The Fifth Shadow, Phoenix by Alison Ashley

Written in the first person narrative, Katie, a twin, takes the reader on a journey back to her past where she meets her former self and delves into the families history. Involving her twin Ally was not something she wanted but became something that had to happen. Is Katie the only one who see’s the shadow? What does it mean? Does her sister Ally share her psychic powers?  Is Grandad really mistaking her for his sister Kathy or can he see the past and present clearly? 

The Fifth Shadow Phoenix is a paranormal novel with twists and turns that keep you spell bound. Aimed at the young adult audience this book really befits itself to all ages. I was hooked within the first few pages. As the first in The Fifth Shadow series I definitely look forward to more. 

Phoenix has it all. Friends, family, personal struggles and a little bit of history thrown in to a world that has you wondering where the next page will lead you.  Alison Ashley writes with a flow that is really hard to explain. She draws you in with each expressive word to the extent that you leave your current surroundings and become at one with the words. At times I forgot it was 2013 as I was taken back to the war in 1944 and travelled with Katie through her past. Alison Ashley definitely knows how to set a scene giving you enough information to take you there but leaving just enough to allow your imagination to fill in the gaps. She has all the markings of a successful author in a young adult market that can be hard to break. 

The ending of this book left me with that unbelievable sinking feeling and with the tears welling up in my eyes. The fifth shadow Phoenix has one of those endings that leaves you gasping and wanting to scream No!  At the last page I was still seeking more, looking for the next book in the series. I wanted to rush to the book store in the hope of finding it sitting on a shelf waiting for me. What I did do was rush to the room of my 15 year old and thrust the book in his face with excitement recommending he read it. 

Within Phoenix Alison Ashley has shown she is a writer who is able to look outside of the box into the world of paranormal activity and that of our presence today being part of our presence in the past. In her author bio at www.thefifthshadow.com she writes

‘Hi, I'm Alison Ashley, author of the Fifth Shadow series of books.

I live in rural Australia where the sky reaches to unknown worlds and where the spirits roam as freely as my imagination. Quite often, entities will gather around my desk eagerly awaiting my stories and sharing their own.

They helped me write Phoenix, the first in the Fifth Shadow series, and are also helping with the subsequent titles.’

The Fifth Shadow, Phoenix sure has something spiritual about it but not in the scary, crazy sense. With each page it carries warmth and love. The cover alone oozes mystery and the unknown world, with the off white pages speaking of old. The content speaks of being written with love, passion and a desire to share a story that allows you to be at one with the author via the character.

The Fifth Shadow is definitely a series that young adults will be talking about both in the school yard and online.

Visit Alison Ashley’s blog :http://alisonashley.wordpress.com/

Purchase a copy from:  www.palmerhiggsbooks.com.au

ISBN: 978-098715050-9

Sweet Damage - Rebecca James

'I still dream about Anna London’s house.

In my dreams it’s as if the house itself has sinister intentions. But in real life it wasn’t the house that was responsible for what happened. It was the people who did the damage...

When Tim Ellison finds a cheap room to rent in the perfect location in Sydney it looks like a huge stroke of luck. In fact the room comes with a condition, and the owner of the house, the mysterious Anna London, is unfriendly and withdrawn. When strange and terrifying things start happening in the house at night, Tim wonders if taking the room is a mistake. But then his feelings for Anna start to change, and when her past comes back with a vengeance, Tim is caught right in the middle of it.'

In Sweet Damage Rebecca James has produced an edge of the seat read. With mystery, suspense and romance this book is sure to have you turning page after page with tension, wonder and need to know. I had to withhold from turning to the back page to see the outcome.

The cover of this book called me. I had other books to read but Sweet Damage kept looking at me. The cover itself speaks suspense and thrill.  The evil, unknown look on the girls face and the questions she portrays had me wanting to pick Sweet Damage up and open the cover. This is a book that has all the callings of that of a best seller.

Rebecca James writes with a passion for words and the ability to take a single sentence and twist it to leave you wanting more. Sweet Damage is full of unexpected drama and thrill. In Tim and Anna you find two main characters that you instantly relate to and understand. So different, yet so alike, Tim and Anna just seem to befit each other. Then there is Fiona and Marcus, helping Anna organize her life after the death of her parents just because they care, or is there a motive behind their friendship. Tim’s friend Lilla is happy for him when he finally moves out of her house into Anna’s house and encourages him to find his own two feet, or is there a sinister plan. Twists, motives and events take place within Sweet Damage when you least expect them leaving you wondering if life is really as we see it.

Sweet Damage is the first Rebecca James novel I have read. With the success of Beautiful Malice I was aware of Rebecca James but never found myself being drawn to her book. Now I am hooked. I loved her style of writing and found I was lost within the first few pages.  Sweet Damage is one of those books that I would read time and time again. It has a sinister habit of staring at me from my bookshelf. I am sure it calls my name.

ISBN: 978-1-74237-301-0

Read a PDF extract and purchase your copy online at www.allenandunwin.com

review: Jennifer Deaves

             

On the Ropes by Louisa Isaac

A mother and daughter fight back from heartbreak

On the Ropes is the story of Louisa Isaac and her battle through separation and divorce and into single parenthood. Starting on 18th October 2003 and ending 10th January 2005 Louisa tells of her heartache and longing to hold her marriage together and of her journey to the realisation that divorce is inevitable. On the Ropes is an open and honest account of a woman’s struggles with what life has chosen to give her.

I waiver on my thoughts of this book. At first glance I found the cover a little flat and boring in presentation, being brown and lifeless. For me the journey starts with the cover, it sets my mood before I even open the first page. It is what calls me and invites me to pick up the book and read on, On the Ropes lost me in the first instance. The blurb on the back cover lost me in the sense of the size of the font being small and the colour making it difficult to read. I also felt the blurb was too drawn out and lengthy.

I found On the Ropes a little slow at the beginning and kept wondering why Louisa Isaac felt the need to tell the world about her divorce. Written in the context of a memoir to her daughter I tended to feel it was a personal recollection that should have stayed between her and her daughter. The first half of the book seems a little flat and missing that special something that books usually contain to build the readers intrigue and intensity. Louisa writes well, with flow, easy readability and sense, but for myself she lacked the magic that entwines me with the characters. As a woman who herself has gone through divorce, and the loss of a child, I would have liked to have been able to relate to Louisa more and to the situation she had found herself in. Instead I wanted to complete the book so I could move on to the next. But then maybe, unbeknown to myself, Louisa had tapped into something that was familiar and, although I have very much moved on in life, is still raw within.

Books are a personal journey. For Louisa Isaac On the Ropes is her personal journey and with this she has written with her and her daughter in mind, leaving the reader behind. On the Ropes frustrated me. At times Louisa shows too much desperation toward the need to save her marriage. I understood the underlying messages of her love for her husband, although sometimes I questioned if it was just a fear of being alone, but I wanted to yell at her and tell her she was worthy of more than a man who really did not want her or appreciate her or their child. In a sense this is the way that I connected with Louisa and the other characters in the book but it made for tough, stressful reading that at times lead to me wanting to put the book down and walk away.

There are positive messages within On the Ropes. As the story progresses the reader sees a bond and understanding develop between mother and child. The ‘everything will be ok’ unwinds, the realisation that the lessons learnt are those that will not destroy them but help them grow stronger. On the Ropes shows how divorce effects not only those immediately involved but the extended family unit and how by joining together, opening communication and understanding all can get through and out the other side with sanity and emotions intact.

There are the sad moments. The loss of Louisa’s unborn baby at 37 weeks gestation leaves you feeling deflated and a sense of loss for the family. Those who have not experienced the loss of achild will be left wondering how any woman can cope. Those who have lost will understand the emotions Louisa goes through at a time that emotions are already flowing.

On the Ropes left me compassionate to what Louisa Isaac has been through in her life and sad that any woman has to experience it in the first place, but frustrated and annoyed at the same time. I ended the book with the numb ‘it was just a book’ feeling and was more than ready to place it on the shelf and begin another. My recommendation for On the Ropes is give it a go. It is an easy weekend read that will fill in the hours.

I could have sugar coated my review on this book but feel balance and honesty is always best when recommending to others. On the Ropes is not a terrible book, it just did not grab me in the places I like a book too. You only need to look online for many positive reviews about On the Ropes, with others saying they were ‘unable to put the book down’, ‘Louisa weaves her magical story’ and ‘It made me cry, laugh and sometimes both at the same time’. One reader speaks of the book being that of a ‘private matter’ saying that no details are spared. For me I think this was the issue at hand. On the Ropes is written very much as a ‘private matter’ that gave me the feeling of that of airing the dirty laundry. Divorce and the loss of a child is very much a topical issue that affects many in today’s society and should be shared and talked about but the angle used in On the Ropes left me feeling as though I was snooping on someones personal life, their memoir to their daughter. The vast array of online comments shows that there is a uniqueness and individuality in readers that makes it hard for an author to please all, Louisa Isaac has shown she has hit a cord with some.

Above all well done Louisa Isaac for having the courage to share your story. At no time did you belittle or speak poorly of your ex, something many woman would love to do. You showed compassion and a sense of deep love and understanding. If On the Ropes is to help just one person then it has achieved its goal and found it’s place in the crazy world of literature.

ISBN: 978-0-646-57652-7

Available online: www.palmerhiggsbooks.com.au

review: Jennifer Deaves

Dinosaur Zoom! by Penny Dale

Every child loves Dinosaurs and Dinosaur Zoom! will not disappoint. From the toddler to the early reader this book will have them asking you to read it again and again.

Dinosaur Zoom! is a delightful story that sees different types of Dinosaurs zooming, splashing, brmming, chugging, rrrrmming, bouncing and beeping their way to a very special event. Where are they going? Why are they in a hurry?

The use of descriptive words and large font make this book appealing to all ages. The beginning reader will love to zoom their way through this easy to read and easy to grasp book that features large colourful illustrations that enhance it’s appeal and wonder.

I shared this book with my 5 year old who insisted we read it again the following night. After reading the story we enjoyed sharing the pictures and labels of the types of Dinosaurs on the inside cover. Of course I stumbled my way through the pronunciation of the Dinosaur names whilst miss 5 laughed at my silliness and pronounced them with ease. Turning to the back inside cover we were able to discuss the different types of transport used by the Dinosaurs and compare and label their size, structure and use.

Dinosaur Zoom! by Penny Dale is a simple yet entertaining read which uses a topic that all children become fixated with at one stage or another in their early years. I will admit that at first glance my thoughts turned to of “not another Dinosaur theme” but those thoughts were soon forgotten as we found ourselves bouncing to the rhythm of the words from page to page.

Our copy was a beautifully presented hard cover book but Dinosaur Zoom! is also available from www.allenandunwin.com in board book and soon to be released paperback, which includes a free audio reading.

This is a book that definitely shows an understanding of the world of children’s literature, laughter and the magic of sharing. Dinosaur Zoom! by Penny Dale is a book worth considering when building a book shelf of quality books for any child.

Dinosaur Zoom! follows Penny Dale’s previous book Dinosaur Digs! 

ISBN: 978-0-87563-080-3

Not Your Mother's Book....On Dogs Created by Dahlynn McKowen, Ken McKowen and Kathleene Baker

Nothing compares to the relationship between a human and his dog. We talk to them, walk them, take them in the car, buy them toys, spoil them with treats and even call them our fur babies. Not Your Mother’s Book...On Dogs is a celebration of the love and friendship between man and canine. It is a look into how our lives are enriched, changed and challenged by our four legged furry friends.

The Not Your Mother’s Book collection is a new anthology for a new century. Honest, funny, quirky and sometimes downright cheeky the creators Dahlyn McKowen and Ken McKowen, along with their team of co creators and contributing writers, take a no limit attitude when choosing and writing stories for this anthology. Refreshing, invigorating and sure to have you rolling on the floor in laughter, the Not Your Mother’s Book anthology is not for the light hearted.

Not Your Mother’s Book...On Dogs takes a look at the dog world from pup to pampered pooch. There is the mischievous and naughty and those furry canines who just seem to hit the soft spot and welcome themselves into your life when you least expect it. The variety of dog stories provides balance, which is surely needed as the pain from laughter starts to take hold of the whole body. Not Your Mother’s Book...On Dogs does not disappoint but compliments the first few books in this anthology.

I have read many previous writings by co creator Kathleene Baker and have always found her not only inspiring and uplifting but comical, invigorating and at times down right hilarious. I started Not Your Mother’s Book....On Dogs with interest, wondering if the character of Kathleene Baker would shine through, and I was not disappointed. With a love for dogs and fur babies of her own Dahlynn and Ken McKowen definitely made the right choice when they teamed with Kathleene Baker for On Dogs.

Dog lovers world wide will not only relate to this book but will enjoy taking a trip down memory lane as they share the life adventures of the contributors and their dogs. Can you remember the first time your eyes gazed at that gentle longing look on your dogs face? Bobby Barbara Smith sure can as she recalls her experience in her story A Facebook Affair. Then there is Max, the wonder dog of Francine Baldwin-Billingslea who saved his owners life. Of course we have all experienced the love hate relationship between a dog and our partner, but maybe not as hilariously as Marnie Frances recalls in her story Love Me, Love My Dog.

Not Your Mother’s Book...On Dogs is cleverly done and a credit to those who worked so hard to put it together. If you pick it up expecting it to just be another one of those dog saves human or how dogs enrich our lives books then you will be terribly disappoint. There is far more to this book than even the cover depicts. This is not just a collection of stories it is a doggone hilarious journey. Each page and each individual story carries through to the next. From front to back you are captivated and entertained. This book has given a positive and entertaining voice to the canine world. A place for them to share their experiences, through the eyes of mum and dad of course, and to show that really they rulethis world. I wish to express a special thank you to Hank Baker, the oldest fur baby of Kathleene Baker, for his wonderful bio and insight into Kathleene and his family.

This is a book to be read for pleasure and celebration. You will want to share Not Your Mother’s Book....On Dogs with all the family.....fur babies too.

For more information on this book and the Not Your Mothers Book Anthology visit

www.PublishingSyndicate.com

Purchase your copy online at www.Amazon.com 

ISBN: 978-1-938778-06-3

Review: Jennifer Deaves

All That & Everything - Karen Turner

Exquisitely written with strength, mystery and enticing power All That & Everything draws the reader into each story, riveting them to their seat on a journey to an ending that compels them to want more. The writing of Karen Turner is magical, potent and intense yet adventurous, enthralling and thought provoking.

All That & Everything is Karen Turners first book and is soon to be followed by another. Karen is the current Vice-President of the Society of Women Writers, Victoria, Australia. Complimented with illustrations by her late father, Robert, Karen has compiled a book of stories that takes the reader to places they never thought they would be taken. I was not sure what to expect when I first opened the cover of this petite looking book that intrigues but invites and inspires. I was hooked and left in awe by the end of the first story. Karen has a unique writing style, that could be seen as slightly immature and of old age yet it entwines and captivates. Her writing style is a breath of fresh air in a world where stories are often flat and dry leaving the reader little to imagine. Karen Turner puts your imagination on a magic carpet that flyʼs you up, down and around, causing your head to spin with delight and pleasure.


With some short story books it is possible to read more than one story in a sitting but with All That & Everything it is best to read one story at a time, allowing you to take a breath after having held tight in suspense. The emotion, visualisation and intensity of each story is best absorbed before moving on. In each story the strength of Karen Turners writing grabs you. I felt I rode a hurdy gurdy of wow! I know what is going to happen next, to wow! I didnʼt see that coming. Each story ended me on a high, some with amazement at the ending, some questioning why it ended when I wanted more and others just left me numb.

All That & Everything has a story for everyone. From love and family to animals, spooky ghosts and topics that teach and invoke thought. This is a well thought and professional book from beginning to end. The placement of each story seemed to fit well, with the last three stories befitting each other. In ʻIrises from yesterdayʼ Karen takes the reader on a journey of deep love for another and loss. It touches the delicate topic of death as Mavis awaits her calling in a nursing home where she is seen to be receiving Irises from her late husband Edmund, who has come to take Mavis with him ʻwhen the time is rightʼ. Is it Edmund who visitʼs Mavis at night and leaves an iris or Bert, an old man in the nursing home who loves to wonder?
In Kayʼs Cafe Karen Turner covers the delicate and touching topic of Alzheimers as Brenda, who lives interstate, calls her grandma regularly to find that over time Grandma is slipping away from her. Kayʼs Cafe is a short touching story of the relationship between the two generations and the coming to terms of old age and loss. It is also about finding each other and yourself. The Last Goodbye, rightfully titled and placed in the book as the last story, had me in awe of the creativity Karen has used to cover the topic of death. Karen takes the reader into the mind of the corpse within the coffin. Have you ever thought of what a funeral would look like from the view of the deceased if they could talk? Have you ever wondered it those lying in the coffin are yelling at those who have planned their funeral, are wanting to comfort those who cry and are frustrated wanting to relay a message that one may have missed. In The Last Goodbye Karen has also been able to touch on the topic of suicide. Comical yet touching and thought provoking, The Last Goodbye deals with death from another angle.

What does life look like from a catʼs point of view? What do the shoes of the regular commuters on the train each morning tell us about them? Are things really as they seem in a mirror? Do ghosts walk amongst us? These are just some of the questions All That & Everything will have the reader pondering in a few fictitious pages.

Karen Turner is a true artist. It is not easy to take three to four pages and turn them into an intense piece of writing that not only tells an inviting story but grabs the soul and compels, and this is what Karen Turner has done. She is a story teller in its true sense. In All That & Everything I rediscovered the magical moment that can be held in but a few brief words.

Available online at www.palmerhiggs.com.au

ISBN: 978-0-646-51976-0

review: Jennifer Deaves

Bear Has a Story to Tell - Philip C. Stead, Illustrated by Erin E. Stead.

A story of friendship, love,compassion, helping your friends, patience and a great big cuddly bear, Bear Has a Story to Tell by Philip C. Stead is heartwarming and inviting. The illustration by Erin E Stead adds to the warm fuzzy feeling, enhancing the character of an adorable bear that you just want to pick from the pages and snuggle up with.

My 5 year old snuggled into me as we traveled with Bear on his journey to tell someone his story. With winter approaching Bear is getting sleepy but he has a story to tell. All the animals are busy preparing for the winter season, Mouse has seeds to gather so Bear helps, Duck is getting ready to fly south so Bear tells him he will miss him, Frog is looking for a warm place to sleep so Bear digs a frog-sized hole between two evergreens, Mole was already asleep so Bear wishes him a good night. Many months pass and Bear awakes from his long winter nap. Again Bear is thoughtful toward others. He brings Mouse an acorn, welcomes Duck home and shows her a shady mud puddle he has found, he places Frog in the sunshine till he is warm and awake and all the friends sit together and wait for Mole to awake. It is then that Bear gets to tell his friends his story but winter has been a very long time to remember.

Bear Has a story to Tell has some wonderful clear messages for children that are built around lovable characters. Beautifully presented this book impresses all round and is a delight to share with little ones. Regardless of the age children will fall in love with Bear and his friends. The illustrations encourage discussion and language in even the youngest child with plenty of opportunity to point and label or to learn about hibernation and animal life.

Bear Has a Story to Tell by Philip C. Stead, illustrations by Erin E. Stead will soon become a welcome part of a child's 'read it again' library.

ISBN; 978-1-74331-342-8

Published by Allen & Unwin

www.allenandunwin.com

Review: Jennifer Deaves

illustration from Bear Has a Story to Tell