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Solid message in YA book

28/7/2025

JAK-73 chasing freedom
by Jean Anderson

Two men and a bird on a small boat with a makeshift sail navigating the east coast of the North Island. That suggests hazards enough but there’s much more to come as they travel overland avoiding many further dangers.
We’re in a future time, a generation or two on from now, when world population has been reduced to a fraction of today’s number due to viruses, some man-made. Control is in the hands of a repressive, “greedy and self-serving” World Government. New Zealand, now designated Area 57, has not escaped. The State Administration watches and controls all aspects of the surviving citizens’ lives.
RON-49 and JAK-73 cut out their ID chips and escape their designated workplace on Island 357, formerly known as Little Barrier, with falcon Kek. They meet up with other disaffected people and a core group travels from place to place gathering survivors in the hope of reestablishing a workable society. Over-regulated workers confined in camp-like conditions have lost their sense of community, along with social and personal skills.
Sadly, advanced technology has not been matched by more concern for the natural environment, so their progress is further hampered by the effects of sea encroachment, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and cyclones.
A good deal of research and thought has been put into this book and its message of the need for unified and socially conscious communities with concern for the environment is solid.
“We can’t hunt, fish, cut down tree, use resources until there’s nothing left to sustain future generations. We must not waste, nor exploit, nor destroy….We must tread softly on Earth.”
The intended readership is YA, but some old-fashioned stilted text and dialogue (but perhaps the reversion suits the future period?), as well as poor design, particularly shown on the cover, seems to lack a clear sense of who it is written for.

Review by Jacqui Lynne

Title: JAK-73 chasing freedom
Author: Jean Anderson
Publisher: Jean Anderson
ISBN: 978-0-473-73558-6
RRP: $ 20 + $10 postage
Available: www.jak-73.com; email: [email protected]

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High amusement for under-sixes

14/7/2025

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Why Not?
by Swapna Haddow
illustrated by Daron Parton

I’m not sure if the sub-title of Why Not? – The almost true story of stuff that actually happened in a library – is meant to reassure or serve as a further warning. I was also unaware that libraries might be such dangerous places.
The dedication doesn’t help – ‘To all the library-hibernating bears’.
But here it is – something of a cautionary tale directed at children.
Scenario: Mother and daughter go to the local library, so Mum can work at a computer – a familiar situation in these times. Find a book to read and stay out of trouble, are her instructions to her daughter.
That’s easier said than done, it turns out, as this library harbours hidden dangers. Just as well there’s a helpful librarian on hand to warn her. Well, maybe a librarian with an over-active imagination. Or one who knows just how to relate to children intent on mischief.
Whatever – Why Not? is written for the high amusement of under-sixes and their parents.
It’s aided greatly by the full-page colour illustrations – and particularly the facial expressions which are perfect in each case.

Review by Emily R

Title: Why Not?
Author: Swapna Haddow; illustrator Daron Parton
Publisher: Scholastic NZ
ISBN: 9781775439172
RRP: $21.99
Available: bookshops

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A richly layered narrative

5/7/2025

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Lupa, Book One of the Winter Soul Series
by Alexandra Lattey

Lupa is far more than a typical shapeshifter tale. Alexandra Lattey weaves a richly layered narrative that blends ancient myth, historical threads, religious conspiracy, and supernatural intrigue, anchored by a love story that stretches beyond the bounds of the physical world.
Spanning over 600 pages, this first volume serves as an expansive introduction to Natalya’s complex backstory, a diverse ensemble of characters, and the foundations of a broader series arc. The narrative does not adhere to a fixed point of view, shifting between characters at times within the same paragraph.
While the team at the heart of the story possesses elite special operations training, the focus remains largely on emotional resonance and internal struggle, rather than fast-paced combat or action. Much of the narrative is devoted to group dynamics, strategic discussions, and personal connections with the scenes frequently anchored by cups of tea and shared, everyday rituals. These moments, though quiet, are deeply human and foster a strong sense of camaraderie among the cast.
Central to the novel is the deepening bond between Natalya and James, an epic love story that sweetly unfolds and ultimately transcends the tangible world. Their relationship, warm and authentic, brings emotional depth and serves as the emotional core of the story. The romantic content is handled with subtlety and grace.
As the book closes, the arrival of an enigmatic new character hints at intriguing developments to come, leaving the reader curious about the direction of future instalments.
A thoughtful and layered beginning to a series with scope and heart, Lupa invites readers to settle in for a slow burn that promises further revelations ahead.

Review by WJ Scott
Multi-Award Winning Author

Title: Lupa - The Winter Soul series, book one
Author: Alexandra Lattey
Publisher: Alexandra Lattey
ISBN: 978-0473705596 ASIN: B0D46RQ885
RRP: $34.95
Available: Paperback from the author via website alexandralattey.com; e-book & paperback from Amazon; e-book from Apple, Kobo, Barnes and Noble

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Solid message in YA book

High amusement for under-sixes

A richly layered narrative

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