Michael Pryor is a rare talent in the Young Adult literary field. Having published over twenty books and forty short stories, he’s also been nominated for a number of prestigious awards, including the Ditmar and the Aurealis. A versatile author, Pryor’s work ranges from literary fiction through to science fiction and humour. He writes for both Young Adult and younger readers. His most recent YA series, The Laws of Magic, comprises six books, the last of which he is currently working on. The penultimate book in the series, Moment of Truth, has just been released to critical acclaim.

I must confess that I hadn’t read Michael Pryor’s work before picking up this book and it’s testament to his talent that I’m now dying to devour his back catalogue. A thorough researcher and history buff, Pryor has injected this weighty novel with military accuracies and technical detail that bring to life his quasi-WWI setting. You get the impression, while reading Moment of Truth, that you’re receiving a subtle, yet comprehensive tuition, along with a wonderful tale of spies and battle on the world stage. And you are. In a recent interview, Pryor described his research as a two-stage process: a general investigation into the major events of the period (in this case, pre-World War I), including political, military, arts, scientific, and social development, and closer research into the reality of living in that period on a daily basis. This meticulous attention to detail lends Moment of Truth a uniquely enjoyable quality: concealed within the sheer escapism of this engrossing novel is a revelatory history lesson, which further heightens the realism of the story.

The novel’s well-rounded central character, Aubrey, is a serious-minded 15-year-old— one who inspires affection and admiration. I can imagine a male readership finding no problems in identifying with him as he confronts each new challenge with a mixture of intrepidity and caution. His loyalty, humility, and resourcefulness are equally as endearing as his weakness in the company of attractive young women. Should he risk the affection of his beloved Caroline for the uncertainty of the formidable, intelligent, and mysterious Sophie? For all his strategising and taking charge, Aubrey is, ultimately, an adolescent, with all the associated flaws and insecurities. It is in Aubrey’s exchanges with his friends and love interests that Pryor’s powers of observation and wit really shine.

In quaint and elegant language evocative of the time, Pryor sends his cast of military strategists, magic experts, politicians, and villains racing towards a climax that will stun and delight. When Aubrey and his secret espionage unit are engaged in a particularly tense moment of combat, his comrade George addresses him:

‘I thought so too, old man.’ George paused a moment and seemed to enjoy Aubrey’s

puzzlement. ‘You see, old man, I like to keep you on your toes. Sometimes, when I’m

supposed to give a compliant “What did you think?” response, I prefer to throw in a googly.’

Gorgeous!

The ingenuity, research, and humour Pryor brings to this delightful book can’t be praised highly enough: his inventiveness is endlessly entertaining; his detail is utterly delicious in its sure-handedness; his ability to draw a wry smile is matched only by his aptitude for expressing events of great gravity in language that is at once sensitive and evocative. The reader puts down this latest offering by Michael Pryor with a sense of great satisfaction, yet a nagging disappointment. After having been lost in such a well-told tale of magic and espionage, it is a wrench to leave Aubrey and his friends to return to the real world beyond the covers of this book. The good news is that The Laws of Magic Part 6 (Hour of Need) is set for release in 2011, so the wait for the final instalment of the series shouldn’t be too unbearable. More Young Adult novels need this depth and research. In a YA universe saturated with books of an increasingly superficial nature, it’s refreshing to discover a book as well-written and engaging as Michael Pryor’s Moment of Truth.

Moment of Truth – Michael Pryor

August 2nd 2010 by Random House Australia

Paperback, 428 pages

ISBN 9781741663099

Bec Says

Today, I’m wondering how Young Adult—or teen—fiction is defined….not always an easy task. Wikipedia suggests a general target age range of 14-21.  Suite101 defines YA fiction as follows:

“Young adult literature has certain unique features which set it apart. Books for teens are almost always written in the first person and usually have:

• a teenage protagonist
• adults characters as marginal and barely visible characters
• a brief time span (the story spans a few weeks, yes, a summer, maybe, a year, no)
• a limited number of characters
• a universal and familiar setting
• current teenage language, expressions, and slang
• detailed descriptions of other teenagers’ appearances, mannerisms, and dress
• a positive resolution to the crisis at hand (though it may be subtle and never in-your-face moralistic)
• few, if any, subplots
• about 125-250 pages in length (although many of the newer YA books are much longer)
• a focus on the experiences and growth of just one main character
• a main character whose choices and actions and concerns drive the story (as opposed to outside forces)
• problems specific to adolescents and their crossing the threshold between childhood and adulthood

Also, a lot of new YA lit is unique in that it is edgy: pushing the limits of socially acceptable content in teen books, especially regarding drug and alcohol use, violence, abuse, suicide, and social norms in human sexuality. This edginess pushes teenage fiction beyond appropriate boundaries for children’s books.”

Does anyone remember this clip from The Young Ones? ‘Nozin’ Aroun’. (If you do, you’re not a young adult. Sorry!) 🙂

So what about the writers? How do they avoid this kind of condescension and self-conscious bid for hipness? How do writers who are no longer Young Adults themselves manage to recapture the feeling and attitude of youth? What do you think? Which of your favourite Young Adult authors best reach their intended audience? What elements contribute to their success?

Music: Wheatus – Teenage Dirtbag

Belinda Says

Meridian has an unfortunate 16^th birthday that leads her on a path of self-discovery and adventure. You see, she’s always been around the dead, but now she’s having her eyes opened in a big way and life will never be the same again.

Being sent to her Aunt’s house in Colorado, to hone her blossoming abilities, proves to be a little more dangerous than first thought. She finds herself going toe to toe with an entity corrupting the local church congregation, and her Aunt wants her to do what?!

Amber Kizer has tackled the difficult topics of death and blind faith with a full on body slam. She dares us to view the world differently, and to question that which seems morally wrong. She shows us how spin can be a very dangerous thing, and that absolute power corrupts absolutely.

For me, the main thread running through the whole book is, ‘How can you know where you‘re going if you don‘t know where you‘ve been?’ I found myself unnerved by the use of Bible scriptures, as I pictured them potentially being used to justify violent actions against people who don’t necessarily follow the same belief system. That being said, they certainly had their place within the story.

This engrossing book is a smooth read. The imagery is vivid and full of flavour. The characters are practically touchable and, love them or hate them, they certainly make the story pop from the page, jumping at you in full living colour.

The next book in the series, Wildcat Fireflies, is a fair way off yet. I can tell you, the wait will be difficult.

X Belinda X

Series Website

www.meridiansozu.com

Author Website

www.amberkizer.com/Home_Page.html

Meridian – Amber Kizer

August 11, 2009 by Delacorte Books for Young Readers

Hardcover, 320 pages

• ISBN-10: 0385736681
• ISBN-13: 978-0385736688

Bec Says

Ok… *BIG* news (for those of you who don’t already know):

The 68th World Science Fiction Convention is being held this year from 2-6 September at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.  Guests of honour include Hugo-winning author Kim Stanley Robinson, award-winning artist Shaun Tan, and dedicated fan Robin Johnson.  Melbourne has previously hosted Worldcons in 1975, 1985, and 1999.

The annual Worldcon event brings together science fiction and fantasy professionals and fans from around the globe.  All forms of the genre are represented – film, television, comics, costuming, gaming, and  literature.  This year’s program includes panel discussions, lectures, science demonstrations, films, readings, and autographing.

Annnnnd… The best news is that Marianne will be there!!!!!!! 🙂 WOOHOO!! There’s a really strong Young Adult stream at Aussiecon this year and Marianne will be on a panel talking about crossing genre and age boundaries in writing.

So check the site for program, ticketing, and travel details and we might see you there!

If you pop over to MDP’s main website, you’ll find some utterly fabulous guest blogs by Helen Lowe, Gail Carriger, and Seanan McGuire.

In other news, talented local author Trent Jamieson launched his debut novel, Death Most Definite, last night. A great night was had by all. We’d like to extend our congratulations to Trent and urge everyone to grab a copy of this brilliant book. (I, for one, am a very happy girl; I got my hands on a signed copy! Woot!)

Bec Says

From Wikipedia:

The word angel in English is a fusion of the Old English word engel (with a hard g) and the Old French angele. Both derive from the Latin angelus which in turn is the romanization of the ancient Greek ἄγγελος (angelos), “messenger”.^[1] The earliest form of the word is the Mycenaean a-ke-ro attested in Linear B syllabic script.

God’s messengers… Heavenly beings… Guardians… Spiritual guides. However you view them, people have been fascinated by angels from time immemorial.  Their history and categories are far too involved to go into here but you can really get lost in all the fascinating folklore, not to mention the beautiful art that’s been born of angelic inspiration. Here are some of the more famous angels and their tasks:

• Malachim (translation: messengers), general word for angel
• Michael (translation: who is like God), performs God’s kindness
• Gabriel (translation: the strength of God), performs acts of justice and power
• Raphael (translation: God Heals), God’s healing force
• Uriel (translation: God is my light), leads us to destiny
• Seraphim (translation: the burning ones), protects the gates to the Garden of Eden
• Malach HaMavet (translation: the angel of death)
• HaSatan (translation: the prosecutor), brings people’s sins before them in the heavenly court
• Chayot HaKodesh (translation: the holy beasts)
• Ophanim (translation: arbits) Astrological Influence
• HaMerkavah (translation: the chariot), transports God’s glory

Then, of course, there are the fallen angels, of whom Lucifer is the most famous. 

~Do you have a favourite angel? ~

Music:

Massive Attack – Angel

Sarah McLachlan – Angel

Slayer – Angel of Death

Do you ever feel that you’re being watched over? (Maybe you are…)