Tag: lucy sussex

The Revognase, by Lucy Sussex

The Chief soothsayer of Quentaris has prophesied a disaster: “I see a disc of changing colours, passing from hand to hand. I see murder, misery and mayhem.” Some scoff at the Soothsayer’s words, but elsewhere in the city, young diver Junko Pardner has just found a strange disc in the pouch of his diving suit.

Junko needs money, and is determined to sell the disc in the market. But the market is full of fighting Blues and Greens, and in the hustle and bustle, the disc is lost.

In the market a young fighter picks up a shiny disc and suddenly finds himself unbeatable. When he loses it, the young thief who pockets it finds herself a brilliant cheat. The mysterious disc continues its journey through the city, pursued by those who have heard about it and want it. Where will it end up?

The Revognase is a title in the Quentaris Chronicles, a series set in the one magical city but written by different authors. This interesting concept seems set to pay off, with the difference in authors producing different views of the same place.

The Revognase is likely appeal both to fantasy fans and to new readers of the genre. Great reading.

The Revognase, by Lucy Sussex
Lothian, 2003

Shadow Alley, Compiled by Lucy Sussex

Reviewed by Tash Hughes

Shadow Alleyis a collection of short stories relating to crime and involving young investigators or witnesses.

Editor Lucy Sussex approached a number of authors for this book, requesting a crime story involving youth. For those authors with an existing detective character, she requested a retrospective story of the character, although only two such stories are included. Fans of Phryne Fisher and Verity Birdwood will enjoy insights into the development of these sleuths.

For each story, Sussex introduces the author first with a brief bio of their work. After the story, the writer includes an afterward relating to the story and this adds interest to the collection.

Each story is unique in both style and content; most are gripping page-turners. The collection includes work by Garry Disher, Kerry Greenwood, Jennifer Rowe and Jenny Pausacker. Although she is a published writer herself, none of Sussex’s work appears in the anthology.

As a collection, the book is not only about crime but also about youth finding their identities and learning about how other people act and react to situations. Sussex wanted the book to balance the power and understanding of detectives with the powerless and confusion often felt by teenagers.

Great reading and very entertaining.

Shadow Alley, by Lucy Sussex (ed)
Omnibus, 1995