes into the bush to see what she can find. She gathers some colourful flowers and makes a crown but realises it is too small for Roo. Kookaburra suggest that she make another, but she falls asleep while doing it. The other animals wake her and she puts his present for Roo under the tree. The next day it is Christmas Day, and the animals gather to open their presents. Roo eagerly opens her present, and as she does, Echidna sees that she has made it too big. Roo is enthusiastic for her lovely present and places it over her shoulder and around her neck as she thanks Echidna for her beautiful necklace.
A lovely story for the coming Christmas season, this story showcases Australian animals as they work out what to put under the Christmas tree. Readers will love recognising them all, and seeing how they prepare for Christmas thinking about what sort of present to give their friends. The story will encourage readers to think about the role of the present at Christmas and what is appropriate. The twist gives the story a lift as each animals sees the present from a different perspective.
Lots of the symbols of Christmas are used in the illustrations, giving readers the opportunity to talk about what Christmas means to them. And the front cover with its touches of glitter over the wreath makes it very tactile for little hands.
Themes Christmas, Australian animals, Gift giving, Friendship.
Fran Knight
You choose Christmas by Pippa Goodhart and Nick Sharratt
Puffin, 2023. ISBN: 9780241556016. (Age:3+)
For many, Christmas brings to mind images of decorated trees twinkling with lights; a jolly, fat man in a red suit bringing gifts; family seated around a table eating turkey and trimmings and...
But there are as many choices to make about how Christmas can be celebrated as there are families in the world, and this amazing book brings together many of them in a unique way that encourages the young reader to pick and choose their own adventure through this time.
Written in rhyme, each double spread has a different focus on the general commonalities of the season such as the advent calendar, decorating the tree, Santa's workshop, or choosing gifts and then there are a multitude of things that the child can choose, either those that are familiar or maybe making up a different story. For example, would they send a Christmas card with a picture of La Befana or a pohutukawa tree, a "snowman" made of sand or 13 mischievous "Yule Lads"? Similarly, what might be on their Christmas menu? Indeed, when would they have it?
Apart from being an entertaining way to get the child to engage with the book, it is also an opportunity to show them that there are many ways to celebrate, and that what might be familiar to them may be foreign to the family next-door. But there is no right way or only way. They might even like to think about the things that other families do that they would like to try, and consider which of the things their family does that they will share with their own children in years to come.
This is the latest in this series which is celebrating its 21st birthday, one that has endured because the young reader can return to it time and time again and have a new, unique experience each time as they not only learn to make choices and decisions but have the power to do so.
Themes Christmas.
Barbara Braxton
Shifty McGifty and Slippery Sam: Santa's stolen sleigh by Tracey Corderoy. Illus. by Steven Lenton
Nosy Crow, 2021. ISBN: 9781788007764. (Age:3+)
Shifty McGifty and Slippery Sam are two dogs who used to be robbers, but, having seen the error of their ways, now bake delicious treats and solve mysteries and sniff out crimes! In this new adventure, they are off to Lapland to bake a festive feast for Santa and his elves. But there's a Christmas crisis - the elves are unwell and can't finish the toys! Does mysterious stranger and gadget queen, Flo Frost, really want to help? Or could she have her eyes on the most magical gadget of all . . . Santa's flying sleigh?! It's up to Shifty and Sam to race across the snowy slopes and save Christmas for everyone!
Written in rhyme, this is a story that will delight young readers with its sense of fun made even better because they can scan a QR code and have it read to them if they can't manage it for themselves yet. It is one of the latest in this series which has endured for 10 years, and so, those who are already familiar with Shifty and Sam will delight in seeing them again and putting all they know about them already into continuing their friendship.
