Kimberley Starr

A very good fantasy-historical young adult novel. It is a blend of action, mystical and historical and I am glad the author, Kimberley Starr, did not romanticise the violence and brutality shown by the crusading pilgrims in their “holy” quest.

The characters Luca and Suzann are likable and the villains appropriately villainous!

The story develops at a good pace and there is enough action and romance to keep a young reader engaged. The only comment I have is that I found there was just too many demons and descriptions of them early in the story – I found that a bit tedious at times.

I can see a future for a sequel.
… (lisätietoja)

Wow this book is awesome!
Lucy has just finished refurbishing a 100 year old telescope in Yarra Valley, Victoria. Her husband of twenty years Justin, is running for parliament & election day is looming. But Lucy has had enough of Justin's seeming ambition & desire to make their hometown a booming tourist destination & is planning on leaving him after the election, her only concern is how her daughter, Gabby will react to the news. A week before the polls open, Lucy goes for a walk. But she doesn't come back..... Justin is convinced Lucy has left him but Gabby is certain her mum's missing & is mystified as to why her dad isn't looking for her.......
I absolutely loved this book, it is so engaging & will keep you that way if you're a bit of a science lover with all the information about stars, constellations etc sprinkled all through the book. Kimberly Starr's writing style made me immediately sympathise with the characters, even Justin who's greed & desire had made me absolutely despise him by the middle of the book. Although there are chapters, this book is written in a sort of run- on style that means you really have to pay attention to keep up but it's worth it as the writing is beautifully lyrical with lush descriptions that made me devour it & kept me wanting more. There are a few twists I didn't seem coming & thee ending was perfect. Well, I thought it was! If I had a favouritee shelf, this would definitely be on it!… (lisätietoja)

What a great story to read during the final days of the federal election campaign! Astronomer Lucy Rutherford’s husband Justin is running for parliament in Victoria, but she’s not interested in being an MP’s wife. In fact, she’s planning to leave him and start a new life interstate with their daughter Gabby. Just days before polling day, Lucy takes Kepler, the family dog, for a walk and disappears. But no one seems to care. As the days roll on, Gabby can’t understand why her dad isn’t looking for her mum. Then, on election day, they’re all faced with a decision. Melbourne-based author Kimberley Starr has produced a totally engaging read, one which maintains its grip right to the end. It’s deftly written and brilliantly researched. Of all the characters, I loved best the depiction of Gabby, only 11 years old but oh, so clever with words. Starr’s previous novels have won awards and I’m sure readers will say this deserves to join them.… (lisätietoja)

Set in Victoria's Yarra Valley, Torched by Australian author Kimberley Starr is essentially about the relationship between Phoebe and her son Caleb. Phoebe is the Principal at the local Primary School in Brunton and her son Caleb is accused of starting a bushfire that raged through the district, burning everything in its path. Many people lost their lives, properties and livestock were destroyed, yet Caleb won't talk about what happened.

The locals in Brunton blame Caleb for their losses and Phoebe and Caleb's lives subsequently fall apart. As the court date draws closer, Phoebe is desperate to learn the truth.

I found myself a little annoyed with Caleb's character as he insisted on withdrawing into his artistic gothic persona and providing only vague responses to the allegations made against him. Phoebe is an equally flawed character and I thought way too much time was spent on her warring thoughts about her son and her insomnia.

The climax builds as the reader swings back and forth on whether Caleb is guilty or not until the final denouement. In contrast to most readers, I found the most exciting and compelling part of the book were the scenes that took place during the bushfire. The scenes featuring Phoebe were absolutely gripping and completely captured the horrors of an immensely powerful Australian bushfire. I felt the heat and Phoebe's fear, and I'd even go so far as to say it was as good as the bushfire scene in Scrublands by Chris Hammer.

Unfortunately, this level of writing isn't maintained throughout the novel. After the fire has been extinguished and the investigation begins, I was less moved by the rest of Phoebe and Caleb's story.

Overall, Torched is a good Australian mystery with a topical subject at its heart and a solid character study of a troubled mother son relationship.

* Copy courtesy of Pantera Press *… (lisätietoja)