Author Sophie Clark seems to be playing with dangerous metaphysical, spiritual and religious understandings in Cruel is the light. It is the first of a planned duology with the second book picking up on the further story of Selene and Jules. The line between writing about real world religious belief and fantasy is a fine one. When merging both it is possible to overstep that line into misinforming on an important topic and causing distress and confusion. A certain level of distaste and discomfort is acceptable in the fantasy worlds created in fiction but Cruel is the light may have overstepped. This writer therefore would not recommend this book for schools.
Beginning with a detailed map and key, the somewhat daunted reader does not find much relief from a confusing cast of characters and arenas of action. It takes even an intrepid reader quite a while to clear the confusion. On the flyleaf, information about the author states, "Sophie Clark likes to say that she writes fantasy featuring wounded girls with sharp edges, charming boys that fall for them anyway, twisted gods, and other unholy things."
Selene Alleva, a powerful exorcist, trained at the Vatican Academy, is the wounded girl with sharp edges. As the central female protagonist she is the emotional heart of the story. She is brave, strong-willed and powerful. Defying gender rules, she is a finely honed warrior. The possible key to understanding Clark's values is that if Selene decides to vent all her power she risks losing her soul to become a total monster. This is unacceptable - the line at which Clark pulls back her characters. Jules Lacroix (the charming boy) is impossibly handsome and likeable too. An elite soldier, he doesn't know his origins - the only hint is the thorn tattoo that he carries on his body. Of course, the unwanted attraction between the two is inevitable and during this war between demons and humanity Selene and Jules are thrown together. The "twisted gods and other unholy things" that Clark likes to say she writes about is a mixture of demons inhabiting dead bodies, exorcists and other hybrid types of gods, humans, demons and exorcists. Indeed Clark develops a cavalcade of unholy beings. The one that this writer struggles with is the ultimate one in the core of the Vatican.Too much is taken from Christianity and it could be disrespectful. There is the "deathless god" crucified and hidden in the core of the Vatican. He has a son. Crowns, thorns, crucifixes and stigmata come into it. There are the twelve demon dukes - another parallel or possible borrowing. This is uncomfortable territory for a writer and for young, impressionable readers. The author's stance around good and evil, god, demons and humanity is unclear. On returning from the war fields of Europe to Rome, Selene and Jules discover an appalling violation and atrocity in the Cor Cordium (latin phrase translation ="heart of hearts") a room right in the centre of the Vatican. This is where Clark's fiction possibly runs close to sacrilegious...
The characters are well developed. One feels for them. Violence is visceral. Action is cinematic. The enemies to lovers trope works. Betrayals are devastating. Friendships are forged in blood and both characters have to question the validity of all they know and believe in. What wins through in the end?
Cruel is the light is reminiscent of Dan Brown's Angels and demons (2000) in its references to religious and other ancient symbols and its theme of Vatican intrigue. Being a writer of fantasy fiction Clark has permission to allow imagination to run free but in the nuanced space of religion, twisting beliefs needs a careful, considered approach and sensitivity towards a readership from diverse perspectives and cultural contexts.
Cruel is the light 2 is not yet published.
Themes Demons, Exorcists, The Vatican, Romantasy, Enemies to lovers.
Wendy Jeffrey
We are all inventors by Kate Pankhurst
Bloomsbury, 2025. ISBN: 9781526615466. (Age:8+)
This is a bit of a hybrid text, a STEM version of narrative-non-fiction nature storybook and it follows on from the similar title We Are All Astronauts. This will be adored by non-fiction invention lovers and fans of Rosie Revere Engineer. Kate Pankhurst is a champion of notable women, having also published Fantastically Great Women Who Changed the World, and is a talented author and illustrator. This book is not for those who get overwhelmed by too much on each page though; each spread is filled to the edges with fact boxes, text, interwoven story, detailed illustrations, timelines and more. For some children a guided read-through, particularly as a starting point, might be required to help them navigate the sheer volume of content. Repeated readers, and slow explorers, however, will be richly rewarded.
On the first few pages, we are introduced to the characters of Lizzy Spark (young inventor), Ruby Whirl (next door neighbour and also inventor) and Lizzy's bamboozled family. We also find out there is a missing hamster, which helps to lead us through Lizzie's story as she finds out all about inventing, inventions and inventors.
The text provides starting points for WHAT to invent and the need for a purpose, inventing pathways, checklists and steps to follow along the journey as well as many stories of famous women inventors in various field. Also included are information about sustainability, adaptability and inventing for a positive future. The book ends with Lizzy's invention plan mapped out in steps, all the way until we see her finished product that will keep her hamster safe and entertained, thereby solving the problem of him running away.
This is a wonderful book, I just worry that maybe the author has tried to cram too much into one space, thereby limiting the potential audience.
Margo is travelling to her Irish boarding school by train when she slips into an alternate universe and finds herself on another train in a very different world where even the length of a day may be different. In her confusion she is rescued or claimed by a young man bearing a crescent-moon shaped tattoo (known as Moon) and discovers that she really does not fit in this new world but is somehow very valuable and potentially powerful. There are others pursuing her and her disruptive influence seems to stimulate the rebellious locals, but also causes those who oppose them to become even more violent. Can she ever get back home and can they restore the world to its former normality or has Margo’s arrival set ‘the cat amongst the pigeons’? And is Margo’s attraction to Moon something that can survive the odd alternative reality that she is now trapped within?
This is a very clever alternate reality story that is complex and confusing in equal measure. Nothing that seems normal remains in this story - with different laws for time, strangely complex aging patterns, and social conditions that are unrecognisable. But what is recognisable is teenage attraction, the growth of romantic interest and working out how they can survive when they are under attack. With a unique dystopian feel, O’Donoghue has created a powerful story that also has commentary on discrimination and prejudice within the alt-society. The story is told with a third-person alternate focus on Margo and Moon, so we find their perspectives, but not in their voice. After the initial confusion of the worlds with no commonality to our own, the story does become quite compelling and we are left dangling at its conclusion. As this is book 1 of a duology there will need to be patient to wait for the next instalment in this exciting story. Readers aged 15+ are the target audience for this book… just note that the main characters do explore their relationship physically as is expected in the new social environment of the alt-world and there are some steamy scenes.
Australian author and illustrator Katie Stewart (Where Do the Stars Go?, Wombat Can't Sing) is an animal and nature lover, which shows in the glorious attention to detail within her illustrations. She set out to write this book because of her dislike of how children are often labelled by adults of being unable to do this or that because of their size, age or perceived ability. She recognises that these labels can be self-perpetuating and negatively impact children's self-image and their motivation to extend or challenge themselves. She says 'If, on the other hand, they are encouraged to use the skills they do have, they can throw the labels off and achieve goals others wouldn't expect'.
Like her other titles, You're Too Little is a valuable book with attainable and valuable messaging for young listeners. Pygmy Possum wants to climb high into the trees but everyone keeps telling her she is too little and it is too high. Despite their doubts and stereotyping of her, she perseveres and retains belief in her own abilities. Children (and possums!) are the best experts on their own strengths and this story empowers them to retain or take back the ability to stand up for themselves in these circumstances, as well as reminding parents and carers of the same thing. Her repeated mantra 'I have what it takes' is a lovely fresh take on 'I think I can' and her self-talk is great modelling for children.
This is actually a wonderful companion book to her other titles, particularly Wombats Can't Sing, which sees Wombat come to the realisation that while he isn't the best singer he is good at other things. Both books celebrate the uniqueness of individuals.
Mango and Hopscotch by Sophie Cunningham & Anil Tortop
Albert Street Books, 2025. ISBN: 9781761181122. (Age:3+) Recommended.
The inspiring story of a brave kangaroo and her joey rescued from floodwaters, will tug at the heartstrings of all readers, as they see the results of an unexpected flood, destroying the landscape and all they have known.The mob of kangaroos grazes peacefully next to the edge of the river. Hopscotch is out of her mother’s pouch, learning how to survive in their rainforest. But Mango notices the rain falling. Butterflies,frogs and lizards all seek shelter. Later thunder and lightning ensues, forcing the mob to find a place out of the rain. The river rises, they spy a houses where many other animals have sought shelter, and join them. But the river keeps rising, and Hopscotch and Mango are forced to swim for their lives. Meanwhile Max has helped get ready with others making sandwiches and giving out clothing. He and his kayak go into the water, noticing Hopscotch flagging as she swims. He hauls both animals onto his kayak and paddles back to shore where he dries Hopscotch then watches the pair as they hop up the hill to safety. The flood wains and the kangaroos resume their munching on the grasses.
A lovely story of how floods affect animals as they simply try to survive when such an event occurs around them. The affects on the wider community is noted as Max helps out with other members of his community. Lovely soft illustrations accompany the story, giving readers an image to view as they read, noting the environment the animals live in and other animals that live around them.
Inspired by the birth by in vitro fertilization (IVF) of her own grandchild, Susanne Gervay brings a joyful story about birth and families. Violet is having a dress-up party with all her friends and is having a great time, except when Charlie gets angry, and everyone gets something stuck on the trampoline! Tears and cuddles are part of every social encounter, and this story brings this to life while exploring the diverse ways children may come into the world, including IVF and adoption, as well as differing types of families, like same sex parents and families from different cultural backgrounds. Children will recognise their own family situations brought to life in this book and identify with the things that happen at parties. The lively, colourful, cartoon-style characters create a fun atmosphere for this tricky concept and will provide a welcome resource for classrooms discussing family.
Themes In vitro fertilization, Families, Children, Parties.
Gabrielle Anderson
Grave Empire by Richard Swan
Orbit Books, 2025. ISBN: 9780356523873. (Age:Adult, young adult) Recommended.
Sova is the centre of a powerful empire whose greedy merchants live off the exploitation of the land and sea and they vie with their Casimir neighbours for colonial power. The New East is one such disputed area where Peter Kleist has been posted after his father purchased him a commission in the elite Sovan Army. Fort Ingomar turns out to be as far from the pomp and ceremony of Sova as it is possible to be, and there is something seriously wrong there. The diplomatic offices of the empire are in Sova city, centres of power and luxury. Renata Rainer is attached to Ambassador Didacus Maruska and their Stygion embassy is in a rarely visited basement. The Stygions are a race of Mermen, living under the sea, and the embassy is much ridiculed by more mainstream diplomats. Sovans have long banned the use of magicks, except for the guild of engineers who are trained in its practical uses, but pagan beings to the north and some more extreme Neman sects still practice the arcane art of communing with the dead and news starts to filter through that all is not well in the spirit world, and that the prophecy of the Great Silence might be unfolding alongside a plague that is spreading throughout the north. The Stygions are known to maintain contact with the spirit world and a diplomatic mission is mounted to consult with them about the problem, a difficult task given the animosity on both sides and war in the lands they need to traverse to get to the Door to the Sea. The third thread to the story is that of Count von Oldenberg in his lands to the north. He has made a study of arcane practices with the help of a witch, Yelena, (who seems able to channel magical energy though sex) and has accumulated many arcane objects to channel magick. He is interested in the plague as it is bad for business, but as he learns more he becomes obsessed with the idea that he can use this leaking of power from the spirit world to enthrall others and bend them to his will.
Maps at the beginning are useful in tracking the many characters on their journeys and the author keeps control of the complex narrative, though at times the reader must trust that all will fall into place eventually. There is plenty of action, with battles, torture, zombies, aethereal screaming, or even worse, an all-pervasive sense of dread and unnatural silence, and I did start to care about some of the characters. I really liked the quotes at the beginning of each chapter purporting to be from various philosophers, military and diplomatic policy makers. This story is about beings half wolf, or fish or cat but it has reverberations about our world and our selfish priorities while great existential threats are ignored. This is the first in a new trilogy, I haven't read the previous one, Empire of the Wolf and while this does stand alone I am now curious to go back and read more.
Themes Fantasy, War, Morality, Death and afterlife.
Sue Speck
The Giant by Sophie Masson. Illus. by Lorena Carrington
Those readers who are familiar with the CBCA 2024 Notable book Satin will be thrilled to read this latest picture book by talented creatives, Sohie Masson and Lorena Carrington. This story, that very strongly emits the tone of a fable, is wondrously told with the striking illustrations and endpapers, visual delights.
When the giant awakes from a long and deep sleep, he is excited to visit his friends in the local town but he seems to have been forgotten and frightens the townspeople. His tears of sadness cause a great flood that may lead to danger for the people. Two young children reach out to him and memories of happier times surface. The townspeople once again accept the giant and peace and friendship is restored.
Throughout this narrative, the large full page images provide the reader with so much to take in and the text is perfectly positioned to provide greatest impact on each page. The silhouette of the giant across the pages is a brilliant tool to further enhance the stunning backgrounds, often showcasing a magnificent collage of photographic images. The final image of the giant embracing the town in the darkness provides an outstanding ending.
It is 2046 and the world has suffered a nuclear catastrophe, opening portals to other dimensions letting in all sorts of demonic beings. Our hero, aka The Loner was just a lonely kid at summer camp but then the camp was overrun with zombie chickens. Hiding in the cool room he is surprised by a mustachioed man who points out that a creature with 87 radioactive mouths is biting him. The result is that Mousachio kills the beast and The Loner is transformed into a manga like superhero. Moustachio, or Stephen, becomes Loner’s mentor, training him to survive in a world where everything is trying to kill you. That is, until he is bitten in half by a mutant t-rex. Determined to avenge his mentor’s death The Loner sets out with his chainsaw, flame thrower and cheese grater, to find and destroy the aliens. Along the way he is joined by an annoyingly cheerful girl, Ariana, a cute puppy, Alby and a baby vampire bat that calls him mum.
With constant action, revolting monsters and plenty of gore this is bound to appeal, with its energetic cartoon characters and inexplicably available ice cream, all presented in black and white on grubby looking crumpled pages. The first-person narration lets us know our hero is afraid to get close and become a team because he doesn’t want to lose someone he cares about, but eventually he admits to wanting to save his crew because he cares.
Themes End of the world, Monsters, Zombies, Humour.
Sue Speck
Never thought I'd end up here by Ann Liang
Penguin Random House, 2025. ISBN: 9781761351495.
A disastrous wedding. An angry aunt. And suddenly, a trip across China. All of this because of one, slightly mispronounced, Mandarin congratulatory. Leah Zhang never meant to wish her cousin a depressing marriage and poor health, but she’s forgotten most of her Mandarin. Quickly, her parents stage an intervention: a two-week-long trip around China and its stunning cities, where Leah will get back to her roots and learn Mandarin. In enters the cynical, annoying Cyrus Sui. The boy who ruined her life. All of a sudden, the trip is taking a sharp jerk to the left, shifting from an educational trip to a bitter plot for revenge against the boy who broke her. But somewhere between quiet conversations at 3AM and split moments at breakfast, Leah feels shifting feelings, and suddenly, she’s questioning both the boy in front of her and her feelings towards him. Does she really hate him? Or were all the shared smiles they had real?
Never Thought I’d End Up Here is a romance fiction set in China. Ann Liang’s writing carefully crafts the bold story of healing wounds and hesitant hope, drawing in readers with its witty banter and poetic love. It tells the story of two individuals who are slowly finding themselves; and learning to accept the reflection they see.
Ann Liang’s writing style is compelling and unique, capturing readers with her words from the very first page. Never Thought I’d End Up Here is her latest novel, already rising in popularity. I’d recommend this book to any individual with a passion for romance fiction and a heart for banter.
Themes: China, Travel, Romance
Jahnavi B. (Student)
Nora notices by Tegan Moss
Little Book Press, 2025. ISBN: 9781923141131. (Age:3-5) Recommended.
Nora Notices is a gentle, calm story that introduces a young girl called Nora who spends her time mindfully noticing all sorts of things in her everyday life. She notices how her sheets look like a grassy hill, a hedge looks like a cat licking its paws, a strong man scared of a little dog plus all sorts of other images she interacts with during her day.
Debut picture book author and iIllustrator Teagan Moss has created a thoughtful story where seeing the unusual in everyday things provides Nora with great joy. This story is also a reminder about slowing down and taking in what is surrounding us. The soft, muted illustrations perfectly complement the written story and in particular the double page image of Nora lying in the grass watching ants communication with each other is delightful.
Multiple award winning American author Stephen King, author of more than seventy books, all of them international bestsellers, needs no introduction. Known best for the mystery/horror genre, Never Flinch is King's latest publication (May 2025).
Never Flinch presents with twin narratives or perhaps I would suggest triplet (or more) for not only does King intertwine the two main narratives: the story of Kate McKay, a "won't shut up" women's rights activist and her offsider Kate as they travel on a multi-state lecture tour followed by a stalker and that of a serial killer who is intent on "killing thirteen innocents and one guilty" to atone, in his eyes, for a juries' wrongful decision to convict an innocent man and his subsequent death. There is also the story of Detective Izzy Jaynes and her friend Holly Gibney. These narratives (which twist and turn concurrently) meet and culminate in a heartstopping conclusion. Keeping the reader across these twisting narratives is the feat of a seasoned writer indeed. A sense of immediacy pervades as the foci shifts from character to character always in the present tense. Each chapter is punctuated into numbered sections with each successive section turning to a different character and scenario which acts as an authorial technique to assist the reader to understand concurrent action akin to "...in the meantime..." King skilfully weaves past and present to build knowledge of the characters.
There is a large cast of characters in Never Flinch. Deftly, King manages to flesh them all out - complete with their personalities, actions, motivations and back stories. The characters all have a creative compulsion to some degree; they have obsessions. We see a study of damaged individuals and the harm that they do. We see their wrong-footed thoughts, the cracked filters through which they view the world. We see the traumatised psyche of the protagonists and while the tension builds and the game of cat and mouse evolves, King gets the reader thinking...who are these characters/ What might they do? While one character obsesses over a single victim, the other (who has a greater inner monologue) observes himself dispassionately as he clocks up victims. As a study in what leads villains to behave in this way, Never Flinch is sad, disturbing and upsetting. Horrific childhood abuse, grief and loss has led to the deteroriation of both characters into maladjusted killers.
Breadcrumb clues are scattered, red herrings appear, there's a certain amount of withholding and gradual revelation and definitely a killer twist. The visceral violence and the random way that the serial killer selects his victims is chilling. The Buck-eye City Police Department's ace detective is always a step behind. The identity of this killer comes as a shock and surprise. The other killer is definitely socially withdrawn and known by a crazy religious sect to be so; the other functions within society - very well (at least in the workplace). Escalation of violence occurs as the plot picks up pace towards the climactic end.
The tension holds throughout. All characters are subjected to a high level of stress, whether they are the hunted or the hunter. All characters need to hold their nerve - hence the title Never Flinch.
Never Flinch is dark and violent both psychologically and physically. As the Daily Mail says, Stephen King is ..."One of the greatest storytellers...master at revealing the horrors that lurk beneath...ordinary life."
Themes Revenge, Women's rights activists, Addiction, Serial killing, Religious vigilantism, Detectives, Grief and loss.
Operation Hurricane by Paul Grace is a powerful account of Britain’s first atomic test in Australia. Grace unpacks the logistics of the mission, from transporting plutonium in steel boxes welded shut to RAAF patrols sweeping the skies to the bomb being lowered into a warship. But beneath the technical feat lies the sobering reality of the environmental damage and the harm suffered by Indigenous communities exposed to radioactive fallout with little understanding or protection.
A major thread running through Operation Hurricane is Britain’s imperial arrogance and Australia’s political compliance. Grace emphasises Britain’s assumption that Australia would serve as its nuclear testing ground with minimal consultation or concern for long-term consequences. He highlights how PM Menzies approved the operation without parliamentary discussion, thereby framing Australia as the associate in an extremely dangerous experiment. He also draws the reader’s attention to the physical and biological scars left behind by the experiment, bringing to light how fallout drifted far beyond the blast zone, irradiating islands and seeping into the mainland, how servicemen were unaware of the dangers, and how Aboriginal communities living closest to the land suffered the most, yet remained invisible in planning.
Although Operation Hurricane is a historical account, Grace brings it to life through the voices of those who lived it. Drawing on his grandfather’s experience in the RAAF, he offers a personal lens, adding depth and emotional weight to the story. The inclusion of testimonies from servicemen like Vince Douglas, who witnessed the detonation firsthand, makes the narrative gripping and real. Meanwhile, the decision-makers, both British and Australian, are portrayed with detachment, highlighting the distance between those giving orders and those facing the consequences. Most notably, the near-absence of Indigenous voices becomes a haunting omission that underscores how these communities were sidelined both in history and in reality.
Operation Hurricane is a wake-up call. Grace manages to take something technical and historically dense and make it genuinely compelling to his readers. His writing is accessible without dumbing anything down, and the way he weaves personal stories into broader political critique is incredibly effective. Readers are made to find themselves frustrated, rightly so, by the recklessness of the operation and the way Australia was treated as a nuclear testing ground without question. The book raises some hard questions: Who gets to write history and who gets forgotten? And what do we owe those who were affected?
Themes: Atomic bomb testing.
Jyotsna B. (Student)
Rakali of the Riverbank by Stephanie Owen Reeder. Illus. by Rachel Gregg
Rakali are one of two native Australian rats and have different names used by Indigenous people throughout Australia. The term rakali comes from the Ngarrindjeri people of the Murray River area of South Australia. The rakali is also known as the golden-bellied water mouse or native water rat and is only one of two amphibious mammals in Australia. The other being the well-known platypus.
This engaging narrative non-fiction book tells the story of Rakali as he travels and patrols his riverbank home over one night. The reader learns about Rakali’s eating habits and prey, his natural habitat, the predators he must be mindful of, and his family of young pups. The story is clearly told and the appealing softly toned, full page illustrations perfectly complement the text. The emphasis throughout on new and key words adds another layer of learning to the story.
The final pages provide so much more interesting information about the rakali, the name chosen by the Australian Nature Conservation Agency in 1995. There is a detailed diagram with explicitly labelled features as well as a map of the rakali’s habitat. A valuable glossary is included along with the conservation status of the rakali.
Once again CSIRO Publishing has published another fabulous story to provide younger readers with an opportunity to enjoy learning about our amazing Australian wildlife. An excellent book for all school libraries and classrooms. Teacher notes are available.
Themes Australian Native Animals, Mammals, Habitats, Ecosystems, Family, Predators.
Shy, artistic Emmie has been enjoying middle school with her best friend Brianna and friends Sarah and Tyler (he has been her crush since fourth grade) and now it is time for the end of year camp. Unfortunately, Sarah can’t go due to a family event, but Emmie is looking forward to buddying up with Brianna with the added pleasure of having her older sister, Trina along as a camp counsellor. Class clown Joe is not so sure he wants to go but his friend Tyler tries to persuade him. Joe thinks Tyler is spending more time with friend Anthony these days leaving Joe feeling left out but eventually, under pressure from his parents, he agrees to go. At the last-minute Brianna gets a bad cold and has to cancel leaving Emmie without a camp buddy and latecomer Joe is put in her place. In alternating points of view Emmie and Joe, forced together, navigate camp activities and social interactions, Emmie drawing on some of what she has learnt about relationships and coping mechanisms, while Joe starts to realise that using humour to deflect attention from how he is feeling, can sometimes hurt others. Gradually both challenge and support each other, developing an unlikely friendship.
This is the ninth book in the Emmie and Friends series which looks at middle school relationships as quite complex characters deal with challenging situations and issues. The fun graphics and many visual jokes and cartoons depicting feelings keep the tone light and the pace fast while communicating more than just the text. I loved the image of a human rubber-band ball on page 47, and the image of Emmie sticking out like a sore thumb on page 116. This is a book about growing pains for those early teens on the brink of more serious relationships and at the end it was good to see Emmie taking control, listening to her feelings and making decisions about how comfortable she was about having a boyfriend. This is a worthy addition to the very popular series.
Themes Friendships, Graphic novel, Middle school relationships.
