The Singing Stones, by Margo Lanagan

‘You’re right, sis. Our town is full of odd people and queer happenings.. And now we’ve been caught up in them.’

Lawrie and Jean are out fossicking with their grandfather and thinking about lunch when something strange happens. A willy-willy appears in front of them, and suddenly Lawrence, Jean and their dog Bee-Joo find themselves in a strange land. Scintillon, as they learn the land is called, is a land where stones sing, and keep the land in harmony. But one stone, somewhere in the land, is calling Jean to come and get it and take it home.

The Singing Stones is the second book in the Lost Shimmaron series, a series created by seven of Australia’s leading speculative fiction writers. Like other children from the town of Amethyst, Lawrence and Jean have been chosen by the Shimmaron, the mystical energy beings stranded in the depths of the town lake, to help get them home. Their adventures on Scintillon will entice young fantasy readers to seek out the rest of the series.

Each book in the Shimmaron series is written by one of the seven creators. This instalment is the work of Margo Lanagan, with other authors involved in the project including Tansy Rayner Roberts and Rowena Cory Daniels.

A wonderful concept.

The Singing Stones (Lost Shimmaron)

The Singing Stones, by Margo Lanagan
ABC Books, 2007

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

Seacastle, by Tansy Rayner Roberts

‘It’s been calling us all along.’ Thomas’s voice sounded as if it were coming from far away. ‘That’s why I untied the rope.’
Nick stared at him in horror. ‘You did what?’
‘It needs us, both of us.’

Thomas and Nick live near the shores of the mysterious Lake Shimmer, but only Thomas hears the lake, or something within it, calling him. When Thomas, who can’t swim, jumps into the lake, Nick knows he has to follow. But neither expects to end up in Habitat, another world. They have been called by the Beacon, which needs their help to save itself and to save Habitat from destruction.

Seacastle is the first book in a new series, The Shimmaron, with each title written by a different Australian author. In this volume, Tansy Rayner Roberts creates an intriguing world, with likeable and diverse characters, sure to draw in young fantasy lovers, who will eagerly await the subsequent titles in the series.

Seacastle (Lost Shimmaron)

Seacastle, by Tansy Rayner Roberts
ABC Books, 2007

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