Book Review: The Anger of Angels, by Sherryl Jordan

Available in bookshops nationwide. 

This wonderfully written tale marks the return of New Zealand author Sherryl Jordan to the historic fiction market. Set in a country inspired by Italy, it encompasses two realms: one ruled by a generous and benevolent duke, the other by a cruel prince.

Our heroine is Giovanna, the jester’s daughter. She has had a relatively unconventional upbringing and dreams of travel and adventure. That is, until her father’s latest performance is heard by the wrong ears – and suddenly the cruel prince’s eyes, and attention, fall on her city. Now, the fate of her people may lay in Giovanna’s hands and, armed with a dangerous secret, she must journey into the hostile land and plead for forgiveness – or seek retribution.

As befits any strong young adult book, there is romance too, and Raffaele makes for a worthy love interest. Whilst undeniably handsome, he is marred by a slight physical variation that marks him as different – and the source of the occassional scorn. He also comes armed with a strong dose of heretical cynicism – which does not go down well in lands where the church hold reign. He has fled the tyrant prince’s Kingdom,  along with his artist brother, Santos, and has seen much of the horrors it contains.

Giovanna is a worthy protagonist. She does not need a man to save her from danger – instead the two support and complement each other. The setting is evocative and somewhat romantic, a nice counterpoint to the dark dystopia novels currently ruling the teen market. And, despite all the tragedy and treachery that does befall our heroes and their home, there is also the strong element of hope. Overall, a fresh and compelling read with a few minor loose ends that I would hope hint at future novels.

Reviewed by Angela Oliver

The Anger of Angels
by Sherryl Jordan
Published by Walker Books
ISBN 9781760650605

Book Review: Rafferty Ferret: Ratbag, by Sherryl Jordan

Available in bookshops nationwide.

‘Rafferty was starving. He was also homeless, motherless, fatherless, penniless, and (if he wasn’t very careful) on his way to being lifeless as well.’

So begins Rafferty Ferret: Ratbag, a rollicking tale of a courageous orphan boy. Homeless and hungry, Rafferty Ferret is desperately looking for a way to earn a living.

Set in medieval times, Rafferty has been living rough ever since his forced removal from the monastery he called home. The story begins with Rafferty in a pickle: he is stuck in a hazardous Leper Hole. Soon rescued by a kind baker and his (rather unkind) wife, Rafferty stumbles upon the unlikely occupation of bakery ‘rat catcher’. Before long, his rat-catching fame spreads throughout the village of Spickernell and his skills are in demand. Often meeting unsavoury characters involved in the business, Rafferty is pleasantly surprised to make friends with a young boy named Wyll. The rat-catching pair use their crafty natures to save themselves from the perils of homelessness.

Rafferty is a strong, clever and cunning protagonist who looks out for everyone (and every rat) around him. With few adults willing to help him, his adventures are brought about by his own determination to survive. Hearts will ache for Wyll, who, falling seriously ill, has only one hope – that Rafferty will be able to find him help in time.

Renowned award-winning New Zealand author and illustrator Sherryl Jordan has published extensively since the 1990s. Now published by independent children’s publisher OneTree House, her latest novel Rafferty Ferret: Ratbag will appeal to all children who love historical adventure – or simply a good story.

An effortless read, this book will quickly charm readers. A well-researched story which draws the reader into a medieval world of danger, illness, hunger and corruption, Jordan brings the setting and characters to life with vivid and lively prose.

Her beautiful writing reflects her artistic talent: ‘Thunder rolled and lightning sizzled across the moor making trees stand out stark and black in the lurid glare, and lighting the distant house with its streaming thatch and stone walls. When there was no lightning the darkness was complete, and there was only the fury of the wind and the tumultuous lashing of the rain.’

The seamlessly introduced historical language and delicate illustrations heighten the powerful emotional atmosphere of this adventure story.

Reviewed by Rosalie Elliffe

Rafferty Ferret: Ratbag
by Sherryl Jordan
Published by OneTree House Ltd
ISBN 9780995106437

Email digest: Mon 9 July 2012

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Important
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Book news
AUP senior editor selected for prestigious Frankfurt Fellowship Programme

National Poetry Day – Interactive, Multi-dimensional and Fun!

Book reviews
Ransomwood by Sherryl Jordan

‘Dirt reads like somebody stapled the first half of A Confederacy of Dunces to the last half of American Psycho.

Thicket by Anna Jackson

Situation Vacant
Sales and Marketing Manager at Nielsen Book

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Apologies for lateness – here are the books that were featured on Saturday Morning with Kim Hill on 7 July

From around the internet
“Fifty Shades of Grey is bad for bondage” | Guardian

Our July Star Author, Melinda Szymanik asks where do ideas come from and gives some useful tips

Book review: Ransomwood by Sherryl Jordan

This book is in bookshops now.

Ransomwood by Sherryl Jordan has been an absolute pleasure to read.

The author’s very descriptive and emotive writing style immediately swept me up into the beautiful if harsh small town of Grimblebury, a seemingly sad farming community full of mean spirited and spiteful gossips.

I immediately fell for Halfwit Harry, especially after his very funny, very insightful conversation with his mother about being the last man on earth! He may speak rather slowly and not always understand people’s inferences but he is a very likeable and funny character, and by the time Harry finally finds his tongue and gives Gwenifer a well deserved lashing, I was a little in love with him! Halfwit Harry is adorable, and a true friend to anyone if just given the chance.

Initially I was unsure if I was going to like Gwenifer or not, but once I read about her life with her despicable and lecherous Uncle Caleb and his equally hateful family, my heart melted for her.

She really just wants to escape the tormented life she’s been forced to live and mistakenly falls for a cad’s sweet words of love. Openly rude to both Harry and Mother Dorit, it doesn’t take long for Gwenifer’s standoffishness to melt away, showing us her tender, caring side.

Ransomwood really is a well-written and lovingly told tale of sacrifice, friendship, and self discovery. And with a little help and insight from the ‘old witch’ Mother Dorit, who because of her blindness really see’s into a person’s soul – see’s the truth behind lies, Gwenifer and Harry start to see the hidden depths in each other that they both try so hard to keep hidden from the world.

Sherryl Jordan’s story writing is smooth throughout and paints such a clear and real picture whilst reading, that time just slips away. Filled with a diverse and colourful cast of characters, and set in a primitive and unforgiving land, Ransomwood is a brilliant story that readers of books both young and old will fall in love with.

A beautiful and sweetly engaging story, Ransomwood gets a well deserved 5 stars from me.

Reviewed by Cath Cowley who tweets as Book Chatter Cath

Ransomwood 
by Sherryl Jordan
Published by Scholastic New Zealand
ISBN 9781775430445