MG Monday: Review: Wolven by Di Toft

Title: Wolven
Series: Wolven
Author: Di Toft
Publisher: Chicken House
Publication Date: 3 Aug 2009

Source: Library



Synopsis: From Amazon
WOLVEN is a fantasy firmly rooted in the mysterious present. A boy and his eccentric grandparents live near a strange wood - apparently cursed. He longs for a dog - but the dirty ungainly farm creature finally found by his grandfather hardly fits his image of the perfect pet. And it howls in the night. But it's only when his dog starts to grow human ears that he realises that something is seriously wrong. The truth is stranger than his wildest dreams -the boy who appears, alarmingly unpredictably, is a kind of special werewolf in reverse. A noble, almost heraldic breed of WOLVEN - the kings own werewolves from ancient times, who have been in hiding until rediscovered by evil government scientists who are trying to breed werewolves as weapons.

Review:
This book just jumped out at me from the instant I set eyes on it. The cover is holographic and a lot of my pupils played with it much to my annoyance when I was trying to read it in a free lesson. The basic premise of the story gives the saying 'man's best friend' a whole new meaning. Plus there is a nefarious secret government society, you know I love conspiracy theories.

Following an intriguing start the story begins to fill with an array of colourful characters glorious to imagine. The ingenious use of Greek mythology added to the basic storyline giving the narrative another dimension.The use of third person omniscient narration allows insight into the multi-levels of the plot without being distracting or losing focus.

The descriptive writing style appeals to all the senses - not particularly appealing when you have a horrific, smelly werewolf in you imagination. The colloquialisms and regional dialect used added to the realism and three dimensional quality of the characters. The realism of the prose was also aided by the topical references to farming, animal experimentation and hunting. Some of the imagery conjured with regard to the tortured wolven was quite horrific and might not be suitable to more sensitive children.

The weaving of medieval history into the narrative was a masterful stroke; the similarities expressed between the Templar's and witches including their persecution was fascinating. The way in which education was depicted via television has humorous but also quite scary on a subconscious level. the funny references and one liners from commercials and TV shows lighten the atmosphere. I felt really, really old at the mention of The Wurzels (my mum used to listen to them).

The suspense is well paced, little tidbits of information are scattered through the narrative developing the background plot. The depiction of bullies being cowards underneath really shone through the story. 'Man's' cruelty in the pursuit of power brought up images of Hitler and the atrocities and horror he caused in his quest for domination.

There are a few surprises along the way but the conclusion to the story was nice, the open ending promising adventures to come. I for one will certainly be picking up the next book to see what is in store for Nat and Woody.

MG Monday: Review: Prophecy of Days by Christy Raedeke

Title: Prophecy of Days
Series: The Daykeepers Grimoire
Author: Christy Raedeke
Publisher: Flux
Publication Date: 1 May 2010

Source: Library




Synopsis: Fom GoodReads
Is the story of Caity Mac Fireland, a girl from San Francisco whose parents drag her to an isle off the coast of Scotland to manage some family property. Caity finds that a Mayan relic is concealed there, intentionally left centuries ago by Mayan Daykeepers in an attempt to keep their profound knowledge about the year 2012 alive into the current era.
As she delves into this world of secret knowledge, Caity is helped along by a visiting family friend and Feng Shui master, Uncle Li; a Mayan elder named Bolon; and Mr. Papers, her pet monkey that communicates through origami. A handsome Scottish lad gets pulled into the intrigue, as do several other people with questionable motives and loyalties. Caity must weave together a tapestry of information in order to make her radical discovery, a mystery protected by an elite coterie of power-brokers who influence world events. Caity’s twenty-first century mind is put to the test as she tries to uncover the answer to an ancient riddle while trying to outwit this powerful group that will stop at nothing to control the secret, and her.

Review:
OMG this book was phenomenal prepare for gushing [ ; ) ] What could be more totally awesome than a monkey that does origami. I want one [ : D ]

Written in first person narrative from Caity's perspective. Your typical teenager with wonderful snarkiness. Directly addressing the reader giving it an air of confiding her secrets in you. Her parents are both genius's in their respective fields, being somewhat unconventional: her Mum is a safe-cracker, while her Dad is a computer whizz but full of conspiracy theories (YAY). Caity underestimates herself when comparing her intelligence to her parents. In that respect you can understand why she would want to keep the unravelling of the mystery to herself rather than directly asking for their help, fearing they would take over like previous school projects.

Wonderfully descriptive writing with captivating imagery. Visually dynamic with the use of prose, email and text formats, giving a totally rounded depiction of both modern technology alongside ancient beliefs. Caity's narrative tends to jump about a bit but is totally relatable and keeping in character with a 16 year old girl.

A terrific clue trail is scattered throughout the narrative, I found my mind jumping to conclusions and then assumptions all the way through. Nothing should be taken at face value. Mystery after mystery is piled together, seemingly unrelated until the pieces are fitted together.

All the characters were interesting and colourful, I couldn't say there was anything normal about any of them.

The weaving of myths and legends into the narrative was astounding. It was amazing to see how many different cultures have very similar myths and legends. Provoking the mind to gather the common thread and search for the truth behind them.

Not only does Christy Raedeke weave the ancient history into the plot but sprinkles in a good bit of spirituality. She takes it to another level by adding in quantum physics and conspiracy theories. Be still by beating heart; all the things I totally love because that is what goes on in my head. Meshing it all together, finding the common threads and examining the principles behind it. Totally amazing how science/spirituality and mythology all came together to create such an amazing plot.

*faints* I have raved so much about this book at home that J (who does not read) went back to the library and borrowed it for himself *falls over* *thud* and yes he is actually reading it.