paul collins – Aussie Reviews

Harry Kruize, Born to Lose by Paul Collins

Monday 3rd October
First day back from school holidays and today in English, Mr Granger discussed the power of writing. He explained how the pen is mightier than the sword and gave examples of how writing influenced people to change. He said words can be so powerful that if you really want a wish to come true, then the best way to make it happen is to write it down.
To prove his point, he has set us a whole-term writing assignment where we have to write down a heap of wishes and explain why we really want them to come true. Then we have to document the exact circumstances of when each wish is granted.
I really like Mr Granger, and English is by far my favourite subject (I even want to be a writer when I grow up), but I am wondering whether he has lost the plot a bit with this one!

Harry Kruise is doing it tough. He’s the shortest kid at school, his dad is not around and his mum takes in boarders, old blokes, who mostly stay in their room. At school, he’s the frequent victim of bullying, mostly from Brick. A dog would help, if only his mother would allow him to have one. It would mean he’d finally have a friend. Then old man and master storyteller, Jack Ellis, moves into the shed. Jack is full of stories, lots of them about dogs. Slowly, slowly Jack’s life begins to change. Mr Granger has told him and his classmates that wishes will come true if you really want them to, and set the class an assignment that will last the entire term.

Told in online diary entries, dog tales and wishes, Harry reveals his life, his dreams, his fears. He’s thirteen years old, Term 4 of his first year of secondary school has just begun and he’s not having a lot of fun. He’s seeing the school psychologist every week. He’s also full of fear. If his father can leave like he did, Harry is sure nothing else in his life will ever secure. There are themes around loss, bullying, family and more. By the end of the term though, Harry has stopped sinking and starting to swim. Told with humour and including great Australian yarns, ‘Harry Kruize, Born to Lose’ offers short chapters and clearly marked viewpoint changes. Recommended for upper primary readers.

Harry Kruize, Born to Lose, Paul Collins
Ford St Publishing 2017
ISBN: 9781925272628

review by Claire Saxby, Children’s author and bookseller
www.clairesaxby.com

Rich and Rare: A collection of Australian Stories, Poetry and Artwork edited Paul Collins

Forward by Sophie Masson

An anthology can be compared to a patchwork quilt, sewn by many hands. Each piece in the patchwork is different: distinctive in texture, shape, pattern and colour. Each piece, separately created, has its own individuality, is its own thing, and could exist on its own. Such difference, such separateness, should mean that it’s impossible to put them together. Or if you do, something of that distinctiveness and individuality is lost.

But of course, that isn’t true. A patchwork quilt sewn by many hands is a beautiful thing not despite, but because it is made of distinctive pieces, created by different people.

…

And thus with good anthologies. Created by many different minds … the separate pieces in an anthology are each interesting in themselves, and also together create an atmosphere that is both gripping and relaxing, thoughtful and lively, something you can draw over yourself time and time again, yet always find something new in, and something to fit whatever mood you’re in.

Forward by Sophie Masson

But of course, that isn’t true. A patchwork quilt sewn by many hands is a beautiful thing not despite, but because it is made of distinctive pieces, created by different people.

…

Rich and Rare is a collection of stories, poems and art from many of Australia’s well-known creators (who are listed on the back cover). There are realistic offerings, spec fiction tales and almost everything in between. There are stories of hope, horror, triumph, friendship, time travel, set in familiar and imagined worlds. Offerings range in length from single page poems to around 30 pages. Black and white illustrations appear throughout. The illustrations both contribute to other stories and tell stories of their own. There are Contents pages suggesting the genre of different stories from ‘Contemporary’ to ‘Ghost’ and ‘Crime’. There are bios of all the creators at the end.

Rich and Rare is enticing from the (borrowed from our national anthem) title and Shaun Tan’s cover art, all the way through to the final poem. Even the bios at the end offer micro-stories. At nearly 500 pages, there is something for every reader in this smorgasbord of original Australian works. The cover creates a sense of foreboding and deliciousness, from the character pleading to be saved from being eaten to the shiny blood-coloured title. Sophie Masson’s introduction likens the collection to a patchwork quilt and like a quilt it can be absorbed as a whole, in one continuous read, or readers may focus on individual stories, dip in and out to access their favourite creators, or introduce themselves to others for the first time. Highly recommended for mid-primary aged readers and beyond.

Rich and Rare: A collection of Australian Stories, Poetry and Artwork, edited Paul Collins Ford St Publishing 2015 ISBN: 9781925272116

review by Claire Saxby, Children’s author and bookseller

www.clairesaxby.com

Available from good bookstores and online.

The Warlock’s Child 3: The Iron Claw by Paul Collins & Sean McMullen

In the entire world there are few things that can strike fear into the heart of a king. The sight of his army retreating would be high on the list, and the royal taster clutching his stomach and collapsing would be even higher. At the very top, however, there could be nothing to rival three very angry dragons the size of warships towering over you and asking questions for which you have no answers.

Although King Lavarran II of Savaria was backed up by five thousand of the city militia and fifty of his shapecasters, he felt very exposed. He was standing on the open plain outside his palace to shield him from the forge-hot breath of the dragons – not that the palace walls would have stopped the dragons for very long.

Although King Lavarran II of Savaria was backed up by five thousand of the city militia and fifty of his shapecasters, he felt very exposed. He was standing on the open plain outside his palace to shield him from the forge-hot breath of the dragons – not that the palace walls would have stopped the dragons for very long.

The three dragons hovering above the city are puzzled. They sense the presence of a young dragon in the city of Savaria, but there hasn’t been a dragon hatchling for 3000 years. Although they can tell when a human is lying, their questions to the king and his court don’t provide any helpful answers. But the answers do buy the humans some time. While Velza and Latsar are trying to do their own investigations, Velza’s brother, Dantar and his friend Marko are being both helped and hindered by Merikus in their quest to leave town. Dantar and Velza’s father cannot be found, although his presence and influence is felt everywhere. The race is on to discover just what the warlock, Calbaras is up to.

The Iron Claw is book three in ‘The Warlock’s Child’ six book fantasy series. Each is told from three viewpoints: the dragons; Velza, a young female warrior, and Dantar. Velza and Dantar are children of Calbaras a highly skilled but secretive warlock. Neither child seems to have much of a relationship with their father. There are twists and turns aplenty as the children (and the dragons) seek to find Calbaras and also to unravel the mystery of why the dragons seem to be protecting Dantar. Each action-filled title is short enough for younger readers, almost as if the stories are serialised, rather than stand-alone novels. Either way, readers will be looking for the next instalment. Recommended for mid-primary readers.

The Warlock’s Child 3: The Iron Claw, Paul Collins & Sean McMullen Ford St Publishing 2015 ISBN: 9781925000948

review by Claire Saxby, Children’s author and bookseller

www.clairesaxby.com

The Warlock’s Child Bk 2: Dragonfall Mountain by Paul Collins & Sean McMullen

The greatest naval battle in all of history looked trivial from a hight of three miles, but for a dragon the height did not matter. Everything that humans did or build was insignificant.

Dravaud had folded his wings back and was dropping like a stone. Far below, he sensed a dragon chick in distress, but had no clear view. The wind had dropped away to almost nothing and the smoke from burning ships hung over the fighting. The ship holding the chick was nowhere to be seen.

The greatest naval battle in all of history looked trivial from a hight of three miles, but for a dragon the height did not matter. Everything that humans did or build was insignificant.

Dragonfall Mountain opens with dragon, ‘Dravaud’, observing from great height the aftermath of a great seabattle. He turns away from the wreckage and sets his sights on the nearby city. Alternating viewpoints of Dantar and his sister, Velza take up the story as they find themselves in the city, Savaria. While the sea battle may be over, there are still many mysteries for Dantar and Velza to navigate, dangers to identify and alliances to understand. Their father is here, but it’s unclear just what his purpose is and whether or not he is to be trusted. All Dantar knows for sure, is that something or someone is looking out for him.

Dragonfall Mountain is Book Two in ‘The Warlock’s Child’, a six-book fantasy series, with fantastical cover art from Marc McBride. All six are slated for 2015 release. Dantar is new to war and has much to learn, although he learns quickly. His older sister, Velza, is a warrior, striving to achieve in a man’s world. Together and separately, they adventure and fall, racing to understand what’s happening before a dragon (or more) decide their fate and that of all of those around them. Recommended for mid-primary readers.

Dragonfall Mountain (Warlock's Child)

The Warlock’s Child Bk2: Dragonfall Mountain , Paul Collins & Sean McMullen Ford Street Publishing 2015 ISBN: 9781925000931

review by Claire Saxby, Children’s author and bookseller

www.clairesaxby.com

The Warlock’s Child Bk 1: The Burning Sea by Paul Collins & Sean McMullen

Even an invasion fleet of five hundred ships is not very impressive from three miles above, and the watcher was not impressed. This was because he was bigger and more powerful than any of the warships below.

Drvaud circled lazily on vast wings, reaching out with senses that even the most learned of human wizards could never understand. Something familiar was down there, its presence faint but distinct. It was as tiny as a spark, yet a spark could set an entire city ablaze.

The Burning Sea opens with a dragon’s eye view of a warring world. But there is something confusing about the fleet below, something dragon-like. For Dantar, on one of the ships of the fleet below, life as a cabin boy is hard work. Even though he is son of a battle warlock, no one gets a free ride aboard ship. His sister, Velza, aboard another ship in the fleet has gained a foothold in the male dominated forces, but she knows just how tenuous leadership is. And into battle they go.

The Burning Sea is a collaboration between two well-known fantasy authors, Paul Collins and Sean McMullen. It is Book One of a six-book series, all slated for 2015 release. Cover art from accomplished dragon-conjurer Mark McBride ensures that young fantasy readers will be immediately engaged. Dantar is an underdog who for reasons slowly evolving is marked as important. There are three viewpoint characters: Dantar, his sister Velza; and Dragons. They take turns in allowing the reader into their world view. Although they have different experiences, this world is full of magic, deception, betrayal – all elements of a grand tale. Recommended for mid-primary readers.

The Warlock’s Child Bk 1: The Burning Sea , Paul Collins & Sean McMullen
Ford Street Publishing 2015 ISBN: 9781925000924

The Beckoning by Paul Collins

The fear in the room was palpable. There were two of them. Simon Reeves, former rugby giant for Melbourne Storm, a beefy full forward with a ruddy complexion and faintly aggressive nature, and Milton Bush, lifelong friend of Simon’s, small, ferret-faced, with curly hair that earned him the nickname of Poodle at school, and who shared with Simon an addiction to heroin.

They had joined the Cultural Development Group one year ago to this day. They were an unlikely pair to join a sect, and even more unlikely was the fact that they were in the process of riffling Brother Desmond’s files.

Matt Brannigan, his wife Helen and their daughter Briony are on the move again. Briony has strong unbridled psychic abilities that defy description and result in their almost transient lifestyle. This time, they’ve decided to go to Warrnambool, for no good reason any of them can identify. Almost immediately, Helen dies, in circumstances that might be natural but probably are not. The resulting grief drives a wedge between Matt and Briony and almost before he’s aware of it, she’s joined the Cultural Development Group. Brother Desmond, cult leader is both creepy and charismatic and his many followers will protect him at all costs. Far from being a coincidence, it seems that Briony’s attraction to the cult is part of Brother Desmond’s plan. She has power he needs and nothing, not even the most determined father, is going to get in his way. A horror novel set in regional Victoria, ‘The Beckoning’ blurs the lines between living and dead, and brings nightmares to full, terrifying life.

Strap yourself in and take a ride on the very dark side, where death is only a gateway and the gate is not quite latched. This is a world where cultists prey on the lonely and those suffering, offering sanctuary without revealing the costs. Knowledge is power and Brother Desmond harvests knowledge from those who offer it as well as those who try to withhold it. ‘The Beckoning’ is a thrilling novel, best read in daylight. Matt Brannigan is forced to examine his beliefs and understanding as he takes on a foe able to manipulate minds, conjure lethal weather conditions and warp reality in his quest to cross the threshold of hell. He is assisted by Helen’s friend Clarissa, who has insights he will need if they are going to be able to best the maniacal Brother Desmond.

The Beckoning cover art

The Beckoning, Paul Collins Damnation Books 2013 Digital ISBN: 9781629290331

review by Claire Saxby, Children’s Author

www.clairesaxby.com

Trust Me Too, edited by Paul Collins

‘Trust Me Too’ is a second collection of stories, poetry, graphic stories and illustrations from Ford Street Publishing. Stories cover all genres, and are presented in a multitude of styles: serious, light-hearted, spine-tingling and rib-tickling. Most prose stories are around 1500 words, although there is also a novelette from Isabelle Carmody that is closer to 6000 words. There is poetry too, graphic stories and illustrations.

Deb Abela, Dianne Bates, Michael Gerard Bauer, Christine Bongers, Janeen Brian, Sue Bursztynski, Isobelle Carmody, Paul Collins, Meredith Costain, Bill Condon, Gary Crew, Margaret Clark, Justin d’Ath, Hazel Edwards, Corinne Fenton, JE Fison, Pat Flynn … the list of contributors goes on all the way to Gabrielle Wang, Sean Williams and Mark Wilson. 57 of them!

From the Forward: In the stories set in a world that is entirely familiar to us, we meet people who might be just like us – if not on the outside, then in the heart, where it counts – experiencing things that many of us deal with every day … Taking us completely out of our own world and into the world of the imagination are some of Australia’s best and most highly regarded writers of science fiction and fantasy … Yet other stories prove the maxim created by the writer LP Hartley in the opening line to his novel ‘The Go-Between’: ‘The past is a foreign country – they do things differently there’.

This collection also includes horror, humour and poetry.

There is something for everyone in ‘Trust Me Too’. Short stories, longer ones, and more. The collection can be read as a whole, or dipped into, story by delicious story. No matter your favourite genre, there’s a story for you. It’s also a fabulous way to ‘taste-test’ writers whose work you don’t know, or revisit those you’ve not followed lately. Pitched at upper-primary to lower-secondary readers, there is plenty here for teachers to explore in the classroom. This collection invites readers to pop in and meet new and familiar storymakers. It will also inspire them to seek out longer and other works by many of these wonderful Australian creators.

Trust Me Too, edited Paul Collins

Ford Street Publishing 2012

ISBN: 9781921665585

review by Claire Saxby, Children’s Author

www.clairesaxby.com

Mole Hunt, by Paul Collins

omeone was going to die. And it wasn’t going to be Maximus Black.
…
The terrain lost its shadows as darkness came down like a fire blanket. None of the moons had risen yet and the toxic evening wind of the acid ocean had not yet begun to bite. But the stillness did not fool Special Agent Maximus Black, who seemed too young to be suspicious when things were going exceedingly well. But he knew that it was not how much you experience but how you experience it.
Maximus came from a long line of madmen, murderers and megalomaniacs, but the Regis Imperium Mentatis – the galactic law enforcement agency known as RIM – seemed not to car about his ancestry.

Maximus Black is a man with a mission. He’s determined to impress RIM management with his skills and abilities. If he can do that, it opens up all sorts of opportunities that RIM may not have intended or even be aware of. Anneke Longshadow is another brilliant young RIM agent and she’s discovered a mole within the organisation. And so the whirlwind begins. A chase, a cat-and-mouse game across many worlds and all the spaces in between. There are more enhancements and gadgets than ever graced any James Bond film. There are gadgets to gather intelligence, weapons more diabolical than seems possible, gadgets to promote healing, programs that create the illusion of a disguise and if they’re not adequate, then there are ‘renovators’. The plot? To take over the world, of course!

Mole Hunt is a science fiction novel for young adults that hurtles through space at dizzying speed. Protagonist, Maximus Black, is singleminded in pursuing his self-set mission, whatever the consequences. His motivation is subtly hinted at, but readers will need to wait for further instalments in this three-part series to fully understand what drives him. Anneke Longshadow’s motivations are clearer as she sets out to pursue Black. The two are stars in the RIM organisation, and more alike than either could imagine. While the worlds spin around them, all their ingenuity and skill are tested in their pursuit of each other. No romance at all, this is a battle of high stakes, that both are determined and confident of winning. Recommended for mid-secondary and beyond.

Mole Hunt , Paul Collins
Ford St Books 2011
ISBN: 9781921665264

review by Claire Saxby, Children’s Author
www.clairesaxby.com

This book can be purchased from good bookstores, or online from Fishpond. Buying through this link supports Aussiereviews. is book can be purchased from good bookstores, or online from Fishpond. Buying through this link supports Aussiereviews.

The Glasshouse, by Paul Collins & Jo Thompson

Everyone said how beautiful and delicious her pumpkins were.
Never a blemish. Never a pumpkin that wasn’t perfectly shaped, perfectly coloured.
From the moment Clara produced her first pumpkin, everyone told her she was brilliant. For only a master gardener could grow such flawless pumpkins.

Safe inside her glasshouse, Clara grows perfect looking pumpkins. When she is visited by a boy with a bumpy looking pumpkin she starts to worry about the effect of the outside world on her own pumpkins, and becomes paranoid about letting the outside world in – until she realises that perfection isn’t always what it seems.

This clever picture book story uses a tale of pumpkins to explore concepts of perfection, perception and paranoia with a whimsy that will draw readers in and, in primary aged readers (and older) will lead to discussion of these concepts. At the same time, though, it is simply a feel good story, with delightful digital illustrations which manage to leap out of the page as if three dimensional.

Suitable for classroom use and personal reading.

The Glasshouse, by Paul Collins & Jo Thompson
Ford St, 2010
ISBN 9781921665042

This book can be purchased in any good bookstore, or online from Fishpond. Buying through this link supports Aussiereviews.

Morgassa's Folly, by Paul Collins & Danny Wills

Allira reached out with her hand (later, Steven told her she hadn’t moved at all, nor had she opened her eyes) and shook one of the biggest threads. A thrill of electricity shot through her when she touched it, and it made her think of sherbet fizzing on the tongue. She watched as a ripple of movement flowed along the thread, sending more ripples down adjoining filaments, till they were lost in the forest.
The music stopped. The light went out. Allira opened her eyes.

In the third book in World of Grrym, Allira and her brother Steven had taken in on themselves to return to Grrym, in a last-ditch effort to save Quibbitt and rescue their grandfather. Soon, Alisha is driving her grandfather’s car across Grrym, being pursued by an evil troll, and encountering all sorts of problems, as they try to find the Great Spirit, Quon’deesh. Only Quon’deesh, a mystical entity, is powerful enough to stop the evil Morgassa. But Allira and Steven are running out of time to stop Morgassa’s plans to ruin Quibbitt City.

With beautiful black and white illustrations, and a rich purple hardcover binding, this is both visually a pleasing offering and an action-packed read. Whilst its sequential nature means it is most likely to appeal to those who have read the first two, front of book summaries of the two previous instalments provide an introduction to those new to the series, as well as jogging the memories of those who have read them.

Morgassa’s Folly (World of Grrym), by Paul Collins and Danny Willis
Five Mile Press, 2009

This book can be purchased online from Fishpond. Buying through this link supports Aussiereviews.