Something I value about reading, and good authors, is their ability to set up the characters so well that there is a sorrow experienced at the last page when the time comes to say goodbye. Dave Luckett has done an inspired job with this – Finny and Sam are fleshed out brilliantly with all the angst of ordinary kids, staying under the radar in the ordinary world – our world. But when they travel into a parallel universe, they are extraordinary and their special talents are valued and lauded.
And that’s just the start of this fantastic adventure.
For me, this was like Emily Rodda’s fabulous Deltora Quest - all grown up! Very appealing to a bright, interesting teenage audience who is sick of being talked down to and patronised by an adults idea of how teens should be and instead it takes the reader on a journey of discovery – challenging assumptions in our ordinary world by facing similar challenges in a fantasy world.
And what is even better, it’s done with a wonderful ironic sense of humour.
Title: Paladin
Author: Dave Luckett
Publisher: Scholastic, A$16.99RRP
Publication Date: 2 February 2010
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9781862918672
For ages: Teens (12+)
Type: Fantasy Novel
