Adult Fiction
Action? Check… Adventure? Check… A quick funny read? Double Check!
5 November 2009|
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Nylon angel is a punchy science fiction thriller set in a dark, seedy future Australia. In a disturbingly believable world ruled by a manipulative, controlling media and brutal modern warlords, survival is day to day and it’s all too easy to become entangled in the plots of the powerful. That is precisely what happens to Parrish Plessis, a bodyguard in the unwilling employ of a gangland warlord. When an opportunity arises to escape his sadistic service, Parrish snatches it – only to find herself used by opposing forces in a widening conspiracy that threatens her life and more importantly, her freedom… This is the first book in the Parrish Plessis series. Brisbane author Marianne de Pierres has created a realistic detailed world. Parrish is a tough, determined woman who is fiercely protective of the defenseless and who refuses to go down without a fight. Some science fiction novels become weighed down in scientific details, but that isn’t the case here. Nylon angel has fascinating characters and a twisting plot that will keep you on the edge of your seat. The next two books in the series are Code noir followed by Crash deluxe. |
Collectively Monica McInerney
5 November 2009|
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If you enjoy short stories then why not indulge in some quiet time and become lost in the stories collected in Monica McInerney’s All together now? All together now is about family relationships, courage, love lost and love found. You will find yourself totally immersed and enjoying stories that are written with insight, sensitivity and humour. The first story in the book, Spellbound, is about a woman who is looking for love by trying to follow a spell. The ending is delightfully unexpected. The book also includes McInerney’s popular novella Odd One Out. I enjoyed sharing a little time with Monica McInerney and her characters. They carried me away and allowed me to escape from the day to day. I’m sure that you will enjoy these stories too. If you already enjoy Monica McInerney’s books why not try a similar author? Authors who also write like McInerney include Liz Bryski, Colette Caddle, Jojo Moyes & Morag Prunty. |
When one wife isn’t enough
2 November 2009|
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Featured in the 2009 Books Alive Guide, The 19th wife weaves together two separate narratives that both explore polygamy. Jordan returns from California to Utah to visit his mother in jail. As a teenager he was expelled from his family and religious community, a secretive Mormon offshoot sect. Now his father has been found shot dead in front of his computer, and one of his many wives – Jordan’s mother – is accused of the crime. Over a century earlier, Ann Eliza Young, the nineteenth wife of Brigham Young, Prophet and Leader of the Mormon Church, tells the sensational story of how her own parents were drawn into plural marriage, and how she herself battled for her freedom and escaped her powerful husband, to lead a crusade to end polygamy in the United States. As well as exploring themes of faith and love, The 19th wife is a page turning literary mystery. As someone who has watched the television program, Big Love with fascination, I was equally transfixed by the female characters in The 19th wife with their individual yet differing attitudes towards plural marriage. The 19th wife isn’t a light read but rewarding for those interested in delving into the beginnings of polygamy in Mormonism and then it’s practice in modern day breakaway sects. Author: David Ebershoff Reviewed by: Sue |
Living well is the best revenge
23 September 2009|
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Rose Lloyd is a 48 year old successful book review editor – happy with her job, two adult children, marriage of 25 years and life in general. However, everything is turned upside down when her husband announces he is leaving her for her very own [and young] assistant named Minty – then to add insult to injury she loses her job only to be replaced by, you guessed it – Minty. Unlike the title would lead you to believe, I began to get the impression that Rose may be a bit of a doormat. Surely this series of events sets up all the hallmarks for getting back at her husband and assistant? Not Rose – she is better than that and celebrates the patience and wisdom that comes with age and deals with her circumstances and forced independance in a civilised, mature and sensitive manner. Oh, I should also mention that she meets up again with her first love… Author: Elizabeth Buchan Reviewed by: Kim |
Canine Wisdom Meets The Race Track
24 August 2009|
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This is just a gorgeous book! Narrated by pet dog Enzo, The Art of Racing in the Rain takes us on the journey of a family coming together, torn apart and then ultimately redeemed. Through Enzo we get to know Denny his master, an up-and-coming race car driver, his wife Eve and daughter Zoe. Tragedy strikes when Eve is diagnosed with a terminal brain tumour and Denny is left to fight for the custody of Zoe. Although the plot is interesting and engaging, it’s the storytelling by wise old soul Enzo, who so desperately wants to be human, that gives this book charm. The Art of Racing in the Rain is philosophical and deeply funny and sure to appeal to both men and women alike. Author: Garth Stein Reviewed by: Sue |
