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Red Rocks (2012)

by Rachael King(Favorite Author)

3.86 of 5 Votes: 1

ISBN

1869799143 (ISBN13: 9781869799144)

languge

English

genre

Middle Grade & Children's

publisher

Random House New Zealamd

review 1: This proved to be rather a quick read - devoured in less than a day. It was a decent adventure story, set in the wild coast of Wellington and focussing around a male protagonist of unspecified age - but I would guess in the 11-14 margin. the writing style is relatively simplistic - not as lyrical as King's adult novels, and of a good pace for the impatient young read - probably intended for boys aged 10+. The story line was somewhat predictable to a fable veteran like myself, but I imagine to a younger reader there may have been a few surprises. The characters were well developed, and I rather liked the young girl, Jessie. The only thing that jarred with me a bit was the incorporation of Celtic mythology in New Zealand - I'm more used to writers using Maori lore, but we're... more such a diverse country ethnically, it's not surprising that celtic fae might have migrated here too.
review 2: I have never been to Red Rocks in Wellington but after reading the book I would love to go there and see this place myself. It is rough, rocky and windy but beautiful wild coast with seals visiting ever now and then. I would like to meet Jake, the main character of the story too! Rachael King is a very talented author setting her stories in New Zealand. She describes the scenery with details and it makes it believable. Jake's character develops with the story - from a rather shy boy he becomes a braver and is able to stand up to older trouble seeking boys. I enjoyed reading about son-father relationship and I think that many children could find themselves similar issues in their families. As for Selkies - King brought the forgotten Icelandic myth to live - its magic, mystery and tragedy. I would recommend this story to children from year 5 to year 9, especially as a summer/school holiday reading. less

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